VGCC Protocols Help Maintain Safety

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Campus safety is a priority at all educational institutions.

Thursday morning at Vance-Granville Community College, the protocols in place helped maintain safety and order on the main campus in what was a real situation that turned out to involve a BB gun.

Law enforcement responded to the Poplar Creek Road location shortly before 9:30 a.m.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais described the situation to WIZS about two hours after it happened, and she said, “There was no threat to the campus … We determined that but we didn’t know to begin with … I am proud that our systems held up, that we responded appropriately.”

Two parents were using the campus as a halfway point to exchange custody of a child. The offending parties, including a dad and his two minor-age children, were in fact trespassing. While they were waiting for the mom, some horseplay broke out along the tree line towards Poplar Creek Road, and a BB gun was in plain view.

Desmarais used a couple of words while talking to WIZS News such as “astounding” and “inappropriate” and “harrowing.”

She said, “I was one of the people who observed it and you don’t know that that’s play acting.”

Neither parent nor the children were affiliated with the school at all. Desmarais said campus was a “halfway point for them so it had nothing to do with us. Unbeknownst to us they had used the campus previously to make this transfer between the children, but obviously not when school is in session.”

Of the protocols, Desmarais said, “They were followed, and they worked.”

Sheriff Curtis Brame told WIZS that no charges would be filed.

Apparently the parents were told not to be on campus again.

“Safety is really important to us,” Desmarais said.

Oxford Prep School

SportsTalk: Oxford Prep Prepares For Fall Sports

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Fall sports are beginning to ramp up at schools around the area, and Oxford Prep is no exception.  The school’s athletic director, John Hammett, has a full plate as the school’s varsity volleyball team will be scrimmaging twice next week ahead of opening the season.  Also, Coach Kevin Grant’s soccer team kicks off the season on August 14th against Granville Central.  The volleyball team will have no seniors meaning that the team will have, ideally, no changes over the next two seasons.  The soccer team will only have two seniors out of 21 players.

In addition, other fall sports are also gearing up.  “Cross Country, women’s golf and middle school teams all start next week,” Hammett said on Thursday’s SportsTalk.

While academics come first at Oxford Prep, Hammett hopes sports can play a role in the lives of students.  He added that when it comes to expectations, his biggest goal is for the students at Oxford Prep enjoy the experience.

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Educators: ‘Bright Ideas’ Grant Application Period Runs Through Sept. 15

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Most educators take a break from lesson planning and other classroom duties during the summer, but as August approaches and the beginning of another school year draws near, you can bet your bottom dollar that teachers are beginning to percolate ideas about how to make learning more engaging for students.

Got any bright ideas?

Wake Electric does.

Applications for Wake Electric’s Bright Ideas grants are being taken through Sept. 15 for the upcoming school year.  The early bird submission ends Aug. 15.

Teachers in seven counties – including Vance, Granville and Franklin – that the electric cooperative serves are eligible to submit applications, according to information from Wake Electric.

Since 1994, Wake Electric has given more than $1.13 million in grants to classroom-based projects throughout the area it serves. These grants help to finance innovative classroom projects that would otherwise not be funded by the school district, from a variety of content-based hands-on projects to career planning and information technology.

Grants are awarded in amounts of up to $3,000.

Visit https://www.ncelectriccooperatives.com/community/bright-ideas/ to determine if your school is eligible.

To learn more, email communications@wemc.com, call 919.863.6440 or 1.800.474.6300 or go to https://wemc.com/bright-ideas-grants/.

Cynthia Ratliff Takes The Reins At Granville Chamber Of Commerce

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Cynthia Ratliff has been named executive director of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce, effective Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Ratliff, a Henderson native, was chosen to replace Lauren Roberson, who announced her resignation in late June to join Granville Health System. Thursday was Roberson’s last day with the Chamber. Ratliff has served as office manager for the Chamber; a search will begin soon to fill that position.

“Cynthia Ratliff has been a valuable asset to the Granville County Chamber of Commerce and has become the “face of the Chamber” over the past two years,” said Ruth Ann Bullock, president-elect of the Chamber board. Bullock said Ratliff and Roberson worked closely together and have grown the Chamber membership and strengthened Chamber ties across the county.

“The connection between Cynthia and Lauren combined with the positive direction in which they have moved our Chamber, placed us in the best position when searching for the next leader of this great organization,” remarked current Chamber board president Reba Bullock. Bullock noted Ratliff’s considerable knowledge and skills gained from previous positions she has held, including director of membership for the Henderson Family YMCA as well as having been a small business owner. “We look forward to the continued expertise, vision and leadership Cynthia will bring into this role,” Reba Bullock added.

The Chamber board issued a joint statement thanking Roberson for her dedication to the organization. “She came in and never looked back as she devoted her time and efforts in moving the Granville County Chamber of Commerce to exponential growth in membership and overall vision throughout the Chamber organization,”the statement read in part.

The office manager supports the executive director and manages day-to-day operations of the Chamber. The ideal candidate should have skills of fiscal management and be proficient in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks and social media platforms. The candidate should have experience with event planning and organization, be self-motivated with excellent time management and have excellent communication skills. Interested candidates can submit their resume to cynthia@granville-chamber.com.

Oxford Voters Will Choose New Mayor, 3 City Commissioners In Nov. 7 Election

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The city of Oxford will be voting for a new mayor in the upcoming municipal elections, and two newcomers to local politics will by vying for the position.

According to information from the Granville County Board of Elections, Guillermo Antonio Nurse and Deborah Jeffcoat Ramsey have filed to run for mayor. Incumbent Jackie Sergent had announced earlier that she would not seek another term as mayor.

There are seven candidates running for three city commissioners’ seats, and Granville Elections Director Tonya Burnette said the top three vote getters will be elected. The candidates are listed below, in order of their filing dates:

 

Stuart W. Powell

John Tovey

Carlos J. Velez

Teresa S. Gilreath

Curtis McRae Jr.

Scotty Lyn Brooks

James W. Crawford Jr.

 

Tovey and Gilreath are running for re-election; Commissioner Ron Bullock did not file for re-election, Burnette said.

The Oxford municipal elections are Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Granville Veterans’ Services Can Help

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There’s a short list of important documents that everyone needs to keep track of – a driver’s license and Social Security card are two of the big ones that nobody wants to lose. But U.S. military veterans have a form that they have to produce to gain access to benefits and programs – it’s called a DD-214, for short.

The official term is Discharge from Active Duty or Certificate of Release Form, issued by the U.S. Dept. of Defense upon a service member’s retirement, separation or discharge from active duty. It’s the document needed by local, state and federal service providers to assist veterans and their families.

Veterans in Granville County who need assistance obtaining a copy of their DD-214 are encouraged to visit the Veterans Services Office located at 141 Williamsboro St. in Oxford. Weekly office hours are also held on Wednesdays at Creedmoor City Hall (111 Masonic St., Creedmoor) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently, the Oxford office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“When speaking with Veterans at our office, we often find that they do not have a copy of their DD-214,” said Interim Veterans Services Officer A.J. Spiess. “Whether they are trying to sign up for medical care from the VA, file a claim for burial honors, or apply for VA home mortgage loans, you will need a copy of your DD-214. I would encourage all veterans to keep a copy of their DD-214 securely stored and somewhere it be accessed easily. It is also important to make sure your spouse or another close family member knows how to find a copy of your DD-214.”

The Granville County Veterans Services Office provides veterans and their families assistance with educational benefits, grave markers, license plates, disability benefits, tax benefits, wildlife licenses and more. For more information about the Granville County Veterans Services Office, call 919.693.1484 or visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services/ 

 

 

TownTalk: Events In Granville County

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With the heat of summer in full swing, Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen has some options for indoor activities to keep folks cool.

The National Teapot Festival continues at Cedar Creek Gallery through September 10, and Allen said a trip to this Creedmoor gem won’t disappoint. Part working studio, part art gallery, Cedar Creek is open seven days a week. The Teapot Show features hundreds of teapots on display.

In and around downtown Oxford, things are popping up as fast as a summer thunderstorm.

There’s karaoke on Wednesdays at The Orpheum. Enjoy a signature drink and the music from 8 p.m. to midnight, Allen said.

If you think you’d like to light up the night, visit The Orpheum on Saturday, July 22 for Glow Night. Allen said $5 gets you in the door, along with whatever you wear that glows – necklaces, clothing, use your imagination. It’s from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Check out Verdigris, Oxford Oaks Distillery’s restaurant.

On Wednesdays, stop in for Verdigris Vibes, live music by local artists from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They’ve got $10 tapas & cocktails on Thursdays from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visit https://www.oxfordoaksdistillery.com/ to learn more.

If you’re in the mood for pizza (and who isn’t?), reserve your spot now at Thorndale Oaks for Thursday, July 20. For $21.95, enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta and more. Make sure to call and reserve a spot at 919.603.3701. Follow Thorndale Oaks on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all their events.

The city of Oxford will observe National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Allen said local law enforcement agencies, including Oxford Police Department and Oxford Fire Department will be on hand as the community joins together to enjoy food, activities, games and more.

Learn about these events and more at https://visitgranvillenc.com/.

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Upcoming Blood Drives Help Fill A Huge Need

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The American Red Cross is concerned about the drop in blood donations. If you can help by signing up at a local blood drive, you can help provide a life-saving donation that is desperately needed.

The Red Cross has collected about 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed over the last two months. Donors are asked to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to avoid a looming blood shortage.

Just to entice prospective donors to make an appointment during July, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 35th anniversary of Shark Week and the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench.

  • July 12-Aug 12: Those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.
  • July 17-31: Presenting donors will receive an officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.

There are several blood drives coming up in Granville County:

Creedmoor

7/21/2023: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Creedmoor Community Center, 116 Douglas Dr.

7/28/2023: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave.

Oxford

7/19/2023: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Public Works Building, 127 Penn Ave.

To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

Granville County Public Schools

Granville School Board Approves Leadership Changes

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Granville County Public School’s new superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne has announced leadership changes approved by the board of education.

The board held a special meeting on Monday, July 10.

Jamar Perry has been named assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Student Services.

Courtney Currin is the new executive director of Human Resources and Public Information Officer.

Perry begins his fifth year with GCPS and was most recently assistant superintendent for Human Resources.

Currin has worked in GCPS for almost 20 years and most recently served as the federal personnel director within the Human Resources department.

“The individuals in these new roles will bring stability and strength to our senior leadership,” Winborne said in a press statement.
“Each has a deep connection to our district, a strong work ethic, and an absolute commitment to the students of GCPS.  I am very optimistic about our future and look forward to a great school year for our students and educators.”

Winborne noted that Bill Graham. executive director for Operations, and Vickie Hines, interim finance director, will continue in their roles and complete the executive team for the district.

Winborne was sworn in on June 29, 2023 and assumed the role of superintendent on July 1, following the retirement of Dr. Alisa McLean.

Now’s The Time To Think About Entering A State Fair Exhibit

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-information courtesy of the N.C. State Fair Press Office

October seems a long way off, but for anyone interested in entering any of the competitions at the annual N.C. State Fair, fall is just around the corner.

The fair is slated for Oct. 12-22 in Raleigh and its Competitive Exhibits Coordinator John Buettner wants to make sure all prospective exhibitors have plenty of time to check out rules and deadlines for all the different exhibit categories.

Whether it’s culinary arts, handicrafts and hobbies, livestock exhibitions, horticulture or something else, there probably is a competition for most everyone to enter.

“We have a lot of classic categories and even a few new categories for competitions, and only a few require an entry fee” Buettner stated. Now is the time to read about competition rules and deadlines.

“With 4,027 classes of competitions available for entry, there is truly something for everyone. We love to see all of the talent in our state, so don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of one of North Carolina’s most cherished traditions,” he added.

To enter a competition, go to ncstatefair.org and click on competitions. The website offers a guide to all competitions, events and attractions visitors can expect during this year’s fair. Entrants can start registering online now. The deadline for submitting entries is Sept. 15, but don’t hesitate to enter in your preferred competitions early.

All contest entrants are required to submit W-9 forms along with their entry submissions. This ensures that necessary tax-related information is collected from participants. Guides and sample forms can be found on the Fair’s official website, ncstatefair.org.

The N.C. State Fair works with ShoWorks, a data management software, to compile entries. Entry forms can be mailed in or entered using the ShoWorks website or app.

“We are always excited to see what competitiors bring each year,” Buetnner said. “Whether it’s your first time entering or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s a great idea to get started early on your entries.”