School Resource Officers in Need of Donations for ‘Helping Hands Closet’

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

SRO’s Helping Hands Closet is in need of donations from the community.

Who are we?

We are a group of Granville County Sheriff’s deputies that work as School Resource Officers at Granville County Public Schools.

What is this about?

We come in contact with many children through our jobs, families in distress and others with various needs. We have the ability to reach out and give back to these individuals within our schools and other areas of our community that we serve. We do this by collecting gently used or new clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, toys and other items that we distribute throughout the community as we find someone in need.

Where is this located?

Currently, we are based out of J.F. Webb High School and Hawley Middle School.

How does it work?

As we receive a referral from the community or initiate one ourselves, we will discretely determine the needs of the individual and/or family and have them come in to gather items that they have a need for. In the event they are not able to come to one of our locations, we may be able to gather some items in the sizes they have requested and bring them to a location to see what works for them; however, it is much better for them to come to us.

Who can refer and/or participate?

We accept referrals from anyone. If there is a need that we can service, we will see if we can help that person out.

Why?

Because we are the do’ers. That’s our calling and the profession we chose. We have been placed in the position to give back to others.

These are some of the items but not limited to what we accept:

Clean clothing (all ages, sizes and gender), coats, belts, new socks/underwear, shoes, prom dresses, diapers, blankets and other household supplies, toiletries, personal hygiene supplies, book bags and school supplies, canned and non-perishable foods, great condition toys and children’s books.

We are always in need of clothing garment racks/displays, clothes hangers (adult, child and pant).

You can contact an SRO at one of the schools directly and arrange a drop-off or pick up, or contact Brad O’Briant 919-691-1472 or Jessica Laws 919-691-3519.

Granville Emergency Services Encourages All to Participate in Earthquake Drill

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County residents will soon have an opportunity to join a wide-spread effort to become more prepared in case of an earthquake.

The 2019 Great Southeast Shakeout is an annual public earthquake drill where millions of people in organizations, schools and homes simultaneously practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” which is the recommended action for people to take during an earthquake. This event is scheduled for Thurs. Oct. 17 at 10:17 a.m.

An earthquake is a sudden, quick shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and moving of underground rock, and can be followed by aftershocks. While not a highly likely event in Granville County, earthquakes may happen anywhere you live, work or travel. A major earthquake can occur at any time, with no warning and with a short time to react.

Granville County Emergency Services strongly encourages local participation in this event. If interested, visit https://www.shakeout.org/southeast/register/ to enroll your organization, school, agency, business or family.

Once registered, participants will learn how to be more prepared for earthquakes; will be counted in the world’s largest earthquake drill; will receive ShakeOut news and other information about earthquakes and preparedness; will make a difference by motivating others to participate and to be prepared.

Drills like this can help residents and businesses be better prepared on how to react if the ground starts shaking. In the case of an earthquake, remember to Drop, Cover and Hold On.

DROP  – get down on the floor when shaking starts, before the quake drops you.

COVER – take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. If you cannot find something to get under, crouch against an inside wall. Keep your head and neck safe by using your arms. Stay away from windows, hanging objects, mirrors or anything that might fall over.

HOLD ON – hold onto a desk, table or piece of furniture. Be ready to move with it during the quake.

To be able to respond quickly, everyone should practice these steps often. There may be only a few seconds before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you.

Millions of people worldwide have participated in Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills since 2008. The exercise is held on the third Thursday of October each year.

Be prepared, and encourage others to join in! Visit ReadyNC.org for more preparedness information.

GCPS Superintendent McLean to Hold ‘Coffee Hour’

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

All are invited to a “Superintendent’s Coffee Hour” with Granville County Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean at the GCPS Central Services Building on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

The session will be held from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. and is a great opportunity to hear updates from the district, ask questions and join the conversation about Granville County schools.

Central Office is located at 101 Delacroix Street in Oxford.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Troxler Announces Grants for Bioenergy Research, New & Emerging Crops

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative is seeking grant proposals focused on research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production as well as new and emerging crops.

“We are excited that the North Carolina Bioenergy Research Initiative will offer $1 million in competitive grants for projects focused on bioenergy and the production of exciting new crops,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Our state’s investment in agricultural research has helped maintain agriculture and agribusiness’ strength as the leading industry in the state. Bio-based industries and new emerging crops and products offer opportunities to increase N.C. farm income.”

High consideration will be given to projects that focus on crop production in either the field or forest that will provide feedstock for bioenergy-related technologies, potential edible crops, new adaptations of crops and economic analysis.

Projects can focus on production and harvesting methods and plant variety work, including:

  • Genetic improvement and selection
  • Identification of crops with economic potential
  • Weed management
  • Harvest management such as methods, timing, transportation and storage
  • Stand management such as renovation for productivity, planting dates, crop management and eradication when necessary
  • New species with bioenergy potential
  • Education and demonstration
  • Economic analysis and enterprise budgeting
  • Innovative uses of biomass for energy

For a copy of the grant application and additional information, go to the Bioenergy Research Initiative website at www.ncagr.gov/bioenergy/Grants. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 8.

For more information, contact Allison Medlin, at allison.medlin@ncagr.gov or at 919-693-2483.

Sigmons of Granville County Selected for Woodland Stewardship Award

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

John and Linda Sigmon of Granville County have been recognized with the North Carolina Forest Service’s “Outstanding Woodland Steward Award” for the Piedmont region for 2019. The award was announced in August through the N.C. Forest Stewardship program.

The N.C. Forest Stewardship program is a cooperative effort, with participants receiving recognition for achievements in promoting total forest resource management. Landowners receive technical assistance in developing a stewardship management plan that is based on the property owner’s objectives, with activities being scheduled to enhance the forest for wildlife, soil and water quality, timber production, recreational opportunities and natural beauty.

Pictured with the Sigmons (center) are County Ranger Rob Montague and Les Hunter, Forest Stewardship Coordinator. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

As supporters of the program since 1994, the Sigmons are considered to be “model stewards” of land management in North Carolina. While Mr. Sigmon credits the couple’s success in land management to the greater conservation and forestry community, the committee who selected the Sigmons for this award attributes the accomplishment to the Sigmons themselves, who have served as the workhorses, inspiration and dedication behind the property.

The Sigmon property has been in the family for multiple generations. Today, the land supports cropland, pasture, native pollinator habitat, wildlife food plots, multiple ponds and forestland. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sigmon are said to demonstrate great respect for the land they own, striving to balance their management in a sustainable manner.

More information on the N.C. Forest Service and the Forest Stewardship Program is available at www.ncforestservice.gov, or those interested may contact the Granville County office of the North Carolina Forest Service at 919-693-3154.

Granville County Library System

Granville Co. Library System to Present Documentary Film ‘Landscapes of the Heart’

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Press Release, Granville County Government

On Saturday, September 28, the Richard H. Thornton Library will host a showing of the documentary “Landscapes of the Heart: The Elizabeth Spencer Story.” The 58-minute film is a project of the Southern Documentary Fund, a non-profit arts organization which undertakes projects made in or about the American South.

Elizabeth Spencer has penned nine novels, eight collections of short stories, a non-fiction memoir and a play. Her latest work is a collection of short stories called “Starting Over,” which was published in 2013 and was the recipient of the 2013 Rea Award for the Short Story. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

This particular film, as seen on UNC Television, offers a perspective on class, race and the changing role of women, examined through the lens of a prize-winning American writer.

Elizabeth Spencer was reared on a Mississippi plantation during the depression era. Born in Carrollton, Mississippi, she graduated from Belhaven College in Jackson, MS, later earning her master’s degree in literature from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

After a short teaching career, she accepted a position with the “Nashville Tennessean,” but soon left the newspaper industry to return to teaching, this time at the University of Mississippi. Her first book, “Fire in the Morning,” was published in 1948. In 1953, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, leaving for Italy to pursue writing full-time.

After marriage, she moved to Canada in 1956, where she taught creative writing at Concordia University. Thirty years later, the couple relocated to Chapel Hill, NC, where Spencer continued to teach. Now in her 90s, she still resides in Chapel Hill.

In all, Spencer has penned nine novels, eight collections of short stories, a non-fiction memoir and a play. Her latest work is a collection of short stories called “Starting Over,” which was published in 2013 and was the recipient of the 2013 Rea Award for the Short Story. The award, sponsored by the Dungannon Foundation, is given annually to a living U.S. or Canadian writer who has made a significant contribution to the discipline of the short story form.

In addition to this honor, Spencer is also the recipient of the O. Henry Prize for short fiction, the Award of Merit Medal for the Short Story, the J. William Corrington Award for fiction and the William Faulkner Medal for Literary Excellence, among many others.

“A writer who is not writing is like a useless piece of furniture,” she says, “ready for the attic.”

Spencer’s 1997 work “Landscapes of the Heart” is a memoir that serves as the title of the documentary to be shown this weekend. Through the film, viewers will learn Spencer’s unique family story, and how tackling the important issues she used as inspiration for her writing set her at odds with her father, a deeply religious and politically conservative Mississippi planter and entrepreneur.

Introducing the film will be producer Sharon Swanson, who will be available to answer questions in a follow-up discussion. The presentation will begin at 2 p.m.

Founded in 2002, the Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) is based in Durham and covers a diverse spectrum of topics – civil rights, the environment, history and the arts. Projects undertaken are used as tools for social change, education and community development. Since its founding, the SDF has sponsored more than 100 independent documentaries and has 77 active ones on the roster.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in Oxford and is one of four branches of the Granville County Library System. For more details about this event, contact Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121.

Granville Co. Sheriff Brindell Wilkins Suspended From Office

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Statement from James C. Wrenn, Jr., Granville County Attorney:

Today I filed a petition to remove Sheriff Brindell B. Wilkins, Jr. as Sheriff of Granville County.

Immediately following the filing of the petition, a consent order was entered with the consent of Sheriff Wilkins and his counsel suspending him from office and staying further action on the petition for removal pending the disposition of the criminal charges contained in the indictments against him.

Until the appointment by the Granville County Board of Commissioners of some person to fill the temporary vacancy created by the suspension, Chief Deputy Sherwood Boyd shall perform all the duties of the sheriff.

Statement from Thomas C. Manning, Manning Law Firm PLLC, Attorney for Sheriff Brindell Wilkins:

Granville County Sheriff Brindell Wilkins has consented to a court order suspending him from his duties pending resolution of charges contained in two indictments.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman is prosecuting the cases, having agreed to undertake the investigation when Granville County District Attorney Michael Waters had to step aside from the investigation due to a conflict of interest.

Sheriff Wilkins denies the allegations of wrongdoing and has agreed to the suspension while he prepares for trial.

A Granville County jury will hear and decide the case. Sheriff Wilkins looks forward to exoneration and resumption of his duties. In the meantime, he will prepare for trial and farm.

For more information on Sheriff Wilkin’s indictments, please click the WIZS post below:

Murder Plot of Former Granville Co. Deputy Results in Indictment for Sheriff

Rasheed Sworn In for New Term as VGCC Trustee

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Abdul Sm Rasheed of Henderson recently took the oath of office for another term as a member of the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees.

He is the retired president/CEO of the N.C. Community Development Initiative and currently serves on the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority board. He has also been a trustee of his alma mater, Elizabeth City State University.

Rasheed was reappointed to the board for a four-year term by the Vance County Board of Education.

The Board of Trustees has 12 voting members, with some appointed by the Governor of North Carolina and some by the county commissioners and the boards of education of Vance and Granville counties.

From left, retired District Court Judge Randolph Baskerville administers the oath of office to VGCC Trustee Abdul Sm Rasheed, alongside Rasheed’s granddaughter, Jada Lewis; and wife, Marolyn Rasheed (holding granddaughter Lenox Rasheed). (VGCC photo)

FGV Smart Start’s 10th Annual Ducky Derby Sees ‘Record Turnout’ Crowd

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With over 2,250 tickets/ducks sold, the Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start’s 10th Annual Ducky Derby fundraiser in downtown Henderson, held Saturday, Sept. 21, was a sellout event.

“We had a record turnout, approximately 500 people this year,” said F-G-V Development Coordinator Garry Daeke. “The race was lined with people all the way to the finish line! With Baby Shark and Paw Patrol performing, along with the appearance of the Chick-fil-A cow and great weather, children had a great time.”

Children and parents alike eagerly cheered on the ducks as they raced down the Garnett Street “river” towards the Orange Street finish line.

Winners of the race included:

1st Place – $1000, Davina Inman, Granville County

2nd Place – Chick-fil-A for a Year, Tracy Boyd, Henderson

3rd Place – $250 Gas Card, Mary Williams, Louisburg

Last Duck – $100, Ellen Lindsey

As an additional prize this year, F-G-V offered one lucky duck a month free of childcare (up to $1,000 value) available to any ticket buyer who had a child in childcare. Domenick Hicks-Smith, from St. Paul’s Presbyterian Childcare in Louisburg won the prize.

All proceeds from the Ducky Derby are used to fund Smart Start programs.

Late October Brings 9th Annual ‘Cluck ‘N Shuck’ Event to Granville Co.

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-Press Release, Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their ninth annual fall seafood event – “CLUCK ‘N SHUCK,” to be held Friday, October 25, 2019, from 5:30 until 8 p.m. at The Red Barn – Golf Course Road, off Lake Devin Road, in Oxford.

Caterer Leon Nixon’s dinner menu offerings include steamed oysters, fried shrimp, fried fish, fried chicken tenders, slaw, buttered potatoes, hushpuppies, tea, Pepsi-Cola products and cold beverages.

The event will be held at the venue – The Red Barn – where it has been held the past six years. This location provides an incredible setting for those desiring to eat on the decks overlooking Lake Devin. Inside seating on the ground floor of The Red Barn is also available.

Advanced ticket sales – $40 per person or two tickets for $75 – includes all-you-can-eat on the premises.

As this is a limited ticket event, those wishing to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets early from one of the Chamber’s offices – 124 Hillsboro Street in Oxford (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) 919.693.6125 or the South Office – 1598 NC Hwy 56, between Butner and Creedmoor (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursdays) 919.528.4994.

A limited number of event t-shirts are also available at the Chamber’s offices for $5 each.

Event sponsors are: Duke Energy, Creedmoor Forest Products, Inc., Express Employment Professionals, Granville Health System, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Roxboro, Plastic Ingenuity, Union Bank, SERVPRO of Franklin-Vance and Granville, Carolina Sunrock, Granville County Farm Bureau/Jason Jones, Granville Insurance Agency, Inc., Shalag Nonwovens, The Pegram Agency/Nationwide, Touchstone Bank, Vino Oasi, Long Beverage, Butner-Creedmoor News, Oxford Public Ledger, The Daily Dispatch, US 98.3FM and WIZS 100.1FM 1450AM.