Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Granville County Principal Named N.C. School Hero

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-Press Release, NC Education Lottery

Michael Allen, principal at Joe Toler-Oak Hill Elementary School in Oxford, is known for always going above and beyond for his students. He helps to create a safe, nurturing school environment where every single child feels special.

Allen is rarely in his office. He can usually be found in the cafeteria serving food, or at the gym leading a game with the students. Whether he’s giving out gifts as Santa for Christmas or greeting each student at the drop-off area, Allen always finds a way to bring joy to his students.

Michael Allen (shown holding checks), principal at Joe Toler-Oak Hill Elementary School, was selected as one of the 10 winners of the Education Lottery’s School Heroes program. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

“Mr. Allen is an outstanding N.C. School Hero,” said Trina Vaughan, a parent at the school. “He is an unselfish, compassionate individual who cares very deeply about the youth in our community.”

Allen’s dedication to his job and his school led to his selection as one of the 10 winners of the Education Lottery’s School Heroes program.

“I feel honored and humbled. I don’t think I do any more than anyone else,” said Allen. “This is what I do. I’m here for the kids. If we make it hard for the kids to come to school and enjoy school, we’re not doing our jobs. I hope we will continue doing what’s good for the children.”

The North Carolina Education Lottery created the N.C. School Heroes program to showcase the positive impacts teachers, principals, and other school workers have in public schools every day. From 6,000 nominations, ten heroes were chosen with each receiving a $10,000 award and $10,000 for their school.

Students and teachers filled the bleachers in the school’s gym, opening the presentation with the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, they cheered and applauded as their hero received his award.

“There are thousands of heroes like Michael Allen doing amazing work in our public schools,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “Teachers, cafeteria workers, custodians, school resource officers, all make a big difference for our students every day. We’re glad our School Heroes program shines a spotlight on their great work.”

Money raised by the lottery assists many of those School Heroes, including $386 million this year that supports the work of school support staff such as office assistants and custodians. Additional money will help build and repair schools, support the N.C. Pre-K program for “at-risk” four-year-olds, provide college scholarships and grants based on financial need and help meet school transportation needs.

For details on how funds made a difference in Granville County, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com.

Granville County Logo

Granville Commissioners to Hear on Proposed Budget – June 3

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, June 3, 2019, at 7 p.m. at the Granville Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.

Agenda items include:

Consent Agenda

1. Contingency Summary

2. Budget Amendment #7

Recognitions and Presentations

3. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Update

Public Comments

4. Public Comments

Public Hearings

5. Land Development Code Text Amendment

Animal Management Matters

6. County Ordinance – Chapter 11: Animals – Proposed Revisions

Grant Matters

7. JCPC County Plan for FY 2019-2020

Appointments

8. Oxford Planning Board – Extraterritorial Member

9. Kerr-Tar Regional Economic Development Commission – Triangle North Board

County Manager’s Report

10. DHHS Memorandum of Understanding

11. ABC Resolution Request

County Attorney’s Report

12. Interlocal Agreement Between Creedmoor and Granville County – 122 Pecan Street

Budget Matters

13. FY 2019-2020 Budget

Presentations by County Board Members

14. Presentations by County Board Members

Any Other Matters

15. Any Other Matters

Closed Session

16. Closed Session as allowed by G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) – Attorney-Client Matter

17. Closed Session as allowed by G.S. 143-318.11(a)(4) – Economic Development

To view Granville Co. Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes, click here. 

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Meet Mon., June 3

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, June 3, 2019, at 6 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The board will also meet in a Closed Session for a consultation with the Board’s attorney and Personnel/Attorney-Client Privileges in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 on this evening.

To find a copy of the agenda for the meeting, please use the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/gcsd/Board.nsf/Public

25th Annual Butner Chicken Pickin’ Weekend to Offer Food, Music & Fun

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-Information courtesy Angela Allen, Director, Granville County Tourism Development Authority

The Butner Community Association is hosting its 25th Annual Butner Chicken Pickin’ this weekend!

The festival weekend kicks off with the Butner Street Dance, which will be held on Friday, May 31, 2019, from 7 – 10 p.m. in the parking lot at Lifestyle Fitness on the corner of 16th & C Streets in Butner, weather permitting.

In the event of rain, the dance will be held at Soldiers Memorial Sports Arena located on 24th Street in Butner.

The band for the street dance is The Castaways.

The Butner Chicken Pickin’ is always held on the first Saturday in June, so mark your calendars for Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.! The day’s events include day-long live entertainment on two stages, a BBQ chicken cook-off contest, lots of food and craft vendors, kiddie activities, rides, a tractor show and a car show.

The featured band for Saturday’s event is The Soul Psychedelique.

The event will be held rain or shine at Gazebo Park on Central Avenue in Butner.

Granville County Library System

Granville Co. Library System: Full Slate of Events for Beginning of June

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The four branches of the Granville County Library System have a full slate of programming and scheduled events for the first week of June.

On June 1, Dr. Elliott Engel will bring to life “The Inimitable Winston Churchill.” Engel has researched numerous biographies to discover virtually unknown details of the career of this twentieth-century giant. Using large doses of humor, Engel  – a resident of Raleigh and a former teacher at the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University and Duke University –  will make his presentation at the South Branch at 3 p.m. The award-winning lecturer has published several books and magazine articles and has written four plays, which have been produced over the past ten years.

Dr. Elliott Engel will bring to life “The Inimitable Winston Churchill” on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the South Branch at 3 p.m. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Best known for his service in promoting the life and work of Charles Dickens, Engel has also been inducted into the Royal Society of Arts in England and has been President of the Dickens Fellowship of North Carolina since 1980. The public is invited to attend this presentation to meet Mr. Engel and to learn more about the life and career of Winston Churchill. The South Branch is located at 1550 South Campus Drive in Creedmoor.

Also on June 1, “Teen Time” is scheduled for 2 until 4 p.m at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. Participants can enjoy Wii games, board games and refreshments. And immediately following at 4 p.m., those interested in attending a meeting of the recently-formed “Teen Club” will have an opportunity to offer suggestions to make their local library the place they would like for it to be. Anyone interested is asked to contact Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121, ext. 212.

A “Safe Space” for teens is held on the first Monday of each month in the small conference room of the Thornton Library. This mental health support group is offered from 5 until 6 p.m. For more information, contact Teen Librarian Amy Carlson.

Teens who enjoy cooking are invited to participate in the “Iron Chef Teen” Cooking Competition. The “Dessert Edition” of the challenge will be held on June 21 from 2 until 5 p.m., but now is the time to prepare. Those interested are invited to choose a partner and join in the high-stakes cooking competition that will involve cream cheese and cash prizes. All cooking levels are welcome. Register in person or online at granville.lib.nc.us.

Every Friday at 10 a.m., the Thornton Library offers a free computer workshop for those needing assistance with basic computer skills. For more details, contact Ashley Wilson at 919-693-1121.

Story Times are offered for young children at all library branches – The Stovall Library (Mondays), the South Branch Library (Tuesdays), the Berea branch (Tuesdays) and the Thornton Library (Wednesdays). All story times are scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Students in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) every Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. at the Thornton Library. Hands-on activities and learning experiences are planned each week. Those interested in participating should call the library at 919-693-1121.

And prepare for the Summer Reading Program, which kicks off on June 20 with the theme “A Universe of Stories.” More details will be coming soon.

There are four branches of the Granville County Library System, which includes the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford, the South Branch in Creedmoor, the Berea branch and the Stovall Branch. For a complete listing of events for the month of June, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/.

Granville County Logo

Granville County Considered for New DHHS Location

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-Press Release, Granville County Government 

Granville County Administration learned Tuesday that a proposal was included in the N.C. Senate budget for site selection in Granville County for the relocation of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Section 39.2(1) of the Senate Budget directs the Department of Administration to “select land located in Granville County suitable for the relocation of the Department of Health and Human Services facilities at the Dix Campus in Raleigh.” The Dix campus was sold to the City of Raleigh in 2015 and is to become a park. The proposal authorized $250 million to build a new facility.

To show support for the project, Granville County responded quickly by preparing a letter that was sent to Governor Roy Cooper, DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen and a number of legislators. While the State of North Carolina currently owns land in the southern area of the county, the letter of support highlights the Triangle North – Granville site. Triangle North Granville is a 527-acre business park located in Granville and Vance Counties with approximately three miles of frontage on Interstate 85. If selected, DHHS will be the first tenant on the site, which is marketed as a Life Science and Technology Park.

“This state office would be a great addition to the park,” County Manager Mike Felts remarked, “and the project would be transformative to Granville County and to the region. We are excited about the prospect of DHHS locating in Granville County.”

An emergency meeting was scheduled by the Granville County Board of Commissioners for further review and discussion of the proposal. The meeting was held on Wednesday, May 29 at 5 p.m. at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center.

Granville County Logo

Granville Board of Commissioners Calls 5 p.m. Emergency Meeting

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-Information courtesy Debra Weary, Clerk to the Board/Assistant to the County Manager – Granville County

Please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold an emergency meeting pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143-318.12(b)(3) in the Granville County Board of Commissioners Meeting Room located at the Granville County Expo & Convention Center, 4185 US Hwy 15 South, Oxford, North Carolina 27565 on May 29, 2019 at 5:00 P.M.

The Board will discuss offering support for Section 39.2(l) of the Senate Budget which directs the Department of Administration to “select land located in Granville County suitable for the relocation of the Department of Health and Human Services facilities at the Dix Campus in Raleigh.”

U.S. Department of Justice

Creedmoor Man Sentenced to 27 Years on Child Pornography Charges

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced MARK BASS, 59, of Creedmoor, North Carolina to 326 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised released. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $75,000.00.

On October 18, 2018, BASS was named in a one-count Indictment charging him with the Manufacture of Child Pornography. On January 28, 2019, BASS pled guilty to the charge. BASS is currently serving a term in state custody for other sex offenses against children.

In August 2017, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) in Oxford, North Carolina, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in Raleigh, North Carolina, received information related to the sexual abuse of an 18-year-old female (Victim 1) by MARK BASS. The sexual abuse began when Victim 1 was 7 or 8 years of age and continued until she was at least 17 years old. During the course of the investigation, agents also learned of a second victim, Victim 2, a 13-year-old autistic male, who was also sexually abused by BASS.

On January 30, 2018, Wake County Child Protective Services (WCCPS) notified the GCSO that Victim 2 reported multiple forms of sexual abuse endured at the hands of BASS. Victim 2 also substantiated that BASS took sexual photographs of Victim 1 with his cellphone, which BASS periodically showed to Victim 2.

Based on the substantiated sexual abuse involving Victims 1 and 2, a search warrant was obtained and executed at BASS’ residence on February 16, 2018. A cellphone belonging to BASS and other physical evidence was seized. Forensic investigation of the cellphone indicated that, on August 14, 2016, BASS produced at least one image of Victim 2 that constituted child pornography under the law. Evidence also proved that BASS engaged in sexual contact with Victim 2 on multiple occasions.

This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The investigation of this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Belle Kessler prosecuted the case for the government.

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage at https://justice.gov/usao-ednc. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.

Faith Dove

New Covenant Christian Center Looking for a Music Minister, Keyboard Player

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-Information courtesy New Covenant Christian Center

New Covenant Christian Center, located on Salem Road just east of Oxford, is searching for a music minister and keyboard player.

If you are interested, please contact Pastor Zelton Hunter, Sr. at 252-915-0121.

Granville Athletic Park Reaches 15-Year Milestone

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

On May 21, 2004, Granville Athletic Park (GAP) was dedicated to the citizens of Granville County after a hard-fought battle to keep out a hazardous waste incinerator. Fifteen years later, the GAP is now the area’s largest recreational area and environmental preserve, serving as a “third home” for thousands of residents and visitors.

What happened to change the intended use of this site is the result of many concerned people – from near and far – coming together to make a difference in their community.

In 1989, North Carolina joined a five-state compact that would commit the state to site and build five hazardous waste incinerators for a private company called ThermalKEM. In May of the following year, the list of 18 potential locations had been narrowed to two sites – one on the Rowan/Iredell County border and one near Oxford in Granville County. Land for the incinerator site totaled 580 acres off Belltown Road, which was combined from nine different landowners.

A protestor stands her ground at the Belltown Road site that was once considered for a hazardous waste incinerator. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

When Granville County residents learned of the plan to locate the toxic waste incinerator in their area, they took action. In addition to multiple local protests, Oxford attorney John Pike secured a loan from Adams Tobacco Company to purchase the 48-acre Ellok Jones farm, one of the tracts of land in the middle of the 580-acre proposed incinerator site. Pike then sold $5.00 ownership shares of the newly-acquired farmland to approximately 8,000 people, most from Granville County but some from as far away as the Soviet Union and South America. The intent was to make it so difficult to negotiate with the large number of shareholders that the state would eventually abandon the project. The idea worked. Facing multiple lawsuits and the publicity that resulted, the state was deterred from their original plan.

In March of 1999, a partnership was forged between Jonesland Environmental Park, Inc. and Granville County. According to the deed between the two partners, 48.28 acres of the land was to be used for recreation and environmental park purposes;  the forestland was to be preserved in a natural state (no clear cutting); the grounds were to be maintained by organic methods defined by the National Organic Standards Board; and the Jones family’s cemetery plot was to be maintained.

On May 21, 2004, the Granville Athletic Park and Jonesland Environmental Preserve were dedicated, with many supportive residents in attendance. The Granville County land that had once been envisioned as a site for the burning of toxic waste is now Granville County’s largest recreational area, covering more than 60 acres as it grows to meet the needs of its residents.

Pictured at the GAP’s dedication 15 years ago are Commissioner Tony Cozart, Carolina Sunrock owner Brian Pfohl, Commissioner Hubert Gooch, Oxford Attorney John Pike, Commissioners Dave Currin and W.E. “Pete” Averette. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

Due to continued efforts by county staff, local organizations and volunteers, today’s park includes walking trails, baseball/softball diamonds, soccer fields, picnic areas, open play spaces, playground equipment, pickleball courts, a disc golf course, basketball goals, an educational Kids TRACK trail, an outdoor classroom space, a splash pad, a butterfly garden and many more amenities.

Phase III of the GAP’s expansion is to begin soon, which will include tennis courts, fitness stations, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, an all-inclusive play area, a sound garden and other additions.

Granville County Government has been observing the 15th anniversary of Granville Athletic Park with an online “Fifteen Day Countdown” and will soon be introducing “Fifteen for 15,” which details 15 sponsorship/giving opportunities to kick off this milestone celebration. More details will be coming soon.

For more information about Granville Athletic Park, contact Management Analyst Charla Duncan at charla.duncan@granvillecountygovernment.org. To reserve specific time periods for field play, picnic shelters, etc., contact Raymond Allen, Granville County’s Parks and Grounds Director, at 919-693-3716.