Tag Archive for: #granvillecountync

Spiess Joins Granville Veterans Service Office

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U.S. Navy Veteran Albert “A.J.” Spiess has joined the Granville County Veterans Services Office as a Veterans Services Technician.

Spiess will work under the direction of Veterans Services Officer  (VSO) Chris Dethmers to assist local veterans and their families with navigating the complex processes to access  Veterans resources at the state and federal level.

The Lula, GA native retired from the Navy with 26 years of service and rose to the rank of Senior Chief Master at Arms  (Military Police). Spiess served on six ships (USS Butte, USS Simpson, USS Briscoe, USS Truman, USS Harpers  Ferry, and USS Wasp). Before reaching the rank of Senior Chief Master at Arms, Spiess also served as Deck Seaman and Signalman.

Spiess also has extensive experience serving as Anti-Terrorism Officer/Physical Security Officer conducing anti-terrorism training, Department Leading Chief Petty Officer/Lead Investigator where he investigated larcenies,  assaults, suicides, and other security violations, and Senior Master Training Instructor at the Navy Police Academy overseeing major curriculum changes and teaching students at all levels of experience.

In addition to his professional experience, Spiess previously volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans and, as chapter veterans services officer, helped veterans and their families  obtain benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and other government agencies.

Spiess has an associate degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and  Emergency Management. He and his wife Corie have one child, Brooke, who is currently attending nursing school.

“I feel so privileged to serve veterans and their families in Granville County,” Spiess said. “I have always volunteered with various organizations throughout my life and when I retired and started volunteering with the DAV, I found my true passion. This position with the Granville County Veterans Services Office is a direct extension of my work with the DAV and I feel honored and privileged to speak with veterans from all branches and learn their experiences. I know that dealing with the VA can be difficult. Please come let the Veterans Services Office help ease the process.”

The Granville County Veterans Services Office is located at 141 Williamsboro St., Oxford. To learn more about the services and programs offered, visit (https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services) or call Veterans Services at 919.693.1484.

I Voted Sticker

Municipal Elections in Granville County Nov. 2

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Update 10:20 p.m. Tuesday, Nov 2 — Local Municipal Election Results in Granville County

All election results are unofficial until canvassed by the Board of Elections.

Incumbent Mayor Jackie Sergent of Oxford defeated challenger Sherry Harris. Sergeant received 964 votes to 363 for Harris.

The four candidates for City of Oxford Commissioner who received the most votes were S. Quon Bridges with 928 votes, Patricia Fields with 768 votes, Bryan Cohn with 710 votes and B. Seth Lumpkins with 699 votes. Otherwise, Cortney Crudup received 573 votes, John Oliver with 453, Walkiria Jones with 304, and there were 24 write-in votes.

Town of Stovall Mayor – Mike Williford over Curtis Pugh with Williford receiving 81 votes and Pugh receiving 19, and there were two write-in votes.

Town of Stovall Commissioner – The top two candidates receiving votes were Carl Roberts with 73 and Douglas Lunsford, Jr. with 63; Tonya Sneed received 43 votes.

Town of Butner Mayor – Terry Turner 273 votes; Nine write-ins.

Town of Butner Council, where voters could choose three – Michel Branch 232 votes; Judy Cheek 225; Thomas W. (Tom) Lane 217; five write-ins.

City of Creedmoor Mayor – Bobby Wheeler 162 votes; 17 write-ins.

City of Creedmoor Commissioner, where voters could choose two – Robert Way 136 votes; Emma Albright 128; 22 write-ins.

Town of Stem Mayor – Casey Dover 35 votes; one write-in vote.

Town of Stem Commissioner – With voters selecting three, Susan Cope received 32 votes; Kevin Easter 31 votes; Frank N. Shelton III 31 votes; five write-ins.

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Update Monday, Nov 1 —

In Oxford, incumbent Mayor Jackie Sergent is being challenged by Sherry Shavon Harris.

For City of Oxford Commissioner, citizens may vote for four of the following: S. Quon Bridges; Bryan K. Cohn; Courtney Crudup; Patricia T. Fields; Walkiria Jones; B. Seth Lumpkins; John L. Oliver.

In the Town of Stovall, for mayor, Curtis S. Pugh and Mike Williford are running to fill the vacancy created by retiring Mayor Janet Parrott. She did not file for re-election.

Parrott told WIZS News in July she was retiring from her role as mayor after 42 years. She was first elected in 1979 when she was 24 years old, she added, but will continue to work as administrator for the town of Stovall.

Town of Stovall voters are also to choose two from the following for commissioner: Douglas Lunsford, Jr.; Carl T. Roberts; Tonya N. Sneed.

The three other incumbent mayors of Butner, Creedmoor and Stem are running unopposed and they are Terry Turner, Bobby Wheeler and Casey Dover respectively.

For Town of Butner Council Member, there are three names and votes are to choose three. Michel Branch, Judy Cheek and Thomas W. (Tom) Lane appear on the ballot.

City of Creedmoor citizens vote for two for City of Creedmoor Commissioner, and there are two names on the ballot, Emma L. Albright and Robert Way.

Similarly, for Town of Stem Commissioner there are three names on the ballot, including Susan Cope, Kevin Easter and Frank N. Shelton III, and Stem residents are to vote for three.

August 25 – Joint Granville Commissioners/School Board Meeting

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The Granville County board of commissioners and the Granville County board of education will meet together to discuss school redistricting, according to information from Debra Weary, clerk to the commissioners. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021 at 9 a.m. in the main gymnasium at South Granville High School, 701 North Crescent Drive, Creedmoor, NC 27522.

Dr. Stan Winborne, associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction and student services, with Granville County schools said, “To join the livestream meeting, please use the following link: https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj.”

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting will be required to wear face coverings and cooperate with social distancing requirements. There will be limited seating available.

This same meeting was originally to have been held at Mary Potter, but the location was changed to South Granville High School as is listed above.

Volunteers Recognized For Service To Others, Community

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Three Granville County residents were recognized at the Granville commissioners’ meeting Monday evening for their outstanding volunteer efforts in the community.

Jerry Broyal, Mary Elliott and Roxanne Blackburn received the Governor’s Volunteer Service award from Deborah Ferrell, county coordinator for the annual award. Commission Chair Sue Hinman presented each recipient with a signed proclamation and a commemorative coin marking 2021 as the county’s 275th anniversary.

Broyal was nominated for his work with the residents of Royall Cottage at Murdoch Developmental Center. He organized a group from his church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, to visit with the men who live at the facility. He provides “a breath of fresh air” with those visits, the nomination form read. Broyal collects craft items and appropriate snacks for the residents and he and his fellow parishioners spend quality time with the residents.

Elliott was nominated for her steadfast commitment to Area Congregations in Ministry, Oxford’s food pantry. Hinman, who also is ACIM’s executive director, read excerpts of the nomination form. “When you ask Mary if she works at ACIM every day, she says ‘No, just Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,” Hinman said. “But that IS every day that ACIM is open!” she exclaimed.

Blackburn was recognized with the Governor’s Medallion Award for her work with Granville Animal Shelter. She was nominated by Shelter Director Matt Katz for her tireless work to find new homes for the shelter’s dogs and cats, be it adoptive families or in foster homes or with rescue groups. Blackburn manages the shelter’s Facebook page, takes the photos and writes the bios of all the shelter animals. The success rate the shelter enjoys is because of the “passion, professionalism and work ethic” that Blackburn demonstrates.

Granville Crime Stoppers

Granville Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament Set For May 20 – Sponsors, Players Needed

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The 3rd annual Granville County Crime Stoppers golf tournament is scheduled for May 20, 2021 at South Granville Country Club. The tournament is a major fundraiser for the group, which provides cash rewards for people who provide information that leads to the arrest and indictment of criminals.

The Granville Crime Stoppers, part of the North Carolina Crime Stoppers Association program and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, needs sponsors for the tournament, according to information from tournament chair Bobby Wheeler.

There are two levels of sponsorship:

  • Corporate Sponsorship – $500 – includes a four-person team, with your name included on a banner displayed on tournament day, with additional recognition in print and social media, as well as the Crime Stoppers banquet in October.
  • Hole Sponsorship – $100 – your name will be posted at one of the 18 holes on tournament day, with additional recognition in print and social media, as well as the Crime Stoppers banquet in October.

Teams also can register for $200 – $50 per player. Registration begins at noon and tee time is at  1 p.m.

South Granville Country Club is located at 2539 Sam Moss Hayes Road, Creedmoor, NC 27522.

Frank Sossamon is the chair of the Granville Crime Stoppers, and David Smith is the vice-chairman.

Contact Wheeler at 919.691.0526 to learn more about becoming a sponsor or how to register for the tournament.

Make checks payable to Granville County Crime Stoppers.  Submit payment with application to:

Bobby Wheeler 607 Forrest Lane Creedmoor, NC 27522.

 

 

 

Granville Family Has Two Violinists For Governor’s School

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The only thing better than having one child accepted to Governor’s School for excellence in the arts? Having TWO children accepted! Just ask Doug and Marcia Berry, parents of the two teenagers who hope to spend part of their summer attending the program.

Kimberly Berry, a junior at South Granville High School in Creedmoor and her younger sister, Emily, will represent their school and Granville County Public Schools this summer, according to information GCPS public information officer Dr. Stan Winborne.

The Governor’s School of North Carolina is the oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students in the nation. The program is open to rising seniors only, with exceptions made for rising juniors in selected performing/visual arts areas. The girls would attend the Governor’s School West, which is held at High Point University.

Emily, a sophomore at South Granville High School, and her sister have been playing violin for most of their lives – Kimberly started playing at age five, and Emily started playing at age four.

They have been under the tutelage of Georgia Schmidt of Triangle Area Suzuki Talent Education (T.A.S.T.E) for the past eight years. T.A.S.T.E. offers training in violin, viola, and cello, with weekly private lessons, twice a month group lessons, monthly solo recitals, plus numerous concerts at White Memorial Presbyterian Church and in the community.

Schmidt said Tuesday that she taught the girls in group lessons first and then continued giving with private lessons. In the 10 or 11 years that she has known the girls and their family, she said she has seen nothing but “utmost respect and dedication” in their commitment to music. “They’re not prodigies,” Schmidt added, but they approach their music with “a combination of hard work, listening, love, respect and grit.”

Kimberly Berry (L) & Emily Berry (R) — (Pictures courtesy of GCPS.)

“They have really worked hard all these years,” Schmidt said. “This will be such a wonderful experience for those kids. I am just so thrilled they get this opportunity.”

The sisters have performed for the past six years with the Philharmonic Association Triangle Youth Music, a non-profit organization established to provide opportunities for young musicians to learn, understand and perform all genres of great classical and jazz music. The program now consists of three full orchestras, two string orchestras, and three jazz ensembles and includes 500 school-age musicians each year.

The girls also are in their church orchestra at Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh.

Kimberly loves animals and hopes to attend UNC-CH, where she would love to perform in the university orchestra and study nursing. Emily enjoys listening to classical music. She has her eye on either UNC-CH or NC State to pursue a career in the medical field.

Granville County Mailbox the victim of Vandalism

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TO: News Media

FROM: Granville County Crime Stoppers  

DATE: June 20th, 2017

SUBJECT: VANDALISM

Sometime between Friday, June 8th, late evening and Saturday, June 9th, 2017 mid-afternoon hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Range Road, Stem, NC and criminally vandalized a mailbox.

If you have information concerning this incident, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CRIME.  IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS CRIME OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY.  YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

Granville Chamber Releases June Calendar of Events

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JUNE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

June 1; 6:30 pm

Safety Awards Banquet

NC DEPT. OF LABOR

~ Recognition of business and industry safety award winners ~

VGCC’s South Campus

 

June  2; lunch & dinner
New Horizons’ Baptist Church’s BBQ chicken plate sale

$8/plate; FMI:  Rev. Cam Ford @ 919.603.5146

 

June 2; 7 – 10 pm

BUTNER’S CHICKEN PICKIN’ DANCE

“The Konnection Band”

Location:  Lifestyle Fitness Parking Lot or

Soldiers Memorial Sports Arena (inclement weather)

www.bcaserves.org or 919-575-3032

 

June 2, 8 – 10 pm

FIRST FRIDAYS in CREEDMOOR

Lake Rogers Park, Creedmoor

Movie, “Secret Life of Pets” begins at 8 pm

Bring comfortable chair and/or pad or quilt to sit on

FMI:  Graham Tillerson @ Creedmoor City Hall

 

June 3; 9 am – 4 pm

BUTNER CHICKEN ‘ PICKIN

“The Castaways Band”

Location:  Gazebo Park – Central Ave., Butner, N.C.

919-575-3032

www.bcaserves.org

 

June 3; 7 am – 12 noon

ROTARY – Kerr-Tar Region Yard Sale

Boys and Girls Club Parking Lot

105 West St., Oxford (off Broad St.)

 

June 6; 12 noon

LUNCH ‘n LEARN

“SHOP SMALL”, presented by Melanie Diehl

Carolina BBQ & Chicken-1597 NC Hwy 56 ,Creedmoor

Buffet prices-Seniors $6.50 & others $8.99

FMI:  Chamber offices – 919-693-6125 or 919-528-4994

 

June 8; 12 noon/registration; 1 pm/shot gun start

CHAMBER’S 4th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Henderson Country Club

$100/individual players; $100 hole sponsorship

DEAL:  4-person team + hole sponsorship = $450 total

FMI:  Chamber office

 

June 8; 4 – 7 pm

NATIONAL MARY POTTER CLUB’s COMMUNITY CHOIR FUNDRAISER

Dinner and Song Spaghetti Supper; $10/plate

Mary E. Shaw Gym; 205 Lanier St., Oxford

FMI:  Rosalyn Green @ 919.690.0325

 

June 10: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Creedmoor Fishing Tournament

Location:  Lake Rogers Park

For more information:  919-764-1005 – Creedmoor Recreation

recreation@cityofcreedmoor.org

 

June 13; 8 am

Chamber’s Board of Directors Meeting

Chamber Boardroom; 124 Hillsboro St., Oxford

 

June 14; 2 – 8 pm

CREEDMOOR’S NATIONAL DAY OF PLAY

Lake Rogers Park, Creedmoor

919-528-3332

 

June 14; 5:30 – 8:30 pm

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY

VINO OASI; 3200 Bliss Trail, Stem

FMI:  Lisa @ 919.238.4078

 

June 15; 8 am

Leadership Granville’s Steering Committee

Chamber’s Boardroom

 

June 15; 12 noon

CHAMBER’S HUMAN RESOURCE COMMITTEE MEETING

Host -Certainteed Corporation

200 Certainteed Dr., Oxford, N.C.

 

June 17; 10 am

22nd ANNUAL CENTRAL CHILDREN’S HOME PARADE

Downtown Oxford

Campus activities following the parade

FMI:  919.693.7617

 

June 19; 8 am – 4 pm

“Pipeline to Employment Event”

Granville County Expo Center

Sponsored by Granville Co. Public Schools CTE Dept. & Granville Co. Economic Development Dept.

FMI:  Tamara Rodebaugh @ 919.475.3101; rodebaughtw@gcs.k12.nc.us

 

June 20; 8 am

CHAMBER’S AMBASSADORS MEETING

Chamber Boardroom

FMI:  Toni Anne Wheeler; Membership Coordinator

919.528.4994

 

June 22; 8 pm/Concessions; 8:30 pm/Movie begins

OXFORD’S DOWNTOWN MOVIE NIGHT

Main St., Oxford

“The Secret Life of Pets”

Bring a chair and flashlight

FMI:  919.693.1217

 

June 23; 7:45 pm ~ A LIGHT BREAKFAST WILL BE PROVIDED

Chamber’s SUNRISE FORUM

Granville County Expo Center

~ Hosted by Granville County

“GRANVILLE COUNTY UPDATE” by County Manager Mike Felts

RSVP to a Chamber office by June 16th

 

June 24; 9 am – 4 pm

BEE JUBILEE ~ Granville Co. Beekeepers Assoc.

Granville County Expo Center

Free; open to the public

FMI:  Christi Henthorn; 907.738.9047; granvillebeejubilee@gmail.com

 

June 27; 7:45 am

BUSINESS-BEFORE-HOURS @ CAMP OAK HILL

1582 Oak Hill Rd. – off Hwy 96-North

~ Enjoy a delicious breakfast and a tour of Camp Oak Hill ~

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED to a Chamber Office by June 21st

 

June 28; 5:30 – 8:30 pm

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY

VINO OASI; 3200 Bliss Trail, Stem

FMI:  Lisa @ 919.238.4078

 

June 29; 5:30 – 8:30 pm

RE-SCHEDULED ALIVE AFTER FIVE

Downtown Oxford; parking lot @ Littlejohn & Gilliam Sts.

Entertainers:  THE CASTAWAYS BAND

This first AA5 of 2017, originally planned for May, was postponed due to inclement weather.  The Chamber, the “CASTAWAYS BAND” and concession vendors look forward to seeing everyone the evening of THURSDAY, JUNE 29th, in downtown Oxford.

Granville Superintendent Howard Announces Retirement

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Granville Superintendent Howard Announces Retirement

At the regularly scheduled January Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Dorwin L. Howard, Sr. informed Board members that he had made the decision to retire from employment with the State of North Carolina as Superintendent of Granville County Public Schools effective July 1, 2017.

Dr. Houlihan, Chairman of the Board of Education, offered his reaction to the news, “Speaking on behalf of the Board of Education, we were certainly saddened to hear about this announcement, but at the same time we congratulate him on the remarkable 37-year career he has had serving the students of Granville County Public Schools and we wish him and his family the very best in the future.”

Dr. Howard began his career in public education when he took his first job as an Agriculture Teacher at JF Webb High School in 1980.  Since then, he has served as a vice-principal, principal, Director of Secondary and Career and Technical Education, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, and as Superintendent.  All but six months of his career in public education has been spent serving the students of Granville County.

Dr. Howard shared the news with staff members across the district, offering  some thoughts about this important announcement, “I am appreciative of the opportunities which Granville County Public Schools has given me since I began teaching.  As I reflect on my experiences, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with others throughout my career.  Each and every one of the employees has been, and I am sure will continue to be, instrumental in creating the type of school environment which fosters learning at the highest levels.”

Dr. Howard, a native of Granville County, and a graduate of JF Webb High School, attended NC A&T for his undergraduate degree, and NC State University for his master’s and doctoral degrees in Educational Administration.  He will have completed his third year serving as Superintendent upon retirement.

Dr. Howard concluded his remarks to staff by saying, “I trust that during my remaining five months with you as Superintendent, we all will continue to work together, giving our best for the good of all students throughout the district.  I pray that the future of the students of Granville County Public Schools will be bright.”

(Granville County Schools Press Release and Picture)

VGCC recognizes 22 Medical Assisting students at Pinning

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Vance-Granville Community College held a pinning ceremony for its 2016 Medical Assisting program graduates on Aug. 5 at the college’s Franklin County Campus in Louisburg, where the program is conducted.

As VGCC’s program is nationally accredited, the graduates are now eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ (AAMA) certification examination to become Certified Medical Assistants.

The 22 graduates being honored included Heather Harwood and Kimberly Richardson, both of Castalia; Amanda Newton and Shatory Yarborough, both of Franklinton; Jenny Clark, Tonya Henderson, Kenia Puga-Gomez, Stephanie Ranes and Adrienne Robertson, all of Henderson; Ashley Kittrell of Kittrell; Brittany Blacknall, Jessica Crudup, Jodi Hess, Regina Hicks and Lindsay Ward, all of Louisburg; Julius Glasper of Oxford; Kayla Hutson and Samantha Patterson, both of Stem; Brittany Ray and Denise Six, both of Wake Forest; Kelly Tharrington of Warrenton; and Dallas Glover of Youngsville.

Program Head/instructor Donna Gardner served as the mistress of ceremonies. Student Regina Hicks provided the invocation.

Franklin County Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May made welcoming remarks, congratulating the students and thanking their supportive families and friends who had gathered to celebrate the graduates’ success.

“We are all so proud of you, and we’re grateful that you have allowed the VGCC Franklin Campus family to assist in your education, inspiring and supporting you in meeting all of your goals,” May told the class.

Samantha Patterson, who led the graduating class as president of the VGCC Student Association of Medical Assistants chapter, was the featured speaker.

“Our studies at Vance-Granville Community College have culminated in this day, and will echo in our futures,” Patterson said. “Some of us will be working; some going on to pursue an associate’s degree; some may still be trying to figure things out, and that’s okay, too. Therein lies the beauty of life, and, more specifically, life in this country. We have the freedom to pursue our own dreams, but let us not be so caught up in ourselves that we forget those that we pledge to serve. After all, we are Medical Assistants. We are the extra sets of hands, eyes, and ears for our providers. We are advocates for our patients. We are a vital part of the team that makes the medical office work. Let us consider the needs of others as we work to fulfill our own.”

Gardner presented each graduate with his or her pin, signifying that each had successfully completed the course of study and was prepared to enter the growing Medical Assisting profession. As they were pinned, VGCC Dean of Health Sciences Angela Thomas read reflections from the graduates about their educational experiences and their career aspirations. Instructor Patrice Allen then led students in reciting the creed of the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Dr. Angela Ballentine, VGCC’s vice president of academic and student affairs, rounded out the ceremony with concluding remarks. “You have wisely chosen a profession in which you can make a difference in the lives of others, and in which there are a variety of career opportunities,” Ballentine told the class. She encouraged all graduates to maintain high standards as professionals and to become lifelong learners. “I know that you will continue to succeed and make us proud as VGCC alumni,” Ballentine said.

Student Tonya Henderson gave the benediction.

With their one-year diplomas in hand, many graduates are continuing their education to complete the two-year associate degree in Medical Assisting. For more information about Medical Assisting, call the Franklin Campus at (919) 496-1567.