Granville County Logo

Granville Co. Animal Shelter Announces Change to Operating Hours

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-Information courtesy the Granville County Government’s Facebook page

Beginning Wednesday, February 20, 2019, the hours of operation for the Granville County Animal Shelter will change. Every third Wednesday of each month, the Shelter will be closed for staff development. Animal Control officers will still be on call during these hours.

Regular hours for the rest of the days will remain unchanged – Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For questions about operating hours, please contact the Animal Shelter at (919) 693-6749.

The Shelter is located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford, NC.

 

 

Thornton Library to Host Free Concert Featuring Buck Meek & ‘Twain’

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Library System provides more than just books and informational resources, serving as a local cultural center with programs scheduled for all ages and backgrounds.

On Thursday, February 21, 2019, the Richard H. Thornton branch will welcome Buck Meek – a musician influenced by blues, jazz and western swing – as well as “Twain,” a longtime artist in folk music circles.

With musical roots in the Texas countryside, Buck Meek was taught to play the guitar by his mother, who showed him chords on an acoustic guitar when he was only six years old.  His first “gig” was booked as a teenager playing rhythm for a local band as his love of music continued to grow.

Meek would later move to New York, where he met and formed a strong friendship with singer/songwriter Adrianne Lenker. The two became a duo and made recordings together while playing their songs at various events and venues as they developed a grassroots following.

Their partnership gradually grew into a band called “Big Thief” which included Lenker, Meek and Max Oleartchic on bass. Together they would play shows and make new recordings with their engineer, James Krivchenia, who later became the band’s drummer.

Their collaborative work became a collection of songs called “Masterpiece” in 2016.  “Capacity” was recorded in 2017 as the band set out on a North American tour, performing all over the country.

Meek went on to record a new released self-titled solo album, and has scheduled tour dates in locations from California and Oregon on the west coast to Maryland and North Carolina on the eastern seaboard. North Carolina stops include Durham and Asheville, where concert tickets can be reserved in the $10 to $12 range.

Opening for Meek is “Twain.” Mat Davidson, a singer/songwriter in his own right and member of a multi-instrumental band, is a native of Franklin County, VA. Davidson has a long history in folk music circles and served as opening act for “Big Thief” on several occasions. He has performed with groups “Low Anthem” and “Spirit Family Reunion” as well as recorded several self-released albums.

Taking a break from their concert tour, Buck Meek and “Twain” will perform their music at the Thornton Library, 210 Main Street in Oxford, from 6 until 8 p.m. on Feb. 21. This concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Adult Services Librarian Ashley Wilson at 919-693-1121. Visit https://granville.lib.nc.us to learn more about the programs and services offered by the Granville County Library System.

 

Volunteers Recognized for Service to Granville County

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-Press Release, Granville County Government 

Sam Upchurch, Paul Staley and Dave Pavlus were singled out as a group/team to receive Volunteer Service Awards in the categories of “Beautification” and “County Heritage” for their work with the Tar River Land Conservancy (TRLC). The team devoted many hours of service to TRLC through the construction of hiking trails on the TRLC’s Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area – located near the town of Stem – which will be open in the near future.

Comm. Tim Karan is pictured with TRLC volunteers Dave Pavlus, Paul Staley and Sam Upchurch. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

Recognition was also given for their efforts in maintaining three miles of trails that opened to the public in 2017. This maintenance entailed clearing trails of limbs and trees following storms, using hand and power tools to keep trails free of brush and grass and picking up litter. The team also helped build new trails by clearing land, removing stumps and obstacles and helping with the construction of wooden bridges.

“Cumulatively, these three men have devoted approximately 320 hours of service to TRLC over the previous 12-month period,” said TRLC Executive Director Derek Halberg in his nomination form. “Their attitudes and hard work have set examples for many other volunteers who have participated.”

Other volunteers who have been mentored by Upchurch, Staley and Pavlus in this project include students, retirees and Scouts who have also devoted time and efforts to help maintain and build new trails at the Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area.

Commissioner Tim Karan made the official presentation at the Feb. 4 meeting of the Board of Commissioners.

Oxford Board to Consider Rezoning Requests, Demolitions at Feb. Meeting

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 12, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Agenda items include:

Consider accepting the annual financial report for FY 2017–2018.

Consider the issue regarding insurance benefits for retired elected officials.

Consider adopting a resolution requesting the City Clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the annexation petition for the parcel of land adjacent to the Hardees property located on Industry Drive.

Consider calling for a public hearing at the March 12, 2019, Regular Board meeting regarding the amending of the B-1 zoning ordinance.

Consider calling for a public hearing for the March regular Board meeting for a rezoning request from Eddie Caudle to rezone 8 acres of land from R-A to B-2.

Consider adopting a demolition ordinance for the property located at 311 McClanahan Street.

Consider adopting a demolition ordinance for property located at 100 King Street.

Consider approving a subdivision plat which includes subdividing a 3.00-acre tract of land from an existing 10-acre tract. The remaining acreage will create a 7.11-acre tract of land. The zoning for the property is located off of Tobacco Rd.

Award the bid for the WWTP West Sludge Lagoon Rehabilitation.

Re-appoint James Crawford to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Consider appointing Jacalyn Thomas to the Historic Preservation Commission.

To review the full agenda, please click here. 

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Hold Committee Meetings – Feb. 12

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

The Granville County Board of Education will hold the following committee meetings on Tuesday, February 12, 2019:

  • Safety Sub Committee 10 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Infrastructure Committee 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Budget & Finance Committee 5 – 6 p.m.

All committee meetings will be held at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina. These meetings are open to the public.

NC Dept of Agriculture

High Point Halal Meats Voluntarily Recalls Chicken, Lamb & Beef Products

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

High Point Halal Meats in High Point is voluntarily recalling all production lots of chicken, lamb and beef products because they were produced without benefit of required inspections.

“Inspectors with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Meat and Poultry Inspection Division discovered uninspected meat and poultry products in commerce,” said Dr. Beth Yongue, director of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Division. This is a Class I recall where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death. Customers who purchased these products are urged not to consume them.”

The following products are subject to recall:

All chicken, lamb and beef products bearing a “High Point Halal Meats” label.

These items were shipped to retail stores within North Carolina. These products bear an NCDA inspection legend with the establishment number P-318.

Throw away these products or return them to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions about High Point Halal Meats products can call the facility at 336-802-0620 during business hours.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Granville Co. Chamber Looking to Build Ambassador Team

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

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce is looking to build its team of Chamber Ambassadors. Being a part of this team not only allows you to be a vital part of helping our chamber grow and be successful, but it also allows you to grow your network by working closely with other Chamber members and assist with bringing new members on board.

Our ambassadors attend chamber events such as ribbon cuttings, Sunrise Forums, Business After Hours, Alive After Five events, Monthly Ambassador meetings, Annual Golf Tournament, Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast, Cluck-n-Shuck, Annual Member Picnic and the Annual Chamber Banquet, just to name a few.

If this is of interest to you, then we want you on our team. Please contact us for additional details:

Ruth Ann Bullock, Ambassador Chair

919.880.6262

rbullock15@gmail.com

Toni Anne Wheeler, Membership Coordinator

919-528-4994

tawheeler@granville-chamber.com

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Oxford Preparatory School Honors Academic Excellence

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-Information courtesy Oxford Preparatory School

On Thursday evening, January 31, Oxford Preparatory School presented honors to students who demonstrated academic excellence for the first semester of the 2018/2019 academic year.

Students in the lower school were recognized for making all A’s or A’s and B’s. Names of these students were published in January.

Students in grades 7-12 who have maintained a 3.0 with no grade below a C were granted honors designation. Those students who successfully reached a GPA of 3.5 or above and had no grade below a C merited Directors’ List status.

In addition to the honors certificate, those students on the Directors’ List received a special pin that they will display on their drape at their commencement. Students have the opportunity to earn a total of 12 pins – one for each semester they maintain a 3.5 GPA.

Oxford Prep recognized the following students:

7th Grade Honor Roll – GPA of 3.0 with no grade below a C

Hunter Crute, Jada Goodin, Logan Hite, Jimmy Jeffries, Jessi Keeton, Callie McDuffie, Seth Murray, Kendall Sizemore, Zach Tinsley, Chapel Westbrook and Micayla Williams

7th Grade Directors’ List – GPA of 3.5 with no grade below a C

Haylee Adcock, Jackson Higgins, Kylena Jones, Elijah Alston, Gavin Owens, Camden Boone, Reagan Owens, Gracie Bullock, Peyton Pernell, Chevy Chiem, Josh Roberson, Harley Culbreath, Chloe Satterfield, Elizabeth Ellis, Devin Taylor, Jamari Glover,  Justin Thomas, Chloe Hernandez and Caitlyn Tinsley

8th Grade Honor Roll – GPA of 3.0 with no grade below a C

Kenny Averett, Jesse Griffin, Savanah Ayscue, Ryan Grissom, Jackson Barker, Travis Harris, Brianna Boyd, Kwa’Nasha Hicks, Kamryn Brooks, Paige Meadows, Marissa Burleson, Reese Moss, Randall Burwell, Mary Roberson, Robert Faulkner, Elizabeth Rudd, Brayden Garrett, Grace Stovall, Chance Gresham and Reagan Tingen

8th Grade Directors’ List – GPA of 3.5 with no grade below a C

Hailey Aycock, Emily Hobgood, Lillian Brooks, Samantha Huff, Holly Currin, John Hunt, Julianna Dale, Alexis Hunter, Kierra Davis, Reese Newton, Cameron Doby, Kaylee Preddy, Taylor Firtick, Carson Reese, Jordan Greenway, Meredith Reese, Madison Haley, Sheona Shibu, Matthew Harris, Sydney Sinnema, Emma Hicks, Otelia Thomas, Coleman Hines, Alexis Wilson Maggie Wilkinson and Cadence Woodlief

9th Grade Honor Roll – GPA of 3.0 with no grade below a C

Leanne Adams, Drake Hobgood, Aaliyah Alston, Zoe Holland, Lillian Bissett, Lucas Juntunen, Annette Carlos-Tejada, Ahlori Long, Judah Eaton, Mona Mohammed, Skylar Edwards, Noah Watson, Paige Ellington, Matt Wilkinson, Chris Hayes, Sam Young and Lacie Heath

9th Grade Directors’ List – GPA of 3.5 with no grade below a C

Layla Brewer, Eric Osborne, Makayla Cox, Ashlyn Roberson, Jaci Crute, Cayton Sievert, Jane Faulkner, Trinity Swartz, Daniel Hoyle and Isaac Watkins

10th Grade Honor Roll – GPA of 3.0 with no grade below a C

Suzanne Alsayde, Brock Perry, Keenan Coley, Brandon Sullivan, Rebecca Currin, Jonathan Taylor, Jordan Dunn, Avery Thomas, Kirsten Ellis, Caitlyn Williams, Brian Harvey, Luke Woltz and Jack Hopper

10th Grade Directors’ List  – GPA of 3.5 with no grade below a C

Zach Biggs, Madison Hight, Hailee Bissett, Haley Patterson, Lionel Burnette, Carla Rodriguez, Adam Corbett, Alex Rote, Zoey Elliott, Molly Stallsmith, Nick Ellis, Cassidy Stokes, Emily Faucette, Molly Thrift, Bryce Garrett  and Sophia Williford

11th Grade Honor Roll – GPA of 3.0 with no grade below a C

Danny Gillis, Krystal Parrish, Misty Holloway, Allie Reeder, Ronnie Murray, Catherine Slack, Morgan Nance and Kaitlyn Spain

11th Grade Directors’ List – GPA of 3.5 with no grade below a C

Wesley Aitken, Sophia Metcalf, Ey’Mania Alston, Kamarion Moore, Rorie Brewer, Emily Osborne, Lindsey Haley, Hampton Short, Robert Hopper, Lexi Simmons, Ridge Huff, Ian Simmons, Emily Iannuzzi, Alex Slack, Abbie Mann, Sarah Slack and Nathan Metcalf

12th Grade Honor Roll – GPA of 3.0 with no grade below a C

Quincey Burreal, Maranda Mynatt, Victoria Gill, Rick O’Neal, Sandra Inman and Jaylen Rose

12th Grade Directors’ List – GPA of 3.5 with no grade below a C

Aymen Alashmli, Sydney Landers, Sala Algathi, John Linge, Alex Bare, Shawn Matthews, Josh Blackburn, Luke Overby, Hannah Brewer, Mira Patel, Brian Burch, MacKenzie Pendergrass, Erica Evitts, Kara Ray, Nelson Fuentes, Adam Sizemore and Kaylah Hunt

U.S. Department of Justice

Three Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, One Found in Granville

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

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging EMERSON YUBIMY HERRERA-ALFARO, age 19, of El Salvador, JUAN ANGEL MURILLO RUIZ, age 34, of Honduras, and MARIO ALBERTO LLAMAS-HERNANDEZ, age 37, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.

If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, HERRERA-ALFARO, previously deported two times and found in Granville County, and MURILLO RUIZ, previously deported and found in Sampson County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

LLAMAS-HERNANDEZ, previously deported and found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction (cocaine trafficking). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_ENDC.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Granville Vance Health Announces Opening of Dental Clinic in Oxford

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Sandra Micou and Wendy Smith, representatives of the Granville Vance District Health Department, were on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the recent opening of the health department’s Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry Clinic along with February’s designation as “National Children’s Dental Health Month.”

Located at 115 Hilltop Village in Oxford, the non-profit dentistry clinic serves Granville and Vance County residents of all ages, both the insured – through Medicaid or private insurance – and the uninsured.

A sliding fee scale for services is available for uninsured residents depending on income status and household size.

Dental services are offered to the entire family and include cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, restorative and emergency services.

With two dentists, two dental assistants, a dental hygienist and a bi-lingual front desk assistant, all from the local area, Smith said a visit here feels like time spent with good friends. “All are from this community; it’s like coming home when you go there. They are friendly and want you to feel comfortable and educated about your oral health.”

This friendly atmosphere is sure to make children, notoriously skittish about visiting the dentist, feel more relaxed.

In honor of “National Children’s Dental Health Month,” Micou reminded listeners that children should have their first dental visit by the time their first tooth emerges, or no later than their first birthday.

First appointments include a check on emerging teeth and their condition as well as an application of “teeth vitamins” otherwise known as fluoride.

Micou said children should be brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time, or 30 seconds per quadrant. Dental visits are recommended at least once every six months.

Tips to avoid cavities include limiting children’s intake of sweets, such as candy or juice, and wiping teeth with gauze or a wet rag if the child drinks a bottle before going to sleep for the evening.

While many children get their first baby tooth before their first birthday, Micou said children begin losing their baby teeth around the age of six. This is also the age that children develop their permanent molars.

“As those permanent molars come in, because they are going to be with them the rest of their lives, we suggest getting them into the dentist to have sealants done,” said Micou.

Sealants are a thin coating that sits on top of molars to prevent bacteria and sugar from creating cavities in the grooves. Initial sealant applications last approximately 10 years.

Recognizing the difficulties parents have getting children to dental appointments during the work week, Smith said the health department is looking into setting up a mobile unit that would travel to Granville and Vance County schools to provide dental care. Smith clarified that implementation of such a program is still a year or two away.

In the meantime, the Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry Clinic is conveniently located in Oxford and available to help local children with their dental needs. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.; appointments can be made by calling (919) 693-8797.

For more information or to stay updated, please visit the clinic’s newly created Facebook page by clicking here.

To hear the interview with Micou and Smith in its entirety, please click here.