MARCH 2020

Monthly Newsletter showcasing activities and accomplishments of the departments within Rutherford County Government.

CLICK ON LINKS BELOW FOR MORE COVID-19 INFORMATION:

JOINT SUPPLEMENTAL PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY 032720

RC AND TOWNS STAY AT HOME ORDER 032720

SHORT TERM RENTAL SUSPENSION REQUEST 032720

GOVERNOR COOPER'S STAY AT HOME ORDER EO121

EO121 FAQS

NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release March 30, 2020

Karen Powell, Public Health Director Steve Garrison, Rutherford County Manager

Frankie Hamrick, Emergency Management Director

TWO CONFIRMED POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES IN RUTHERFORD COUNTY The Rutherford County Health Department was notified today at 11:00 am on Monday, March 30, 2020 by local medical practices that two Rutherford County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Both individuals are in isolation. There have been 125 tests submitted. 90 tests have come back negative, 2 are positive, and 33 tests are pending. Public Health Director, Karen Powell stated, “Rutherford County has been preparing for this reality and anticipated that our community would likely be impacted at some point. Public health staff have already initiated an investi-gation and will be identifying close contacts to contain the spread of disease. To protect individual privacy, no further information about the case will be released. The Rutherford County Health Department will keep the public informed by announcing any additional cases that may arise through our local media partners.” County Manager, Steve Garrison emphasizes that “it is important for the community to understand that the identi-

fication of these two cases does not change our local strategies for preventing and reducing the spread of dis-ease. Above all else, please isolate yourself at home if you are sick.” The Rutherford County Emergency Operations Center is staffed by multiple public safety agencies and is monitor-ing operations, logistics and planning efforts as this pandemic continues. Rutherford County EMS will be launch-ing medical response teams later today to work with positive COVID-19 patients. Rutherford County is committed to protecting and informing citizens to the best of our abilities. The Health Department is continuing to test quali-fied individuals for COVID-19 and are also operating a COVID-19 Medical Screening Hotline at (828) 289-1185 from 8AM – 5PM, 7 days per week. The EOC and the Health Department have also been working in conjunction with Rutherford Regional Health Sys-tem (RRHS). RRHS CEO Rebecca Segal stated that “RRHS is prepared with the appropriate plans to detect, pro-tect and respond for COVID-19. We have been preparing for the potential of COVID-19 in our community for sev-eral weeks, building upon the robust emergency operations plan we have in place year-round. We want to reas-sure our communities that it is safe to come to the hospital should you or a family member need care.” If you have any further questions you may contact the Public Information Officer at covid19@rutherfordcountync.gov. To receive daily local COVID alerts, please text your zip code to 888777.

Advisory: 03.31.20 COVID-19 Update

There are five (5) positive cases of COVID-19 in Rutherford County. • 135 individuals tested • 95 tests are negative • 35 tests are pending • 5 tests are positive Ongoing investigations continue as the Health De-partment works with these five individuals to ensure self-isolation and limit future spread. All five individu-als are residents of Rutherford County. In order to protect patient confidentially per HIPAA, patient infor-mation and location will not be shared. If you are a potential exposure to a positive COVID-19 case, the

Health Department will be in contact with you. Our local EMS medical strike teams are making contact with these individuals and tracking their progress. We know that COVID-19 is in our community so please take standard precautions no matter where you are. STAY AT HOME, wash your hands, maintain social distanc-ing, and wipe down surfaces. Keep our community safe and avoid unnecessary physical contact with oth-

ers. To receive daily local COVID alerts, please text your zip code to 888777.

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Rutherford County Courthouse March 30, 2020

The Clerk's Office will be opened

for urgent/limited situations from

8:30 am till 12:00 pm or until

court is adjourned. After 12:00

pm clerks will be available by

phone, but the courthouse will be

closed to the general public. If

you feel you have an urgent mat-

ter, please call 828-288-6100.

Payments can be made online or

by mail. If mailed in, it needs to

be a cashier's check or money or-

der. Online services are available

at nccourts.gov.

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We have started transforming the dog kennels at Animal Control. Currently we have three test kennels set up with our new paint, and we are excited to get the others completed. We have started in depth trainings for staff. 2020 is off to an amazing start, and we plan to continue this momentum to keep us heading in the right direction and open the doors to more grants and additional funding for the animals in our county. As of March 13, 2020, we had only one...yes, you read that right...ONE cat at our facility. Every other cat has been rescued or adopted! Great job by all the Animal Control staff.

Animal Control

Rutherford County Animal Control

Monthly Report

prepared by Kathy Haulk

Total number of animals picked up or surrendered 118

Total number of Dogs/Cats ADOPTED from the shelter 20

Total number of animals returned to owners 28

Total number of animals rescued by groups 59

Total number euthanized this month 11

Calls completed this month 229

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Animal Control continued from page 4

Please check the Animal Control Facebook page for any missing or lost

pets! Animal Control is home to more than 40 dogs at this time and the

number is growing.

https://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/…/animal_contr…/index.php

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Board of Elections

March Report

This month we began with an election using our new voting equipment. Everything went well and we

would like to thank IT and Maintenance for their help to our office during this time.

We have been running around preparing for the 2nd Primary, but it was delayed until June, so we have a

little bit of time to clean up as we await the outcome of the Covid-19 virus.

We had to cancel Debbie Bedford’s retirement reception due to the Covid-19 virus, but we will resched-

ule another date when all is safe.

Debbie Bedford will be retiring from the Board of Elections on April 01, 2020. We want to wish Debbie

Bedford the best of luck in her retirement. We are so happy for her, but she will be missed.

Click here for information on Voting & Coronavirus.

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Cooperative Extension

Building Inspections

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County Manager/Commissioners

The beginning of March held many resourceful and eventful meetings, celebrations, and activities in which the County Manager, Commissioners and staff were involved with the following individuals, de-partments, boards, and businesses:

• March Board of Commissioners’ Meeting (pictured below)

• WCAB Update

• County Attorney

• ICC -Tour of Facility

• NCDOT Division of Aviation

• Carolina West - residential broadband

• Foothills Health District

• Board of Education

• TDA Agriculture Committee

• Destination by Design

• Economic Development

• Rutherford County Board of Education

• RC Department Heads

• Facebook Community Action Grants Reception

• Planning and Projects

• Partners BHM Board Meeting

• Agenda Review for April Board of Commissioners’ Meeting

•

Other County activities and events this month included meetings with citizens, numerous calls, interof-fice meetings, conference calls, public relations, advising, and preparation for various responsibilities.

Revenue Director Sherry Lavender (pictured right) presented infor-mation regarding the Board of Equalization and Review. Mr. Rodney Robbins is willing to be reappointed as a representative for District 3, and Mr. Chuck Jones was approved for appointment for District 2. Commissioner Michael Benfield was reappointed as chairperson. TDA Director Don Cason, along with Jenna Bailey (Founder & Chair of the Education and Marketing) and Dana Bradley (ROC, Chair of the Litter), presented a report from Keep Rutherford County Beauti-ful Committee (pictured below).

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County Manager and Commissioners continued from page 8

Finance Director Paula Roach

presented budget amendments

and financial information re-

garding County vehicles and

associated equipment, along

with comments from Sheriff

Chris Francis (pictured left).

The current Transit System

Safety Plan, with minor chang-

es, was presented to the Com-

missioners for approval by

Kerry Giles, Transportation

Services Director (pictured

right).

Commissioner Benfield, Member of the

Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee

Commissioner Michael Benfield (right) joined more than 125 county officials from

North Carolina and representatives from the North Carolina Association of County

Commissioners (NCACC) at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative

Conference in Washington, D.C. Counties from all over the United States came to-

gether to debate national policy and conduct NACo business at the event, which was

held February 29 to March 4, 2020.

County officials also had the opportunity to meet with North Carolina’s Congression-

al leaders to update them on federal priorities for counties for 2020, including

NCACC’s top goal – expanding broadband access. Commissioner Benfield is a mem-

ber of the Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee (pictured below).

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County Commissioners King and Toney met with Health Director Karen Powell, Emergency Management Director Frankie Hamrick, EMS Director Kerry Giles, 911 Operations Lt. Greg Dotson, Preparedness Coordinator Lee Arrington and County Manager Steve Garrison on March 22, 2020 to discuss the structure

and function of our temporary Emergency Operations Center.

Goals:

✅ Protect & serve our citizens

✅ Complete risks assessments to identify and close gaps to protect & serve

our most vulnerable citizens

✅ Ensure we have resources that our front line teams and community partners

need to serve you during the COVID-19 pandemic

✅ Ensure the accurate and reliable report out of information and to educate the public on what role we ALL need to play to “flatten the curve” and “stop

the spread”

✅ Break down silos to ensure we’re all working together to protect & serve

County Manager and Commissioners continued from pages 8-9

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County Manager and Commissioners continued from pages 8-10

Today take time to think about all the

countries and people who are affected

by Corona Virus or Covid-19. Some of

those people are our family, friends,

partners, neighbors, relatives, col-

leagues and children. Lets show them

love and support and be there for them.

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Finance

Economic Development

Finance Director Paula Roach’s son advanced to Regionals after winning 1st place in the local spelling bee….and they even made the news! Way to go, Ben!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CLOSURE MESSAGE

Rutherford County Economic Development will continue to work with county and state health officials to monitor the

evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To help prevent the spread of the virus, effective immediately and until

further notice, the Economic Development office will be closed to visitors.

Economic Development personnel are still available via email, phone and other technological means, and will continue

to assist you to the best of their ability. Find contact info for Rutherford County Economic Development staff on our

website at http://www.rutherfordncedc.com/

Please know that these changes are intended to protect the health and safety of our community while striving to pro-

vide the resources and services you need. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and act consistent with

local, state and national recommendations.

We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time, and we are committed to continue serving and grow-

ing our community. Together we will see it through, one day at a time.

Feel free to call our office at 828-287-6200 for more info and updates as they become available. And above all, take

the necessary precautions to keep you and your neighbors safe.

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Fire Marshal

COVID-19 has changed life as we know it. Even though Rutherford County is under a Stay-at-Home Or-

der and many are working from home, others including our first responders and healthcare workers con-

tinue to serve our community putting others first.

Rutherford County is grateful for the direction, leadership and sacrifice of Fire Marshal/EM Director

Frankie Hamrick, EMS Director Kerry Giles, 911 Communications Director Greg Dotson, and the entire

Emergency Operations Center, especially during this time of uncertainty. As we move through this

unique situation, let’s remember to thank these heroes for being our front line. Together we will work

our way through this crisis.

Also, a special note of appreciation to Foothills Health District Director, Karen Powell, County Manager

Steve Garrison, Rutherford County Board of Commissioners and many other officials for their support,

patience and leadership while seeking to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our County.

Frankie Hamrick, Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Director

Kerry Giles, Emergency Medical Services Director

Greg Dotson, 911 Communications Director

Karen Powell, Foothills Health District Director

Steve Garrison, Rutherford County Manager

Rutherford County Board of Commissioners Michael Benfield, Eddie Holland, Greg Lovelace

Bryan King (Chairman), Alan Toney (Vice-Chairman)

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Human Resources

To meet with Rutherford County Human Resources, staff appointments will be required ef-

fective immediately. Please email debra.conner@rutherfordcountync.gov or call 828-287-

6145 or email brooke.watson@rutherfordcountync.go or call 828-287-6061. Also. see re-

sources on the Human Resources website such as insurance forms, workers compensation

forms, and other relevant HR forms at rutherfordcountync.gov-HR.

Please remember these steps to take as precautionary measures against

the flu, coronavirus and common colds.

• NCDHHS recommends everyone continue taking precautions to protect

themselves and others from the spread of respiratory illnesses, which in-

cludes COVID-19.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds

each time.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

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Library

Rutherford County

Library System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2020

(Spindale, NC) – In light of increasing concerns around the

spread and transmission of COVID-19, Rutherford County

wants to ensure the safety of our patrons, the general public, and

employees. Thus, effective Thursday, March 19, 2020 all Ruth-

erford County Library locations will be closed to the public until

further notice. We will not be accepting any book sale dona-

tions, and all library programs and meeting room usage have

been suspended until further notice. This includes all regularly

scheduled library programs.

During this time, we the will extend due dates for six weeks and

beginning March 19th temporarily suspend the accrual of over-

due fees. While the library is closed, we encourage our patrons

to take advantage of the digital services we have available

through our website, www.rutherfordcountylibrary.org. De-

tailed information about these services is forthcoming.

For inquiries related to checkouts, placing holds, and reference

services at any County Library, you can call 828-287-6115 or

email us at library@rutherfordcountync.gov. A curbside service

will be implemented beginning Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

Rutherford County Library is committed to the health and safety

of our patrons and our staff. We apologize for any inconven-

ience and thank you for your understanding during this time.

Please stay tuned to the library's website and social media out-

lets for continued updates.

For questions, please call the Rutherford County Library at

828-287-6115 or email April at

april.young@rutherfordcountync.gov.

Facebook Grant Presentation to Library

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Planning and Projects

"A Legacy of Public Service"

Young leaders grow in county government

What motivates young leaders to step up to serve in local gov-ernment? How can the next generation be inspired to accept the call of being a county leader? Three fellows from the NCACC County Management Fellowship Program join the show to discuss how their experiences in North Carolina counties have helped build a personal foundation of leadership. Joining us are Caleb Cone from Rutherford County (Planning and Projects), Allysa

Rouse with Washington County, and Darian Cobb from Cumberland County, as well as Jason King, NCACC Director of Education and Conferences, who oversees this initiative built to cultivate the future of county

leadership. Read more: https://www.ncacc.org/729/CountyCast

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES CLOSURE MESSAGE

We will continue to work with county and state health officials to monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-

19) pandemic. To help prevent the spread of the virus, effective immediately and until further notice, Ruther-

ford County Development Services is closing the office to visitors.

Development Services personnel are still available via email, phone and other technological means, and will

continue to assist you to the best of their ability. Find contact info for Rutherford County Development Ser-

vices staff on our website at https://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/departments/planning/index.php.

Please know that these changes are intended to protect the health and safety of our community while striv-

ing to provide the resources and services you need. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and act

consistent with local, state and national recommendations.

We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time, and we are committed to continue serving

and growing our community. Together we will see it through, one day at a time.

Feel free to call our office at 828-288-4501 for more info and updates as they become available. And above

all, take the necessary precautions to keep you and your neighbors safe.

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Register of Deeds

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Revenue Department

Customer Service

Phone Calls 998

Customer Service Assist 443

County Growth Indicators

Deeds Transferring Property 199

Transfer by Estate 16

Parcels Reviewed with Building Permits 170

Parcels Reviewed w/o Building Permits 347

Collections Progress

Deeds Certified 138

Legal Actions (Garnishments, Attachments, etc.) 658

Total Taxes Collected $2,151,372.47

• The Revenue Department is currently accepting real property appeals, as well as applications for tax relief exclu-

sions. If you have questions regarding tax relief for the disabled and/or elderly, please call the Revenue Depart-

ment at 287-6000.

• Congratulations to Alice Barber on her retirement. We wish her well on her future endeavors.

• Congratulations to Crystal Blanton on her promotion to Collection Accounting Technician.

• The Revenue Department is currently seeking a Customer Service Representative in our Collections section. This

position will be responsible for answering taxpayer questions regarding their tax bills, receiving monies in the form

of cash, check, or credit for payment, balancing their payment drawer, reviewing delinquent accounts, calling tax-

payers about their delinquent accounts, and enforcing collections through legal action when necessary pursuant to

all applicable state property tax laws.

REVENUE/TAX OFFICE CLOSURE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

We continue to work with county and state officials, such as NC Department of Revenue and UNC School

of Government, to monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its effect regarding prop-

erty tax issues. To help prevent the spread of the virus, effective 03/20/2020 and until further notice,

Rutherford County Revenue/Tax is closing the office to visitors.

Our staff members are still available via email, phone and other technological means, and will continue to

assist you to the best of their ability. Find contact info and details regarding Rutherford County Revenue/

Tax Office services on our website at https://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/departments/

revenue_department_tax_administrator/index.php.

Please know that these changes are intended to protect the health and safety of our community while

striving to provide the resources and services you need. We will continue to closely monitor the situation

and act consistent with local, state and national recommendations.

We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time, and we are committed to continue serving

Rutherford County taxpayers.

Feel free to contact our office at: By phone: 828-287-6000 By Fax: 828-287-6179

By email: Collections@rutherfordcountync.gov for Billing and Payment Questions

Assessor@rutherfordcountync.gov for Real Property Value and general questions.

For your convenience: We have a drop box located outside our office. We ask that you do not drop cash

payments in the box. Checks or money orders only. Please write your contact information: Name, Phone

#, and mailing address on the envelope to receive your receipt.

Website: https://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/departments/revenue_department_tax_administrator/

index.php.

And above all, take the necessary precautions to keep you and your neighbors safe.

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Senior Center

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Sheriff’s Office

911 Communications

Call Summary

Rutherford County Communications

240 N. Washington Street

Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Monthly Report Date: February 2020

Total 911 Calls Total Admin Calls Total Calls

3,441

9,156

12,597

Due to COVID-19, office personnel has limited contact with the public. Staff is handling as much as pos-

sible by phone and email. Fingerprinting public is suspended until further notice.

• Derek Deaton, Road Patrol Division to (SRO) School Resource Officer Division. Effective 3/09/2020.

• Michael Lee, to full time with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in the Road Patrol Division. Effective

3/09/2020.

• Victoria Atkins, (911) Communications Center to Administrative Secretary with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s

Office. Effective 3/09/2020.

• Dylan Chapman, to full time with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in the Road Patrol Division. Effective

4/06/2020.

• Matt Owens, with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office (Interdiction Team) resigned and his resignation is here-

by made a matter of record. Effective 4/03/2020.

• Brooke Bryant, to part time with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in the (911) Communication Center. Effec-

tive 3/16/2020.

• Taylor Little, to full time with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in the Detention Center. Effective 3/09/2020.

Personnel Actions

March 2020

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911 Communications continued from page 20

Telecommunicators received DCI (Division of Criminal Information) training in March. Rutherford County’s 911 director,

Greg Dotson, places great emphasis on career development by encouraging employees to participate in addi-

tional training as frequently as possible.

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911 Communications continued from pages 20-21

County Commissioners King and Toney met with Health Director Karen Powell, Emergency Manage-

ment Director Frankie Hamrick, EMS Director Kerry Giles, 911 Operations Lt. Greg Dotson, Prepared-

ness Coordinator Lee Arrington and County Manager Steve Garrison on March 22, 2020 to discuss

the structure and function of our temporary Emergency Operations Center.

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911 Communications continued from pages 20-22

911 IS HERE FOR YOU.

PLEASE STAY HOME FOR US!

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Social Services

Rutherford County DSS Temporary Procedures During COVID-19 Crisis

The COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented and presents many challenges for all of us. The Department of

Social Services realizes that our services are essential for many of our citizens to ensure that their

needs are met and to protect vulnerable children and adults. While we will continue to provide all

services and are not closed to the public, we have put temporary procedures in place to protect both

our consumers and our staff from potential exposure to COVID-19.

Food and Nutrition Services, as well as, Medical Assistance including Medicaid and NC Health Choice

(CHIP) can be applied for through e-pass (https://www.nc.gov/services/e-pass). We strongly en-

courage anyone who wishes to apply for these services to use this site. If this is not possible or if

you are not comfortable with applying in this manner, please call our office at 828-287-6165. Our

phone system will direct you to the proper Department to speak with a caseworker about the services

that you need, and they will work with you to make an application. Information regarding a Food

and Nutrition account (EBT card), including the balance, can also be obtained by called the EBT Call

Center at 1-888-622-7328. For any information that needs to be delivered to your caseworker, a

drop box has been placed at the entrance of Building C. Many forms and documents can be faxed

and emailed, your caseworker can provide that information.

In both of our lobby areas, we are screening anyone that presents in person using a COVID-19

screening questionnaire to determine if they are potentially at risk, including presenting symptoms

and travel. If someone is deemed to be at risk based on their answers, they will be asked to leave

and conduct their business by telephone. Anyone that walks in to apply for any services, or to see a

worker in any department, including Child Support, or to make an Adult or Child Protective Services

report, will be asked by the worker to leave the building and connect by telephone. There is a tele-

phone located in the lobby for anyone that does not have access to a telephone. Consumers will only

be permitted past the lobby area when absolutely necessary and employees will wear gloves and a

mask and practice recommended social distancing when making any face to face contact with a con-

sumer.

Many employees at DSS are working remotely from home in order to reduce the number of people in

our buildings, but this will have no negative impact on our ability to communicate with our consum-

ers. As is our current policy, any voicemail messages will be returned within 24 hours. To protect the

privacy of our employees working from home, consumers should expect some returned calls to be

from a “Withheld” number or “No Caller ID”. During the COVID-19 crisis, we are experiencing higher

call volumes so it may take longer for calls to be answered.

When Child and Adult Services workers make homes visits, for their own protection and the protec-

tion of the family, they will ask if anyone in the home is currently sick or been sick within the last 14

day. If the answer to this question is yes, the worker will take reasonable precautions including put-

ting on a face mask and gloves and maintain six feet or more from all present, when possible.

The protection and safety of our community, the consumers that we serve, and our employees is our

top priority, and we ask for the public’s patience as we strictly follow these temporary procedures.

Again, we strongly encourage everyone to call the office and attempt to conduct business by phone

rather than coming in person, and stay at home when at all possible. It takes everyone following all

guidance and adhering to restrictions from our Federal, State, and County officials to get this crisis

behind us.

We are committed to providing relevant and timely communication and updates during these uncer-

tain times. Information is ever changing and updates and program policy changes can be found by

checking our Facebook page (Rutherford County Department of Social Services) or by contacting our

office at 828-287-6165. Child Support consumers also can access case information by calling the

Customer Service line at (800)-992-9457 or by visiting www.ncchildsupport.com.

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Solid Waste

March Report Customers served: 1925 Loads hauled from convenience center:317 MSW loads shipped to Lenoir: 167 Recycling loads shipped to Conover: 15 Tire customers: 68

• The director worked on budget and reports, attended meetings on COVID-19, attended budget meeting,

made operational changes and held internal meetings with staff.

• The office staff and recycle coordinator are taking care of customers, working on reports, are also clean-

ing and disinfecting the office.

• The staff at the transfer station has been busy with all the loads that are coming in from trash and recy-

cle.

• The C&D staff has been taking care of customers and working on hauling dirt for daily cover.

• The airport staff has been working on the landfill grounds and airport.

• The Shop has been busy with regular maintenance to vehicles and equipment and put a floor under a

compactor container.

• The landfill supervisor sewed grass, hauled dirt, talked to vendors, and educated employees about hand

washing and surface sanitizing.

• The Center Supervisor had the ruts under the compactor fixed for Green Hill. Informed attendants of safe

handling and sanitizing during COVID-19.

Please continue to recycle! Visit our website for more info at https://www.rutherfordcountync.gov/departments/solid_waste/recycle.php

Only put items in blue boxes in recycle. Place all other items in the trash.

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Solid Waste continued from page 25

Convenience Center Protocol during COVID-19

03-24-2020

As you are aware the COVID-19 novel coronavirus has affected the operations of many businesses in North Carolina and within Rutherford County. To ensure that we are doing our part to prevent

and reduce the spread of COVID-19, Rutherford County Solid Waste Convenience Centers will ob-

serve the following protocol beginning immediately.

Center Operational Changes:

The swap and shop buildings will be closed until further notice. During this time no items are to left

in or in front of the swap and shop buildings or on the porches of the office buildings.

Employees:

• Expected to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, vests, and foot-

wear.

• Must clean the office building (Hut) twice daily.

• Must wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Practice social distancing, having 6 feet of space between people.

• Only employees are allowed in office building (Hut).

• Only touch trash if a citizen needs help and wash hands immediately.

• Cough/sneeze into a tissue or arm sleeve.

Considering the services that we provide, it is extremely important for us to take precautionary measures. This ensures the centers are being properly cleaned, protects staff, protects citizens and

provides citizens a way to properly dispose of trash.

Please do not come to work if you have a cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, or have had these symptoms within the past 14 days, or you have traveled out of the State or internationally, or have

been to an area with known confirmed exposure risks to COVID-19 within the past 14 days.

For any questions or concerns please contact Eddie Mote at 828-447-1871.

James Kilgo

Director | 656 Laurel Hill Drive, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 | 828-287-6125 (w)

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Tourism Development Authority

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Tourism Development Authority continued from page 27

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Transportation Services

EMS

Director Kerry Giles ‘stylin’ in her protective Tyvek Suit. These suits are heavy-duty and virtually impenetrable coveralls that pro-vide the best balance of protection, durability and comfort for our EMS staff. 02-09-20 to 03-07-20: In service this month was on PPE, Operations, and Driving, as well as rollout of our new LUCAS devices. We have went live with our LUCAS devices. For more information on this piece of life saving equipment please follow this link. https://www.lucas-cpr.com Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services is still operating at full capacity. We want to welcome Victoria Gordon to our team. She started full-time with us on 03/17/2020. With the COVID pandemic, we have put into place new respiratory standards for our employees to keep you, them, and their families safe during this time. We also have a continuity of operations plan to ensure the execution of essential functions. We have adequate Personal Protective Equipment supplies at this time. We are working hand in hand with Emergency Management to acquire more as needed. We want everyone to know that our sta-tions are being disinfected several times a day and our units are being disinfected after every call. We believe that practicing the CDC and NCDHHS guidelines will help everyone’s health, safety and well-being during these unprecedented times.

CORONAVIRUS

Know how it spreads

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-

19).

• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within

about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person

coughs or sneezes.

• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled

into the lungs.

Take steps to protect yourself

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds espe-

cially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, cough-

ing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that con-

tains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them to-

gether until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

READ MORE: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

30

Call information as listed:

Transportation Services continued from page 29

Abdominal Pain/Problems 8

Transfer/Interfacility/Palliative Care 105

Sick Person 84

Traffic Accident 75

Falls 66

Breathing Problem 65

Chest Pain (Non-Traumatic) 58

Unconscious/Fainting 38

Medical Alarm 27

Heart Problems/AICD 25

Convulsions/Seizure 20

Diabetic Problem 20

Psychiatric Problem/Abnormal Behavior/Suicide Attempt 20

Stroke/CVA 20

Hemorrhage/Laceration 19

Overdose/Poisoning/Ingestion 15

Traumatic Injury 13

Cardiac Arrest/Death 12

Assault 11

Pregnancy/Childbirth 7

Allergic Reaction/Stings 5

Unknown Problem/Person Down 5

Back Pain (Non-Traumatic) 4

Headache 4

Stab/Gunshot Wound/Penetrating Trauma 4

Choking 3

Burns/Explosion 2

Fire 2

Altered Mental Status 1

Electrocution/Lightning 1

Heat/Cold Exposure 1

No Other Appropriate Choice 1

Standby 1

Well Person Check 1

Disposition

Transported No Lights/Siren 498

Patient Refused Evaluation/Care (Without Transport) 71

Patient Evaluated, No Treatment/Transport Required 49

Cancelled (Prior to Arrival at Scene) 42

Transported Lights/Siren 17

Cancelled (No Patient Contact) 15

Cancelled on Scene/No Patient Found 15

Patient Dead on Scene - No Resuscitation Attempted (Without Transport) 8

Patient Treated, Released (AMA) 8

Assist, Public 6

Patient Treated, Transferred Care to Another EMS Professional 4

Patient Dead on Scene - Resuscitation Attempted (Without Transport) 3

Patient Treated, Released (per protocol) 3

Standby - Public Safety, Fire, or EMS Operational Support Provided 2

Patient Treated, Transported by Law Enforcement 1

Transported No Lights/Siren, Upgraded 1

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Transit

Transit continues to operate on a normal schedule with some reductions in service based on facility closures during this peri-od dealing with the COVID-19 emergency. Our ridership numbers have declined for all services from our normal. We will continue to provide our standard services as permitted upon local guidance. We are exploring possible opportunities to use some of our assets to assist other County Departments. We will continue to monitor the ongoing recommendations and re-spond appropriately if needed. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve daily and hourly and we will react in the best way possible to protect our employees, their families, and our passengers. In response to the CDC guidelines and guidance from our local authorities we have implemented the following precautions.

• Transit office is closed to all visitors.

• All visitors are screened by receptionist upon being allowed entrance to building and must provide answers to questions

on provided questionnaire to proceed with visit.

• All employees are to report to Operations Manager if they are feeling ill and will not be allowed to report to work.

• All employees are reminded to follow recognized guidelines for good hygiene to help keep them safe, and those around

them safe.

• All employees are to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water if available or hand sanitizer if water and soap unavail-

able.

• Employees are reminded to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue then discard tissue or

to cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow.

• All employees are to keep office area wiped down with disinfectant wipes and sprayed with disinfectant upon reporting to

work, throughout the work day and upon leaving office at end of day.

• Drivers must thoroughly disinfect vans at start of routes, throughout their route and at end of their routes prior to going

home.

• The seat directly behind the driver and the passenger seat beside the driver on vans that have this seat have been taken

out of use for passengers to help create a distance barrier between passengers and the driver.

• Drivers are encouraged to wear nitrile gloves that are provided and to change them between uses to prevent possible

cross contamination and to use disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer sparingly to reduce the strain on our limited supply.

• Passengers are encouraged to follow good hygiene to help protect themselves and others.

• We encourage passengers to stay at home if they are feeling ill or running a fever and to seek medical attention if they

do not improve.

• We are encouraging passengers to not travel with Transit unless absolutely necessary.

FY 2019-2020

Week of Mar 8 - Mar 14

Week of Mar 1 - Mar 7

Week of Feb 23 - Feb 29

Week of Feb 16 - Feb 22

TYPE

WEEKLY

AVG

CURRENT

WEEK

CURRENT

WEEK

CURRENT

WEEK

CURRENT

WEEK

Total Miles 9,511 10,115 10,152 9,650 8,732

# of Local Trips 1,460 1,468 1,496 1,537 1,346

# of Out of County Trips 93 95 118 84 78

# Unduplicated Passen-gers 212 208 211 217 208

Total Revenue $16,508 $18,323 $18,274 $16,940 $14,311

Transportation Services continued from pages 29-30

Veteran Services

Staff is seeing clients by appointment only. Veterans may call 828.287.6185 for assistance. They will be screened, and

appointment made if cleared. All group/mass events have been canceled.

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NCDHHS on COVID-19

All North Carolinians are encouraged to visit www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus for reliable, up-to-date information. Included on this page is helpful information for:

• Individuals, families and communities

• Businesses and employers

• Health care professionals

• Colleges, schools and child care providers

• Long-term care facilities

There is also information about what we all can do to combat fear and anxiety about COVID-19. All North Carolinians can better prepare for COVID-19 by getting the latest information directly from reliable sources. Be thoughtful about what you read or hear about the virus and make sure you are separating rumor from fact before you share it.

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34

$25,000 grant to support new Broad River access point in

Rutherford County

The Duke Energy Foundation is pleased to present a $25,000 grant to Rutherford

County Tourism to support a new river access point at Hwy 221 in southern Ruther-

ford County. The project is part of the RUTHERFORD BOUND Tourism Master Plan

and aims to increase resident and visitor use of the Broad River Paddle Trail by

providing comfortable, safe, legal, public access areas. The Broad River spans nearly

41 miles within Rutherford County from Lake Lure Dam/Island Creek Road to the

Duke Energy Cliffside Plant. The only developed public access sites on the river are

located at Gray’s and Coxe Roads, a 4.8 mile section of river. Development of the

US 221 Access will extend this 4.8 mile section of paddle trail to 13.7 miles. The

Broad River is such an asset for Rutherford County and we are pleased to partner

with the County in constructing this new access point.

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County Manager Steve Garrison

Rutherford County informationrutherford@rutherfordcountync.gov

289 N. Main Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139

County Commissioners Bryan A. King, Chairman Alan Toney, Vice Chairman Michael Benfield, Commissioner Eddie Holland, Commissioner Greg Lovelace, Commissioner

County Office Hazel Haynes, Clerk to Board

Kim Aldridge, Deputy Clerk Richard Williams, County Attorney