Granville County Residents: Three Rabid Skunk Cases Reported In Recent Weeks

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– Information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County Animal Control Officers have confirmed three separate cases of rabid skunks in recent weeks – one case on Harry Davis Road in Bullock, one on College Street in Oxford and one on Oak Valley Drive near Old NC 75 in Stem. Two of these cases involved a rabid skunk fighting with a family dog, which serves as a reminder to make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccines.

All cats, dogs and ferrets are required to receive regular rabies vaccines in North Carolina, and failure to do so could result in a required quarantine or euthanasia if an unvaccinated pet is involved in an altercation with another rabid animal.

Make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccines, and if they are not, schedule a vaccination with your veterinarian or contact the Granville County Animal Shelter to receive a vaccine for a fee of $6. Rabies vaccines are available during the shelter’s public operating hours Tuesday through Saturday.

Call the Granville County Animal Shelter at 919.693.6749 to schedule an appointment to vaccinate your pet or to receive additional information about this statewide regulation. The shelter is located at 515 New Commerce Dr. in Oxford.

 

 

Families Living Violence Free

The Local Skinny! Families Living Violence Free Seeks New Executive Director

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Families Living Violence Free is in a search process to identify a new executive director to succeed Executive Director Peggy Roark, who is retiring.

Like many directors at many agencies, the FLVF director will report to the board of directors and will oversee planning and directing the operations of the agency. This role, however, also requires having extensive knowledge about crimes of domestic violence, assaults and how to help victims in crisis.

An ideal candidate will have a four-year degree and will have a combination of credentials and experience to be an effective leader for the agency who demonstrates the ability to manage complex, sensitive matters creatively, effectively and confidentially. The new executive director should have a commitment to philanthropic causes and will have held leadership roles in other non-profit agencies for at least two years.

Visit flvf.org to learn more about this position.

CLICK PLAY!

 

VGCC Logo

VGCC Partners With Piedmont CC To Provide Cybersecurity Program

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Vance-Granville Community College is partnering with Piedmont Community College to create the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

The two colleges have established a Level-Two Instructional Service Agreement (ISA) for cybersecurity that will begin next month, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

This comprehensive collaboration paves the way for both institutions to share resources, faculty expertise, instructional support and to develop work-ready talent in the cybersecurity sector.

As part of the agreement, PCC Cybersecurity Instructor Dr. Syed Raza will provide on-campus instruction at VGCC. He formerly was chair of the Computer Science Graduate Program at Talladega College. Raza holds a Doctorate in Computer Information Systems with an Information Assurance concentration, a master’s of Science in computer science from Nova Southeastern University and a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Strayer University. Raza is also a member of various Cybersecurity and Information Technology (IT) organizations.

“We are proud to partner with Piedmont Community College to provide excellent learning opportunities in information technology for PCC and VGCC students,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “We can serve our communities better by pooling our resources, cooperating rather than competing.”

Piedmont CC contacted VGCC officials to gauge interest in working together and sharing resources to focus on cybercrime and cyber investigation. With this collaboration, VGCC will join a network of educational institutions working together to meet the growing talent needs of North Carolina’s public agencies and private businesses.

PCC President Dr. Pamela Senegal said, “This agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring students are ready to lead the way in cybersecurity. By aligning with VGCC, we aim to create an educational ecosystem that transcends boundaries and prepares students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.”

Online and hybrid classes offered will include:

  • SEC 110 Security Concepts (3 Credits)
  • CCT 110 Intro to Cyber Crime (3 Credits)
  • CCT 121 Computer Crime Investigation (4 Credits)
  • CTI 120 Network & Security Foundations (3 Credits)

A Level-Two ISA is defined as two or more colleges which plan to jointly offer curriculum or continuing education courses by sharing resources. One or more participating colleges must be approved to provide curriculum courses in an approved program of study or the continuing education courses the State Board has approved.

Visit www.piedmontcc.edu/cyber for more information.

Recreation Mini-Grant Applications Available Now For 2024-25

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The Granville County Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee is accepting through January 2024 recreation mini-grant applications to be awarded in 2024-25.

Local government entities and registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within Granville County are eligible for up to $25,000 in grant funding specifically for projects related to recreation. These grant funds are used to facilitate the development and support of active and passive recreation and leisure activities for county residents, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

“The funding helps further the county’s reach in providing recreational amenities to a broad spectrum of residents, especially in areas of the county that are underserved or those that have not received prior funding,” stated Deputy County Manager Korena Weichel. “The Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee is grateful to the board of commissioners for continuing to provide funding for this important program over the  past several years,” Weichel said in a press statement.

Examples of past projects funded by mini grant awards include playground equipment at Jack Day Community Park in Stem, fishing piers at Lake Rogers Park in Creedmoor, facility improvements at South Granville High School and picnic shelters at the Grassy Creek Community Center. Signs are erected at project sites to inform residents that their county tax dollars helped provide the amenities.

Program guidelines and application are available for download on the Granville County website at  https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/recreation/recreation-grant/. Printed copies may also be obtained from the Granville County Planning Office, located at 122 Williamsboro St., Oxford.

All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2024. Complete submission requirements and instructions are included in the program guidelines.

To learn more about this grant opportunity, contact Weichel at 919.603.1366  or email korena.weichel@granvillecounty.org.

City of Oxford

Eligible Oxford Residents Can Apply For No-Interest Loans For Home Repairs

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–Information courtesy of City of Oxford Communications Specialist Sabrina Richards

The City of Oxford has been awarded an additional $66,000 by the NC Housing Finance Agency in the 2023 cycle of the Urgent Repair Program, designated to assist residents who live within the city limits.

The program provides funds for very low- and low-income homeowners whose residences need repair or modifications because they pose imminent threats to life or safety, according to information from Sabrina Richards, communications specialist with the City of Oxford.

Eligible households are those that earn less than 30 percent of the median income. Examples of work typically done include roof, HVAC or accessibility features like ramps or bathroom modifications. This brings a total to $132,000 in funds for this program. Program assistance will be provided to owner-occupants in the form of an unsecured deferred, interest-free loan, forgiven at a rate of $3,000 per year, until the principal balance is reduced to zero. The maximum lifetime limit according to the guidelines of URP23 is $12,000.  Applications and program information are available on the City of Oxford’s website at https://www.oxfordnc.org or by calling the Planning Department at 919.603.1116 or 919.603.1117. The funds provided by NCHFA for the Urgent Repair Program come from the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund.

Granville County Library System

Oxford’s Thornton Library Welcomes New Manager Lisa Dendy

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

The Granville County Library System has announced Lisa Dendy as the new branch manager for the Richard H. Thornton Library. Dendy brings a wealth of experience and extensive background in library services, both in public and academic library settings. She brings a deep understanding of community engagement and a passion for promoting literacy and learning to her new role.

Dendy joins the Granville County Library System with 19 years of experience in library services, most recently at the Davis Library at UNC-Chapel Hill. Before her time in Chapel Hill, Dendy worked for 14 years with the Durham County Library. Dendy holds a Master of Arts in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Library Science from N.C. Central University.

“We are thrilled to have Lisa Dendy join us as the Richard H. Thornton Library Branch Manager,” said Granville County Library System Director Will Robinson. “Her wealth of experience at two of the most esteemed academic and public libraries in the United States, her educational background, and commitment to community service align seamlessly with the values of the Granville County Library System. We feel that she will bring the Thornton Library and the entire Granville County Library System to even greater heights with her focus on creating an inclusive and dynamic library environment that caters to the diverse needs of Granville County residents.”

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

Granville Haunt Farm Named Top N.C. Attraction By State Travel Industry Association

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When Grey Blackwell started the Granville Haunt Farm nine years ago, he just wanted to give folks a fun – and entertainingly scary – experience around Halloween. Since that first season, the seasonal event has grown into the “anchor” for fall events in Granville County. Blackwell and The Haunt Farm were recognized recently as the North Carolina Attraction of the Year by the N.C. Travel Industry Association.

“When we started Granville Haunt Farm…we never anticipated the impact we would have on tourism in Granville County,” Blackwell said. He credits Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen and the county’s Tourism Development Authority for helping to elevate the Haunt Farm’s popularity.

“We’re grateful for their partnership in helping us bring memorable experiences to our visitors and humbled to receive this award.”

Necessity is the Mother of Invention, they say, and Blackwell pivoted his walk-through event to a drive-through during the COVID-19 pandemic. And he hasn’t looked back.

Vehicles fill the field-turned-parking-queue on the weekends, waiting their turn in line.

In just a few short years, the “Drive-Through Drive-In” attraction has gone from a beloved local event to an attraction that draws visitors from across North Carolina and beyond. The unique attraction generates about 20,000 customers a year and has led to the creation of a spinoff Christmas Farm Drive-Through that brings more than 9,000 visitors to the county.

In 2023, the Granville Tourism Development Authority’s marketing objective for the Haunt Farm was to direct even more people to its website. The campaign resulted in a total of 550,000 impressions, a 93 percent increase in traffic, 95 percent increase in users and a 116 percent increase in number of page views.

To learn more, contact Allen at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org or 919.693.6125. See a complete listing of events at www.visitgranvillecnc.com .

Visit https://www.granvillehauntfarm.com/ and https://www.granvillechristmasfarm.com/ to read more about Blackwell’s events.

Granville Chamber Sponsors Student Spotlight

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee invites Chamber members to nominate local high school students for the Student Spotlight.

Students with an affiliation to a Chamber member business – through employment, internship or as a volunteer – are eligible, according to information from Chamber Executive Director Cynthia Ratliff. The students must be a resident of Granville County or attend one of the following high schools: Granville Central High School; J.F. Webb High School; South Granville High School; Oxford Preparatory School; Falls Lake Academy; Granville Early College; Granville Academy or Phoenix Academy.

Students selected for the Spotlight will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual membership meeting and banquet, scheduled for Mar. 11, 2024. All nominated students may apply for a scholarship the Chamber offers that will be awarded in June 2024.

Nominations should be based on attendance, work ethic and character. To access the nomination form, click here.

For more information, contact Ratliff at the Chamber office at 919.693.6125 or cynthia@granville-chamber.com.

Delrayno Baptist Presents Drive-Thru Live Nativity Dec. 9-12

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UPDATED SUNDAY, DEC. 10:

Because of the threat of severe weather, Sunday’s drive-thru Nativity at Delrayno Baptist Church has been cancelled. “A Journey Back To Bethlehem” is scheduled to continue Monday, Dec. 11 and will be open on Tuesday, Dec. 12 as well, organizers said. The live Nativity event is open from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 

 

Experience the wonder of a live Nativity as Delrayno Baptist Church in Oxford presents “A Journey Back To Bethlehem” beginning Saturday, Dec. 9.

There is no fee for the drive-thru Nativity, which runs for three consecutive evenings – Saturday, Dec. 9, Sunday, Dec. 10 and Monday, Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the church, located at 1315 College St.

The parking lot and grounds of the church are transformed with props, scenery, lights and more to re-create Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Church members in period dress participate in the various vignettes set up on the grounds that have become a favorite local Christmas event.

Granville Youth Leadership Council Gives Teens A Voice In Decision-Making

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

The Granville County Youth Leadership Council provides high school students a voice in local government’s decision-making processes while promoting civic engagement and responsibility.

The Council is a platform that empowers young minds to actively participate in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to community development, according to a press statement from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. Members are representatives of youth civic engagement, and also can bring about change by bringing new ideas and opportunities to the community.

The purpose of the council is to make sure youth in the community have a voice, but more importantly, that  their voices are heard, recognized and valued. Through participation in the council, the youth will gain leadership skills  through their service on selected county boards, outreach, initiatives and youth-led projects.

This year’s new members to the council are:

  • Ana Black, District 4;
  • Josef Black, District 4;
  • Claire Glavin, District 7;
  • Jacquelin  Jose, District 4;
  • Kaylee Overby, District 5;
  • Dylan Roseman, District 5;
  • Nathanael Royster, District 7

 

The new class joins the following members already serving on the council:

  • Jermaine Puryear, Jr., Chair, Board Liaison, District 3 
  • Elaina Eley, Vice Chair, Board Liaison, District 6
  • Amber Necessary, Secretary, Board Liaison, District 6 
  • Jaden Easow, Treasurer, Board Liaison, District 6 
  • Iesha Landis, Social Events Chair, Board Liaison, District 6 
  • Cassie Peele, Media and Public Relations Chair, Board Liaison, District 2 
  • Vashti Pearson, Social Media/Content Creator, Board Liaison, District 5 
  • Asia Abdul-Haqq, Board Liaison, District 5 
  • Joydan Johnson, Board Liaison, District 6 

The council had a strategic planning session retreat in November and worked to plan future initiatives, including launching a Teen Clothing Closet, sponsoring a Teen Night and developing a mental health proposal for teens.

Learn more about the Council and their activities, visit https://granvilleylc.weebly.com/.