Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. School Board to Meet in Closed Session – July 15

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will meet in Closed Session, Monday, July 15, 2019, at 4 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina, for a consultation with the Board’s attorney in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321.

Mary Potter School to Honor 130th Anniversary With Reunion, Parade

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Come join the fun and celebrate the 130th anniversary of Mary Potter Academy/High School. A school reunion will be held July 19 – 21, 2019, in Oxford, NC.

A parade will be held Saturday, July 20 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The parade is open to the public and will start and end at the George C. Shaw Museum located at 202 McClanahan Street in Oxford.

The parade will follow Williamsboro, Hillsborough and Broad Street in downtown Oxford.

Event planners are looking for bands, floats of all kinds, vintage cars, fancy trucks and your team spirit.

Food trucks and more will be available at the gym on Lanier Street.

For more information, please call Rosalyn M. Green (301) 351-4850, Gloria G. Hawkins (919) 691-1291 or Janet Baptiste Jones (240) 447-2014.

For more information on the Mary Potter School, visit their Facebook page (click here).

NC Dept of Agriculture

State Veterinarian Reminds Livestock & Pet Owners to Watch Out for Ticks

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

State Veterinarian Doug Meckes is reminding livestock and pet owners to be vigilant in their tick preventative measures during warm weather. Recently, the deaths of five cows in Surry County were linked to acute anemia caused by tick infestations. Samples were sent to the N.C. Division of Public Health, Communicable Disease Branch for identification which confirmed Asian longhorned ticks.

“This is the fourth confirmed case in North Carolina since 2018, and the first case reported this year. Previous cases were found in Polk, Rutherford and Davidson counties,” Meckes said. “The deceased young bull brought to our Northwestern Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab had more than 1,000 ticks on it and the owner had lost four other cattle under the same circumstances.”

The Asian longhorned tick is an exotic, East Asian tick. The first case identified in the U.S. was in West Virginia from a tick taken from a white-tail deer in August 2010. Since then, 67 counties in the United States have confirmed local Asian longhorned tick populations. Virginia has the most counties with 24 confirmed.

It is a serious pest of livestock in its native regions, and the means of introduction into the U.S. is unknown. It is an aggressive biter and frequently builds intense infestations on animals causing great stress, reduced growth and production, and blood loss. The tick can reproduce parthenogenetically (without a male) and a single fed female tick can create a localized population.

While the Asian longhorned tick has not been linked to any human infection in the United States, the N.C. Division of Public Health, Communicable Disease Branch is working with NCDA&CS to understand its distribution and monitor for diseases it may carry.

The finding of this tick in the state corresponds with a continued effort by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to identify ticks in all 100 counties of the state. Veterinarians are encouraged to submit ticks they find on clinical patients to help track and identify tick populations in North Carolina. If you are a veterinarian practicing in North Carolina and are interested in participating in this study, email Dr. Alexis M. Barbarin at NCTickID@dhhs.nc.gov.

Ticks attack people, domestic animals and wildlife. Prevention remains the best method to deter tick-borne illnesses. Protect yourself while outdoors by wearing long clothing, wearing permethrin-treated clothing, and using DEET, picaridin, and other EPA-approved repellants. It is also good practice to shower immediately once you return home. Checking for ticks can help deter tick attachment or allow for early removal. For domestic animals, talk to your veterinarian about effective options to treat your pets and livestock for ticks.

Town Talk: Granville Co. Summer Leadership Interns On Air – 07/08/19

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Four of the five student interns in the Granville County Board of Commissioners’ Summer Civic Leadership Program were on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss their experiences.

The interns were joined by Charla Duncan, management analyst for Granville County Government. Duncan provided background information on the program and expressed her pride in the interns’ accomplishments and work ethic.

Interns for 2019 include rising high school seniors Brooklyn Pridgeon of Oxford, a student at J.F. Webb High School; Anthony Goreman of Oxford, a home-schooled student; and Tanaura Harrison, Sarah Elliott and Akoya Penny-Campbell, all of Creedmoor, who are students of Granville Early College High School.

The five-week program, which began on June 13, allows the interns to rotate through various Granville County departments to learn more about general government, human services, public safety and community services.

“It’s been really interesting learning a lot about the government and how it works,” Goreman said.

Harrison and Penny-Campbell echoed that sentiment and said they were introduced to the program through their guidance counselor at Granville Early College High School.

Pridgeon said she was initially interested in the internship because it coincided with her future career goals. “I want to be a social worker when I grow up, so I said, ‘hey, why not do something that can get me some experience in the field?’”

Elliott was unavailable for the Town Talk interview.

Upon completion of the program, each participating student will receive educational assistance in the amount of $1,400.

To hear the interview with the interns in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Thornton Library Welcomes New Adult Services Librarian

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Richard H. Thornton Library announces the addition of Stefani Perry as Adult Services Librarian.

A New Hampshire native, Perry grew up in the Butner/Creedmoor area and is a graduate of Granville Central High School. With a major in Liberal Studies/Humanities from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, she also holds a Masters degree in Library Information Science.

The Richard H. Thornton Library announces the addition of Stefani Perry as Adult Services Librarian. In her role as Adult Services Librarian, Perry will oversee the programs, services and special events provided by the library for those over the age of 18. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Government)

In her role as Adult Services Librarian, Perry will oversee the programs, services and special events provided by the library for those over the age of 18. Her plans include to establish a new book club for young adult novels, as well as initiating a regularly-scheduled “Coffee with Stefani” event, where library patrons can come in and discuss suggestions and concerns in an informal setting.

Perry is married and has recently moved back to the Granville County area after living several years in California and in Japan with her husband, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Her first day of work at the Thornton Library was June 3, as Adult Services Librarian Ashley Wilson phases out her employment with the Granville County Library System. Wilson will be moving out of the area in mid-July.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in Oxford, and is one of four public libraries in the Granville County Library System. Other branches are located in Creedmoor (South Branch), Stovall and Berea. For a schedule of upcoming library events and programs, or to learn more about what your local library has to offer, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/.

N.C. Peach Growers Pleased with 2019 Crop

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

After several hit-or-miss years, peach growers across the state are celebrating what is shaping up to be a solid peach growing season.

“Consumers can expect peaches to be in good quantity and quality this year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Many growers began picking in early June with plans to continue through the end of August.”

Unlike surrounding states, most of North Carolina’s peaches are sold directly to consumers at roadside stands and farmers markets. In fact, consumers can find peach orchards in about two-thirds of the state’s counties. Troxler encourages consumers to check with their favorite peach grower for availability and timing of their favorite varieties.

To celebrate the season, the department will host Peach Day events at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh on July 11 and the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax on July 12. Both events run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature a peach recipe contest, free samples of peach ice cream and an appearance from the N.C. Peach Queen.

Peach lovers also can enjoy the N.C. Peach Festival in Candor July 19 and 20. The 23rd-annual event includes a parade, music, carnival rides, food vendors and lots of fresh, local peaches.

North Carolina is home to about 800 acres of peaches. In 2017, peach growers contributed $2.7 million to the state’s economy, with more than two dozen varieties grown.

Beat the Summer Heat at the GAP’s Spray Park

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Spray Park at Granville Athletic Park is open throughout the summer, Tuesday through Sunday of each week, from noon until 5 p.m.

It is also available to groups (by appointment) Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon.

If you would like to use the Spray Park, contact Raymond Allen at 919-482-2560 for information about fees and for more details.

Granville Athletic Park is located at 4615 Belltown Road in Oxford, NC.

 

Pictured are Paisley and Harper Pugh, ages 6 and 4, enjoying playtime at the GAP Spray Park. (Granville Co. Government photo)

 

 

Oxford Logo

Oxford Commissioners to Consider Water, Sewer Line Replacement Grants

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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, July 9, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall in Oxford.

Agenda items include:

Recognition of July Yard of the Month – Mr. and Mrs. Allen and Ruth Morgan of 104 Green Field Circle.

Peggy Velthuizen and Susan Foster from the Oxford Women’s Club will present a check to the DOEDC.

Public Hearing to receive citizen input on amending the zoning ordinance to amend the table of permitted uses to allow a craft distillery in the B-2 Zoning District.

Consider amending the zoning ordinance to allow a craft distillery in the B-2 zoning district.

Consider adopting an Aquatic Weed Control Resolution.

Consider calling for a public hearing for amending the zoning ordinance under section 1405 (a) for density development for planned unit developments.

Consider adopting resolutions to accept Grants and Loans and Capital Project Ordinances for the following: 2017 Water Line Replacement Project and the 2018 Sewer Line Replacement Project.

Please click here for the full meeting agenda and additional details.

The ‘Few and the Proud’ Join Forces With the State to Combat Drunk Driving

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-Press Release, NCDOT

The Marine Corps Air Station New River played host Monday to the annual North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program Statewide Fourth of July ‘Booze It & Lose it’ campaign, dubbed ‘Operation Firecracker.’ (PICTURES HERE)

Operation Firecracker aims to prevent alcohol-related crashes by targeting impaired drivers during the July 4 holiday season. The campaign runs July 1 through July 7, with law enforcement agencies running sobriety checkpoints in all 100 counties to help catch drunk drivers and reduce fatalities.

GHSP Director Mark Ezzell speaks at the 2019 ‘Operation Firecracker’ kickoff event in Jacksonville. (Photo courtesy NCDOT)

Monday’s kickoff was launched on the air station with educational activities and displays including:

  • Blood Alcohol Testing Mobile Unit: (BAT Mobile to be used for touring as well as an overnight check point in Onslow County);
  • Seatbelt Convincer: (an educational tool that allows riders to experience force, up to five times their body weight, similar to that of a 5-10 mph crash);
  • Golf Carts & Goggles: (drunk driving simulators); and a
  • Hot Car demonstrator.

Poised in front of a commanding MV-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263), Lt. Col. Roger Holliday, director of Installations and Environment, MCAS New River, addressed a crowd of about 350 Marines, Sailors and civilians.

“This campaign is aimed at saving the lives of those who ensure all of our freedom by bringing a heightened sense of awareness about an issue that can plague military communities,” he said.

Military communities have one of the most susceptible populations to drinking and driving with the majority of the enlisted Marines and Sailors being males between the ages of 18 and 22.

N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program Director Mark Ezzell told the crowd, “It’s a time for us to fire up the barbecue, grab a seat for that spectacular fireworks display and hoist the flag, not lower it because someone we know died or was killed due to poor planning.”

“We need you to ‘improvise, adapt, and overcome’ and practice new techniques going forward,” Ezzell added. “Call a cab, call a buddy, take the bus or use ride-share services. These are four easy ways not to die after you’ve been drinking.”

Lance Cpl. Brandon Pena is a Marine with Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron, MCAS New River, whose career abruptly shifted in July of 2018.

“It was around this time last year that I was arrested right here on base for driving drunk,” he shared with the crowd. “I was drinking at a party and decided to drive myself home. I thought I knew ‘my limit’ but no one does.”

Base officials conducted a breathalyzer test and Pena blew almost twice the legal limit.

“My blood alcohol was 0.13. I was booked. I lost my license. I lost my rank. I lost respect. What I gained however, was a second chance at a law-abiding life. I could have killed myself that night or God forbid someone else. I still live my life as a Marine. I plan on celebrating this 4th of July, but I can tell you I won’t be drinking and driving,” Pena continued.

His message was simple as is the solution for celebrating safety this holiday and any other.

“Leave the keys at home. No one knows their own limit, and once you are drunk it’s too late.”

The ‘Booze It & Lose It’ campaign is one of the many campaigns by NCGHSP which supports, through funding, a myriad of safe-driving initiatives like Click It or Ticket, BikeSafe NC, Watch For Me NC, Speed a Little. Lose a Lot, and North Carolina’s Vision Zero initiative.

American Flag

List of Local Four-County Independence Day Celebrations

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WIZS wishes everyone a fun and safe July 4th holiday weekend. To help you celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of Independence Day events planned for the local four-county area:

VANCE COUNTY:

Fireworks in the Park

Where: Fox Pond Park – 467 Vicksboro Rd in Henderson

Date: Friday, July 5, 2019

Time: Jazz in the Park festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Note: No parking will be allowed at Fox Pond Park; shuttling from nearby Aycock Recreation Center will begin at 5:30 p.m.

For additional details, click here. 

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VANCE COUNTY

Fireworks Under the Stars at Kerr Lake

Where: Kerr Lake’s Satterwhite Point

Date: Saturday, July 6, 2019

Time: Activities are planned from 3 until 10 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Note: Kid’s activities planned for this year’s celebration; no alcohol allowed.

For additional details, click here. 

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GRANVILLE COUNTY

Fireworks Display at Lake Holt

Where: Lake Holt, Old Highway 75, Butner, NC

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time: Gates open at 6 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Note: Concessions will be available; no alcohol

For additional details, click here. 

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GRANVILLE COUNTY

Creedmoor’s Fourth of July Picnic

Where: Lake Rogers Park, Shelter #1 at 1711 Lake Road in Creedmoor, NC

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Note: Event is open to the public and features music, food, beverages and a cake baking contest.

For additional details, click here. 

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WARREN COUNTY

Wise’s 19th Annual Independence Day Parade & Festival

Where: “Main Street” (US Hwy 1) of Wise, NC

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Note: Parade begins at 10 a.m.; festival will follow at Wise Baptist Church

For additional details, click here. 

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FRANKLIN COUNTY

Fireworks at Louisburg High School

Where: Louisburg High School, 201 Allen Lane, Louisburg, NC

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks go off at dark

Note: Food, music, inflatables and games; rain date is Saturday, July 6

For additional details, click here.

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