Project Pizza – Granville County Board of Commissioners Public Hearing Mon, Jun 20

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The Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Monday.  The location will be the Granville County Expo Convention Center at 4185 Highway 15, Oxford.

The notice of public hearing sent to local media states the purpose is to hear public comments about industrial expansion, matching grants and incentives.

The notice states, “…specifically as follows: the relocation and expansion of a manufacturing company in Granville County. Project Pizza will invest approximately $2.7 million and employ potentially 23 new employees. The maximum cost of the County-funded improvements will be up to $50,000 in accordance with the County funding policy to include a 50% match of $25,000 towards the One NC Grant, a 5% match of a potential Building Reuse Grant provided by The North Carolina Department of Commerce and a cash incentive.”

The notice continues, “This project will be funded with general County operating funds. The cost to the County of the County-funded capital improvements will be offset by new tax revenues generated by the company’s capital investment in the project over a period not to exceed five years.

“The public benefits to be derived from the making of these improvements include the development of industrial properties, which will increase the County’s tax base to better provide for County services, and to increase employment opportunities within the County.”

The County invites interested individuals and encourages attendance.

Oxford Designated As Affiliate Main Street America Program

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-information courtesy of the City of Oxford

The City of Oxford and the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Commission have been designated as an Affiliate Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards.

Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Affiliate programs to recognize their commitment to creating meaningful improvements to their downtowns using preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

The City of Oxford and DOEDC’s performance is annually evaluated by North Carolina Main Street which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that are committed to comprehensive, place-based revitalization efforts and achieving meaningful community outcomes.

We are thrilled to acknowledge this year’s 383 Affiliate Main Street America programs and their commitment to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” Main Street America President and CEO Patrice Frey. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities, driving essential local recovery efforts, supporting small businesses, and nurturing vibrant neighborhoods.”

In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support its operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have leveraged more than $95.33 billion in new public and private investment

generating 161,036 net new businesses and 717,723 net new jobs and rehabilitated more than 314,431 buildings. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

Granville Shares Totals From Spring Clean-up Event At Expo Center

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

On Saturday, May 14, the Granville County Convention and Expo Center was the site of another successful recycling and hazardous waste disposal event. By the end of the day, over 30,000 pounds of materials had been collected for recycling and safe disposal by vendors. Participants also stepped up by donating pet food and supplies to the Granville Humane Society.

Teresa Baker, recycling and sustainability coordinator for Granville County and Granville County Public Schools, reported the following totals from the spring clean-out event:

  • Veolia Environmental Services – 4,540 pounds of paint and 10,630 pounds of hazardous household waste.
  • Department of Agriculture Pesticides Division – 170 pounds of pesticides.
  • Shred Ace – 8,300 pounds of shredded paper, which will save 70 trees.
  • Granville County Sheriff’s Office – 125 pounds of medications and medical waste.
  • METech Recycling – 3,721 pounds of electronics.
  • Interstate Batteries – 686 pounds of various batteries.
  • Scrap Metal – 2,400 pounds.
  • RMR Book Recycling – 400 pounds.
  • Dart Containers (Polystyrene) – 300 pieces.
  • Granville Humane Society – towels, sheets, 2 dog beds, 3 dog crates, cat food, dog food, cat litter and cash donations.

Residents who participate in Granville County’s bi-annual clean out events leave knowing that these waste materials will either be recycled or properly disposed of instead of harming the local environment.

Granville County Environmental Services would like to thank all vendors, staff, volunteers, and participants who helped make the event a success. The next clean-out will take place on November 19, 2022. Details will be announced closer to the event date.

For more information about environmental services, visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/solidwaste/.

Harold Sherman Adult Day Center Open House Set For June 22

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Caregivers and family members who want to learn more about the Harold Sherman Adult Day Center in Granville County can attend an open house later this month in Oxford.

The open house will be held Wednesday, June 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1038-B College St., Oxford.

The Harold Sherman Adult Day Center provides services for residents of Granville, Vance and Warren counties, according to information from its director, Gail Barnes-Hall. Granville Health System established the adult day center in 1998 to meet the needs of disabled adults and their caregivers.

The purpose of the open house is to provide families and caregivers in the community with information about the adult day services program, Barnes-Hall said in a written statement. During the open house, caregivers will have an opportunity to tour the facility, speak with staff and discuss available funding options.

To register for this event, please email Barnes-Hall at ghall@granvillemedical.com. You may also contact the center directly at 919.690.3273.

The open house will feature informational discussions with staff who will share an overview of the services provided by the center, including:

  • Health Care Monitoring
  • Healthy Meals and Snacks
  • Assistance with Mobility, Eating and Toileting
  • Daily Activities to Promote Mental Stimulation
  • Gentle Exercises
  • Educational Program

For more information about HSADC visit www.ghsHospital.org/HSADC or call 919.690.3273.

GCPS Plans “Watch” Event July 12 To See Images From Webb Telescope

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The Webb telescope is set to send never-before-seen images of space back to Earth soon, and the scientific community – as well as folks on the ground in Granville County – are waiting and wondering what the giant telescope will reveal.

Planning for the design and successful launch of the James E. Webb Telescope has been years in the making, but now that it’s almost time for the instrument to send back full-color images of what it “sees,” scientists and others who have been closely monitoring its function can’t be exactly sure when they’ll be able to release those photos.

But Granville County Public Schools STEAM Coordinator Amy Rice is working with those experts to provide a special “watch” party at J.F. Webb High School on July 12. She knows the day, but the time is a little uncertain.

J.F. Webb is named for the father of James E. Webb, for whom the telescope is named. What better spot to host a watch party? Webb, the father, was a former schools superintendent in Granville County; his son, in 1961, became administrator of the newly formed NASA.

Rice told WIZS News that the event in Oxford on July 12 will include a virtual panel discussion during which time experts will discuss various aspects of the Webb mission. The panel discussion will begin at 6 p.m.

“Once NASA lets us know the time of the photo release, we will announce what time we will start live streaming the release of the photos,” Rice said in an email. On site will also be a group of science interns from nearby Shaw University to lead STEM-related interactive sessions for younger children that will be related to the work of the space telescope.

Interested in coming to the July 12 event? Please check https://www.gcs.k12.nc.us/ for updates on times for the photo release.

CLICK PLAY!

BAT-Mobile Units On State Roadways To Curb Impaired Driving

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North Carolina drivers in all 100 counties should be on the lookout for the BAT-mobile cruising their local streets this summer. But it’s not the Caped Crusader who’s behind the wheel – it’s your local law enforcement officer, working to get impaired drivers off the road.

This BAT-mobile refers to mobile Breath Alcohol Testing Units, used by local law enforcement agencies as part of campaigns to keep impaired drivers off the streets. And Governor’s Highway Safety Program Director Mark Ezzell said the technology proves useful in the effort to curb impaired driving.

“BAT-mobiles – while not exactly the same as the one Batman drove – are a pretty critical tool for fighting crime in North Carolina, especially when it comes to impaired driving,” Ezzell said in a press release.

This is part of an ambitious plan to conduct a BAT-mobile enforcement campaign in every North Carolina county in order to curb impaired driving from Memorial Day to Labor Day, which encompasses the 100 deadliest days of the year on the road.

The time of year is especially dangerous for teenagers, who are 16 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal crash during this time period, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

During the 100 Deadliest Days campaign, BAT-mobiles will be used at DWI Checking Stations or during other impaired driving enforcement effort conducted by local law enforcement agencies. Campaigns are generally conducted at locations with a high rate of impaired driving crashes.

BAT-mobiles are operated by the Forensic Tests for Alcohol Branch, a division of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The units allow law enforcement to conduct breath alcohol and other sobriety tests, are fully equipped with the instruments and forms necessary for a law enforcement officer to test and process a driver arrested for an impaired driving offense, and even have office space for a magistrate to operate in order to make the process of charging an impaired driver more seamless.

The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program provides grant funding to DHHS each year to operate seven units statewide.

Law enforcement agencies interested in taking part in a BAT-mobile campaign should visit the Forensic Test for Alcohol website at or contact Jason Smith, statewide BAT-mobile coordinator, at jason.r.smith@dhhs.nc.gov.

School Board Approves Leadership Changes At June 6 Meeting

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The Granville County Board of Education approved at its meeting Monday several recommended changes in leadership at the district and school levels.

The changes will take effect on July 1, 2022, according to GCPS Public Information Officer Dr. Stan Winborne.

Dr. Kerry Chisnall has been named as the Principal of G.C. Hawley Middle School. Chisnall comes to Granville County Public Schools with almost 20 years of experience at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Tinisha Wharton, currently assistant principal at Stovall-Shaw Elementary, was named principal of Granville Academy. She replaces Mary Warehime, who will become a teacher instructional coach in the district. The assistant principal position at SSES will be posted and the search process will begin immediately.

Anthony Dickens will be the new principal of Phoenix Academy. Dickens currently is an assistant principal at J.F. Webb High School. Dickens replaces Calvin Timberlake, who is retiring.

Sheila Atkins, principal at Wilton Elementary, will be the coordinator of specialty, choice
& extended day programs for the school district. The principal position at Wilton will be posted and the search process will begin immediately.

Kimberly McNeill, most recently named as interim principal at that school, will be the homelessness, neglected & delinquent liaison, serving all eligible students in the district.

Ashley Lloyd has been named principal at Mt. Energy and Terylin Hester will fill the role of assistant principal.

Meg Strong was named as the director of Child Nutrition. She most recently was director of child nutrition in Franklin County for almost four years.

Donate Blood At Upcoming Drives In Henderson, Oxford

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What better way to celebrate World Blood Donor Day on June 14 than to make an appointment for an upcoming blood drive in the area? All eligible donors are encouraged to take part by making an appointment to give blood or platelets during the month of June.

The American Red Cross joins other blood collection organizations around the world to recognize the importance of a safe and stable blood supply and the donors who make it possible.

Nearly 2.5 million people volunteer to give lifesaving blood and platelets every year with the Red Cross, according to a statement from Eastern North Carolina’s Regional Communications Director Cally Edwards, which includes Vance, Granville and Warren counties.

Blood donations decline in late spring and early summer – especially during holiday weeks, like Memorial Day and Independence Day – but the need for blood and platelet transfusions doesn’t take a summer break.

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).

Blood drives in Henderson and Oxford are scheduled for Friday, June 24, Edwards stated.

Here are the details:

  • Henderson: 6/24, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Maria Parham Medical Center, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.
  • Oxford: 6/24, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Oxford United Methodist Church, 105 W. McClanahan St.

As a special thank you, everyone who donates blood during June will also have their name entered for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to Graceland.

The trip includes round-trip airfare to Memphis, plus a three-night stay at The Guest House and Elvis Entourage VIP tour, courtesy of Graceland, a custom-wrapped Gibson Epiphone guitar and more.

Additionally, those who come to donate in June will also receive a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Specialty Food Distribution Hub To Create 23 Jobs In Granville County

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A food distribution company that has its roots in France and New Jersey is coming to Granville County, creating more than 20 jobs in a warehouse and distribution facility that will help the company expand its reach into the Southeast.

D’Artagnan, Inc., a specialty food company distributor, will create 23 new jobs and invest more than $4 million to locate a warehouse and distribution facility in Granville County, according to a press release from County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. The operation will take up a portion of the former Burlington Mills facility on Lewis Street in Oxford.

“Our whole team is excited about developing our sales in this beautiful region!” said Ariane Daguin, CEO of D’Artagnan. “We have closely followed the food scene in the Carolinas and are very happy to be able to contribute to it,” Daguin added.

“We are extremely excited that D’Artagnan has selected Granville County to expand their company with this new distribution warehouse,” said Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills.

“We have created a hub for food distribution and processing in Granville County that is attracting the attention of companies around the world. D’Artagnan choosing Granville County shows how integral our location and workforce is in the global food supply chain. Mills thanked county commissioners, members of the economic development advisory board, the city of Oxford as well as local realtor Wills Hancock and the team at Century 21 Hancock Properties for their efforts in attracting D’Artagnan to the county.

Daguin founded D’Artagnan in 1985 and the French food pioneer has continued to lead her company which provides of high-quality meats, produce and delicacies to high-end hotels and restaurants in the United States.

The New Jersey-based  company distributes natural, sustainable food raised on farms and ranches across the world to offer organic products. D’Artagnan has three business segments that cover food service, retail and e-commerce to market its food products in all 50 states.

The new Oxford facility will be the largest distribution site outside of New Jersey and will support D’Artagnan’s expansion into the Southeast market.

Granville County Economic Development partnered with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and a host of partners locally and statewide in supporting D’Artagnan’s decision to expand to North Carolina, bringing the new jobs with it. Although wages will vary for each position, the average annual salary for the new positions is $46,170, – which exceeds Granville County’s overall average annual wage of $45,096. The new jobs have the potential to create an annual payroll impact of more than $1 million.

A performance-based grant of $50,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help with D’Artagnan’s location to North Carolina. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital

investment targets to qualify for payment. D’Artagnan must invest at least $3,695,300 to receive One NC grant payments. The grants require a 50 percent local match, subject to approval by the Granville County Board of Commissioners that would total $25,000.

“This is another great economic development win for Granville County,” said State Sen. Mike Woodard who represents District 22, which includes the entirety of Granville County. “We welcome these new jobs and $4 million investment to our community and are ready to support the company’s future success.”

“More and more companies are finding the business climate in our region ideal for their strategic growth plans,” said N.C. Rep. Terry E. Garrison who represents District 32, which includes northern Granville County and Oxford. “We appreciate the diligent local and state officials and economic development partners that helped bring this project to Oxford.”

Other partners include the Kerr-Tar Council of Government, Granville County Chamber  of Commerce, Granville County Public School System, Vance-Granville Community College, NCWorks Career Center of Oxford, the N.C. Dept. of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina Community College System, and the North Carolina General Assembly for their assistance in locating D’Artagnan in Granville County.

NC Forest Service

Forestry Field Day June 24 In Oxford

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-information courtesy of Vance County Cooperative Extension

A Forestry Field Day is scheduled for Friday, June 24 to help area landowners with best practice strategies to enhance their woodland resources. Participants will learn first-hand about the possible benefits of forest management techniques of herbicide application and prescribed fires.

This free event will begin at 2 p.m. at the N.C. Forest Service office in Granville County, located at 911 Hillsboro St, Oxford.

From there, the group will proceed to two different field sites that show the results of the respective practices. Transportation to the field sites will be available, or participants may travel in personal vehicles.

The sponsors of the Field Day are the N.C. Forest Service office for Granville County, along with the N.C. Cooperative Extension County Centers in Granville and Vance counties.

Registration is required.

For more information, visit http://go.ncsu.edu/manageyourwoods or call 252.438.8188 or 919.603.1350.