Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

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‘Some Indicators Moving in Right Direction, Others Not’ in Decision to Ease COVID-19 Restrictions

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen shared an update on where North Carolina stands in the fight against COVID-19 and urged North Carolinians not to let their guard down.

“North Carolinians have made tremendous sacrifices and it is making a difference,” said Governor Cooper. “We remain hopeful that the trends will be stable enough to move into Phase 1 next week.”

“We need to keep up the actions that will slow the spread of the virus. The good news is that we know we can do this. If we stay home now to protect our loved ones and our communities, we can put ourselves on a path to begin easing restrictions and moving forward as planned,” said Dr. Cohen.

As of today, North Carolina has 10,509 lab-confirmed cases, 546 people in the hospital, and 378 deaths due to COVID-19.

Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen updated on where North Carolina stands on the following key metrics:

  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is level over past 14 days but has been on an uptick over the past seven days.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is still increasing.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is largely level.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

  • Increase in Laboratory Testing.
  • North Carolina has surpassed 4,000 tests for the last 6 of 9 days with 6,000 tests reported yesterday.
  • Increase in Tracing Capability.
  • NC DHHS announced the Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative, a new partnership with Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) and the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (NC AHEC) to double the state’s current contact tracing capabilities. The Collaborative has started recruiting for these positions.
  • Availability of Personal Protective Equipment.
  • The state has a 30-day supply of most personal protective equipment, except for gowns and N95 masks.

“We need everyone to continue following the Stay At Home order right now so that we can move to the next phases of easing restrictions. Complacency could risk lives and undo these plans,” added Governor Cooper.

Volunteer Hospital Gown Project Continues in Face of Local COVID-19 Surge

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A message from Amy Starr Russell, Associate Minister, First Baptist Church:

Last week we were excited to receive the news that MPH was well stocked with gowns. We felt that our project was reaching a natural conclusion and that we could wrap up our work this week. However, that decision was made with the caveat that we would reassess should there be a surge in our area. Unfortunately, that surge came this past weekend.

With the outbreak at Pelican Health, the need is greater than ever for our local healthcare workers.

We have committed to work for three more weeks or 1,500 more gowns, whichever comes first. We need your help and our community’s help to reach this goal and meet this need.

Beginning on Monday, May 4, 2020, we will resume our regular shifts of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekly with evening shifts on Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. All shifts are currently at McGregor Hall (201 Breckenridge – entrance at the corner of Wyche and Winder Streets in downtown Henderson).

If you are able to help, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0449afad2fa7fb6-protective2

Volunteers are required to sign up online before participating.

All volunteers 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All volunteers will be screened upon arrival and must have a temperature below 100, no symptoms, and no known exposure to COVID-19 (including no known exposure by anyone in their household). Please bring a mask and scissors with you.

We are asking that all volunteers isolate as much as possible for the sake of each person who comes to give their time. All volunteers are required to wear masks, wash hands frequently throughout their shift and maintain social distance.

With the beginning of this second phase, our financial need has also increased. If you would like to make a donation toward this project, go to this website: https://engage.suran.com/fbchenderson/s/give/new-gift and choose “COVID-19 Protective Medical Gown Project.”

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Board of Commissioners to Meet Mon., May 4

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

Please be informed that the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting will be held on Monday, May 4, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson, with a few changes.

In order to protect the public and County staff while complying with the Governor’s order limiting gatherings, public access into the meeting room will be very limited. An onsite viewing area with limited capacity will be established for the public who attend the meeting.

For those making public comments, signups must be received on May 4 between 5:15 and 5:45 p.m., as usual. Speakers will be allowed into the room as space allows.

Invocation by Chairman Gordon Wilder

1. Public Comments (for those registered to speak by 5:45 p.m. – speakers are limited to five minutes)

2. Board of Equalization and Review
– Anthony Peace – 1001 Health Center Road Henderson, NC Parcel: 0093 03017
– Kenneth Stevenson, Prestigious Housing – 389 Americal Road Henderson, NC Parcel: 0216 03008

3. Appointment – Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent – School System COVID-19 Response Update

4. Water District Board
a. Monthly Operations Report

5. Committee Reports and Recommendations
a. Properties Committee
– Eaton Johnson – Bidding Schedule
– Addressing Ordinance Appeal – Vance Academy Road
b. Human Resources Committee
– Resolution Amending Personnel Policies Relative to COVID-19

6. Finance Director’s Report
a. Surplus Property
b. CIP Summary
c. Finance Agreement – Regions

7. County Attorney’s Report
a. REO Properties – Bid Acceptance
– 416 Harriett Street – Parcel 0094 04024
– W. Chavis Road Lot – Parcel 0479 01018

8. County Manager’s Report
a. Lease Extension – Alliance Rehabilitation Center
b. Fireworks Permit – Tourism
c. Special Called Meeting – June 15, 2020
d. Presentation of FY 2020-21 Recommended Budget

9. Consent Agenda Items
a. Budget Amendment and Transfers
b. Tax Refunds and Releases
c. Monthly Reports
d. Minutes

10. Miscellaneous
a. Appointments

Click here to view current and prior Board agendas.

Reduced Vance Co. Fire Ratings in Effect Today = Savings to Homeowners

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A Message from Vance County Fire Marshal Keith Duncan:

Attention Vance County Homeowners:

Recently, all Vance County fire departments undertook a ratings inspection. Due to their tireless efforts and the community’s support, they were able to reduce their district ratings. What this means is, homeowners may see a significant reduction in their homeowners’ insurance policy cost.

The new ratings will go into effect on Friday, May 1, 2020. I encourage you to contact your insurance provider and confirm with them the rating decrease. Thanks again for your continued support, as we strive to better serve the citizens of Vance County.

As previously reported on WIZS News, the new ratings are as follows:

Kittrell Fire District = 6

Golden Belt Fire District = 5

Drewry Fire District = 5

Cokesbury Fire District = 5

Townsville Fire District = 6

Watkins Fire District = 6

Hicksboro Fire District = 6

The Bearpond Fire Department and Epsom Fire Department are on a different schedule and have been previously inspected. The Bearpond rating is currently a 5 for residents within 1,000 feet of a hydrant. Epsom, a border department shared with Franklin County, is also currently ranked at a 5.

The previously mentioned ratings apply to County fire districts and departments and are not to be confused with the City of Henderson that currently has an ISO rating of 2.

If you have any questions, please contact the Vance County Fire Marshal’s Office at (252) 738-2091.

NC Dept of Agriculture

NC Dept. of Agriculture: State’s Food Supply is Safe

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and N.C. Farm Bureau President Shawn Harding held a joint media availability on Wednesday to discuss the importance of agriculture and agribusiness, President Trump’s executive order of the Defense Production Act for meat processors, the food supply and North Carolina’s important role in meeting consumer demand in the face of COVID-19.

“Agriculture, agribusiness and their workers are essential to our well-being as a nation. This industry is our food supply,” said Troxler. “The workers in the field, those working in processing plants, driving trucks and at grocery stores and farmers markets are on the front line and play a critical role.”

COVID-19 has created challenges across agriculture as it has for all sectors of the economy.

Dairy producers have had to dump milk, wholesale vendors to restaurants have had to completely change their business model, and food processors are working with staff shortages, PPE supply issues and delivery challenges.

“This is unusual and unprecedented times,” said Harding. “We appreciate our farmers, plant workers and grocery store workers for continuing to do their job. We also appreciate President Trump’s executive order of the Defense Production Act for meat processors.”

Three key take-aways from the press conference:

  • Meat-processing facilities are critical.

Shutting down or slowing production at meat processing plants would create a backlog all the way to the farm. It would be devastating to the farm economy and could lead to disruptions in the food supply. At this point, no North Carolina food processing facilities are closed. The N.C. Department of Agriculture has been actively engaged with Emergency Management, Public Health, the CDC and other agencies to help develop guidance for meat processing facilities to ensure the safety of workers. These guidelines were distributed to 3,200 food manufacturing facilities across the state.

  • The food supply is safe.

COVID-19 is not a food-borne illness. According to the CDC, coronaviruses are generally spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. This includes people who are in close contact with each other. There is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Consumers can remain confident in our food supply.

Federal and state meat and poultry inspectors remain in processing plants and continue to ensure safe meat handling practices. Produce farmers are taking proactive steps on their farms to protect the public and their workers.  The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has worked with farmers, grocers and processing facilities to help get food products directly to consumers, an example of this assistance includes truckload sales of bulk chicken products.

  • There is not a food shortage.

Consumers could continue to see a shortage in the selection of products at the grocery stores. For example, the stores could have more whole chickens instead of more highly processed cut-up or boneless chicken. Local farmers and farmers markets are other sources of meat products.

“Farmers are working hard to keep the public fed,” Troxler said. “We need them to continue to produce. Let’s do our part by supporting our growers, by buying local and by sharing the message our food supply is safe.”

NCDHHS

Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program to Assist Local Families

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

North Carolina has received approval from the USDA to initiate a new Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. This program will assist families who have been impacted by school closings, due to COVID-19, in purchasing food for their children.

Those who are eligible include:

  • School-age children who currently receive free or reduced lunch;
  • Children receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits; and
  • Non-FNS households.

P-EBT benefits will be issued from the Department of Public Instruction this week (week of April 27, 2020) for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) households and the week of May 4, 2020, for non-FNS households. This new program is in addition to other services that families may already be participating in.

There is no application process to receive P-EBT benefits. For those already receiving FNS services, benefits will be automatically placed on the family’s EBT card. Non-FNS households will receive an explanatory letter in the mail from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and will be issued a new P-EBT card, which will be a plain white card with either the parents’ names or the child’s name. The back of the card will display EBT information. These cards will be useable for 365 days.

Families will be able to use the P-EBT card to purchase food items at EBT-authorized retailers, including most major grocery stores, and are encouraged to continue utilizing feeding programs and local school and community sites. To find local meal sites, participants can text FOODNC to 877-877. The service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

For more information, program participants may call the EBT call center at 1-888-622-7328, download the ebtEDGE mobile app at www.ebtedgemobile.com, or go to the NCDHHS website at https://www.ncdhhs.gov.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Twelve COVID-19 Related Deaths Reported in the Granville, Vance District

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of April 29, 2020, there are 135 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 87 cases in Vance County, and 9,948 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are two outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC and one at Pelican Health Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 86 in Granville County are associated with the prison and 34 in Vance County are associated with the nursing home.

Of the 49 community-based cases in Granville County, 24 have been released from isolation and 46 of the 86 cases at the prisons have been released from isolation.

Of the 87 cases in Vance, 19 have been released from isolation and 6 are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 12 deaths in the health district – 6 in Vance County and 6 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

GVPH has created graphs (click here to view) to regularly share data about new cases over time, cumulative cases, and demographics of cases in our counties. Graphs will be updated on Tuesdays and Fridays.

GVPH updates its website daily with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation Establishes COVID-19 Relief Fund

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-Information courtesy the Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation recently announced the establishment of a COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist area nonprofits in their COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts.

These organizations are on the front lines in our communities, providing safety nets, support, and continued services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many were already operating with limited capacity prior to this crisis and are now facing increasing stresses on their financial and human resources.

If you are leading such an organization, serving the people of Franklin, Granville, Vance, or Warren counties, the Foundation would like to hear from you.

The Foundation’s Grants Coordinator Carolyn Powell and Executive Director Val Short are both available to discuss ideas for grant projects or relief initiatives. Contact the Foundation by email at info@tnhfoundation.org or call 252-430-8532 to schedule an appointment.

A grant application is required and can be accessed through the Foundation’s Grant Portal at http://www.tnhfoundation.org/ Please contact the Foundation first to discuss your program or project ideas prior to beginning the application process.

A COVID-19 resource page has also been established on the Foundation’s website, which contains links to resources and current information about the pandemic. Please send your organization’s local links for COVID-19 resources to info@tnhfoundation.org for inclusion on the website. 

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H-V Chamber Announces New E-Gift Card Program to Support Local Businesses

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is working with local retail stores and restaurants to develop a new e-gift card program. The Chamber partnered with the Gift Fly company to make this process easy for local business owners in an effort to generate some additional business commerce in the city and county.

Citizens who want to shop online with local businesses can go to the Chamber’s website at www.hendersonvance.org, click on the tab “Shop E-Gift Card” at the top of the home page and view the list of local businesses who have signed on to the program. Three local businesses: Franklin Brothers Nursery and Greenhouses, Sadie’s Coffee Corner and The Home Decorator Shoppe have already signed up to participate and accept the e-gift cards.

More businesses will be added this week, just in time for Mother’s Day shopping and Teacher Appreciation Week.

If you are a business owner who wants to sign up – click this link: https://www.giftfly.com/?affiliate_code=WZS0-W7IM-75A1

Example of how the e-gift card program works:

When a citizen wants to give a gift to honor their child’s teacher next week for Teacher Appreciation Week, for example, they would go to the Chamber’s website, click on the shop tab, put in the amount they want to spend, put in the teacher’s email address, add a thank you message to him/her, add their own personal credit card number and hit send.

The e-gift card and thank you message immediately gets sent to the teacher’s email box. The teacher then prints out the e-gift card and takes it with them to that store at a later time to shop.

Corbitt Preservation Association: Spring Fling Canceled, Tee-Shirts Available

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-Information courtesy Kenneth Stegall, Corbitt Preservation Association

The Corbitt Preservation Association canceled its Spring Fling event this past weekend due to COVID-19 concerns, but you can still purchase a Corbitt tee-shirt!

Tee-shirts are an ash color and are available in a variety of sizes. The shirt includes the wording “Corbitt Preservation Association Henderson, NC” on the front chest and an image of a Corbitt vehicle and the word “Corbitt” on the back.
Cost: $20 plus shipping (if applicable).

To purchase a tee-shirt and support the Corbitt Preservation Association, please call Kenneth Stegall at (252) 432-6476 or email gjammer35@aol.com.