Tag Archive for: #granvillecountygovt

Korena Weichel

Weichel Hired as Assistant County Manager

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Government announces that Korena Weichel will be joining the administrative team as Assistant County Manager.

Weichel brings 20+ years of managerial experience and 12 years of local government experience to her new role as she has most recently served as City Manager for the City of Creedmoor (beginning as Interim Manager in 2018) and Assistant City Manager (since 2013). Weichel also held the position of Administrative Services Director for the City of Creedmoor for five years, as well as having prior experience in financial reporting, human resources and marketing.

Granville County Government announces that Korena Weichel will be joining the administrative team as Assistant County Manager on August 17, 2020. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

“I have enjoyed serving the citizens of the Creedmoor community and appreciate the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated staff to accomplish many goals and initiatives over the past twelve years,” Weichel says. “I am pleased to continue working in Granville County, and I am looking forward to supporting all our municipalities at the county level.”

As Assistant County Manager, Weichel will work with the County Manager in researching policy recommendations and long-range approaches for program services implemented by the County and will serve as project manager for multi-department projects and as a liaison for interdepartmental contacts.

In addition to other duties, Weichel will assist the County Manager with the planning and development of programs, as directed by the Board of Commissioners, as well as negotiating contracts, monitoring the budget and submitting proposals and reports. 

A fall graduate of UNC Pembroke with a degree in Public and Non-Profit Administration, Weichel holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Vance-Granville Community College. She has also completed programs of governmental studies from the UNC School of Government, including Municipal and County Administration and Public Executive Leadership Academy, and presently serves on the North Carolina League of Municipalities’ (NCLM) Human Resources Advisory Committee and the N.C. City and County Manager’s Association’s (NCCCMA) Planning Committee.

Weichel is married and has one son, who also serves in local government as Finance Director for the Town of Valdese, NC (Burke County).

She begins work with Granville County Government on August 17.

Open Broadband

Granville County Continues Partnership With Open Broadband, LLC

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County residents in unserved/underserved areas continue to join the list for service and updates through Granville County Government’s broadband initiative.

Partnering with Vance and Franklin Counties through a project developed by the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, Granville County Commissioners approved a contract with Open Broadband, LLC in June of 2019. Each county is working through separate contracts that will allow high-speed, wireless internet to become more obtainable, especially in rural areas. 

Plans are now being developed for broadcast antenna locations, as well as a rollout schedule for Granville County. The entire network build will be taking place over a four-year period.

Those interested in the project should enter their name and address through the Open Broadband website (https://openbb.net) to be included on the contact list for updates and to be placed on the testing schedule. (There is no charge and no commitment to be included on this list.) 

The North Carolina-based company is currently working with 19 counties across the state to provide fixed wireless internet service to unserved/underserved communities. Monthly newsletters and project updates are being made available to those who have signed up on the waitlist.

To learn more about this ongoing project, please visit https://openbb.net or call 919-205-5400.

Census 2020

Completion of 2020 Census Encouraged Through Local Mailing Campaign

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

A local appeal from Granville County Government has been mailed out to encourage county-wide participation in the 2020 Census. As of June 9, roughly 60 percent of Granville’s population has responded. 

Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Census is used to determine how billions of dollars in federal funding is distributed. “We’d love to get as many people as we can to complete the census, and in turn hopefully see more dollars come to Granville County,” remarked Comm. Tony Cozart, who made the motion to approve this mailing at the June 1 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. 

Census results will also determine the number of seats each state has in Congress, as well as political representation at all levels of government.

The 2020 Census can be completed by mail, by phone or online in thirteen languages. This is the first year that three options have been made available for a more convenient response. Completed surveys are kept confidential and are protected by law for 72 years. 

Those responding by mail should complete and return the questionnaire received in their mailbox earlier this year, which includes a Census ID. Other options are to call 1-844-330-2020 to respond by phone (1-844-468-2020 for Spanish-speaking residents) or to visit my2020census.gov to respond online. 

Those who do not have a Census ID should visit the my2020census.gov website, click on START QUESTIONNAIRE, and click below the login where the following prompt is displayed:  “If you don’t have a Census ID, click here.” Then, simply answer the questions. 

Granville County is currently ranked in the top 20 in the statewide response report, tying with Mecklenburg and Craven Counties. As of June 9, the statewide response rate is reported at 57.1 percent.

On a more local level, the Town of Stem continues to lead Granville County’s response rates at 67.7 percent, followed by the City of Creedmoor at 60.6 percent, the Town of Butner at 57.6 percent, the City of Oxford at 57 percent and the Town of Stovall at 18.1 percent.  

Self-response surveys will be accepted through Oct. 31, with Census workers scheduled to visit non-responsive households beginning Aug. 11. Those assigned to follow up door-to-door will be trained to practice social distancing and to follow health guidelines. According to an update sent through the North Carolina State Data Center, Area Census offices in our state are now re-opening, with census workers currently in the field dropping off Update/Leave packets to households in remote and rural areas.

Appropriations for roads, schools, hospitals, emergency response and many other community needs are determined by population, which is reflected through Census data every decade. “We all know how important this is for federal and state dollars, as we’re seeing this through the COVID crisis,” reminded Granville County Board Chair David Smith. “Let’s all do our part to make Granville County count.”

The Census appeal, signed by Sandy Woody, Addressing/GIS Manager and the county’s liaison for the 2020 Census, was mailed out on June 10 and is available for viewing on the Granville County Government website at www.granvillecounty.org.

Granville Spring Shred 2020

Granville Spring Shred & Recycle Event Results Announced

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-Press Release and photos, Granville County Government

Granville County’s Spring Shred and Recycle Event, held May 16, 2020, resulted in the collection and proper disposal of truckloads of scrap metal, electronics/televisions, shredded paper, hardback books, household batteries, outdated medications and other items.

Recycle and Sustainability Coordinator Teresa Baker reports the following totals: 

* Shred Ace – 5,440 pounds of paper (2.72 tons)
* Metech Recycling – 4,725 pounds of electronics and TV’s
* RMR Recycling – 800 lbs of hardback books
* Dart Container – 1/2 enclosed trailer of polystyrene
* Granville County Sheriff’s Office – 185 pounds of medication and sharps
* Interstate Batteries – four (4) five-gallon buckets of various household batteries, four (4) lead-acid batteries, and a pallet of other batteries
* Granville County Humane Society – 1/2 truckbed full of various items
* GFL = 985 pounds of scrap metal and broken appliances

“I was very pleased with the turnout,” said Baker. “Thanks to all who participated, and to our volunteers who came out to make the day a success.”

Recycling events are held twice a year in Granville County and are scheduled in the spring and fall at the Expo and Convention Center. Details about the fall event will be announced soon.

For additional information or to learn more about local recycling efforts, please contact Baker at 919-725-1417 or at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Recycle Event - Sheriff Dept

Recycle Event - Cars

Recycle Event - Books

Recycle Event - Electronics

Stay in Your Car

Cow Tests Positive for Rabies in Granville County

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Granville County Animal Control reports a confirmed case of rabies. A cow has tested positive for the rabies virus near the intersection of Lee Yancey Road and Grassy Creek/Virgilina Road. Animal Control officers are posting notices on surrounding homes.

North Carolina law mandates that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated by four months of age (N.C. General Statute 130A-185). Although cow-to-cow transfer of rabies is very rare, vaccines are available for cows and should be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html or https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/rabies.html.

Census 2020

Census Response Deadline Extended to October 31

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The U.S. Census Bureau has announced that, due to COVID-19 and the temporary suspension of field operations, the 2020 Census response deadline has been extended to Oct. 31. A previously-extended deadline date had been announced for Aug 14, which has now been rescheduled. This most recent extension will help ensure that all households have an opportunity to be counted.

Most households received their initial invitation to respond to the 2020 Census in March. By the middle of that month, the Census Bureau had started the process of hand-delivering paper questionnaires in rural areas; however, the temporary suspension of field operations, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in a delay.

As of May 13, Area Census Offices and 2020 Census field operations have been re-opened in nine states, including North Carolina. This means that more households – especially those who are known to have poor internet service in their area –  should expect to find paper questionnaires left outside their front doors in the coming weeks. All Census workers are expected to be trained in preventing the spread of the virus, with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.

There are three options to respond to the 2020 Census – by phone, by mail or online. Households can respond safely from home by using the online form on the U.S. Census website at www.census.gov; by phone at 844-330-2020; or by mailing back the paper questionnaire being sent/delivered to their homes. 

Approximately 86 million households have already responded to the U.S. Census, with the national self-response rate at just over 58 percent, as compared with North Carolina’s rate of 55.1 percent. Granville County’s response total was reported at 58.1 percent as of May 12, with the Town of Butner falling in at 55.1 percent; the City of Creedmoor at 58.6 percent; the City of Oxford at 53.6 percent; the Town of Stem at 64.9 percent and the Town of Stovall at 14.9 percent.

In August, in-person visits to non-responsive households are scheduled to begin. A quick response to the Census by one of the three available methods will reduce the need for door-to-door visitation.

The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census of the country’s entire population be conducted every ten years. Results of this survey are used to determine how many congressional seats and Electoral  College votes each state gets through 2030, as well as guiding the distribution of an estimated $1.5 trillion a year in federal funding for hospitals, health clinics, fire departments, schools, roads and other public services in local communities.

The 2020 Census marks the 24th time that the United States has counted its population since 1790.

To learn more about the 2020 Census, visit www.census.gov.

Thornton Library Welcomes New Adult Services Librarian

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 -Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Library System welcomes Melanie Baldwin to the Richard H. Thornton branch in Oxford.

As Adult Services Librarian, Baldwin will be responsible for developing, promoting, presenting and evaluating programs and displays for adult patrons, as well as assisting in the development of the materials for the collection of books/resources and other duties.

Baldwin began work in her new role on April 1.

The Granville County Library System welcomes Melanie Baldwin to the Richard H. Thornton branch in Oxford. Baldwin began work in her new role on April 1, 2020. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

A native of Vance County, Baldwin lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan for seven years before returning to the area. She is a graduate of the North Carolina School of Science and Math and attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and North Carolina State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree. While working at the college library at UNC Wilmington, she decided to pursue a career as a librarian, later earning her Masters degree in Library Science from North Carolina Central University.

“I wish I had been able to meet our patrons in person,” Baldwin said, “but, unfortunately, we are all doing our best to slow the spread of COVID-19. I hope everyone is taking care at this time, and I hope to be able to bring some library services to you over the internet.”

A fan of young adult fiction and fantasy books, Baldwin is married and resides in Henderson. She can be reached online through “Ask a Librarian” on the Granville County Library System website (https://granville.lib.nc.us) and at melanie.baldwin@granvillecounty.org. A new “chat” option is also available at https://granville.lib.nc.us/chat/.

While the four branches of the Granville County Library System continue to be closed to the public, Baldwin offers a reminder that curbside pickup service has again been made available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch library in Creedmoor.

Those wishing to reserve materials can simply call in or message either library branch with a list of requested materials, park at a curbside library space and give the library a call. Your materials will be placed on an outside table to be conveniently retrieved. (Limit five books, five DVDs and five audiobooks.) Contact the Thornton Library at 919-693-1121 and the South Branch at 919-528-1752 to make your materials requests.

Granville’s Spring Recycle & Collection Event Scheduled for Sat., May 16

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

The Spring Recycle and Collection event is still scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2020, at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. The hours are from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

To ensure proper social distancing and precautionary measures, those bringing items in to be properly disposed of and/or recycled will be directed to designated areas and will be assisted with their items.

Accepted items: documents for shredding, scrap metal, junk lawnmowers, broken appliances, broken bicycles, medications, sharps, inhalers, laptops/computers, cell phones, flares, ammunition, fireworks, hardback books, household batteries, pet items, packing materials (no packing peanuts) and more.

Backyard compost bins and countertop caddies will be available for sale.

The Granville County Expo Center is located at 4185 US Hwy 15 in Oxford, NC.

 

Granville Co. Govt. Welcomes Two New Hires to Human Resources Team

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Government introduces two new Human Resources professionals, who have joined its administrative team.

Angela Miles began her new role as Human Resources Director on March 16, coming to Granville County Government by way of Vance County Public Schools’ Human Resources Department where she served as Assistant Director.

Angela Miles (pictured) began her new role as Human Resources Director for Granville County Government on March 16, 2020. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

An East Carolina University graduate, Miles earned her degree in Business Management and was a Computer Specialist with the Department of the Navy for two years before joining Vance County Public Schools in 1994. She is married and currently resides in Henderson. She and her husband have two adult children.

Barbara Burwell is Granville County’s new Human Resources Specialist. Burwell was also employed by Vance County Public Schools, where she worked for the past four years as Administrative Assistant/Human Resources Specialist.

Her prior experience includes a 15-year career with Granville County Public Schools. A Granville County native and a graduate of J.F. Webb High School, Burwell is working towards her degree in Business Administration from Liberty University. She is married and has four daughters and five grandchildren.

Barbara Burwell (pictured) is Granville County’s new Human Resources Specialist. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Together, Miles and Burwell will be responsible for all aspects of personnel management, administering all County-sponsored employee benefits for a workforce of more than 300 staff members. They will also oversee Worker’s Compensation, ensure that the County is in compliance with all applicable Federal and State labor laws, and act as the primary source of information pertaining to payroll deductions, retirement, disability, etc. for employees and retirees.

Offices of the Human Resources Department are located at 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.

NCDHHS

Low Income Energy Assistance Program Offers One-Time Supplement

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will be issuing a one-time supplement payment for all households that were approved for Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP) benefits during the 2019-2020 application period.

The supplement amounts will be based on household size and approved LIEAP benefit amounts and will be paid directly to the household’s primary heating vendor.

The one-time supplements are scheduled to be issued by NC Fast on the night of May 11, 2020. A notice will be mailed to households informing them of the supplement payments.

For more details, please contact the Granville County Department of Social Services at 919-693-1511.