Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Proposed FY 2020-21 Budget Includes Cost of Living Adjustment

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In a followup to his discussion on WIZS Town Talk last week, Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen reported that the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Vance County proposed budget does include a three percent cost of living adjustment.

The $49,268,824 proposed budget was presented to the Vance County Board of Commissioners at their May meeting and includes four major recurring items that increase the budget expenditures by more than $100,000 each. These items include a cost of living adjustment for County employees, a state-mandated increase in retirement costs for employees, new departmental positions/overtime increases and increases in jail healthcare to change medical providers.

The cost of living adjustment totals $522,120 and is deemed necessary as the County’s starting and current salaries are falling behind inflation and beginning to fall behind neighboring jurisdictions, according to McMillen. “A cost of living adjustment not only moves employees’ salaries up, but it also moves the entire salary schedule upward adjusting starting salaries by the same percentage. Although human resources recommends we implement a five percent cost of living adjustment for the upcoming year, we were only able to include three percent due to lack of revenue growth,” McMillen explained.

McMillen said it would be advisable to revisit revenues in the early part of 2021 to see if further adjustments can be made to the salary schedule mid-year. The last cost of living adjustment given to County employees was one-and-half percent in January 2017, and, since that time, inflation has increased over six percent.

Additionally, McMillen stated that Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties are currently undertaking a salary plan which will cause Vance County’s salaries to fall even further behind.

A public hearing to receive citizens’ comments on the proposed budget will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 1. To adhere to current social distancing guidelines, the public is asked to email comments regarding the budget to Vance County Clerk Kelly Grissom at KGrissom@vancecounty.org prior to the hearing or up to 24 hours after the hearing.

VGCC Nursing Chair Erica Jastrow Earns Doctorate

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Erica Jastrow, Vance-Granville Community College’s department chair of Nursing, received a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Leadership from Arizona-based Grand Canyon University. Jastrow is a resident of Oxford. 

Erica Jastrow, VGCC’s department chair of Nursing, received a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Leadership from Arizona-based Grand Canyon University. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

“We congratulate Dr. Jastrow on this milestone in her life, and we applaud Erica’s commitment to professional development,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president. “Erica’s education will allow her to continue to grow as a leader in higher education and provide services that help our students.”

Jastrow has taught at VGCC since 2004 and became head of the Nursing department in 2011. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lenoir-Rhyne University and later completed a master’s degree in Nursing Education at UNC-Greensboro. As a longtime Registered Nurse, Jastrow has experience in Intensive Care Units and Nursing Supervision in local and teaching hospitals. 

In 2013, Jastrow became a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) through the National League for Nursing (NLN). She was one of the first three VGCC Nursing faculty to become certified through this program.

In 2014, she completed the Department Chairs Institute offered by the N.C. Community College System, in collaboration with N.C. State University. Jastrow is a past recipient of the VGCC President’s Leadership Award.

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Vance Co. Schools: Final Remote Learning Packet, Meal Distribution, Laptop Requests

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

The final remote learning packet for all of Vance County elementary school students and Vance County Middle School students will be available for pick up on Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20 from 9 a.m – 11 a.m., as well as from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Stop by your child’s school during those times so that VCS students can finish strong in this home stretch.

Vance County Schools will continue distributing free meals Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. through June 9, 2020. Meal distribution will not be available on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

Meals are available in a drive-thru format at Aycock Elementary, Clarke Elementary, EM Rollins Elementary, EO Young Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, Vance County Middle and Vance County High.

If your child needs a laptop, computers are available by appointment only at the District Office. Please go to the district website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us, scroll down and complete the request for a laptop.

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school.

NCDHHS

NCDHHS Updates Guidance on Who Should be Tested for COVID-19

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-Press Release, NCDHHS

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued updated guidance on who should be tested for COVID-19. The new guidance recommends that clinicians test any patient in whom COVID-19 is suspected.

The new guidance recommends clinicians ensure the following populations have access to testing, regardless of symptoms:

  • Anyone with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
  • Close contacts of known positive cases, regardless of symptoms
  • Persons who live in or have regular contact with high-risk settings (e.g., long-term care facility, homeless shelter, correctional facility, migrant farmworker camp)
  • Persons who are at high risk of severe illness (e.g., people over 65 years of age, people of any age with underlying health conditions)
  • Persons who come from historically marginalized populations
  • Health care workers or first responders (e.g. EMS, law enforcement, fire department, military)
  • Front-line and essential workers (grocery store clerks, gas station attendants, etc.) in settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain

“We want anyone who needs a test to get one. This is particularly important for those at high-risk for severe illness, those at greatest risk for exposure and those who are being disproportionately impacted by this virus,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D.

Testing, along with contact tracing and supplies of personal protective equipment, is part of the state’s strategy to slowly ease restrictions, while protecting North Carolinians from COVID-19. The state is looking at a composite of metrics to guide its path forward, including the number of cases, the percent of tests that are positive, the number of hospitalizations and the number of emergency department visits for COVID-like illness. Last week, Governor Roy Cooper and NCDHHS Secretary Cohen shared these metrics remain stable for the first week of Phase 1.

The new guidance updates testing criteria for the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health. Those include hospitalized patients, health care workers or first responders, persons who live in or have regular contact with a high-risk setting, persons who are at higher risk of severe illness and for whom a clinician has determined that results would inform clinical management, and uninsured patients.

Staying home is still the best way to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect North Carolinians. When going out, remember the 3 Ws. Wear a face covering. Wait at least six feet apart. Wash your hands often with soap and water.

For information on the North Carolina COVID-19 response across state government, visit nc.gov/covid19.

Vance Co. Early College HS to Recognize Graduates Thurs., May 21

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Early College High School’s graduation event is set for Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 6 p.m. at Vance-Granville Community College. Vance County Schools released the following information for those participating in the drive-thru style event:

Program of Events 

Arrival: At 5:15 p.m., and not before, enter from Poplar Creek Road to the Main Entrance of Vance-Granville Community College. Proceed down the main road to the parking lot of building 7. No open-air vehicles or passengers in truck beds are permitted. 

Station 1: Graduate Check–in

One vehicle per graduate will stop at the check-in station. A paper with the graduate‘s name will be placed under the windshield wiper.

Station 2: Line-up

Follow directives of staff for vehicle line up. Pay careful attention to the line to keep it moving smoothly.

Station 3: Processional

When the graduate nears the graduation point, a runner will take the windshield wiper sign to the name reader.

Graduate Preparation Zone

Pay attention to signs for directions.

Station 4: Graduation

Wait for the sign to show the graduate may exit the vehicle. The student will walk to the graduation point. The student‘s name will be called as they walk to receive a diploma cover and photo opportunity. The student will return to the vehicle immediately. The vehicle will then join the recessional line.

Station 5: Recessional

Watch for signs and move to the graduate pick up spot. All vehicles must make a right onto Poplar Creek Rd upon exiting graduation. 

Guidelines

  • No restroom facilities will be available.
  • Cap & gowns with VCECHS stole are required to participate in graduation.
  • The graduate should be positioned in the vehicle to be the only person that needs to step out of the car upon arrival at the graduation point.
  • Graduation signs can be picked up after all graduation ceremonies have concluded.

Note from Vance County Schools: We are excited about graduation! It is our hope that seniors will celebrate by decorating their cap or even their vehicle. As a reminder, no open-air vehicles are permitted (convertibles, bikes, open-top jeeps, etc) and no one will be permitted to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Only one vehicle is permitted per graduate.

As you proceed through the graduation line-up, you will see signs giving instructions. We ask that you pay close attention to ensure a smooth process. Everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout. The graduate will be informed when they are able
to exit the vehicle. We also ask that you avoid loud music and horn honking.

We cannot wait to celebrate the Class of 2020!

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

COVID-19 Update: 23 Deaths in Granville, Vance Health District

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of May 17, 2020, there are 194 known cases of COVID-19 in Granville County, 177 cases in Vance County, and 18,512 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

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

Of the total positive cases in each county, 98 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 46 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 17 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Of the 96 community-based cases in Granville County, 48 have been released from isolation and one is hospitalized.

Of the 98 cases in the prison system, 66 have been released from isolation.

Of the 177 cases in Vance, 48 have been released from isolation and 13 are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 23 deaths in the health district – 17 in Vance County and 6 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

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

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance Co. Schools’ Free Meal Distribution Continues Through June 9

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools will continue distributing free meals Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. through June 9, 2020. Meal distribution will not be available on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

Meals are available at Aycock Elementary, Clarke Elementary, EM Rollins Elementary, EO Young Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, Vance County Middle and Vance County High.

Meals are available at these locations in a drive-thru format.

Meal units that are passed out Monday – Wednesday will include two meals – lunch for that day and breakfast for the following morning. Thursday distribution will include two breakfasts and two lunches.

American Legion Post 60, Red Cross to Host Community Blood Drive

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-Information courtesy Jeremy Hetrick, American Legion Post 60

Henderson American Legion Post 60 will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday, May 23, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Legion Post Corner of Garnett and Spring Streets.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call 252-204-4742, or sign up online at
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Legion60.

“Post 60 is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations,” said Jeremy Hetrick, Post Adjutant. “This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives.”

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.”

According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.

The American Legion is a Non-Profit Veterans Organization. Henderson American Legion Post 60 is active in Vance County with over 100 members and supports both veterans and the local community.

Vance County High School

Drive-Thru Graduation Planned for VCHS; Program of Events Announced

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County High School’s graduation event is set for Saturday, May 23, 2020. Vance County Schools released the following information for those participating in the drive-thru style event:

Program of Events

At your designated time, enter from Rock Mill Road to Mt. Carmel Church Road (by Clarke Elementary). No open-air
vehicles or passengers in truck beds are permitted. Please do not arrive before your scheduled time.

Welcome

Receive your graduation program

Station 1: Graduate Check-in

One vehicle per graduate | stop at the check-in station | a paper with the graduate’s name will be placed under the windshield wiper

Station 2: Line-up

Follow directives of staff for vehicle line up | pay careful attention to the line to keep it moving smoothly

Station 3: Processional

When the graduate nears the graduation station, a runner will take the windshield wiper sign to the name reader

Graduate Preparation Zone

Pay attention to signs for directions

Station 4: Graduation

Wait for the sign to show the graduate may exit vehicle | the student will walk to the stage | the student’s name will
be called as they walk across the stage | receive diploma cover and photo opportunity | the student will return to vehicle immediately | the car will then join the recessional line

Station 5: Recessional

Watch for signs and move to the graduate pick up spot | all vehicles must make a right on to Garrett Rd upon exiting graduation

Guidelines:

No restroom facilities will be available | cap & gowns with VCHS stole are required to participate in graduation | the
graduate should be positioned in the vehicle to be the only person that needs to step out of the car upon arrival at the graduation point | graduation signs can be picked up after all graduation ceremonies have concluded

Arrival Time by Graduate’s Last Name:

  • 9 a.m. ~ A-B
  • 9:30 a.m. ~ C-D
  • 10:15 a.m. ~ E – Harley
  • 10:45 a.m. ~ Harris – J
  • 11:30 a.m. ~ K-M
  • 12 p.m. ~ O-R
  • 12:45 p.m. ~ S-V
  • 1:15 p.m. ~ W-Z

Note from Vance County Schools: We are excited about graduation! It is our hope that seniors will celebrate by decorating their cap or even their vehicle. As a reminder, no open-air vehicles are permitted (convertibles, bikes, open-top jeeps, etc) and no one will be permitted to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Only one vehicle is permitted per graduate.

As you proceed through the graduation line-up, you will see signs giving instructions. We ask that you pay close attention to ensure a smooth process. Everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout. The graduate will be informed when they are able
to exit the vehicle. We also ask that you avoid loud music and horn honking.

We cannot wait to celebrate the Class of 2020!

NC Governor Logo

North Carolina’s Key COVID-19 Indicators Remain Stable

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today shared an update on North Carolina’s key COVID-19 indicators. The data and trends show that North Carolina remains stable nearly one week into Phase 1.

“Our COVID-19 decisions are guided by the data and the science,” said Cooper. “We will use the time in this phase to keep a careful eye on the data and the indicators before we are ready to announce the start of Phase 2. North Carolinians should continue to stay home if they can and take precautions to keep themselves safe.”

“Continued stability in these trends is a real positive for our state. While we remain on a good path for the 14-day trends we need to see to move to Phase 2, our progress as a state is still dependent on our individual actions,” said Dr. Cohen. “We need to continue to protect our loved ones and our neighbors. If you leave home, practice three Ws – wear, wait and wash.”

Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen also announced that DHHS now has a list of testing locations on the DHHS website.

The list includes more than 200 sample collection sites in 54 counties, with more being added as they are verified. The list is comprised of health care providers, pharmacies and retail locations, local health departments and others that are providing testing for COVID-19. Some of the sites that are federally funded do not cost anything for the individual being tested. Doctors and clinicians may also provide testing at their offices.

Based on the metrics laid out last month by Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen, officials need to continue watching the trends before announcing a shift into Phase 2.

Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is slightly increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive has been decreasing and is starting to level.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is 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:

Laboratory Testing

  • North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate from approximately 2,500-3,000 to more than 6,000

Tracing Capability

  • The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has already hired close to 100 new contact tracers adding to the 250 already working at our local health departments.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.

The Phase 1 executive Order remains in effect until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22.

However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase 2. Phase 2 will only start if data and indicators remain stable.

Read a copy of today’s graphs and slides.