OPS Senior Chosen For Granville Chamber Scholarship

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Information courtesy of Granville County Chamber of Commerce

An Oxford Preparatory School senior has been selected as the first scholarship winner from Student Spotlight honorees recognized throughout the year by the Granville County Chamber of Commerce.

AleYaun “AJ” Heggie has been selected as the winner of the scholarship by the Chamber’s  Education Committee, according to a press release from Chamber Executive Director Cynthia Ratliff. Heggie, who worked at the OPS after-school program, will attend N.C A&T State University in the fall.

This scholarship program was created to recognize and support the outstanding students within our community who demonstrate excellence through their work, internships and volunteer efforts, Ratliff stated,

The committee accepted Student Spotlight nominations on a quarterly basis from chamber members who employ, mentor or support Granville County students. These exceptional students were acknowledged with certificates and subsequently invited to apply for the Chamber’s scholarship.

Granville County Public Schools

2 J.F. Webb Seniors Awarded More Than $2 Million In Scholarships

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Information courtesy of GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin

Two J.F. Webb High School seniors have been recognized for each receiving scholarships totaling more than $1 million.

Kailie Galdamez, headed off to UNC-Chapel Hill, was awarded 13 scholarships. Fellow senior Bryson Gresham, headed to East Carolina University Honors College, received 21 scholarships.

Galdamez and Gresham join classmates for graduation on Saturday, June 8 at 9 a.m.

GCPS graduation ceremonies for the class of 2024 will be livestreamed. Visit https://www.gcs.k12.nc.us/ and click on the graduation link.

The students expressed their gratitude and acknowledged the support they received during their time at J.F. Webb. “Having counselors to help me through my new experience of college applications was really helpful,” Galdamez said. Gresham stated, “I am grateful for all my administration and teachers who helped me along my journey at J.F. Webb.”

Galdamez received the following scholarships: Wingate Merit Scholarship, FBCA Impact Scholarship, UNC Chapel Hill Merit Award, UNC-Chapel Hill Carolina Covenant, Meredith Merit Scholarship, Hofstra Presidential Scholarship, Appalachian State Merit Scholarship, UNC Pembroke Merit Awards, Johnson & Wales Presidential Scholarship, Johnson & Wales Merit Scholarship, Hollins University Presidential Scholarship, High Point University Merit Scholarship and the J.F. Webb Alumni Scholarship.

Gresham received the following scholarships: Lenoir-Rhyne University Promise Scholarship, Barton College Trustee Scholarship, Wingate University Presidential, Campbell University Scott Ellis Scholarship, Campbell University Housing Award, Western Carolina Merit, Belmont Abbey Trustees Merit Scholarship, Catawba College Presidential Scholarship, Queens University of Charlotte Presidential, High Point University Presidential Fellowship, High Point University Centennial Award, High Point Merit Award, East Carolina Honors College Merit Scholarship, East Carolina Mathematics Scholarship, Furman University Bell Tower Scholarship, Appalachian State Excellence Scholarship, Sewanee Ecee Quam Bonum Award, Wofford College Merit Scholarship, UNC Wilmington Merit Scholarship, John Little Memorial Scholarship and the J.F. Webb Alumni Scholarship.

 

VGCC Logo

VGCC Hosting FAFSA Nights To Help Parents, Students Navigate Federal Aid Application

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Vance-Granville Community College’s Financial Aid Office is hosting a series of FAFSA Night meetings to help families with students in college or headed to college – as well as adult learners – understand the federal financial aid application.

The first FAFSA Night was scheduled for Tuesday, May 21 at VGCC’s Main Campus in Henderson. The next event is set for Thursday, May 23 at the Warren Campus, followed by Tuesday, May 28 at the Franklin Campus and Thursday, May 30 at South Campus in Creedmoor.

If you plan to use financial aid for Fall 2024–Summer 2025, you will need to complete the 2024–2025 FAFSA application to determine your eligibility for Title IV Aid.

VGCC’s Financial Aid team will be available to provide assistance with the FAFSA application on the dates and times below:

VGCC Warren County Campus

May 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Building 1, Room W1107
210 West Ridgeway St.
Warrenton, NC 27589

VGCC Franklin County Campus

May 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Building 1, Room F1124
8100 NC 56 Highway
Louisburg, NC 27549

VGCC South Campus

May 30, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Room G1103
1547 South Campus Dr.
Creedmoor, NC 27522

Oxford Plans Memorial Day Service Monday May 27 At 11 AM

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The City of Oxford invites the community to a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony Monday, May 27, at the Granville Veterans Memorial Wall, located in front of City Hall.

The ceremony begins at 11 a.m., according to information from Oxford Communications Specialist Sabrina Richards. Rene Adams, representing the group Gold Star Mothers is, the featured speaker. The event serves to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend. City Hall is located at 300 Williamsboro St. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Oxford Names Downtown Economic Director

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Oxford City Manager Brent Taylor has announced the hiring of Kenia Gomez-Jimenez as the city’s new Downtown Economic Director.

In her new role, Gomez-Jimenez will help develop the downtown economically and culturally and build relationships with stakeholders, Taylor said, and she will be active in implementing the city’s Main Street program, which provides downtown strategic economic development planning, revitalization, small business development, and the rehabilitation of historic properties.

Pierre Gingue, the president of the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corp., welcomed  Gomez-Jimenez.  We are excited to see the enthusiasm, energy, and community-centered approach she will bring. We anticipate transformative growth and prosperity for our city’s core,” Gingue stated.

As a native of Vance County and a graduate of UNC – Chapel Hill, Gomez-Jimenez’s academic journey in Political Science and Philosophy ignited a deep-seated commitment to public service and community empowerment.

“I look forward to collaborating with the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation existing downtown businesses, and community leaders to forge lasting positive impacts and cultivate a dynamic downtown community in Oxford,” said Gomez-Jimenez. “Most importantly, I’m excited to engage with the citizens of Oxford to enrich our downtown’s livability and elevate it as a pivotal destination for new businesses and visitors alike.”

During her time as Regional Program Coordinator at the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments Gomez-Jimenez showcased her exceptional project management skills. She spearheaded the branding communications strategy for the Council, fostering robust relationships with regional stakeholders, citizens and local governments. Her most notable achievement was successfully administering federal and state grant programs, securing a substantial $200,000 in funding for active transportation projects across the five-county region. This feat, accomplished in less than a year, significantly enhanced the region’s infrastructure and promoted sustainable development.

Gomez-Jimenez is active in the community by serving on various boards and councils. Notable among these are her roles on the Henderson Optimist Club Board of Directors, Salvation Army of Henderson Board of Directors, and the Vance County Cooperative Extension Advisory Leadership Council. She was recognized as the 2023 Henderson Optimist of the Year and a graduate of the Leadership Vance 2023 program, and she has earned accolades for her outstanding contributions to community development and leadership. Gomez-Jimenez is fluent in both English and Spanish and believes diversity is a cornerstone of vibrant, thriving communities.

Granville Commissioners To Hold Public Hearing On Budget May 20

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The Granville County Board of Commissioners received a budget proposal – more than $87.2 million – from County Manager Drew Cummings earlier this month.

The new property tax rate is 63 cents per $100 property value, which is 10 cents over the revenue-neutral rate, but 20 cents lower than the previous tax rate.

Commissioners will have a public hearing before its meeting on Monday, May 20 to hear from residents about the contents and particular line items contained in the 338-page budget document.

The full budget document is available on the Granville County website at: https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/finance-department/comprehensive-annual-financial-reports-budget-documents/

A copy of the proposed budget also is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk to the Board and at the Richard H. Thornton Library and other library branches.

A few highlights included in the county manager’s summary:

  • Proposed budget doesn’t take any funds from fund balance
  • Includes a third year of funding from the newly formed Fire Protection & Rescue Service Tax District and maintains a tax rate of .06 per $100
  • The $8,689,224,747 tax base is projected to generate $54,309,641, assuming a 98.99 percent collection rate.

The commissioners’ meeting and the public hearing will take place in the auditorium of the Granville Convention and Expo Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South in Oxford.

Granville County Hazardous Household Material Collection Event Saturday, May 18

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Granville County residents can start collecting all those half-used jugs of household chemicals, paint and other materials that may be stored on garage shelves and storage sheds in preparation for the Saturday, May 18 household hazardous waste collection event.

Load up all those unwanted items and come out to the Granville County Convention and Expo Center, 4185 US Hwy. 15 in Oxford between 8 a.m. and 12 noon.

The event is open to Granville County residents only – no business or commercial waste will be accepted.

For more information and a list of accepted items and prohibited items visit granvillecounty.org or call 919.691.0928 or email jason.falls@granvillecounty.org.

Following is a list of acceptable items to drop off at the collection event:

  • mercury
  • adhesives
  • lawn care products
  • paint product (10 gal limit/vehicle)
  • aerosols
  • flammable substances
  • fluorescent light bulbs
  • household cleaning supplies
  • batteries
  • photo chemicals
  • swimming pool chemicals
  • confidential documents (3 bag maximum)
  • pesticides/herbicides
  • prescription drugs
  • ammunition

Granville County Veterans Services Hosting Breakfast on May 20

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Granville County Veterans Services will host a Veterans breakfast on Monday, May 20 at 8:00 a.m. at Family Diner (1213 Goshen Street D) in Oxford. This event is made possible by the Joel Fund, Brynn Marr Hospital, Holly Hill Hospital and Old Vineyard Behavioral Health Services.

Veterans will be able to enjoy a breakfast and fellowship free of charge in recognition of their service in any branch of the United States Armed Forces.

For more information, contact the Granvile County Veterans Services Office at 919-693-1484 or visit 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 111 Masonic Street in Creedmoor on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Additional information about the programs and services offered by the Granville County Veterans Services Office
are available on the Granville County website – www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services.

— Information courtesy of Granville County Veterans Services

Larry Ferebee Named Principal At J.F. Webb In Oxford

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Schools

Larry Ferebee has been named principal at J.F. Webb High School.

The announcement was made Monday at the regular scheduled meeting of the Granville County Board of Education, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin.

Ferebee retired from the U.S. Army after more than 20 years before entering the field of education. After retirement, he taught for 11 years in a Title I high school in Virginia and then served as principal or assistant principal at high schools in Wake, Northampton and Franklin counties.

While in the Army, Ferebee was an instructor, drill sergeant and First Sergeant and served in Germany, Korea, Egypt and Iraq.

In addition to a variety of instructional and leadership experiences, Ferebee brings a commitment to the success of all students, a passion for the development of excellence in teaching and learning, and a promise to do his best for and with the staff and students of J. F. Webb High School every day.

According to the press statement, Ferebee wants everyone who enters J.F. Webb High School feels welcome, safe and excited to be there. His goal is that all students know how much he and the staff love and care for them. Through relationships, he will strive to provide instructional opportunities that lead to students graduating career and college ready.

“I am very grateful for the staff and community members from J. F. Webb who assisted in the search process for their new leader,” said GCPS Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne. “I believe Mr. Ferebee will lead the school forward and help Webb continue its upward trajectory.”

NCDOT

Improvements Coming to Granville County Roads

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Multiple sections of Granville County roads will be improved thanks to a $ 1.2 million contract recently awarded to Carolina Sunrock, LLC of Raleigh by the N.C. Department of Transportation.

In total, more than 6 miles of roads, including two sections of Hillsboro Street, a section of Oxford Loop and one section of Old N.C. 75 will be resurfaced to create a smoother ride.

The contractor may begin work this spring with completion expected by fall of 2025.

More details regarding schedules, locations and potential lane closures will be announced following preconstruction meetings.

— courtesy NCDOT, by Kim Deaner