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Oxford Commissioners to Hold Reg. Board Meeting Jan. 14

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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, January 14, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall in Oxford.

Agenda items include:

Report – The 2018-2019 Audit Report will be presented by Carleen Evans of Winston, Williams, Creech, Evans and Company, LLP

a) Consider accepting the annual financial report for FY 2018-2019 from Winston, Williams, Creech, Evans, and Co., LLP

Presentation to Harold Slaughter

Presentation to Gina Chappell

Consider authorizing the city clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the petition for a non-contiguous annexation for Oxford Preparatory School and certifying its sufficiency.

Consider annual review and signing of the Code of Ethics for the Board of Commissioners.

Consider calling for a public hearing to be held at the February 11 Board of Commissioners meeting regarding approval for a 58 +/- Planned Unit Development on Lewis Street (adjacent to the solar farm).

Please click here for the full meeting agenda.

Applications Now Available for Careers in Conservation Scholarship Program

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The N.C. Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation announces that applications are now being accepted for the Careers in Conservation Scholarship Program. Scholarship recipients will be students who have firm plans to pursue a college degree in natural resource management and are committed to supporting the mission of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Up to $5,000 is available per student per school year, renewable at the discretion of the Scholarship Selection Committee.

Online applications are available to students who have declared a major in agronomy, agricultural engineering, agriculture sustainability, agriculture education, animal science, forestry, natural resource conservation/management, plant science, soil science, water management, water quality, wildlife management or other closely related degree programs. The goal of the Foundation is to increase the number of professionals entering the field who are committed to working in soil and water conservation.

Applicants must be a resident of North Carolina and must have achieved academic excellence in their high school or in their undergraduate studies.

The Foundation is accepting online applications through Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. An application form is available at https://forms.gle/qdpDXVPEVLb6ryCJ8.

Those interested in learning more about this scholarship opportunity are asked to contact Michelle Lovejoy, Executive Director of the N.C. Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation, at 919-510-4599 or ncfswc@gmail.com.

Applicants may also visit ncsoilwater.org for additional information.

Granville Co. School Board Member Honored at Surprise Reception

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

A proclamation has been issued by the Granville County Board of Commissioners in recognition of the life and service of Mr. Leonard E. Peace, Sr. who has served on the Granville County Board of Education for the past 30 years.

On behalf of the Board, Dr. Tony Cozart presented the proclamation during a surprise reception in Peace’s honor, held on Monday afternoon. Also in attendance to offer their support were Board Chair David Smith and Comm. Zelodis Jay.

Among his many accomplishments, Peace is a past president of the North Carolina School Boards Association and a member of the North Carolina School Boards Association Board of Directors. He was also the recipient of the Raleigh Dingman Award in 2003, the highest honor bestowed on a North Carolina School Board member.

A proclamation has been issued by the Granville County Board of Commissioners in recognition of the life and service of Mr. Leonard E. Peace, Sr. who has served on the Granville County Board of Education for the past 30 years. On behalf of the Board, Dr. Tony Cozart presented the proclamation during a surprise reception in Peace’s honor, held on Monday afternoon. Also in attendance to offer their support were Board Chair David Smith and Comm. Zelodis Jay. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

VGCC Deans Recognized by N.C. State University

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

A pair of leaders at Vance-Granville Community College were recently recognized by North Carolina State University, where they are doctoral students in the College of Education.

Jeffrey Allen, VGCC’s Dean of Student Retention & Success, was named a Belk Center Fellow, while Angela M. Thomas, the Dean of Health Sciences, received the Edgar J. & Ethel B. Boone Adult & Community College Leadership Fellowship award.

Angela M. Thomas, VGCC Dean of Health Sciences (VGCC photo)

“I am excited about the opportunity to be a Belk Center Fellow,” Allen said. “I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about student success strategies from community colleges across the nation as the American Association of Community Colleges celebrates 100 years.”

Thomas was presented with her award by Associate Professor Dr. Tuere Bowles during a ceremony at the university in December conducted by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership & Research. Bowles described the leadership award, given to only one student per year, as “highly competitive.”

Thomas said she was honored and would “do her best to make the Boones proud.” The fellowship is named in part for Dr. Edgar Boone, the founding head of the Department of Adult and Community College Education at NCSU.

Allen, an Oxford resident, has been a member of the VGCC staff in various roles since 2012. In his current position, Allen provides leadership and oversight to the areas of advising, counseling, male success initiative, student activities and athletics, testing and tutoring. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at North Carolina Central University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Western Governors University.

Jeffrey Allen, VGCC Dean of Student Retention & Success (VGCC photo)

Allen had a 14-year career in education at the K-12 level prior to joining VGCC. He is also the recipient of the 2016 Laura Thomas Award from the North Carolina Association on Higher Education and Disability (NC AHEAD). Earlier this year, Allen was named one of eight DREAM Fellows by NCSU.

A resident of Hillsborough, Thomas started her association with VGCC in 1997 as a part-time Radiography instructor, later becoming the program’s full-time clinical coordinator and then head of the program. Thomas was named VGCC’s Faculty Member of the Year in 2011.

As dean of health sciences since 2013, she leads a division that includes the Histotechnology, Nursing, Human Services Technology, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technology and Radiography programs.

Thomas earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology from Pitt Community College, a bachelor of arts in Forensic Science from Guilford College and a Master of Science degree in Health Care Management from Ashworth College. Thomas is a graduate of the North Carolina Community College Leadership Program and completed the Executive Leadership Program through the College of Education at N.C. State University. She is also a recipient of the VGCC President’s Leadership Award.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board of Ed. Approves Process for Filling Vacant District 5 Seat

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Per Policy 2115 – Unexpired Term Fulfillment, the Granville County Board of Education has approved the process for filling the District 5 seat made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Ed Mims in December 2019.

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 the Clerk of the Board of Education, Ms. Dywanda Pettaway, by the close of business, Friday, January 24, 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 5 in order to be considered for this position. Proof of residency will be required. District 5 map and information may be found at the Granville County website https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/county-commissioners/district-map/

At its February 6, 2020, regular meeting, the Board will review the documents submitted by each candidate and vote to issue invitations to those the Board wishes to interview.

On Monday, February 17, 2020, the Board will hold a Special Called Meeting for the purpose of interviewing candidates (the Board will use a list of questions asked of each candidate, chosen at the beginning of the meeting) and then vote on who will fill the unexpired term of District 5. (Note: Interviews and vote to take place in Open Session)

At its March 2, 2020, regular meeting, 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.

Town Talk 01/08/20: ‘Science in the Summer’ Provides Free, Hands-On Learning

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Zenovia Hogue, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Science in the Summer (SIS) Coordinator for the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center in Chapel Hill, NC, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Bringing summer science activities to rising second through eighth-grade students in 10 counties throughout Central North Carolina since 2008, Hogue said the free program is “an engaging, fun way to prevent the proven slide that happens when kids don’t participate in academic activities over the summer break.”

“SIS is free to all participating children because GSK covers all program expenses,” Hogue explained. “Science in the Summer would not be possible without their support.”

The 2020 SIS theme is “Chemistry is everywhere!” According to the SIS website, students will enjoy everything from “discovering polymers with color-changing slime to investigating how zombie worms use chemicals to survive. Students will use common, everyday materials and ingredients to understand that almost everything they do is connected to science. Along the way, not only will they discover that science is exciting, but that it will be a key part of their future – no matter which career they choose.”

Local teachers may also join in on the summer fun by applying to be a paid SIS educator. A current teaching license is required and an application process must be completed. Those interested may visit the Morehead Planetarium’s employment website by clicking here.

For Vance County residents, the first SIS student session will be held at the Perry Memorial Library for rising second through fifth graders June 15 – 19, 2020, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration date is March 2.

The second session will be held at the Perry Memorial Library for rising sixth through eighth graders July 13 – 15, 2020, from 1 – 4 p.m. Registration date is March 10.

Spaces are limited in all summer sessions and registration is required. For more information, including Granville and Franklin County sessions, and to register, please visit the SIS website at www.moreheadplanetarium.org/sis.

To hear the interview with Hogue in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

State Broadband Office Expanded Access, Worked to Close Digital Divide in 2019

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-Press Release, NCDIT

While it may seem that internet is universal, there are still areas of North Carolina that lack the infrastructure, called broadband, to support high-speed internet in addition to residents who lack the technology to use it. This access – to infrastructure and to devices – is critical for children to complete homework assignments, for farmers and other businesses to run their operations and for providers to deliver improved healthcare for our residents.

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Broadband Infrastructure Office (BIO) is working to close this digital divide and made great strides in 2019 to achieve its goal that every resident has access to affordable, high-speed internet at all times.

“Access to broadband is a life-line and a critical piece in North Carolina residents’ making meaningful connections in order to live a healthier and more fulfilling life,” said Eric Boyette, DIT secretary and state chief information officer. “We’re going to use the momentum we’ve created this past year to help even more residents in 2020.”

Governor Roy Cooper demonstrated his commitment to this goal by issuing Executive Order 91 (EO 91) and establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Connecting North Carolina. EO 91 directs state government leaders to work collaboratively to identify and remove barriers to affordable, high-speed internet access, eliminate the homework gap that results from students not having internet access, and facilitate private-sector deployment of last-mile infrastructure.

BIO made significant progress toward this goal by awarding the first round of grants through the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) program, which allows internet service providers and electric membership cooperatives to compete for funding to lower financial barriers that prevent broadband expansion in rural communities. Nearly $10 million was awarded to 20 broadband service providers to facilitate the deployment of broadband service in 19 Tier One counties. Of the 13 companies receiving funding, 11 are NC-based small businesses, telephone cooperatives and an electric membership cooperative.

With more than $6 million in matching funds from the providers, around $16 million in total investment will bring service to more than 10,000 households, businesses, agricultural operations and community institutions such as libraries, schools and hospitals. The N.C. General Assembly approved and Gov. Cooper signed legislation providing an additional $30 million for grants through June 2021 to continue the program.

In addition to physically expanding broadband access, digital inclusion is critical to closing the digital divide. This includes ensuring residents have equal access to digital resources, technology and the skills needed to use them. BIO is an active partner in the NC Digital Equity and Inclusion Collaborative and works diligently to level the playing field for N.C. residents. Notable achievements in digital inclusion efforts this year include:

  • In early 2019, BIO partnered with the NC Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Rural Health (ORH) to secure a $98,273 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER fund to investigate and identify gaps, challenges and opportunities in the existing telehealth infrastructure resources in 20 western N.C. counties and explore how to better use technology to improve health and healthcare in the region.
  • In March, BIO published “The Homework Gap in North Carolina,” a report that provides communities and state and local policymakers with strategies to bridge the homework gap that occurs when students are assigned homework that requires internet access but lack an internet connection at home. The report was developed in conjunction with The William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at North Carolina State University.
  • BIO and The State Library of North Carolina won a $250,000 two-year grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and to launch a pilot program to address the homework gap. The program, which began in Robeson County in January, provided digital literacy workshops to 34 families. In July, the program expanded to include four counties, and 62 families have attended workshops.
  • As a result of Gov. Cooper’s Hometown Strong program to support rural communities, NCDIT and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, home to the State Library, partnered with nine library systems and four municipalities for a pilot program to improve internet access in rural communities. Each of the libraries received $35,000 to purchase equipment such as Wi-Fi hotspots or computers to make available to students or other library patrons for home use. Communities were able to use the funds at their discretion to shape a program that best fit their needs.

BIO further affirmed its commitment to increasing rural broadband by developing a survey and speed test for farmers in partnership with the North Carolina Farm Bureau (NCFB). The survey and speed test will gather data that will provide a clear picture of current connections and speeds available at farms and pinpoint those that lack sufficient connectivity to run their business with 21st-century technology. BIO and NCFB will use this information to develop connectivity solutions for farmers, both in their offices and in the fields.

This project followed the launch of BIO’s Broadband Speed Test, a self-reporting tool that allows residents and businesses to report the actual speeds they receive at home or at work. This tool allows for better mapping of areas of the state that unserved or underserved by broadband providers.

As part of its services, BIO provides a technical assistance team as an on-the-ground resource to work with counties and communities across the state to provide needed broadband expertise. Over the past year, this team aided 70 counties with planning and resource identification, including all 36 counties included in Gov. Roy Cooper’s Hometown Strong program, a partnership between state agencies and local leaders to champion rural communities.

In addition, BIO launched the FirstTech initiative to support state and local public safety and emergency response organizations with identifying emerging communications technologies. It is also monitoring the build-out of FirstNet, the nationwide wireless broadband public safety communications network.

BIO is gearing up for an exciting 2020 that builds upon the success of the past year.

The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Broadband Infrastructure Office leads the statewide initiative to expand high-speed internet access for all North Carolinians.

Swearing-In Ceremony for Newly Appointed Granville Sheriff Set for Jan. 8

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

The swearing-in ceremony of the newly-appointed Granville County Sheriff Charles R. Noblin, Jr., will be held in the Superior Courtroom of the Granville County Courthouse on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 5:15 p.m.

The Granville County Courthouse is located at 101 Main Street in Oxford.

Please click here to read the joint statement of the Granville County Board of Commissioners and the Granville County Sheriff’s Office on the appointment of Noblin.

Sheriff Charles Noblin

Charles R. Noblin, Jr. Appointed Granville Co. Sheriff

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This is a joint statement of the Granville County Board of Commissioners and the Granville County Sheriff’s Office.

The Granville County Board of Commissioners appointed Charles R. Noblin, Jr. sheriff this evening to fulfill the unexpired term of Brindell B. Wilkins, Jr. Mr. Noblin will take the oath of office at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Mr. Noblin is an eighteen-year veteran of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently the sergeant in charge of the Civil Division.

The Granville County Board of Commissioners appointed Charles R. Noblin, Jr. sheriff to fulfill the unexpired term of Brindell B. Wilkins, Jr. Mr. Noblin will take the oath of office at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

The Granville County Board of Commissioners wants to thank Chief Deputy Sherwood Boyd for his leadership in fulfilling the duties of the office of the sheriff since Mr. Wilkins was suspended on September 23, 2019. The decision to name Mr. Noblin was taken in consultation with Mr. Boyd.

Mr. Boyd is eligible to retire in early 2021. While he has not made a decision to retire at this time, he believes that the men and women of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office deserve an assurance of continuity for the balance of Mr. Wilkins’ unexpired term which ends in December 2022. Mr. Noblin has advised me that he intends to swear Mr. Boyd in as his chief deputy.

The order suspending Mr. Wilkins remains in effect at least until the resolution of the two felony charges of obstruction of justice with which he has been indicted. As Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman has publicly announced, there is a continued, ongoing state and federal investigation into the activities of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office during Mr. Wilkins’ tenure.

The Commissioners’ action recognizes that it could be months or years before the issues involving Mr. Wilkins are resolved.

The ongoing investigations are focused on individuals and not the Granville County Sheriff’s Office as a whole. The Commissioners appreciate the dedicated and honorable service of the vast majority of the employees of the Sheriff’s Office and wish to publicly thank them for the outstanding job they have done under difficult circumstances.

We look forward to and expect to continue and enhance cooperation between the Granville County Sheriff’s Office and its state and federal prosecutorial and law enforcement partners. The various law enforcement agencies can only operate effectively where there is open communication and respect between those offices that focus on the safety, security, and rights of the people served.

We wish to remind the public that Brindell B. Wilkins, Jr. remains innocent until proven guilty. No action taken by the Commissioners should be read to be a judgment as to his guilt or innocence. Rather, the actions taken are to ensure the continued, effective operation of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office until the ongoing investigations are finished and the legal proceedings against him are concluded.

Mr. Noblin’s appointment as sheriff gives him full authority over the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. The Commissioners give Mr. Noblin their full support to make any changes reasonably necessary for the effective organization of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office including taking steps to reconstitute a drug investigations unit.

The Commissioners pledge the support needed to ensure the Granville County Sheriff’s Office can provide professional law enforcement, detention, court security, school security, and civil process services in a fair and impartial manner that protects and preserves the Constitutional Rights of the people it serves.

Due to personnel issues and the ongoing state and federal investigations, no further statements will be issued.

James C. Wrenn, Jr., Attorney at Law, provided WIZS News with the following clarification after publication of the above press release:

Due to questions received, I want to add that Mr. Wilkins remains suspended. He has not been permanently removed from office. It is possible that he could return to office if he is not convicted of a felony or if no other grounds for removal exist. Please see the statute below:

  • 128-19. Suspension pending hearing; how vacancy filled. Upon the filing of the petition in the office of the clerk of the superior court, and the presentation of the same to the judge, the judge may suspend the accused from office if in his judgment sufficient cause appear from the petition and affidavit, or affidavits, which may be presented in support of the charges contained therein. In case of suspension, as herein provided, the temporary vacancy shall be filled in the manner provided by law for filling of the vacancies in such office.(P.L. 1913, c. 761, s. 23; 1919, c. 288; C.S., s. 3211.)

Town Talk 01/07/20: Girl Scout Cookie Sale Begins This Weekend!

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Teresa Wimbrow, membership director for Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren County Girl Scouts, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m. Wimbrow discussed the 2020 Girl Scout cookie sale and benefits to the girls involved in the program.

This year’s sale begins Saturday, January 11 at 9 a.m. Wimbrow said the local area should be prepared for “girls ringing your doorbell with cookies in hand.” Cookies will also be available in the coming weeks at booths set up by girl scouts and adult volunteers at local participating businesses and restaurants.

Cookies are available for $4 a box with proceeds being used for trips and activities for the scouts.

Flavors available locally this year include Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Lemonades, Thanks-A-Lot, Girl Scout S’mores, Shortbread and a gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip.

According to Wimbrow, this is expected to be the last year that the Thanks-A-Lot shortbread and chocolate fudge cookies will be available, so if they are your favorite, make sure you stock up. A new cookie will be introduced next year to join the tried and true originals.

Wimbrow, a former educator and basketball, volleyball and softball coach, has been with the Girl Scout organization for 11 years and says she enjoys fulfilling the organization’s motto by helping to “build girls of courage, confidence and character.”

“I love young people and I love this area,” said Wimbrow. “Girl Scouts is a great organization that offers a positive alternative to some of the other things that are happening that get so much negative publicity.”

The four-county area is part of the larger Girl Scout NC Coastal Pines, a council consisting of 41 counties. For information on the Girl Scout cookie program or testimonials from girls and volunteers alike, please visit www.nccoastalpines.org.

If you know someone interested in joining Girl Scouts, have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Teresa Wimbrow at (252) 438-8103 or email twimbrow@nccoastalpines.org.

To hear the interview with Wimbrow in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.