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Animal Control Advisory Committee to Meet on Dangerous Dog Declaration

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE

Granville County Animal Control Advisory Committee

The Granville County Animal Advisory Committee will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Granville Expo and Convention Center located at 4185 Highway 15 South, Oxford.

The purpose of the special meeting is to hold a hearing for a citizen contesting a Dangerous Dog Declaration.

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension with Jean Bell 06/28/18

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Fireworks Safety

Summertime is here. Summer brings outdoor fun, picnics and celebrations for the Fourth of July. For many people the 4th of July means fireworks. A good fireworks show can make lots of good memories for your family and can be a wonderful end to a family holiday picnic. Make sure your celebration is safe by educating your family about fireworks safety.

If not handled properly fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries. According to the US consumer product safety commission, each year 250 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the days around the 4th of July.

These injuries are not limited to kids; 61% of the injuries reported are adults, 32% are kids under age 14 and the rest are teens.  About 14% of fireworks injuries are due to using sparklers incorrectly, 17% involve firecrackers, 21% involve roman candles or reloadable shells, and the rest are other types of products. Fireworks injuries can happen with both backyard displays and public displays.

Using some types of fireworks at home is not legal in all areas, so be sure to check the local laws. If you do use home fireworks, use these safety tips to make sure you have a safe and memorable celebration.

  • Never make your own fireworks. Buy fireworks from a reputable dealer, and make sure they are legal. Legal fireworks have a label and manufacturer’s name and directions. Illegal fireworks account for many injuries.
  • Always use fireworks outside. Have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents. Pay attention to weather conditions. If the weather is very dry or windy, don’t use fireworks. Wait for better weather conditions.
  • Point fireworks away from your home, buildings, brush, trees, and flammable substances. The national fire protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more than 50, 000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
  • Soak all used fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in a trash can.
  • Before lighting any fireworks, make sure you have a safe place to light them. Make sure all spectators stay safely back from the lighting area; only the adult lighting the firework should be in the area.
  • Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting.
  • Wear eye protection while lighting fireworks
  • Don’t throw or point fireworks at anyone.
  • When lighting fireworks, light one at a time.
  • MOVE back quickly after lighting the firework. Fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
  • NEVER allow children to play with or light fireworks
  • NEVER try to relight a firework that was a dud or that has not ignited fully.
  • Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks
  • If you give your kids sparklers, make sure they keep them away from bodies, faces, clothes and hair. Sparklers can reach a temperature of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt gold. Set up a bucket of water to dispose of used sparklers, make sure kids don’t drop them on the ground. Go over safety rules for sparklers with kids and enforce them.

If anyone is injured, seek medical treatment immediately. If eye injury occurs, don’t touch or rub the eye as this can cause more damage. Don’t flush the eye or put on any ointment. Lightly cover the eye, and seek medical attention. For a burn, remove clothing and run cool water over the burned area and seek medical attention.

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed. Be safe if you use fireworks at home or attend a public fireworks display and leave the lighting to the professionals.

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn Named Principal of Granville Academy

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Dr. Vanessa Wrenn, Ed.D. has been named principal of Granville Academy, a blended learning experience for grades K-12 that allows for on-site and off-site independent studies.

Wrenn began her career in education teaching at Riverside High School in Durham and has served as a Career Technical Education teacher and the Director of Technology and Online Learning for Granville County Public Schools.

Among her accomplishments, Wrenn initiated the Granville Online program in 2010 for students in grades 7-12 and also implemented a one laptop device per student directive to allow for 24/7 anytime, anywhere learning.

“As a mother of three, my lens is always ‘what is best for children,’” said Wrenn. “My goal is to ensure that all children are engaged in their learning so they may be successful students.”

With a background in digital learning initiatives, Wrenn brings her extensive knowledge to this new approach to K-12 education. “My work has transitioned learning in Granville County Public Schools to a digital age teaching environment,” said Wrenn. “Students and teachers now have consistent access to technology devices, resources and online courses.”

As part of the Granville County Public School System, Granville Academy will begin its first school year on Monday, August 27, 2018, and will follow the traditional calendar for Granville County Schools.

Taught by state-certified teachers, and accredited as part of the school district system, Granville Academy staff “will use innovation and flexibility to best meet each learners needs.”

According to their website, Granville Academy will enroll students in K-5 and 6-8 to attend a physical school building two days a week for five hours each day. High school students in grades 9-12 will have flexibility in their workspace based on progress. All students will work virtually during the school week.

Academy classes will be located inside existing Granville County school structures. Tar River and CG Credle Elementary and Butner-Stem and Northern Granville Middle will serve as the Granville Academy elementary and middle school sites, respectively. High school students will attend a physical school building on an as-needed basis.

Granville Academy is available to both in-county and out-of-county residents. While free for residents of Granville County, students living out-of-district will pay a tuition as determined by the Granville County Public School’s Board of Education.

According to Wrenn, community feedback regarding the hybrid learning experience has been very positive. “The schedule of some days on campus and other days away from campus meets families and learners’ specific needs. We have families who travel for work and pleasure, students who are pursuing sports, arts, or have health reasons which require flexible schedules. Additionally, some students prefer a blended model due to their learning style.”

Over the past few months, Granville Academy staff have conducted numerous community talks to educate the community on the school design and to answer individual questions.

Although well-received, Wrenn said the biggest challenge has been helping both parents and the community understand how a blended school works. “The school utilizes a personalized course of study that follows local and state curriculum standards. Teachers provide the primary instruction and assign grades. Parents are highly involved, facilitating learning on the days students are at home.”

Students are assessed using the same state end-of-grade and end-of-course exams as traditional Granville County Public School students and are eligible for athletics and other activities as offered at their base school.

With 168 students currently enrolled in grades K-12, Wrenn is ready to get started. “I understand that each child needs an advocate and options. I am excited and eager to bring my skills as an educational leader in online learning and technology to Granville Academy and work to ensure every child’s success in a personalized learning environment.”

*For more information on Granville Academy, please visit their website at https://ga.gcs.k12.nc.us/ or contact Dr. Wrenn at wrennv@gcs.k12.nc.us.

H-V Chamber Logo

Rebuild Durham to Host Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Rebuild Durham, a Henderson Community Resource Center for homebuyer education, housing finance, construction, workforce development and revitalization, will host a grand opening and brunch on Thursday, June 28, 2018, from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

The event will feature Rebuilding Communities.

Located at 117 Church Street in Henderson, Rebuild Durham’s grand opening will also include a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.

Please call Rebuild Durham at (919) 723-0100 for more details.

*The ribbon-cutting for Dysart Willis, 1108 Dabney Drive, previously scheduled for Thursday, June 28 has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 12, 2018, at 4 p.m.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Granville Crime Stoppers

Granville Co. Crime Stoppers Needs Public’s Help With Recent Larceny Cases

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-Press Release, Granville County Crime Stoppers

Sometime between Tuesday, May 29 and Wednesday, May 30, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Pope Rd., Creedmoor, NC and forced entry into a garage.  One “2006” Yamaha Kodiak 4wd four wheeler, one fishing tackle box and a bag with fishing bait, one small jump box with compressor, one pair men rubber boots, one Poulan chainsaw in its black case and one Stihl weed eater were criminally removed from the property.

Sometime between Thursday, May 31 and Friday, June 1, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon the private property of a residence located off Winston Road, Creedmoor, NC and criminally removed frozen fish, pizza and auto parts from the residence.

On Saturday, May 26, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property of a residence located off Old Highway 75, Stem, NC and forced entry of a residence, which caused criminal property damage and unlawfully removed one Smith & Wesson MP45 handgun, one night stand with two drawers, a small mounted gun safe and a Dicks Sporting Goods cabinet.

On Tuesday, June 24, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property of a residence located off Moss Hayes Road, Creedmoor, NC and forced entry, which caused criminal property damage and unlawfully removed three handguns, Winchester .25 caliber ammunition, two flat screen televisions, one Blue Ray DVD player, six PlayStation video games, one book of checks, two crystal ornaments, two pairs (men) shoes, one pair Gucci sunglasses and two ball caps.

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES.  IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY, YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Meet Thurs., June 28

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-Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting Thursday, June 28, 2018, at 6 p.m. at the Granville County Public Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The board will also meet in a Closed Session for Personnel/Attorney-Client Privilege in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 on this evening.

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 06/27/18

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Home and Garden Show 06/26/18

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News 06/27/18

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Vance County Logo

Vance Co. DSS Provides Much Needed Services to Local Area

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Krystal Harris, director of the Vance County Department of Social Services (DSS), was recently on WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss programs offered by the department.

According to Harris, services offered by DSS can be classified under one of four areas – economic services, adult services, child welfare services and administration.

“People usually think of our economic services such as food and nutrition or our child welfare services when they think of DSS but we provide many other additional services,” said Harris.

Medicaid, Work First, food and nutrition benefits, Child Protective Services (CPS), Adult Protective Services (APS), in-home services for the elderly and disabled, foster care and adoptions are among the many services provided by DSS.

Unlike many counties that source their child support services out to other agencies, Vance County’s DSS has an in-house child support program.

In addition, DSS provides daycare subsidies to approximately 1,000 children in Vance County with more currently on a waitlist.

Daycare providers must be accredited as a three-star center to be eligible to receive the subsidies provided by a combination of funding from the State and from Smart Start. The State sends payment directly to the participating daycare providers while parents are charged a “parent fee” or a percentage of the money owed.

Program Integrity, DSS’ fraud prevention program, is used to investigate reports or suspicion of anyone committing fraud, especially as it relates to economic services such as Medicaid, food and nutrition or the Work First program.

According to Harris, the need for DSS is great in the local area, a trend that she sees continuing to grow. “Approximately a third of the population of Vance County receives food and nutrition benefits,” Harris said. “A lot of our citizens are unemployed and when unemployment rates increase we see an increase in requested services.”

The number of people served and the increased need for services has led DSS to begin working with the County to explore relocation options. “We are in the process now and are making some progress on finding possible relocation sites for our office,” said Harris.

Vance County DSS currently employs 125 workers, including employees at the Senior Center in downtown Henderson, a division that falls under DSS. There are seven social workers available for in-house investigations on an as-needed basis. If you need to report a situation, Harris emphasized that there is someone available to help 24/7.

Part of Harris’ job as DSS Director is to use WIZS’ Town Talk and similar platforms to help educate the public on services that DSS provides and to help dispel negative ideas of the program. “In my experience, we do have a negative connotation with our name, but we provide a lot of services to assist people and to get them out of crisis situations. If we didn’t have social services a lot of people would not have health benefits or a meal on the table each day. Children and adults would not be safe.”

For more information on the Vance County Department of Social Services, please visit the office at 350 Ruin Creek Rd, Henderson or call (252) 492-5001.

Applications for services may also be found by visiting NC ePASS at https://www.nc.gov/services/e-pass.