Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Red Cross Hosts Disaster Team ‘Boot Camp’ Mar. 28 In Granville County

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The American Red Cross is having a Disaster Action Team Boot Camp in Oxford on Saturday, Mar. 28. Participants in this volunteer opportunity will learn all about how to help in following disasters like fires, tornadoes and more.

The Boot Camp will be held at the Granville United Way from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The United Way is located on the campus of the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford, 600 College St.

According to ARC Senior Volunteer Specialist Jennifer Prosser, disaster teams respond to emergencies to support neighbors facing disaster and can provide immediate care to help individuals and families who are victims of disaster.

“Our Disaster Action Team volunteers are often the second on the scene after local first responders, providing immediate assistance to neighbors affected by home fires, tornadoes, and other disasters,” Prosser said in a statement. “Support may include emergency food, clothing, shelter, and compassionate care during someone’s most difficult moments.”

Register by calling 984.960.7562 or visit www.redcross.org/volunteer.

Lunch will be provided.

 

 

Families Living Violence Free

The Local Skinny! FLVF Quarter Auction Coming March 20

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Families Living Violence Free is hosting its annual Quarter Auction on Friday, Mar. 20 at the South Granville Country Club in Creedmoor.

Bring those rolls of quarters and join in the fun! The doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include dinner and a bidding paddle.

Families Living Violence Free offers a 24/7 crisis line – 919.693.5700 – and offers support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

FLVF Executive Director Amy Langston said sponsorships are available to provide even more support for the Quarter Auction fundraiser.

Gold sponsorships are $200, Silver sponsorships are $100 and Bronze sponsorships are $50.

Make checks payable to Families Living Violence Free; donations are tax-deductible.

Community sponsors will be recognized at the event, as well as on FLVF social media pages and the FLVF website.

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

 

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TownTalk: Granville County Tourism Kicks Off March Activities With Annual Wedding And Event Expo

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This weekend’s Granville Wedding and Event Expo kicks off a busy month across Granville County, and Angela Allen says there’s no slowing down as springtime approaches.

The wedding and expo event takes place Sunday, Mar. 1 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Creedmoor Community Center.

It’s not only for brides-to-be, Allen said on Thursday’s TownTalk. Anybody who’s planning a special event – from a family reunion to one of those milestone birthdays – is welcome to the expo.

“There’s so much inspiration and creativity,” Allen said of the expo, where more than 40 vendors are expected to provide information for everything from event planners to photographers, DJs, caterers and more.

There are a few ways to get registered, she said.

Get in for free with a donation for Families Living Violence Free – either supplies or a monetary donation works.

But if you’re interested in taking it up a notch, purchase a tasting ticket for $10. That way, you can try samples from the 10 food vendors. For $20, you’ll get a tasting ticket and a VIP swag bag filled with goodies.

The expo features local vendors not just from Granville County, but include vendors from Vance, Franklin and Person counties, too.

Go to www.visitgranvillenc.com to register.

Just like a wedding or fancy party, Allen said she’d prefer to have folks RSVP of their attendance. But it’s also fine to just show up at the door, too.

Other March highlights include:

  • Saturday, Mar. 7 – Mardi Gras celebration and silent auction to benefit the Boys & Girls Club at High Rock Farm from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Mar. 7 – Hawley Magic Show at Ox Theater. Jonathan Hawley brings his high-energy family show for a 7 p.m. performance.
  • Friday, Mar. 20 – Mutts Gone Nuts at Ox Theater at 7 p.m. This canine stunt show features a performance by some very talented rescue dogs.
  • Saturday, Mar. 21 – Granville Ambulance Chase and Food Truck Rodeo – downtown Oxford. There’s a 5K, 10K, Fun Run and Family Walk, followed by the food truck rodeo. “It’s all about fitness and a little bit festival,” Allen said. Proceeds support local health initiatives.
  • March 21-22 and 28-29 – It’s going to take two weekends to get in all the activities, food and fun of The Viking Experience. Visit www.thevikingexperiencenc.com to learn more about this immersive experience into the Norse culture.
  • Saturday, Mar. 28 – 2nd annual Bunny Hop Bash at Clement Farm. There will be egg hunts, a bouncy house and, of course, a visit from the Easter Bunny at this event for the whole family.
  • Saturday, Mar. 28 – Paws for Granville – at the Barn at Vino in Stem. Proceeds from this annual dinner and silent auction benefit the Humane Society of Granville County.
  • Sunday, Mar. 29 – Spring Eggstravaganza at Carlee Farms in Stem. There will be activities for the kids, vendors and another appearance by the Easter Bunny.

To learn more about these events and all the happenings in Granville County, go to www.visitgranvillenc.com.

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HUBZone Kicks Off ‘Digital Bridge Run’ Virtual Fundraiser

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The HUBZone Technology Initiative is launching a virtual race to raise money to further its mission of empowering communities through technology access.

The Digital Bridge Run begins March 1 and goes through May 31, according to HTI Marketing Director Rachel Taylor.

Participants can run, walk, bike or race their own way at any time during the period.

For an entry fee of $37, participants can complete their race at their own pace and location, making the event accessible to individuals of all fitness levels. After registering, participants are encouraged to share their time and a photo with HTI to celebrate their achievement. All registered participants will receive an official limited-edition 2026 Digital Bridge Run medal, shipped directly to them.

Proceeds from the Digital Bridge Run support HTI’s mission to transform donated technology into new opportunities for individuals and families in need. By providing laptops and digital resources, HTI works to expand access to education, workforce development, and essential online services in underserved communities.

“Community members, families, businesses, and teams are encouraged to participate and help power positive change!” Taylor said. “Every mile helps connect someone in our community to a better future.”

Registration is now open. Community members, families, businesses, and teams are encouraged to participate and help power positive change!

For more information or to register, visit https://givebutter.com/DBR26.

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NC Forest Service

N.C. Forest Service Offers Advice To Cut Chance Of Springtime Wildfires

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– Information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Agriculture

Yes, it’s been rainy and wet lately, but the spring wildfire season is arriving at a time when much of the state is still in a moderate to severe drought, and the N.C. Forest Service is reminding the public to be careful and use common sense – especially when it comes to burning yard debris.

Escaped yard debris burns, largely due to carelessness, continue to be the leading cause of wildfires across the state, accounting for nearly half of all wildfires in North Carolina. In general, human activity is responsible for 99 percent of wildfires, and spring weather tends to draw people outdoors to work in their yards with many choosing to burn as a method to dispose of leaves, limbs and other yard debris.

“A fire can escape in a matter of seconds, especially on warm days when winds are gusty,” said N.C. Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This means you never leave a fire unattended until it is completely out and cold.”

Other forms of human-caused wildfires stem from machine and vehicle use, dragging tow chains, arson and escaped campfires.

Before starting an outdoor fire, contact your local NCFS county ranger’s office. For safe burning practices to help prevent wildfire, the NCFS offers the following guidance:

  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
  • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
  • These same tips apply to campfires and grills as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.

The public is reminded to never fly a drone near, around or over a wildfire. Firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires fly low in support of ground personnel. Drones can pose a serious threat to pilots and public safety. A drone that disrupts air operations also puts firefighters, residents and property at risk of loss to wildfire.

Where there’s fire, there’s smoke, and if you live in an area where wildfire risk is high, staying smoke-ready can be critical to personal health and well-being. Take steps now to prepare for wildfire smoke. This is especially important for smoke sensitive individuals including children, active people, older adults and people with heart or lung disease such as asthma. Being prepared means knowing where to find information about air quality and utilizing the air quality index. Use resources like www.ncair.org, https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ and www.airnow.gov.

To learn more about preparing for and preventing wildfires, visit www.preventwildfirenc.org.

The Local Skinny! Oxford Rotary Club Erases $2 Million In Medical Debt In Partnership With National Non-Profit

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The Oxford Rotary Club has partnered with a national nonprofit organization to erase a whopping $2 million in medical debt for families in Granville County and across North Carolina.

Rotary Club President-Elect Don Fick issued a statement about the medical debt relief initiative Monday.

“Medical debt is one of the leading causes of financial distress for American families, often resulting from unexpected illness or injury and disproportionately affecting households with limited financial resources,” said Fick, who also chairs the club’s medical debt relief committee. “By purchasing and abolishing medical debt, we are delivering immediate and lasting financial relief to our neighbors, removing barriers to future care, and strengthening our local economy.”

Rotary President Michael Felts said the initiative reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to service above self. “With this action, we have transformed community generosity into meaningful relief for hundreds of our neighbors here in Granville County, while also extending that impact statewide,” Felts said.

Through a partnership with Undue Medical Debt, the Rotary Club of Oxford has eliminated more than $1 million* in outstanding medical debt for 597 Granville County residents. This local effort was further magnified by a matching grant from an anonymous donor, extending an additional $1 million in medical debt relief to families in North Carolina.

The total debt relief in Granville County totaled $1,072,839.36.

Recipients of medical debt relief do not need to apply and will not be contacted for payment. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a letter from Undue Medical Debt in the coming weeks. The relief has no tax consequences and does not adversely affect credit scores — in fact, Undue Medical Debt takes steps to remove the medical debt from recipients’ credit reports.

“Due to limited resources and privacy constraints, we cannot assist with individual requests for debt relief,” Fick said. Visit https://www.oxfordncrotaryclub.org/ to find links to local organizations that may be able to help families explore options.

Founded in 1923, the Rotary Club of Oxford is a local service organization dedicated to addressing community needs through hands-on service and collaborative partnerships. This campaign represents one of the largest charitable initiatives in the club’s history.

Learn more about Undue Medical Debt at https://www.unduemedicaldebt.org.

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TownTalk: Faith in Mental Health Forum Coming to MHCO in March

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The program called Faith in Mental Health is hosting an event on Monday, Mar. 16 and invites churches to become community partners to address mental health and substance use disorders.

Karl Johnson, PhD, is a team member of the Rural Academic Health Dept at Granville Vance Public Health.

The upcoming event is a continuation of a program that, so far, has had participation from roughly 100 people from about 40 churches in the area. The March 16 event will be held at The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There are several different levels of certification, Johnson told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Monday’s TownTalk.

The first level is more like an orientation to let participants know what types of services are available in the area for people who struggle with mental health issues or substance use disorder.

“The goal is to better equip and empower churches to address the mental health and substance use,” he said, whether within their own congregation or in the broader community.

Help needs to go beyond the biomedical aspects of clients’ issues, he said.

There simply aren’t enough medical providers to tend to everyone’s needs, so reaching out to churches seemed to be a natural next step.

The church is “one of those communities that people go to for a sense of hope, belonging, for a sense of camaraderie and support,” Johnson said. It makes sense, he added, to partner with churches to give them tools to help.

“It’s a way for others to care for and tend to their loved ones (or) neighbors who struggle with these kinds of challenges,” he said.

There’s been a tremendous response in the area so far, Johnson said. “Churches really are eager and willing to step up” with participation by pastors and lay leaders alike.

After completing that level 1 certification, Johnson said some churches have gone on to host forums, provide additional trainings and establish support groups.

Some pastors periodically devote sermons to the topic and even create ministries devoted to the work.

Different churches take different approaches to trying to help, and that’s just fine, Johnson said.

“The deeper goal is for them to become better equipped to address this need in their community,” he said.

If you’d like to learn more, contact Johnson at 616.298.5626 or email him at kjohnson@gvph.org.

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Tar River Land Conservancy Adds 22 Acres In Southern Granville

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Tar River Land Conservancy staff recently hosted family and friends of Fred Battaglia for a tour of 22 acres of land donated by the long-time attorney and judge who died in October 2025.

The land gift to TRLC was the second made by Battaglia, who previously had donated a 59- acre property to TRLC in 2022. Both tracts are located southwest of Oxford between US Highway 15 and Old NC Highway 75.

“We were humbled to learn that Fred left his Granville County property to TRLC in his will,” stated Executive Director Derek Halberg. “He was a true friend and supporter of our organization. We knew how much this land meant to Fred. This gift will be a lasting testament to his love of the outdoors and his support for conservation.”

Since acquiring the land in 2014, Battaglia spent many hours hunting, exploring the woods and managing the trees on the property. After harvesting the pine timber in recent years, Battaglia made sure that the land was replanted to create a new generation of tree seedlings.

“My dad had a deep appreciation for nature,” said Lowell Dyer, Battaglia’s son. “This property brought him much enjoyment, and our family is comforted to know that his land is now in the Conservancy’s hands and will be protected from development.”

The two tracts adjoin a third tract acquired by TRLC in 2023 and combine to create a total of 112 acres located along Hatchers Run, a tributary of Fishing Creek. TRLC’s long-term vision is to manage the combined properties as the “Hatchers Run Nature Preserve.” Eventually, TRLC plans to create a network of hiking trails for both local residents and visitors to explore. The future nature preserve is now a mix of pine and hardwood forest

surrounding marshy wetlands that offer important wildlife habitat. TRLC volunteers have documented more than 65 species of birds at the site since 2023.

“It was an honor to walk Fred’s land with his family and friends and to share TRLC’s plans,” Halberg said. “We look forward to more opportunities once work begins on the hiking trails in the coming years.”

TRLC is a nationally accredited land trust that works to preserve natural resources across an eight-county region. TRLC currently maintains 14.8 miles of public hiking trails on five nature preserves in Granville County. Since 2000, TRLC has protected 24,397 acres of land and 216 miles of streams. Landowners interested in working with TRLC to preserve their land are encouraged to contact Derek Halberg at info@tarriver.org or 919.496.5902. Learn more about TRLC at https://www.tarriver.org.

Cancellations, Closings, Delays

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From WIZS RADIO, 1450AM / 100.1FM

Thank you for following our coverage, and be sure to listen to the Weekday Wake Up with Steve Lewis M-F from 6a to 9a as well as TownTalk at 11a and Local News at 8a, 12p and 5p.

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As of 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, coverage inside this post has concluded, and there are no announcements to list at this time.

Sincerely,

johncharles@wizs.com

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Granville Case Management Session Of District Court Yields Numerous Pleas To Active Cases

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 — From the office of District Attorney Michael D. Waters

PLEAS TAKEN DURING THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CASE MANAGEMENT SESSION OF COURT THE WEEK OF JANUARY 12, 2026

Sabrina Bass pleaded guilty to two (2) counts of 2nd Degree Murder w/o Regard for a May 17, 2022, vehicle collision that killed Erica Cozart, and Ms. Bass’ four-year-old son, Bryan Clippard. Ms. Bass was driving a motor vehicle on Tar River Road when she crossed the center line and struck Ms. Cozart’s vehicle head-on. Young Mr. Clippard was in Bass’s car in a car seat which was not properly installed, nor was he secured. Ms. Bass was found to have impairing substances in her system, and to have had 5 vehicle collisions within the previous 20 months. Ms. Bass received an active sentence of 110 months minimum to 144 months maximum in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC). The case was investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adam Brooker.

Marquise Bass pleaded guilty to one (1) count of 2nd Degree Murder w/o Regard for the October 30, 2023, hit-and-run death of Jessica Doucet on Bruce Garner Road in Granville County. Ms. Doucet was walking along Bruce Garner Road when Mr. Bass struck and killed her with the Dodge Charger he was operating. Mr. Bass left the scene of the collision. He was arrested the next day when troopers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol located his car with damage consistent with the collision, and with missing car parts that could be matched to parts found at the scene. At the time of the hit and run, Mr. Bass was on supervised probation for a Felony Flee/Elude Arrest, among other felonies, which suspended his driver’s license. He had two (2) pending DWIs at the time of the collision, which also suspended his driver’s license. Mr. Bass received an active sentence of 124 months minimum to 161 months maximum in the NCDAC. The case was investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Allison Capps.

Jerome Bumpass pleaded guilty to two (2) counts of AWDWIKISI and one (1) count of AWDWIK for his role in the March 13, 2025, shooting of two juveniles, and for shooting at Laquasha Hatcher on Maple Drive in Oxford. Officers responded to 200 Maple Drive to find two juveniles with gunshot wounds. Witnesses on scene indicated that two men drove up to the house with several others, got out the car, and began shooting at the juveniles and others standing in the yard. A subsequent investigation indicated that Bumpass was one of the masked men shooting. Mr. Bumpass received an active sentence of 110 months minimum to 144 months maximum in the NCDAC. The case was investigated by the Oxford Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Allison Capps.

Earl Tillman Bradley pleaded guilty to First Degree Kidnapping, AWDWISI and Felonious Restraint for events occurring on August 9, 2025, and August 14, 2025, involving the kidnapping and assault of his mother, Katheryn Bradley. Mr. Bradley forced Katheryn Bradley against her will and at knifepoint from her home on Rock Creek Circle in Oxford. He repeatedly assaulted her and eventually drove her to Raleigh to utilize her to kidnap his young son, who resides in Raleigh with Mr. Bradley’s ex-wife. When Katheryn Bradley did not comply with Mr. Bradley’s demands to lure his son outside, Mr. Bradley continued to assault her while driving her back to Oxford. Mr. Bradley was apprehended later the next day by the Raleigh Police Department with a knife in his possession. Mr. Bradley received an active sentence of 58 months minimum to 82 months maximum in the NCDAC. He also pleaded guilty to Felony Breaking or Entering for an offense he committed on July 26, 2025, at 2150 Eagles Wings Lane, Oxford, the home of Patricia Palabricia. He received a sentence of 6 months minimum to 17 months maximum. This sentence will run consecutively with the active sentence, and Mr. Bradley will be on supervised probation once he serves his active time. The case was investigated by the Oxford Police Department and the Granville County Sheriff’s office and was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Allison Capps.

Chason Harris pleaded guilty to one (1) count of 2nd Degree Murder w/o Regard for the March 27, 2024, death of Ka’Ron Siplen. Mr. Siplen’s death was the result of Mr. Harris passing a school bus on Belltown Road around 8:00 am. Mr. Harris passed right after another car did; however, Mr. Harris never returned to his lane of travel and continued to pick up speed in the wrong lane. Mr. Siplen’s vehicle was in his correct lane of travel and Mr. Harris’s vehicle struck him head-on causing his death. Mr. Harris was 17 years old at the time of the offense and was originally charged as a juvenile. Mr. Harris received a split sentence of 94 months minimum to 125 months maximum. Mr. Harris will serve active time for 12 months of this sentence and will then be on supervised probation with numerous conditions, including 100 hours of community service. This case was investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Allison Capps.