Leadership Granville Class of 2023-24 Applications Due By June 30

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Granville County Chamber of Commerce Director Lauren Roberson invites prospective participants in Leadership Granville to submit an application before June 30.

The annual leadership development program is sponsored by the local Chamber, in collaboration with Granville County Public Schools and Vance-Granville Community College.

The eight-month long program provides participants with opportunities to network while gaining knowledge about all facets of the county, from local governments to small businesses and large industries to education and service organizations.

The next class begins in the fall and continues weekly through the spring, concluding with a graduation ceremony.

Applications for Leadership Granville are available at www.granville-chamber.com.  Email completed applications to lauren@granville-chamber.com, bring them by the office at 124 Hillsboro Street, Oxford, or mail them to P.O. Box 820, Oxford, N.C., 27565.

If you have any questions about Leadership Granville please contact the Chamber at 919.693.6125 or a Leadership Granville Steering Committee member.

 

Award-Winning Quilt On Display At Berea Branch Of Granville Library System

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– information courtesy of Granville Cuonty Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Visitors to the Berea Branch Library of the Granville County Library System will get a special welcome thanks to the generosity and creativity of one local quilter. A floral queen-sized quilt that was hand appliqued and hand quilted by Pauline O’Neal, 95, of Henderson is on display in the library this summer. It was submitted for display by her daughter, Phyllis O’Neal of Oxford. Both women are Berea Library patrons.

The quilt was awarded “first premium blue ribbon” in the in-home furnishing category at the North Carolina State Fair in 2008. O’Neal’s amazing work was noted in the judges’ comments, which included “elegant colors, super applique.”

Special thanks to the Lord Granville Agricultural Association for lending a quilt rack for this display. If you have a quilt that you would like to include in their 16th Annual Harvest Show, they are welcoming additions. For more information visit their website at www.lgaha.com.

The community is encouraged to come see the quilt along with all the Berea Branch Library regularly has to offer. The Berea Branch Library is located at 1211 US Highway 158, Oxford and normal operating hours are Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those interested are also invited to attend meetings of the Quilt Club that meets regularly at the Stovall Branch Library located at 300 Main St., Stovall.

For more information about the quilt display, contact the Berea Branch Library at 919.693.1231. For more information about the Quilt Club, contact the Stovall Branch Library at 919.693.5722.

To learn more about the Granville County Library System and all programming, including special summer reading  events for adults and children, visit www.granville.lib.nc.us.

 

Granville County Recycle Disposal Event

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County’s recent recycling and hazardous waste disposal event diverted more than 25,000 pounds of materials – from medication to metal – from finding its way to the landfill.

Vendors were on hand to take the variety of items for recycling and safe disposal, according to Teresa Baker, the county’s recycling and sustainability coordinator.

Here’s a breakdown of what got collected during the May 20 spring clean-out event:

  • Veolia Environmental Services – 3,592 pounds of paint plus an additional 5,620 pounds of hazardous household waste.
  • Department of Agriculture Pesticides Division – 349 pounds of pesticides.
  • Green for Life (GFL) – 2,755 pounds of scrap metal.
  • Shred Ace – 8,340 pounds of shredded paper.
  • Granville County Sheriff’s Office – 103.2 pounds of medications and medical waste plus 40.1 pounds of ammunition.
  • METech Recycling – 2,882 pounds of electronics.
  • Interstate Batteries – 473 pounds of various batteries.
  • RMR Book Recycling – 1,020 pounds.
  • Dart Containers – 3/4 of a trailer of polystyrene

“Residents who participate in Granville County’s clean out events leave knowing that these waste materials will either be recycled or properly disposed of instead of harming the local environment,” said Baker. “A huge thank-you to all vendors, staff, volunteers, and participants who helped make the Spring Clean-Out event a great success.”

For more information about safely recycling and disposing of waste in Granville County, visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/solidwaste/.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Announces President’s List, Dean’s List For Spring 2023 Semester

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-information courtesy of Courtney Cissel, VGCC public information officer

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 117 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 162 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the Spring 2023 semester, which ended in May.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while  carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. The Dean’s List follows the President’s List.  

Accounting & Finance: 

Calvin T. Davis of Creedmoor;

Shannon M. Currin-Wilkerson of Henderson;

Brooke Avila-Romero and Tamara D. Currie, both of Oxford.

Associate in Arts: 

Logan R. Lloyd of Creedmoor;

Madeline M. Akers, Helen E. Carter, Yadiel R. Cruz, Christopher T. Grainger, and Landon M. Marrow, all of Franklinton;

Maya M. Aleshmaly, Danielle S. Anderson, Jiya C. Davis, Christina A. Dobbs, Edgar A. Duran Ortiz, Waseem W. Hadi, Saniya S. Hargrove, Ivy Huynh, Elizabeth A. Lopez Gonzalez, and Briannah D. Royster, all of Henderson;

Dallas M. Thomas of Hurdle Mills;

Jayla M. Gregory of Kittrell;

Makayla R. Wright of Louisburg;

Faith L. Hunt, Emily E. Milton, and Olivia L. Watkins, all of Oxford;

Mark E. Miller of Sneads Ferry;

Sophia I. Remangwow and Charlie R. Vestal, both of Wake Forest;

Cintia Z. Rojas of Youngsville;

Samantha E. Bennett of Zebulon.

Associate in Science: 

Kacey E. Katz of Butner;

Abigail Y. Meader of Creedmoor;

Timothy D. Snead of Franklinton;

Marie P. O’Donoghue of Henderson;

Arturo De Jesu D. Martinez and Nakisha L. Satterfield, both of Oxford.

Automotive Systems Technology: 

Briar H. Pollard of Creedmoor.

Business Administration: 

Destini L. Foster of Butner;

Maryulit P. Tamayo of Franklinton;

Josalyn D. Brandon and Victoria A. Burwell, both of Oxford;

Julienne Bakita of Raleigh;

Lucas H. Breedlove of Stem;

Logan Kurth of Youngsville.

College Transfer Pathway: 

Elizabeth R. Ellis, Sydney A. Sinnema, and Kelsey B. Williamson, all of Bullock;

Trinity C. Alston and Delaney M. Lowery, both of Franklinton;

Chevy Chiem and Jillian L. Stone, both of Henderson;

Lila E. Issa and Antonious G. Makram, both of Louisburg;

Soha A. Algathi, Camden J. Boone, Chance M. Gresham, Hunter T. Onley, and Peyton B. Pernell, all of Oxford; Gracie A. Bullock of Stem;

Carly Stone and Niles Tuttle, both of Wake Forest;

Devon E. Taranto of Warrenton.

Cosmetology: 

Briana L. Sulyans and Kelaiah Williams, both of Henderson;

Abigail R. Draper of Louisburg;

Ashley N. Hobgood of Norlina;

Raina M. Hershberger of Oxford.

Criminal Justice Technology: 

Tayler L. Hope and Michael C. Lane, both of Creedmoor;

Brandon M. Schultek of Louisburg.

Early Childhood Education: 

Tokie Barrie of Creedmoor.

Early Childhood Education, Local: 

Deborah C. Joyce of Franklinton;

Blanche P. Davis, Taylor A. Whitlow, and Sherina N. Wiggins, all of Henderson.

Electrical Systems Technology: 

Kimberly C. Ezzell of Durham;

Anthony J. Cujas of Oxford.

Electronics Engineering Technology: 

Samuel H. Dickerson of Henderson;

Devin J. Hogan of Youngsville.

General Science AGE Degree: 

Valarie M. Ingutia of Franklinton;

Kyle M. Roberson of Henderson;

Dalfine K Sagini of Knightdale;

Jasmine C. Boswell and Darion Brodie, both of Oxford.

Histotechnology: 

Jennifer Lomas of Durham;

Euice T. Duque of Henderson.

Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: Christina M. Chiappette of Zebulon.

Information Technology: 

Lukusa M. Nganga of Clayton;

Shane B. Hope of Creedmoor;

Christian T. Oakley and Nathan T. Preddy, both of Franklinton;

Dorothy B. Greene and John Francis Linge, both of Henderson;

Andrew Nanfro of Louisburg;

Owen C. Pienkosz and Hector L. Riosboth, both of Oxford;

Tyson W. Carpenter of Stem.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: 

Larry P. Card of Franklinton;

David A. Scoggins of Louisburg;

William J. Currin of Oxford.

Medical Assisting Diploma: 

Felicia M. Douglas of Creedmoor.

Medical Office Administration: 

Jamie Wayman of Knightdale;

Nina M. Johnson of Whitsett;

Ashley M. Rogers of Youngsville.

Office Administration Diploma: 

Brenda I. Hernandez Malpica of Butner.

Public Safety Administration: 

Jeffrey T. Cannady of Durham;

Raymond D. Finch of Franklinton;

Jeffrey W. Turner of Henderson;

Julian S. Todd of Louisburg;

Olivia P. Harrell of Oxford;

Christopher W. Bentley of Timberlake.

Radiography: 

Shayde O. Lake of Wake Forest.

Welding Technology: 

Townes A Keithley of Butner;

Ethan C. Shearon of Louisburg;

Aaron D. Royster of Oxford;

Dylan M Kirk of Wake Forest.

 

Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. 

Accounting & Finance: 

Zachary Vick and Marc Neil S. Yacapin, both of Oxford.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology: 

Randy M. Palacios of Henderson;

Bryan A. Lugo of Oxford.

Associate in Arts: 

Kristopher J. Arias of Butner;

Brenda Avendano-Lopez and Luke R. Wagoner, both of Creedmoor;

Alaija N. Alexander, Havilyn L. Holland, and Micah Jones, all of Franklinton;

Amari J. Anderson, Nia L. Branch, Jackson R. Edwards, Fernando G. Facundo, Yahir Florentino, George T. Grissom, Brendan C. Juengling, Timyra D. Nicholson, Fatima M. Ramirez, and Cristian Trejo, all of Henderson;

Shyenne L. Richardson of Hollister;

Juelz S. Holden and Bryce L. Tilghman, both of Kittrell;

Hailey N. Murphy, Kaleb B. Turrentine, and Jakayla A. Woodard, all of Louisburg;

Diamond K. Alexander and Mariah S. Krupa, both of Manson;

Yelitza Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Norlina;

Kirsten S. Eakes, Jason S. Elliott, Na’ziyah T. Fields, LaShawnti E. Howard, Abigail F. Ramsey, and Melanie Hernandez-Campos, all of Oxford;

Hannah J. Bowling of Stem;

Olivia R. Kuttles of Wake Forest;

Alexandra C. Phelps, Kayla A. Puca, and Mia K. Reavis, all of Youngsville;

Kaleb L. Harris of Zebulon.

Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts: 

Jasmine K. Yancey of Henderson;

Suzanne S. Alsayde of Oxford.

Associate in Science: 

Brianna N. Kirkland of Creedmoor;

Trenton W. Pendleton, Jasmin J. Perez, and Stephanie Carlos Sias, all of Franklinton;

Matthew M. Lamey, Christopher B. Moore, Rosa G. Perez Sandoval, Katia M. Portillo, and Katlyn N. Singleton, all  of Henderson;

Kristina R. Ratliff and Tyler D. Vowell, both of Louisburg;

Alexis M. Broge of Oxford;

Beatrice N. Chavis of Raleigh;

Caleb S. Ferrell of Timberlake;

Ashley E. Davis and Olivia G. Fuller, both of Youngsville.

Automotive Systems Technology: 

Christopher C. Brantley of Creedmoor.

Bioprocess Technology:

Lucas S. Clayton of Henderson.

Business Administration: 

Shiquita S. Evans of Bullock;

Lisa K. Ferguson and Avery G. Pearce, both of Franklinton;

Haley L. Williams of Henderson;

Christie C. Parker and Kayla D. Stancil, both of Oxford;

Cain Stewart of Raleigh;

Mackenzie R. Bell of Roxboro;

Bryson B. Lynn of Youngsville.

College Transfer Pathway: 

Reese E. Newton of Bullock;

Katherine R. Pyle of Creedmoor;

Dorothy J. Cascino of Durham;

Kristen M. Laney, Margaret G. McIlroy, and Carter E. Scott, all of Franklinton; Reem M. Alashmaly, Elijah M. Alston, Harlie A. Culbreth, and Andrea Villa Gallardo, all of Henderson;  Gavin L. Owens of Kittrell;

Karla O. Flores-Reyes of Louisburg;

Ace W. Currin, John B. Hunt, Kylena D. Jones, all of Oxford;

Adam T. Sultan of Rolesville;

Aaron M. Comer of Rougemont;

Luannie Arreola of Stem;

Jeremiah J. Benfer of Wake Forest.

Cosmetology: 

Cordeja J. Thomas of Franklinton;

Eboni S. Turner of Henderson;

Kaitlyn A. Driver and Kelly D. Griffin, both of Louisburg;

Neftali Santamaria-Palacios of Oxford;

Molly S. Osteen of Rolesville;

Ayanna C. Rivera of Wake Forest;

Jazsmin L. Kearney of Warrenton.

Criminal Justice Technology: 

Victoria A. Markham of Henderson.

Early Childhood Education: 

Latoyria R. Bullock of Henderson;

Roneka A. McGee of Enfield.

Early Childhood Education, Local: 

Thaydra M. Baskerville of Henderson.

Electrical Systems Technology: 

Ryan T. Hall of Creedmoor;

Ayden J. Callahan, James L. Hunt, and James W. Matthews, all of Henderson.

Electronics Engineering Technology: 

Tyler Hill of Creedmoor;

Terrance J. Gowan of Franklinton.

General Science AGE Degree: 

Jaice A. Roberts and Christopher B. Wilson, both of Oxford; Marcie N. Brumfield of Rougemont.

Histotechnology: 

Yarelic T. Amaya and Da-John P. Henderson, both of Henderson; Ruth T. Kahsai of Holly Springs;

Laila R. Daniel of Oxford;

Natasha Staley of Snow Camp.

Human Services Technology: 

Delois Hart and Heather O. Lopez, both of Henderson.

Human Services Technology, Gerontology: 

Smya Z. Daniel of Oxford.

Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: 

Netitia C. Jones of Durham;

Gwendolyn Clayton of Stem;

Mary W. Mills of Youngsville.

Information Technology: 

Michael A. Martinez Rivera of Creedmoor;

Christopher S. Lopez of Durham;

Jakayla R. Henderson of Henderson;

Daneka B. Bigelow of Louisburg;

Keithia S. Rainey and Grace A. Wright, both of Oxford; Bryan T. Fuller of Warrenton.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: 

Ethan P. Jones of Bullock;

Andrew D. Alston of Wake Forest.

Medical Assisting: 

Thurman A. Gardner of Louisburg;

Gissell E. Espinosa Rosas of Oxford;

Cinthya Avila-Romero of Stem.

Medical Assisting Diploma: 

Erin E. Womble of Butner;

Emily Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Henderson;

Toshiba S. Valentine of Norlina.

Medical Office Administration: 

Candice Brooks of Cary;

Haley R. Briggs of Creedmoor;

Madison N. Yorks of Durham;

Sasha I. Lacy and Shelby E. Mikels, both of Franklinton.

Paralegal Technology: 

Rossy G. Contreras-Baez of Durham;

Sharon C. Chavis of Raleigh;

Doris D. Youmans of Winston-Salem.

Public Safety Administration: 

Christopher L. Blackwell and John D. Cottrell, both of Oxford.

Radiography: 

Adtler S. Lake of Creedmoor;

Camden J. Spain of Henderson;

Ellen J. Newton of Oxford;

Anna Nie of Raleigh;

Kailey G. Mangum of Rougemont;

Madison E. Dunkley of Roxboro;

Jenna M. Curry of Stem.

Technical Special Student: 

Zachary D. Dickerson of Oxford;

Amanda G. Murray of Youngsville.

Welding Technology: 

William F. Elliott and Andrew L. Tinsley, both of Bullock; Jaden M. Griffin of Creedmoor;

Brian M. Griffin and Ravon M. Nichols, both of Henderson; Nolan A Dickerson of Oxford;

Jay X. Bright of Wake Forest.

TownTalk: Around Old Granville: History Of Brookston, Greystone And Chalk Level

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If you’ve ever wondered about those two small rock buildings that you see when you’re driving out Warrenton Road on the way to Brookston, North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace may have some information that will help.

In the late 1800’s when John Wesley Pegram was going gangbusters as a stone mason, the area where those two one-room structures currently sit were situated on the main North-South route – predating even U.S. Hwy 1.

And Pegram constructed those two buildings as advertising for his considerable abilities, Pace said on Thursday’s TownTalk segment of Around Old Granville.

Anyone who wants to see the “crowning achievement” need look no further than the Methodist Church in downtown Henderson.

Pegram lived in the Brookston community and plied his trade in the late 1800’s. In fact, Pace said, he had his own private quarry nearby. But his quarry wasn’t the only one in the area of Brookston, Chalk Level and Greystone.

There’s been a quarry in operation at Greystone for close to 200 years, and although it’s changed ownership over the years, Greystone may be one of the oldest businesses in the area.

It makes sense that the Greystone quarry has been around since the 1830’s, Pace noted, because that’s about the same time that the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad was being constructed. And just think of all the gravel that goes into making up a rail bed.

There’s a string of quarries along the “Ridge Way,” the flat area that wends its way along the general route of U.S. 1 where railroad planners laid tracks. There’s a quarry in Wake Forest, another in Kittrell, then there’s Greystone and also one at Wise, Pace noted.

Folks in the Greystone, Brookston and Chalk Level communities had high hopes that their sleepy little area would prosper once the railroad came through.

And it almost happened.

Until a wealthy landowner named Lewis Reavis, who owned property near where the old courthouse and former library sit downtown, lured the railroad to Henderson in the mid-1830’s by offering rights-of-way and property on which to build a depot.

It made all the difference. Henderson became incorporated just a few years later, in 1841, and Chalk Level died off.

But the Chalk Level area of what is now Vance County has one of the highest elevations in the area – some 500 feet above sea level – and that’s why a fire tower is located there, as well as a signal tower for the former WHNC radio station.

Just down the road from Chalk Level is Brookston Baptist Church, which Pace said is the oldest African American church around. Founded by the Hayes, Hawkins and Bing families, it could have been established as early as 1858, he said. “But I know it was there by the 1870’s.”

Also nearby is Carver Elementary School, was built in 1954 – the same year as the U.S. Supreme Court ended racial segregation with its ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.

The main speaker at the dedication of the school was Shiloh Church’s pastor, the Rev. John R. Dungee, who is an ancestor of Tony Dungee, the former pro football coach-turned analyst.

First Lady Barbara Bush visited Carver in 1990, when the school hosted a program that offered teen mothers a chance to earn their high school equivalency diplomas while their children attended school.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

Upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives In The Four-County Area

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The Memorial Day weekend kicks off the unofficial start of summer, when people’s thoughts turn to vacations and relaxing a bit from normal routines. But the American Red Cross is asking for blood donors to keep appointments on their calendars, especially during the summer months and especially near holidays.

Type O blood donors are especially needed.

Blood donations are critical for people waiting for lifesaving care. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) to schedule a time to give.

As a small thank you, the Red Cross is giving Red Cross beach towels to all donors (while supplies last) through May 31. May donors also will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB All-Star game in Seattle. The prize includes two tickets to the game, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel stay, $750 gift card and more.

Those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Plus, they’ll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package including a projector and screen, projector tripod, smokeless firepit, Adirondack chair set and a movie night snack package.

 

Here’s a list of upcoming blood drives in the four-county area between now and June 15:

Vance

Henderson

5/30/2023: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Central Baptist Church, 2574 Ruin Creek Rd.

6/8/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.

Granville

Creedmoor

5/26/2023: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave.

Warren

Macon

6/1/2023: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Macon Baptist Church, 159 Church St.

 

Franklin

Louisburg

6/3/2023: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Rock Spring Baptist Church, 34 Rock Springs Church Rd.

 

How to donate blood 

To make an appointment, simply 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. 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.

NC Dept of Agriculture

‘NC Forever Farms’ Program Preserves Farmlands

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-information courtesy of the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Farmland Preservation Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced new initiatives to celebrate farmland preservation efforts across the state.

NC Forever Farms is a program that recognizes family farms that have taken the ultimate step in protecting precious working lands that are vital to the future of agriculture in North Carolina. Through permanent agricultural conservation easements, these NC Forever Farms will always be protected from development and the threat of conversion.

Additionally, a new award has been established to recognize the exemplary efforts of individuals and groups that advance farmland preservation efforts in North Carolina. The NC Friends of Farmland Award will be given annually to “an individual or group that delivers exemplary service in the preservation of working lands in North Carolina and provides extraordinary efforts to foster the growth, development, and sustainability of North Carolina family farms.”

The inaugural NC Friends of Farmland Award was presented to Dewitt Hardee on May 19. Hardee, a Johnston County native, served as the first Farmland Preservation Director for NCDA&CS from 2006 until his retirement in 2021. Over the course of his tenure as Farmland Preservation Director, Hardee coordinated the preservation of nearly 30,000 acres of farmland.

Hardee’s farmland preservation work continues as he is now a Johnston County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor. He also works with the N.C. State Grange on farmland preservation and agricultural programs, and seeks for his farm to become an NC Forever Farm.

“A special thank you goes to the farmers, foresters, and landowners that have committed to keeping their land as a natural resource that will benefit future North Carolinians,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“Please join me in congratulating Dewitt Hardee as the inaugural recipient of the North Carolina Friends of Farmland Award. Farmland Preservation in North Carolina requires the partnership and cooperation of many farmers, landowners, government entities, and nonprofit organizations, and there is still much work to be done.”

Landowners interested in preserving their working farm or forest can visit https://www.ncadfp.org or call 919.707.3071 for more information.

N.C.’s Ag Impact Keeps Growing…And Growing

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-information courtesy of N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Maybe you’ve seen the bumper sticker that reads “If You’ve Eaten Today, Thank a Farmer.”

The impact that farmers and farming have in this state is huge. And Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has put that statement in measurable terms – for the first time, the economic impact of agriculture and agribusiness industry in North Carolina has topped $100 billion.

The exact figure, in fact, is $103.2 billion.

The numbers come from Dr. Mike Walden, N.C. State University economist and professor emeritus. These numbers reflect the economic value of growing, processing and delivering food, natural fiber and forestry products, Troxler said in a press release, and were calculated using the latest USDA statistics.

“When I took office in 2005, the economic impact of agriculture and agribusiness was $59 billion and $100 billion seemed like a good goal to work toward,” Troxler said. “In 2016, I made a prediction that North Carolina’s agriculture and agribusiness industry would soon reach $100 billion,” he added.

“I’m proud to say that we’ve reached that goal and surpassed last year’s economic impact by more than 11 percent. Reaching this milestone is a big accomplishment for everyone in agriculture and agribusiness and proves how much we can accomplish when we are all pulling together.”

Agriculture is North Carolina’s No. 1 industry, employing about one-fifth of the state’s workforce. Last year’s economic impact figure was $92.9 billion.

“We are blessed to have a strong, resilient, and engaged agriculture community that includes farmers, agribusiness owners, commodity associations, agricultural associations and effective leadership in the North Carolina General Assembly,” Troxler said. “I can assure you we will set new goals and keep North Carolina agriculture growing.”

NC State Board of Elections

Specifics On New Voter Photo ID Rules

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In response to the state’s new voter ID law, the state board of elections has issued information that may be helpful for citizens to keep in mind before their next trip to the polls.

Voters will be asked to show a photo ID, starting with the 2023 municipal elections. A driver’s license or other photo ID will be accepted.

Those without a photo ID can get a No Fee ID Card from NCDMV and soon, it is expected that a free ID will be available from your local board of elections office.

When a voter checks in to a polling place, poll workers will ask for an ID, and they are supposed to look to make sure the photo reasonably resembles the voter; the address doesn’t have to match the voter registration records

It is important to note that all voters will be allowed to vote with or without a photo ID. Those without an ID will use the ID exception form and a provisional ballot.

For complete details, visit ncsbe.gov/voter-ID and “FAQ: Voter ID” to learn more.

Granville To Bring High-Speed Internet To Underserved Areas Of County

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Granville County Board of Commissioners have finalized a partnership with Brightspeed and the NC Department of Information Technology to provide high-speed fiber internet access to close to 2,000 homes and businesses in rural spots across the county.

Through the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant Program, Brightspeed will have two years to install internet infrastructure capable of providing fiber internet service to the approved locations. The NC GREAT Grant award totaled $4 million, and Granville County will use ARPA funds to kick in 20 percent of the more than $6.67 million project cost.

County leaders and elected officials continue to find ways to increase access to reliable internet service throughout the county.

State laws prohibit county and city governments from installing or providing internet infrastructure, but partnerships with internet service providers are allowed..

Board of Commissioners Chair Russ May said this project is a good start to provide more high-speed access to county residents. “Much like water or electric service, high-speed internet access is an essential utility for daily life, and we are thankful that the State of North Carolina chose to dedicate a significant portion of their ARPA funding to this project,” May said.

The areas served by this project are concentrated on the outskirts of Oxford, in western Granville County around  the Berea and Culbreth communities, and the northern Granville County communities of Cornwall, Oak Hill, Gela and Grassy Creek.

To view a full map of addresses served, click here: https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GREAT-Grant-Broadband-Infrastructure-Project-Locations-20230126.pdf