National Weather Service

Hurricane Preparedness Week: High Winds & Insurance Coverage

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-Information courtesy Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

THIS WEEK IS NORTH CAROLINA’S HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK

All week long, the National Weather Service will issue informative messages to help you prepare for the hurricane season. Today’s topics include high winds and secure an insurance check-up.

High Winds

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes into five categories based on their sustained wind speed at the indicated time. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and property. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous and require preventive measures.

It is important that you know your hurricane warning terminology – the difference between watches and warning:

• Hurricane Warning: An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

• Hurricane Watch: An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

• Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

• Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are possible somewhere within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

Keep in mind that even tropical storm force winds of less than 74 mph are capable of tossing around debris and causing damage similar to that seen in inland areas during Hurricane Fran especially in the Raleigh area. For this reason, you should seek shelter from the wind in a sturdy building as the hurricane moves inland and before the onset of tropical storm force winds. Tropical storm force winds usually strike hours ahead of the actual hurricane’s eye. For this reason, many emergency officials typically have evacuations completed and personnel sheltered before the onset of tropical storm force winds.

Hurricane-force winds can easily destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and items left outside become flying missiles in high wind. Falling trees cause extensive damage to power lines, towers and underground water lines. This can cause extended disruptions of utility services and you need roofing contractors to fix things. Damaging hurricane force winds can be just as devastating as tornadoes.

You can protect windows by installing hurricane shutters or prepare 5/8 inch plywood panels. Garage doors are also very susceptible to high wind and fail frequently in tropical storms and hurricanes when wind gusts exceed 70 mph. Reinforcing garage doors with affordable braces significantly increase structural integrity.

Things you can do before a storm threatens include assessing your home’s landscaping and assess the threat from falling trees. Trim back any dead limbs as well as large overhanging branches. Pick up all loose objects around the house including lawn furniture, grills, and potted plants. Lastly, have a plan of where to seek shelter in your home if high wind threatens you. Talk with your family and let everyone know where your predetermined safe room is in your home. Interior hallways, closets and bathrooms are the safest locations. Always stay away from windows and exterior doors.

Secure an Insurance Check-up

Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat. Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for it, and it’s available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Finally, know where your insurance documents and contact information are located, and be sure to take them with you if you have to evacuate.

For more information about hurricane preparedness, please visit the following web sites: • https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare • https://www.readync.org.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Granville Chamber to Host 5th Annual Member Appreciation Picnic

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

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce will host their 5th annual Member Appreciation Day picnic on Friday, May 17, 2019, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Granville Athletic Park (GAP), 4615 Belltown Rd in Oxford.

This ambassador-sponsored event is held in appreciation of Granville Co. Chamber members. The picnic will include free hot dogs, hamburgers, trimmings, cornhole games and great conversation!

Reservations are required. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by May 15 to wanda@granville-chamber.com, (919) 693-6125; or tawheeler@granville-chamber.com, (919) 528-4994.

New Horizons Baptist to Host BBQ Chicken Plate Sale

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-Information courtesy Cam Ford, Pastor, New Horizons Baptist Church

New Horizons Baptist Church will host a BBQ Chicken Plate sale at the church on Friday, May 31, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Plates are $8 and will be available for pick up at the church (corner of Hwy 15 N and Sterl Carrington Rd. in Oxford, NC).

 

 

National Weather Service

It’s North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. Are You Ready?

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-Information courtesy Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 of each year and ends on November 30. Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by dangerous flooding, destructive winds and tornadoes from these storms. The National Hurricane Center issues watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather.

May 5 through May 11, 2019, is Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina, as well as nationally. The Vance County Office of Emergency Operations wants to make sure that you and your family are prepared for whatever this season brings our way.

The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be slightly below average due to a relatively high likelihood of a weak El Nino coupled with slightly lower sea surface temperatures, according to a report released by Colorado State University. Their predictions for this season include 13 named storms, with 5 becoming hurricanes and 2 expected to become major hurricanes of category 3 status or higher.

Forecasters at North Carolina State University are forecasting a near average season with similar expectations and a range of 13 to 16 names storms.

“The time to prepare is now, well out in front of hurricane season,” said Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations for Vance County. Keep in mind that it only takes one storm to cause significant impact. Communities and individuals are expected to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) following the impact of a hurricane. “If the impact is severe enough, it could potentially take outside help that long to get here,” Short said. “By taking the time to gather up a few basic necessities now, you will enable your family to weather the storm and the aftermath until help can arrive.”

In the event that a storm should threaten our area, the Vance County Emergency Operations staff will use all available means to get important information out and will keep the public informed of our preparedness activities. Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on severe weather and coordination activities.

Smartphone users can also download a free app from ReadyNC.org. This app provides a great deal of information regarding storm preparedness as well as current road conditions, local weather, power outages and storm shelters that are open just to name a few. Follow the link below to get this free app.

https://www.readync.org/EN/DOWNLOADAPP.html

For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather, including hurricanes, visit our website at: https://www.vancecounty.org/em.

While you’re there, be sure to visit our community alert and notification section to sign up for CODE RED, our emergency alert system. NOTE: if you have a landline phone you are most likely already in the CODE RED system. Please add your cell phone if you would like to receive real-time local alerts on your mobile phone or device.

You may also visit Vance County Emergency Operations on Facebook or call our office at 252-438-8264 for more information.

The 2019 tropical storm names for the Atlantic region include Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastian, Tanya, Van and Wendy.

Recommended Family Preparedness Items

The best time to assemble a three-day emergency supply kit is well before you will ever need it. Most people already have these items around the house and it is a matter of assembling them now before an evacuation or State of Emergency order is issued. Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store enough supplies for at least three days, preferably seven days, in one place.

Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large plastic trash can will do, or line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather up the following items and place them in your kit:

Essentials

 Water – 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable)

 Water purification kit or bleach

 First aid kit and first aid book

 Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup & cereals, etc.

 Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices

 Non-electric can opener

 Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel

 Blanket or sleeping bag per person

 Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries

 Flashlight and extra batteries

 Essential medications

 Extra pair of eyeglasses

 Extra house and car keys

 Fire extinguisher – ABC-type

 Food, water, leash and carrier for pets

 Cash and change

 Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes

Sanitation Supplies

 Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos

 Large trash cans

 Bar soap, shampoo and liquid detergent

 Toothpaste and toothbrushes

 Feminine hygiene supplies

 Toilet paper

 Household bleach

 Rubber gloves

 Don’t forget your pets when getting prepared!!!

‘Evening of Excellence’ Honors GCPS Teachers/Employees of the Year

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Evening of Excellence & Teacher of the Year

On Thursday, May 2, 2019, hundreds of parents and community members came out to a packed auditorium at South Granville High School to celebrate the second annual “Evening of Excellence” for our schools.  The event celebrated the accomplishments of two groups: all students who earned straight A’s and perfect attendance in grades K-12; and employees who demonstrated excellence through their work across the district.

Pictured left to right: Jamar Perry, HR Director; Dr. Michael Myrick, Asst Supt, Jade Currin (CENTER) 2019 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Alisa McLean, Superintendent, Beth Day, Asst Supt, Dr. Stan Winborne, Exec Director. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

Employees were honored at a reception in the school’s Media Center with refreshments and heavy hors d’oeuvres served to staff and their families prior to the event.

The event kicked off as students marched across the stage to thumping music and bright lights as they were greeted by formally dressed district staff and Board members. These proud, smiling students were honored for earning perfect attendance and straight A’s for the year. Students from every school who earned these top honors had the privilege of walking the red carpet and receiving their gold star, which they can now proudly wear as evidence of their outstanding efforts in academics.

Board chairman Dr. Tom Houlihan commented in his opening remarks, “Recognizing excellence in the academic achievement of our students is fundamental to our work. The students here tonight should be commended for their efforts, and we are so proud of what you do each and every day. You are on the right path and are models for your peers. Congratulations!”

Also recognized at the event were dozens of staff members for excellence in their profession. Those first called on to the stage were teachers who received honors (and monetary bonuses from the state) for their students’ performance on End-of-Grade tests, Advanced Placement Exams, and Career and Technical credentials. Each walked the red carpet to receive their gold star and recognition.

The next employees called on stage were the “employees of the year” from a wide range of categories. Each received a gold star plaque as they walked the red carpet.

2019 Employees of the Year:

Crystal Daye  – CG Credle – Bus Driver of the Year 2019

Deborah Adcock – JTOH/SS – Child Nutrition Employee of the Year 2019

Sarah Hardin – CESA – Clerical Employee of the Year 2019

Fred Frizzle – TRES – Custodian of the Year 2019

Christi Stephenson – Phoenix Academy – Student Support Employee of the Year  2019

Amy Clough – Phoenix Academy – Teacher Assistant of the Year 2019

Melanie Burnette – Exceptional Children – Instructional Support Employee of the Year 2019

Kasey Simmons – CG Credle – Outstanding Beginning Teacher of the Year 2019

Anthony Dickens – JF Webb – Assistant Principal of the Year 2019

Finally, senior staff and Board members recognized each of the eighteen schools’ respective teachers of the year as they were called onto the stage.

Superintendent McLean cut through the suspense-filled moment in the audience as she announced the 2nd and 1st runners up before finally announcing the 2019 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jade Currin, Kindergarten Teacher at Wilton Elementary School.  Ms. Currin was presented with her trophy, flowers and a check for $1,000 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation, who was co-sponsor of the event along with Builders Services of Creedmoor. Each of the runners up were honored with a trophy and $500 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation.

Ms. Currin will go on to represent the district at the regional, state and, hopefully, national level of the competition. “We are sure that Ms. Currin will be a shining star among the others recognized across the country for this top honor. We are proud of her and all she represents,” proclaimed Dr. McLean.

2019 Granville County Public Schools Teachers of the Year:

BSES:  Heather Mann

CG Credle ES:  Katherine Thompson (2nd Runner Up)

CESA:  HarleyAnn Lesher

Hawley:  Justin Dickson

GCHS:  Doug Roberson

GECHS:  Danielle Igims

JTOH:  Angela Norwood

JF Webb:  Carole Griffin

Webb SLHS:  Wendi Leas

MPMS:  Detroit Yancey

MTE:  Susan Nutt

NGMS: Brian Kaprive (1st Runner Up)

Phoenix Academy:  Bryant Blackwell

SGHS:  Freda Lemay

SSES:  Rebecca Starzynski

TRES:  Heather Wolford

WOX:  Karen Honeycutt

Wilton:  Jade Currin (WINNER)

The evening concluded with a reception of desserts and refreshments for all who attended. Granville County Public Schools is proud to continue the tradition of recognizing excellence and achievement for all!

U.S. Department of Justice

DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day Declared Big Success

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-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces the results of the DEA April 27, 2019, 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Nationwide, DEA, along with their law enforcement partners collected nearly 469 tons of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. In the Eastern District of North Carolina, approximately 7,229.92 pounds were collected and 8,968 pounds were collected statewide.

“Across the country and here in the Eastern District of North Carolina, we are facing a real and dangerous threat from opioids and other prescription drugs,” said United States Attorney Higdon. “We have unprecedented levels of addiction, frightening numbers of overdoses, and an alarming number of deaths because of the over-prescription and improper use of these drugs. This requires each of us to work to solve it. By properly disposing of prescription medication we do not need, we can reduce the risk that these drugs will fall into the wrong hands.”

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.

Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is October 26, 2019.

For complete results of the recently concluded Spring Take Back Day visit www.DEATakeBack.com. If you missed the Take Back Day click here https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1 to locate an authorized collector in your area.

VGCC Community Band to Perform at McGregor Hall, Raleigh Rd Outdoor Theatre

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The Community Band of Vance-Granville Community College will perform a spring concert on Monday, May 6, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson. Admission is free.

The band will also perform a Memorial weekend performance at Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre, 3336 Raleigh Rd in Henderson, on Saturday, May 25 at 6 p.m. The concert will be performed prior to the showing of that evening’s feature film.

The Vance-Granville Community Band offers free membership to area musicians. The band rehearses on Monday nights from 7 until 9 p.m. during the academic year at the Main Campus in Henderson. If you are interested in joining, please contact Brian Miller at bmiller9302@vgcc.edu.

Above, the Vance-Granville Community Band performs under the direction of Brian Miller in this file photo from its May 2017 concert in McGregor Hall. (VGCC Photo)

 

Timberlake to Present ‘All Things Kerr Lake’ Lecture at Granville Senior Center

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-Information courtesy Frank Timberlake

Granville County native and Kerr Lake enthusiast Frank Timberlake will present a lecture, “All Things Kerr Lake” on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Granville County Senior Center on Lanier Street in Oxford.

As a part of the Creative Life Learning Series, the lecture will focus on a little history but mostly public opportunities at the more than 30 recreational facilities around Kerr Lake.

Seating is available for nominal fees for adults of any age. Register by calling (919) 693-1930.

About Timberlake:

Timberlake manages the 850-member Kerr Lake Park Watch, is a co-founder of the Friends of Occoneechee, former Chairman of the NC State Parks board, and former governor’s liaison with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

He grew up in Stovall and Grassy Creek.

Granville County Logo

Granville County Board of Commissioners to Meet Mon., May 6

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, May 6, 2019, at 7 p.m. at the Granville Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.

Agenda items include:

Consent Agenda

1. Contingency Summary

2. Minutes

3. Schedule of Discounts for Prepayment of Ad Valorem Taxes and Fees Resolution

Recognitions and Presentations

4. Introduction of Adonica Hampton – Director of Social Services

5. Recognition – Yosselin Baylon Alvarez

Public Comments

6. Public Comments

Planning Matters

7. Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) Petition

8. Determination of Cost for Fieldstone West Subdivision

Budget Matters

9. Recommended FY 2019-2020 Budget

Economic Development Matters

10. Public Hearing for Economic Development

Solid Waste Matters

11. Solid Waste Ordinance Revision(s) – Second Reading

Purchasing

12. E-911 Additional MDIS License Purchase

Surplus Property

13. Surplus Property

Appointments

14. South Granville Memorial Gardens Board of Trustees

15. Granville County Board of Adjustment

County Manager’s Report

16. Joe-Toler Student Fun Day at Camp Oak Hill

17. Assessment Collections

18. Collections from 2010 and Earlier County EMS Fees

County Attorney’s Report

19. County Attorney’s Report

Presentations by County Board Members

20. Presentations by County Board Members

Any Other Matters

21. Any Other Matters

Closed Session

22. Closed Session as allowed by G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) – Attorney-Client Matter

23. Closed Session as allowed by G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5) – Property Acquisition

To view Granville Co. Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes, click here. 

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Meet May 6; All Meetings Now Recorded

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The board will also meet in a Closed Session for a consultation with the Board’s attorney and Personnel/Attorney-Client Privileges in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 on this evening.

To find a copy of the agenda for the meeting, please use the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/gcsd/Board.nsf/Public

All Board of Education meetings are now video recorded and indexed on the online Board meeting site. To access the site, go to https://www.boarddocs.com/nc/gcsd/Board.nsf

Click on “Enter Public Site”

Select the meeting date or search for particular items.