NC Coop Extension

Free Soil Samples End Nov. 26; Submit Samples Now To Avoid $4 Fee Per Sample

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The time for getting free soil samples from The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services soil testing lab is almost over – it’s about to hit its busy season, but growers and homeowners have until Tuesday, Nov. 26 to squeak in under the wire before the fee of $4 per sample begins.

“Accurate lime and fertilizer recommendations are critical to producing healthy plants and crops and to avoid unnecessary expenses and protect our natural resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Recommendations that come from soil testing lets you know exactly what you need to add for optimal production. When it comes to fertilization needs, don’t guess, test.”

Peak-season fees are implemented annually to encourage growers to submit samples early, which helps spread out the testing time frame and to invest in equipment and temporary staff to decrease turnaround times. This year, the peak laboratory season starts Nov. 27 and runs through March 31, 2025.

Samples must physically arrive on the Agronomic Services’ loading dock no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, to avoid that $4 per sample fee.

“This year the Agronomic Services Division is renewing its efforts to improve operational efficiency and optimize our customer service. To help in this mission, growers are asked to pay particular attention to the submission process,” said Dr. Don Edralin, soil testing section chief. “Small details matter when you consider that the Soil Testing Lab processes about 300,000 samples annually.”

Soil samples submitted without adequate grower, consultant, and/or sample information will not proceed through the lab but will be set aside.  This information is essential to associate samples with the correct existing client account or to establish a new unique client account. Samples will be held for at least five days, and an attempt will be made to obtain the missing information. Due to limited storage space, samples cannot be held indefinitely.

To avoid samples ending up in the “holding area,” simply follow the instructions listed below. In doing so, you will help the Soil Testing Lab be more efficient, and in turn, avoid unnecessary delays in sample processing.

  1. Only use soil sample boxes provided by NCDA&CS. Soil sample boxes and submission forms are provided at local county Cooperative Extension Centers and at the Agronomic Services Division, 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Fill the soil box to the red line found on the outside of the box. Required information on the box includes the client’s name, address and sample ID.
  2. With your samples, send a completed soil submission form. Needed information includes client’s name with their full address and a crop code which is critical for plant-specific recommendations. The list of codes is found on the second page of the sample submission form. Since soil test results are emailed to clients, it is extremely important that a valid email address is provided. Additionally, providing a current phone number is highly encouraged as it is helpful for faster contact if there is an issue with soil sample submission. For convenience, a fillable soil submission form for routine homeowner samples can be found at https://www.ncagr.gov/media/3727/open.
  3. Make sure that information listed on your soil submission form matches what is on your sample boxes.
  4. Save a copy/photo of your sample submission form for your records.
  5. Ensure that sample boxes are packed securely inside a sturdy shipper to avoid damage during transport. Do not use padded mailing envelopes. For faster delivery, private carriers such as UPS or FedEx deliver directly to the Agronomic building rather than an off-site mail center that USPS is required to use. Some Cooperative County Extension offices collect samples from homeowners for delivery to the division; clients are encouraged to make sure that delivery meets their intended expectations and needs.
  6. If you have access to a computer and printer, use the online data entry feature on PALS (www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/pals) to ensure the most accurate delivery of sample information to the lab but enclose a copy of the submission form with soil sample boxes.

N.C. House Of Representatives District 32 Election Result 2024

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UPDATE: Thursday, Nov 7

The N.C. House District 32 race is one of several tight contests that played out across the state during Tuesday’s election. And although Democratic challenger Bryan Cohn ended the night with 182 more votes than incumbent Frank Sossamon, it remains unclear whether there will be call for a recount.

Local elections officials still have to review provisional ballots, which must be verified before they are counted and added to the official results.

Vance County Board of Elections Director Haley Rawles said the provisional ballot meeting will take place in Vance County Thursday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.

According to information released earlier Thursday by the N.C. State Board of Elections, Vance County had a total of 163 provisional ballots cast – 141 on Nov. 5 and 22 during the early voting period.

In Granville County, a total of 417 provisional ballots were cast – 380 on Nov. 5 and 37 during the early voting period.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools To Shutter Three More Schools In Consolidation Efforts

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-information courtesy of GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin

The Granville County Board of Education voted earlier this week to close three more schools – Granville Central High School, Hawley Middle School and Butner-Stem Middle School. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, the current Granville Central High School students will move to J.F. Webb or South Granville, making room for the middle school students to attend classes at high school-turned middle school campus in Stem.

The new name of the school is Granville Central Middle School.

The school board also approved new attendance zones for the district’s traditional middle and high schools.

The school board will have a work session on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to discuss topics including:

  • The creation of a student reassignment plan for middle and high school students based on new attendance zones;
  • The creation of a staffing reassignment plan at the affected schools (Butner-Stem Middle, G.C. Hawley Middle, Granville Central High School, J.F. Webb High School, and South Granville High School) that includes a timeline for staff notification;
  • The implementation of new high school and middle school attendance zones; and
  • The development of a facility transition plan with specific tasks for the renovation of facilities and relocation of furniture, equipment, and supplies.

19th Annual Turkey Trot For ACIM Nov. 28

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It’s almost time for the 19th annual Turkey Trot in downtown Oxford to benefit Area Congregations in Ministry, the local food bank in Granville County.

This fun run/walk is held on Thanksgiving morning – Thursday, Nov. 28 – and sends participants along a 2-mile route along College Street to the campus of the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford and back to Oxford United Methodist Church, the event organizer.

Admission is at two cans of food or other non-perishable item for ACIM. Monetary donations also will be accepted.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in front of Oxford United Methodist Church, with welcoming remarks shortly before the 9 a.m. start.

Families are encouraged to participate and everyone is welcome! Push little ones in strollers, bring your dogs on leashes and dress up in your favorite costume to add some holiday flair.

Granville Parks And Rec Mini-Grants For 2025-26 Application Period Begins Dec. 1

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-Information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

The Granville County Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee will begin accepting 2025-26 mini-grant applications on Dec. 1, 2024,  through January 31, 2025.

Eligible entities include Granville County local government entities that do not have an established recreation department or staff, as well as registered 501(c)(3) non-profit  organizations located within the county, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. The maximum grant amount for the local government entities is $20,000; maximum funding available for nonprofits is $10,000.

The grants will be used to facilitate the development and support of active and passive recreation and leisure activities for county residents. “The funding helps further the County’s reach in providing recreational amenities to a broad spectrum of residents, particularly in areas of the county that are underserved or those that have not received prior funding,” stated Deputy County Manager Korena Weichel. “The Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee is grateful to the county board of commissioners for continuing to provide  funding for this important program over the past several years.”

Projects previously funded include playground equipment at Jack Day Community Park in Stem, facility improvements at South Granville High School in Creedmoor, a picnic shelter at the Grassy Creek Community Center and benches for the Butner Community Association. Signs are erected at project sites to inform residents  that their county tax dollars helped provide the amenities.

Review and download program guidelines and application at  https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/recreation/recreation-grant/ Printed copies may also be obtained from the Granville County Planning Office located at 122 Williamsboro St., Oxford.

All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2025. Complete submission requirements and instructions are included in the program guidelines.

To learn more about this grant opportunity, contact Deputy County Manager Korena Weichel at 919.603.1366 or email korena.weichel@granvillecounty.org.

 

NCDOT

Eight-Month Detour Begins Monday As Bridge Replacement Begins On Ed Harris Road

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A section of Ed Harris Road in Granville County will be closed beginning next week as a contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation replaces a bridge.

The bridge over Tabbs Creek, which was built in 1955, will close Nov. 4 for demolition and replacement, according to NCDOT spokesperson Kim Deaner.

The new structure, part of a $1 million project, will be wider and taller to better withstand future flooding. Construction is expected to take about eight months.

During the closure, drivers will detour onto Dorsey Road, N.C. 158, and Watkins Road to reconnect with Ed Harris Road.

Drivers should plan for longer commutes and use caution when traveling near the work zone.

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension “Winter Webinar” Series Discusses Small Ruminants

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If you’ve always wanted to learn about goats and sheep and what kind of care they need, join the N.C. Cooperative Extension for its “Winter Webinar” series.

There are five different webinars that will take place via Zoom, and each one discusses different aspects of the care and management of small ruminants.

The first webinar is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7; webinars will be held monthly through March. Each session has a unique registration link.

Register here: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/categories/agriculture-food/animal-agriculture/

The sessions are listed below:

  • Nov. 7 – Goats 101 covers basic nutrition, health and management
  • Dec. 5 – Hoof health, prevention and treatment of common hoof issues
  • Jan. 9 – Opportunities with sheep and solar farms
  • Feb. 6 – Livestock guardian animals – considerations and challenges
  • Mar. 6 – Pasture management for small ruminants

Contact your local extension agent to learn more.

  • Vance County: 252.438.8188
  • Granville County: 919.603.1350
  • Warren County: 252.257.3640
  • Franklin County: 919.496.3344

TownTalk: More Treats Than Tricks in Granville This Halloween

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Granville County Tourism Development Authority Director Angela Allen has some advice for folks gearing up for a lively holiday season – buckle up! The ride is just beginning in Oxford and across the county.

The Halloween fun cranks up with downtown Oxford’s “Spooktacular” beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31. Kids in costumes can collect treats from participating merchants and businesses throughout Williamsboro, College, Hillsboro and Main streets.

“As the candy starts to give out, you can transition to Main Street for family activities,” she said. There will be vendors and more along Main Street to continue the festivities until about 8 p.m.

The towns of Creedmoor and Butner also will have trick-or-treat activities available. Visit downtown Creedmoor from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to get treats from downtown merchants. The town of Butner will host the first “Track-n-Treat at the Butner Athletic Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For all those who like scary stuff, you’ve still got time to get tickets to the Granville Haunt Farm. They’ll be open on Halloween from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and then again on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2. Check the website for times and prices.

Other activities include:

  • Friday, Nov. 1 – Cluck ‘N Shuck Oyster Roast, an annual event of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce. Call 919.693.6125 for tickets. Leon Nixon Catering provides steamed oysters, fried chicken, shrimp and fish with all the sides. It’s an all-you-can-eat food fest from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 2 – The Hub on Main’s Craft and Brew Holiday Festival. Free event, but you must purchase a ticket to sample beers from the dozen or so breweries that will be represented. Festival is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Check out The Hub on Main Facebook page to purchase tickets.
  • Sunday, Nov. 3 – Wedding and Event Expo at Creedmoor Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is a donation of non-perishable food items or toiletry items that will be donated to Families Living Violence Free. All types of venue representatives, photographers, caterers and more will be in one place to discuss your upcoming wedding plans or other special occasion. Purchase a $10 tasting ticket to sample foods, or go for the $20 ticket which includes a VIP bag along with the tastings.
  • Saturday, Nov. 9 – Operation Green Light celebration and Veteran’s Day Parade in downtown Oxford. Activities begin at 12 noon to honor military veterans. The parade begins at 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 9 – Holiday Extravaganza Parade in Stem – Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas parade, all in one event. The parade begins at 2 p.m. on East Tally Ho Road, with special guest Miss Teen North Carolina Kamryn Hollowell.
  • Saturday, Nov. 9/Sunday, Nov. 10 – Holiday Open House at Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy hot cider and cookies as you browse the handcrafted décor and other unique gifts in the gallery. Visit with Santa from 12 noon to 3 p.m. each day.
  • Monday, Nov. 11 – Butner Veteran’s Day Observance – 11 a.m. at Soldier Memorial Sports Arena.

Check out all the things going on across Granville County at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

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Granville County Sheriff

Granville Co. Sheriff’s Office Hosts Representatives From Mexican, Guatemalan Consulates Saturday, Oct. 26

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Representatives from the Mexican and Guatemalan consulates took part in an information program hosted by the Granville County Sheriff’s Office Saturday, Oct. 26. – the program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the sheriff’s office, 525 New Commerce Dr., in Oxford.

The event was designed to provide details the consulates offer, including citizenship applications, passport renewals and guidance on legal and social services, according to a press statement from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

There were other area resources available, too, including representatives from Families Living Violence Free – Granville County’s domestic violence and sexual assault crisis agency.

Also on hand was N.C. Stop Human Trafficking, a group that fosters awareness on the issue of human trafficking and collaborates with other organizations to fight this global challenge.

TownTalk: Masonic Home For Children Homecoming Recap

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The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford welcomed throngs of visitors to its campus last weekend for annual Homecoming festivities, which included activities for the kids, live music, food and tours of some of the facilities.

And don’t forget the parade, said MHCO Administrator Kevin Otis.

“The weather cooperated and a lot of people seemed to really have a great time,” Otis said Wednesday on TownTalk.

A couple of dozen barbecue teams got all set up on Friday in advance of the Saturday cookoff, which began shortly after the traditional parade.

The parade route, however, wasn’t the traditional march down College Street onto the campus – this year’s parade was contained on the campus itself. And Otis said it all worked out fine.

“It was a very good parade, with a lot of people coming to watch it,” he said.

“The entire parade route, even though it was short, had a lot of people” lining the drive to check out all the entries.

Otis was pleased with the community support, from school bands and Scout groups to dance teams and cheer squads.

Visitors got a chance to tour the chapel, museum galleries and even one of the residential cottages. Otis said he has received positive feedback from those who said they appreciated learning more about the children’s home and what it offers young people and families.

“What we’re doing is helping families in need,” he said, whether it’s caring for children while parents work to get back on their feet or grandparents who become guardians of their grandchildren.

Otis said cottage parents co-parent with biological parents or guardians to make sure the children’s needs are being met while in residence at the home.

But there also is an independent living program for young adults ages 18-21 who may be struggling to make it on their own. They get set up in their own apartment while learning how to become independent.

“We’re doing a lot of good work and not just for local kids, but all over North Carolina.

Learn more at 919.693.5111 or visit https://mhc-oxford.org/.

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