At the beginning of their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 7, 2017, the Granville County Board of Education held a special ceremony for the official swearing in of Dr. Alisa R. McLean as Superintendent of Granville County Public Schools. On hand to observe her taking the oath of office were Dr. McLean’s family, friends and former coworkers. Her husband, Frank McLean, daughter, Amari McLean, and her parents, Dr. and Mrs. A.C. Robinson, participated in the ceremony which was presided by The Honorable Carolyn J. Thompson, District Court Judge of the 9th Judicial District.
Following a brief break in the agenda, the Board resumed its regular meeting, and covered a variety of topics related to the upcoming opening of school. During one portion of the meeting, Dr. McLean provided an update on her role thus far, sharing thoughts on how her first two and a half weeks had been, “I have met with so many wonderful people from the community, and received such a generous outpouring of support and hospitality. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to come to this district, and I truly feel like we are poised for great things. I want everyone to join me in being committed to excellence and achievement for all.”
The Board also provided copies and information about Dr. McLean’s contract, as well as information about superintendent contracts from across the state in order to provide context and comparison. Her compensation includes a base salary of $124,128, and a doctoral supplement of $3,036, both of which are paid for by the state. In addition, Dr. McLean will receive a local supplement of $30,000, for a total salary of $157,164. The only additional benefits include a retirement/annuity supplement of $19,000, contributions to state retirement of $9,430, and dental and health insurance valued at $678. Public Information Officer Stan Winborne noted that the contract was more noteworthy perhaps for what it did not contain. “This is a pretty simple contract. There are no special perks or expenses added to the base salary like you might see in other contracts across the state. The Board was rather conservative in negotiating this compensation package, and the taxpayers should be pleased with how it stacks up against other districts.”
Dr. McLean offered her perspective on the arrangement, saying, “Again, I am just so honored and excited to come to Granville County Public Schools. I chose to come here because I see great potential here. It is evident that real progress has been made in recent years. Student achievement is on the rise, and I fully intend to help lift this district up to a world-class level. I think not only can we be the best in the state, but nationally recognized as well. Excellence is my standard.”
The next regularly scheduled Board of Education will take place on Monday, September 4 at 6:00 pm.
News 08/09/17
/by LarrySignificant Closures Coming to I-85
/by WIZS StaffRALEIGH – As work to improve I-85 accelerates, several closures and detours are coming over the next week to Vance and Warren counties.
On Tuesday Night, August 8, between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, Southbound I-85 will be closed north of Oine Road. Traffic will be detoured by law enforcement to Wise Road (Exit 233), then south along U.S. 1/158 and back on to I-85.
I-85 Southbound will be closed on Wednesday August 9 near mile marker 215 from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Law enforcement will be on hand to detour motorists along Flemingtown Road and U.S. 1/158.
On Thursday, August 10, there will be a closure of I-85 Southbound near Manson Road (mile marker 233) from 9:00 PM until 6:00 AM Friday. A detour by law enforcement will guide motorists west along Ridgeway-Drewry Road, then turning left on to Manson-Drewry Road and following that back to I-85.
From 5:30 PM Thursday, August 10 to 6:00 AM Friday, August 11, crews will install girders for the I-85 Southbound bridge at Flemingtown Road. Flemingtown Road will be closed and a signed detour will be in place taking Northbound I-85 motorists along U.S. 1/158, Lee Avenue/Jacksontown Road, and Jackson-Royce Road to get to Flemingtown. Those trying to get to I-85 Northbound from Flemingtown Road should follow the reverse of that route.
Finally, Starting Monday, August 14 both the on and off ramps for I-85 Southbound at Wise Road will be closed for 60 days. Southbound I-85 motorists wishing to get to Wise Road will proceed to Ridgeway-Drewry Road (Exit 226), exit and get back on I-85 Northbound, then take Northbound off ramp at Wise Road (Exit 233). Those wishing to get on to I-85 Southbound from Wise Road will be detoured to Rooker Dairy Road heading south to Oine Road, then to US1/158 and right onto Ridgeway-Drewry Road to get back onto I-85 southbound. Drivers will be able to utilize the Oine Road ramps once they reopen in September.
These temporary closures are part of a five-year project to repair the deteriorating I-85 road surface, and repair and replace bridges to create safer conditions for travelers. All closures are weather dependent and subject to change. Motorists are still advised to use I-95, I-40, and U.S. 64 instead of I-85 when traveling between the Triangle and Richmond. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.
Home and Garden Show 08/08/17
/by CharleneTown Talk 08/08/17
/by CharleneCooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 08/08/17
/by CharleneVance County Schools Update 08/08/17
/by CharleneComputer-aided design course offered at VGCC
/by WIZS StaffVance-Granville Community College has scheduled a “CAD with Solid Edge” course, to be held Monday through Thursday, Aug. 29 through Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. until noon, on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. Grant funding from the NC TechHire program can help eligible area residents pay for this training.
Solid Edge is a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software program, produced by Siemens PLM Software, which is used in a variety of industries, including advanced manufacturing.
This course introduces students to basic three-dimensional solid modeling and design software. Topics include basic design, creation, editing, rendering and analysis of solid models, and creation of multi-view drawings. Upon completion, students should be able to use design techniques to create, edit, render and generate a multi-view drawing.
Solid Edge is a portfolio of affordable, easy-to-use software tools that address all aspects of the product development process – 3D design, simulation, manufacturing, data management and more, thanks to a growing ecosystem of apps. Solid Edge combines the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of parametric design – made possible with synchronous technology. With Solid Edge, students can learn to create and print 2D drawings from 3D solid models and send solid models to a 3D printer.
The instructor for the course is Peter M. Robinson.
Students may become certified through Siemens upon passing the credentialing exam.
The cost of this course is $187 plus the cost of the textbook and the exam.
The course is approved for funding through the NC TechHire grant that VGCC received last year as part of a consortium of four community colleges. Area residents between the ages of 17-29 may qualify for grant funding, which can pay for registration fees, course fees, and certification fees.
Registration can be completed online at www.vgcc.edu/schedules/occupational-extension-schedule. The deadline to register is Aug. 22.
For more information, contact Sara Lloyd at 252-738-3433 or lloyds@vgcc.edu.
–VGCC–
Franklin County Names Public Utilities Director
/by WIZS StaffFranklin County, August 8, 2017: Franklin County has selected Christopher Doherty to serve as Public Utilities Director effective August 21, 2017. Mr. Doherty has served as Superintendent for the South Florida Water Management District from May 2012 until March 2017. Prior to working for South Florida Water Management District, Mr. Doherty served as Public Works/Utilities Superintendent for the City of North Lauderdale where he supervised the daily operations of the Public Works Department. In addition, Mr. Doherty has several years of experience as a Public Works Director for the City of Clinton, North Carolina.
Mr. Doherty earned an Associates of Arts – Civil Engineering from Broward Community College and a Bachelor of Science, Professional Management/Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. He is certified in Florida as a Stormwater Management Inspector, holds a C Distribution certification in North Carolina as well as an OSHA 30 certification. His professional memberships include the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), SWANA Certified as MSW Collection Manager, American Water Works Association and FL Chapter, American Public Works Association and FL Chapter, Rural Water Association, National Fire Protection Association and American Society of Civil Engineers.
County Manager Angela L. Harris said, “It is with great optimism that I welcome Mr. Doherty to our team. He will play an important role as we update our Capital Improvements Plan for Public Utilities and plan for future growth. We are also thankful for the service of Mike Bailes who is currently serving as interim director.”
For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 4965994.
Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses.
Granville County Swears in New Superintendent
/by WIZS StaffAt the beginning of their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 7, 2017, the Granville County Board of Education held a special ceremony for the official swearing in of Dr. Alisa R. McLean as Superintendent of Granville County Public Schools. On hand to observe her taking the oath of office were Dr. McLean’s family, friends and former coworkers. Her husband, Frank McLean, daughter, Amari McLean, and her parents, Dr. and Mrs. A.C. Robinson, participated in the ceremony which was presided by The Honorable Carolyn J. Thompson, District Court Judge of the 9th Judicial District.
Following a brief break in the agenda, the Board resumed its regular meeting, and covered a variety of topics related to the upcoming opening of school. During one portion of the meeting, Dr. McLean provided an update on her role thus far, sharing thoughts on how her first two and a half weeks had been, “I have met with so many wonderful people from the community, and received such a generous outpouring of support and hospitality. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to come to this district, and I truly feel like we are poised for great things. I want everyone to join me in being committed to excellence and achievement for all.”
The Board also provided copies and information about Dr. McLean’s contract, as well as information about superintendent contracts from across the state in order to provide context and comparison. Her compensation includes a base salary of $124,128, and a doctoral supplement of $3,036, both of which are paid for by the state. In addition, Dr. McLean will receive a local supplement of $30,000, for a total salary of $157,164. The only additional benefits include a retirement/annuity supplement of $19,000, contributions to state retirement of $9,430, and dental and health insurance valued at $678. Public Information Officer Stan Winborne noted that the contract was more noteworthy perhaps for what it did not contain. “This is a pretty simple contract. There are no special perks or expenses added to the base salary like you might see in other contracts across the state. The Board was rather conservative in negotiating this compensation package, and the taxpayers should be pleased with how it stacks up against other districts.”
Dr. McLean offered her perspective on the arrangement, saying, “Again, I am just so honored and excited to come to Granville County Public Schools. I chose to come here because I see great potential here. It is evident that real progress has been made in recent years. Student achievement is on the rise, and I fully intend to help lift this district up to a world-class level. I think not only can we be the best in the state, but nationally recognized as well. Excellence is my standard.”
The next regularly scheduled Board of Education will take place on Monday, September 4 at 6:00 pm.
News 08/08/17
/by Larry