Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

With Community Support, VGCC Plans to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

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-Press Release, VGCC 

During 2019, Vance-Granville Community College marks a half-century of excellence in education and training, and college officials are planning for events that tie into the celebration throughout the year.

These events include: the seventh annual VGCC Dinner Theater, set for April 25 and April 26; the 35th annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, on May 7; commencement exercises for VGCC’s 50th graduating class, on May 10; a formal inauguration of the college’s new president, Dr. Rachel Desmarais; and events at each campus on or around Sept. 4 – the date on the college’s original charter, which is traditionally observed as the college’s official birthday. A team of college faculty and staff are currently finalizing plans for additional events and activities.

“The 50th anniversary of VGCC provides numerous opportunities for us to celebrate the positive impact this institution has had on Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, while also renewing our commitment to our students and our communities,” Dr. Desmarais said.

Local citizens and businesses have stepped up to support the college’s anniversary celebration. The highest level of anniversary sponsorship is represented by the “Vanguard” sponsors. These include Bob Hubbard of Henderson, longtime vice-chair of the VGCC Endowment Fund Board of Directors; Mr. and Mrs. Hutson “Hut” Wester of Henderson, who are also supporters of the Endowment Fund; and Mr. and Mrs. John Nelms, Jr., of Raleigh, the son and daughter-in-law of the late John K. Nelms, who served on both the VGCC Board of Trustees and the Endowment Board. Four businesses are also Vanguard sponsors: Duke Energy, Altec Industries of Creedmoor, the Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham, and Henderson Fruit and Produce.

Sponsors at the “Patron” level include Mr. and Mrs. Bob Nelson of Henderson; J.M. White Funeral Home of Henderson and Mr. and Mrs. Julius Banzet of Warren County.

“Benefactors” for the anniversary include Janet Mills, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Tanner, Hicks and Wrenn, PLLC, the Honorable and Mrs. Randolph Baskerville, Mr. and Mrs. Josh Towne, Katharine Horner, Phillips Dorsey Thomas Waters & Brafford, P.A., CertainTeed, Ruth Brummitt, Nathan Fleming, and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Crawford.

“We thank these steadfast friends of the college for their commitment to helping us celebrate Vance-Granville’s rich tradition of service to our region,” said VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson.

The four-county educational institution that is today VGCC began in 1969 as Vance County Technical Institute. After offering classes in various community locations, VCTI moved into renovated quarters of the former Maria Parham Hospital building near downtown Henderson in January 1970.

Soon, phenomenal growth in enrollment made it clear that the school needed larger, more permanent facilities. Granville County leaders then joined Vance County in supporting a united effort to construct and maintain a brand-new campus.

With the institution renamed Vance-Granville Technical Institute, the new campus was built midway between Henderson and Oxford. It opened in August 1976, just six weeks after the legislature granted community college status, meaning that the school could offer students the first two years of a four-year degree. Accordingly, its name was changed to Vance-Granville Community College.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ben Currin, VGCC’s longest-serving president, the college expanded by establishing additional campuses: South Campus, a facility in southern Granville County, in 1982; the Warren County Campus in 1988; and the Franklin County Campus in 1991. Throughout the years, the institution has benefited from the strong support of citizens in all four counties, in the form of donors’ endowed scholarships and in the form of voters’ approval of bonds to build facilities.

In more recent years, VGCC has been transformed through the addition of online programs that can extend educational opportunities to even more students and through the establishment of four Early College high schools — one at each VGCC campus — in partnership with local public school systems.

“In the short time I have been at Vance-Granville, I’ve heard from so many people in the four-county area about how much pride they take in their community college. They want to see it grow while maintaining a focus on accessibility and preparing students for great careers,” added Dr. Desmarais. “In fact, VGCC Vanguards are all around us in the community, demonstrating the college’s excellence over the past 50 years. Our alumni are leaders in business, in health care, in education, in law enforcement and so many other fields.”

The college is interested in hearing from alumni about how their education at VGCC prepared them for success. To share such a story, or to find out more about supporting the college, contact Eddie Ferguson at (252) 738-3264 or fergusone@vgcc.edu.

Masonic Home for Children

Masonic Home Welcomes Volunteers for 8th Annual ‘Great Landscape Day’

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-Information courtesy Jennifer Cufalo, Financial Development Assistant, Masonic Home for Children at Oxford

The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford will hold their 8th Annual Great Landscape Day on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

Individual and group volunteers are invited to share in a day of fellowship that will improve the appearance of the children’s home. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

When: Saturday, April 13, 2019 (no rain date – call for updates)

Where: Campus of Masonic Home for Children – 600 College St. in Oxford, NC

Schedule: 7:30 – 9 a.m. – continental breakfast for participants; 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – landscaping event on campus; 12 p.m. –  lunch and conclusion of event.

Participants must RSVP on or before Friday, April 5 to indicate their interest and must include the number attending. To RSVP or for more information, contact MHCO at (919) 603-3930 or email jcufalo@mhc-oxford.org.

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Year’s Fourth Confirmed Rabid Animal Collected in Granville Co.

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-Information courtesy the Granville County Government’s Facebook page

Granville County Animal Control reports the pickup of a raccoon near the intersection of Elam Currin Road and Pine Town Road that has tested positive for rabies. The animal was collected in a pasture with livestock.

A representative from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be advising the property owner and conducting a separate investigation of the animals that may have come into contact with the raccoon. This is the fourth confirmed rabid animal so far this year and the third rabid animal in this location in the last 14 months.

The best way to protect yourself and your animals is to make sure all of your pets have a current rabies vaccine, in accordance with N.C. law. The Granville County Animal Shelter, located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford, provides one-year rabies vaccines for dogs and cats for only $6. Call 919-693-6749 for more details.

Industrial Hemp Processor to Open in Granville County

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The approval of the 2018 Farm Bill in December has thrust industrial hemp into the spotlight as a lucrative agricultural crop, encouraging Jack Tatum of Isolera Extracts to bring an industrial hemp processing service to Granville County. North Carolina’s long tradition of organic farming, along with is support for the industrial hemp industry and its strategic geographic location, was a key factor in Tatum’s decision to bring his company to the state.

Several regions were considered, Tatum, noted, but Granville County and the City of Oxford stood out by offering tremendous support for this vision to spark economic growth through a bustling “new” industry. Upon touring the former Burlington Mills facility at 325 Lewis Street, Tatum knew he had found the ideal location.

A long-time entrepreneur, Tatum said that the impending passage of the 2018 Farm Bill last year encouraged him to make preliminary steps to “get ahead of the curve” as he began work to up-fit the 187,000 square foot industrial facility. Upon securing the site, extensive measures were taken to design “clean” zones for the industrial hemp processing equipment, update existing infrastructure to support the on-scale laboratory, improve air quality, and other measures to prepare for operation.

Jack Tatum (right) of Isolera Extracts is pictured with Economic Development Director Harry Mills. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

Construction at the site is now complete and Tatum’s equipment partners from Precision Extraction Solutions, a world-renowned extraction company based out of Michigan, are working to complete the installation of equipment and training of Isolera Extract’s locally-based laboratory team.

Since industrial hemp farming and industrial hemp processing are new to this region, engaging local farmers was a priority in the initial phase of the project to establish strong working relationships. There are about 100 farms in our community that have faced reductions in tobacco allotments and at the same time have doubled the production of Adrafinil,” Tatum explained.

Although growing organic industrial hemp is somewhat similar to growing tobacco, Isolera Extracts has hosted free information sessions with third-party experts for local farmers to learn how to ensure that their crops are planted in ideal soil conditions, retain the proper moisture content, receive adequate sunlight, are harvested properly to optimize value and are kept in compliance with North Carolina and federal regulations. Soil sampling and periodic plant testing is also an important part of the process.

“Everyone will be going through a learning process as we get this off the ground,” Tatum explained. “We are suggesting that farmers start with one to five acres as they learn the process and proper techniques, and then grow from there.”

A form of cannabis, industrial hemp contains less than 0.3 percent of THC. (THC, i.e. tetrahydrocannabinol, is a crystalline compound that is one of more than 100 known cannabinoids found in industrial hemp.) The form of industrial hemp that has been legalized through the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill contains high levels of CBD (cannabidiol) oil, which can be extracted and used in health supplements. The top selling cbd oil in Colorado is said to have helped both kids and adults in regaining good health.

Health supplements containing CBD are lauded for their ability to reduce inflammation, among other benefits. Industrial hemp that contains more than 0.3 percent THC is considered non-industrial hemp cannabis under federal law and is not legally protected under the 2018 Farm Bill.

After industrial hemp crops are harvested, farmers in Granville County and neighboring regions will be able to bring their crops to the Isolera Extract team, who will identify each farmer’s batch, test the biomass for its chemical composition, grade the plant material and buy the industrial hemp, if the farmer so desires, at its current market value.

“We have a system of checks and balances in place and a team of scientists on board to ensure compliance and quality,” Tatum indicates. “We want to ensure that farmers in the community are being compensated appropriately for their efforts and output. In the end, our goal is to produce top-notch products and stimulate economic growth for individuals and for a community hard-hit by cutbacks from the tobacco industry.”

A series of interviews to round out the staff of Isolera Extracts is now in progress, with an opening phase of the company’s rollout employing a workforce of approximately 40 people. Tatum says that Isolera Extracts will hire approximately 100 local employees as production grows.

“The quality of the workforce here is exceptional,” Tatum remarked. “There is a lot of local talent and we are looking forward to working with our team to push the boundaries forward in this new and exciting industry.”

Initially, Isolera Extracts plans to process about 3,000 pounds of industrial hemp per eight-hour shift. Within six months, however, the estimate is a production level of about 10,000 pounds of industrial hemp each eight-hour-shift.

North Carolina is quickly becoming more accustomed to the idea of industrial hemp as a “cash crop.” In data shared by the USDA, N.C. has been listed in the “top ten” in a ranking of the nation’s hemp-growing states, falling behind Colorado, Kentucky, Oregon, North Dakota, Minnesota and New York.

“North Carolina has gone all-in on hemp” the USDA noted in its ‘Hemp Industry Daily’ report. “State officials see it as a natural fit for an economy once dominated by tobacco farming and textile manufacturing.”

With the addition of Isolera Extracts to its industrial base, Granville County will play a major role in this trend as a new agricultural phenomenon sweeps the country.

“We could not be more pleased to operate Isolera Extracts in Granville County,” Tatum said. “We’ve received a warm reception from Granville County, the City of Oxford and the state of North Carolina. The entire community is behind us and our partnership with Granville County and its farmers is an exciting opportunity for everyone.”

“We would especially like to thank Economic Development Director Harry Mills,” Tatum added, “who has been essential in this process and has facilitated making this a reality.”

Plans are for Isolera Extracts to be operational by the beginning of April. A ribbon cutting at its 60-acre home will take place with local, regional and state officials on April 5.

For more information on Isolera Extracts and other local industries, contact Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills at 919-693-5911 or email him at harry.mills@granvillecounty.org.

Granville County Logo

Granville County Board of Commissioners to Meet Mon., April 1

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

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, April 1, 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 #6

3. Minutes

Recognitions and Presentations

4. Recognition – Volunteer Service Award

5. Presentation – Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity Inc.

Public Comments

6. Public Comments

Tax Matters

7. Tax Discount Discussion

Solid Waste Matters

8. Roadside Litter Removal Request

Appointments

9. Granville County Veterans Affairs Committee

10. Granville County Board of Adjustment

County Manager’s Report

11. Extension of Street Sign Installation Contract

County Attorney’s Report

12. County Attorney’s Report

Presentations by County Board Members

13. Presentations by County Board Members

Any Other Matters

14. Oaths of Office for Board of Equalization and Review

Closed Session

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

For current and previous Granville Co. Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes, click here. 

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Meet April 1

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting Monday, April 1, 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 Personnel/Attorney-Client Privilege and Consultation with Board 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.

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

Oxford Personnel Committee to Discuss Employee Salary Study – April 1

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

The Personnel Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Monday, April 1, 2019, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in the 1st Floor Training Room City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Employee Salary Study. All those interested are invited to attend.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Granville Vance Public Health Addressing Opioid, Mental Health Issues

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Lisa Harrison, health director for the Granville Vance Public Health Department, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss current health initiatives as well as a possible relocation for the department’s Granville County office.

Buildings

With office locations in both Vance and Granville County, Harrison said the buildings of the 40- year-old health district are beginning to show their age.

“With all of the recent rain, leaks were discovered along with structural issues, particularly in the Granville County location,” said Harrison.

The Granville Vance Public Health Department’s Granville Co. building is located at 101 Hunt Drive in Oxford. Recent rain has brought to light leaks and other structural issues. (WIZS photo)

According to Harrison, Granville County Commissioners are discussing options for the health department’s Granville office, including a possible new location.

The Granville County building is currently located at 101 Hunt Drive in Oxford, while the Vance County office is housed at 115 Charles Rollins Road, across from Maria Parham Health, in Henderson.

 

Health Initiatives

Quickly adapting to the ever-changing health care needs of the local community is essential to the success of a public health department. Harrison said one example of the way Granville Vance adapts to changing needs is evident in their response to the recent opioid crisis.

According to Harrison, many factors have contributed to the crisis, including a lack of understanding of the changes in brain chemistry while on opioids, and the quickness of addiction.

“Doctors were taught ten years ago that opioids weren’t as addictive as we now know that they actually are,” said Harrison. “When I was undertaking my hypnosis continuing education, I inferred that hypnosis could be a solution to many maladies.”

Harrison also explained that a system of tying patients’ pain levels and satisfaction ratings into payments ultimately made to the hospital further added to the fallout that many communities are now facing.

“Many come to this addiction through no fault of their own. It might have happened after a surgery or after an injury playing sports in high school.

I think, as a society, we can fight this and get this right, but we are going to have to be very human and very heart-centered in how we approach it.”

For their part, the health department seeks federal grant assistance and partners with local hospitals and physician groups to provide recovery options for those addicted to opioids.

In the spirit of addressing current community needs, the health department is proud to announce that it is also a part of the “Stepping Up Initiative,” a program designed to study mental health issues, substance use and prison sentences among inmates.

“We have telehealth in all jails in the region – Granville, Vance, Franklin, Warren and Halifax. These five counties participate together as the only regional ‘Stepping Up Initiative’ group in the nation,” Harrison said.

UNC Public Television will air a segment on the “Stepping Up Initiative” and the work being done to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in local detention centers tonight (March 28) at 8 p.m.

The segment will re-air at other times over the weekend and will also be available for viewing on the UNC-TV website.

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

Oxford Masonic Center to Host First Responders Breakfast, Open House

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-Information courtesy Kevin Otis, Oxford Lodge #122 of the Masonic Home for Children

On Saturday, April 6, 2019, Oxford Lodge #122 and Henry F. Grainger Lodge #412 will host a First Responders Breakfast from 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. at the Masonic Center, 105 West College Street in Oxford. Dine in or get your breakfast to go.

Oxford Police Department, Oxford Fire Department, Granville County Deputy’s Office, NC State Police and Granville Medical Services EMS are all welcome for a complimentary breakfast as a small way of saying thank you for all you do.

Also on Saturday, April 6, all the Masonic Bodies at 105 West College Street will provide an Open House to the public from 9 a.m. to noon. Visit with representatives from The Order of the Eastern Star Oxford Chapter 94, Rainbow Girls Chapter 90, Oxford York Rite Bodies, Granville Co. Shrine Club – Amran/Sudan Temples, Henry F. Grainger Lodge #412 and Oxford Lodge #122.

Hear what each organization does and how they help others. Please join us for a fun and learning experience.

Kevin Otis was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS Town Talk program to discuss the breakfast and open house. Otis’ segment of the program begins at the 18:30 mark.

Tar River Elementary Principal Completes Distinguished Leadership Program

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-Press Release, NCPAPA

Courtney Currin, principal of Tar River Elementary, recently completed the Distinguished Leadership Program (DLP), a year‐long leadership development program for practicing school principals designed and provided by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principal’s Association and sponsored by the American Express Foundation through the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development (NCASLD).

The Distinguished Leadership in Practice Program (DLP) uses a non‐traditional professional development model that is aligned to the performance evaluation standards adopted by the State Board of Education for North Carolina’s school leaders.

This unique cohort‐based program is designed to limit principals’ time away from their schools by allowing them to attend face‐to‐face sessions once every other month while accessing on‐line assignments, materials and coaching in between face‐to‐face sessions. Principals engage in a series of authentic activities throughout the year‐long experience that are designed to build the capacity of their schools and their own capacity as “Distinguished” school leaders.

“The leadership of the school principal is by far one of the most important factors in school quality. By completing this very rigorous program, our DLP graduates have demonstrated their commitment to continuous improvement by working to improve their leadership skills as they simultaneously improve their schools. We are proud to include them in the ranks of successful DLP completers,” said Dr. Shirley Prince, NCPAPA Executive Director.

This program is offered in Chapel Hill and serves principals in all eight regions of the state.

Tar River Elementary Principal Courtney Currin (pictured left with Granville Co. Schools Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean), recently completed the Distinguished Leadership Program (DLP), a year-long leadership development program for practicing school principals. (Photo courtesy GCPS)