Reavis Takes Reins at Granville County Emergency Services

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Government announces that Jason Reavis has been hired as Director of Granville County Emergency Services.

Reavis has more than 20 years’ experience in the emergency services field, with his most recent position being Assistant Director of Emergency Operations in Vance County. In that role, he helped supervise all functions associated with Emergency Management and 911, including emergency planning, response, recovery and mitigation.

Granville County Government announces that Jason Reavis has been hired as Director of Granville County Emergency Services. His first day of work was Dec. 1, 2019. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Along with planning and executing numerous exercises in preparation for natural and manmade disasters, Reavis has helped build and strengthen relationships with area governments, departments and agencies to manage effective planning and implementation of emergency response strategies.

The new Emergency Services Director, who is stepping in after the Dec. 31 retirement of former Emergency Services Director Doug Logan, is a certified N.C. Executive Emergency Manager, an International Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and an International Emergency Fire Dispatcher, among many other distinctions.

Various supervisory and instructional roles in his extensive career have helped prepare him to fill the position of Emergency Services Director, as well as experience as a paramedic and volunteer firefighter.

At the Fall Conference of the North Carolina Emergency Management Association, Reavis was recognized with the 2019 Vance E. Kee Award, which is presented annually to the local emergency management staff person who has demonstrated outstanding achievement through promoting emergency management among other county and state agencies and elected officials.

A graduate of Vance-Granville Community College, Reavis holds an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration. He is married and has five children.

His first day of work was Dec. 1, 2019.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Receives ‘Clean’ Financial Audit Report 

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

At their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, January 6, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education received the official financial audit for the 2018-2019 fiscal year from the firm of Anderson, Smith and Wike, PLLC.

Partner Dale Smith summarized the 72-page report to the Board, commenting, “these reports are the cleanest reports that a governmental entity can receive in an audit of its financial statement.” Board Chairman David Richardson responded to the audit results, stating, “The Board is pleased with the results of this year’s audit. In striving to be transparent and accountable for the funds entrusted to us, this process affirms our staff and procedures while showing the public our financial standing.”

Mr. Smith walked Board members through various highlights of the report, including an overview of the budget, as well as the status of fund balance, or the district’s savings or “rainy day” fund.

The total budget of governmental activities for the district during the 2018-2019 fiscal year was $90,991,833. Regarding fund balance, Mr. Smith explained, “The total fund balance on June 30, 2019, was $6,229,570, which as a percentage of total governmental expenditures represents 7.26%.”

Mr. Smith further explained the importance of the Board to continue monitoring the fund balance to ensure the district remained in sound financial standing. He noted that while there is no required threshold for the percentage of fund balance that the district should maintain, other governmental entities such as towns, cities and municipalities use 8% as a general target for their savings.

Mr. Smith concluded his presentation by stating, “Over the past three years, the district has not had any major compliance issues. The state puts a lot of restrictions on how the money is to be spent, so all of your directors and the finance department are responsible for ensuring the funds are spent in the proper manner, and they have done an excellent job in spending those funds the way they were supposed to be. It says a lot about the folks you have in charge that there are no findings with this audit. We audit over 50 districts across the state, and there is not anyone doing as great a job as Ms. Day and her team. Y’all have a top-notch finance department.”

The Board uses a third party independent auditing firm to review financial records as a measure of accountability and certification as required by state law. This helps ensure that the district remains a good steward of taxpayer dollars.

Superintendent McLean also commented on the findings, saying, “I am very proud to see the high quality work of our finance team and staff from across the district confirmed by this independent report. This is fundamental to our primary goal of educating students and I commend them for a job well done.”

Board Continues Work to Improve 911 Communications Across State

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-Press Release, NC DIT 

The North Carolina 911 Board is providing North Carolina residents with technological improvements to 911 communications across the state through the Next Generation 911 (NG911) initiative. These advancements, which include the Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet), ensure that N.C. residents can access 911 services regardless of location or the communication technology they use.

Transitioning 911 to the ESInet enables digital information such as cell phone calls, text messages, pictures and video to be routed to the appropriate 911 call center, or Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), across a closed, private network via location-based call routing capabilities.

To support the implementation of NG911 services, in 2019, North Carolina was awarded a $3.9 million federal grant by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). In addition, the N.C. 911 Board awarded $10.5 million in grants from the state’s 911 Fund to support the migration to ESInet, new PSAPs, and radio and dispatch upgrades.

“We are excited to be on target with 25 percent of the PSAPs having migrated to the ESInet, and the majority of those also took advantage of the hosted call handling solution that is part of the overall NG911 initiative for the state,” said Pokey Harris, executive director of the North Carolina 911 Board. “We appreciate those PSAPs that were willing to be among the first to migrate to ESInet and are excited that North Carolina is leading the way for NG911, being touted as an innovator.”

A total of 32 PSAPs in North Carolina have migrated to the ESInet, with 31 of those occurring in 2019. All 127 PSAPs across the state are required to complete the transition to the ESInet by July 1, 2021. A map of PSAPs and their migration status is available here.

With more 911 centers coming online, in September 2019, the board celebrated the opening of the Network Monitoring and Assistance Center (NMAC), which will play an important role in making sure services run smoothly across the state.

According to Harris, technicians at the NMAC will monitor the ESInet to immediately troubleshoot network issues and help behind the scenes to provide seamless 911 coverage, so 911 telecommunicators can focus on helping North Carolina residents get the assistance they need as quickly as possible.

Technicians also can quickly reroute emergency calls to other 911 centers as they identify increased trends in emergency calls – particularly in cases such as severe weather or major events that draw large volumes of people to a particular area. During Hurricane Dorian, technicians at the NMAC were prepared to assist in rerouting calls from the coast to counties farther inland, however, it was not necessary.

“Residents and visitors to the state are the true beneficiaries of the NG911 efforts that will ultimately improve 911 service delivery,” said Harris.

The N.C. 911 Board is a 17-member board that is responsible for policies and procedures for wireline and wireless 911 communications in the state and administers the state’s 911 Fund used to support equipment purchases for the 127 public safety answering points (911 centers) in the state. The board is housed with the N.C. Department of Information Technology.

For more information, visit https://it.nc.gov/about/boards-commissions/nc-911-board.

WIZS Note: Brian K. Short, director of Henderson-Vance Emergency Operations, reports that his department successfully transitioned to the ESI Net (Next Generation 911) in September 2019, and operations have been running smoothly in the ensuing months.

McGregor Hall: GrassStreet & The Larry Stephenson Band Performing Sat.

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

A NIGHT OF BLUEGRASS: Featuring GrassStreet and The Larry Stephenson Band

Two great bands come together on the McGregor Hall stage for A NIGHT OF BLUEGRASS!

Local favorite GrassStreet has entertained fans since 2003 with their mix of original material and bluegrass standards. The Larry Stephenson Band has been entertaining audiences for thirty years including numerous performances on the Grand Ole Opry, RFD-TV, and as a headliner on festivals and concerts throughout the US and Canada.

Tickets for this event may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Oxford Prep School Announces Homecoming Representatives

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School

Oxford Preparatory School celebrated Homecoming on Friday, January 10, 2020. The newly selected 2019-2020 OPS Homecoming King and Queen, chosen from members of the senior class by their peers, is Ridge Huff and Sophia Metcalf.

Oxford Preparatory School celebrated Homecoming on Friday, January 10, 2020. The newly selected 2019-2020 OPS Homecoming King and Queen, chosen from members of the senior class by their peers, is Ridge Huff and Sophia Metcalf. (OPS photo)

Quincy Burreal, the 2018-2019 OPS Homecoming King, crowned the newly elected King and Queen. Quincy was joined by Ey’mania Alston, President of OPS Interact, Hailee Bissett, Interact Vice President and Avery Thomas, Interact Secretary.

The OPS Senior Homecoming Court representatives were Catherine Slack, daughter of Penny Slack; Ridge Huff, son of Sandy and Randall Huff; Sophia Metcalf, daughter of Mary and Ken Metcalf and Alexander Slack, son of Penny Slack and Bob Slack.

Catherine Slack is already a successful college student in the CCP program, an honors scholar and a key OPS leader on the cross-country trail and on the basketball court. With a consistently positive attitude, others often look to Catherine for her leadership and support.

She plans to attend Montreat College with a running scholarship so that she can pursue a career as a Physical Therapist.

Also an honors scholar, Ridge Huff has earned a large number of college credit hours while also being a standout athlete on the soccer field and on the basketball court. Ridge is a leader in academics, in athletics and in serving others through school and with his church. His peers look to Ridge to see the positive in every situation.

Ridge will be attending NC State and majoring in Biomedical Engineering and will pursue a career as a dentist.

Sophia Metcalf is an honors scholar who has already earned 24 college credit hours. She is a highly talented musician, a skilled artist and a nationally decorated equestrian. Sophia is the founder of the OPS Equestrian Club. As a leader, Sophia works to make certain that others feel valued and included.

She will be attending either NC State or Averett University to pursue a career in Biology.

OPS Senior Homecoming Court representatives Catherine Slack and Alexander Slack are pictured above. (OPS photo)

Alex Slack has also maintained status as an honors scholar while successfully earning college credits. He is an extremely skilled musician and a key contributor to the OPS strings with not only his talent but also the kind manner in which he urges others to try harder and to reach higher, along with the spark of humor he adds to each endeavor.

Alex will attend UNCG to major in Psychology and to pursue a career as a Therapist.

The 7th-grade homecoming court representatives were Emily Wilkinson, daughter of Nancy and Chance Wilkinson and Davis Faulkner, son of Marian and Starr Faulkner.

8th-grade representative Janari Johnson, daughter of Tasha Blackwell and Jerry Johnson was escorted by 8th-grade representative Jonathan Gouldman, son of Shannon Wilkerson.

9th-grade was represented by Reese Newton, daughter of Mary and Chad Newton. She was escorted by Zack Crosby, the son of Alwason and Robert Crosby.

10th-grade representatives were Zoe Holland, daughter of Tracy and Christopher Holland and Lucas Juntunen, son of Tammy and Jon Juntunen.

11th-grade representatives were Rachel Daniel, daughter of Cindy Woodard and the late Gerald Daniel and Bryce Garrett, son of Shelby and Todd Garrett.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board of Ed. to Discuss Joe Toler-Oak Hill Surplus Property

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 8:30 a.m. at the Central Office Building, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Board’s surplus property on the site of the former Joe Toler-Oak Hill Elementary School.

The board may also meet in Closed Session to discuss confidential matters and consult with its attorney in accordance with N.C. General Statutes 143.318.11 (a)(1) and (a)(3).

Alzheimer’s Assoc. of Eastern NC Launches Direct Connect Referral Program

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-Press Release, Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter announced today the launch of its Direct Connect Referral Program.

This free service is designed to work together with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias receive the appropriate care and resources needed to improve their quality of life.

Developed in order to help provide a holistic approach to patient care, this program is the first of its kind in the Alzheimer’s community in all 51 Eastern North Carolina counties for which the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter serves. Physicians and healthcare professionals at clinic offices, medical centers and hospitals throughout these 51 counties now have an opportunity to participate in the program.

Currently, only 33 percent of seniors age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease are aware of their diagnosis. Studies have found that one of the reasons physicians do not diagnose Alzheimer’s — or do not disclose a diagnosis — is a lack of time and resources to provide care planning. However, a disclosed diagnosis is necessary to implement care planning, a crucial element in improving outcomes for the individual.

Care planning has many benefits for the patient and their family, including:

  • Allows newly diagnosed individuals and their caregivers to learn about medical and non-medical treatments, clinical trials and support services available in the community — resulting in a higher quality of life for those living with the disease.
  • Leads to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and better medication management.
  • Contributes to better management of other conditions that can be complicated by Alzheimer’s.

The Medicare billing code – known as 99483 – introduced in 2018, allows clinicians to be reimbursed for providing care planning to cognitively impaired individuals. In using this code along with the Association’s Direct Connect Referral Program, clinicians will have the time and resources to provide a comprehensive set of care planning services to people with cognitive impairment and their caregivers. All that is involved is completing a one-page, HIPAA compliant form and faxing or scanning it to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We are thrilled about launching our new Direct Connect Referral Program, which provides an easy way to connect a doctor’s patients with our organization’s care and support services,” said Lisa Roberts, executive director of the Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “We are deeply committed to supporting the family of people on their journey of diagnosis and treatment, while also adding value to the efforts of physicians’ offices. Our Direct Connect Referral Program is a win-win resource for all.”

Physicians and healthcare professionals interested in learning more about this program should contact Peggy Best at pbest@alz.org or at 919-241-5928.

Additional Facts and Figures: (https://www.alz.org/facts/)

  • Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.
  • Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s.
  • An estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease, including 170,000 North Carolina residents, are living with Alzheimer’s, a number estimated to grow to as many as 14 million by the year 2050.
  • More than 16 million family and friends, including 473,000 in North Carolina, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in the United States.
  • In 2018, friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s in North Carolina provided an estimated 538 million hours of unpaid care, a contribution valued at $6.8 billion.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter, visit www.alz.org/nc or call 800-272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

I Voted Sticker

Absentee By-Mail Voting Begins Monday for NC Primary Election

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, NC State Board of Elections

Beginning Monday, January 13, 2020, absentee by-mail ballots for the March primary election will be mailed to voters who request them. Any registered voter in North Carolina may vote absentee by-mail.

Primary Election Day – when voters select the political party nominees to appear on the ballot in the November 3 general election – is March 3, 2020.

“By-mail absentee voting officially launches the 2020 primary election,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “Any registered voter in North Carolina may request a mail-in absentee ballot for the primary.”

To vote absentee by-mail, voters must complete a 2020 State Absentee Ballot Request Form. For the 2020 primary, the form must be received by the voter’s county board of elections by 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

Voters who submit a valid request will receive a ballot from their county board of elections. The materials will include detailed instructions on how to complete and return the ballot.

For a one-page guide on how to vote absentee by-mail, go here.

Session Law 2019-239 made several changes to the absentee voting process. Changes include:

  • An absentee request form is now valid only if returned to the county board of elections by the voter, the voter’s near relative or legal guardian, or a Multipartisan Assistance Team (MAT);
  • The absentee request form must be mailed or delivered in-person to the voter’s county board of elections. Unlike past elections, request forms may not be emailed or faxed; and
  • If a voter needs help completing the request form due to blindness, disability, or inability to read or write, and a near relative or legal guardian is not available, the voter may get help from another person, who must list their name and address on the form.

About the Primary Election

All five recognized political parties in North Carolina – Constitution, Democratic, Green, Libertarian and Republican – have primary ballots. Voters affiliated with a political party may only vote in their party’s primary. (For example, a voter registered as a Democrat may only vote the Democratic primary ballot.)

Unaffiliated voters may choose either the Democratic, Libertarian or Republican ballot, or a nonpartisan ballot, if available.

The one-stop, in-person early voting period for the March 3 primary begins Thursday, February 13 and ends Saturday, February 29.

 Uniformed or Overseas Citizens

Uniformed service members, as well as U.S. citizens living outside of the country, may request absentee ballots under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). For more information about UOCAVA absentee voting, visit FVAP.gov or ncsbe.gov/voting-options/military-overseas-voting.

 Multipartisan Assistance Teams (MATs)

Special assistance is available for voters living in care facilities, such as nursing homes. Upon request, county boards of elections will send a Multi-partisan Assistance Team (MAT) to help voters in facilities complete their 2020 State Absentee Ballot Request Form, mark their ballot, or serve as required witnesses.

Care facility coordinators or members of the public can contact their local county board of elections office to schedule a visit.

For more information about absentee voting, visit ncsbe.gov/voting-options/absentee-voting.

Skunk Collected in Oxford Tests Positive for Rabies

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Granville County Animal Control reports the pickup of a skunk that tested positive for rabies. The rabid animal was collected in the vicinity of Cornwall and Greenway Roads in Oxford.

As mandated by North Carolina law and for their own protection, all dogs, cats and ferrets over four months of age are required to have current rabies shots. Dogs and cats should also receive a rabies booster vaccine one year after the first vaccine and every three years thereafter if the vaccine is licensed for three-year use.

Granville County Animal Control offers a reminder that one-year vaccinations are available at the Granville County Animal Shelter, Mondays through Fridays, from noon until 4:30 p.m. The cost of each shot is only $6. Call the Shelter, located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford, at 919-693-6749 for details.

Oxford Logo

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.