U.S. Department of Justice

Fraud Alert: Scammers Claiming to be With DOJ, Preying on Elderly

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-Press Release, Department of Justice

The Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports that individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice are calling members of the public as part of an imposter scam. The department strongly encourages the public to remain vigilant and not to provide personal information during these calls, which appear to target the elderly.

Reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline indicate these scammers falsely represent themselves as Department of Justice investigators or employees and attempt to obtain personal information from the call recipient, or they leave a voicemail with a return phone number. The return phone number directs users to a recorded menu that matches the recorded menu for the department’s main phone number. Eventually, the user reaches an “operator” who steers the user to someone claiming to be an investigator. That “investigator” then attempts to gain the user’s personal information.

“Phone scams are an ugly and pervasive act of victimization. The scams being reported to our National Elder Fraud Hotline are especially heinous because they show the perpetrators are preying upon one of the most vulnerable segments of our society – the elderly,” said OVC Director Jessica Hart. “As if this were not despicable enough, the scammers do so posing as employees of the Justice Department, usurping public trust in the agency that serves as a bastion of fairness and lawfulness while these scams exploit the elderly for financial gain. The first step to identifying these criminals is to have their crimes reported.”

“In a time of a national pandemic it is unconscionable for these scammers to prey upon our nation’s most vulnerable victims by pretending to be associated with the United States Department of Justice,” commented United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr.  “Your Department of Justice does not do business this way and does not seek your personal identifying information over the telephone.  We don’t make threats over the phone; we don’t cut deals over the phone and we don’t use investigators who do it for us.”

Those who receive these calls are encouraged not to provide personal information and to report these scams to the FTC via their website or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.

The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a resource created by OVC for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older. Reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible, and within the first 2–3 days, can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open seven days a week. For more information about the hotline, please visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.

GVPH COVID-19 Testing

Free Community COVID-19 Testing Event – Sept. 13

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

Granville Vance Public Health is partnering with Duke University to host a community testing event for community members who may not have a primary care provider and/or those who lack access to transportation and insurance.

The testing event will be held Sunday, September 13, 2020, from 1:30 until 5 p.m. at St James Catholic Church, 3275 US-158 Bypass in Henderson, NC.

Nasal swab test kits will be used and individuals will be contacted with their results 3-5 days after the event.

Testing is free to all who attend, but testing supplies are limited. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, contact the Health Department at (252) 492-7915.

There are many other opportunities to be tested for COVID-19. If you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, you can call your provider or GVPH to see if you should be tested. GVPH is conducting medical evaluations and testing regularly at both the Vance and Granville County locations.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board of Education Accepting Applications for Vacant District 3 Seat

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will continue with six members until a replacement for District 3 is appointed. Per Policy 2115 – Unexpired Term Fulfillment, the Granville County Board of Education will proceed with the process for filling the District 3 seat made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Rob Rivers effective September 30, 2020.

It is the intent of the Board to identify and appoint a suitable candidate for this position using the process outlined below, with the ultimate goal of serving the students of Granville County Public Schools.

Interested candidates should review the “Duties of the Board” guidelines issued by the NC School Board Association, which may be found at the NCSBA website:  https://www.ncsba.org/news-resources/board-member-knowledge-base/duties-of-the-board/

Candidates should submit a letter of interest, a C.V. or resume, and three letters of recommendation to Ms. Lynn Henderson, by the close of business, September 30, 2020. These documents should provide information that highlights the candidate’s ability and experiences related to education and service to children.

All candidates must reside in District 3 in order to be considered for this position. Proof of residency will be required. District 3 map and information may be found at the Granville County website:  https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/county-commissioners/district-map/

During its regular scheduled meeting on October 5, 2020, the Board will review the documents submitted by each candidate and vote to issue invitations to those the Board wishes to interview.

During a special called meeting to be scheduled in October 2020, the Board will interview candidates (the Board will use a list of questions asked of each candidate, chosen at the beginning of the meeting).

At its regular scheduled meeting on November 2, 2020, the Board will vote on who will fill the unexpired term of District 3. Interviews and vote will take place in Open Session.

At a date to be determined, the chosen candidate will take the oath of office.

NOTE: If no suitable candidates are selected, the above process will be repeated as necessary, with new dates selected, until the position is filled.

NC State Board of Elections

Double Voting is a Violation of NC Law, Class I Felony

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The following is a message to North Carolina voters from Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections:

It is illegal to vote twice in an election. N.C.G.S. § 163-275(7) makes it a Class I felony for a voter, “with intent to commit a fraud to register or vote at more than one precinct or more than one time…in the same primary or election.” Attempting to vote twice in an election or soliciting someone to do so also is a violation of North Carolina law.

There are numerous checks in place in North Carolina that prevent people from double voting. Electronic pollbooks with information about who has already voted are used at every early voting site. If a voter tries to check in who has already voted, they will be prevented from voting a regular ballot. A voter will be offered a provisional ballot if they insist on voting, and this ballot will be researched after Election Day to determine whether it should be counted.

On Election Day, voters who have voted absentee are removed from the pollbook, which is updated before voting starts at 6:30 a.m. Absentee ballots that are received on Election Day are not counted until after the election, and this prevents double voting.

Also, the State Board conducts audits after each election that check voter history against ballots cast and would detect if someone tries to vote more than once in an election. Because absentee ballots and early voting ballots are retrievable, if someone tries to get around the system, their ballot can be retrieved and not counted, so it will not affect the outcome of an election.

The State Board has a dedicated investigations team that investigates allegations of double voting, which are referred to prosecutors when warranted.

If you request an absentee by-mail ballot but decide later that you would like to vote in person instead, you may. You should discard your absentee ballot. Do not send it back in.

If you have already placed your ballot in the mail but are not sure whether it has been accepted by your county board of elections, North Carolina offers a few ways to check the status of your absentee by-mail ballot without leaving your home.

Voters can:

  1. Check your voter record at the State Board’s Voter Search Tool to find out whether your ballot was accepted by your county board of elections. This information will appear in the voter record after a ballot has been accepted.
  2. Sign up for BallotTrax, when it launches in the next few days, to track your ballot through the system. BallotTrax is a new service that will allow voters to track their ballot through the mail and confirm receipt by the county board of elections, much like they can track their online order or pizza delivery. When it launches, a link will be available at NCSBE.gov.
  3. Contact your county board of elections if you have questions about ballot status.

The State Board office strongly discourages people from showing up at the polls on Election Day to check whether their absentee ballot was counted. That is not necessary, and it would lead to longer lines and the possibility of spreading COVID-19.

North Carolina elections officials encourage voters to request their ballot as soon as possible and return it as soon as they are ready to do so. By doing so, you can track your ballot and ensure your vote counts.

Oxford Logo

Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold Regular Monthly Meeting This Evening

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-Information courtesy City of Oxford

The Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold a regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 7 p.m. online via Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84686619805?pwd=U0pnVUpDODcwdDdlR1NrTmdWVy 9MZz09

Meeting ID: 846 8661 9805

Passcode: 981612

Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099

Please click here for meeting agendas and minutes.

NC Dept of Transportation

Sober Driving ‘Essential’ for Safe Roadways During Labor Day

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation 

This Labor Day, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program is joining forces with the North Carolina Trucking Association, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety also known as (NETS), the North Carolina Highway Patrol and members of more than 500 law enforcement agencies around the state to help curb impaired driving.

Over the 2019 holiday week, 10 people died and almost 600 were injured as a direct result of impaired driving across our roadways. In addition, 66 lives were claimed due to speeding, and distracted and sleepy driving.

“This Labor Day as we continue to monitor drunk-driving trends, we are calling on our partners in law enforcement to not only help remove drunk drivers from the roadways but to also encourage hard-working North Carolinians to find ways to safely unwind,” said Mark Ezzell, Director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (NCGHSP).

Tiffany Wright with AAA Carolinas projects that amidst Covid-19, many will be traveling, but closer to home, visiting North Carolina beaches, mountains, as well as family members and friends. Unfortunately, she says, some will be impaired behind the wheel.

“In response to the troubling number of deaths on the road as a result of impaired driving, we’re united in the plea encouraging North Carolina drivers to travel sober, obey traffic safety laws and drive vigilantly,” said Wright.

In addition to high-visibility saturation patrols across all 100 counties, the NCGHSP is utilizing the voices (download video here) of those who travel the most roadway miles across our state…truckers.

“I’ve seen a lot of bad decisions made behind the wheel; people getting dressed, texting, reading the newspaper, and putting on makeup,” said D. Luke Mallory, Road Team Captain with the North Carolina Trucking Association. “Some are even using prescription drugs, illegal substances and drinking while driving.”

North Carolina truckers travel about 7.7 billion roadway miles of the 111.9 billion driven annually by all motorists. That puts them and other essential workers from the fields of medicine, utilities, food, emergency, industrial and commercial industries at increased risk on our highways.

“Impaired and dangerous driving affects me and the other hard-working men and women who have been stretched thin working hard to replenish our supply chains,” Mallory said. “I’m personally asking people this Labor Day to make better decisions behind the wheel.”

Trucking industry positions account for about 1 in 16 jobs in the state. And while the North Carolina Trucking Association puts safety first through improved driver training, Tara Casanova Powell of the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, a national industry group, urges all employers to consider traffic safety as an important part of employee wellness.

“We’re asking each employer, what happens when that worker who manages your payroll, or your website, or other employees, gets arrested for DWI,” Powell asks. “What happens if they hit and kill someone while under the influence? It doesn’t matter if this happens on- or off-the-job. The cost of impaired driving is not one that is exclusively paid by the perpetrator, as you as an employer also become a victim. Impaired driving costs lives, reputations, money and relationships, and it’s all preventable. Impaired driving costs incurred by employers include lost time, sick leave, and health insurance costs to name a few.”

Powell says while many companies are focused on shifting their office cultures, they should consider making pre-planning part of their business models as well.

“Encourage your workers to plan ahead, call a ride-share, take public transportation or phone a friend, maybe even you, before they get behind the wheel impaired,” she added.” Their lives and your bottom line are counting on it.”

But of course, if drivers don’t adhere to the harkening of these voices, they’ll be met by the keepers of the peace.

“Our roadways will not go unchecked by the Highway Patrol or any of the 500 law enforcement agencies across our state,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. “If you are impaired behind the wheel, we will be there. If you are speeding, we will be there. If you are distracted, we will be there. If you are putting others at risk, we will be there.”

Jerry Edmonds

VGCC Vice President Appointed to Black Entrepreneurship Council

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Jerry Edmonds, III, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, is among 25 individuals recently appointed to serve on the inaugural North Carolina Black Entrepreneurship Council (NC BEC).

NC IDEA, a Durham-based private foundation committed to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and economic empowerment in North Carolina, formed the council to serve the entrepreneurial aspirations and economic potential of North Carolina’s Black community.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with such an accomplished team of North Carolina entrepreneurs, educators and community leaders,” Edmonds said. “Collectively, we have the opportunity to provide valuable mentorship and access to capital through the NC Black Entrepreneurship Council. This important work aligns with that of VGCC in educating students for the workforce of tomorrow while promoting entrepreneurship as an important career option in an ever-changing workplace.”

“We are encouraged and humbled that our announcement of the Council drew an overwhelming response from accomplished individuals, affirming community support for this vital work,” said Thom Ruhe, CEO and President of NC IDEA. “The Council will focus on economically empowering Black people with entrepreneurship, thereby combating economic inequality that perpetuates racial disparities,” Ruhe added.

The NC BEC will help guide the NC IDEA Foundation in its programmatic and grant making ambitions in furtherance of North Carolina’s Black community. Council members will work closely with the Foundation to identify, recommend and support partners and programs with the expressed purpose of elevating Black Entrepreneurship in North Carolina. Service on the Council will also include input on the Foundation’s funding decisions, specifically grants awarded to partner organizations through the NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM program.

A resident of Henderson, Edmonds has served as Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at VGCC since 2019. He oversees training programs that respond to community needs and prepare students for workforce success, including apprenticeship programs, and economic development support for the region. In addition, Edmonds leads the development of partnerships with businesses and government agencies and coordinates outreach and marketing for the entire college.

Edmonds previously served as Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Halifax Community College. Prior to his role as Dean, he served as the Small Business Center Director at Halifax Community College, from 2014 until 2017. Edmonds worked for International Business Machines (IBM) and Johnson and Johnson in the private sector before entering the higher education field, earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with an emphasis on Marketing, from Marshall University and his Master of Science degree in Human Services Management from Springfield College. He recently received his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership from Wisconsin-based Edgewood College.

“We are proud of Dr. Edmonds’ appointment to the NC BEC, as it provides yet another avenue for VGCC to be a catalyst in supporting strong communities where everyone can experience a fulfilling quality of life,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of the community college. “Indeed, Dr. Edmonds is uniquely qualified to make an important contribution to this council, as he is one of the few members who represents an area that includes the rural ‘Tier 1’ counties that often have the most acute needs.”

Census 2020

N.C. Residents Urged to Return 2020 Census Forms or Risk Loss of Federal Funds

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-Office of NC State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA

State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, is encouraging North Carolinians to complete their 2020 Census Bureau forms to ensure the state receives its proper share of hundreds of billions of federal dollars.

Federal funding distributions to the state and local governments are critical for everything from education and housing to public works projects and roads.

“Many local governments and utilities are struggling, especially in rural areas, and the economic lockdowns in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic have made their situations worse,” Treasurer Folwell said. The Local Government Commission housed in the Department of State Treasurer has been working to help those towns, cities, counties and municipal utilities at risk of failure and state takeover of their finances.

“If we don’t all do our part to ensure the census count is thorough and accurate, we will forfeit North Carolina’s fair share of money that could be a lifeline to those at-risk governments,” Treasurer Folwell said.

The census is constitutionally mandated to occur every 10 years. As of Sept. 1, North Carolina had a 77.1% household response. There were only eight states with lower counts. The U.S. rate was 84.1%. If you haven’t done so yet, you can fill out your census form by phone (844-330-2020), by mailing back the paper questionnaires that were sent to households, or online.

The population count determines how the 435 congressional seats are divided among the states, and how state legislative districts are drawn up. But many people are unaware that the census data are used by planners and policymakers when they are considering the need for highway planning and construction, hospitals, schools and other public works investments.

“Businesses and corporations rely on census data when choosing where to locate factories and headquarters, offices and stores. Developers review census figures to determine where to build new homes and subdivisions,” Treasurer Folwell said. “All of those activities and growth generate tax revenue and jobs, which are the lifeblood of local and state economies, and help them to meet budgetary needs to serve their communities.”

Many local public utilities and services in North Carolina are in disrepair or in need of funds. Census data are used to allocate federal funds to water and waste disposal systems for rural communities, emergency community and water assistance grants, assistance grants to firefighters and rural business enterprise grants. Local governments incorporate census numbers into public safety and emergency preparedness policies.

The decennial population count also is used in allocating unemployment insurance and Community Development Block Grants. As the nation faces the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is instructive to note that epidemiologists and public health officials rely on demographic details from the census to track disease outbreaks, improve health and more.

The publication “Uses of Census Bureau Data in Federal Funds Distribution” offers an overview of how states can benefit from accurate census figures.

Granville County Logo

Granville Co. Board of Commissioners to Hold Regular Monthly Meeting Tues., Sept. 8

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-Information courtesy the County of Granville

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet remotely by Zoom conference call on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 7 p.m. for the regularly scheduled meeting.

In order to adhere to the COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting may be accessed by utilizing the link and/or phone number included below.

Public comments will be accepted in written format and must be received by September 8 at 12 p.m. by mail to P.O. Box 906, Oxford, NC 27565 or email at grancomrs@granvillecounty.org

To Join Zoom Meeting:

https://granvillecounty.zoom.us/j/95601911408?pwd=SWhwVW5yeTRSRndCYTUrdERJRHVrUT09

Meeting ID: 956 0191 1408

Passcode: 593969

Dial by your location

877 853 5247 US Toll-free

888 788 0099 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 956 0191 1408

Find your local number: https://granvillecounty.zoom.us/u/acrItghDaB

Agenda Items Include:

Consent Agenda

1. Contingency Summary

2. Budget Amendment #1

3. Minutes

4. Refunds – Releases and Write-offs for July 2020

Introductions, Recognitions and Presentations

5. Introduction of Human Resources Director and Assistant County Manager

Public Comments

6. Public Comments

Tax Matters

7. Department of Revenue Recommendation

Emergency Services Matters

8. Resolution of Adoption of EOP Rewrite

Solid Waste Matters

9. Environmental Programs Annual Engineering Agreement

Surplus Property

10. Surplus Vehicles

Purchasing

11. Emergency Communications – Netclock Purchase

12. Emergency Communications – Radio Maintenance Contract

13. Granville County Law Enforcement & Detention Center Service Contract – Preventative Maintenance of HVAC Systems

14. Granville County Law Enforcement & Detention Center Service Contract – Landscaping Maintenance

15. Granville County Law Enforcement & Detention Center Owner Requested Changes

16. Granville County MSW Landfill – Oxford Scale House New Construction

17. Granville Vance Health Department Renovation & Alterations

Appointments

18. Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments’ Advisory Council on Aging

County Manager’s Report

19. Information Item – Census

20. Emergency Response Program

County Attorney’s Report

21. Property Acquisition

22. District 5 Vacancy

Presentations by County Board Members

23. Presentations by County Board Members

Any Other Matters

24. Any Other Matters

To view meeting agendas and minutes for the Granville Co. Board of Commissioners, click here.

VCRFM Memorial Garden

Join N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Weekly Online Garden Chat

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

The local offices of N.C. Cooperative Extension will host a weekly online Garden Chat beginning Thursday, September 10, 2020. The public is invited to join Master Gardener℠ volunteers from the surrounding area each Thursday afternoon for a fun and engaging conversation about timely garden topics.

Each session begins at 2 p.m. and will feature an informative presentation on subjects such as plants for fall color, sustainable landscaping, selecting groundcovers and fighting fire ants. Seasonal gardening tips and helpful web resources will also be shared.

These interactive sessions will last about 45 minutes and will include time for participants to get questions answered about their own gardening challenges. The Garden Chats are hosted by the Master Gardener volunteers of Warren, Vance, Granville and Person Counties.

Registration is required to obtain access to these online sessions, and complete details are posted at http://go.ncsu.edu/mastergardenerchat or by calling (252) 438-8188 or (919) 603-1350.