Granville County Employee Recognized By State Organization For Customer Service, Helping Coworkers In Tax Office

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— Courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry A. Hobgood, Jr.

Tax Collections Supervisor Tamonica Thorpe recently received the Outstanding Tax Collections Employee of the Year award from the North Carolina Tax Collectors’ Association. Thorpe was recognized for exemplary customer service to the citizens of Granville County and dedication to helping her coworkers.

Thorpe has worked for the Granville County Tax Administration Department for the last 10 years, which included a brief tenure with the Durham County Tax Administration Department. She began as a tax listing assistant before moving to Tax Collections assistant II, Tax Collections specialist, and Collections Supervisor – a role she has held  since 2019.

Thorpe is known for remaining patient and for always being willing to lend a helping hand, even during the most stressful situations. She is also known for creating games to help with training and professional development, including a tax-themed Jeopardy! game she devised to help teach her coworkers more about listing, assessing, collections and enforcement.

While continuing to work full-time at the Tax Administration office, Thorpe pursued her master’s in Public Administration from Liberty University. Her coworkers note that she has improved efficiency by collaborating with other divisions of the Tax Administration office to simplify procedures and reduce the time needed to complete standard tax listing processes.

“Tamonica’s motto is to work smarter, not harder,” said Tax Administrator Jenny Short. “I am so proud to have her as part of our team in Granville County and am thrilled that she was honored by her peers from across North Carolina. Every day, Tamonica exemplifies hard work and dedication, and she is so deserving to be named the Outstanding Tax Collections Employee of the Year.”

The NCTCA is a professional organization consisting of tax revenue directors and personnel representing counties and municipalities in North Carolina. The NCTCA provides members with education and training opportunities to perform duties to the maximum benefit of their citizens.

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NC AG Jackson Secures Conviction in State Withholding Tax Embezzlement Case

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Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced Friday, July 25 that the former owner of several North Carolina assisted living facilities, Charles L. Gross, Jr., pleaded guilty to nine counts of aiding and abetting embezzlement of state property. Gross will serve 10-21 months in prison, pay restitution and complete 100 hours of community service.

“This business owner embezzled over $100,000 – funds used for important state functions like public education, health and human services, transportation and infrastructure,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “I’m grateful for the work of NCDOJ attorneys to bring him to justice. Our office is committed to going after anyone who abuses state tax funds.”

Information showed that Gross, who operated Coventry Health and Management, LLC DBA Granville House, Coventry House of Siler City, LLC, and Coventry House of Zebulon, LLC used his businesses to embezzle State Withholding tax. During tax years 2016-2019, Gross embezzled a total of $124,225.00.

The charges against Gross resulted from an investigation by special agents with the Department of Revenue’s Criminal Investigations Division in Raleigh and was prosecuted by Special Prosecution attorneys with the North Carolina Department of Justice.

— from a Press Release

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— additional Press Release from NC Department of Revenue

A former assisted living businessman pleaded guilty on Monday, July 21 in Wake County Superior Court to state tax charges filed by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

Charles L. Gross, Jr., 65, of 2609 Coxindale Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, pleaded guilty on July 21, 2025 to nine counts of Embezzlement of State Property.

Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway sentenced Gross to an active sentence of 10 months minimum, 21 months maximum on one judgment. In an additional judgment, Gross was sentenced to 16 months minimum, 29 months maximum prison term. The second sentence was suspended for 60 months of special probation and Gross was placed on supervised probation with the following conditions: Gross paid $25,000.00 in restitution prior to the plea, he shall pay the remaining restitution of $99,225.00, and complete 100 hours of community service.

Information presented in court showed that Gross, President/Manager and/or responsible person of Coventry Health and Management, LLC dba Granville House, Coventry House of Siler City, LLC, and Coventry House of Zebulon, LLC aided and abetted the businesses to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use State Withholding tax. Gross aided and abetted Coventry Health and Management, LLC dba Granville House LLC to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use $30,580.00 in State Withholding Tax during the period January 1, 2017 through September 30, 2019. Gross aided and abetted Coventry House of Siler City, LLC, to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use $60,132.00 in State Withholding Tax during the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. Gross aided and abetted Coventry House of Zebulon, LLC to embezzle, misapply, and convert to his own use $33,513.00 in State Withholding Tax during the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. During this period of time, Gross was the responsible person of the businesses, which was under a duty to collect, hold in trust, and remit North Carolina State Taxes to the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

The charges against Gross resulted from an investigation by special agents with the department’s Criminal Investigations Division in Raleigh and was prosecuted by Special Prosecution attorneys with the Office of Attorney General.

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.

‘Unshame NC’ Campaign Takes Aim To Remove Stigma Related To Substance Abuse Disorder, Raise Awareness

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— information courtesy of the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and First Lady Anna Stein, in collaboration with Shatterproof, announced the launch of the Unshame North Carolina campaign to end stigma related to substance use disorder. Unshame NC has two primary goals: to increase knowledge and awareness of substance use disorder and medications for opioid use disorder as a treatment option.

“Stigma is deeply rooted and causes real harm to people and communities across North Carolina,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Unshame NC is part of a collaborative effort from all of us to end stigma, build acceptance and increase support for treatment for people on their path to recovery.”

“Many people struggling with substance use don’t seek help because of stigma,” said North Carolina First Lady Anna Stein. “This campaign will highlight the stories of people who have experience with substance use disorder and recovery and bring greater awareness to effective methods of treatment for opioid use disorder.”

Unshame NC was launched Tuesday at the Wake County Drug Overdose Prevention Coalition meeting. The website, https://www.unshamenc.org/ includes testimonials from North Carolinians sharing their personal stories of substance use, hope and recovery. Facebook and Instagram content will help drive users to the website, which provides links to resources, including information on how to find the right treatment center, and guidance for providers and for family members seeking care for a loved one. NCDHHS contracted with national non-profit Shatterproof to develop and implement the Unshame NC campaign.

Recent data from a statewide survey indicates 57 percent of North Carolinians know someone with opioid use disorder. Despite this widespread issue, only 34 percent of North Carolina residents know how to find quality treatment for themselves or their loved ones. Additionally, only one in five adults in North Carolina recognizes that opioid use disorder is a medical condition. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive education that connects people to lifesaving resources and treatment.

“There’s no better evidence that recovery is real than a life changed,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW LCSW, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. “We’re pairing the stories of people in recovery with a statewide effort to increase access to MOUD, so more people can benefit from evidence-based care. Real access means supporting people on the recovery journey that makes sense for them, without judgment—and offering them every opportunity for lifesaving treatment, that includes MOUD.”

Unshame NC focuses on the voices and experiences of North Carolinians affected by substance use disorder. Through storytelling, education, and grassroots activation, the campaign demonstrates that people with substance use disorder are valued members of our communities—our family, neighbors, and coworkers—and highlights actionable ways we can ensure everyone has the support they need to thrive.

“While most North Carolinians believe that people with SUD can recover with treatment, stigma and misinformation can create barriers to care,” said Courtney McKeon, senior vice president for Shatterproof’s National Stigma Initiative and longtime resident of the Research Triangle area. “We see this often regarding medications for opioid use disorder, a gold standard of care. Through the stories of North Carolinians, we have the opportunity to increase understanding of all treatment options and support individuals on their path to improved health and wellness.”

“It’s not just about overdoses. It’s not just about lives that were lost or lives that were saved,” says Michael, one of Unshame NC’s story sharers. “It’s also about how we treat the people who went through it and how we bring them out of the shadows. How do we welcome them back into society? How do we get them back to where we need to be? And that requires a lot of folks like me to speak out and help break the stigma.”

People with substance use disorder flourish in environments that offer both community support and multiple pathways for treatment. If you want to share your story with NCDHHS and Unshame NC, you can get involved by filling out a Story Sharer Interest Form or joining the Unshame NC coalition.

Follow @UnshameNC on Facebook and Instagram or visit  www.UnshameNC.org to learn more.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, NCDHHS provides somewhere to go, someone to talk to and someone to respond. You can find the help that is right for you 24/7 on the NCDHHS Crisis Services website.

The 988 Lifeline Chat and Text – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to everyone 24/7 by call, text or chat.

North Carolinians can call the 24/7 Peer Warmline at 1-855-PEERS NC (855-733-7762) to speak with a peer support specialist. Peer support specialists are individuals living in recovery with mental illness and/or substance use disorder who provide support to others.

The NC Recovery Helpline (800-688-4232) offers support and referrals for treatment and resources.

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County Employees Donate 650 Pounds Of Food, Personal Care Items To ACIM

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— Information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County Government employees collected 650 pounds of food and personal care items to benefit Area Congregations in Ministry, the county’s food bank.

The Granville County Board of Elections was recognized for collecting the most donations per employee.

Summer can be especially difficult for food pantries; food insecurity increases with children out of school and donations often slow down. Granville County staff wanted to do their part to help bridge that gap and support neighbors in need.

“We appreciate the generosity of Granville County employees and thank each one that donated for their support,” said ACIM Executive Director Ann Riley. “ACIM has experienced an increase in client registration and truly values the support from our community.”

If you are interested in holding a food drive to support ACIM or supporting their upcoming summer “Backpack Buddies” program, which provides children from food-insecure homes with healthy weekend meals during the school year, reach out to director@acimgranville.org for details on how to get started. Currently, ACIM’s greatest needs are rice, dry beans, peanut butter, jelly, instant potatoes, pasta, pasta sauce, and breakfast items. They accept donations Monday through Friday.

To learn more about ACIM or to donate, visit www.acimgranville.org.

Paws & Poses to Benefit Granville County Animals

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An upcoming yoga class planned for Saturday, July 26 at the Oxford Armory Farmers Market is shaping up to be like no other, and the event organizer said there will be some positively adorable pooches wandering among the yoga mats to perhaps meet their future owners.

Annie Drake, a rising senior at Vance Charter School, said ‘Paws and Poses’ is a service project to benefit the Granville County Animal Shelter.

The shelter staff will have numerous adoptable animals on the grounds from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The yoga class will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. It’s going to be an interactive yoga session, and participants may find a wet nose or a wagging tail in their face as they stretch and transition from pose to pose.

“My hope was to get some animals adopted out,” Drake said.

“I’ve been wanting to do some sort of service project before I go off to college,” Annie said. “I enjoy being out in the community and helping people -I’ve never done something by myself, that’s all me and says who I am.”

She said she appreciates the help she got early on from her mom, Darcy. “Having her help was great,” she said.

The planning has gone pretty smoothly, but she admits that there are way more details than she thought there’d be. Dr. Bridget Waters of Dabney Drive Animal Hospital has been a big help, too. Annie said she’s been shadowing some of the staff at the local veterinarian’s office to learn more about animals.

Annie’s mom will be the instructor. Register for the class at www.yogaforgoodoxford.com

Even if you don’t sign up for the class, she’s set up a GoFundMe page. And all proceeds go to the Granville County Animal Shelter.

Shelter staff also will have a space to collect donations at the event. They are in need of dog toys and dog food, she said.

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N.C. State Fair Accepting Entries For Competitions From Cakes And Canning To Crochet And Crafts Through Sept. 15

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If you have ever dreamed of winning a ribbon at the N.C. State Fair, now is the time to figure out what you want to enter and sign up! The State Fair is now accepting entries for the 2025 fair, Oct. 16-26. If winning a ribbon at the fair is on your bucket list, now is the time to enter this year’s fair competitions.

The State Fair offers many competition categories such as arts and photography, culinary, livestock, fruit and vegetable production, hobbies and handicrafts, flowers, LEGO creations and more.

“Our competitions highlight the talents of the residents of North Carolina,” said Kent Yelverton, N.C. State Fair director. “Whether your talent is growing giant vegetables, raising champion goats, cross-stitching or crocheting, painting rocks, scrapbooking, photography, flower arranging or more, the fair likely features a competition for you.”

Every year the State Fair reviews the competition offerings looking to include newer crafting trends, attract more competitors and improve the shows for fairgoers. The State Fair Flower Show will see some changes in 2025 with each show highlighting different varieties of individual plants.

“This is to ensure that we can accommodate as many competitors as possible in this popular fair competition category,” said Yelverton. “All the same competition categories will be included but they may only be represented in one of the three shows held during the fair. Flower show competitors should carefully review this year’s show information, including entry drop-off dates and times, when entering the flower show.”

The State Fair also offers a variety of livestock shows, with individual classes based on the animal’s species, breed, age and weight class. Exhibitors will find both junior and open categories.

If any of these competitions sound interesting to you, consider entering today. You could be one of the next blue-ribbon winners. Only a few competitions require an entry fee.

Information on how to enter a competition can be found on the State Fair’s website, ncstatefair.org. Under the “Competitions” tab, you will find everything there is to know about categories, rules and deadlines. The deadline for entering most competitions is Sept. 15. Read the General Entries Premium Book and Livestock Entries Premium Book for detailed descriptions of events and regulations.

Online registration and paper entry forms are found under the “Forms and General Rules” tab in each department. Entrants are also required to submit digital W-9 forms to receive prize money.

Email ncsfcompetitions@ncagr.gov with additional questions. “We’re excited to see what people will enter and we wish everyone the best of luck,” said Yelverton. “Let’s make this a record year for our competitions.”

NCDMV Offers 2-Year Extension For Driver License Renewals

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— information courtesy of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles

North Carolina drivers have two extra years to renew their driver licenses, thanks to Senate Bill 391 and efforts by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles reduce wait times and long lines at DMV offices across the state.

The new law went into effect July 1, but there are some exceptions that drivers need to know about: the law is only for Class C licenses, which is the standard passenger vehicle license, and it’s for in-state driving.

The moratorium, in effect through Dec. 31, 2027, applies only to Class C licenses and allows continued in-state driving privileges during the two-year grace period, according to information from the NCDMV. “Expired licenses will not be valid for any purpose other than establishing the license holder’s driving privilege, including identification purposes and air travel, and may not be recognized by other states or federal entities. The moratorium does not apply to commercial driver licenses, or any licenses that are suspended, revoked, or cancelled,” the NCDMV statement read.

“Thank you to the Legislature and Governor for this temporary measure to provide flexibility for North Carolina drivers while we work to address the increased demand for our services,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “Customers may present expired Class C licenses for in-state driving privileges only if the expiration date is July 1, 2025, or later. However, we advise our customers to renew their licenses to ensure they remain valid for identification purposes, including to fly, rent a car, get a bank loan, fill a prescription and have documents notarized.”

Saturday Service Hours Resume at 20 Locations

Beginning again this weekend, and through Aug. 23, NCDMV will offer walk-in services at 20 locations on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., no appointment needed. Available services include driver license and ID card renewals, duplicates, address changes, REAL ID issuance, and road tests for those who have completed knowledge and written tests.

Before visiting, check if your needs can be met online. NCDMV provides many services digitally, such as license and ID renewals, duplicates, address changes, and voter registration applications. Visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/default.aspx to find out if you can conduct your business online instead of heading to the local DMV office.

Masonic Home for Children

MHCO Gala Features UNC Basketball Legend Phil Ford

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The 3rd annual charity gala for the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford was a success by all accounts. Attendees enjoyed fellowship over the course of the evening, and the live and silent auctions proved a fun way to raise money to support the children and families that MHCO serves.

But credit long-time Mason Gene Cobb with landing the guest speaker for the evening. They’d known each other since college, when Cobb was manager of the basketball team.

The school? Carolina.

The speaker? None other than Number 12 himself, Phil Ford.

“He kept the stats my senior game against Duke,” Ford told WIZS. In fact, Cobb presented the UNC legendary point guard with that stat sheet, along with a piece of the net that was cut down in that 87-83 win over the Blue Devils in Carmichael Auditorium in 1978.

“He’s a great friend…he’s been a Mason for years and he asked me to speak,” Ford continued.

MHCO Marketing & Events Coordinator Charlie Roberson said, “His heartfelt words, shared wisdom, and connection to The Masonic Home for Children made the evening even more impactful and inspiring for all who attended.”

Ford said he’d visited the Oxford home to spend time with the kids there when he was at Carolina, and later when he was playing pro ball.

“Any time you can do something for kids, or do something for someone else that really can’t do anything to pay you back,” Ford said, you will reap rewards later.

“So many people have stepped up and helped me in my life with the things that I’ve been through,” Ford said. “Coach Smith, my family. I don’t know where I would be without them.”

And that was the message that Ford had for those at the gala. “Basically, it was just thanking them for having the heart and the will to want to do something for someone else…for our fellow man,” Ford said.

Offering encouragement to others who share a passion for service and giving back to the community is a message that never goes out of style. And MHCO leadership recognized the efforts of its staff for their dedication to the children in residence, those in attendance for their support at the gala and throughout the year, and to the numerous Masonic groups and other individuals who sponsored the event.

“A special thanks goes to our generous sponsors, whose unwavering support and generosity made this event possible. Your commitment to our cause plays a vital role in ensuring that every child at The Masonic Home for Children receives the care, education, and love they deserve,” Roberson said in a press release following the event.

Sponsors include Wayne Baker, Eddie Gaskins, Luther Starling Jr., Braxton & Vickie Jones, Steve Safrit, Brandon & Terri Dunn, Larry Thompson, Larry Payne, The Herring Family, Oxford Orphanage Alumni Assoc., North Carolina Masonic Foundation, Randy Cline, Oasis Shriners, Pinnacle Financial, Patricia and Lou Smith, Amran Shriners, Sudan Shriners, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Otis, Steve Norris, Athelstan, Allan Mann, Johnny Surles, City of Oxford, Raleigh York Rite, WhiteStone Masonic & Eastern Star Community and Granville Medical Center.

To learn more about the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, visit www.mhc-oxford.org.

Garman Troup Gets Governor’s Volunteer Service Award For Work Building Ramps With Granville County Senior Services

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The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center has recognized Granville County Senior Services volunteer Garman Troup with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award at a ceremony held recently at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

Senior Services Director Kathy May nominated Troup for his contributions to the county’s program to build and install ramps for residents in need.

Troup moved to Granville County during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been leading volunteer ramp builders for the past four years. He is a retired contractor and former Housing and Home Improvement Director at Resources for Seniors in Wake County. During his 35-year career, he built more than 2,500 ramps and wasted no time in bringing his decades of skill and knowledge to helping seniors in Granville County.

“A home can suddenly turn into a prison when a physical impairment or disability occurs,” said May. “We have been so lucky to have a person like Garman dedicate so much time, energy, and passion into helping our residents maintain freedom and quality of life through this simple and imperative addition to their homes.”

Troup has been responsible for the construction of approximately 50 ramps for older adults in Granville County since 2021. He has led numerous teams filled with church groups, Boy Scout troops, and seasoned carpenters who were willing to dedicate their time to help make this program successful.