Tag Archive for: #granvillecountygovt

Winter Weather

It’s Winter Weather Preparedness Week: Are You Ready?

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-Press Release, Granville County Government 

In North Carolina, Dec. 6 through Dec. 12 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week. Granville County Emergency Services urges all residents to plan now before potentially dangerous winter weather arrives:

Be ready for winter weather by:

  • Keeping at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food in your home;
  • Dressing warmly, wearing multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing;
  • Keeping fresh batteries on hand for weather radios and flashlights;
  • Storing an emergency kit in your vehicle which includes an ice scraper, jumper cables, a tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, a flashlight, a first aid kit and a road map, as well as masks and hand sanitizer to combat COVID-19;
  • Keeping alternative heating sources and fire extinguishers on hand and knowing how to use them;
  • Properly venting kerosene heaters and keeping electric generators outside and away from open window or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning;
  • Using a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio to monitor changing weather conditions.

If you must travel during severe winter weather conditions:

  • Be sure to leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles;
  • Reduce your speed, if driving along snow or ice-covered roadways;
  • Pull off the highway, if conditions worsen, and remain in your vehicle. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you can take shelter, if needed;

Don’t forget to include pets in your emergency plans. To keep animals safe during winter weather:

  • Make an emergency supply kit for your pet that includes medical records, a first aid kit, enough canned/dry food and water for three to seven days, a pet travel bag or carrier;
  • Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time;
  • Ensure your pet has a well-fitting collar;
  • Bring pets inside when temperatures drop below freezing;
  • Move livestock and other animals to a shelter location with food and water.

Granville County Emergency Services reminds all residents to be prepared for inclement weather throughout the year, and to stay informed about the hazards where they live.

For information about enrolling in CodeRED, Granville County’s free emergency notification system, please visit www.granvillecounty.org or call Granville County Emergency Services at (919) 603-1310. For more information on how to prepare for winter storms, visit www.readync.org.

Granville Fall Clean Out

‘Fall Clean Out’ Results in More Than 26 Tons of Materials Collected

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County’s annual “Fall Clean Out,” held on Nov. 21, 2020, resulted in the collection of more than 26 tons of materials for recycling and proper disposal. According to Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator Teresa Baker, this year’s drive-through event was the most successful yet, with some vendors at full capacity before the end of the collection day.

The following totals have been reported:

  • Oil-based paints for fuel blend – 15,120 pounds
  • Aerosols for fuel blend or incineration – 700 pounds
  • Assorted household chemicals for incineration – 5,455 pounds
  • Latex-based paint for secure landfill – 11,000 pounds
  • Fluorescent lamps for recycle – 265 pounds (377 each)
  • Gasoline/water mixture – 200 pounds
  • Mercury switches – 10 pounds
  • Scrap metal – 5,380 pounds
  • Electronics -5,109 pounds
  • Batteries – 259 pounds
  • Pesticides – 685 pounds
  • Medicines and sharps – 175 pounds
  • Ammunition – 30 pounds
  • Paper for shredding – 7,800 pounds

In addition, the Granville County Humane Society collected crates, carriers, blankets, flea shampoo, dog/cat food, pet toys and cash donations.

The “Fall Clean Out” is one of two annual collection events held at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. The spring event is typically held in May.

For more information about recycling and hazardous waste collection in Granville County, please contact Baker at (919) 725-1417 or at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Granville Fall Clean Out

Reminder: Granville’s Drive-Through ‘Fall Clean Out’ Disposal Event This Weekend

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

On November 21, 2020, residents of Granville County can bring recyclable and hazardous household items to the Expo and Convention Center in Oxford as the annual “Fall Clean Out” is held from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Due to statewide health requirements, this year’s event will be a drive-through, with assistance provided at each designated station.

On-site to collect items for recycling and safe disposal will be the following vendors:

  • Veolia – will be collecting paint, paint-related materials, household cleaners, old gasoline, drain cleaners, fluorescent light tubes and other hazardous household materials;
  • N.C. Department of Agriculture – will be accepting pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, weed killers, etc.;
  • Shred Ace – will be providing on-site document shredding;
  • Interstate Batteries – will be collecting car batteries, motorcycle/boat batteries, lithium/lithium-ion batteries, hearing aid and watch batteries, etc.; and
  • Granville County Sheriff’s Office – will be collecting medications, inhalers, sharps, diabetic supplies, ammunition, flares and fireworks.

In addition, scrap metal such as junk lawnmowers, broken appliances, bicycles and metal furniture will be accepted, as well as electronics (computers, televisions, laptops, printers, etc.) for recycling.

The Granville County Humane Society will also be on-site to accept donations of pet supplies, dog and cat food, leashes, collars, crates, pet beds, kitty litter and towels.

Last year’s event resulted in the collection of 6,200 pounds of paint, more than 700 pounds of pesticides/fungicides/herbicides, 3,100 pounds of electronics, 3,000 pounds of scrap metal, 5,000 pounds of shredded paper, 2,900 pounds of household chemicals and many more household items.

“We appreciate everyone’s efforts in keeping these harmful items out of the community and the environment,” said Teresa Baker, Granville County Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator.

For more details, contact Baker at (919) 725-1417 or at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Granville County Logo

Register of Deeds Provides Veterans with Free Discount Cards

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Register of Deeds continues to provide veterans with a FREE service through the “Thank A Vet” program. Initiated last year, the program provides a photo ID card that can be used for discounts at participating businesses and organizations in Granville County. This service is available to all veterans who register, or have already registered, their DD-214 form.

To register, veterans should bring a valid, state-issued driver’s license or identification card, such as their military ID, and an original DD-14 form.

If the DD-14 form has already been registered with the Granville County Register of Deeds office, record verification will be provided prior to issuing the “Thank A Vet” photo identification card.

Businesses and organizations offering discounts with this identification card include Air Works Heating and Air, Art and Antique Gallery of Oxford, Black’s Tire Service, Butner Car Care Service, Comfort Inn and Suites, Georges of Oxford, Granville Family Dentistry, Granville Little Theater, Mark Bostic (DDS), Mazatlan of Oxford, NAPA Auto Parts, Next Level Fitness of Butner, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Oxford Car and Truck, Oxford Veterinary Hospital, Peace Point Guest House and Retreat, Premier Eye Institute, Professional Pharmacy, S.T. Owen Electric, Select Heating and Air Conditioning, Southern States of Oxford and Creedmoor, The Hub on Main, This ‘n That, Tobacco Wood Brewing, Verizon Wireless and Whitco Termite and Pest Control.

In addition, there are discounts on rental services at Lake Rogers in Creedmoor, Granville Athletic Park and the Granville County Expo and Convention Center.

The Granville County Register of Deeds office is located at 101 Main Street in Oxford, inside the Courthouse building, and is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Kathy Taylor, Granville County Register of Deeds, at kathyadcock@granvillecounty.org or at (919) 693-6314.

Granville County Logo

Social Services Observes Adoption Awareness Month

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

During the month of November, the Granville County Department of Social Services joins in the observance of Adoption Awareness Month, a time to celebrate adoption and to help children find permanent homes. The 2020 theme for National Adoption Month is “Engage Youth: Listen and Learn.”

Each year, more than 400,000 children and youth are in foster care, with 100,000+ waiting for adoption. Many are at risk of aging out of the foster care system without permanent family connections or are children with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.

According to information shared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

  • The average age of children in foster care is 8.5;
  • Almost 200,000 children in foster care in 2019 had been placed with a non-relative;
  • Neglect is the number one circumstance for children being removed from the home (63 percent);
  • Nearly 18,000 youth age out of foster care before being adopted; and
  • Five percent of children and youth waiting for adoption spend five or more years waiting for a family.

The Granville County Department of Social Services can help those interested in adoption to navigate through the process of providing a permanent home for a child in foster care. Homeownership is not required, and adoptive parents can be married, single, divorced or widowed. The cost of adopting a foster child with special needs will be provided by the child’s agency.

For more details, contact Laverne Smith, Adoption Specialist for Granville County’s Department of Social Services, at (919) 603-3348 or at laverne.smith@granvillecounty.org.

Jimmy Gooch Sworn In

Gooch Sworn In as District 7 Granville County Commissioner

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Jimmy Gooch of Butner was sworn in as a Granville County Commissioner on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. Appointed to the Board of Commissioners at their October 19 meeting, Gooch will represent District 7.

The swearing-in ceremony was officiated by Board Chair David T. Smith at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. Holding the Bible for the oath was Vickie Smoak, wife of former Comm. Edgar Smoak, who passed away on September 11.

Jimmy Gooch of Butner was sworn in as County Commissioner on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

After the ceremony, Wendy Gooch, wife of the newly-sworn-in Commissioner, placed the lapel pin on her husband’s jacket.

As a representative of Granville County Government and the Board, Gooch has been assigned to the following committees:

  • Audit Review Committee
  • Board of Equalization and Review
  • Opioid Advisory Committee
  • Public Safety Liaison
  • Soil and Water Board Liaison
  • Transportation Plan Work Group
  • Water/Sewer Matters Liaison

Born and raised in the Wilton community of Granville County, Gooch is a graduate of South Granville High School and has extensive experience in water management. He is retired from the City of Durham.

Gooch previously served on the Butner Town Council, having been elected in 2017. In that role, he served as the Town’s representative to the Granville County Animal Control Advisory Committee and the Granville Greenways Advisory Council, as well as serving as a member of the Camp Butner Society and Chairman of the South Granville Water and Sewer Authority Board.

Grassy Creek Picnic Shelter

Grassy Creek Community Center Dedicates New Picnic Shelter

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-Press Release and photos, Granville County Government

A new picnic shelter was dedicated at the Grassy Creek Community Center on Saturday, October 24, 2020. The new structure was made possible through grant funding provided by the Granville County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Advisory Committee, and was approved by Granville County’s Board of Commissioners for the 2019/2020 fiscal year.

Granville County’s Parks, Greenways and Recreation programming funds are used to develop and support active and passive recreation and leisure activities for the County’s residents. The objective is to make these activities available to as many residents as possible, seeking to serve all age groups.

The new picnic shelter at the Grassy Creek Community Center was made possible through grant funding by the Granville County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Advisory Committee and was approved by the Granville County Board of Commissioners.

Additional mini-grants had been awarded to the City of Creedmoor, the City of Oxford, the Town of Butner, the Town of Stovall, the Town of Stem, Granville County Senior Services, the Granville County Chamber of Commerce, the Toler Reach Out Club and Hopping Frogs Forest School during the same grant cycle.

The Parks, Greenways and Recreation Advisory Committee includes 11 voting members, one from each County district and four at-large members. District representatives appointed by the Board of Commissioners include Allen Nelson (District 1), Reginald Tyrone Harris (District 2), Glenda Williams (District 3), Betty Lou Davis (District 4), Joshua Averette (District 5), Ivan Washburn (District 6), and Michael McFadden (District 7). Serving as at-large members are Mara Shelton, Marilyn Howard, Richard Rote and Ginnie Currin.

The new picnic shelter at Grassy Creek’s Community Center joins the addition of playground equipment on-site, funded and installed during the 2018/2019 grant cycle.

“The new picnic shelter, along with the playground, walking track and grassy areas at the Grassy Creek Community Center, provides a great venue for community and family gatherings,” said Justin Jorgensen, Granville County’s Senior Transportation Planner and Committee Advisor.

The Grassy Creek Community Center is located at 9121 Grassy Creek Road in Bullock.

Due to COVID-19, the grant application process was suspended for the 2020/2021 budget year. Applications will be made available on opening day of the next grant cycle. For more information about the Parks, Greenways and Recreation Advisory Committee, please contact Jorgensen at (919) 603-1332 or at Justin.jorgensen@granvillecounty.org.

Pictured at Saturday’s ribbon-cutting for the Grassy Creek picnic shelter are Justin Jorgensen, James Currin, Peggy Currin, David Smith, Travis Loftis, Pratt Winston, Ida Keeton, Sue Hinman, Ray Keeton and Zelodis Jay.

Justin Jorgensen, David Smith, Susan Hiscocks, Amy Sizemore, Francis Winston, Scott Loftis, Jr, Taylor Hiscocks, Scott Loftis, Rebecca Sizemore, Dylan Cash, Sue Hinman, Glenda Williams, Zelodis Jay, Easton Long, Michael Sizemore, Jeb Rector and Madalynn Long participated in the ribbon cutting for the playground equipment at the Grassy Creek Community Center.

Granville Fall Clean Out

Mark Your Calendar for Granville’s ‘Fall Clean Out’ Disposal Event

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

On November 21, 2020, residents of Granville County can bring recyclable and hazardous household items to the Expo and Convention Center in Oxford as the annual “Fall Clean Out” is held from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Due to statewide health requirements, this year’s event will be a drive-through, with assistance provided at each designated station.

On-site to collect items for recycling and safe disposal will be the following vendors:

  • Veolia – will be collecting paint, paint-related materials, household cleaners, old gasoline, drain cleaners, fluorescent light tubes and other hazardous household materials;
  • N.C. Department of Agriculture – will be accepting pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, weed killers, etc.;
  • Shred Ace – will be providing on-site document shredding;
  • Interstate Batteries – will be collecting car batteries, motorcycle/boat batteries, lithium/lithium-ion batteries, hearing aid and watch batteries, etc.; and
  • Granville County Sheriff’s Office – will be collecting medications, inhalers, sharps, diabetic supplies, ammunition, flares and fireworks.

In addition, scrap metal such as junk lawnmowers, broken appliances, bicycles and metal furniture will be accepted, as well as electronics (computers, televisions, laptops, printers, etc.) for recycling.

The Granville County Humane Society will also be on-site to accept donations of pet supplies, dog and cat food, leashes, collars, crates, pet beds, kitty litter and towels.

Last year’s event resulted in the collection of 6,200 pounds of paint, more than 700 pounds of pesticides/fungicides/herbicides, 3,100 pounds of electronics, 3,000 pounds of scrap metal, 5,000 pounds of shredded paper, 2,900 pounds of household chemicals and many more household items.

“We appreciate everyone’s efforts in keeping these harmful items out of the community and the environment,” said Teresa Baker, Granville County Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator.

For more details, contact Baker at (919) 725-1417 or at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Granville One-Stop Early Voting

Granville County Early Voting Dates, Times, Locations

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Early voting begins Thursday, October 15 and ends Saturday, October 31, 2020.

Granville County Early Voting sites include:

  • Oxford Public Works Meeting Room (in lieu of Board of Elections) – 127 Penn Ave., Oxford
  • South Branch Library Multipurpose Room – 1550 South Campus Drive, Creedmoor
  • Tar River Elementary School Gymnasium – 2642 Philo White Road, Franklinton

Early voting will not be held at the Richard H. Thornton Library this year.

One-Stop Early Voting Schedule for the November 3, 2020 General Election

  • Thursday, October 15, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 16, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 17, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Monday, October 19, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 20, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 21, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 22, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 23, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 24, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Monday, October 26, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 27, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 30, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 31, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Granville ISO Ratings

Granville Fire Departments Report Improved Inspection Ratings

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County volunteer fire departments have been working for the past several months to complete requirements for lower insurance rates for local residents and businesses.

At the October 5 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Emergency Services Director Jason Reavis provided details of the training, equipment, maintenance, staffing levels, water supply, inspections and communications that were evaluated during recent inspections by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

Ratings were released by N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey in a September 23 presentation at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center.

N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is pictured with chiefs of Granville County volunteer fire departments during a Sept. 23 presentation. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

The Insurance Services Office rates fire departments on a scale from 1 to 10 to determine how well-protected a community is by the district’s fire department, with 1 being the highest score. These ratings, which stay in effect for a five-year period, are provided to homeowners insurance companies to determine insurance premiums in fire districts across the state.

The assessment takes into consideration the readiness of the fire department itself, available water sources for water protection, and communication capabilities. Since communities with well-prepared and well-equipped fire departments are at less risk of extensive property damage, low ISO scores can result in lower insurance rates for homes and businesses.

“These new ratings may result in thousands of dollars in savings on Granville County insurance premiums to Granville County homeowners and businesses,” Causey said during his presentation.

Granville County’s volunteer firefighters have been preparing for the recent ISO assessments for over a year, culminating in drills that took place during the summer.

In June, volunteer fire departments in Antioch, Berea, Brassfield, Bullock, Corinth, Cornwall, Providence, Stem and Stovall, as well as Granville Rural Fire Department, began training with a timed tanker shuttle, using both a static water source (pond) and a pressurized water source (fire hydrant). Approximately 29 tankers and fire trucks from across the county and from neighboring vicinities participated, with inspectors from the North Carolina Fire Marshal’s Office conducting the drills.

Inspections followed at each fire department, with scene set-ups and all paperwork completed in mid-July.

“Most of our fire departments are staffed by volunteers,” said Granville County Fire Marshal Ken Reeves. “These dedicated firefighters have worked day and night – between their full-time jobs and their volunteer service –  in an attempt to get  insurance scores lowered in their communities. The result of their hard work is something we all should be proud of.”

Finals scores for each participating department are as follows:

Antioch:                   6 (previous score of 9)

Berea:                     6 (previous score of 9)

Brassfield:               6 (previous score of 9)

Bullock:                   5 (previous score of 9)

Corinth:                   5 (previous score of 9)

Cornwall:                 6 (previous score of 9)

Granville Rural:       5 (previous score of 9)

Providence:             4 (previous score of 9)

Stem:                       5 (previous score of 4 in town limits, 9 outside)

Stovall:                     5 (previous score of 9)

There are 14 fire departments in Granville County, with 10 being part of the recent ISO assessments. The Creedmoor Fire Department (also volunteer-based), as well as the City of Oxford and the Town of Butner (paid municipal departments), were not included in these inspections, but are set to be evaluated soon. The Virgilina Fire Department is rated by the State of Virginia.

During his presentation to the County Board of Commissioners, Reavis also expressed appreciation to 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Director Trent Brummitt, Byron Currin of Soil and Water Conservation, the County’s Addressing Coordinator Sandy Woody, and Fire Marshal Ken Reeves for their work during the ISO inspections.

For more information about fire departments/districts in Granville County, contact Fire Marshal Reeves by phone at (919) 603-1310 or by email at ken.reeves@granvillecounty.org.