Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education Appoints Five New Principals

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

At a special called meeting on Thursday, July 19, the Granville County Board of Education appointed five new principals in schools across the school district.

Superintendent Dr. McLean communicated to Board Members that these changes will help continue to support efforts to move the district forward, saying, “I am confident that these newly appointed leaders will continue to help bring about positive change.  I am grateful for the staff and community members who helped in the process of their selection as candidates for these positions.”

Dr. McLean also spoke about the direction the district is headed, commenting on her commitment to involving stakeholders and a focus on always doing what is in the best interest of the students of the district. “With input from the community, this past year we developed a newly crafted mission and vision for the district. We need dynamic and active leaders such as these five individuals to help bring it to life. We look forward to unveiling that soon to the public and believe it will continue the momentum and excitement we have built over this past school year. We are so excited about what the future will bring for the students of our school district! They deserve nothing but the very best.”

The following individuals will transition to their new principal roles during the next two weeks. Staff from across the district, including our year-round schools, are already working tirelessly to prepare for a smooth start to the 2018-2019 school year. We truly are committed to excellence and achievement for all!

Janita Allen

Principal of Granville Central High School
(previously Assistant Principal of GCHS)

Amy Rice

Principal of JF Webb High School
(previously Principal of Stovall Shaw Elementary School)

Dr. Chris Ham

Principal of GC Hawley Middle School
(previously Principal of Mary Potter Middle School)

Dr. Brenda Williamson

Principal of Mary Potter Middle School
(previously Assistant Principal of Mary Potter Middle School)

Sherrie Burns

Principal of CG Credle Elementary School
(previously Assistant Principal of CG Credle Elementary School)

Wright Re-elected Chair of VGCC Board; Two Trustees Reappointed

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

At their regular bi-monthly meeting held July 16, the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees re-elected Danny W. Wright as the chair of the board for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, Herb Gregory as vice-chair, and Deborah F. Brown as secretary after nominations from a committee chaired by Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr.

Retired North Carolina Ninth District Court Judge Henry Banks swore in two Trustees for additional terms. Trustee Barbara Cates Harris was reappointed by the Granville County Board of Education for a second four-year term on the board. Chair Wright was appointed to a new four-year term by the Vance County Board of Commissioners. Wright had been appointed in 2015 to fill an unexpired term on the board. He was also a commissioner in 2011-2013 when he was appointed by the governor.

Building Update

In his update on capital projects, Trustee Donald C. Seifert, Sr., reported that preparations will begin in August to renovate seminar rooms in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

VGCC Trustee Danny W. Wright is sworn in for a new four-year appointment on the college’s board by Retired District Court Judge J. Henry Banks. Also serving as the chair of the board, Wright was appointed by the Vance County Board of Commissioners. He also served in 2011-2013 when appointed to an unexpired term by the governor. From left are Judge Banks, Wright, and Wright’s wife, Betty Wright. (VGCC Photo)

The assessment phase of an exterior masonry repairs project on Main Campus was completed in May, and a design service proposal has been sent to the State Construction Office (SCO) for review. The project is expected to be bid out in February 2019 with renovations starting the following April. The majority of the masonry work is being funded by the Connect NC State Bond passed by North Carolina voters in March 2016.

Seifert also reported the SCO is expected to issue a design contract this month for fire alarm replacements and renovations to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems on the Main Campus. The fire alarm replacements will be completed first with the HVAC renovations expected to start in 2020.

The second phase of renovations to the newest building on campus, Building 10, are expected to start in August and be completed in December, Seifert said. Space is being renovated to add a Practical Simulation Lab for Basic Law Enforcement Training, Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services programs, among other expansions.

Retired District Court Judge J. Henry Banks administers the oath of office to Vance-Granville Community College Trustee Barbara Cates Harris of Oxford. She has been reappointed by the Granville County Board of Education for a second four-year term on the college Board of Trustees. From left are Judge Banks; Harris; Maurice Harris, Jr., Harris’ grandson; and her husband, Phillip Harris. (VGCC Photo)

Budget Amendments

The 2017-2018 Budget Resolution was amended upon recommendation from the Budget Committee, chaired by Trustee Abdul Sm Rasheed. The State Current Fund increased $1,959,983 to a total of $21,512,238, the County Current Fund was unchanged at $2,578,292, and the Institutional Fund increased $340,947 to a total of $9,993,779, for a combined Amended Operating Budget of $34,084,309. The Capital Improvement Budget increased $348,943 to a total of $889,653. The total Combined Amended Budget is $34,973,962.

 Other Action

In other action:

  • The Trustees voted to terminate Warren County High School as an off-campus site with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The site had been approved in November 2015; however, the high school has requested that dually enrolled students take their college courses at VGCC’s Warren County Campus in Warrenton. No college classes are currently being offered at WCHS, and students are completing their work at the Warren Campus, according to Trustee Harris, chair of the Curriculum Committee. The change will be effective as of the Fall 2018 academic term.
  • An informational report on new employees, retirements, resignations and changes in positions was given by the Personnel Committee, chaired by Trustee Sara C. Wester.
  • New and amended board policies for the 2018-2019 Policy Manual were approved by the Trustees on a recommendation from the Executive Committee, chaired by Trustee Wright. The policies cover areas of organizational structure, public information and campus safety, personnel policies, academic affairs, institutional research and technology, and finance and operations.
  • Trustee Frazier, chair of the Investment Committee, reported on the progress of the college’s investments.

A Board Retreat has been scheduled for August 7, and the Trustees will participate in Ethics Training on August 29. The next meeting of the VGCC Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, September 17, at the Main Campus.

Oxford’s First ‘Alive After Five’ of the Year Set for Thurs., July 26

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— courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com

Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 26 as the first Alive After Five event of 2018 will be held in downtown Oxford’s parking lot at Littlejohn, Main and Gilliam Streets from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Gary Lowder & SMOKIN’ HOT Band will be the performers for this 15th-anniversary celebration.

Based out of North Myrtle Beach, SC, the band is known as a “Soul, R & B and party band.” Their musical repertoire covers decades of hits from your favorite artists and genres of music including soul, rhythm and blues, funk, reggae, jazz standards, country, 50’s, 60’s and Carolina Beach Music.

In addition to performing some of the most current hits that are topping the charts today, the group has had many successful chart-topping hits on local radio and internet stations across North and South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Florida. Gary Lowder & SMOKIN’ HOT are comprised of multi-talented musicians who have come together to produce incredible performances each and every time they take the stage.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Search Committee Appointed To Seek Next VGCC President

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College 

A search committee of six members of the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees has been appointed to find a successor to Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the college’s president who is taking a position with Duke University in August.

Deborah F. Brown has been appointed chair of the search committee, and Herb Gregory will serve as vice chair. Rounding out the committee will be N. Annette P. Myers, Abdul Sm Rasheed, Donald C. Seifert, Sr., and Sara C. Wester.

Trustees Chair Danny W. Wright made the appointment at the board’s regular bi-monthly meeting on July 16 at the college’s Main Campus.

Dr. Williams, the sixth president of VGCC, announced her plans in May to take the position of Vice President for Durham Affairs at Duke University, effective Aug. 13.

Looking back at her tenure at Vance-Granville, Dr. Williams offered her reflections to the Trustees, recalling the support given to the college through grants, donations and governmental and community partnerships; the thousands of students who have been educated and have graduated; and a supportive faculty, staff and Board of Trustees.

“I have one big wish for a bright future ahead for Vance-Granville Community College,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity that you all have provided for me to serve over the past six and a half years. It’s the people who have really made this a special place and a great experience for me. I will forever be grateful. And I will forever be a Vance-Granville Vanguard.”

Don’t Miss ‘Music on Main’ in Downtown Oxford!

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-Information courtesy the Oxford NC, Historic Downtown Facebook page

Music on Main – Downtown Oxford

Friday, July 20, 2018, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Streets will begin closing at 3 p.m.

Performance by Wood and Steel Band

Bring a lawn chair, blanket, bug spray and your dancing shoes for a night of family fun!

Granville Crime Stoppers

Granville Co. Crime Stoppers: Stolen Utility Trailer/Lawn Mower

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-Press Release, Granville County Crime Stoppers

Sometime between Monday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 18, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Noblin Road, Oxford, NC and criminally removed one 1998 black in color Leonard/Carson 12 ft. long X 7.5 ft. wide with 4 ft. expanded metal tailgate utility trailer with a 2-inch ball hitch, white rims with round bullet hole design and a dent in passenger fender.

Also, a 2017 John Deere 920-M green in color zero turn lawn mower, which was loaded onto the trailer was taken.

If you have information concerning this incident, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CRIME.  IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS CRIME OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY, YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

Oxford’s Public Works Committee Meeting Rescheduled, Mon. July 23

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford 

The Public Works, Water, & Infrastructure Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners has been rescheduled for Monday, July 23, 2018, at 2 p.m. The meeting will be held in the First Floor Training Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street, Oxford.

The purpose of the meeting is to follow up on the items from the last public works meeting including; automated meters, the road condition survey and the existing downtown trash compactor. There will also be a discussion regarding backflow prevention.

All those interested are invited to attend.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

A New Day Realty to Host Business After Hours at The Hub in Oxford

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— courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com
A New Day Realty will host a Business After Hours event on Thursday, July 19, 2018, from 6 – 9 p.m. at The Hub, 100 Main St., Oxford. The focus of the event will be on the promotion of “A New Day Realty is Going Mobile.”
According to their website, a New Day Realty LLC provides detailed real estate market information for Creedmoor, Franklinton, Henderson, Oxford, Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Youngsville.
For more information, please call Ellen Padgett, Broker/Owner, at (704) 490-5554
(This is not a paid advertisement)
U.S. Department of Justice

Goodall’s Life Sentence in Kidnapping Case Affirmed

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

First Assistant United States Attorney G. Norman Acker, III announced that the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the conviction and sentence of SHAMEIKA GOODALL, a/k/a Donna Diva, 32, of Covington, Georgia, who was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III in June 2017 to life imprisonment for kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

This case involved a conspiracy to kidnap relatives of attorneys that Kelvin Melton, a founding leader of the United Blood Nation, blamed for his conviction and life sentence on two charges pertaining to a 2011 gang-related shooting in Raleigh, North Carolina. In March and April 2014, from the maximum security unit at Polk Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina, Melton dispatched three kidnapping teams whose intended targets were family members of the state prosecutor who worked on his case and his state defense counsel. He intended to use the attorneys’ relatives as hostages to extort the dismissal of his life sentence.

On April 5, 2014, one of the kidnapping teams violently abducted Frank Janssen, the state prosecutor’s father, from his home in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and transported him to an apartment in Southeast Atlanta. There, Mr. Janssen remained bound to a chair and held in a small closet until the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team rescued him at 11:55 p.m. on April 9, 2014. Just hours before the rescue, Melton called and instructed the kidnapping team (including the member recruited by GOODALL) to find a location, dig a hole, kill Mr. Janssen, and then bury him.

GOODALL appealed her conviction and sentence to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, arguing that the district court erred when it admitted at trial evidence of other bad acts, when it applied certain enhancements at her sentencing, and when it sentenced her to life imprisonment. The Fourth Circuit rejected each of GOODALL’s arguments. With respect to GOODALL’s lifetime term of imprisonment, the Fourth Circuit noted that “numerous conspirators involved in this case each received a lengthy sentence for their individual role in the conspiracy, thus Goodall’s life sentence was not unusually disproportionate.” The Court further recognized that Goodall elected to go to trial and maintains her innocence, unlike some of her co-conspirators who “assisted the FBI in rescuing the victim, decided to plead guilty, cooperated in the investigation, and testified against Melton and Goodall at their trials.”

First Assistant United States Attorney, G. Norman Acker, III, commented: “This crime was monstrously cruel to the victim and his family and a clear attack on our criminal justice system. Those who strike at the peace and security of our community will be held accountable. The affirmance of Goodall’s sentence and conviction reflects this reality. We will continue our efforts to ensure that convicted prisoners cannot reach out from their cells to threaten others and conduct criminal enterprises.”

This case was investigated by the FBI Charlotte, FBI Atlanta, the Wake Forest Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation with assistance by the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh Police Department, Durham Police Department, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, Garner Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, RDU Police, City-County Bureau of Investigation, the Cobb County Police Department, Alpharetta Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina handled the prosecution and appeal of this case.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit hears appeals from the nine federal district courts located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia, as well as from federal administrative agencies. More information about the Court can be found on its website, https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov. The Court’s opinion in this case can be found at: https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/174383.U.pdf, and the United States Attorney’s previous press releases regarding this case can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usaoednc/pr/goodall-found-guilty-kidnapping-case-wake-forest-man and https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/goodall-sentenced-lifeprison-kidnapping-case-wake-forest-man.

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage at www.justice.gov/usao-ednc. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.

Granville County Logo

Granville Co. Residents Encouraged to Register for ‘Code Red’ Notification Service

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-Press Release, County of Granville 

When Seconds Count…

Granville County residents and business owners are encouraged to sign up for ‘Code Red,’ a free emergency notification service. ‘Code Red” uses voice calls, text messages and emails to inform the public on weather alerts, missing persons, wildfires, local criminal activity and more.

Granville County Emergency Management encourages all residents and business owners to register their home, business and/or cell phone for this free service to receive targeted alerts that can directly impact you, your family and your employees.

Don’t wait! Start receiving notifications today by securely registering your information. Visit www.granvillecounty.org to learn more!

About Granville County Government:

Granville County Government enhances the quality of life for the citizens of the County by providing an array of services through a responsive, effective, and efficient local government. Learn more at www.granvillecounty.org. Follow Granville County Government on Facebook @GranvilleCountyGov.