North Carolina’s COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Opens for All Adults on April 7
News, Press Release April 6, 2021
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. gave an update on the state’s current data, trends and vaccination progress as tomorrow also marks the opening of vaccine eligibility for Group 5. This means anyone 16 years and older who wants a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination is eligible to get one.
“We remain focused on getting people vaccinated as quickly and as equitably as possible and continuing to slow the spread of the virus,” said Governor Cooper. “The more people we vaccinate, the more we can safely do.”
North Carolina continues to focus on distributing vaccines quickly and equitably. To date, the state has administered over 5.2 million doses. 39 percent of those 18 and up is at least partially vaccinated, and 26 percent of those 18 and up have been fully vaccinated.
“These tested, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will help us get back in control of our lives and back to the people and places we love – like safely hugging a grandmother, traveling to see vaccinated family or friends, or having a potluck dinner with your vaccinated neighbors,” said Secretary Cohen.
State health officials are continuing to monitor the presence of COVID-19 and its more contagious variants in North Carolina, which is why it is important to continue to follow the state’s mask mandate and practice safety precautions, including the Three Ws—wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, and wash hands often.
Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s data and trends.
Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
- North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.
Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
- North Carolina’s trajectory of cases is level.
Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
- North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is 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 adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention.
View the slides from today’s briefing.
Governor Cooper Signs Three Executive Orders to Help Struggling North Carolinians
News, Press Release March 30, 2021
RALEIGH: Today, Governor Roy Cooper signed three Executive Orders. Executive Order 206 extends North Carolina’s statewide residential eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021 in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s recent extension of the nationwide moratorium through the same date. Executive Order 207 expedites the processing of unemployment insurance claims and is also effective through June 30, 2021. Executive Order 205 extends the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC Commission)’s authorization to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption through April 30, 2021.
“Even though North Carolina is turning the corner on this pandemic, many are still struggling,” said Governor Cooper. “These Executive Orders will help families stay in their homes and help hard-hit businesses increase their revenue.”
The CDC continues to implement a nationwide residential eviction moratorium for tenants who meet certain criteria to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. As North Carolina continues a fast and fair vaccine distribution operation, it is critical to slow the spread of the virus. With many people struggling financially due to this pandemic, the State’s eviction moratorium halts evictions for nonpayment of rent and sets forth certain procedures for landlords and their tenants who may qualify for protection from eviction.
As renters struggled to stay in their homes due to pandemic hardships, Governor Cooper created the HOPE Program to make direct payments to landlords and keep people safely in their homes. To date, HOPE has awarded over $140 million to nearly 37,000 applicants.
Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) was recently approved by Congress and North Carolina received more than $700 million to continue providing relief to renters and landlords. The State is working with the General Assembly and local governments to launch the updated version of rental assistance very soon.
Executive Order 207 expedites the processing of unemployment insurance claims, a measure that has been in place under previous Orders.
Under Executive Order 205, establishments holding certain permits from the ABC Commission, including restaurants, hotels, private clubs, private bars, and some distilleries, will continue to be allowed to sell mixed beverages to-go or for delivery.
The Council of State concurred with the two Orders requiring it, Executive Orders 205 and 206.
Read the Eviction Moratorium Executive Order and Frequently Asked Questions document.
Read the Processing of Unemployment Insurance Claims Executive Order.
Read the To-Go Beverages Executive Order and Frequently Asked Questions document.
Slaughter found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon
News, Press Release March 30, 2021
Cooper Reminds North Carolinians to Prepare and Practice for Severe Weather
Business March 8, 2021
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper has declared March 7-13 Severe Weather Preparedness Week and urges North Carolinians to prepare and practice safety plans in case severe weather strikes.
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are not unusual in North Carolina, and while spring is the most active season for severe weather, the recent thunderstorms that resulted in a deadly tornado prove they can happen anytime of the year.
“All North Carolinians need to prepare for severe weather, especially severe thunderstorms and tornados,” Governor Cooper said. “We have seen the devastation and deadly results these storms can bring. Having a preparedness plan, an emergency kit and a way to stay alert to weather reports will help protect you and your loved ones.”
On Wednesday, March 10 at 9:30 a.m., there will be a statewide tornado drill. This year, North Carolinians are being asked to practice their emergency plan using COVID-19 safety precautions. For those working remotely or at your place of employment, go to the lowest floor and the most interior room of the building you’re in, while wearing a mask and staying at least 6-feet away from people with whom you don’t live.
Test messages will be broadcast via the Emergency Alert System on radio and TV and on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios.
“We recognize the challenges of holding a tornado drill in the workplace during COVID. If possible, hold the drill in small groups at different times, where social distancing can be maintained but still allows everyone to have the experience. The drill is a great way to practice what to do when severe weather strikes,” said Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry.
North Carolina is no stranger to severe weather. In 2020, North Carolina recorded 48 tornado touchdowns, including one that spun up as a result of Hurricane Isaias in Bertie County, leaving two people dead. There were also 247 flood or flash flood events across the state and 609 severe thunderstorms with damaging winds or hail of 1-inch or larger.
Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms when winds change direction and increase in speed. These storms can produce large hail and damaging winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. A tornado can develop rapidly with little warning, so having a plan in place will allow you to respond quickly.
Emergency Management officials recommend the following safety tips:
- Develop a family emergency plan so each member knows what to do, where to go and who to call during an emergency.
- If thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning is close enough to strike you.
- Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room away from windows.
- Know the terms: WATCH means severe weather is possible. WARNING means severe weather is occurring; take shelter immediately.
- Assemble an emergency supply kit for use at home or in your vehicle. Make sure to include a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water.
- If driving, leave your vehicle immediately to seek shelter in a safe structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle and do not stop under an overpass or bridge.
- If there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area.
Read Governor Cooper’s proclamation and get more information on tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness online at www.ReadyNC.org.
Feature image courtesy of Georgia Storm Troopers.
Three arrested in methamphetamine distribution conspiracy
News, Press Release March 2, 2021
Erlanger recruits 65 physicians and advanced practice providers in 2020
Community, News, Press Release January 25, 2021
Chattanooga, Tenn. – Erlanger Health System recruited 65 full-time physicians and advanced practice providers (APP) in 2020.
Of these new providers,
- Thirty-four are physicians and 31 are APPs;
- Fifty-two are adult providers and 13 are pediatric providers;
- Adult providers represent 11 clinical specialties and areas of medicine – women’s services, orthopaedics and sports medicine, primary care, behavioral health, critical care, neurology and neurosurgery, gastroenterology, cardiology, endocrinology, bariatrics and hospitalists;
- Pediatric providers represent 8 clinical subspecialties and areas of medicine – neonatology, pediatric intensive care, general pediatrics, pediatric pulmonology, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric neurology and pediatric hospitalists.
“Provider recruitment was one of Erlanger’s main goals in 2020,” said Erlanger Health System CEO Dr. William Jackson. “Our provider and leadership recruitment team has done a superb job of identifying and onboarding exceptional physicians and APPs to serve our patients throughout the region.”
One area of focus for provider recruitment included adding more primary care providers to the team at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital (EWCH). Six providers were recruited to EWCH – Dr. Brian Mitchell, Dr. Stephen Rubendall, Dr. Stacie Gilmore, Dr. Terry Fokakis, Dr. Jillian Irwin and physician assistant Samantha Thompson. These providers work in the communities of Murphy, Andrews and Hayesville in western North Carolina.
Another recruitment win for Erlanger in 2020 was the addition of the region’s only adult and pediatric fellowship-trained orthopaedic oncologist, Dr. Ryan Voskuil. As a former Erlanger orthopaedic surgery resident, affiliated with the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga, Dr. Voskuil returned to Erlanger to create the region’s first dedicated sarcoma team and bring orthopaedic oncology principles to the management of metastatic bone disease and benign conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
“Under Dr. Jackson’s leadership, Erlanger Medical Group has welcomed a large number of new providers to our practices,” said Erlanger Medical Group Senior Vice President Meridith O’Keefe. “The providers who joined us in 2020 are filling essential roles that will positively impact the health of our community and the greater region.”
In preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic, Erlanger’s recruitment plans were adapted to accommodate care for those affected by the virus. Five critical care providers were recruited to work in an intensive care setting. Nine hospitalist providers were onboarded to ensure those patients who were hospitalized received the best care possible.
For more information about Erlanger Medical Group’s elite providers, please visit erlanger.org/DOCS.
North Carolina Expands Pre-Thanksgiving No-Cost COVID-19
Community, Press Release November 18, 2020
RALEIGH: This weekend, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is offering more than 120 no-cost COVID-19 community testing events, including new locations in partnership with retailers to help North Carolinians protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities as they prepare for Thanksgiving.
In addition to existing testing events throughout the state, grocery stores in seven counties are offering testing on November 20-22: Buncombe, Cumberland, Durham, Iredell, Johnston, Mecklenburg, and Union. Select Carlie C’s IGA, Compare Foods, Food Lion, Ingles Markets, and Target will have walk-up and drive-thru testing. Testing will be conducted by C.W. Williams Community Health Center (in coordination with NC Community Health Center Association), OptumServe, and StarMed Urgent and Family Care, P.A.
For a full list of all testing event times and locations throughout the state, visit the No-Cost Community Testing Events page on the NCDHHS website. More locations are being added each day. Additional testing sites can be found at Find My Testing Place.
“We care about our customers and about the communities we serve,” said Emma Inman, Director of External Communications for Food Lion. “Along with NCDHHS, we want to encourage North Carolinians to get tested for COVID-19. It’s a simple thing to do before we see our friends, family, and loved ones this Thanksgiving to care for them and help slow the spread of COVID-19.”
Anyone can get tested for COVID-19 at the events. People without insurance are eligible for testing and identification documents are not required. Children and adults may be tested, but a parent or legal guardian must be present with children and teens 17 or younger.
People who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been around a person with COVID-19 should not shop in person until their isolation or quarantine period has ended. This includes shopping at partner retailers during testing events.
North Carolina is experiencing record high numbers of COVID-19 cases. NCDHHS urges caution when traveling or gathering for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations, especially for gatherings that include people who are at a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19, such as anyone over the age of 65.
People who choose to travel or gather for Thanksgiving should consider having a COVID-19 test three to four days ahead of time. A test can help someone know if they have COVID-19 even if they do not have symptoms yet; however, tests can miss some infections and are not a fail-safe measure. If your test is positive, you should stay home, not attend any gatherings, and self isolate or quarantine. If your test is negative, you still need to practice the 3Ws – wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart from people who do not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
NCDHHS also recommends that everyone quarantine for 14 days before gathering with anyone outside their household to limit advance risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Quarantining is particularly important from the time you test until you travel or gather with people outside your household.
While gathering, shopping or traveling, follow the 3Ws. For a full list of guidance about traveling and gathering during the holidays, along with a chart outlining low, medium and high-risk activities, see the NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Thanksgiving Holiday.
Marble man arrested for sexual assault of minor
News, Press Release September 29, 2020
Andrews man arrested for child sexual assault
News, Press Release September 25, 2020
Cooper Announces Nearly $40 million to Connect Students and Communities to High-Speed Internet
News, Press Release September 9, 2020
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper announced nearly $40 million in funding for NC Student Connect, a new partnership created to address internet connectivity gaps that are a barrier to remote learning for many North Carolina students. When school resumed in August, superintendents estimated that at least 100,000 students still lacked a reliable internet connection at home.
Many North Carolina students are currently attending school remotely and need reliable internet access to be able to connect with their teachers and access their lessons. Students who are attending school onsite may also need internet access at home to be able to complete assignments.
“Long before COVID-19, expanding access to high-speed internet has been a top priority for my administration, and this pandemic has made the need even more urgent,” said Governor Cooper. “NC Student Connect will make critical investments in high speed internet access and remote learning that will help students, health care and businesses in our state.”
Today’s NC Student Connect investment includes:
- $30 million to distribute 100,000 wireless high speed hot spots for students to connect with their remote learning classes.
- $8 million to create accessible sites in convenient locations across the state such as school parking lots, municipal areas, and state parks, museums and historic sites. These NC Student Connect sites will provide free high-speed internet for students to connect to the Internet to download lessons and complete assignments offline.
- $2 million for educator professional development, parent training and student involvement in a spectrum of activities that go into effective remote learning. More than 1,300 educators from rural North Carolina already participated in a virtual conference focused on remote learning to help them be better prepared to teach throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about that conference.
NC Student Connect is a partnership across state government including the Department of Information Technology (DIT), the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), Governor Cooper’s Hometown Strong initiative and the NC Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), an educational nonprofit in the Governor’s Office. These and other agencies have already worked to build partnerships to help leverage public investments to increase internet access in underserved communities. Purchasing began before Labor Day and thousands of hot spots will be shipped to school systems this week and will continue throughout the month.
“This announcement illustrates the state’s unwavering commitment in connecting all our students and all of NC,” said DIT Acting Secretary Thomas Parrish. “There’s no greater action than investing in our children, our future world changers. We are grateful to our private partners, and all those who are assisting in this effort; our tomorrow says thank you.”
“As a parent with a child that is remote learning at home, I can testify to the urgent need for devices with high speed connectivity,” said DNCR Secretary Susi Hamilton. “As a leader in State government, I can answer the Governor’s call to help school children by lending them devices through our State Library and add to their learning experience through outdoor and cultural programming that this department offers.”
“Today’s actions significantly advance Governor Cooper’s commitment to quality, accessible high-speed internet for every North Carolina school district. Our Remote Learning Working Group continues to produce meaningful solutions for our most marginalized students. The time is now for bold, innovative, and collaborative solutions that deliver high-speed internet to every North Carolina home,” said Jeremy Collins, Director of Innovative Connectivity with Hometown Strong.
“Google is proud to work with our state, local, and corporate partners to provide innovative connectivity solutions—such as our Rolling Hotspots program in North Carolina—to help students access Wi-Fi. NCBCE’s Remote Learning Working Group is thrilled that the state will invest in the NC Student Connect Program and provide professional development for educators as part of a collective effort to make it possible for more students to engage in school work remotely,” said Lilyn Hester, Head of External Affairs – Southeast, Google, who serves as vice chairwoman of NCBCE and Chairwoman of the NCBCE Remote Learning Working Group.
Initial private sector investments in remote learning and NC Student Connect include, AT&T, Duke Energy Foundation, Fidelity Investments, Google, Smithfield Foundation, Verizon Foundation, and Wells Fargo Foundation.
Cherokee County announces 2nd COVID-19 death
News, Press Release June 30, 2020
Three arrested on trafficking heroin charges
News, Police & Government, Press Release February 28, 2020
MURPHY, N.C. – Cherokee County, N.C. Sheriff Derrick Palmer reported the Feb. 28, 2020 arrest of three individuals violations of North Carolina Controlled Substances Act including trafficking of heroin and cocaine possession.
The three allegedly responsible are Waylon Douglas Carswell,45, of Murphy, James Terry Sawyers,67, of Marble, N.C., and Marcia Elaine Weeks, 38, of Murphy.
Acting on information that individuals were illegally transporting and distributing transporting large quantities of heroin into Cherokee County, N.C., an investigation was conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
At about 1:30 a.m., investigators and deputies conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. During the traffic stop, the CCSO K-9 was utilized, which resulted in a positive indication for the presence of controlled substances. A search of the vehicle uncovered over 50 grams of heroin, a small amount of crack cocaine, a firearm, and U.S. currency. CCSO seized these items.
James Terry Sawyers
James Terry Sawyers was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where he was placed on a $500,000.00 secure bond for TRAFFICKING IN OPIUM OR HEROIN, CONSPIRE TO TRAFFIC IN OPIUM/HEROIN, FELONY POSSESSION OF COCAINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. Sawyer’s first appearance is scheduled for March 5, 2020, in Cherokee County District Court.
Waylan Douglas Carswell was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where he was placed on a $250,000.00 secure bond for TRAFFICKING IN OPIUM OR HEROIN, CONSPIRE TRAFFIC OPIUM/HEROIN, FELONY POSSESSION OF COCAINE. Carswell’s first appearance is scheduled for March 5, 2020, in Cherokee County District Court.
Waylan Douglas Carswell
Marcia Elaine Weeks was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was placed on a $250,000.00 secure bond for TRAFFICKING IN OPIUM OR HEROIN, CONSPIRE TO TRAFFIC IN OPIUM/HEROIN, FELONY POSSESSION OF COCAINE, SIMPLE POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE III CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, SIMPLE POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. Weeks’ first appearance is scheduled for March 5, 2020, in Cherokee County District Court.
Marcia Elaine Weeks
Sheriff Palmer said “Good work picking up the lead and following through with the information which took some very bad drugs off the streets. We are continuing this matter to wherever it leads. Our new K9 made its first detection and we anticipate continued success with the new addition to the Sheriff’s Office.”
Three car accident results in multiple crash victims
Murphy NC, News, Press Release February 14, 2020
MURPHY, N.C. – At or around 6:35 pm, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, the Cherokee County E-911 Communications Center received a call in reference to a three-car motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Conaheeta St., Valley River Ave., and Veterans Memorial Ln. Multiple first responders from the Murphy Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County EMS, Station 11, and other units responded to the scene.
Multiple patients received treatment at the scene of the crash and some were transferred to Erlanger Western Carolina Emergency Room or Union General Hospital. Two crash victims were extricated from their motor vehicles. All three cars had to be towed from the scene.
Given the severity of the motor vehicle crash, and future charges pending, this is all the information that the Murphy Police Department can be released at this time. Once the investigation is complete, an updated press release will be issued.
Collins Praises Isakson Legacy
Announcements, Politics August 29, 2019|
GAINESVILLE, Ga.—Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) released the following statement after Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) announced he will resign from the U.S. Senate at the end of 2019 after 40 years of public service. “Johnny Isakson has been a standard of public service and statesmanship for decades in Georgia. He’s always drawn on his extensive roots in our state to deepen his advocacy for all Georgians. Johnny faithfully remembers the forgotten, including America’s veterans. I’ve looked up to him as a mentor and still work to emulate him.” |
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PRESS RELEASE: Speaker David Ralston Thanks Senator Johnny Isakson
Announcements, Politics August 28, 2019
Speaker David Ralston Thanks Senator Johnny Isakson
ATLANTA – Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) issued the following statement on the news that Georgia’s senior United States Senator Johnny Isakson will resign from office at the end of the year:
“The loss of Johnny Isakson from public life will leave a void in Georgia which is beyond comprehension. While I respect his reasons, I feel a tremendous sense of personal sadness – Johnny is a mentor, role model and friend. Over a distinguished career in the Georgia House, Georgia State Senate, State Board of Education, U.S. House and U.S. Senate, Johnny Isakson demonstrated that civility and reasonableness are virtues that will never go out of style. My family and I will continue to pray for Johnny, Dianne and the Isakson family.”
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Press Release: LOCAL MAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX CRIME
Arrest Reports, Police & Government December 17, 2018
CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SHERIFF DERRICK PALMER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 17, 2018
For more information call 828.837.2589
LOCAL MAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX CRIME
Murphy, NC— On December 04th, 2018 Barry Wade Allen, of Murphy North Carolina was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum term of 17 months to a maximum term of 35 months with 427 days credit for his plea of guilty to the charge of Indecent Liberties with a Child announced Sheriff Derrick Palmer of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable Superior Court Judge William H. Coward ordered Allen to register as a sex offender for a period of 30 years and to have no contact with the victim for a lifetime. In June of 2017 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a report of suspected sexual assault committed by Allen. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center.
The case was presented to the Grand Jury which met in July 2017 who returned true bills of indictment for Statutory Sex Offense with a Child greater than 13 years of age and defendant 6 years or more older, and Indecent Liberties with a Child.
Barry Wade Allen
Allen fled from Cherokee County prior to the true bills being issued. The United States Marshal Fugitive Apprehension Unit assisted in locating and apprehending Allen in Louisiana during the last week of September 2017. Allen waived extradition and returned to Cherokee
County.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “These are difficult and trying cases on all concerned. This is an excellent example of how working as a team involving HAVEN Child Advocacy Center, the District Attorney’s Office and utilizing our Federal partners helped bring this case to court.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].