A federal recall of 800,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine -- including nearly 18,000 doses in North Carolina -- is expected to cause few problems locally. Health officials saying that the doses were included in pre-filled syringes meant for children ages 6 months to 35 months. "There are no safety concerns with these lots of H1N1 vaccine," said Megan Davies, an epidemiologist with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. "The concern is that the recalled vaccine may not be strong enough to provide full immunity. However, children in this age group should have adequate protection because we already recommend that they receive two doses of the vaccine." Swine flu was first identified in April. During the first seven months of the pandemic, it has sickened about 50 million Americans and killed about 10,000, according to CDC estimates. http://www.journalnow.com/content/2009/dec/16/flu-clinic-goes-on-nc-is-unaffected-by-recall-of-v/news/
FYI: The second of 2 flu clinics is still going on today til 7pm in the Education Building at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem. The vaccines will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Winston-Salem Forsyth County School Board met last night to discuss the possibility of cutting teachers next school year. According to the Winston-Salem Journal, the school board debated whether the school district should cut experienced teachers or those who have shown growth in student achievement. No decision was made but the board plans to discuss the issue further. www.journalnow.com/content/2009/dec/16/school-board-faces-hard-choices/news/
The Greensboro City Council voted last night to move forward with building an Aquatic Center. The Council’s approved plan will use $6.8 million dollars of local hotel tax money in addition to the $12 million dollar bond approved by voters last year.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF WASHINGTON, DC HAS GIVEN FINAL APPROVAL FOR SAME SEX MARRIAGES IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL. The Mayor of DC is expected to sign the legislation by the end of the week. The proposal then goes to the U-S Congress before it can become law.
THE SEARCH HAS BEEN SUSPENDED INDEFINATELY FOR TWO HIKERS MISSING ON MOUNT HOOD IN OREGON. Authorities say the weather is preventing a ground search for the foreseeable future. In searches such as this one, the odds of finding someone alive after two days are around one percent (according to Doctor Terri Schmidt, of Oregon Health and Science University).
A woman accused of robbing a Lexington pharmacy and forcing the lockdown of Lexington memorial has been arrested. Police said 29 year old Sherrie Pennington of East Holly Grove Road was arrested yesterday morning…and charged with a felony after stealing narcotics including Oxycotin valuing at $4,000 from the Medical Park Pharmacy located on South Main Street in Lexington. A court date is set for Jan. 19.
Evangelist Oral Roberts passed away on Tuesday due to complications from pneumonia. Roberts rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century…founding Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1963. His son, Richard, and daughter, Roberta, were at his side yesterday. Billy Graham released statement that, quote, "Oral Roberts was a man of God, and a great friend in ministry. I loved him as a brother." Oral Roberts was 91. www.christianpost.com/article/20091215/charismatic-leader-oral-roberts-dies-at-age-91/index.html
SPORTS
College Hoops: Duke Blue Devils over Gardner Webb 113 – 68
Tonight: Wake Forest vs UNC Wilmington
