Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

NC Dept of Agriculture

N.C. Forest Service Urges Safety During Spring Wildfire Season

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

The N.C. Forest Service is urging North Carolina residents to think safety and exercise extra caution when burning materials during the spring fire season. The spring fire season typically runs from March through May and is historically the time when wildfires are most likely to occur.

“The leading cause of wildfires is careless debris burning. Protect our natural resources by acting safely,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Don’t burn on dry, windy days; maintain a careful watch over your debris fire; and make sure it is fully extinguished.”

Troxler also warned against using drones over wildfires, an emerging concern across the country. In 2018, there were 26 drone incursions into air space over wildfires across the nation.

When unauthorized aircraft, such as drones, fly into the same airspace as helicopters and airplanes even at low altitudes, the air operations must be stopped due to safety concerns. This means no water drops to slow the spread of a fire and no eyes in the sky to help direct firefighters on the ground, Troxler said.

The N.C. Forest Service encourages anyone considering debris burning to contact his or her local county forest ranger. The forest ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help maximize safety to people, property and the forest. For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service urges them to adhere to the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

  • Make sure you have an approved burning permit, which can be obtained at any N.C. Forest Service office, a county-approved burning permit agent, or online at https://ncforestservice.gov.
  • Check with your county fire marshal’s office for local laws on burning debris. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours; others forbid it entirely.
  • Check the weather. Don’t burn if conditions are dry or windy.
  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some yard debris such as leaves and grass may be more valuable if composted.
  • Only burn natural vegetation from your property. Burning household trash or any other man-made materials is illegal. Trash should be hauled away to a convenience center.
  • Plan burning for the late afternoon when conditions are typically less windy and more humid.
  • If you must burn, be prepared. Use a shovel or hoe to clear a perimeter down to mineral soil of at least 10-feet, preferably more, around the area around where you plan to burn.
  • Keep fire tools ready. To control the fire, you will need a water hose, bucket, a steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire.
  • Never use flammable liquids such as kerosene, gasoline or diesel fuel to speed debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out. Remember, debris burning is the No. 1 cause of wildfires in the state.
  • These same tips hold true for campfires and barbeques as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. When soaked; stir the coals and soak them again. Be sure they are out cold and carefully feel to be sure they are extinguished. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
  • Burning agriculture residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can greatly reduce wildfires and the loss of property associated with them. For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, go to https://ncforestservice.gov, click on “fire” and follow the links.

VGCC to Launch Two New Information Technology Programs Fall Semester

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

This fall, the Information Technology department at Vance-Granville Community College will launch two new programs: Healthcare Informatics and Cyber Security.

Healthcare Informatics is a program designed to provide students with a foundation in computer technology and information sciences as they apply to supporting decisions in the healthcare fields. Students will focus on computer software, networks and security, programming and operating systems, and database management, as well as healthcare topics in medical language, the health insurance industry, and healthcare laws. Classes will be offered online and in a day program on the main campus in Henderson, NC.

The Information Technology department offers a Healthcare Informatics Support Certificate consisting of 5 classes and 15 credit hours and an associate’s degree which requires the completion of 67 credits. The IT-Healthcare Informatics program is designed for computer professionals, nurses, and healthcare administration professionals as they prepare to work for healthcare providers, hospitals, and government entities.

Graduates will be eligible to prepare for industry certifications through CompTIA, Microsoft (Microsoft Technical Associate – Database Administration Fundamentals and Microsoft Office Specialists certifications) and the Health Information and Management Systems Society (CPHIM – Certified Professional in Health Information and Management Systems).

Cyber Security is the first-ever program at VGCC offered through the Information Technology department that provides students with training in securing information and defending data within computer systems, including hardware, software, and electronic data. The program places an emphasis on classes in network vulnerabilities, cyber-crime activity, and security risk management providing students with highly sought-after skills in ensuring confidentiality, maintaining integrity and availability of information, researching emerging security threats, and recognizing vulnerabilities. The curriculum is also aligned with exam material for many industry certifications for IT-security professionals.

The IT-Cyber Security program will be offered at the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, NC. The IT department will offer a 15-credit hour certificate in Cyber Security Support and an associate’s degree consisting of 67 credits. Classes will be offered online through distance education and on campus in a day program. The Cyber Security program is designed for individuals interested in technology, interacting with computers, and problem-solving and analyzing data and information.

Graduates of Cyber Security will be eligible for positions in information technology specializing in security for a variety of industries including healthcare and research, technology firms, banking and finance, and military and government agencies. To compete in this fast-growing industry, students will also be encouraged to obtain industry certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, ITF+, Net+, A+, and the *CySA+ Cyber Security Analyst.

*The CompTIA CySA+ certification is an IT workforce certification for IT professionals looking to gain the following security analyst skills: (https://certification.comptia.org)

  • Data analysis and interpretation of results to identify vulnerabilities, threats, and risks
  • Configure and use threat-detection tools
  • Secure and protect applications and systems within an organization.

For more information about these two new curriculum programs, please contact Faith Harris, program head for Information Technology at 252-738-3235

New students can find admissions information on our website: https://www.vgcc.edu/admissions

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Granville Chamber Looking for Small Business of the Year Nominees

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-Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominees for the annual Small Business of the Year award. This is your opportunity to recognize an outstanding business in the small business community.

Please contact the Chamber for a nomination form. Completed nomination forms must be returned to the Chamber by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2019, at 124 Hillsboro St. in Oxford, NC or 1598 Butner-Creedmoor Rd. in Creedmoor, NC.

 2019 Small Business of the Year Criteria:

  • Employs a maximum of 50 people;
  • Member of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce and must be located in Granville County;
  • Must be a viable, on-going business for three or more years, experiencing growth or stability over its business life;
  • Provides critical service or product, fills a void in the business community, or has a unique approach to the delivery of goods and services;
  • May have overcome diverse or extraordinary circumstances to remain in business;
  • Business is supportive of community growth and sustainability;
  • Is not a governmental agency or municipality

Anyone can nominate a business they feel deserves recognition and meets the criteria; companies may nominate themselves.

All nominated companies will be required to submit a written application and return to the Granville County Chamber Of Commerce no later than April 12 to be considered.

All applications are confidential. Representative(s) of every small business completing a written application will be invited to a Small Business Luncheon in May.

For a nomination form or with questions, please contact the Chamber office at (919) 693-6125 or email wanda@granville-chamber.com.

State Highway Patrol Announces 2019 ‘Operation Drive To Live’

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-Press Release, NCDPS

In anticipation of spring break and prom season, the State Highway Patrol is once again conducting Operation Drive to Live, an annual campaign to reduce collisions involving teen drivers.  Beginning Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12, troopers will step up their enforcement in and around school zones between 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

In 2018, a personal injury lawyer long island released a report in which, the Highway Patrol investigated over 55,261 motor vehicle collisions involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 – 19. Of those collisions, 10,287 injuries were reported and 94 resulted in one or more fatalities.  According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, young drivers are significantly over-represented in fatal crashes, particularly those who are 16 to 19-year-olds. Immaturity and inexperience are primary factors contributing to fatal crashes by young drivers, especially during the first six months of driving.

This year, SHP is focusing on distracted driving, one of the leading causes of teen-related crashes. Cell phones, passengers and other electronic devices are just some of the distractions that can lead to needless collisions involving injury or death.

With this in mind, the Patrol has partnered with the Johnston County (JoCo) Teen Drivers Club, to produce PSAs on the dangers associated with distracted driving. The PSAs will be featured throughout the week on the Patrol’s Facebook page in hopes of combating distracted driving collisions.

Oxford Logo

Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold Monthly Meeting Tues., April 9

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Agenda items include:

Public Hearing to receive citizen input on a Contiguous Annexation Ordinance for 3 +/– of land adjacent to the Hardees property located on Industry Drive.

Consider adopting a Contiguous Annexation Ordinance for 3 +/– acres of land adjacent to the Hardees property located on Industry Drive.

Consider adopting amendments to the 2019 Municipal Records Retention and Disposition Schedule.

Consider adopting a resolution to appoint Police Chief Alvin Coley as the designated official to make recommendations to the NC Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission on ABC permit applications.

Consider changing Medical Insurance to NCHIP in association with Gallagher.

Consider entering a contract with the NC Department of Public Safety Division of Adult Correction.

Consider approving the 750k Elevated Tank Paint Color Scheme & Logo.

Consider approving a Budget Amendment for $100,000.

Please click here for the full meeting agenda.

Dr. Trudi Bowden Receives Volunteer Service Award

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-Press Release, Granville County Government 

At the April 1 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Trudi Bowden was recognized with the Volunteer Service Award for her work with the Granville County Animal Shelter.

Dr. Bowden, a member of the Animal Control Advisory Committee, provides veterinary services at Oxford Veterinary Hospital and has been in practice for 19 years. She was nominated for the award in the category of animal welfare for her “outstanding commitment to volunteering with/for animals” by shelter staff members Matthew Pippins, Danya Rumple and Melissa McDowell.

At the April 1 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Trudi Bowden was recognized with the Volunteer Service Award for her work with the Granville County Animal Shelter. Pictured left to right: Comm. Sue Hinman, Dr. Trudi Bowden, Danya Rumple and Matthew Pippins (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

“Dr. Bowden has volunteered at the shelter on a weekly basis to provide animals with proper checkups and special medications, in certain circumstances,” the nomination form reads, in part. “She has made herself openly available by answering important questions over text, dealing with emergency cases quickly, accepting night calls and being available after hours just to ensure each animal is in good physical condition to live a long and happy life. She truly has a deep passion for animal health and safety.”

Nominees must have made a substantial and long-term sustained impact in the community as a result of their service efforts. The County Manager’s Office and the associated advisory board selects award recipients based on merit and eligibility, with award selections based on the commitment of time, accomplishments, community impact and enhancement of the lives of others.

Dr. Bowden was presented the award by Commissioner Sue Hinman, with Animal Shelter staff members Pippins and Rumple standing alongside and offering words of appreciation.

Concerned Bikers Association (CBA) in Support of Bills to Improve Safety

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Members of the Concerned Bikers Association (CBA) were on Thursday’s edition of WIZS Town Talk program to discuss their support of four proposed NC House bills that would grant more freedom and ensure better safety precautions for motorcyclists.

According to Charlie Boone, legislative director for the state CBA, the group’s primary mission is “to get legislation introduced that is favorable to motorcyclists and to try to put a stop to legislation that is not favorable.”

Boone said the CBA is in support of current House Bill 144 or the “Hands-Free NC” Act that would place restrictions on making cell phone calls while operating a motor vehicle. Exceptions would include the use of a speakerphone, Bluetooth or similar hands-free technology; texting while driving in NC is already illegal.

Members of the Concerned Bikers Association (CBA) were on Thursday’s edition of WIZS Town Talk program to discuss their support of four proposed NC House bills that would grant more freedom and ensure better safety precautions for motorcyclists. Pictured left to right: Charlie Boone, legislative director for the CBA, WIZS’ Brandi Leigh Beck, David Whitfield, vice president of the Granville Co. Chapter of the CBA, and Johnny Brogden, president of the Granville Co. Chapter of the CBA. (WIZS photo)

The CBA also stands behind House Bill 104 that addresses grass clippings from mown lawns being blown into roadways.

Admitting that many people aren’t aware of the dangers this presents to motorcyclists and bicyclists, Boone said clippings, especially wet clippings, can become very slick and cause accidents.

“This started out as a very simple bill, then became very complicated, and now we’ve gotten it back to a simple bill again, said Boone. “It seems people are more concerned about who is liable and what it’s going to cost them than they are with lives that are going to be saved by passing this very simple bill.”

Another long-discussed law change that the CBA supports is House Bill 257 or the “Motorcycle/Face Mask bill.” Under current law, it is illegal for anyone in NC to cover their face or hide their identity while out in public.

The CBA would like to see an exception to this law that allows motorcyclists to wear a mask in cold weather to protect their face from the elements. “This bill has gone through the House and is waiting for the Senate to take action later this year,” explained Boone.

Perhaps the most controversial of the bills the CBA supports, the “Freedom of Choice” Bill would allow motorcyclists the choice to wear a helmet or go without while riding. To be eligible for this choice, riders would be required to have a motorcycle endorsement on their license for at least a year or successfully complete the required safety course.

According to Boone this topic has always been controversial and has been a discussion among motorcycle groups and the State Legislature for years.

“People are under the mistaken idea that their health and vehicle insurance will rise in cost if we pass the Freedom of Choice Bill. Statistics do not bear that out,” said Boone.

Boone said the group is hopeful that the bill will be heard next week in the House’s Transportation Committee hearing.

In addition to offering NC motorcyclists the freedom to ride helmetless, Boone believes the passing of this bill could bring in tourism dollars from out-of-state riders who want the same freedom.

To hear the Town Talk interview with the CBA in its entirety, click here.

Granville’s Annual ‘Spring Clean’ Event Scheduled for April 27

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The annual “Spring Clean” event is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. During the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., residents can bring documents to be shredded or items to be collected.

Accepted during these hours will be scrap metal such as junk lawnmowers, broken appliances and old bicycles; electronics such as laptops, cellphones or computer systems; medications; inhalers; fireworks; flares; ammunition; and polystyrene/styrofoam products such as packing materials, clean and dry egg cartons, etc.

The Humane Society of Granville County will also be on site to collect dog and cat food, crates, dog houses, leashes, collars, towels, flea and tick prevention and monetary donations to assist with the Animal Shelter’s spay and neuter program.

Available for sale inside the Expo Center will be backyard compost bins and countertop collection caddies.

This Spring event is held each year in observance of Earth Day (April 22). A separate event is held in the Fall for the collection of additional items.

For more information, contact Granville County’s Recycling Coordinator Teresa Baker at 919-725-1417 or bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

The Granville County Expo and Convention Center is located at 4185 US Highway 15 in Oxford.

Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry Staff Talk Oral Cancer Awareness Month

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Sandra Micou, office manager, and Brooke Arrington, dental hygienist, with Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry, were on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss April’s designation as Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

Part of the Granville Vance Public Health Department, Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry is a non-profit dentistry clinic serving Granville and Vance County residents of all ages, both the insured – through Medicaid or private insurance – and the uninsured. The recently opened dental office is located at 115 Hilltop Village in Oxford.

In addition to keeping their patients’ teeth healthy, Micou and Arrington said their office also strives to help patients prevent oral cancer of the mouth and throat.

“Oral cancer is usually caught by your dentist who will do a cancer screening during your normal cleanings,” said Micou. “This is one reason it’s so important to be seen every six months.”

According to Micou, over 50,000 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity and throat are diagnosed each year with an estimated 10,000 deaths occurring annually. In the U.S., it is believed that the 5-year survival rate is approximately 65% and depends on how early the cancer is found.

“Unfortunately, people don’t always go to see their dentist regularly; by the time it’s detected, it’s often pretty advanced and has spread to other parts of the body,” Micou said.

Arrington provided listeners with a list of oral cancer signs to be aware of, including:

  • Lesions in the throat or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal
  • Persistent red or white patch, lump, or thickening in the throat or mouth
  • Ear pain
  • Neck masses or wart-like masses
  • Hoarseness lasting for a long time
  • Numbness in the oral/facial region
  • Coughing up blood
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the tongue or jaw (often late-stage symptoms)

Oral cancer rates for women have also greatly increased over the past decade, according to Micou. “Previously, oral cancer affected men 6-to-1 over women; now we are seeing 2-to-1 ratios.”

Micou said one explanation for this increase could be the prevalence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), especially among those who were born before the HPV vaccine was readily made available.

According to the CDC website, HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to several classifications of cancer, including oral. It is considered the most common STI, and it is estimated a large majority of the population has been exposed to the virus.

HPV vaccines are recommended for boys and girls ages 11-12, with catch-up vaccines encouraged through age 26.

Micou also reported that oral cancer occurs twice as often in the African-American population that in the white population, with 5-year survival rates being lower at only 33%.

One of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer – tobacco use – is especially high with the use of smokeless products that alter the oral tissue such as chewing tobacco or snuff, said Arrington.

Other risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infections and diets low in fruits and vegetables.

Arrington said using tobacco products while drinking excessive amounts of alcohol increases your chance of developing oral cancer 30-fold.

To help prevent oral cancer, avoid risk factors such as smoking, using smokeless tobacco products and drinking alcohol, receive the HPV vaccine, eat a healthy diet, complete a monthly oral self-assessment and get regular oral exams from your dentist.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Sandra Micou and Brooke Arrington in its entirety, click here.

VGCC’s 35th Golf Tournament, Presented by CertainTeed, Set for May 7

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, and part of that celebration involves marking another milestone: the college’s 35th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at the Henderson Country Club.

For the first time, CertainTeed of Oxford will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor. All proceeds support the mission of the college and fund student scholarships.

“Since its inception in 1985, the VGCC golf tournament has grown into a wonderful tradition and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the college, thanks to the generosity of numerous golfers and sponsors,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “We appreciate the strong commitment demonstrated by CertainTeed in partnering with us as the tournament’s presenting sponsor, which will enhance our ability to serve and support our students.”

Eddie Ferguson, director of VGCC’s Endowment Fund, added, “With our community’s continuing support, we expect that once this year’s tournament is complete, we will have raised more than $1 million over the course of the history of this event.”

CertainTeed is a longtime supporter of the golf tournament and has endowed the CertainTeed Academic Achievement Scholarship at VGCC. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, today, CertainTeed is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, gypsum and ceilings. A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,300 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

Other businesses and individuals supporting the tournament include: Glen Raven of Norlina, the breakfast sponsor; First Citizens Wealth Management of Raleigh, the lunch sponsor; Duke Energy, the dinner sponsor; Robling Medical of Youngsville, the flag sponsor; MR Williams of Henderson, the scoreboard sponsor; Novozymes North America of Franklinton, the golf jacket sponsor; Wester Insurance Agency of Henderson, the driving range sponsor; Durham Coca-Cola Bottling Company, the soft drink sponsor; Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, the car sponsor; John Nelms, Jr., of Raleigh, the trophy sponsor; and Private Wealth Management of NC of Henderson, the putting green sponsor.

Businesses and individuals can still take advantage of sponsorship opportunities at various levels. Businesses may also donate products or premium items featuring the company’s logo to be placed in golfers’ gift bags or to be given as door prizes.

This year’s morning and afternoon rounds will begin with shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and at 1 p.m. The afternoon round is sold out, but there are openings in the morning round.

The format is four-person “Captain’s Choice Super Ball.” Golfers can form their own teams of four, or sign up and be put on a team. Teams will be handicapped based on handicaps supplied by each player. Trophies will be awarded for first net, second net and first gross. Other awards will be given for “closest to the pin” and “longest drive.”

A hole-in-one on Hole 9 will be rewarded with a car, courtesy of Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC. A player who hits a hole-in-one (with a $10 donation) on Hole 16 will win $5,000, while another $5,000 will be awarded to the VGCC Endowment Fund.

The cost for one golfer to enter the tournament is $150. That fee includes greens fees, cart, meals, gift bag and practice balls.

A light breakfast, lunch and dinner (immediately following the afternoon round) will be served in the HCC clubhouse. A silent auction and door prize drawings will be held in conjunction with dinner.

For more information, contact Kay Currin at currink@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3409.