Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Hold Regular Monthly Meeting Aug. 5

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NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, August 5, 2019, 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 with the Board’s attorney 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.

2019-20 ‘Granville Today’ Publication Ready for Distribution

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

The 2019-2020 issue of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s “Granville Today” publication has just been received for distribution.

The Chamber is grateful to the advertisers for making this annual publication available and encourages shopping local with these very supportive merchants and businesses.

Copies are available at the Granville County Chamber of Commerce office locations – 1598 NC Hwy 56/Suite 4, between Butner and Creedmoor and 124 Hillsboro St., Oxford.

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Committee previews the new edition of “GRANVILLE TODAY” – the 2019 – 2020 issue that has just been received for distribution. Left to right: Jason Finch/Union Bank, Treasurer; Cecilia Wheeler/Vance-Granville Community College, President-elect; Larry Wilson/Lewis Electric of Oxford, Vice-President; Tanya Evans/Duke Energy, President; and Hal Muetzel/Express Employment Professionals, Past President. (Granville Co. Chamber Photo)

 

Granville Co. Library System to End Summer Reading Program With Truck Rally

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

The last weekly event of Granville County Library System’s Summer Reading program is scheduled for Thursday, August  1, 2019.

Come to the Thornton Library in Oxford at 10 a.m. or the South Branch Library in Creedmoor at 2 p.m. to learn more about trucks during this community truck rally. Participants will be able to see and interact with fire trucks, garbage trucks, police vehicles, etc. Great for kids of all ages!

The area in front of Thornton Library on W. Spring St. in Oxford will be closed to traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ for more details about upcoming library events and programs.

Granville Co Sheriff

Granville Co. Sheriff’s Office Offers Back to School Safety Tips

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-Press Release, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Granville County Sheriff Brindell B. Wilkins, Jr. offers some safety tips for drivers and for students as the new school year approaches. “We can all learn from the safety tips below and abide by them to make Granville County safer for everyone,” Sheriff Wilkins said.

Drivers should:

  • Remember to not block crosswalks and to yield to pedestrians, taking extra care in school zones;
  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians;
  • Never pass a bus loading or unloading children;
  • Stop far enough behind a stopped school bus to allow students to safely enter and exit the bus, remembering that the area ten feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children.

Students walking to school should:

  • Always travel with a friend – two heads are better than one, especially if there’s an emergency;
  • Remember that a stranger is anyone you or your parents don’t know well;
  • Never get close to a car driven by a stranger. You could get pulled in. And never get in the car;
  • Never tell anyone your name or address when you’re walking. Don’t think that because someone knows your name that they know you – they may just be looking at your name printed on your lunch box, school bag or tee-shirt;
  • Always tell your parents or teacher if a stranger has approached you.

Those riding bikes should:

  • Know the rules of the road. Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across;
  • Watch for the opening of car doors and other hazards;
  • Use hand signals when turning;
  • Wear bright-colored clothing;
  • Always wear a helmet that is fitted and secured properly.

“By taking the time to carefully prepare for these situations, we can ensure student safety, whether on the way to school or home, playing on a playground or riding bikes,” Sheriff Wilkins concludes. “Let’s have a safe start to the new school year.”

Contributions of school supplies are now being accepted at the Granville County Sheriff’s Office, located at 143 Williamsboro Street in Oxford. Donated items will be delivered to local classroom teachers before the first day of the new school year. For more information about this project, call 919-693-3213.

For more safety tips, visit the National Safety Council Website at www.nsc.org.

NCDOT

Permanent Street Closure in Granville County

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation

The N.C. Department of Transportation will close Pine Street at West Lake Road beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2019. This permanent closure is part of the realignment of N.C. 56.

An NCDOT contractor will be constructing a cul-de-sac. Driveway access will be maintained for residents during construction.

Motorists should use North Durham Avenue and turn left onto Sunset Road to get to Pine Street.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

Granville Crime Stoppers

Granville Co. Crime Stoppers Looking for Info. on Stolen Work Equipment

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS NEEDS YOU!

Sometime between Sunday, July 14 and Monday, July 15, 2019, an unknown person(s) unlawfully went upon private property off Antler Way Lane in Creedmoor and removed items from a work truck.

Stolen were one Husqvarna 395XP, one Husqvarna 372XP with 16-20″ bar, one Stihl MS200 and one Stihl MS261 16-20″ bar chainsaws.

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

GAP Celebrates Parks & Recreation Month With Colorful Sound Garden

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Granville County is celebrating Parks and Recreation Month!

A sound garden is a new and welcome addition to Granville Athletic Park. Colorful, stationary chimes, chimes that swing and a fun set of drums have all been added to emphasize sensory play.

Have you visited Granville County’s largest recreational area lately? Granville Athletic Park is located at 4615 Belltown Road in Oxford, and is celebrating its 15th anniversary!

Pictured is two-year-old Cooper Frazier having fun and making music at Granville Athletic Park. (Photo/graphic courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

 

Granville County Logo

Granville Co. to Hold Informational Sessions on Medicaid Changes

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-Press Release, Granville County Government 

Changes to Medicaid requirements will take effect on November 1, 2019. While most recipients will see no changes to the services they have been receiving, enrollment through a health plan will be required.

A health plan – through Medicaid – is a group of doctors, hospitals and other providers that will work together to provide healthcare to meet collective needs. The goal is for every medical service – physical health, mental health and medicine – to come through the same healthcare plan. A primary care provider (PCP) should also be selected to assist with health care needs, which could be in the form of a family doctor, clinic or other health care provider.

Granville County is in the first phase of the Medicaid transformation, with recipients to be enrolled by a September 13 deadline.

Recipients who already have a primary care provider may keep the one they already have or choose a new one. If a PCP or health plan is not selected before September 13, the Granville County Department of Social Services offers a reminder that one will be chosen for you; however, depending on the type of health services needed, a small number of recipients will be able to continue enrollment through NC Medicaid Direct.

A series of informational and enrollment events have been scheduled through the Granville County Department of Social Services to guide local Medicaid recipients through the process of determining eligibility and/or selecting a health plan and primary care provider. These sessions will be held in various locations across the county and are scheduled for:

  • July 31 – 9:30 until 11:30 a.m., Granville County Expo and Convention Center, 4185 Hwy. 15 in Oxford;
  • August 9 – 2 until 4 p.m., Granville County Expo and Convention Center, 4185 Hwy. 15 in Oxford;
  • August 14 – 9 until 11 a.m., Granville County Senior Services, 107 Lanier Street in Oxford; and
  • Aug. 23, – 10 until 11:30 a.m., South Granville Country Club, 2539 Sam Moss Hayes Road, Creedmoor

Participants are asked to bring valid identification or the notification letter sent from the Department of Health and Human Services which states, “there will be a new way to get Medicaid Health Care.” It is also recommended that recipients who are senior citizens should bring a trusted family member or friend to assist in the selection process.

If unable to attend any of these events, an outreach specialist is available for assistance at the Granville County Department of Social Services, 410 West Spring Street in Oxford, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Assistance will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services notes that there are several health plans Medicaid recipients can choose from.

For a list of doctors for each health plan, or to enroll, visit ncmedicaidplans.gov, use the NC Medicaid Managed Care mobile app or call 1-833-870-5500. A language line is also available.

For eligibility information or for questions about Medicaid’s new requirements, contact Beverly Ferrell, Granville County Department of Social Services, at 919-693-1511.

Annual NC Hot Sauce Contest to Heat Up Oxford in Sept.

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

There are less than two months to go until Oxford heats up with the annual NC Hot Sauce Contest! This year’s event will be held Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The NC Hot Sauce Contest brings thousands of people to downtown Oxford to interact with friends, merchants, fans, artisans and vendors. In 2018, the event topped 18,000 visitors!

North Carolina’s finest hot sauces and barbeque sauces, along with breweries and wineries spice up the blends and texture of downtown’s historic streets.

Enter the NC Pepper Eating Contest sponsored by Bailey Farms. Capture all the history of Oxford by visiting the Granville County Museum and their September Sensations Bazaar at the Harris Exhibit Hall, famous for showcasing local artisans.

The day will include activities for children, local shops waiting to greet you and great restaurants, all at your fingertips.

For more details, including sponsor information, vendor forms and contest entry, please visit the NC Hot Sauce Contest website at www.nchotsaucecontest.com.

Granville County Logo

Granville Selects Open Broadband, LLC to Expand Internet Access

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County has joined neighboring Vance and Franklin Counties, through an initiative of the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments, to improve internet connectivity and availability issues throughout the county.

This past June, the Granville County Board of Commissioners approved a seven-year contract with Open Broadband LLC to expand services of fixed-wireless broadband internet service into unserved and underserved areas of the county.

“Applying for jobs, access to medical records, access to student coursework and online banking all require good internet infrastructure,” said Open Broadband CEO Alan Fitzpatrick. “Affordable internet options also help address the ‘digital divide.’ We believe everyone should have access to home broadband internet service.”

In August of 2018, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) led a joint broadband enhancement Request for Proposal (RFP) for the tri-county region, with each county to implement its own contract and strategy.

In Granville County, the installation process will begin in the northwest portion, which is currently the most unserved area. The county is currently in the planning and research phase of how the wireless routers will be placed. As the service expands, more areas will be selected to be included as deployment continues.

“During the RFP process, we identified sectors of the county where broadband is in most demand,” explains County Manager Mike Felts. “Over the course of this project, we will be addressing the entire county, but want to make sure we’re starting in areas that are currently unserved so that everyone will have access to high-speed internet.”

Open Broadband is now accepting waitlist signups for enhanced services that range from 25 to 50 Mbps speeds. In certain areas, 100 to 1,000 Mbps speeds can be offered. Those on the waitlist will receive regular updates on the progress of the network build and will be contacted once service is made available in their area.

Granville County residents interested in being included on the waitlist should visit the Open Broadband website at https://openbb.net/granvilleco/ or call 919-205-5400 if internet access is not available.

Those interested in this initiative are also encouraged to attend a series of community information meetings, which are now being scheduled. The first meeting will be held on September 10 at 7 p.m., with a location to be determined. More information about these meetings will be announced when available and can be found at https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/county-commissioners/broadband-initiative/.

Open Broadband, LLC is currently working with 18 other counties within North Carolina to provide hybrid fiber and fixed wireless solutions for broadband services, along with providing gigabit fiber or fixed wireless internet to residential and business customers.

Engineers of the North Carolina-based company will also identify existing assets to install their equipment (for example, water towers, communication towers, church steeples, silos, etc.).

Open Broadband’s customer support service is based in Wilson, NC.

“We are pleased to be awarded the contract with Granville County to bring service to those in need,” said Fitzpatrick.

For more details about this project, please contact Charla Duncan, Management Analyst, at 919-693-5240 or charla.duncan@granvillecounty.org.