Leadership Granville Class of 2023-24 Applications Due By June 30

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Granville County Chamber of Commerce Director Lauren Roberson invites prospective participants in Leadership Granville to submit an application before June 30.

The annual leadership development program is sponsored by the local Chamber, in collaboration with Granville County Public Schools and Vance-Granville Community College.

The eight-month long program provides participants with opportunities to network while gaining knowledge about all facets of the county, from local governments to small businesses and large industries to education and service organizations.

The next class begins in the fall and continues weekly through the spring, concluding with a graduation ceremony.

Applications for Leadership Granville are available at www.granville-chamber.com.  Email completed applications to lauren@granville-chamber.com, bring them by the office at 124 Hillsboro Street, Oxford, or mail them to P.O. Box 820, Oxford, N.C., 27565.

If you have any questions about Leadership Granville please contact the Chamber at 919.693.6125 or a Leadership Granville Steering Committee member.

 

TownTalk: Local Elections And Voter ID

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Local elections officials are gearing up for the fall municipal elections as they set about to comply with the new state law that requires voters to present a photo ID when they go to the polls to cast their vote.

Henderson residents will vote for a new mayor and four City Council seats in the Oct. 10 nonpartisan elections; Voting in Kittrell and Middleburg will take place on Nov. 7, according to Vance County Board of Elections Deputy Director Shelly Wood. Early voting for the Henderson elections begins Sept. 21 and ends Oct. 7.

Most registered voters can simply show their driver’s license, but non-drivers have a variety of options for acceptable photo IDs that meet the criteria from the State Board of Elections.

The photo ID must be a government-issued ID, such as a passport or DMV identification card, available free of charge. Soon, voters can request free photo ID cards from their local elections offices, but they are not available right now.

The main point for voters to understand is that they will be allowed to cast their vote with or without an acceptable photo ID. Those without an acceptable photo ID will complete provisional ballots and submit additional information to be reviewed and certified by the local board of elections.

School IDs and employee identification cards issued by state and local governments could also be used, as long as they have been approved in advance.

State Board of Elections Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell said educational institutions and and other government employers have until June 28 to provide the necessary information for approval.

“We strongly encourage all eligible educational institutions and government employers to apply for their IDs to be approved for voting. Getting their IDs approved will help ensure their students and employees are best equipped to participate in our state’s elections,” Bell said in a press statement.

Poll workers in the state’s 100 counties will only be looking at the photo to determine that it reasonably resembles the voter; there’s a process in place for when it doesn’t.

In such a case, the voter will complete a provisional ballot, which will be included in the final tally when the ID is verified.

Local elections officials have about a month before the filing window opens for the three municipal elections in Vance County – candidates may file between 12 noon on Friday, July 7 and 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

The State Board of Elections has a survey open until June 23 to collect public comment on the proposed changes. Find it here: Public Comment Portal: Photo ID Rules. You can also send comments via email to rulemaking.sboe@ncsbe.gov or by regular mail: Attn: Rulemaking Coordinator, PO Box 27255, Raleigh, NC 27611-7255.

There also will be a virtual public hearing on June 19 at 11 a.m. Participants can join by phone or computer. The links are below:

  • Online: Webex
    • Access code: 2435 046 5077
    • Passcode: NCSBE (62723 from phones and video systems)
  • By Phone: (415) 655-0003
    • Access code: 2435 046 5077#
    • Passcode: 62723

To learn more, visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/

 

 

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Proposed City Budget Includes 3.8-Cent Tax Increase, $3 Hike In Sanitation Fees

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The Henderson City Council is expected to adopt the 2023-24 budget at its June 12 meeting, with a few adjustments that have been made since the proposed budget was presented on May 8.

Those changes include a 3.8-cent tax increase, a $3 increase in sanitation rate and 50 percent reduction in non-payment fees for water/sewer customers, from $50 to $25.

City Manager Terrell Blackmon said the tax increase would mean an extra $318,437 in additional revenue for the city. The increase in sanitation fees will add $196,200, Blackmon said.

Council member Lamont Noel told WIZS News Friday afternoon that the council had reached consensus on the changes over the course of a string of budget work sessions, the most recent of which included a public hearing that took place Tuesday, May 31.

No member of the public spoke for or against the proposed budget at the public hearing, and no member of the council said anything of substance during the May 31 meeting.

A June 5 budget work session that had been announced on the city’s website has been cancelled, according to information from Blackmon Friday afternoon.

The next chance for the public to comment on the budget will be during a public hearing scheduled to take place at the beginning of the June 12 City Council meeting.

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These proposed increases would be the first since 2014, and Blackmon said there could be a slight increase in the water rate as well, now that financing for the Kerr Lake Regional Water System has been secured. That increase hasn’t been determined yet and it’s still being studied.

“Additional revenues will help sustain a stable fund balance to balance the budget and to help meet increased costs related to salaries, utilities, supplies such as chemicals, and other expenses impacted by inflation,” Blackmon stated Friday.

He added that the Council has a policy of maintaining a 30 percent fund balance available in reserves during periods of declining revenues, to be used for emergencies and unforeseen expenses.

It may take a couple of years before the budget is “revenue neutral,” he added. The upcoming county tax revaluation will take effect in January 2024, so that could mean more dollars coming to the city coffers, which would keep the fund balance at a healthy level.

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Fertilizers

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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Award-Winning Quilt On Display At Berea Branch Of Granville Library System

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– information courtesy of Granville Cuonty Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Visitors to the Berea Branch Library of the Granville County Library System will get a special welcome thanks to the generosity and creativity of one local quilter. A floral queen-sized quilt that was hand appliqued and hand quilted by Pauline O’Neal, 95, of Henderson is on display in the library this summer. It was submitted for display by her daughter, Phyllis O’Neal of Oxford. Both women are Berea Library patrons.

The quilt was awarded “first premium blue ribbon” in the in-home furnishing category at the North Carolina State Fair in 2008. O’Neal’s amazing work was noted in the judges’ comments, which included “elegant colors, super applique.”

Special thanks to the Lord Granville Agricultural Association for lending a quilt rack for this display. If you have a quilt that you would like to include in their 16th Annual Harvest Show, they are welcoming additions. For more information visit their website at www.lgaha.com.

The community is encouraged to come see the quilt along with all the Berea Branch Library regularly has to offer. The Berea Branch Library is located at 1211 US Highway 158, Oxford and normal operating hours are Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those interested are also invited to attend meetings of the Quilt Club that meets regularly at the Stovall Branch Library located at 300 Main St., Stovall.

For more information about the quilt display, contact the Berea Branch Library at 919.693.1231. For more information about the Quilt Club, contact the Stovall Branch Library at 919.693.5722.

To learn more about the Granville County Library System and all programming, including special summer reading  events for adults and children, visit www.granville.lib.nc.us.

 

Chamber, Rotary Team Up To Host “State Of The State” June 21

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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and The Henderson Rotary Club are hosting the annual “State of the State Address and Luncheon” Wednesday, June 21 at 12 noon.

State Sen. Lisa Barnes and N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon will bring news and updates from the General Assembly to those in attendance.

Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said this event is designed to give business leaders and engaged citizens insight and information about what’s happening in Raleigh, especially as it pertains to government budgets, resources, initiatives and more.

Chamber members, staff and guests are invited to attend the luncheon. The price is $30 a person; tables of 8 can be reserved as well.

Registration for the luncheon should be made before June 15. Contact the Chamber at 252.438.8414 or email tanya@hendersonvance.org.

Vance County Early College Celebrates the Class of 2023

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Press Release Courtesy of Vance County Schools —

Vance County Early College High School awarded 33 students with their high school diplomas Friday evening (May 26, 2023) at The Center for Innovation. 29 students also received their Associates of Arts or Science degree from Vance-Granville Community College.

Principal Debbie Hite shared words of encouragement to the graduating class, and VCECHS Class of 2023 graduates Jayson Otts and Katia Portillo-Chavez, delivered farewell addresses to their fellow classmates.

Jayson Otts talked about his journey through senior year, and reminded his classmates that “if you are having a bad day, God woke you up for a reason.”

Katia Portillo-Chavez encouraged the Class of 2023 to, “let us never forget the lessons we’ve learned here, as we go on new roads. Whether it is furthering our education, entering the workforce, enlisting into the military or pursuing our passions. Remember that we all have our destinies and travels to follow.”

Students were presented their diplomas by Principal Debbie Hite, Superintendent, Dr. Cindy Bennett, Mrs. Gloria J. White, VCS Board of Education Chair, and Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, President of Vance-Granville Community College.

Congratulations, Vance County Early College High School Class of 2023!

VCECHS Class of 2023 Fast Facts:

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  • VCECHS Class of 2023 has received over $4.9 million in scholarships.
  • The following seniors are enlisting into the military:
    • Alexander Cruz – U.S. Marines
    • Morris Gene Langley, III – United States Air Force
    • Keyon O’Shea Tunstall – U.S. Marines
  • 31 students are graduating with distinction:
    • 8 seniors are graduating Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.25-3.5)
    • 7 seniors are graduating Magna Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.6-3.9)
    • 16 seniors are graduating Summa Cum Laude (weighted GPA 4.0+)
  • 29 seniors earned their Associates Degree from Vance Granville Community College.
  • VCECHS students have earned a total of 1824 transferable college credits.
  • 23 seniors were accepted into a 2 or 4 year college/university.
  • Students graduated with a variety honors:
    • National Honor Society
    • North Carolina Scholar
    • National Beta Club
    • President’s Award for Educational Excellence
    • President’s Award for Achievement

Vance Virtual Village Academy graduates on Saturday, June 10 at 9 a.m. followed by AdVance Academy at 11 a.m. All ceremonies are at the Center for Innovation and require a ticket to enter.

Drug Complaint Leads to Investigation and May 26th Arrest

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From HPD Chief Marcus W. Barrow — 

On May 26, 2023, members of the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Bureau of Investigation served a narcotic’s search warrant at 125 Wyche Street Henderson, North Carolina, Apartment 304, in response to a drug complaint.

During the service of the warrant approximately 75 grams of cocaine, drug manufacturing equipment and $13,964.00 in cash proceeds from drug sales were seized.

65-year-old Christopher Williams was arrested in relation to this investigation.

Williams was charged with, two counts of Trafficking Cocaine, one count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Cocaine, one count of Felony Manufacturing Cocaine, two counts of Maintaining a Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Williams received a $150,000.00 secured bond (from the magistrate).

Williams was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center.

Williams is currently on Federal Probation for prior drug related charges.

If anyone has information about any ongoing criminal activity, please contact us through Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at (252- 492-1925 or P3 app), call us at 252-438-4141, or contact us through Facebook or Instagram.

(Henderson Police Department Press Release)

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Crossroads Christian School

SportsTalk: Crossroads Celebrates 4th State Championship

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Crossroads Christian School has just wrapped up its girls soccer season with the school’s fourth state championship.  The school had previously won a championship in golf and has had two consecutive boys cross country championship teams.  The girls soccer team has come a long way in the last couple of years, according to the school’s athletic director Scottie Richardson.

“We were 11-10 in 2022,” Richardson said on Thursday’s SportsTalk on WIZS.  “This year we exploded. We were ranked number 1 most of the year. We lost our first game but went on to win fifteen straight games,” Richardson added.  The team, consisting of mostly 8th, 9th and 10th graders, featured two all state freshmen.  “We are still a young team,” Richardson said.

Next year is shaping up as a good one for Crossroads as Richardson said boys soccer will return most of its players after a deep run in the playoffs this season.  Richardson also has high hopes for volleyball and feels that the girls cross country team could add to the championship banners at Crossroads Christian.

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