Oxford Plans Memorial Day Service Monday May 27 At 11 AM

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The City of Oxford invites the community to a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony Monday, May 27, at the Granville Veterans Memorial Wall, located in front of City Hall.

The ceremony begins at 11 a.m., according to information from Oxford Communications Specialist Sabrina Richards. Rene Adams, representing the group Gold Star Mothers is, the featured speaker. The event serves to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend. City Hall is located at 300 Williamsboro St. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors.

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Oxford Names Downtown Economic Director

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Oxford City Manager Brent Taylor has announced the hiring of Kenia Gomez-Jimenez as the city’s new Downtown Economic Director.

In her new role, Gomez-Jimenez will help develop the downtown economically and culturally and build relationships with stakeholders, Taylor said, and she will be active in implementing the city’s Main Street program, which provides downtown strategic economic development planning, revitalization, small business development, and the rehabilitation of historic properties.

Pierre Gingue, the president of the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corp., welcomed  Gomez-Jimenez.  We are excited to see the enthusiasm, energy, and community-centered approach she will bring. We anticipate transformative growth and prosperity for our city’s core,” Gingue stated.

As a native of Vance County and a graduate of UNC – Chapel Hill, Gomez-Jimenez’s academic journey in Political Science and Philosophy ignited a deep-seated commitment to public service and community empowerment.

“I look forward to collaborating with the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation existing downtown businesses, and community leaders to forge lasting positive impacts and cultivate a dynamic downtown community in Oxford,” said Gomez-Jimenez. “Most importantly, I’m excited to engage with the citizens of Oxford to enrich our downtown’s livability and elevate it as a pivotal destination for new businesses and visitors alike.”

During her time as Regional Program Coordinator at the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments Gomez-Jimenez showcased her exceptional project management skills. She spearheaded the branding communications strategy for the Council, fostering robust relationships with regional stakeholders, citizens and local governments. Her most notable achievement was successfully administering federal and state grant programs, securing a substantial $200,000 in funding for active transportation projects across the five-county region. This feat, accomplished in less than a year, significantly enhanced the region’s infrastructure and promoted sustainable development.

Gomez-Jimenez is active in the community by serving on various boards and councils. Notable among these are her roles on the Henderson Optimist Club Board of Directors, Salvation Army of Henderson Board of Directors, and the Vance County Cooperative Extension Advisory Leadership Council. She was recognized as the 2023 Henderson Optimist of the Year and a graduate of the Leadership Vance 2023 program, and she has earned accolades for her outstanding contributions to community development and leadership. Gomez-Jimenez is fluent in both English and Spanish and believes diversity is a cornerstone of vibrant, thriving communities.

Granville Commissioners To Hold Public Hearing On Budget May 20

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The Granville County Board of Commissioners received a budget proposal – more than $87.2 million – from County Manager Drew Cummings earlier this month.

The new property tax rate is 63 cents per $100 property value, which is 10 cents over the revenue-neutral rate, but 20 cents lower than the previous tax rate.

Commissioners will have a public hearing before its meeting on Monday, May 20 to hear from residents about the contents and particular line items contained in the 338-page budget document.

The full budget document is available on the Granville County website at: https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/finance-department/comprehensive-annual-financial-reports-budget-documents/

A copy of the proposed budget also is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk to the Board and at the Richard H. Thornton Library and other library branches.

A few highlights included in the county manager’s summary:

  • Proposed budget doesn’t take any funds from fund balance
  • Includes a third year of funding from the newly formed Fire Protection & Rescue Service Tax District and maintains a tax rate of .06 per $100
  • The $8,689,224,747 tax base is projected to generate $54,309,641, assuming a 98.99 percent collection rate.

The commissioners’ meeting and the public hearing will take place in the auditorium of the Granville Convention and Expo Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South in Oxford.

Granville County Hazardous Household Material Collection Event Saturday, May 18

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Granville County residents can start collecting all those half-used jugs of household chemicals, paint and other materials that may be stored on garage shelves and storage sheds in preparation for the Saturday, May 18 household hazardous waste collection event.

Load up all those unwanted items and come out to the Granville County Convention and Expo Center, 4185 US Hwy. 15 in Oxford between 8 a.m. and 12 noon.

The event is open to Granville County residents only – no business or commercial waste will be accepted.

For more information and a list of accepted items and prohibited items visit granvillecounty.org or call 919.691.0928 or email jason.falls@granvillecounty.org.

Following is a list of acceptable items to drop off at the collection event:

  • mercury
  • adhesives
  • lawn care products
  • paint product (10 gal limit/vehicle)
  • aerosols
  • flammable substances
  • fluorescent light bulbs
  • household cleaning supplies
  • batteries
  • photo chemicals
  • swimming pool chemicals
  • confidential documents (3 bag maximum)
  • pesticides/herbicides
  • prescription drugs
  • ammunition

Granville County Veterans Services Hosting Breakfast on May 20

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Granville County Veterans Services will host a Veterans breakfast on Monday, May 20 at 8:00 a.m. at Family Diner (1213 Goshen Street D) in Oxford. This event is made possible by the Joel Fund, Brynn Marr Hospital, Holly Hill Hospital and Old Vineyard Behavioral Health Services.

Veterans will be able to enjoy a breakfast and fellowship free of charge in recognition of their service in any branch of the United States Armed Forces.

For more information, contact the Granvile County Veterans Services Office at 919-693-1484 or visit 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 111 Masonic Street in Creedmoor on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Additional information about the programs and services offered by the Granville County Veterans Services Office
are available on the Granville County website – www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services.

— Information courtesy of Granville County Veterans Services

Larry Ferebee Named Principal At J.F. Webb In Oxford

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Schools

Larry Ferebee has been named principal at J.F. Webb High School.

The announcement was made Monday at the regular scheduled meeting of the Granville County Board of Education, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin.

Ferebee retired from the U.S. Army after more than 20 years before entering the field of education. After retirement, he taught for 11 years in a Title I high school in Virginia and then served as principal or assistant principal at high schools in Wake, Northampton and Franklin counties.

While in the Army, Ferebee was an instructor, drill sergeant and First Sergeant and served in Germany, Korea, Egypt and Iraq.

In addition to a variety of instructional and leadership experiences, Ferebee brings a commitment to the success of all students, a passion for the development of excellence in teaching and learning, and a promise to do his best for and with the staff and students of J. F. Webb High School every day.

According to the press statement, Ferebee wants everyone who enters J.F. Webb High School feels welcome, safe and excited to be there. His goal is that all students know how much he and the staff love and care for them. Through relationships, he will strive to provide instructional opportunities that lead to students graduating career and college ready.

“I am very grateful for the staff and community members from J. F. Webb who assisted in the search process for their new leader,” said GCPS Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne. “I believe Mr. Ferebee will lead the school forward and help Webb continue its upward trajectory.”

NCDOT

Improvements Coming to Granville County Roads

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Multiple sections of Granville County roads will be improved thanks to a $ 1.2 million contract recently awarded to Carolina Sunrock, LLC of Raleigh by the N.C. Department of Transportation.

In total, more than 6 miles of roads, including two sections of Hillsboro Street, a section of Oxford Loop and one section of Old N.C. 75 will be resurfaced to create a smoother ride.

The contractor may begin work this spring with completion expected by fall of 2025.

More details regarding schedules, locations and potential lane closures will be announced following preconstruction meetings.

— courtesy NCDOT, by Kim Deaner

TownTalk: CultureFest Coming To Oxford

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CultureFest is coming to downtown Oxford this Saturday, and organizers say the day’s activities will be a treat for all the senses – there will different types of food, musical performances and plenty of demonstrations for the entire family to enjoy.

“We are literally shutting down the center of town, “exclaimed Cathy Anna, who is the event producer for the sponsoring John Chavis Society. Main Street – between the Courthouse and the roundabout between the post office and Oxford Baptist Church, will be packed with artisan vendors, food trucks and performance stages for the event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Performances will take place every half hour and will include all types of traditional dance groups representing Polynesian, Latin, Mexican, West African cultures, Anna said. And don’t forget the Cane Creek Cloggers, who will perform with a full bluegrass band providing a musical backdrop.

A Durham-based group will bring traditional dance and drumming of West Africa to Oxford, said Ajulo Othow, treasurer of the John Chavis Society and a direct descendant of the man for whom the society is named.

Part of what makes CultureFest special, Othow said, is that people from diverse backgrounds can make connections through “love, joy, dance, music…arts in general.” The idea is to leave, “feeling more connected to one another.”

Anna said 66 vendor booths will be lining Main Street to offer a unique shopping experience. All the vendors are also the artisans who will have for sale their custom crafted, handmade items – “items you’re not going to find anywhere else,” she said.

There will be “food trucks galore,” Anna said, offering a global culinary smorgasbord – everything from Asian Fusion, Italian, Greek, Soul Food and even “Fair Food.” And there will be plenty of sweet stuff, too – cakes, pies, snow cones and ice cream. These are conveniently located by the children’s craft area that will provide lots of hands-on creative activities for the younger generation.

So whether you head downtown for the Chinese Dragon Dance, Ballet Folklórico or Indian dancers in their colorful garb, or you just want to let your kids to enjoy creating a mandala or a beadwork activity, just know that CultureFest is a fun way to learn more about traditions we may not be familiar with. It’s a way to bring people together and break down stereotypes.

“Couldn’t we use a little bit more of that,” Othow said. “Just a little bit.”

It was Othow’s mother, the late Helen Chavis Othow, who was a driving force in the creation of CultureFest. Othow died in 2022, and CultureFest has continued to gather momentum.

“I like to think of it as a love offering from my mom to the community,” Othow said of the festival. Her family’s roots in Granville County go back to the 1700’s, and Othow said her mother devoted her life to research the many contributions the family made to its community.

Anna and Othow invite the community to come and stay all day – it may just take that long to experience all the sights, sounds, tastes, aromas and touches that CultureFest will provide.

Visit https://culturefest24.planningpod.com/ for a list of performances and times.

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Granville County Library System

Friends of the Granville County Library System Hosting Book Sale on May 11

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The Friends of the Granville County Library System will host a book sale at the Richard H. Thornton Library on Saturday, May 11. The sale will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Members of the Friends of the Library will have early access beginning at 10:00 a.m.

All items will sell for $1.00 with proceeds going to the Friends of the Library to support the operations of the Granville County Library System. For more information, contact the Richard H. Thornton Library at 919-693-1121.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in downtown Oxford. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Thornton Library and the other three branches of the Granville County Library system (South, Stovall, and Berea), visit the library’s website – granville.lib.nc.us or follow the library system on Facebook – facebook.com/granvillecountylibrarysystem.

— information courtesy of the Granville County Library System

SportsTalk: Thomas Works At Rebuilding JF Webb Sports

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During his first year as athletic director for J.F. Webb High School, Keith Thomas has certainly faced some challenges.  The school was unable to field a baseball team this season due to a lack of players but Thomas is hopeful this will change.  “We have a JV team this year and next year those kids can move up,” Thomas said on Thursday’s SportsTalk.

Building J.F. Webb’s programs back up is all about relationships Thomas said. “Community outreach and putting a good product on the field will help us build relationships,” Thomas added. “We want to win but win the right way,” he continued.

The track team is doing well this season.  “I like our kids.  They have a positive attitude,” Thomas said.  He was with the track team in Louisburg for a meet on Thursday.

Softball is also on its way back after two years without a team and the numbers are growing.  Football is also bringing in more student athletes as well.  Thomas was an assistant football coach with the Warriors before taking over as athletic director.  This is Thomas’ first AD job and he says it has been an interesting learning experience.  “I’ve picked up a lot on the fly,” Thomas said of his first year.