VGCC scholarship endowed by family in memory of parents

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A new Vance-Granville Community College scholarship has been endowed in memory of Robert and Elizabeth Williford by their children. The Willifords were well-known as the longtime owners and operators of the Oxford Ace Hardware store. Their four children, Elizabeth Dale Williford of Indian Beach/Salter Path, Rob Williford II of Oxford, Dot Williford Wilson of Chapel Hill and John Williford of Oxford, along with Rob’s wife, Lori, and John’s wife, Teresa, recently gathered at VGCC to celebrate the creation of the new scholarship.

The Robert T. “Buster” and Elizabeth Brent Williford Memorial Scholarship will be awarded at the Presidential Merit Award level. In awarding the new scholarship, preference will be given to students from Granville County and to those who are enrolled in VGCC’s Accounting and Business Administration programs.

Buster Williford died in 2011, and his wife, also known as “Betty B,” in 2013. Both were Granville County natives and members of Oxford United Methodist Church.

The Williford children remembered their father as intelligent and “self-taught,” but lacking much formal education. “Daddy didn’t go to college,” Rob Williford said. “Education was important to him, in part because of his lack of it. He always told his children to get an education because it’s something nobody can take away from you.” Dale Williford likewise recalled that her father always instructed his children and grandchildren, “Think, think, think.” After rising to become vice president of McCracken Oil in Henderson, Williford went into a new business venture by purchasing the Oxford Ace Hardware store from a neighbor in 1974. John and Rob Williford bought the store from their parents in 2001. The business is a longtime supporter of the VGCC Endowment Fund Golf Tournament and is the oldest continuously-operating Ace Hardware store in North Carolina.

“Betty B,” born Elizabeth Brent Mayes, attended Greensboro College for one year. She became her husband’s constant companion in life and in business, as the co-owner of the store and creator of its “Bridal and Gift Shoppe” section. Her children recalled that she was an excellent bookkeeper and that their parents formed “a great team.” “They worked hard, but they put family first,” said Dot Williford. “Momma supported and worked closely with Daddy. She was always right there beside him.”

“I think that our parents would be proud of us for helping people to further their education,” Rob Williford added.

“We are thankful to the Williford family for supporting VGCC students through this scholarship that honors the legacy of a remarkable couple who were active in the community while raising four children and growing a landmark local business,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “The scholarship will help students for years to come who are gaining the education they need to achieve success in business.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 8,800 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.

–VGCC–

Faulkner Family Statement of Campbell Guilty Verdict

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This day has been a long time coming.  We have waited over two and one half years for justice for Jerome and Dora Faulkner, whose lives were taken in such a brutal and horrifying way.  It is hard for us to find any joy in this situation.  We are ready to move forward with our lives, taking the memory of Jerome and Dora with us.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Granville County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Brindell B. Wilkins, Jr., the West Virginia State Police, the Lewisburg, West Virginia Police Department, the Greenbrier County, West Virginia Sheriff’s Office.  We would especially like to thank District Attorney Mike Waters, Assistant District Attorney Allison Capps, and the entire Granville County District Attorney’s Office for their countless hours spent in preparing this case for trial.  We would also like to thank the Oak Hill, Oxford, and surrounding communities for their support over the last two and one half years, and for the love and support of our families and friends.

Although there is no real closure for us, we continue to pray for peace.  Thank you.

 

The Faulkner Family

Granville County to hold Business & Industry Appreciation Day

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The Granville County Economic Development department, in partnership with the Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center and the Granville County Chamber of Commerce, is planning this year’s “Business & Industry Appreciation Day.” The annual event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 4-6 p.m. at the Granville County Expo & Convention Center, located at 4185 Highway 15 South in Oxford.

For local businesses and industries, the event is not only a networking opportunity but also a chance to learn more about services and resources that are available to assist them. Organizations, agencies and businesses that provide services to a business (such as lending or education/training) are invited to set up a table to share information with those in attendance. For information on reserving a table, which is free of charge, contact Lynn Cooper at the Granville County Economic Development department at (919) 693-5911 or Lynn.Cooper@granvillecounty.org.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. A brief program, including remarks to recognize the important contributions made by local employers, will take place at 5 p.m.

–VGCC–

Health Concerns at Creedmoor Elementary

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Granville County Public Schools administrative staff are currently addressing concerns with the facilities on the Creedmoor Elementary School campus.  On Wednesday, August 16, we received reports from staff about some possible spore growths in two classrooms.  On Thursday morning, August 17, we investigated the reports and widened our inspection to other areas of the school.  On Friday, August 18, we arranged for a professional laboratory to collect both air and surface samples throughout the school to be tested.  We received the preliminary results of these tests on Tuesday, August 22, which indicated the presence of mold.  On this same day, we contracted with a professional cleaning company to clean the affected areas in the school building.  They began preparations and staging of equipment on Wednesday, August 23.  We estimate that their work will be completed by the afternoon of Saturday, August 26.  We will conduct additional testing after cleaning is complete to determine if we can safely open the school to staff and students.  The safety of our students and staff is an absolute priority to Granville County Public Schools.  Our rapid response and immediate action are precautionary measures to protect everyone.

As a result of this intervention, the location of Open House on Thursday, August 24 was moved to the First Baptist Church located in downtown Creedmoor.  Also, depending on the pace of the cleaning work, we may find it appropriate to delay the opening of school a day or two.  Unfortunately, we will not know for certain until we have the official report late Saturday evening, August 26.  We will communicate additional updates no later than Sunday, August 27.

Please direct all inquiries on this matter to Dr. Stan Winborne, Executive Director of Operations, Human Resources, Communications and Safety.  winbornes@gcs.k12.nc.us  (919) 693-4613

Breaking and Entering, Laceny and Vandalism reported in Granville County

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Sometime between Thursday, June 18th, 2017 late evening and Friday, June 19th, 2017 early morning hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Gantt Farm Road, Stem, NC and criminally damaged mailboxes.

Sometime between Saturday, July 1st, 2017 noon and Sunday, July 9th, 2017 late evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off George Sherman Road, Rougemont, NC and criminally forced entry into a shed and removed one 2600 PSI pressure washer, one DeWalt table chop saw and one Stihl MS290 chainsaw.

On Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017 between early morning and late evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Tar Hill Road, Oxford, NC and criminally removed from a trailer- one 16 inch Stihl HT 101 pole saw, one Stihl BT 130 Auger with 6 inch bit, one Stihl 170 with a 16 inch bar chainsaw, one Stihl HS81 T 24 inch hedge trimmer and one Stihl FS110R straight shaft weed eater.

Sometime between Saturday, July 15th, 2017 and Monday, July 31st, 2017 during mid-morning hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Graham Hobgood Road, Oxford, NC and criminally removed one ES 25 NAPA booster jumper, one back pack Solo sprayer, and one Lowes push mower from a storage shed.

Sometime between Friday, April 14th and Saturday, August 12th, 2017 during mid-afternoon hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Hayes Road, Creedmoor, NC and forced entry into a shed and criminally removed a 2008 Honda CR dirt bike red in color.

Sometime between Sunday, August 13th late evening and Monday, August 14th, 2017 mid-morning hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon inter-state 85 northbound at mile marker 185 and vandalized a disabled 4 door 2000 Honda Accord by breaking the windshield and criminally removed a radio from the vehicle.

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES.  IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY.  YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

VGCC offers Fall Mini-Term classes

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Although the Fall 2017 semester at Vance-Granville Community College is underway, there are still opportunities to register for a variety of classes offered during “mini-terms.” These sections start later during the semester, but end on Dec. 11, at the same time as the full 16-week courses, and they include just as many hours of instruction as under the traditional schedule.

The Fall 12-Week Mini-Term begins on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The complete list of courses is available by visiting schedules.vgcc.edu and clicking on the printable “Fall 12-Week Mini-Term” schedule.

VGCC has scheduled more than 30 curriculum classes on the 12-week schedule. Most are online, while others are offered in a hybrid format that combines online and traditional on-campus instruction. The courses include not only College Transfer general education courses in subjects such as English, Humanities, Sociology or Spanish, but also courses required for associate degrees such as Paralegal Technology.

Certain 12-week Criminal Justice courses are scheduled through the “Vanguard Online Learning through Technology,” or VOLT, initiative, which allows students to complete an entire associate degree online.

There are also a few courses offered during the Second 8-Week Mini-Term, which starts Thursday, Oct. 12.

Not only current VGCC students, but also new students are welcome to enroll. New students will need to complete a VGCC application for admission first. Financial aid is available for qualified students. For more information, contact the VGCC Financial Aid Office at fao@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3280.

For registration information, visit the Student Learning & Success Center on any VGCC campus or call (252) 738-3330.

–VGCC–

The Embers Coming to Downtown Oxford

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the last Alive After Five event of 2017 – Thursday, September 21st – will feature the music and entertainment of THE EMBERS – “truly one of the finest entertainment experiences of our lifetime.” THE EMBERS will soon be celebrating their 60th anniversary, as the band began in 1958.

From The Embers’ website:  “There are many bands or groups today yet few that are considered a musical institution.  The Embers have solidified their position as a thriving musical entity leaving their mark on listeners for decades.

The Embers boast numerous albums and single releases that span decades and all the crazes continuing to exhibit top quality showmanship, musicianship and professionalism.  Having been inducted into the SC Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and most recently the SC Beach Music Hall of Fame, THE EMBERS are honored to carry the moniker of North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music.  They have traveled the country and the world and have performed for every event imaginable from the highest dignitaries to the hottest back yard frat parties.  THE EMBERS were also honored to travel throughout South Korea to perform their Christmas special “Christmas with the Embers” on American Military bases for America’s troops in Dec. 2007 and 2008.  They were awarded Military Coins of Excellence for their distinguished services.

A MUSICAL MARVEL:  THE EMBERS are widely considered a musical MARVEL and have laid the groundwork for what has become known as “Beach Music” in the Carolinas, Virginia, the gulf coast region of North America and every each in between.  They are a true musical tradition with which many Americans have listened to from childhood to adulthood.  THE EMBERS consider the genre of Beach Music as “music with a memory” and have been creating lasting since its inception in 1958.  Simply put – Heart and Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Feel Good Music.

For decades THE EMBERS have been making music by playing a mix of rhythm and blues and heart and soul.  Rhythm and Blues became the foundation and essence of soul music and the Motown sound, but in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Alabama, the name that applies is ‘Beach Music.’  Bobby Tomlinson, drummer and the leader of the band, believes that Beach Music is music with a memory.  Others believe that Beach Music is simply lyrics that are easy to sing with and simple melodies and pretty harmonies that accompany them.

AN ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE:  THE EMBERS are truly one of the finest entertainment experiences of our lifetime.  Come to their show, and they will put JOY in your step, LOVE in your heart and BEACH MUSIC in your soul!”

This outdoor event is free to attend.  Chamber member concession vendors will be available to purchase food from – Chick-fil-A, A Place to Eat, Jay Boys Hot Dogs, Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell – with beverages available from Coca-Cola and Long Beverage.

Come early, bring a chair, listen to this incredible music, dance and enjoy visiting with friends.  The last Alive After Five event of 2017 will be a night to remember!

State Highway Patrol Promotes Back To School Safety

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RALEIGH – In anticipation of the upcoming school year, the State Highway Patrol is focusing on safety in and around school zones.  Motorists should be aware of an increase in school traffic and familiarize themselves with local school bus stop locations.  Teen drivers will also increase as some will be driving to and from school for the first time.  Drivers should also expect an increase in pedestrian traffic in and around school zones.

“Ensuring the safety of students as they travel to and from school is a responsibility shared by everyone”, said Col. Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol.  “Our mission is to educate the motoring public on safe driving behaviors before, during and after school.”

Troopers statewide will monitor school bus routes, attempting to ensure motorists comply with stopping for school buses as they pick up and release students. 

According to state law, motorists are required to stop when a school bus is displaying its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights and the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers.  The driver of any other vehicle that approaches the school bus from any direction on the same street, highway, or public vehicular area shall bring that other vehicle to a full stop and shall remain stopped.

Officials also encourage students to ensure all traffic has stopped before entering the roadway when boarding or exiting their respective school bus. 

In an attempt to increase safety and awareness, SHP is using social media to highlight a “Back to School” PSA, which can be viewed by vising the Patrol’s Facebook page.  A digital copy of the PSA is available upon request. 

Boys and Girls Club Set for 2017-2018 School Year

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Vance 

As the summer program comes to an end, members are preparing to return to school and the Club staff are preparing for the start of the after-school program. The GREATEST staff and volunteers in Boys & Girls Club will take two weeks to clean, and re-energize for the 2017-2018 school year.  

Walmart Distribution volunteers will return to the Club to freshen up the walls and floors. Ms. Evelyn will be traveling to Atlanta, GA for the Unit Directors Academy. This Academy will help the Vance County staff build and sustain a high- quality Club experience for all Members. Vance unit will also be accepting applications for new team members and school aged members ages 5-18.

Granville

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL! We have had a great summer, but the Granville Unit is so excited to have an even better school year. Our staff is excited to engage with our club members on so may different levels!

Power hour will continue to be a driving force at our club, but we are focusing on exposing our youth to new activities and tasks. We are planning on having a strong focus in STEM, leadership, & creatvity. BGCNCNC cannot wait to see our youth learn & grow throughout the school!

Warren

We are looking forward to an exciting school year in Warren County.  Three of our schools are back in session and our club members are very excited about the new opportunities that will be available to them this school year.  Our last site will open at the end of this month, and we are extremely eager to meet those club members as well.

We have partnered with the school administration and staff members at each of our sites, to ensure that our students experience great academic success this school year.   We  are looking to also partner with the local high schools and community colleges to get volunteers to help out at our sites to ensure that our club members have a great club experience.  We want each club member to truly believe that “Great Futures Start Here”

Featured here our most recent visitor Lieutenant Corey Adams City of Henderson Fire Department Division of Fire Prevention.

Franklin

The Franklin Unit is excited for the first day of school, 2017!! The staff is very busy at the club working on new bulletin boards, rearranging classrooms, planning a fun and engaging schedule, and cleaning up the club!! As the age old saying goes “it takes a village to raise a child” we are fully committed to being a part of that village in Franklin County to mentor and support the children of the community we serve. While it may not be what the children want to hear, this 2017-2018 school year the Franklin Unit will be focusing on…drum roll please….homework! Yes, homework. Part of the mission of The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people to reach their full potential. Homework is a tool that we can use to bridge the gap between school, families, and their community.  

We’re so eager to get this year started because we will be partnering with AmeriCorps to bring a full time LiteracyCorps member to the Boys & Girls Club in Franklin County for the next 12-13 months. This member’s full focus will be on improving literacy in the youth we serve at The Boys & Girls Club! Our staff will also benefit through the relationship they build with this member by learning new and exciting ways to implement fun and engaging programming that includes an underlying academic piece. We are ready to tackle this school year and continue to grow and mentor great futures for the youth of Franklin County!

Halifax

As summer winds down and the clean up begins, we are looking forward to the exciting new school year. The staff is gearing up to make the 2017-2018 school year one of the best ever! We have been collecting back to school supplies for our annual book bag give away, that is shaping up to be a big event!

We are setting up and planning some new and exciting programs and lining up some new and engaging speakers to start the school year off right! We are looking forward to seeing all our returning members, as well as meeting all our NEW members. See you on August 28th! Let the FUN begin!

Granville County Logo

Granville County sees 3% Boost in Tourism Spending

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Visit North Carolina announced that domestic visitors to and within Granville spent $47.08 million in 2016, a 3% increase from 2015.

“We are excited to hear that Granville has made a 3% increase in the last two years due to collaborations with area hotels, retail shops, restaurants, farms, parks and recreation, and events to promote our area as a destination for many travelers.” said Angela Allen, Granville TDA Director.

Tourism impact highlights for 2016:

  • Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Granville was $6.02 million.
  • State tax revenue generated in Granville totaled $2.81 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. About $1.33 million in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.

Gov. Roy Cooper announced in May that visitors to North Carolina set a record for spending in 2016. The $22.9 billion in total spending represented an increase of 4.4 percent from 2015.

These statistics are from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2016,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by the U.S. Travel Association.

“All eight economic development regions of the state had spending growth of 3 percent or more, and 96 percent of the state’s counties saw direct tourism employment growth from 2015 to 2016,” said Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit North Carolina. “Tourism continues to be major driver of economic development across North Carolina, which is the sixth most-visited state in the country.”

Statewide highlights include:

  • State tax receipts as a result of visitor spending rose 5.1 percent to nearly $1.2 billion in 2016.

 

  • Visitors spend more than $62 million per day in North Carolina. That spending adds more than $5.1 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.2 million in state taxes and $1.9 million in local taxes).

 

  • The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 219,000 North Carolinians.

 

  • Each North Carolina household saves $497 in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state.