Granville County Crime Stoppers Establishes Scholarship For VGCC Criminal Justice Students

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–       Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation (VGCCF) is proud to announce the establishment of a new academic achievement scholarship for Criminal Justice students, made possible by a generous $10,000 donation from Granville County Crime Stoppers.

The newly created Granville County Crime Stoppers Criminal Justice Academic Achievement Scholarship will support and encourage students pursuing careers in criminal justice. This contribution reflects Crime Stoppers’ ongoing commitment to crime prevention and community development through education.

“We are deeply grateful to Granville County Crime Stoppers for investing in the future of our students and our community,” said VGCC Foundation Executive Director Tanya Weary. “This scholarship will help remove financial barriers and empower students who are passionate about making a positive impact through criminal justice.”

The scholarship is available to qualified students currently enrolled in VGCC’s Criminal Justice Technology program who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to public service. Interested students may apply now at vgcc.academicworks.com.

 

Granville County Crime Stoppers continues to be a vital partner in making our community a safer place to live and work. This scholarship further strengthens their mission by supporting the next generation of criminal justice professionals.

 

For more information about The VGCC Foundation, contact 252.738.3264 or foundation@vgcc.edu.

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TownTalk: ‘Faith In Mental Health’ Partnership Off To A Strong Start; 2 Meetings Added

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The Faith in Mental Health certificate program has gotten off to a strong start, with more than 100 people representing about 30 churches taking part in the initial program in June. Organizers are expanding this pilot phase in Vance and Granville counties and welcome others to join at upcoming meetings, one in Vance and one in Granville.

The Vance County meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Henderson. The Granville County meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Butner.

Local pastor Frank Sossamon, in partnership with Granville Vance Public Health, Vaya Health and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Mental Health, introduced the idea to his colleagues in the N.C. House of Representatives.

Sossamon and GVPH’s Karl Johnson, PhD, talked about how the Faith in Mental Health program works to help church communities be a bridge to services and to resources for members of the congregations and for the larger community.

“It’s a mechanism for churches to become more knowledgeable about resources,” Sossamon said on Thursday’s TownTalk. Services are available, he said, but if you don’t know how to access those services, they’re of no help to someone struggling with mental health issues.

“We have already gotten some positive response back,” Sossamon said of the first training session held in June.

They decided to add more sessions to allow even more churches to get involved. “Every church can be involved and should be involved,” he added.

Johnson is on the faculty of UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public Health, but he said he spends a good bit of time as part of the GVPH staff. He said he helps connects both work sites – things happening at the university and things happening on the ground in Vance and Granville counties.

Those connections include financial resources and networks of professionals who can support the kind of work the Faith in Mental Health program does.

“It’s exciting to work with Pastor frank Sossamon,” Johnson said, as well as Vaya and the professionals at the state level to be able to tailor programs to meet the diverse needs of churches.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all program,” he said. Program organizers work with churches to help them identify the topics that best suit their needs, whether it’s addiction, depression, anxiety, the mental health of the elderly, among others.

This set up “gives churches a lot of agency in pursuing the kinds of activities that they think will better equip their congregations and community,” Johnson said.

The program is free and open to all local religious leaders and church members of any denomination in Vance and Granville counties. Designed to help faith communities support individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges—through both practical resources and a faith-based perspective – the Faith in Mental Health program is one way to help churches and their members to become more knowledgeable about available resources and agencies.

“Churches have long been a source of strength and support in our communities,” Sossamon said in a press release from GVPH announcing the extra meetings. “With the right tools and knowledge, faith communities can play a powerful role in walking alongside individuals in their recovery journeys—spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.”

Participants will learn about local providers of mental health and substance use treatment; understand the science behind conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and suicidality; explore available treatment options; and discover how faith and spirituality can provide unique forms of support for those in need.

If a church were to develop a mental health ministry that highlights each month a different theme related to mental health, Sossamon said it would go a long way to educated and inform the congregation.

But more than that, just talking openly about mental health and the challenges associated with it, are helpful. “Talk about it and remove the stigma,” Sossamon said. “That in itself is healing.”

For more information or to get involved, contact Sossamon at pastorfrank1954@gmail.com.

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VGCC Foundation’s ‘Fill The Pantry’ Craft Fair Set For Friday, Oct. 10 At Civic Center

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— Information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College Foundation

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is planning its third annual Fill the Pantry Craft Fair on Friday, Oct. 10 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the College’s Civic Center in Henderson.   The event supports the VGCC food pantry, which provides essential resources to students in need.  This indoor craft fair is open to the public.

Cost of admission will be three (3) canned goods, nonperishable food items, or paper goods at the door.

Join in for a day of shopping, community, food, raffles and giving back. Local vendors will offer a variety of handmade goods—perfect for early holiday shopping—while helping to stock the pantry shelves.  In addition, grab a bite to eat from Bun on the Run or enjoy a coffee and/or treat from The Double Shot.

“With the holiday season quickly approaching, this show is a fantastic way to celebrate our local crafters while also supporting the community,” said Angela Douglas, VGCC Food Pantry Assistant. “We are excited to host this family-friendly event and help our students at the same time.”

Sheri Jones, VGCC Foundation associate director, said, “We are supported by donations from The Food Bank of North Central NC as well as one of the local Food Lion stores.  We also do a weekly donation pick-up from Strong Arm Baking Company in Oxford and have employees who make monetary donations and product donations.  Since we are able to do our event indoors, we have moved it to Friday afternoon and early evening this year so that it doesn’t compete with numerous other events – most outdoors – that take place on Saturdays in October.”

The VGCC Foundation is still accepting craft vendors to participate in this indoor community event, but spaces are limited. Craft vendors who would like to participate should complete the online Craft Show Interest Form. Vendor fees will be $25 for a 10 x 10 space plus a donated item to be used for raffles. For more information, please contact the Vance-Granville Community College Food Pantry at 252-738-3323 or douglasa@vgcc.edu.

Granville County Litter Prevention Program Kickoff Set For Oct. 4 At Butner Gazebo Park

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— Courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County is proud to announce the Granville County Litter Program Kickoff hosted by the Town of Butner on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. at Gazebo Park, 416 Central Ave., Butner.

Litter has plagued our state, county, and municipalities for too long. Addressing litter in our community improves far more than our roadways – it strengthens education, community safety, pride, and a host of social and behavioral outcomes. Growing partnerships with county government, our municipal governments, schools, churches, civic organizations, and citizens are advancing that vision through a coordinated countywide effort.

What sets this program apart is true coordination:

  • Granville County Government will align resources
  • Granville County Public Schools will help educate and engage students and families
  • Our municipalities will synchronize local cleanups and enforcement
  • Private citizens, faith communities, civic groups, and the business community will power the on-the ground action

At the kickoff, we’ll share how these partners are working together – not in silos – to prevent litter, expand cleanups, improve reporting and enforcement, and build a culture of stewardship. You’ll hear from our partners and learn practical ways to get involved with your family immediately.

This is our chance to show – with our presence – that all of Granville County means business. Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and join us at Gazebo Park in Butner on Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. Together, we’ll launch a sustained, countywide partnership for a litter-free Granville County.

Municipal Elections Nov. 4 In Granville County

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Voters in the upcoming Nov. 4 municipal elections in Oxford will have two choices for mayor and will choose from among seven candidates for four seats on the city’s board of commissioners.

According to information from the Granville County Board of Elections, Oxford Mayor Guillermo Nurse will face opposition from James W. Crawford, Jr. in the upcoming nonpartisan election.

The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order, have filed for seats on the city’s board of commissioners:

Quon Bridges (incumbent)

Scotty Brooks (incumbent)

Sandra Compton

Courtney Crudup

Kate Kelly

Karen McGhee

Martha Wrenn

The top four vote-getters will win seats on the board, said Granville County Board of Elections Director Tonya Burnette.

In Stovall, Jeffrey G. Stovall is the lone filer in the mayor’s race. Mayor Mike Williford did not file for re-election.

And Burnette said none of the sitting town commissioners filed for re-election, so voters will select two candidates for seats on the town commission. The top two vote-getters will be elected.

Candidates for Stovall Town Commissioner are:

Phylicia N. Barker

Tammy Hughes

Vicki Reid

Tiana Royster

David Rivenbark (filed for unexpired term that ends in 2027)

Absentee voting begins Friday, Oct. 3 and Oct. 21 is the deadline to request an absentee ballot.  The deadline to register to vote is Friday, Oct. 10, according to information on the Granville County Board of Elections website.

In-person early voting begins on Thursday, Oct. 16 and continues through Saturday, Nov. 1.

Polling places are open on Election Day, Nov. 4, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/315/Board-of-Elections to learn more.

(This information was originally posted on WIZS.com on July 24, 2025.)

TownTalk: Rebuilding Hope BBQ Chicken Fundraiser Coming Up September 26

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Plans for Rebuilding Hope’s Sept. 26 chicken plate fundraiser are well underway, and Co-Director Tom Wille said patrons are invited to pick up plates at the drive-thru, or they are welcome to park, come inside and visit for a while as they enjoy their meal.

One quick note: the price has gone up to $12 a plate, but customers can expect the same delicious food – half a chicken, potatoes, green beans, bread and dessert. The sale is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We still think it’s a very fair price,” Wille said on Monday’s TownTalk.

With the cost of everything going up – from the food to lumber, Wille said making the price adjustment was necessary.

“The cost of doing what we do has risen also,” he said. “We’re trying to keep up with the times.”

Rebuilding Hope, located at 414 Raleigh Rd, helps the community in many ways, including building wheelchair ramps and making repairs to homes in Vance County and beyond.

The nonprofit holds fundraisers to help purchase the lumber needed to construct the ramps and stairs that help people get in and out of their homes safely.

Wille said folks can order their plates ahead of time, and businesses can have five or more plates delivered. Call the office at 252.438.5132 to place your advance order.

One addition to this fundraiser is called Scraps to Treasure, Wille said.

“One of our steady volunteers is very handy,” he said, referring to Larry Leach, who creates items like planters, candlesticks and other decorative items from leftover wood.

“We bring all our leftover scraps from a job site and so many times they end up in the landfill,” Wille said.

Leach takes this “pile of scraps” and he turns them into treasures, he said.

It’s a way to put a few more dollars out into the community, Wille said, but it also diverts scrap wood out of the waste stream.

Visit rebuildinghopeinc.org to learn more about the services the Rebuilding Hope offers and to see a sample of the objects offered in the Scraps to Treasure program.

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Vance County Committee Forming To Plan Activities, Events To Celebrate 250th Birthday Of The U.S.

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Communities across the country are gearing up for next year’s big 250th birthday, and Vance County is forming a planning committee to climb aboard the anniversary bandwagon.

America 250 NC, a program of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is partnering with local governments and nonprofits across the state to plan celebrations to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The celebration officially kicked off this past July 4 and culminates on July 4, 2026.

The local committee that is forming now will be responsible for planning and organizing events, projects and initiatives, said Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry.

“The plan is to have an event or some type of events leading up to the 250th anniversary,” Perry stated.

Anyone interested in serving on the planning committee is asked to complete the application found here and return to Kelly H. Grissom, County Clerk, to the address or email listed on the application.

Visit https://america250.org/americas-250th/ for a comprehensive listing of programs and activities of the national celebration.

The Local Skinny! Vance County Schools Asks Commissioners For 5% Match Of State Grant Funding For Repair Projects

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The majority of Vance County’s schools need some work, from roof repairs and paint  to sewer lift station upgrades and new windows and doors. All that work would surely come with a hefty price tag, but Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett has a work-around that she presented Tuesday to the Vance County Board of Commissioners.

The work-around comes in the form of a state-administered grant for capital improvements and Vance County could stand to get more than $47 million to make those necessary repairs and renovations, Bennett told commissioners Tuesday.

“The capital needs grant allows us to apply for $47.2 million as a school district,” Bennett stated in her comments to the board. All the commissioners need to do is agree to a 5 percent match.

If the school district were to be approved to receive the maximum amount, the 5 percent match would amount to about $2.5 million.

The matching funds wouldn’t have to be paid all at once; rather, the money could come in over the course of the projects, which could take several years.

Bennett and Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry agree that Vance County is poised to receive the funding because of its Tier 1 designation and because it hasn’t applied previously to get the funding.

Time is of the essence, however, and that’s why Bennett and VCS Chief Finance Officer John Suther appealed to the commissioners for financial support. The grant opened on Aug. 15 and the application came online on Aug. 18, Bennett explained. All documentation must be back to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction no later than Oct. 3.

Although she expressed full support for the plan, Perry said she would request that commissioners have a chance to review the documents shared by Bennett before the board makes a decision.

“I’m in full support,” Perry said, but suggested that commissioners review and discuss the matter at an upcoming work session and then make a decision at a special called meeting in a couple of weeks. As of Thursday morning, that special meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. The matching funds for the schools is one of three topics to be discussed.

“We need to look at our fund balance,” Perry said. “We also have to think about (other) capital projects. The school district gets money from the county each year that is designated for capital outlay, so perhaps some of that money from the budget line item could be used as part of the 5 percent match, she said.

Commissioner Tommy Hester called the decision a “no brainer” since the school district normally relies on county funding for capital projects. A 5 percent match is like saying the county will get a 95 percent discount if the state approves the grant funding.

 

(Our WIZS written coverage will appear here soon.)

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TownTalk: Sheriff Brame Requests Extension of Support from County Commissioners

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Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame appeared before the board of commissioners on Tuesday to thank them for the financial support that allows sheriff’s office employees to give much-needed support at the detention center and to ask for an extension of that support through the end of the year.

In the past five months, County Manager C. Renee Perry said the county has paid more than $483,000. And that is an unsustainable amount, Perry told commissioners at their Tuesday meeting.

Brame contends that much of the money comes from lapsed salaries – money budgeted for positions that haven’t been filled.

“It’s still a lot of money,” Perry told commissioners. “Five hundred thousand is excessive in my opinion.”

Perry estimated that the county has paid for roughly 9,671 hours – at $50/hour to sheriff’s office employees to fill in at the jail. She suggested that the agreement be revised to exclude exempt staff. “We’ve got to get this cost down – we have to,” Perry stated.

Brame said he expects that six of the 12 new jail hires can be certified by Dec. 1.

He said it takes time for employees to be trained, much less certified, for the positions they’ve been hired for.

“Right now, we need it,” Brame told commissioners. The ongoing staffing shortage, coupled with corrective action plans in place by the state spell big challenges for the sheriff, who oversees the detention center.

The state mandated the jail be depopulated, dispersing detainees to other facilities from Cherokee County in the mountains to Brunswick County on the coast.

On any given day, up to four transport teams are traveling to fetch detainees from where they’re being housed to court here in Vance County or to medical appointments. All the while, these teams are on the clock, racking up hours in vehicles, as well as lodging and other associated costs.

The Vance County jail has between 45 and 50 detainees as of Wednesday, but that number can swell temporarily as individuals come in for court appearances and other matters related to due process. Brame said there are about 150 detainees housed in facilities across the state at this time.

Perry said there will come a time when she will have to come before the commissioners to ask them for more money for the jail situation.

“At some point, we won’t have enough money to do a jail,” she said.

Commissioner Dan Brummitt said he would like commissioners to take some time to review the current plan, “probably make some revisions to it to try to tighten the belt a little bit.”

A motion by Commissioner Tommy Hester, seconded by Brummitt, passed unanimously to table a decision until the commissioners’ work session in a couple of weeks.

 

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Kerr-Tar COG Regional Housing Summit Sept. 11 At VGCC Civic Center

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Regional leaders, housing experts and community partners will come together on Thursday, Sept. 11 for the Kerr-Tar Regional Housing Summit, an event designed to address current housing challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The summit will bring together local officials, planners, developers, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening housing availability, affordability and accessibility throughout the region.

“Access to safe, attainable housing is central to our region’s long-term growth and quality of life,” said Kerr-Tar COG Executive Director Diane Cox. “This summit is an opportunity to share knowledge, identify common challenges, and work toward solutions.”

The summit will feature subject matter experts including Tyler Mulligan, professor of Public Law and Government at the UNC School of Government. He advises state and local officials as well as partner organizations on community economic development, affordable housing, public-private development partnerships, and revitalization initiatives. Also presenting will be Chris Allen, director of Events and Partnerships at Strong Towns, a national nonprofit that helps communities strengthen their housing markets and expand access to homes at prices residents can afford.

The event will take place at Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center, 200 Community College Rd.  from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Registration is open to the public, with particular emphasis on participation from government officials, housing professionals, business leaders and community advocates.

For more information or to register, please visit kerrtarcog.org  or contact Desiree Brooks at 252.436.2040 or dbrooks@kerrtarcog.org.