August 25 – Joint Granville Commissioners/School Board Meeting

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The Granville County board of commissioners and the Granville County board of education will meet together to discuss school redistricting, according to information from Debra Weary, clerk to the commissioners. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021 at 9 a.m. in the main gymnasium at South Granville High School, 701 North Crescent Drive, Creedmoor, NC 27522.

Dr. Stan Winborne, associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction and student services, with Granville County schools said, “To join the livestream meeting, please use the following link: https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj.”

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting will be required to wear face coverings and cooperate with social distancing requirements. There will be limited seating available.

This same meeting was originally to have been held at Mary Potter, but the location was changed to South Granville High School as is listed above.

JF Webb Student’s Artwork Selected For NACo 2022 Calendar

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A local teenager’s artwork has been chosen from entries submitted from across the country for a 2022 calendar that will be distributed across the country by the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Brim Royster, a junior at J.F. Webb High School, is one of 18 winners selected from a pool of entries submitted through local county governments across the nation. The “I Love My County Because…” art competition, sponsored by NACo, was held for students in grades 1 through 12, who were asked to explain in words and in art why “their county matters.” Royster’s entry depicts his strong family connections in the area.

J.F. Webb High School art teacher Ophelia Staton was recently notified of the selection, according to a statement from Lynn Allred, Granville County’s public information officer.

“I am so excited for Brim and for our art program,” Staton said in the statement. “We have some talented students, and this recognition means so much for our school and – of course – for Brim. We are very proud of him. His talent is sure to take him very far.”

Students from J.F. Webb, Tar River Elementary and Creedmoor Elementary submitted artwork for the 2021 competition, which was introduced this year as part of the “Counties Matter” campaign. All entries are currently on display at the Harris Exhibit Hall of the Granville County Historical Society Museum, 1 Museum Lane in Oxford.

In addition to being featured in the NACo calendar, Royster will receive prizes and a certificate, as well as having his artwork published in the NACo newspaper “County News,” which is distributed to county members in all 50 states. More than 3,000 U.S. counties are active NACo members, including Granville County Government.

“Granville County was well represented in this contest,” said Sue Hinman, chair of the Granville County board of commissioners. “We thank all the students who participated, as well as the art teachers who submitted entries on behalf of their students. We are also grateful to Granville County Public Schools, who assisted us in this project.”

The Local Skinny: Five County Job Fair Coming To Oxford Saturday

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The next Kerr-Tar Community Job Fair is here, this Saturday, August 21.  Twenty or more employers and other community resource providers will gather from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Hix Field in Oxford.

As Desiree Brooks, business service manager for the Workforce Development Board of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments explains, as of now over 20 employers from all five counties of Kerr-Tar will be present.

“We were trying to target a Saturday this go around just to kind of give others the opportunity to come out if that’s their desire.  We are hoping that it will be convenient for all.  We are really anticipating a great turn out,” Brooks said.

The last job fair held in June in Henderson for Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person Counties was a huge success Brooks said.  Over 200 people turned out on a Friday at the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre.

She said, “Everyone was pleased, and we got so much positive feedback from employers.  There were hires there and people filling out applications.  So, it will be the same thing at this event, and we are hoping we will have even more people in attendance.”

The success is based on cooperation and partnerships with Vance Granville Community College, Chambers of Commerce and other governmental agencies along with the Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board and NC Works.

When asked who would attend, Brooks said, “We’ve got ADUSA or Food Lion Distribution Center, Altec, Amcor, Bridgestone, Captive Aire, Carolina Sunrock, which they’ll have a simulator at the event too so you can actually get live experience.  We’ve got City of Creedmoor, City of Oxford, County of Granville, Granville County Health Systems, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, MGM Products, Murdock Center, Ontic, Plastic Ingenuity, Polywood, Revlon, Ricewrap, Spuntech and Versatrim.”

For more information, contact NC Works at 919-693-2686.  Email fletcherl@vgcc.edu or jody.blackwell@piedmontcc.edu.  Also visit www.vgcc.edu/career-fair and www.kerrtarworks.com.

Hix Field in Oxford is located at 313 E. Spring Street.

High Transmission

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Information from Granville-Vance Public Health as of Friday.

In the past 7 days, there have been 108 new cases in Vance County, a 235% increase from the previous 7 days. The percent positivity rate in Vance County is 6.4%. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, there is high community transmission in Vance County.

In the past 7 days, there have been 114 new cases in Granville County, a 46% increase from the previous 7 days. The percent positivity rate in Granville County is 3.6%. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, there is high community transmission in Granville County.

Granville County has reported a pediatric death from complications related to COVID-19 in a 17-year old male on August 13, 2021.

In Vance County, 57% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and 51% are fully vaccinated.

In Granville County, 62% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and 58% are fully vaccinated.

1,107,414 have been diagnosed with the disease across all 100 of our counties with 6,628 newly reported cases. The daily percent positive is 11.6%.

13,826 people in North Carolina have died of COVID-19 and 2,483 are currently hospitalized.

63% of the adult population in NC is at least partially vaccinated and 58% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

For more information, the audio here was broadcast on Monday, August 16.

 

Granville Board Of Education Work Session Aug. 16 To Continue School Closure, Consolidation Discussion

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The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a work session next week to continue discussions on potential school closures and school consolidation, according to information from Dr. Stan Winborne, associate superintendent and public information officer.

The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, 2021 at the Mary Potter Center of Education, 200 Taylor Street in Oxford. In addition to the ongoing school reorganization, the board will have a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting is open to the public, and also will be livestreamed at the link https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj.

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting will be required to wear face coverings, undergo health screenings before entering the building, and cooperate with social distancing requirements. There will be limited seating available.

Coach's Corner Logo

SportsTalk: Hairston Readies Granville Central For Football

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“I’m very excited,” says new Granville Central Football Coach Travis Hairston. He’s only been on the job a week and half but has already identified a core group of players who are working hard to help the team turn around last year’s 1-5 record. He looks to bring his extensive knowledge of defense to the team and says defense will be a priority this season.

Hairston’s experience includes defensive coordinator positions at several schools in North Carolina and Maryland including Sanders, East Wake and Rolesville High Schools. His defensive philosophy is simple: “Score points and not allow them to score.” He also emphasizes preparation and expects the Granville Central team to be prepared every week. “I believe we are going to win some games and be competitive,” Coach Hairston says.

He will have to get prepared quickly as Granville Central takes on Ravenscroft in the first game of the season a week from Friday. Ravenscroft has a diverse offense and gets after the ball on defense. Ravenscroft will not be the only tough team Granville Central will face this season as later on this year the will play South Granville in an in-county rivalry game and Carrboro.

 

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

8th Annual Granville Chamber Golf Tournament Set For Sept. 21; Moves To Kerr Lake Country Club

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce has announced that its 8th annual golf tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 2021. This year’s tournament will be held at Kerr Lake Country Club.

The club, located at 600 Hedrick Drive, Henderson, is a new member of the Granville Chamber.

Registration begins at noon and a box lunch will be provided, according to information from Executive Director Lauren Bennett Roberson. The shotgun start will be at 1 p.m.

Snacks and beverages will be included during play and there will be various contests throughout the day, including a 50/50 raffle, longest drive, closest to the pin challenge and a hole-in-one shootout.

Corporate sponsorships are $450 and include a 4-player team. Individual spots are $100, as are hole sponsors.

To learn more, contact the Chamber office at 919-693-6125.

 

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

The Local Skinny: Covid Data for Vance and Granville Counties

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— Info Courtesy of Granville Vance Public Health —

Covid Local Data Update previous 7 days ending Saturday, August 7th

In the past 7 days, there have been 42 new cases in Vance County, a 16.67% increase from the week before. The percent positivity rate in Vance County is 6.03%. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, there is substantial community transmission in Vance County.

In the past 7 days, there have been 63 new cases in Granville County, a 6.78% increase from the week before. The percent positivity rate in Granville County is 5.64%. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, there is high community transmission in Granville County.

In Vance County, 50.5% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and 40.8% are fully vaccinated.

In Granville County, 58% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and 50.6% are fully vaccinated.

In North Carolina, 62% of the adult population is at least partially vaccinated and 58% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

CDC Moratorium Temporarily Halts Residential Evictions Until Oct 3

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CDC issues new temporary moratorium to halt residential evictions through Oct. 3

HOPE Program still accepting applications for emergency rental assistance

— press release courtesy of the N.C. Department of Public Safety —

RALEIGH—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new residential eviction moratorium that will offer protection from eviction for most renters in North Carolina. The moratorium, which will remain in effect through Oct. 3, 2021, applies in U.S. counties experiencing substantial and high levels of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggers COVID-19. The CDC has found that evictions of tenants for failure to pay rent could be detrimental to public health measures designed to slow the spread of the virus. Most North Carolina renters would be eligible for protection from eviction under the order, with some important exceptions.

As of today, only four North Carolina counties do not meet the new eviction moratorium criteria, including Bertie, Hertford, Hyde and Warren counties. The status of these and other counties could change in the future depending on COVID-19 transmission levels.

Renters throughout the rest of the state who currently meet the eligibility criteria may present a declaration form to their landlord and receive protection from eviction. Renters can also find additional resources online through NC 211 and the HUD Rental Housing Counseling and Eviction Prevention Program, which includes contact information for local housing counselors.

Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance

The N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program (HOPE) continues to provide rent and utility assistance to low-income renters in 88 counties that are experiencing financial hardship due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. Since opening last fall, HOPE has awarded more than $328 million to ​North Carolina households, with ​$245 million already paid to landlords and utility companies statewide.

Information about the HOPE Program, including eligibility requirements, program benefits and an online application, is available at www.HOPE.NC.gov. Applicants who cannot access the website should call 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467) for help with the application process. The HOPE Call Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both English- and Spanish-speaking representatives are available to assist callers.

As of last week, the HOPE Program is also accepting landlord referrals of tenants who are struggling to pay rent due to the pandemic. Landlords can submit tenant names and contact information through the HOPE Program website or by contacting the HOPE Call Center at 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467). A program specialist will then follow up with the tenant to help start the application process.

In addition to the HOPE Program, 12 counties and five Native American tribes received direct federal funding to manage local emergency rental assistance programs. More information about the areas served by HOPE and local programs is available at the HOPE Interactive Map.

The HOPE Program is managed by the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a division of the Department of Public Safety. To learn more about the HOPE Program, visit www.HOPE.NC.gov

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Families Living Violence Free

Town Talk: Families Living Violence Free Prepares For Event At Rucker Park

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Families Living Violence Free is hosting a back-to-school Kids Day event Saturday, Aug. 14 at Rucker Park in Granville County. Children and adults can enjoy a variety of activities, from food trucks to water games during the Fun Day, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to FLVF staff.

LeSha Sneed and Carly Simonton were guests on Town Talk Monday and said the event is all about fun activities for children, combined with some awareness and outreach regarding domestic violence and abuse.

It’s important for young people to be able to make connections with adults who can help, Sneed, youth advocacy counselor for FLVF, told hosts John C. Rose and Trey Snide. She added that school resource officers (SROs) will be present Saturday. Children can’t always remember names, she said, but they can remember faces. It’s important for young people to know adults they can trust if they need to confide in someone about problems they may be facing.

“Kids have to feel safe around you before they’ll open up,” Sneed said. This fun day/fundraiser will help young people make connections with those adults.

Bookbags filled with school supplies will be distributed, and food and gas cards will be raffled off as well, Simonton said. As the adult advocacy counselor at FLVF, she noted that

the last year and a half has “taken a toll, obviously.” Children were learning remotely and parents were either working from home or without jobs altogether. Sometimes, school and jobs are “safe” spots for victims of domestic violence and abuse. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down those havens and left victims isolated from help.

But FLVF stayed open throughout that period, Simonton said, providing virtual options and keeping the 24/7 crisis phone lines operational.

The crisis center has moved to a new location, Henrahand Cottage on the campus of Central Children’s Home, 211 W. Antioch Drive, but its mission remains the same: “giving voice and support to domestic violence and sexual assault victims.”

Although it is located in Granville County, Simonton said their services are open to everyone. FLVF partners with many area agencies, and counselors can make sure clients connect with programs and services most convenient to their location.

“We make sure our clients are covered, no matter what,” Simonton said.

In 2019, FLVF saw 323 “unique clients,” which means that some clients they helped more than once. She said statistics show that by the time a client reaches out to FLVF, they’ve already made seven attempts – on average – to leave a violent or abusive situation. Victims of domestic violence or abuse don’t fit into one age range, but Simonton said the majority of clients they see at FLVF are in the 34-64 age group.

Outreach into the community helps to establish connections that may be needed in a moment of crisis. “It’s a lot easier to open up when you know you have a connection with someone,” Simonton said. This type of outreach event helps establish connections so people “know we’re here from the get-go,” she said. The public needs to see us as a good resource in the community, she added. “We’re literally here for everyone.” All services are free and confidential.

The FLVF Fun Day will be held at Rucker Park, located at 5189 Old N.C. 75, Oxford.

Visit www.flvf.com to learn more. The 24/7 crisis lines are 919.693.5700 (English) and 919.690.0888 (Spanish)

 

For complete details and audio click play.