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Granville Co. Board of Commissioners to Meet Mon., March 16

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, March 16, 2020, at 7 p.m. at the Granville Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.

Agenda items include:

Consent Agenda
1. Contingency Summary
2. Minutes

Introductions, Recognitions and Presentations
3. 100th Year of League of Women Voters and 19th Amendment
4. Granville-Vance District Health Department and COVID-19 Update
5. Town of Stem’s 20 Year Plan

Public Comments
6. Public Comments

Human Resources Matters
7. Position Reclassifications and Market Adjustments

Purchasing
8. Granville County Law Enforcement & Detention Center Inmate Operational Supplies
9. Granville County Law Enforcement, Detention Center & Animal Shelter Administrative Furnishings
10. Granville County Law Enforcement & Animal Shelter Owner Processed Change Orders
11. Granville County Animal Shelter Containment and Shelter Accessories
12. Granville County Law Enforcement Center VoIP Phone System
13. Granville County Law Enforcement Center Virtual Server Infrastructure

Appointments
14. Senior Services Advisory Committee
15. Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
16. Granville County Citizens Advisory Committee for Environmental Affairs
17. Granville County Library System Board of Trustees
18. Human Relations Commission
19. Community Advisory Council – Granville Appointments
20. Agricultural Advisory Board
21. Creedmoor Planning Board – Extraterritorial Member
22. Granville County ABC Board

County Manager’s Report
23. ABC Board Update
24. Cannady Mill Property
25. Proposed Street Lighting for Oxford Loop Road and Goshen Street Intersection
26. Granville Employee NCDOT Spring Litter Sweep
27. County Department Expo
28. Announce Joint Meeting with Board of Education

County Attorney’s Report
29. County Attorney’s Report

Presentations by County Board Members
30. Presentations by County Board Members

Any Other Matters
31. Any Other Matters

Closed Session
32. Closed Session as allowed by G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) – Attorney-Client Matter
33. Closed Session as allowed by G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5) – Property Acquisition

To view Granville Co. Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes, click here. 

Granville County Public Schools

Granville School Board to Hold Special Meeting on Procedures, Health Updates

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Special Meeting on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Central Services Building, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Board of Education to discuss Board trainings, Board procedures, health updates and mid-year information with the Superintendent.

The Board will also meet in a Closed Session with the Board’s attorney in accordance with N.C. General Statute pursuant to G.S. 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 for Personnel, and Attorney/Client Privilege on this evening.

To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.

NCHSAA

NCHSAA: Basketball State Championships, Interscholastic Athletics Suspended

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-Press Release, NCHSAA

Due to the threat from COVID-19, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has made the decision to postpone the 2020 Men’s and Women’s Basketball State Championships indefinitely.

“As much as we would like this opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, and their communities, we know that ultimately any decision we make must err on the side of caution,” said Commissioner Que Tucker.

The Board of Directors also moved to suspend interscholastic athletics beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, through at least Monday, April 6, 2020. The NCHSAA Board of Directors will assess this situation regularly over the next few weeks. This includes all workouts, skill development, practices and contests.

Granville County Public Schools

Coronavirus Prompts GCPS to Cancel Field Trips, Suspend Work-Related Travel

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools has been in close dialogue with the Health Department and can confirm that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 or Coronavirus in Granville County.

We continue to focus our efforts on prevention and following best practices to keep students and staff healthy. This includes regular, thorough cleaning in our buildings, frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer, and respecting personal space. Also, we ask that all students and staff who have cold or flu-like symptoms stay home and seek medical care as needed. These efforts will promote healthy school environments for everyone.

Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily suspend all out-of-county and overnight field trips for the next four weeks effective immediately. We will attempt to reschedule these events at a later date if possible. While we make no promises, for those trips may have involved fees or deposits, we will do our very best to work with the companies to secure refunds and/or credits as allowed. Schools will be sending out details about impacted trips soon.

Also, we will follow the guidelines set forth by the NCHSAA as it relates to our student-athletes. Finally, we are also suspending all non-essential work-related travel for staff.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. We hope you will join us in taking precautions to keep our students, staff and schools healthy so we can continue educating our students. We will keep you posted with additional updates as needed. In the meantime, wash those hands and stay healthy!

Granville County Logo

Mark Your Calendar For These Granville Co. Events

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY will host a Book Sale on Saturday, March 14 at the Richard H. Thornton Library. Come browse through the selection of hardback and paperback books that cover a wide range of topics for all ages. Members of the Friends of the Library will be admitted at 10 a.m., with the public invited from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Contact the Library at 919-693-1121 for more details.

ENJOY YOGA AT THE LIBRARY as a class for beginners is offered at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor on Sunday, March 15. At 3 p.m. the public is invited to join in this free “Ivengar Yoga Class.” Participants are asked to bring their own mat. Call the Library at 919-528-1752 for more details.

AN AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS will be offered at the South Granville Senior Center in Creedmoor on March 16. Topics include maintaining proper following distance, turning at intersections, limiting driver distractions and others. The class will be held from 1 until 5 p.m. and preregistration is required. Call 919-693-0848 for the fee schedule and details.

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY with a special “slime-making” workshop at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor. Participants will make “Shamrock Slime” at 4 p.m. on March 16. Bring the entire family and whip up a batch for some gooey fun. The South Branch Library is located at 1547 South Campus Drive in Creedmoor. Call 919-528-1752 for details.

LEARN ABOUT FAMOUS ARTISTS with “Art Fusion” through the Granville County Library System. Edgar Degas is the first artist to be featured on March 16 (Stovall) and on March 31 (Thornton) at 4 p.m.  Students in grades K through 6 can use the artist’s techniques in a hands-on activity during the program. Contact Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121 for details.

BEGINNING COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES are being offered at the Richard H. Thornton Library. On Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m., participants can learn how to create their own Gmail account and how to navigate email. Registration is required. Call 919-693-1121 for more details.

MARCH IS NUTRITION MONTH! Learn more about healthy eating on March 17 at the North Granville Senior as the Cooperative Extension Service presents “Eat Right, Bite by Bite.” This information will be presented at 10 a.m. by Area Extension Agent Jennifer Brown. The North Granville Senior Center is located at 118 Highway 15 North in Stovall.

CLASSES IN T’AI CHI will be offered at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford as part of the Creative Lifelong Learning program’s spring session. Instructor Peter Kay will teach two classes for beginners and continuing students on Tuesdays beginning March 17. The beginners’ class will be offered at 9:30 a.m., followed by a continuation class at 10:30. Contact Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 to register.

THE SOVIET UNION is a topic for study as instructor George Robinson leads a class on Mondays through April 13. This Program, “The Rise of the Soviet Union” is offered weekly until April 13 (10 a.m.) and is available through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program of Granville County Senior Services. To register, contact Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930.

GET READY FOR EASTER with a fun and creative class offered through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program. Instructor Julie Yacos will teach participants how to make a bunny door hanger from 1 until 3 p.m. on March 18. Registration is required. Call the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford at 919-693-1930 to register or for more details.

THE MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN is a topic for discussion on March 19 as the Creative Lifelong Learning program continues. On March 19, learn more about this historic residential care program from Administrator Kevin Otis. The program is free and begins at 10 a.m. Call 919-693-1930 for more information.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH with a free nutrition program for adults, scheduled at the South Granville Senior Center. Each Friday through April 24, sample healthy foods, learn how to cook and eat better and take control of your diet. Programs are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. To register, call 919-528-0848. The South Granville Senior Center is temporarily located at 2539 Sam Moss Hayes Road in Creedmoor.

THE YOUNG AT HEART CHORUS meets on Mondays at 11 a.m. through May 4. This group, led by Minister of Music Sarah Lewis, was formed through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program of Granville County Senior Services and gathers at the Oxford United Methodist Church, 105 W. McClanahan Street in Oxford. Participation is FREE. Call 919-693-1930.

Oxford Prep Lower School Students Win Diversity Essay Contest

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School

For schools across the nation, February is a time to highlight important accomplishments by African-Americans with the nationally recognized observance of Black History Month. March brings about Women’s History Month, which seeks to do the same by highlighting important women in history.

Students at the current Oxford Preparatory Lower School, presently 5th and 6th grade, participated in a school-wide diversity essay contest. Contest winners, pictured left to right: Michael Cox, 5th grade; Bre’Niyah Purnell, 6th grade and Novina Williford, 6th grade) (OPS photo)

For cultures and peoples marginalized by a traditional curriculum, these months of observance bring about conversations on diversity and inclusion. Students at Oxford Preparatory School kicked off this discussion with an important question: why does diversity matter?

Students at the current Lower School, presently 5th and 6th grade, participated in a school-wide essay contest with that exact question in mind. The essay contest had few guidelines, encouraging students to utilize critical thinking skills and reflection on the topic.

After a guidance lesson on the definition of diversity and discussions with classmates on the topic, students went right into writing their reflections. Some chose to use the time to research important figures who fought for diversity, such as Martin Luther King Jr, while some reflected on their own experiences. Students reflected on times that they felt like the “odd one out,” and even came up with suggestions on how to better support diversity at their school.

Fifth-grader Lily Juntunen writes, “I also always felt singled out for how I looked because I would always get told how I’m too tall to do anything, that I should give up. That’s another reason why diversity matters. People should not feel like they need to change themselves because others aren’t happy with the way they look.”

The three winners – 5th-grader Michael Cox and 6th-graders Novina Williford and Bre’Niyah Purnell – were treated to a bagel breakfast with their friends and family members and bravely read their essays out loud.

For some, this was the first time they had to present their work to an audience. However, as a college preparatory school, these students are being prepared to present their work and discuss such topics.“I had a lot of fun researching for the essay,” shared Cox. “I was really nervous to read it out loud, but I felt a lot of relief after I did it.”

To quote 5th-grader Madelyn Reese, “Diversity does matter in our world today. Regardless of our talents, skin color, gender, language, and culture, we all need to be treated fairly.”

Granville County Welcomes Brides On Wheels (BOWs) Bridal Tour

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-Information courtesy Granville County Tourism Development Authority

Are you planning a 2020- 2021 wedding? If you are (or hope to be), you are invited to be a part of the Granville County Brides on Wheels (BOWs) Bridal Tour to see what this community just outside of the Triangle has to offer. From rustic to elegant, outdoor to indoor, you will find something that will help make your wedding day perfect.

Reserve your spot now for this year’s tour scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2020.

The Granville County BOWs Bridal Tour day includes five or more venues, meet & greets with local vendors, and a goodie bag for VIP registrants. All you have to do to become a VIP Bride is register yourself and one guest, sit back, relax and take a scenic trip of Granville. The schedule is tentative, so check back often for additions and changes.

Please note that tour seating is limited, so pre-register to assure your spot. For more information, visit the tour’s website at www.brides-on-wheels.com or call (919) 693-6125.

*RAIN DATE FOR BUS TOUR IS SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2019. You will be notified if postponed.

Follow this Event on Facebook for updates and more: https://www.facebook.com/granvillebridaltour/ 

Purchase tickets at https://granvillebows2020.eventbrite.com

Oxford Logo

Commissioners’ March Meeting to Include Public Hearing on Oxford Prep Annexation

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall in Oxford.

Agenda items include:

Public Hearing to hear citizen input on the Petition of Voluntary, Non-Contiguous Annexation by Oxford Preparatory School.

Consider approving the request of Andrew Swanner on behalf of Oxford Preparatory School for a non-contiguous annexation of 16+/-acres located at 6041 Landis Rd.

Public Hearing to hear citizen input on the amendment to the subdivision ordinance regarding the installation of sidewalks and curbing under section 71.2 (a).

Consider approving the amendment to the subdivision ordinance regarding the installation of sidewalks and curbing under section 71.2 (a).

Consider authorizing the City Clerk to investigate the Sufficiency of the Petition and certify its sufficiency for a non-contiguous annexation of 2 parcels of land totaling 4.91 acres of land located off of Hwy 158 by Land Seitz, LLC.

Consider calling for a public hearing for the April 14 regular meeting to assign a zoning classification for property located off Hwy 158 at the corner of the 1-85 on-ramp that has been petitioned for a non-contiguous annexation.

Consider authorizing the City Clerk to investigate the Sufficiency of the Petition and certify its sufficiency on behalf of Oxford Prep, located at 6041 Landis Rd, to annex 2.89 additional acres of land.

Consider awarding the 2020 Concessionaire Contract for Oxford Park Athletic Complex to Robert Glover, dba Farmer John’s Ice Cream.

Consider approving a letter of support to apply for a Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) grant which requires a 20% match of approximately $11.610.00 from the City.

Please click here for the full meeting agenda.

U.S. Department of Justice

Four Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officers Indicted by Federal Grand Jury

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that a federal grand jury sitting in Raleigh indicted four correctional officers employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for making false statements surrounding three unrelated inmate deaths that occurred at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina in 2019.

TYLER ROBISON, 41, ADAM COCKERHAM, 31, LONNIE FAIRCLOTH, 54, all of Creedmoor, and ERIC STEPHENSON, 37, of Angier, were each indicted on one count of making a false statement.

The respective indictments allege that ROBISON, COCKERHAM, and STEPHENSON, in unrelated incidents involving the death of an inmate, made false entries on government forms documenting that they had completed rounds in an inmate housing unit when they had not. FAIRCLOTH is alleged to have made a false statement to an Office of Inspector General Special Agent during the course of the investigation. If convicted, they each face up to five years imprisonment and five years of supervised release.

The charges and allegations contained in the Indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted the investigation in this matter.

USTA Grants will Aid in Construction of Tennis Courts at Granville Athletic Park

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Funding through the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) and USTA Southern has been made available to assist in the construction of new tennis courts at Granville Athletic Park (GAP). Six 78-foot tennis courts – with options for play on three 60-foot and four 36-foot courts – are included in the expansion plans for Phase III of the park, which is already the largest recreational area in the county.

Applications for funding were submitted in September of 2019 in partnership with the County’s former Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (now the Parks, Greenways and Recreation Advisory Committee) and the Oxford Community Tennis Association. Award notifications were recently made for a $50,000 grant through the USTA and $20,000 from USTA Southern, making $70,000 available towards the construction of full-sized tennis courts and the installation of striping for playing surfaces of varying sizes.

“The mission of USTA Southern is to promote and develop the growth of tennis in our nine southern states,” said Bonnie Vandergrift, USTA Southern’s CEO and President. “We are also pleased to be able to provide funding through our Build It Forward facility assistance grant to help Granville County build six new tennis courts. These courts will help Granville County expand its programming to youth and adults.”

Expected use includes tournament play for athletic associations and tennis clubs, as well as providing access for local high schools’ practice and play. Three of the courts will be lighted for evening use, extending opportunities for tennis enjoyment. The Oxford Community Tennis Association, which hosts tournaments, clinics and summer leagues, also has plans to make use of these new courts.

“These tennis courts will greatly enhance what the county already has in place,” said Betty Lou Davis of Granville County’s  Parks, Greenways and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Oxford Community Tennis Association. “USTA funding means that our courts will be USTA-sanctioned, attracting a broader spectrum of tennis players from outside the county, increasing the number of visitors to our area. Plus, we are excited that our schools will have a new, safe place to play.”

Granville Athletic Park’s Phase III expansion will sit on 11 acres of land that Granville County acquired in 2013 and will join the existing park – Phases I and II – which now totals 68.5 acres. Upon completion, Phase III will make the GAP an 80-acre park. In addition to tennis courts, the new section of the GAP will include inclusive and accessible playground equipment, a picnic shelter, an additional ¼ mile paved walking trail, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and open activity space.

The goal of this project is to encourage healthy activity and to provide safe, appealing and functional tennis environments to a wide variety of groups. Granville County’s Board of Commissioners voted to officially accept this grant funding at their Feb. 17 meeting.