Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hear on Potential Rezoning at Dec. 11 Meeting

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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, December 11, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Agenda items include:

Presentation by the Oxford Police Department – Crime Rate.

Recognize Janice Murphy – Officer of the Year.

Public hearing to hear citizen input on the potential rezoning of 5015 Highway 96 of the approximately 44-acre parcel from R-A (Agriculture) to R-8 (1 & 2 family residential). The applicant is requesting to rezone the 44+/-acre parcel of land in order to develop the property for a residential subdivision which will be added to the 88 +/- parcel that was rezoned in September 2018.

Consider approving a rezoning request of an approximately 44-acre parcel from R–A (Residential Agriculture) to R-8 (1 & 2 Family Residential). The applicants T. Chase Massey, PE, and Mark D. Wells parcel owner would like to rezone the property which will be added to the previously approved 88-acre parcel for a residential subdivision adjacent to the Rolling Wood Subdivision off of Hwy 96. The Planning Board reviewed the request at the October meeting and find that the requested rezoning of the property is consistent with the City of Oxford’s comprehensive land use map.

Oxford Police Dept

Oxford Man Sentenced on Firearms Charge

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-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice

The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced JAMAAL RAY CURTIS, 36, of Oxford to 188 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. CURTIS pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on January 11, 2018.

In 2016, investigators with the Oxford Police Department (OPD) received information that CURTIS was selling narcotics from his residence in Oxford. CURTIS was on post-release supervision arising from state charges, so on December 13, 2016, members of the North Carolina Department of Probation and Parole Services conducted a compliance check at CURTIS’s residence. Finding that CURTIS was not home, OPD learned that he was at the Oxford residence of his child’s mother.

When investigators responded to that residence and knocked on the door, they spotted CURTIS attempting to leave through a side door. Officers entered the residence and found CURTIS attempting to hide in a back bedroom. After CURTIS admitted that he had a firearm in a nearby coat, officers found and seized a .25 caliber pistol from a coat pocket. On CURTIS’s person, officers found over an ounce of cocaine and $3,000.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Oxford Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage located at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC

‘Home for the Holidays’ to Help First Responders & Veterans Affected by Florence

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-Press Release, Carolina Loggers Association

When Hurricane Florence slammed into North Carolina on September 14, 2018, as a category 1 rainmaker, it was clear that damage to the already rain-soaked state would be immense. As the state continues the recovery process, two groups – the Carolina Loggers Association’s Logs for the Cause and NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation’s United2gether – have joined forces with the St. Bernard Project (SBP) to help first responders and veterans impacted by the storm get one step closer to a Home for the Holidays.

“Every gift given through both the Logs for the Cause and United2gether campaigns between now and January 31, 2019, will go toward SBP’s efforts to rebuild homes for first responders and veterans throughout North Carolina who were impacted by Hurricane Florence,” said Ewell Smith, executive director of the Carolina Loggers Association. “While those affected have long since returned to work, the impact from this storm will be felt for years to come. The logging community in NC – one that was hit especially hard by the storm – is close-knit; we believe in giving back and paying it forward, and helping to kick-start the rebuilding process is the perfect place to start.”

“Recovery is a collaborative effort,” noted SBP co-founder and CEO Zack Rosenburg. “Through this partnership, SBP will be able to provide a predictable path home for disaster-impacted families of veterans and first responders in North Carolina. This is a great example of Americans rallying together for other citizens during times of great need.  We believe that this partnership is an example of the seldom discussed, but ever-present ties that bind us together.”

“Growing up in Eastern North Carolina and seeing first-hand the devastation of Hurricane Florence was heartbreaking,” commented Paige Keselowski. “Immediately following the storm, we created the United2gether campaign to support first responders in affected areas. Teaming up with the Carolina Loggers Association and SBP USA on the Home for the Holidays program is a great way for us to continue our support of first responders and veterans that are still dealing with the impact of the storm.”

The Home for the Holidays program is actively seeking building products partners to assist in the rebuilding efforts. Please contact Carolina Loggers Association executive director Ewell Smith at esmith@ncloggers.com for more information.

‘Journey Back to Bethlehem’ With Delrayno Baptist Church’s Drive-Through Nativity

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-Information courtesy Allan Daniel, Delrayno Baptist Church – Oxford

Delrayno Baptist Church, 1315 College St., Oxford, will have a drive-through nativity titled “A Journey Back to Bethlehem” this coming weekend – Saturday, December 8 – 10, 2018,  from 6 until 8:30 p.m. each night. Live actors and animals, along with Chesny the Camel, will tell the story of the birth of Jesus.

Follow the Star to Bethlehem!

Granville County Public Schools

Additional Guidelines for Public Hearing on Possible Closure of Joe Toler Elementary

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-Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will hold a public hearing on the possible closure of Joe Toler – Oak Hill Elementary School at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. The hearing will be held at the school, located at 8176 Hwy 96 in Oxford.

Public hearing guidelines and procedures include:

  • Guest speakers must “sign up” to speak (up to 30 minutes prior to the 7 p.m. public hearing start time);
  • The guest speaker sheet will be pulled to close sign up at 7 p.m.;
  • Guests will have four minutes to speak;
  • The hearing is scheduled to last until 8:30 p.m. If there are still guests who signed up waiting to comment at 8:30 p.m, the Board can decide by majority vote whether to extend the hearing or make some other accommodation;
  • The Board of Education will only listen to guests, as no responses or decisions will be provided that evening;
  • The Board of Education will take the public input and study information under advisement and will deliberate and make a final decision at a later public meeting.
Granville County Logo

Granville Co. Board of Commissioners to Hold Monthly Meeting Dec. 3

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

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, December 3, 2018, 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 as of 12/3/18

2. Budget Amendment #4

3. Law Enforcement Center Project Ordinance Amendment

4. Minutes

Recognitions and Presentations

5. Recognition – Falls Lake Academy Volleyball Team

Oaths of Office

6. Oath of Office – David T. Smith

7. Oath of Office – Timothy Karan

8. Oath of Office – Edgar Smoak

Break

9. Break*

Organizational Matters

10. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman

11. Set Meeting Time, Place and Schedule for Calendar Year 2019

12. Appointment of Members to Board/Committee/Liaison Assignments

13. Approve Bonds for County Officials for 2018-2019

Public Comments

14. Public Comments

Planning Matters

15. Resolution Identifying Additional Review Officers

Finance Matters

16. Amendment to Audit Contract

Solid Waste Matters

17. CPI Adjustment for Waste Industries Contract

Surplus Property

18. Transfer of Surplus Property to VGCC

Appointments

19. Butner Board of Adjustment – ETJ

20. Butner Planning Board – ETJ Member

21. Granville Health System Board of Trustees

22. Orange Street Community Center

23. Opioid Advisory Committee

24. Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments’ Advisory Council on Aging

County Manager’s Report

25. DHHS MOU Modification

26. DSS Corrective Action Plan Update

County Attorney’s Report

27. County Attorney’s Report

Presentations by County Board Members

28. Presentations by County Board Members

Any Other Matters

29. Any Other Matters

Closed Session

30. Closed Session – Personnel Matters

*Board will take a short break for a reception to honor the newly reelected Commissioners

VGCC Franklin Campus Launches Vanguard Flex Evening & Weekend College

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin County Campus has launched a new initiative called Vanguard Flex to meet the needs of adult learners who need more options for class scheduling.

The evening and weekend college program begins with Spring Semester for which registration is now underway.

“Vanguard Flex offers flexible, hybrid schedules in the evenings and on weekends on our campus located at 8100 N.C. Highway 56 in Louisburg,” said Bobbie Jo May, dean of the campus. “We want to accommodate the busy schedules of our adult learners. We are offering flexible scheduling for placement testing, advising, the library resource center, and the open computer lab on our campus some evenings and one Saturday per month.”

Spring Semester classes start on all four VGCC campuses on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, with a registration deadline of Jan. 3. In addition to the traditional 16-week semester session, VGCC is offering a 12-week term, two 8-week terms and two 4-week terms for the Spring. The first of two 8-week sessions will begin on Jan. 7 and run through March 5. The second 8-week session starts March 5 and concludes May 6, with a registration deadline of Feb. 28. A 12-week mini-term begins Feb. 5 and runs through May 6, the registration deadline coming Jan. 31.

The four-week “Spring Forward” online mini-term begins Dec. 17 with a registration deadline of Dec. 13. A second four-week online mini-term, labeled “March Forward,” is scheduled to begin March 5 with registration ending March 1.

Vanguard Flex is offering five complete curriculum programs of study initially: Early Childhood Education, Certificate; Early Childhood Education, Diploma; Medical Office Administrative Assistant I, Certificate; Business Management, Certificate; and Basic Welding, Certificate. All courses taken in the certificate programs can be applied to diplomas and degrees offered through Vance-Granville, Dean May said.

In addition, a variety of classes is being offered in the following areas through the Vanguard Flex initiative at Franklin Campus:

College Transfer: English, Math, Biology, Introduction to Computers and Psychology courses can be used toward many degree and diploma programs offered through the college. Dean May is recommending that students meet with an academic coach or advisor prior to enrolling in the classes.

Career and Technical: Courses in Welding Technology, Paralegal Technology, Medical Office Administration, Business Management, Bioprocessing Technology and Early Childhood Education lead to certificates and diplomas that can be completed entirely through the evening and weekend format.

Continuing Education: VGCC’s Franklin Campus has a robust selection of courses through the Continuing Education division during the day, evenings and weekends, among them, Nursing Assistant, Medication Technician, Phlebotomist, Notary Public, Bioworks, Human Resource Specialist and Healthcare Administration.

Adult Basic Skills: For those in need of a High School Equivalency or Adult High School Diploma, the Franklin Campus offers flexible hybrid schedules with evening classes in the Adult Basic Skills program. Basic Skills classes for Spring will begin Jan. 8 and will be held each Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. Orientation is held each Friday at 10 a.m. Dean May encourages students to contact the instructor at 252-738-3618 with questions about the classes.

A complete list of the evening and weekend courses is available online at www.vgcc.edu/vanguard-flex.

Students who are interested in Vanguard Flex should contact the Franklin County Campus at (919) 496-1567 or write to Dean Bobbie Jo May at mayb@vgcc.edu.

Oxford’s Public Works Committee to Discuss Member Rates for Water System

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-Press Release, City of Oxford

The Public Works, Water, & Infrastructure Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, December 6, 2018, at 11 a.m. The meeting will be held in the First Floor Training Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss financial planning and member rate analysis for the Kerr Lake Regional Water System.

All those interested are invited to attend.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools Seeking Sponsors for 2019 Spelling Bee

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools will hold their second District Spelling Bee in the spring of next year for intermediate elementary students. Students in the third, fourth, and fifth grades are presently trying out for their school spelling bees.

The local school spelling competitions are scheduled to take place in January. One winner from each of the eight elementary schools will then vie for the GCPS Trophy on stage at Tar River Elementary on March 14, 2019.

This year’s words for qualifying were selected by the Scripps National Spelling Bee from fiction and non-fiction literature, both contemporary and classic. The 450 words come from books carefully selected by the Bee’s editorial team for their age-appropriate and engaging content, as well as their rich vocabulary. All words on Scripps word lists are entries in Merriam-Webster Unabridged, the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Since there is no regional bee in this part of North Carolina, the school system hopes to send our winner to the National Spelling Bee in May, says Director of Student and Support Services, Dr. Tonya Thomas, if local sponsors can be found. She and Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean would like to see a student from Granville County have the opportunity to participate in the exciting and life-changing experience and are seeking sponsors.

The winning speller and his/her family would meet families from around the country, sharing their stories as they practice spelling, and enjoying a week of activities planned just for them. Donations from local sponsors will help pay the registration fee, housing, and transportation for the student.  In addition, sponsors may join the School System in planning and hosting the Granville County Bee.

Contact Dr. Tonya Thomas at the Granville County Public School office in Oxford at 919-693-4613 if you or your company would like to make attending this grand event possible for one of our terrific students!

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board of Education to Discuss Possible School Consolidation, Closure

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Board of Education will meet for its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 3. The agenda will include a presentation of a study regarding the possible consolidation of Mary Potter Middle School and Northern Granville Middle School.

The Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, December 4, at 5:30 p.m., at Joe Toler Oak Hill Elementary School located at 8176 Hwy 96 Oxford, NC 27565. The purpose of the meeting is for the Board to receive additional information compiled by staff regarding the study of the potential closure of Joe Toler Elementary School.

At 7 p.m. on December 4 at Joe Toler Oak Hill Elementary School, located at 8176 Hwy 96 Oxford, NC 27565, the Board will hold a public hearing on the possible closure of Joe Toler Elementary School.  Members of the public wishing to speak on this topic may sign up beginning at 6:30 p.m. Each speaker who has signed up prior to 7 p.m. will be given the opportunity to address the Board on this topic for up to four minutes.