Mike Waters

Remaining Defendants Sentenced in Robert Webber’s Murder

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Two men were sentenced last week in Granville County Criminal Superior Trial Court in connection with a 2019 murder in Oxford, bringing the total to four men charged, prosecuted and sentenced in connection with the homicide.

Michael Lewis and Andre Jones were sentenced to active terms of imprisonment for their involvement in the drive-by shooting death of Robert Webber on June 17, 2019.

Lewis was sentenced to between 240 and 300 months in prison; Jones, who pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to second-degree murder was sentenced to 48-70 months in prison.

In May, two other men were sentenced for their role in Webber’s death, which occurred about 9:45 p.m. at 1110 College St. near Granville Health Systems. The victim was 18.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Granville County Has First Case Of Monkeypox; Vaccines Ordered

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Granville County has its first confirmed case of monkeypox, and local health department officials said that they’re waiting for vaccines to arrive, but don’t have any at the moment.

Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison said they were notified Friday afternoon about the case in Granville County, one of 138 cases of monkeypox in the state.

“Although GVPH does not yet have vaccine on site, we have ordered the vaccine and we have a relationship with both Durham and Wake counties who are two of the sites that received monkeypox vaccine in NC in the first few weeks,” Harrison said in a weekly communication statement.

Harrison and her staff have been monitoring COVID-19 updates for the past two years, and recently have had to put monkeypox on their radar screen.

Both counties remain in the “high” community spread category for COVID-19, Harrison noted. Vance County has reported a total of 126 deaths from COVID-19; Granville County has reported 118 deaths.

The BA.5 variant is now most prevalent as indicated by the data dashboard. For the most up-to-date information, visit  https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard.

The Kaiser Family Foundation website has helpful information on monkeypox. View the FAQ section here.

Below is a bulleted list of statements about monkeypox, who is getting sick and the role of vaccines in curbing spread: 

  • ALL of the cases in NC so far have been in men ages 18-65
  • Transmission happens through skin-to-skin contact, and occasionally contaminated items
  • Symptoms include: Lesions on the skin, fever and swollen lymph nodes
  • Monkeypox impacts people of all sexual orientations
  • Monkeypox has been declared a public health emergency of international concern
  • Vaccine supply will continue to increase and we should have some locally soon — the sooner an exposed person gets the vaccine, the better.
  • Both smallpox and monkeypox vaccines are effective at protecting people against monkeypox when given before exposure to monkeypox

 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Jynneos vaccine to allow health care providers to administer it via intradermal injection for individuals 18 years of age and older. Intradermal injection uses one-fifth the size of dose as subcutaneous injection, allowing the U.S. to stretch the current limited vaccine supply to reach more patients. The updated EUA is based on a 2015 study that showed a smaller dose of the vaccine injected intradermally generated a similar immune response to a larger dose injected below the skin. The EUA also allows for the use of Jynneos vaccine in individuals younger than 18 at high risk of monkeypox infection though via the original subcutaneous injection route.

Aug. 25 SBA Webinar Focuses On Rural Entrepreneurs

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The U.S. Small Business Administration announces another in its series of webinars “Elevating Small Business” designed for rural entrepreneurs. The hourlong program will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 and will feature a panel of experts who will speak on topics including the importance of financial wellness, creating generational wealth through business ownership and uplifting and supporting rural-owned small businesses.

Panelists are Allen Thomas, regional administrator for SBA Region IV, Terri Billups, senior advisor to acting director/deputy director of the Office of Affairs and Morgan Beavers, co-owner of Graylee Construction and Demolition in Austin, AR.

The panel will also discuss SBA initiatives and resources that support small business recovery, new rural startups seeking to launch, and existing rural-owned small businesses as they pivot and grow in a post-COVID world.

Register for the webinar here or visit    https://SBArural.eventbrite.com.

Mike Waters

Statewide DWI Report Reveals High Marks for Eleventh Prosecutorial District

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— press release — 

The 11th Prosecutorial District (Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren and Person Counties) successfully  prosecuted more Driving While Impaired (DWI) cases per capita than all districts but one in the past year according to a recent report.

On July 28, 2022, the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission released a report analyzing Driving While Impaired (DWI) convictions and sentencing across the state during fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021). The report found the 11th Prosecutorial District secured the greatest number of DWI convictions by population, 6 per every 1,000 adults, and the second highest total number of convictions, with 1,143, of any district in North Carolina.

“Prosecuting those who drive while impaired is one of our most important jobs in the 11th Prosecutorial District because it keeps everyone in our community safer,” said District Attorney Mike Waters. “That is why we continued prosecuting DWIs throughout the pandemic. I am proud of the work my team, together with the Clerks and Judges, has done to remove intoxicated drivers from our roads. This is the second year in a row that our district has been tied with another district at the top of the list for prosecuting DWIs.”

The complete Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission Driving While Impaired Convictions Statistical Report for Fiscal Year 2021 and for previous fiscal years can be found at https://www.nccourts.gov/documents/publications/dwi-convictions-statistical-reports.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Safety Summit

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As the first day of a new school year approaches, Granville County Public Schools is hosting a “Safety Summit” on Thursday, Aug. 18 for parents and a host of community partners to discuss all the ways that the district has focused on health and safety of students and staff.

The meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Northern Granville Middle School, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Dr. Stan Winborne.

Following a brief presentation from Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean, a panel of community leaders and experts will discuss various safety measures and upgrades within the school district, and also will answer questions from a survey that currently is open for families and others in the community to complete.

The survey link, available HERE , will remain open until Friday, Aug. 12.

The panel will include school board representatives and district administrative staff, as well as the Granville County Emergency Management Services division and Vance-Granville Community College.

The summit will be recorded and live streamed, with links posted on the district website. The event is open for in-person attendance, too, Winborne said.

“In GCPS, we continuously plan, practice and evaluate our safety processes and procedures,” Winborne said in a press statement. “Over the past several years, significant upgrades have been made to the physical security of our buildings and facilities. In addition, we are very proud of the close working relationships we have with our partners in local law enforcement, including our Sheriff’s department and municipal police forces.  We also consult closely with the Granville County Emergency Management division and continue to strengthen our student services support resources for our students.”

Calling All State Fair Competitors: Enter By Sept. 15 Deadline!

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Think you’ve got a blue-ribbon zucchini bread recipe? Want to see how that batch of blackberry jam or fig preserves stands up to state competition? Or do you have an exquisite quilt or other handcrafted item that you’d like to show off a bit?

Then consider entering the 2022 N.C. State Fair competitions, which are open now through Sept. 15.

The Fair will be held Oct. 13-23 in Raleigh. This year’s theme is “So Happy Together,” surely a nod to reclaiming participation in events that had been hindered by COVID-19 restrictions for the past two years.

In addition to the traditional competitions like artwork, honey, livestock, cooking, canned food, flowers and decorating skills, new competitions include ink pen decorated seashells and artwork-inspired floral arrangements, according to information from fair organizers.

“It is exciting to announce new competitions to go along with categories that are always so popular, like decorated cakes and quilts,” said John Buettner, competitive exhibits coordinator. “We have competitions to appeal to a wide variety of individuals from seashell painting, painted rocks, terrarium building, shoe decorating and even coloring sheets. I encourage everyone, and all ages, to check out the competitions because just like the N.C. State Fair itself, there is something for everyone.”

In 2021, more than 36,000 items were entered in competitions at the fair.

Most entry deadlines are Sept. 15. Exhibitors must have registered prior to the entry deadline. Entry forms can be mailed in or exhibitors can enter online using ShoWorks, an online application system that is widely used at fairs across the country.

“Exhibitors can enter at the website or by downloading the ShoWorks app. This will help streamline the process, report results quicker and be a way that exhibitors can manage multiple exhibits at a fair or even several fairs,” Buettner said. “Since this is new, we have provided instructions for entering each competition on our website as well.”

Find more information at ncstatefair.org and click on competitions.

Upcoming Blood Drives In Area; Donors Entered To Win Free Gas Card

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There’s a blood drive scheduled for this Wednesday in Oxford and donors are desperately needed to ward off a shortage during the waning days of summer. The drive will be at the Public Works Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Public Works Center is located at 127 Penn Ave., Oxford.

Another drive will be held in Henderson on Aug. 26 at Maria Parham Medical Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Although 62 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, only about 3 percent donate, according to Cally Edwards, regional communications director for the Eastern District of the American Red Cross. In addition to blood donations, the Red Cross is in special need of platelet donations.

Anyone who donates during August automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

Donors can schedule an appointment to give using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

South Granville Senior Center Has New Program Coordinator

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The South Granville Senior Services center has a new program director on site at the Creedmoor Community Center.

Christy Southall brings almost two decades of experience to the job. She replaces Cheryl Carrier, who retired in July.

Southall has worked at Franklin County’s Department of Aging Services and Nash County’s Department of Senior Services, according to a press release from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. She most recently served as the Senior Services Program  Supervisor for the Franklinton Senior Center, and before that filled roles as the Senior Center Coordinator for Nash  County and Senior Center Activity Specialist for the Louisburg Senior Center. She is a native of Nash County and spent her childhood in Rocky Mount. Southall  lives in Franklinton with her two daughters Halie and Michelle.

“We are thrilled to have Christy join us as program coordinator for the South Granville Senior Center,” said Senior Services Director Kathy May. “Our seniors in southern Granville County should know that they are in good hands with someone as experienced as Christy joining our team,” May said.

“The South Granville Senior Center is such a great asset for our residents by serving the southern Granville County population without always expecting our seniors to make a trip to Oxford,” May added.

The South Granville Senior Center is located within the Creedmoor Community Center, 114 Douglas Dr. in Creedmoor.  The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more, visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/senior-services/

Spiess Joins Granville Veterans Service Office

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U.S. Navy Veteran Albert “A.J.” Spiess has joined the Granville County Veterans Services Office as a Veterans Services Technician.

Spiess will work under the direction of Veterans Services Officer  (VSO) Chris Dethmers to assist local veterans and their families with navigating the complex processes to access  Veterans resources at the state and federal level.

The Lula, GA native retired from the Navy with 26 years of service and rose to the rank of Senior Chief Master at Arms  (Military Police). Spiess served on six ships (USS Butte, USS Simpson, USS Briscoe, USS Truman, USS Harpers  Ferry, and USS Wasp). Before reaching the rank of Senior Chief Master at Arms, Spiess also served as Deck Seaman and Signalman.

Spiess also has extensive experience serving as Anti-Terrorism Officer/Physical Security Officer conducing anti-terrorism training, Department Leading Chief Petty Officer/Lead Investigator where he investigated larcenies,  assaults, suicides, and other security violations, and Senior Master Training Instructor at the Navy Police Academy overseeing major curriculum changes and teaching students at all levels of experience.

In addition to his professional experience, Spiess previously volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans and, as chapter veterans services officer, helped veterans and their families  obtain benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and other government agencies.

Spiess has an associate degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and  Emergency Management. He and his wife Corie have one child, Brooke, who is currently attending nursing school.

“I feel so privileged to serve veterans and their families in Granville County,” Spiess said. “I have always volunteered with various organizations throughout my life and when I retired and started volunteering with the DAV, I found my true passion. This position with the Granville County Veterans Services Office is a direct extension of my work with the DAV and I feel honored and privileged to speak with veterans from all branches and learn their experiences. I know that dealing with the VA can be difficult. Please come let the Veterans Services Office help ease the process.”

The Granville County Veterans Services Office is located at 141 Williamsboro St., Oxford. To learn more about the services and programs offered, visit (https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services) or call Veterans Services at 919.693.1484.

New Principal at Wilton Elementary School, New Assistant Principals

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The first day of the 2022-23 school year is less than a month away, and Granville County Public Schools has announced changes in leadership roles in a number of schools across the district.

Kristin Marks Wilson has been named principal of Wilton Elementary. Wilson most recently was assistant principal at Tar River Elementary, and has more than 12 years’ experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and administrator.

Wilson has undergraduate and master’s degrees from Old Dominion University and an advanced degree from Liberty University.

In addition to Wilson, the school board also named the following administrators to new roles within the district:

· Julian Champion, assistant principal, Granville Central High

· Clarencia Green, assistant principal, J.F. Webb High

· Leslie Magnanti, assistant principal, Stovall Shaw Elementary

· Andres Restrepo – J.F. Webb High

· Dwayne Waddey – Northern Granville Middle