Tag Archive for: #granvillecountygovt

Granville Athletic Park Begins Phase III Expansion

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

The Phase III expansion of Granville Athletic Park (the GAP) is underway! Plans include the addition of tennis courts, an inclusive playground, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, nine additional holes for disc golf, a picnic area, fitness stations, open spaces and additional walking trails.

Phase III will join the existing Phase I and Phase II areas, making the GAP an 80-acre recreational park.

Granville Athletic Park is located at 4615 Belltown Road in Oxford, NC and is the county’s largest recreational area.

Granville’s Spring Recycle & Collection Event Moved to May

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The annual Spring Recycle and Collection event, originally scheduled for April 25, 2020, has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 16 at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. The hours are from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Vendors will be on-site offering document shredding services; the collection of electronics, scrap metal, hardback books and other items; and proper disposal of medications, sharps, inhalers, flares, ammunition and fireworks.

Polystyrene/styrofoam – not including packing peanuts – will also be collected during this event, as well as pet supplies for the Granville County Humane Society.

“The spring recycle and collection event gives residents an opportunity to protect our environment while spring cleaning,” said Granville County Recycling Coordinator Teresa Baker. “Shred Ace, GFL, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office, the Humane Society and other vendors and organizations will be on-site and ready to take unwanted items for recycling, shredding, re-purposing or proper disposal.”

To encourage backyard composting – another way to recycle by turning organic materials into soil nutrients – compost bins and countertop caddies will be available for sale during this event.

The Granville County Expo Center is located at 4185 U.S. Hwy. 15 South in Oxford. For more information about this event, contact Baker at 919-725-1417 or email her at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

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Granville County Government Operational Changes – Updated March 26

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Government continues to work closely with Granville-Vance Public Health and to take precautionary measures, following guidance from the local health department and from the CDC. With everyone’s safety in mind, these operational changes have been implemented in response to COVID-19:

Granville County Senior Services: All three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) are closed to participants until further notice. Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled. Because the tax deadline has been changed to July 15, the tax assistance program has been temporarily suspended and will restart on Thursday, May 14 from 5 until 8 p.m., ending on July 9. Appointments currently on the books will be rescheduled and new appointments will be taken.

Home delivered meals continue and congregate meals (on-site) are available as a drive-through option. Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 to ask about being placed on a home-delivered route. KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.

Granville County Library System: All four branches of the Granville County Library have been closed to the public as of March 21, but curbside service is available Monday through Friday at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch in Creedmoor. Library patrons can call or email either library to request materials for pickup between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then give the library a call upon arrival. (Limit five books, five DVDs and five audiobooks.)

In addition, all scheduled events and programs have been canceled and meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted. All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have also been postponed until further notice. Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended. The Thornton Library can be reached at 919-693-1121 and the phone number for the South Branch is 919-528-1752.

Department of Social Services: To better serve residents who need assistance, the Department of Social Services is also accepting applications for Food and Nutrition assistance, Medicaid, Work First Family Assistance or any other economic service program through DSS online, by phone or by mail. To apply by phone, please call 919-693-1511. To apply online, please visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/social-services/. To apply by mail, send the application to P.O. Box 966, Oxford NC, 27565.

Granville County Animal Management: For safety precautions, please call the Animal Shelter at 919-693-6749 to make an appointment for adoptions, rescue pulls and viewing of lost animals. For a limited time, all fees for pet adoptions and rescue pulls will be waived. A majority of volunteers are also being asked to not visit at this time, but to please continue to support the Animal Shelter by sharing animals available for rescue and adoption, as well as notices for lost animals. Rabies vaccinations for owned animals have been suspended until further notice.

Animal Control officers continue to be on the job. Please call 919-693-6749 during normal operating hours of Monday through Friday, noon until 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., as most animal control concerns can be addressed over the phone. If you have an animal-related emergency, please call 9-1-1 to have Animal Control Officers contacted, who are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Granville County Courthouse: As of March 23, the Granville County Clerk’s Office will be interacting with the public through their cashiering window. Residents are encouraged to call 919-699-4800 before coming to the courthouse, as there are a number of matters that can be handled over the phone or through the N.C. Courts’ website at www.nccourts.gov. By order of the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, many court matters are being continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020.

Exceptions are proceedings necessary to preserve statutory and constitutional rights in criminal cases, such as first appearances; and proceedings necessary to obtaining emergency relief, such as protective and restraining orders. Matters that fall into these exceptions will proceed as necessary and required by law before the Court.

Cases that will be continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020, include 1. Magistrate’s and Small Claims Court; 2. Regular Civil and Criminal District Court; 3. Civil and Criminal Superior Court; and 4. Most Estate and Special Proceedings Hearings before the Clerk. The Clerk’s Office will mail notice of a new hearing date for all matters that are continued and are rescheduled.

Granville County Sheriff’s Office: As of March 23 and until further notice, only one person will be admitted inside the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office at a time. Visitation in the Granville County Jail is also restricted until further notice. Fingerprint services have been suspended until April 13. Effective immediately, crime reports of a non–violent nature will be taken over the phone or by email, if at all possible. These reports include, but are not limited to, misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams.  The phone number for the Sheriff’s Office is 919-693-3213 and the email address is granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org. For more serious concerns, all residents are asked to call 9-1-1.

Granville County 9-1-1: Residents should be aware that telecommunicators are screening all calls for COVID-19 symptoms. Any “yes” answers to the questions asked will be relayed to emergency responders so that they will be prepared and aware.

Inspections and Planning: As of Monday, March 23, the Planning and Inspections Department will be closed to the public. Residents can reach staff members by phone or by email. Appointments that are necessary will be made. In addition, a drop box will be located in the hallway for plan and application submittals. Field inspections will continue but may be limited. Online payment access is also available. Call 919-603-1326 to have an online payment link sent to your email address.

Tax Department: The Granville County Tax Office encourages all taxpayers to call for an appointment prior to their visit. Online payments are also accepted at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/online-payments/. Call 919-693-4181 for assistance.

Granville County Board of Elections: The Granville County Board of Elections is closed to the general public but will be taking calls at 919-693-2515 for information and appointments.

Granville County Office of N.C. Forest Service: The Granville office location is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Burning permits will be made available online at ncforestservice.gov. Residents should be aware that staffing adjustments may increase response times for inquiries and assistance. To reach a staff member, call 919-482-2301. For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.

Parks and Recreation: Although tournament play has been canceled, Granville Athletic Park remains open. With the exception of playground equipment, the walking trails and other open spaces are available for public use. Residents are asked to follow health recommendations, including the practice of social distancing. Remember that gatherings should be limited to 50 people or less.

Soil and Water Conservation: The Soil and Water Conservation office is closed to the public until further notice; however, the Natural Resource Conservationist continues to work in the office and in the field and can be reached at 919-693-4603 or at byron.currin@granvillecounty.org.

Meeting cancellations: Several committee meetings and meetings of independent boards have been canceled or postponed. For a listing of canceled/postponed meetings and events scheduled through Granville County Government, please visit www.granvillecounty.org for notices.

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Granville County Government Declares State of Emergency

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with increasing confirmed cases in North Carolina, the Granville County Board of Commissioners has approved the issuance of a Declaration of a State of Emergency.

Signed by Chairman David T. Smith, this declaration is also in response to the March 10, 2020, Executive Order No. 116 to coordinate response and to take protective actions regarding the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus in our communities.

At the time of this document, Granville County has one confirmed case of COVID-19.

The Declaration includes all five municipalities of Granville County and goes into effect at 4:30 p.m. today, March 23, 2020.

The Declaration reads:

WHEREAS, COVID–19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and is a new strain of coronavirus previously unidentified in humans which can spread from person to person; and 

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization declared COVID–19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020; and 

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC“) has warned of the high public health threat posed by COVID–19 globally and in the United States and has deemed it necessary to prohibit or restrict travel to areas designated by the CDC, and 

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public health emergency in the United States for COVID–19 under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act; and 

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020. the President of the United States, due to the spread of COVID–19, declared a national emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and corresponding regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA“); and 

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, the Governor of the State of North Carolina by Executive Order No. 116 declared a state of emergency to coordinate response protective actions regarding the prevention of the spread of COVID–19 within the State of North Carolina and has since issued Executive Orders 117, 118, 119, and 120 dealing with the COVID 19 emergency and may issue additional Executive Orders in the future; and 

WHEREAS, in consultation with health care professionals and based upon guidance from the CDC and NCDHHS, arrangements must be made immediately to take such actions that are deemed necessary and appropriate to ensure that COVID-19 remains controlled and that residents in Granville County remain safe and secure; and 

WHEREAS, the spread of the disease poses an imminent threat to property in the County due to illness–related absenteeism, particularly among public safety personnel, healthcare personnel, and persons engaged in activities and businesses critical to the economy and infrastructure of the County; and 

WHEREAS, at the time of this document‘s creation, Granville County has confirmed cases of Covid-19, and 

WHEREAS, Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes and, more specifically N.C. Gen. Stat. $166A–19.22, authorizes counties and municipalities to declare a state of emergency and exercise the powers and duties set forth therein to direct and aid in the response to and mitigation against emergencies; and 

WHEREAS, the undersigned, in accordance with and on the basis of the foregoing, finds that an emergency exists within Granville County, North Carolina, and its municipalities, due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, and further finds that it is necessary and appropriate to exercise the authority cited hereinabove by issuing this Declaration in order to address said emergency and to protect the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Granville County; and 

WHEREAS, by and with the consent of the mayors of the municipalities within Granville County this Declaration applies within the municipal limits of the Town of Butner, the Town of Stem, the Town of Stovall, the City of Creedmoor and the City of Oxford, and 

WHEREAS, this Declaration is in addition to the executive orders referenced above and should any provision hereof be declared to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect the validity of this Declaration as to any part thereof which is not specifically declared to be invalid or unconstitutional. 

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes, Article 36A of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and Chapter 20 of the Granville County Code of Ordinances, I, David Smith, Chairman of the Granville County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim: 

A State of Emergency exists within the County of Granville and by the request of the mayors of the Town of Butner, the Town of Stem, the Town of Stovall, the City of Creedmoor and the City of Oxford, within the corporate limits of those municipalities (the “Municipalities“). 

The prohibitions and restrictions contained herein are necessary in order to maintain an acceptable level of public order, services, protection of lives, safety and property during this emergency. 

Restrictions on Long Term Care Facilities. All nursing homes, long term care facilities and assisted living residences (including adult care homes and family care homes) shall follow any applicable guidance issued by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (“NCDHHS”), the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“CMS”), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“CDC”). 

Restrictions on the use of playgrounds: Effective March 24, 2020, the use of publicly and privately-owned playground equipment is prohibited except as set out below. This prohibition does not apply to playground equipment at residences owned or leased by one or more people for their own living quarters or to the areas surrounding playground equipment including greenways, walking trails or other amenities of open spaces or parks. The foregoing notwithstanding, the county and each town, city, board of education, or charter school within Granville County may set its own rules in compliance with all state and federal laws for the operation of its playgrounds during the duration of this Declaration. 

Restrictions on Access to Public Buildings and Facilities: No person shall access any building or facility owned or occupied by any county, town, city, board of education, or charter school within Granville County except in compliance with any restrictions which may be posted on the main entrance on such building or facility. Each county, town, city, board of education, or charter school may set its own rules in compliance with all state and federal laws for its hours of operation during the duration of this Declaration. Citizens are strongly urged to conduct all public business via internet or phone until further notice. Citizens with specific questions should contact the county, town, city, board of education, or charter school or department thereof with which he/she has business. 

General Recommendations: All persons residing or present within Granville County, including its municipalities, are highly encouraged to comply with all recommendations of the Granville-Vance District Health Department, NCDHHS, CMS, and CDC for the testing, reporting, prevention, and control of COVID-19. These recommendations are updated frequently, and all persons are urged to stay up to date on the most recent recommendations. 

All law enforcement officers, emergency management employees and all other county personnel employed by Granville County are directed to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this Declaration and of all applicable provisions of local ordinances, state and federal laws and emergency declarations, and the Granville County Emergency Operations Plan. 

I hereby delegate to the Granville County Manager, and/or his designee, all power and authority granted to me and required of me by Article 1A of Chapter 166A and Article 36A of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and by Chapter 20 of the Granville County Code of Ordinances, for the purpose of implementing the referenced Emergency Operations Plan, and to take such further action as is necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of those dwelling in the County.

I further proclaim that the Emergency Operations Plan adopted by the County of Granville, and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this Declaration is rescinded. All emergency management personnel subject to my control are hereby ordered to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the County’s Emergency Management Plan and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements and to furnish assistance thereunder. 

Granville County recognizes and acknowledges that it and each of the Municipalities are likely to incur substantial economic damage from the issuance of this Declaration and do hereby request that they receive any and all available federal and state financial aid and other assistance for which they may be eligible in connection with the same. 

I direct that copies of this Declaration be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast and that a copy of this Declaration be posted in Granville County Courthouse and other public buildings as appropriate. 

Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. $166A-19.31(h), any person who violates this Declaration shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with G.S. 14 288.20A

This Declaration shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. $166A-19.22(c). 

Proclaimed this the 23rd day of March at 4:30 p.m.

David T. Smith 

David Smith Chairman, Granville County Board of Commissioners

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Granville Co. Government Continues to Make Operational Changes – Updated March 24

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Government continues to work closely with Granville-Vance Public Health and to take precautionary measures, following guidance from the local health department and from the CDC. With everyone’s safety in mind, these operational changes have been implemented in response to COVID-19:

Granville County Senior Services: All three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) are closed to participants until further notice. Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled.

Because the tax deadline has been changed to July 15, the tax assistance program has been temporarily suspended and will restart on Thursday, May 14 from 5 until 8 p.m., ending on July 9. Appointments currently on the books will be rescheduled and new appointments will be taken.

Home delivered meals continue and congregate meals (on-site) are available as a drive-through option. Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 to ask about being placed on a home-delivered route. KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.

Department of Social Services: To better serve residents who need assistance, the Department of Social Services is also accepting applications for Food and Nutrition assistance, Medicaid, Work First Family Assistance or any other economic service program through DSS online, by phone or by mail. To apply by phone, please call 919-693-1511. To apply online, please visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/social-services/. To apply by mail, send application to P.O. Box 966, Oxford NC, 27565.

Granville County Library System: All four branches of the Granville County Library have been closed to the public as of March 21, but curbside service is available Monday through Friday at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch in Creedmoor. Library patrons can call or email either library to request materials for pickup between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then give the library a call upon arrival. (Limit five books, five DVDs and five audiobooks.)

In addition, all scheduled events and programs have been canceled and meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted. All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have also been postponed until further notice. Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended. The Thornton Library can be reached at 919-693-1121 and the phone number for the South Branch is 919-528-1752.

Granville County Animal Management:  For a limited time, fees will be waived for pet adoptions and rescue pulls. For safety precautions, visitors to the shelter can only come into the facilities for purposes of adoption or rescue, or if looking for lost animals. In addition, rabies vaccinations for owned animals are being suspended until further notice. For questions, please call 919-693-6749.

Granville County Courthouse: As of March 23, the Granville County Clerk’s Office will be interacting with the public through their cashiering window. Residents are encouraged to call 919-699-4800 before coming to the courthouse, as there are a number of matters that can be handled over the phone or through the N.C. Courts’ website at www.nccourts.gov.

By order of the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, many court matters are being continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020. Exceptions are proceedings necessary to preserve statutory and constitutional rights in criminal cases, such as first appearances; and proceedings necessary to obtaining emergency relief, such as protective and restraining orders. Matters that fall into these exceptions will proceed as necessary and required by law before the Court.

Cases that will be continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020, include 1. Magistrate’s and Small Claims Court; 2. Regular Civil and Criminal District Court; 3. Civil and Criminal Superior Court; and 4. Most Estate and Special Proceedings Hearings before the Clerk. The Clerk’s Office will mail notice of a new hearing date for all matters that are continued and are rescheduled.

Granville County Sheriff’s Office: As of March 23 and until further notice, only one person will be admitted inside the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. Visitation in the Granville County Jail is also restricted until further notice. Fingerprint services have been suspended until April 13.

Effective immediately, crime reports of a non–violent nature will be taken over the phone or by email, if at all possible. These reports include, but are not limited to misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams. The phone number for the Sheriff’s Office is 919-693-3213 and the email address is granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org. For more serious concerns, all residents are asked to call 9-1-1.

Granville County 9-1-1: Residents should be aware that telecommunicators are screening all calls for COVID-19 symptoms. Any “yes” answers to the questions asked will be relayed to emergency responders so that they will be prepared and aware.

Inspections and Planning: As of Monday, March 23, the Planning and Inspections Department will be closed to the public. Residents can reach staff members by phone or by email. Appointments that are necessary will be made. In addition, a drop box will be located in the hallway for plan and application submittals. Field inspections will continue but may be limited. Online payment access is also available. Call 919-603-1326 to have an online payment link sent to your email address.

Granville County Office of N.C. Forest Service: The Granville office location is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Burning permits will be made available online at ncforestservice.gov. Residents should be aware that staffing adjustments may increase response times for inquiries and assistance. To reach a staff member, call 919-482-2301. For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.

Parks and Recreation: Although tournament play has been canceled, Granville Athletic Park remains open for public use. Residents are asked to follow health recommendations for gatherings, including social distancing. Avoid being closer than six feet from anyone, whenever possible, and limit physical contact. Remember that gatherings should be limited to 50 people or less. Reservations for picnic shelters and other amenities can still be made by calling the GAP at 919-693-3716.

Soil and Water Conservation: The Soil and Water Conservation office is closed to the public until further notice; however, the Natural Resource Conservationist continues to work in the office and in the field and can be reached at 919-693-4603 or at byron.currin@granvillecounty.org.

Meeting cancellations: Several committee meetings and meetings of independent boards have been canceled or postponed. For a listing of canceled/postponed meetings and events scheduled through Granville County Government, please visit www.granvillecounty.org for notices.

Granville County Senior Services Awarded for CLL Program

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

The Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) Program, offered through Granville County Senior Services, was the recipient of N.C. Association on Aging’s “Reaching for the Stars” Innovative Program Award on March 6. The award, announced during the Association’s conference luncheon in Wilmington, NC, is granted to an agency that has an innovative and creative program that works to enrich the lives of older adults.

Pictured are CLL Coordinator Marilyn Howard, Senior Services Director Kathy May, NCAOA President Annette Eubanks, and Senior Services Assistant Director Angela Wright. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Initiated in 2017, the Creative Lifelong Learning program is modeled after the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offered at Duke and N.C. State Universities, as well as other senior center programming in the Triangle. The suggestion for a similar program was made by a local retired couple, who also established an endowment fund that pays for course instructors.

Through the work of a steering committee, led by CLL Coordinator Marilyn Howard, many interests have been identified and instructors scheduled for a wide variety of course offerings based on member requests, class leader expertise and balance in the curriculum, with most classes being held at the Senior Center in Oxford. Classes vary in length, with sessions that range from interactive hour-long workshops to day-long trips and/or lectures.

Granville County Senior Services Director Kathy May, Assistant Director Angela Wright and Creative Lifelong Learning Coordinator Marilyn Howard attended the N.C. Association on Aging conference and accepted the award. Nominees for this distinction were from all across the state.

For more information about the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program, contact the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford at 919-693-1930 or visit www.granvillecounty.org.

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Granville County Government Makes Operational Changes

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

While at this time there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Granville County, for the safety and security of the community, Granville County Government is taking precautionary measures, following guidance from CDC, and working closely with Granville Vance Public Health. With everyone’s safety in mind, we have implemented the following operational changes:

Granville County Senior Services: All three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) are closed to participants until further notice. This decision was made in an effort to protect participating older adults from the COVID-19 virus, as senior residents are the most vulnerable. Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled; however, tax assistance, offered on Thursday evenings in small groups, will continue until notified.

Home delivered meals will continue and congregate meals (on-site) will still be available as a drive-through option. Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 to inquire about being placed on a home-delivered route.

KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.

Granville County Library System: All four branches of the Granville County Library System remain open but hours have changed. Until further notice, The Richard H. Thornton and Stovall libraries are now closing at 5 p.m. and the South Branch is closing at 5:30 p.m. All events and programs scheduled through the Granville County Library System are canceled until further notice.

In addition, meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted. All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have been postponed until further notice, and Legos, toys and kits from the children’s area will not be available for use. Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended. Please contact your local public library for more details.

Granville County Animal Management:  Animal Control and the Animal Shelter for Granville County are observing the following guidelines until further notice: 1. Fees will be waived for adoptions and rescue pulls; 2. Rabies vaccinations for owned animals are being suspended; 3. Visitors to the shelter can only come into the facilities for purposes of adoption or rescue, or if looking for lost animals. For questions, please call 919-693-6749.

Parks and Recreation: Although tournament play has been canceled, Granville Athletic Park remains open for public use. Residents are asked to follow health recommendations for gatherings, including social distancing. Avoid being closer than six feet from anyone, whenever possible, and limit physical contact. Remember that gatherings are limited to 50 people or less. Reservations for picnic shelters and other amenities can still be made by calling the GAP at 919-693-3716.

Granville County Courthouse:  To help minimize the exposure of the Coronavirus in North Carolina, by order of the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, many court matters are being continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020. Exceptions to this general rule are proceedings necessary to preserve statutory and constitutional rights in criminal cases, such as first appearances; and proceedings necessary to obtaining emergency relief, such as protective and restraining orders. Matters that fall into these exceptions will proceed as necessary and required by law before the Court.

Cases that will be continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020, include 1. Magistrate’s and Small Claims Court; 2. Regular Civil and Criminal District Court; 3. Civil and Criminal Superior Court; and 4. Most Estate and Special Proceedings Hearings before the Clerk.

The Clerk’s Office will mail notice of a new hearing date for all matters that are continued and are rescheduled. Residents are encouraged to handle any other matters with the court over the phone or by mail if they are able to do so. Contact the Clerk of Court’s office at 919-690-4800.

Meeting cancellations: Several committee meetings and meetings of independent boards have been canceled or postponed. For a listing of canceled/postponed meetings and events scheduled through Granville County Government, please visit www.granvillecounty.org for notices.

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Three Granville Senior Centers Closed to Public Until Further Notice

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

At their March 16 meeting, Granville County Commissioners voted to close all three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) until further notice. This decision was made in an effort to protect participating older adults from the COVID-19 virus, as senior residents are the most vulnerable.

Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled as of Wednesday, March 18 at 8 a.m. Tax assistance, offered on Thursday evenings in small groups, will continue until notified.

Home delivered meals will continue to be delivered, and congregate meals (on-site) will still be available as a drive-through option. Congregate participants may pick up meals at the Oxford Senior Center, 107 Lanier Street, between the hours of 11 a.m. and noon, but must order one day ahead by calling 919-693-1930.

Those utilizing the drive-through services of the satellite centers should call the Centers in Creedmoor (919-528-0848) or in Stovall (919-693-3383) to make arrangements.

Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center to inquire about being placed on a home-delivered route.

KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.

Those with questions are asked to call 919-693-1930; however, the doors of all three Senior Centers will remain open between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday as staff will be available to provide one-on-one assistance and answer questions as needed.

Meet Ken Reeves, Granville County’s New Fire Marshal

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Ken Reeves is Granville County’s newly-hired Fire Marshal. Reeves comes to Emergency Services with training and experience, as he has served as Battalion Chief, Fire Investigator and Training Officer of the Vance County Fire Department, as well as working with the City of Oxford’s and the City of Henderson’s Fire Departments.

Ken Reeves was recently named Granville County’s new Fire Marshal. (Granville Co. Govt. photo)

He is a certified N.C. Fire Inspector and a certified N.C. Fire Investigator, in addition to being a Fire and Life Safety Educator and earning the Associate Level in Emergency Management.

In his new role, Reeves will provide fire prevention inspections, as mandated by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, as well as public fire education, coordination of overall firefighting efforts in the county, fire investigations, and regulatory reporting of fire conditions within the county.

A native of Maryland, Reeves is a thirteen-year resident of Granville County and now lives in Stem with his wife and three children. He is a graduate of Keiser University (Sarasota, FL), with a two-year degree in Fire Science, and teaches fire and rescue classes at Vance-Granville Community College on a part-time basis.

The office for Granville County Emergency Services is located at 5662 Cornwall Road in Oxford. Residents or businesses with questions or concerns can contact Reeves at 919-603-1310.

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Mark Your Calendar For These Granville Co. Events

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Granville County Government

THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY will host a Book Sale on Saturday, March 14 at the Richard H. Thornton Library. Come browse through the selection of hardback and paperback books that cover a wide range of topics for all ages. Members of the Friends of the Library will be admitted at 10 a.m., with the public invited from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Contact the Library at 919-693-1121 for more details.

ENJOY YOGA AT THE LIBRARY as a class for beginners is offered at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor on Sunday, March 15. At 3 p.m. the public is invited to join in this free “Ivengar Yoga Class.” Participants are asked to bring their own mat. Call the Library at 919-528-1752 for more details.

AN AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS will be offered at the South Granville Senior Center in Creedmoor on March 16. Topics include maintaining proper following distance, turning at intersections, limiting driver distractions and others. The class will be held from 1 until 5 p.m. and preregistration is required. Call 919-693-0848 for the fee schedule and details.

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY with a special “slime-making” workshop at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor. Participants will make “Shamrock Slime” at 4 p.m. on March 16. Bring the entire family and whip up a batch for some gooey fun. The South Branch Library is located at 1547 South Campus Drive in Creedmoor. Call 919-528-1752 for details.

LEARN ABOUT FAMOUS ARTISTS with “Art Fusion” through the Granville County Library System. Edgar Degas is the first artist to be featured on March 16 (Stovall) and on March 31 (Thornton) at 4 p.m.  Students in grades K through 6 can use the artist’s techniques in a hands-on activity during the program. Contact Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121 for details.

BEGINNING COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES are being offered at the Richard H. Thornton Library. On Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m., participants can learn how to create their own Gmail account and how to navigate email. Registration is required. Call 919-693-1121 for more details.

MARCH IS NUTRITION MONTH! Learn more about healthy eating on March 17 at the North Granville Senior as the Cooperative Extension Service presents “Eat Right, Bite by Bite.” This information will be presented at 10 a.m. by Area Extension Agent Jennifer Brown. The North Granville Senior Center is located at 118 Highway 15 North in Stovall.

CLASSES IN T’AI CHI will be offered at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford as part of the Creative Lifelong Learning program’s spring session. Instructor Peter Kay will teach two classes for beginners and continuing students on Tuesdays beginning March 17. The beginners’ class will be offered at 9:30 a.m., followed by a continuation class at 10:30. Contact Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 to register.

THE SOVIET UNION is a topic for study as instructor George Robinson leads a class on Mondays through April 13. This Program, “The Rise of the Soviet Union” is offered weekly until April 13 (10 a.m.) and is available through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program of Granville County Senior Services. To register, contact Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930.

GET READY FOR EASTER with a fun and creative class offered through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program. Instructor Julie Yacos will teach participants how to make a bunny door hanger from 1 until 3 p.m. on March 18. Registration is required. Call the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford at 919-693-1930 to register or for more details.

THE MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN is a topic for discussion on March 19 as the Creative Lifelong Learning program continues. On March 19, learn more about this historic residential care program from Administrator Kevin Otis. The program is free and begins at 10 a.m. Call 919-693-1930 for more information.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH with a free nutrition program for adults, scheduled at the South Granville Senior Center. Each Friday through April 24, sample healthy foods, learn how to cook and eat better and take control of your diet. Programs are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. To register, call 919-528-0848. The South Granville Senior Center is temporarily located at 2539 Sam Moss Hayes Road in Creedmoor.

THE YOUNG AT HEART CHORUS meets on Mondays at 11 a.m. through May 4. This group, led by Minister of Music Sarah Lewis, was formed through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program of Granville County Senior Services and gathers at the Oxford United Methodist Church, 105 W. McClanahan Street in Oxford. Participation is FREE. Call 919-693-1930.