-Press Release, Granville County Government
The Granville County Board of Commissioners met for its annual retreat on Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22, 2019. The session, which provided an opportunity for commissioners to hear updates on developments pertaining to the county’s five-year strategic plan, was held at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center in Oxford.
Public Health
Health Director Lisa Harrison of Granville-Vance Public Health kicked off the presentation schedule, providing an update on the condition of the building currently used by the local Health Department. Citing structural issues after 42 years of use, Harrison noted that the foundation is sinking in one corner of the facility, causing walls to crack and ceilings to be compromised. A request was made to consider a relocation from 101 Hunt Drive. Several sites are being evaluated and will be brought back to the Board for consideration.
Development Services Director Scott Phillips provides information about capital improvements at the annual County Commissioners’ Retreat. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)
Planning/Inspections and Transportation
Planning Director Barry Baker and Development Services Director Scott Phillips provided information relating to current and future planning activities. Baker noted in his presentation that total zoning permits had seen a steady increase since 2014, with most permits for single-family dwellings in 2018 being issued for the Brassfield Township. Almost 400 new lots – to be located in planned subdivisions in Butner and Creedmoor – were approved in 2018 and more are expected to be approved in 2019, it was reported. As the East End Connector nears completion – which will connect I-40 to the Raleigh-Durham Airport – this growth is expected to continue.
Transportation Planner Justin Jorgensen reported that projects pertaining to the NC 56 and NC 50 Corridors are also planned in the summer of 2019 and in 2020, and that sidewalk and greenway projects are underway in all municipalities.
Commercial construction has also risen drastically since 2014, from more than $14 million in value in 2014 to an approximately $43 million value in 2018.
Capital Improvement Projects
Exterior painting of the Granville County Courthouse has been completed, with work on the windows, cornice, soffit, bell tower and foundation stucco coming in at less than projected cost. Duct cleaning and mold abatement were also completed for the HVAC system and equipment, Phillips reported.
Site work has begun for the new Law Enforcement Center and Animal Shelter, to be located at 525 New Commerce Drive in Oxford. Stormwater infrastructure is now 60 percent complete, according to Phillips, with an estimated completion date of August 2019 for this phase of the project. Water and sewer taps have been completed and piping has been installed to the project site, with a plumbing and electrical rough-in scheduled for April. Grading continues for the new Animal Shelter. Due to weather and soil conditions, work had been temporarily delayed, but the project is still expected to be completed in April 2020. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 12, 2019, at 2 p.m.
Exterior renovation on the building located behind the Courthouse, 122 Williamsboro Street, was also discussed. In 2013, the county retained professional engineers to evaluate the roof and exterior wall system. Basic needs identified in this report included removal of the existing exterior coating – as well as the deteriorated mortar – and replacing existing window and door sealants before exterior paint could be applied. Repairs were also recommended for the exterior fire escape stairs. Funding for this restoration was projected to be around $375,000. With a plan to move the Planning/Inspections office to the current Sheriff’s Office after the new Law Enforcement Center is completed – and to relocate Child Support Services – other options will also be considered for this building.
Work at the scale house located at the Butner Convenience Site was also completed in 2018 as a new 560 square foot building was added. Building and site improvements were also recently completed on this site, Phillips noted. Work at the Granville County Landfill is also substantially complete, with a C&D closure certification being submitted to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality for review and acceptance.
Recreation
An update on the Phase III expansion of the Granville Athletic Park (GAP) and the grant funding tied to that project was discussed by Management Analyst Charla Duncan. Granville County had secured a National Parks Service Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for $250,000, which was added to the $500,000 sum already set aside towards this project. The expansion will encompass approximately 12 additional acres for planned use and for future expansion. Added to the park will be six tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, an additional picnic shelter and restrooms, a paved walking trail, an all-inclusive playground area, three horseshoes pits, nine additional disc golf targets, open green space and parking.
The design schematic has now been completed, Phillips added. Once the proposed site plan is approved, construction documents and permit applications are expected to be completed by May 2019 with construction anticipated to begin in August of this year.
A partnership with the Granville County United Way has resulted in the 2018 addition of outdoor classroom space, little free libraries, a sound garden, a butterfly garden and other amenities to the already existing acreage.
“Accessibility and safety are our goals for this project,” Duncan remarked.
The county has plans to pursue additional grant funding from the United States Tennis Association.
Zoning Amendments Continue to Make Oxford Board of Commissioners’ Agenda
/by WIZS StaffThe City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.
Agenda items include:
Chris and Amanda Welsh from FLY HNZ, new management at the Oxford Henderson Airport – update on the plans for the airport.
Public Hearing to receive citizen input on amending the zoning ordinance to include the definition of a craft distillery and amending the table of permitted uses to allow a craft distillery in the B-1 zoning district.
Public Hearing to receive citizen input on a rezoning request from Eddie Caudle to rezone 8 acres of land from R–A to B–2.
Consider rewarding the 2019 Concessionaire Contract for Oxford Park Athletic Complex to Farmer John’s Ice Cream, Robert Glover.
Consider Accepting Certificate of Sufficiency for Petition of Voluntary, Contiguous, Annexation for 3 + acres of land adjacent to the Hardees property located on Industry Drive and consider adopting a resolution calling for an annexation public hearing to be held in conjunction with the April 9, Regular Session if the Board desires to move forward with annexation.
Consider appointing George Summers to the Planning Board.
Consider adopting a Resolution for 2017 Local Water Supply Plan.
Consider approving a Budget Amendment for WWTP Headworks Repairs.
Please click here for the full agenda for the City of Oxford Board of Commissioners’ March 12, 2019, meeting.
Franklin Co. Detention Center Inmate Found Deceased
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
On March 7, 2019, at approximately 5:30 a.m. while conducting inmate checks for the detention center cells at the Franklin County Detention Center, a male inmate, age 32, was discovered deceased. There were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity.
Per standard procedure, the State Bureau of Investigation was requested by this agency to investigate the death.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated that “the Sheriff’s Office is saddened at the loss of life and extends their condolences to the individual’s family.”
Town Talk 03/08/19
/by LarryNews 03/08/19
/by LarryVance Co. Regional Farmers Market to Reopen in Late April, New Vendors Welcome
/by Kelly BondurantPaul McKenzie, agricultural extension agent for Vance and Warren County Cooperative Extension, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the opening of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market in late April.
According to McKenzie, the VCRFM, located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, will kick off the season by opening on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additional Wednesday hours will be added in late May.
McKenzie said this standard opening date coincides with the time “produce starts coming in and folks are getting the bug for spring planting.”
Early in the growing season, McKenzie said fresh produce – greens, peas, potatoes and onions – as well as flowering plants are plentiful.
In addition to produce and plants, the market includes vendors selling handmade, high-quality crafts, homemade baked goods, and locally produced pork, sausage and beef.
Locally produced fresh eggs are also a fan-favorite. “There’s just a difference in the taste and in the texture,” said McKenzie. “It’s hard to turn back once you’ve gone the fresh eggs route.”
When visitors first come to the market, they should expect to be greeted by Tracy Madigan, manager for the VCRFM. “When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by our friendly and outgoing market manager,” McKenzie said. “Tracy will greet you with a smile and help you find the products that you are looking for.”
McKenzie said this friendliness extends to the rest of the market experience as people interact with each other and build a sense of community.
“Our customers enjoy speaking to the vendors and getting to know the farmers. There’s a saying ‘know your farmer, know your food.’”
The freshness of the food sold at the market can’t be beaten, according to McKenzie. “You’re getting something that was picked the previous afternoon and brought to you as fresh as possible. You can find quality products at the grocery store, but it’s probably been on a truck for a couple of days, and potentially much longer. You can’t beat the freshness, and freshness equals flavor.”
Supporting local people and the local economy is also a benefit of shopping at the market. “When you buy here, you are supporting mom-and-pop enterprises, you are supporting someone who is trying to add something to the local community,” said McKenzie.
The VCRFM is currently accepting new vendors. Types of acceptable products include local handmade crafts, produce, plants, farm products and homemade baked goods with proper certification.
The market offers vendors electricity, convenient outlets and ceiling fans inside a comfortable, covered environment.
There is an application process and a $30 application fee for interested vendors. Each day the vendor participates in the market also requires a $10 fee.
For more information about the VCRFM, please contact either Tracy Madigan at tmadigan@vancecounty.org or (252) 598-0814 or Paul McKenzie at paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or (252) 438-8188. You may also check out the VCRFM’s Facebook page by clicking here.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Paul McKenzie in its entirety, please click here.
Virginia Pair Arrested for Purse Snatching at Henderson Walmart
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Henderson Police Department
On March 6, 2019, around 3:36 p.m., officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to Walmart, 200 N. Cooper Drive, in reference to a purse snatching that had occurred. Arriving officers were able to develop the suspect’s information quickly and this information was provided with surrounding officers.
Within an hour, the suspect was located at Roses, 1245 Dabney Drive, along with a female accomplice using the victim’s credit card. Officers arrested the two Virginia residents: Rodney Eugene French, 49, and Kristina Stewart, 40.
Rodney French was charged with larceny from the person, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, and one count of attempted obtaining property by false pretenses. French received a $60,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on March 25, 2019, and no bond for a fugitive warrant from Virginia for Forgery.
Kristina Stewart was charged with felony aid and abet a larceny, and received a $10,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on March 25, 2019.
The items that were taken were returned to the victim after proper processing. Virginia authorities were notified of Rodney French’s arrest.
Rodney French was charged with larceny from the person, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, and one count of attempted obtaining property by false pretenses. French received a $60,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on March 25, 2019, and no bond for a fugitive warrant from Virginia for Forgery. (Photo courtesy HPD)
Kristina Stewart was charged with felony aid and abet a larceny, and received a $10,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on March 25, 2019. (Photo courtesy HPD)
Blockage Caused by Rags Leads to Discharge of Untreated Wastewater
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, City of Henderson
BYPASS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER
The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System discharged approximately 2,700 gallons of untreated wastewater on March 4, 2019, due to a blockage caused by rags. This occurred at the corner of Cypress Drive and Summitt Road.
North Carolina General Statutes Article 21, Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.
The city is investigating the problem at the locations noted above to address infiltration/inflow problems associated with this discharge as well as pumping capacity at the Sandy Creek Pump Station.
Questions relating to the sewer collection system should be directed to the Public Works ORC Joey Long Jr. at (252) 226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at (252) 431-6117.
Kerr-Vance Academy to Hold ‘Spartan For a Day’ Event
/by WIZS Staff-Information and flyer courtesy Frank Wiggins, Headmaster, Kerr-Vance Academy
Kerr-Vance Academy will hold a “Spartan For a Day” event for rising 7th-12th graders on March 18 & 19, 2019. Come and visit KVA, attend classes and meet teachers. See how it feels to be a Spartan! Half-day and whole-day visits are available.
Please call the school to register at (252) 492-0018. The school is located at 700 Vance Academy Road in Henderson.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
West End Community Watch to Hear from Sheriff Brame at March Meeting
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Claire Catherwood, West End Community Watch
The West End Community Watch will meet on Tuesday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of West End Baptist Church in Henderson.
The speaker will be Vance Co. Sheriff Curtis Brame. Law enforcement will be present with police reports and to hear your concerns.
All are invited to join us!
In-Review: Granville Co. Commissioners’ Annual Two-Day Retreat
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Granville County Government
The Granville County Board of Commissioners met for its annual retreat on Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22, 2019. The session, which provided an opportunity for commissioners to hear updates on developments pertaining to the county’s five-year strategic plan, was held at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center in Oxford.
Public Health
Health Director Lisa Harrison of Granville-Vance Public Health kicked off the presentation schedule, providing an update on the condition of the building currently used by the local Health Department. Citing structural issues after 42 years of use, Harrison noted that the foundation is sinking in one corner of the facility, causing walls to crack and ceilings to be compromised. A request was made to consider a relocation from 101 Hunt Drive. Several sites are being evaluated and will be brought back to the Board for consideration.
Development Services Director Scott Phillips provides information about capital improvements at the annual County Commissioners’ Retreat. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)
Planning/Inspections and Transportation
Planning Director Barry Baker and Development Services Director Scott Phillips provided information relating to current and future planning activities. Baker noted in his presentation that total zoning permits had seen a steady increase since 2014, with most permits for single-family dwellings in 2018 being issued for the Brassfield Township. Almost 400 new lots – to be located in planned subdivisions in Butner and Creedmoor – were approved in 2018 and more are expected to be approved in 2019, it was reported. As the East End Connector nears completion – which will connect I-40 to the Raleigh-Durham Airport – this growth is expected to continue.
Transportation Planner Justin Jorgensen reported that projects pertaining to the NC 56 and NC 50 Corridors are also planned in the summer of 2019 and in 2020, and that sidewalk and greenway projects are underway in all municipalities.
Commercial construction has also risen drastically since 2014, from more than $14 million in value in 2014 to an approximately $43 million value in 2018.
Capital Improvement Projects
Exterior painting of the Granville County Courthouse has been completed, with work on the windows, cornice, soffit, bell tower and foundation stucco coming in at less than projected cost. Duct cleaning and mold abatement were also completed for the HVAC system and equipment, Phillips reported.
Site work has begun for the new Law Enforcement Center and Animal Shelter, to be located at 525 New Commerce Drive in Oxford. Stormwater infrastructure is now 60 percent complete, according to Phillips, with an estimated completion date of August 2019 for this phase of the project. Water and sewer taps have been completed and piping has been installed to the project site, with a plumbing and electrical rough-in scheduled for April. Grading continues for the new Animal Shelter. Due to weather and soil conditions, work had been temporarily delayed, but the project is still expected to be completed in April 2020. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 12, 2019, at 2 p.m.
Exterior renovation on the building located behind the Courthouse, 122 Williamsboro Street, was also discussed. In 2013, the county retained professional engineers to evaluate the roof and exterior wall system. Basic needs identified in this report included removal of the existing exterior coating – as well as the deteriorated mortar – and replacing existing window and door sealants before exterior paint could be applied. Repairs were also recommended for the exterior fire escape stairs. Funding for this restoration was projected to be around $375,000. With a plan to move the Planning/Inspections office to the current Sheriff’s Office after the new Law Enforcement Center is completed – and to relocate Child Support Services – other options will also be considered for this building.
Work at the scale house located at the Butner Convenience Site was also completed in 2018 as a new 560 square foot building was added. Building and site improvements were also recently completed on this site, Phillips noted. Work at the Granville County Landfill is also substantially complete, with a C&D closure certification being submitted to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality for review and acceptance.
Recreation
An update on the Phase III expansion of the Granville Athletic Park (GAP) and the grant funding tied to that project was discussed by Management Analyst Charla Duncan. Granville County had secured a National Parks Service Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for $250,000, which was added to the $500,000 sum already set aside towards this project. The expansion will encompass approximately 12 additional acres for planned use and for future expansion. Added to the park will be six tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, an additional picnic shelter and restrooms, a paved walking trail, an all-inclusive playground area, three horseshoes pits, nine additional disc golf targets, open green space and parking.
The design schematic has now been completed, Phillips added. Once the proposed site plan is approved, construction documents and permit applications are expected to be completed by May 2019 with construction anticipated to begin in August of this year.
A partnership with the Granville County United Way has resulted in the 2018 addition of outdoor classroom space, little free libraries, a sound garden, a butterfly garden and other amenities to the already existing acreage.
“Accessibility and safety are our goals for this project,” Duncan remarked.
The county has plans to pursue additional grant funding from the United States Tennis Association.