Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Commissioners to Hold Work Session on Fire Restructuring – Jan. 23

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, County of Vance

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at 1 p.m. in the commissioners’ conference room.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss fire restructuring.

The work session is open to the public; however, public comments will not be taken.

Lunch will be provided to the Board members at 12:30 p.m.

McGregor Hall to Feature Ernie Haase + Signature Sound; Opening Act Frank Sossamon

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Ernie Haase + Signature Sound

Part of the JOY! Series

SPECIAL OPENING ACT BY VANCE COUNTY’S PASTOR FRANK SOSSAMON

SATURDAY, January 19, 2019, @ 7 p.m. ~ Doors Open: 6 p.m.

From its formation in 2003, Ernie Haase has built Signature Sound into one of the most popular and beloved quartets in all of Southern Gospel music. The group has traveled all over the world, offering energy, excitement and encouragement through its powerful brand of gospel music. EHSS continues to gain fans all around the globe with its unique performances and unmistakable four-part harmonies. EHSS is one of the most celebrated quartets in Southern Gospel History mentioned with the same “trailblazing” reverence as groups like The Statesmen Quartet and The Cathedral Quartet.

EHSS has sung and sold to millions worldwide, a feat that has not been accomplished by any other Southern Gospel quartet. From concerts in Latvia and India to South Africa and New Zealand, events all around North America, TV appearances on ESPN with NASCAR, multiple NBA appearances singing our National Anthem, and even a specialty tour of historic American theaters in support of the EHSS Broadway project featuring Les Misérables legend J. Mark McVey, Signature Sound is a world-renowned quartet that spans a wide variety of genres and cultures.

As group founder, Haase is a creative, hard-working tenor whose early roots with the unforgettable and legendary Southern Gospel quartet, The Cathedrals, helped begin his dream to form a powerhouse group of his own. Along with many appearances through the years on the widely regarded Gaither Homecoming Tour, his goal was soon accomplished and then some…as EHSS quickly gained an international platform in gospel music.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is both GRAMMY(R)-nominated and GMA Dove Award-winning, a radio favorite in the United States and internationally, and a leader in CD sales and long-form music video sales–with several RIAA(R)-certified Gold(R) and Platinum(R) DVDs.

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Granville Crime Stoppers

Granville Co. Crime Stoppers Needs Public’s Help With Dec. Thefts

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-Information courtesy Granville County Crime Stoppers

Sometime between Sunday, December 16 and Wednesday, December 19, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon the private property of a business located off NC Highway 56 East, Creedmoor, NC and criminally vandalized gas tanks of two U-Haul trucks.

Sometime between Wednesday, December 12 and Thursday, December 13, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Brassfield Road, Creedmoor, NC and criminally removed a Ruger Mini 14 ranch .223 caliber gun with walnut stock and a Vortex Viper scope mounted on same.

Sometime between Saturday, December 8 and Friday, December 28, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Dove Road, Creedmoor, NC and criminally removed a .25 caliber Royal gun silver in color.

Sometime between Sunday, December 23 and Monday, December 24, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon State-owned property off Will Suitt Road and Highway 15 South and criminally removed two rims and two tires from a mechanically disabled 1994 Mazda B-Series pick-up truck, white in color.

Sometime between Sunday, December 30 and Monday, December 31, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Will Suitt Road, Franklinton, NC and criminally removed a 33000 PSI Simpson pressure washer with a Kohler motor.

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 $1,000.00 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.

Grant Cycle Begins for Granville County Tourism Development

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-Press Release, County of Granville

The Granville County Tourism Development Authority (GCTDA) is now accepting applications for the upcoming fiscal year. The 2019-2020 grant application period runs from Jan. 1, 2019 through April 1, 2020.

The primary purpose of the Granville Tourism Development Authority (GTDA) Mini-Grant Program is to stimulate and assist Granville County organizations and agencies in the enhancement, promotion and marketing of tourism and culturally-related events that create a known economic impact from visitor spending. This program is designed to establish activities and events which can eventually grow and thrive without direct funding from this grant program. Funding from the GTDA Mini-Grant should be considered as a supplemental resource only.

Primary consideration will be given to projects/programs with demonstrated/defined potential for positive economic impact to projects that promote travel and the GTDA’s mission of promoting the area as a destination and increase occupancy rates in Granville County through day and weekend visits.  Events planned for off-peak times may receive higher priority and first consideration by the GTDA.

Applicants eligible for grant funding must be a Granville County-based community group, non-profit organization, county municipalities or recognized community within the county lines. For-profit groups cannot apply for grant funds unless the event’s proceeds will go to a community supported event (i.e. fundraiser).

Total funding of any event, project, or program will not be greater than 25 percent of the total project budget and will not exceed $5,000. Included with the request may be a one-time artist/entertainment allowance up to $1,000. If this allowance is granted, the GTDA expects the artist/entertainment source to publicize the event and to include the Tourism Development Authority in all advertisements.

Applications are available through https://www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/or through the Granville County Tourism Development office in Oxford. All applications should be submitted by email to angela.allen@granvillecounty.org, or in person/by mail to the Granville County Tourism Development office (124 Hillsboro Street, P.O. Box 820, Oxford NC, 27565) by April 1, 2019, at 5 p.m. The Tourism office is located inside the Granville Chamber of Commerce office in Downtown Oxford.

Grant information sessions will be held throughout the cycle. Visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/ or contact the Granville County Tourism Office at 919-693-5125 for more details about these sessions.

To learn more about this grant, contact Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen by phone at 919-693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

Granville County Library System

Granville County Library System Kicks Off New Year

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-Press Release, Granville County Library System

The Granville County Library System has plans to start off the new year with many new programs, services and events as several popular offerings continue.

Starting Jan. 10, a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) program will be offered at the Richard H. Thornton Library on Thursday afternoons. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to participate in this weekly session, which will be held at 4 p.m. To learn more, contact Children’s Librarian Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121, ext. 212.

Every other Thursday from 6 until 8 p.m, “Game Night” is held at the Thornton branch. These fun-filled evenings, which include board games, cards and other friendly competitions, were introduced on Dec. 27, with the next “game night” scheduled for Jan. 10.

Computer workshops also continue at the Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch. An introduction to computers is included, as well as email set-up and information on social media platforms. Sessions are conducted at the South Branch in Creedmoor every Wednesday from 2 until 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 until 11 a.m. at the Richard H. Thornton branch. Contact Adult Services Librarian Ashley Wilson at 919-693-1121, ext. 203 for details.

On Sunday, Jan. 13, a book signing by author Bill Massey will be held at the Richard H. Thornton Library. Massey’s new book, “I Learned More Than Them” will be discussed as the author describes his experiences as a middle school teacher in the Granville County Public School system. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to teachers to fund field trips for their students.

On Jan. 15 at 11 a.m., library patrons can enjoy a “potluck lunch” at the Thornton Library in Oxford. Bring a plate, silverware and a dish to share as “Lunch with the Librarians” is served, along with an opportunity to find out more about what is available at the local public library.

“Pop Up” libraries are offered every Wednesday at the Granville County Senior Center. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Granville County Library brings movies, books and audio books to the Center, which is located at 107 Lanier Street in Oxford.

Storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers continue at several library branches. The Stovall library has story time on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and children can enjoy stories at the Berea site on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. The Children’s Library at the Thornton branch in Oxford hosts story time at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. January themes include “Hats for Everyone” on Jan. 9; “Nursery Rhymes” on Jan. 16; “Snowmen” on Jan. 23 and “ABC, 1-2-3” on Jan. 30.

At the South Branch in Creedmoor, a “Teen Book Club” meets at 3:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Teens can come talk about what they are currently reading, swap recommendations with friends and enjoy snacks. An “arts and crafts” time is also offered for teens every third Monday of the month at the South Branch. Call 919-528-1752 for details.

Meetings of the LEGO Club will continue in the new year for any interested participants. The club meets at the South Branch in Creedmoor on the second and fourth Monday of each month and at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meeting are held at 3:30 p.m. at both locations.

There are four branches of the Granville County Library System, with sites in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea. To find out more about what the library closest to you has to offer, visit the new website recently launched by the library system at https://granville.lib.nc.us/.

Main Street Kitchen in Warrenton to Hold Open House – Thurs. Jan 10

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-Information courtesy the Warren County Cooperative Extension Center

Main Street Kitchen Open House

Working Landscapes is hosting an open house for community members who are interested in using the Main Street Kitchen, a shared-use commercial kitchen available to be rented by the hour, to jump-start their food business.

The open house will consist of a tour, a brief overview of the capabilities of the kitchen and an opportunity for community members to ask Working Landscapes staff members questions about becoming a shared-user.

The Main Street Kitchen Open House will take place on Thursday, January 10 from 3 – 6 p.m. at 108 S. Main Street in Warrenton, NC. Coffee and water will be provided. We hope to see you there!

(This is not a paid advertisement)

News 01/09/19

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Vance County Logo

Vance County Fire Dept. to Operate As Is Pending Further Board Discussion

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After much discussion at Monday night’s Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting, the general consensus was that even more discussion is needed before moving ahead with fire redistricting plans.

The Board voted to table a decision on redistricting plans pending a work session for further discussion that would be open to the public. A date and time for the session will be announced once confirmed.

The proposed plan, as presented by the Fire Commission, included, in part, converting the Vance County Fire Department into a volunteer department with some paid personnel and designating the Golden Belt Fire District it serves as a volunteer district.

Much of the discussion from the dozen or so people who spoke during the public hearing portion of the meeting focused on the plans for the Vance County Fire Department.

Hartwell Wright and John Bunch, the first two public speakers, expressed opposition to the plan as proposed. Wright questioned the necessity of changes needed to a department that he believes is working as is and Bunch, while conceding that there are good points to the plan, urged for further consideration and study.

Concerned citizens Phyllis Stainback, Tim Jenks and Bill Edwards also spoke against the plan.

John Watkins and Bryan Yount spoke next in support of the redistricting as proposed and said what mattered to them was the reduced response time offered by the plan. Yount further elaborated that the proposal was fair and would spread ISO – insurance ratings – more equally throughout the county. The details of how ISO ratings would be affected if proposed changes were made is unclear at this point.

Deborah Brown, former commissioner and school board member, spoke in favor of the proposal and stated that the plan could be implemented in phases to allow for an adjustment period.

The Vance County Fire Department was represented by Mark Pitzing, Brian Williams and Chief Chris Wright who spoke against the proposal stating that the change to a volunteer department would be a step backward and would negatively affect the current guaranteed response time.

A concern with the national trend of decreased volunteerism in a time when call volumes are increasing was also expressed.

Wright, fire chief of Vance County since 2015, told the commissioners that the Golden Belt Fire District requires a 24-hour service and should not be compared with volunteer districts.

Wright stated that the Golden Belt’s service area includes 123 businesses and the larger of the Vance County schools, including Vance County Middle School and Vance County High School, making the district unique in their needs.

County Manager Jordan McMillen agreed that the current proposal works from a financial standpoint but does not address a number of details and concerns.

Chief among the concerns, according to McMillen, is the need for 24/7 coverage in the Golden Belt; the instability of a system that could fail to function if all positions are not filled at all times; the fact that the Vance County Fire Department acts as a backstop for all other departments; and the uncertainty of what happens to the fire chief position under the proposed plan.

McMillen said the most current fire study, completed in 2008, called for increased funding and part-time help, measures that have already been put in place to some extent. However, McMillen said moving forward with more cost-saving measures in the future may be accomplished in ways other than splitting up the Vance County Fire Department.

In concern of the age of the previous fire study, Commissioner Tommy Hester proposed that an updated, independent study be conducted. Commissioner Leo Kelly seconded the motion. With a vote of 4 against and 3 in favor, the proposal did not pass.

The next step for the Board will be to discuss the fire redistricting plan in an upcoming work session open to the public for observation but not for commenting.

Board Chair Archie Taylor declared that the Vance County Fire Department and Golden Belt Fire District will operate as is pending the outcome of the work session.

Sheriff Curtis Brame Visits New Hope Elementary School

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-Information courtesy New Hope Elementary School’s “The Cat’s Meow” Newsletter

Sheriff Curtis Brame recently visited New Hope Elementary School as part of his efforts to connect with all citizens of Vance County through rapport building.

During his visit, Brame made honorary deputies out of students, passed out high-fives, encouraged students to do well in school and be aware of their surroundings, described his own experiences as a youth and met with school staff and parents.

Sheriff Curtis Brame “high-fives” students for giving correct answers at New Hope Elementary School. (Photo Credit: Dr. Harold Thompson)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheriff Curtis Brame met Commissioner Carolyn Faines serving on duty in the New Hope Elementary School Cafeteria. (Photo Credit: Dr. Harold Thompson)

Vance County NC

Open Burn Ordinance Unanimously Adopted by Vance Co. Commissioners

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted an open burn ordinance as presented by County Fire Marshal Keith Duncan at their Monday night meeting.

The purpose of this ordinance is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the County by regulating the air pollution and fire hazards associated with open and outdoor burnings.

This ordinance applies to all outdoor burning and open burning within the County, except as otherwise specifically provided. This ordinance does not apply to the following:

  • Outdoor grilling or cooking food using charcoal, clean wood, propane or natural gas in cooking or grilling appliances;
  • Burning for the purpose of generating heat in a stove, furnace, fireplace or other heating devices within a building used for human or animal habitation;
  • The use of propane, acetylene, natural gas, gasoline, or kerosene in a device intended for heating construction or maintenance activities;
  • Burning pursuant to or in accordance with a validly issued burning permit from a federal or state department or entity.

According to the ordinance, open burning of grass clippings, leaves, logs, brush, and stumps is allowed in the county in accordance with all of the following provisions so long as materials originate from the lot in which they are burned:

  • Bonfires require a written permit to be issued by the Fire Marshal in accordance with the NC Fire Code and must be obtained prior to open burning under this section.
  • Campfires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.
  • Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
  • The location for allowed open burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.

Exceptions to this include the following:

  1. Fires in approved containers shall not be less than 15 feet from a structure.
  2. Fires with a pile size of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height shall not be less than 25 feet from a structure.
  • Safety – All allowed open burnings shall be conducted in a safe, nuisance-free manner when wind and weather conditions minimize adverse effects and do not create a health hazard or visibility hazard on roadways, railroads, or airfields. Open burning shall be conducted in accordance with all local and state fire protection regulations.
  • Supervision – All allowed open burnings shall be constantly attended and supervised by at least one (1) competent person of at least eighteen (18) years of age until the fire is extinguished. The competent person shall have readily available for use such fire extinguishing materials or equipment as may be necessary for the total control and extinguishing of the fire.
  • Burn Ban – Except for barbecue, gas, and charcoal grills, no open burning shall be undertaken when the State has issued a burning ban for Vance County.

A person utilizing or maintaining an outdoor fire will be responsible for all fire suppression costs and any other liability from damage caused by the fire.

The Fire Marshal or his designee, or the Sheriff or his designee, are authorized to enforce this ordinance, inspect any property for the purpose of ascertaining compliance with the provisions of this ordinance and order fires in violation of this ordinance to be extinguished.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance may be fined by a penalty or combination of penalties according to the severity of the offense.

The first violation shall result in a warning citation for a probation period of one year. The violator will be educated on the ordinance and given proper education materials for reference.

The second violation within a consecutive 12-month period shall result in a fine of $50.

The third violation, or any violation subsequent to the third violation, within a consecutive 12-month period, shall result in a mandatory fine of $500.