Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Former WRAL-TV Anchor Bill Leslie to Speak at Annual Granville Co. Chamber Banquet

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

In celebration of 77 years, the Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors announces that the annual banquet will be held Monday evening, January 28, 2019.

Banquet sponsors are BB&T, CERTAINTEED, DUKE ENERGY; GRANVILLE HEALTH SYSTEM, HICKS AND WRENN, LLP, THE SCHOOL OF GRAPHIC ARTS and VANNESS CHEVROLET.   

The evening’s presenter is well-known, retired, WRAL-TV anchor desk personality, Bill Leslie.  “Bill Leslie is an award-winning journalist and internationally acclaimed musician and composer. He retired from the anchor desk in 2018 after 34 years at WRAL-TV.

Retired WRAL-TV anchor and accomplished musician, Bill Leslie, will serve as the presenter at the 2019 Granville County Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Bill has won more than 70 major news awards including two Peabody Awards, considered the Pulitzer Prize of broadcasting, along with five Emmys. As a veteran anchorman and environmental reporter for WRAL Television in Raleigh, Bill produced more than a dozen award-winning documentaries.

Famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma called Leslie ‘one of the greats in modern Celtic music.’  All eight of the CD’s produced by Bill have hit at or near the top of the world music charts. Leslie, who plays guitar, piano and Celtic whistle was named ‘Best New Artist’ worldwide by the NAR in 2005. He currently plays with a Raleigh based Celtic/Folk ensemble.

Bill’s orchestral composition Tall Ships was named the official song of the 2006 America Parade of Sail. His music has been performed by the North Carolina Symphony and the Tar River Philharmonic Orchestra.

Bill is also a popular storyteller and author of a book featuring his father’s watercolors of Western North Carolina.

The evening will once again include the presentation of the Chamber’s most prestigious award, the John Penn Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding community service.

A buffet dinner will be provided. Tickets are $40 each. Corporate tables of eight, with reserved seating, are available for $300.  Corporate tables of 10, reserved seating, are available for $380. Reservations are required prior to the event. Checks or credit card payments are accepted by contacting one of the Chamber’s offices – 919.693.6125/Wanda, wanda@granville-chamber.com or 919.528.4994/Toni Anne, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.

With Calls Increasing, Granville Co. Offers Tips on Determining 9-1-1 Emergencies

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-Press Release, County of Granville

Call volume at the Granville County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center has seen a steady yearly increase, with almost 43,500 9-1-1 calls received in 2018 and an increase of about 3,000 calls for service from the previous year. Most residents know to contact 9-1-1 in an emergency, but how can those who may need help determine what an “emergency” is?

An “emergency” is any situation that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement, the fire department or an ambulance. Examples include medical emergencies such as a heart attack or stroke, house fires, incidents of domestic violence, being involved in/witnessing a car crash or being the victim of/witnessing a crime, such as a burglary or theft. The general rule is to dial 9-1-1 any time there is a threat to life or property  – but if ever in doubt, residents should go ahead and call the 9-1-1 Center.

“When dealing with an emergency, every second counts,” Trent Brummitt, 911 Center Manager of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center, explains. “If you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe and let the 9-1-1 telecommunicator determine if you actually need emergency assistance.”

When calling 9-1-1, some tips to ensure that callers receive the best possible assistance during an emergency include:

  1. Stay calm and listen carefully to the questions the 9-1-1 telecommunicator is asking. Staying calm in an emergency is one of the most difficult, yet most important, things that can be done. The questions being asked, no matter how relevant they may seem, are important in helping get first responders to the scene as prepared and as quickly as possible.
  2. Answer all questions being asked. By doing so, the telecommunicator can better understand the actual situation, so that the appropriate emergency responders can be dispatched.
  3. Know the location of the emergency. This is especially important if calling from a cell phone because the telecommunicator who takes the call might not be able to pinpoint exactly where the call is coming from. If the exact address is unknown, look for any nearby landmarks, buildings or signage.
  4. Follow instructions. The telecommunicator on the other end of the line is trained to keep callers safe while help is on the way, such as providing instructions to administer basic first aid. Be sure to follow these instructions step by step until responders arrive.
  5. Stay on the line. Even if calling 9-1-1 by mistake, never hang up the phone until instructed to do so. Stay on the line until you can either answer all questions or inform the telecommunicator that you called by accident and that there is actually no emergency. This saves valuable time in having to call back to confirm there is no emergency, or possibly sending members of law enforcement with lights and sirens to investigate further.

Following these tips can help save a life, Brummitt reminds.

“Telecommunicators go through extensive call-taking training, as well as regular continuing education,” he notes. “They have a list of questions to ask, but each plays an important role in the type of help you receive and how much. For example, a telecommunicator may send first responders from the local fire department, as well as an ambulance, for a possible heart attack. Or he/she may send three fire departments and an ambulance to reports of a house fire.”

Posting your home address clearly and prominently at your entrance and on your home is also helpful in ensuring that emergency responders have the correct location. Using something reflective or illuminated so that it can be seen in the evening, as well as during the day, will also be of assistance during an emergency situation.

For situations that are non-emergency in nature, good judgement and common sense can go a long way. Examples of when NOT to call 9-1-1 would be to report a power outage or burst water pipe, to request information about road conditions, for help with minor first aid issues, etc.  For situations such as these, a separate line is available by calling 919-690-0444. This call will connect you directly with the “non-emergency” line of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center.

“It is important to remember that obvious non-emergency calls can take away valuable time and resources from those who need help right away,” Brummitt further explains. “We strive to serve the citizens, visitors and responders in the most effective way we know how. But if ever in doubt, please err on the side of caution and call –or text – 911 for help.”

To learn more about what do to in case of an emergency, visit www.nena.org or www.911.org. To learn more about the Granville County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center, visit www.granvillecounty.org.

Oxford Preparatory School Chooses 2019 Homecoming Court

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-Information courtesy Victoria Bradsher, School Director, Oxford Preparatory School

Oxford Preparatory School (OPS) recently crowned a new homecoming king and queen from amongst representatives of the senior class.

OPS Senior Homecoming court representatives included Camden Ross, daughter of Marc and Jackie Ross from Kittrell; Quincey Burreal, son of Yolanda Burreal also of Kittrell; MacKenzie Pendergrass, daughter of Amanda and Zack Burnette of Henderson; and Luke Overby, son of Tony and Angie Overby from Oxford.

OPS Interact Club President Avery Thomas and Vice-President Ey’Mania Alston crowned the king and queen who are chosen by the entire Griffin student body from the senior class representatives.

For the 2018/2019 school year, OPS Homecoming King is Quincey Burreal. Quincey is a senior who has been accepted to North Carolina Central University and plans to major in Business Administration.

Griffin Homecoming Queen for 2018/2019 is MacKenzie Pendergrass. MacKenzie is a senior who has been accepted to East Carolina University and plans on majoring in Nursing.

Other homecoming court representatives include:

11th-grade

Bryanna Kingsberry from Henderson, granddaughter of Dave and Lynn Nyquist and Ian Simmons, son of DeMarcus and Candace Simmons, also from Henderson.

10th-grade

Emily Faucette, daughter of Alan and Melissa Faucette of Oxford. She is escorted by Codie Johnson, son of Steve and Maggie Johnson of Oxford.

9th-grade

Zoe Holland, daughter of Tracy and Christopher Holland of Oxford and Jackson Edwards, son of Buck and Tina Edwards from Henderson.

8th-grade 

Dasana Williams, daughter of Craig and Tammy Williams of Oxford and Elijah Griffin, son of Christina Griffin and Grandson of Floyd and Joane Griffin of Oxford.

7th-grade

Peyton Purnell, daughter of Leah Williamson and Jonathon Purnell of Oxford and Jonathan Gouldman, son of Shannon Currin of Henderson.

Oxford Preparatory School Seniors Quincey Burreal and MacKenzie Pendergrass were crowned homecoming king and queen, respectively, for the 2018/2019 school year. (Photo Credit: OPS)

The Oxford Preparatory School 2018/2019 Homecoming court represents grades 7th – 12th. (Photo Credit: OPS)

 

 

 

 

 

National Weather Service

Winter Storm System Expected to Affect Portions of Central NC

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-Information and weather charts courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations and the National Weather Service

In case of a power outage, remember to tune in to WIZS Radio at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM with a regular radio.

Click here for the LATEST BRIEFING FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

You may report weather delays and cancellations by email to news@wizs.com or by text at 432-0774. Delays and cancellations will be posted on the WIZS Facebook page – click here – and announced on the air for this event.

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Forecast: Forecasted freezing rain amounts have increased while forecasted snow accumulations have been lowered.

Confidence: High confidence that the event will occur; moderate confidence regarding snow/ice amounts and impacts.

Timing: Wintry weather and its impacts are possible Saturday evening through Monday. The heaviest precipitation is expected to fall Saturday night through about mid-morning Sunday.

Amounts: Light snow accumulation is possible across the northern Piedmont and VA border counties with amounts ranging from a dusting to near an inch. Freezing rain (ice) accumulations are also possible mainly north and west of U.S. Route 1 with amounts ranging from a thin glaze to as much as two tenths (highest north of I-85 and the Triad area).

Impacts: Travel may be impacted by light snow and/or ice accumulations, particularly north and west of Interstate 85. It is possible that we may see some power outages with this event, but we do not believe they will be widespread.

 

City of Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold Regular Meeting Jan. 15

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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, January 15, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Agenda items include:

Delegations by Walter Hurst, Executive Director of Families Living Violence Free.

Consider annual review and signing of the Code of Ethics for the Board of Commissioners.

Consider the issue regarding insurance benefits for retired elected officials.

Resolution for $1,500,000 in additional funding for the 2017 Water Line Replacement Project.

Consider adopting the revised 2016 Capital Improvement Plan.

Consider approving a Change Order for Park Construction – 2017 Water Main Replacement Project.

Consider authorizing the City Manager to sign a task order for the Construction Phase Engineering Services for the 2017 Sewer State Reserve Project.

Consider allowing electronic advertisement for bidding.

Request the Board of Commissioners approves the updated City of Oxford Water Shortage Policy.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools to Hold ‘Showcase of Schools’

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-Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville County Public Schools

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!!!

We would like to cordially invite you to attend our “Showcase of Schools” on Saturday, January 26 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Granville Central High School. At this special event, every Granville County School will showcase their own exciting and unique academic programming and extra-curricular offerings.

Families will have an opportunity to learn more about our innovative choice program options and be among the first to complete their 2019 Choice Applications. We will have informational booths available with staff from each school on site so that you may get answers to all of your questions about student academic opportunities, educational program themes, transportation services and registration for the upcoming school year.

We hope that you can join us for this exciting event. We look forward to seeing you there!

New Horizons Baptist to Hold Brunswick Stew Sale

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-Information courtesy Pastor Cam Ford, New Horizons Baptist Church

New Horizons Baptist Church in Oxford will be having a Brunswick Stew Sale on Saturday, February 2. Quarts are $8 apiece, and you’ll be able to pick these up from the Granville County Shrine Club located at 706 Roxboro Rd. in Oxford from 9 until 11 a.m. that morning.

Please call Pastor Cam Ford for your advance orders at (919) 690-5287.

Girl Scout’s Annual Cookie Sale to Begin This Weekend

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On Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program, Teresa Wimbrow, membership director for Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren County Girl Scouts, discussed the upcoming Girl Scout cookie sale and benefits to the girls involved in the program.

This year’s sale will begin on Saturday, January 12 at 9 a.m. and will continue for several weeks. Wimbrow said the local area should be prepared for “girls ringing your doorbell or at your doorstep selling cookies.” As in years past, troops and adult volunteers will also set up cookie booths at local participating businesses and restaurants.

Cookies are $4 a box and proceeds go towards trips and activities for the girls. Flavors available locally this year include Thin Mints, Caramel Delites, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Lemonades, Thanks-A-Lot, S’mores, Shortbread and the new, gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip.

For those on a diet or with specific allergies, there is even an option to purchase cookies to send to soldiers who are deployed. Operation Cookie Drop, as the program is called, celebrated sending its one-millionth box of cookies to soldiers last year according to Wimbrow.

Wimbrow, a former educator and basketball, volleyball and softball coach, has been with the Girl Scout organization for 10 years now and says she enjoys helping “build girls of courage, confidence and character.”

“We believe very strongly in the five skills that the girls learn – goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics,” Wimbrow stated. She believes all five of these skills, plus more, are used by the girls during the annual cookie program.

While Wimbrow covers the entire four-county area, she reported that there are five current Girl Scout troops in Vance County with girls ranging in grade level from kindergarten to 12th. “The smallest troop has five girls and the largest troop, at Vance Charter School, has 55 girls,” said Wimbrow.

Younger girls focus on self-confidence, social skills and self-esteem building while the older girls have more opportunities to travel and focus on leadership skills. Troops meet for approximately an hour and a half every other work where they work on improving these skills and earning badges. Wimbrow emphasized that there is a constant need for both female and male adult volunteers to assist with meetings and events.

Wimbrow said in her interview with WIZS that research has shown the positive effects of a childhood spent involved in Girl Scouts. “Research and statistics prove that being a part of Girl Scouts, the leadership organization that it is, serves them [girls] well later in life.”

One need only look at the high percentage of female Congress members and astronauts who were once girl scouts to see an example of the program’s success, said Wimbrow.

“There are a lot of long-standing Girl Scout traditions that are still in place, but as an organization, we have changed with the times,” Wimbrow explained.

The four-county area is part of the larger Girl Scout NC Coastal Pines, a council consisting of 41 counties. For information on the Girl Scout cookie program or testimonials from girls and volunteers alike, please visit www.nccoastalpine.org.

If you know someone interested in joining Girl Scouts, have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Teresa Wimbrow at (252) 438-8103 or email twimbrow@nccoastalpines.org.

To hear the interview in its entirety, please click here. 

Joe Toler Elementary to Close This Year; Mary Potter Middle to Follow

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

At their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, January 7, 2019, the Granville County Board of Education approved a motion to close Joe Toler Oak Hill Elementary School at the end of the 2018-2019 school year. This vote passed with a 5-2 vote. At this same meeting, the Board also approved a motion to assign the students who currently attend Mary Potter Middle School to Northern Granville Middle School effective with the 2019-2020 school year. This vote passed with a 5-2 vote.

The Board then approved another motion that Mary Potter Middle School campus would remain an educational facility and data be provided to the Board of Education, by the Superintendent, of all cost options for the location of additional programs and for the Central Office to be housed on the Mary Potter Middle School campus. This vote passed 6-1.

In accordance with these decisions, district staff will begin the process of creating implementation and transition plans. Teams from each school will assist in providing input in determining new attendance zones, staff assignments, academic programs, and parent communications. In addition, staff will begin the process of gathering information for the Board related to the future potential uses of the Mary Potter Middle School facility so it may remain a vibrant part of the community.

For more than a year, board members have been addressing the issue of school reorganization in our district. The state of North Carolina provides essential funding for school districts based on the average daily membership (ADM) of students. With the increase in charter school choices in our region, the enrollment of the school district has decreased over the past several years.  This has caused significant decreases in funding for the school district. At the same time, the number of school buildings has remained the same, with the facility usage percentages dramatically falling at some schools in particular.

To address this problem, the district has relied on fund balance (the district savings account) over the past four years to cover the budget deficit. This year alone, the district is projected to spend nearly one million dollars more than it is funded. Future projections indicate the district could soon face serious financial problems absent action being taken. School reorganization will save the district significant funds by making more efficient use of our facilities and staffing and will also decrease overall operational expenses. It will also prevent additional deep cuts from our academic programs and personnel who serve our students.

In considering these closures, the Board directed a series of studies and held public hearings to gather information and hear from multiple stakeholders. It is estimated that the closure of these two schools could result in savings for the district of more than $778,000 dollars each year beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. In addition, in October of 2018, the Board approved the merger of JF Webb School of Health & Life Sciences with the JF Webb High School beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. It is estimated that this merger will save the district more than $40,000 dollars per year moving forward.

The Board of Education plans to continue its work with efforts to save money and improve academic opportunities for all students.  They will continue to address school reorganization in the coming months and will explore a variety of other options. One study that has already been authorized is the evaluation of the efficient use of facilities related to GC Hawley Middle School and the surrounding elementary schools. Additional considerations may be made as well.

As the board continues to work through these difficult decisions, the administration will still be laser-focused on providing the very best possible opportunities for the students of Granville County.

Grants Available for Agricultural Products

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-Press Release, Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

Supporting the agricultural industry, impacting rural communities and stimulating economic development are key objectives for the 2019 NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) grant cycle. Funds will be awarded in the fall of 2019 for selected innovative projects.

Applications and information are now online at www.tobaccotrustfund.org for qualifying organizations. “This year the NCTTFC is specifically interested in job creation in current or former tobacco-dependent regions and funding projects that have the potential to generate additional income for farmers and those in the industry,” said William H. “Bill” Teague, NCTTFC Chairman. “Online applications will be accepted for innovative projects within North Carolina. Applicants can plan to start the projects in November of 2019.”

The NCTTFC was established in 2000 by the N.C. General Assembly to help members of the tobacco community including farmers, tobacco workers and related businesses. Its original funding was established through tobacco industry annual payments as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement. Funding is now appropriated to the NCTTFC which then reviews, selects and disperses the funds to grant projects.

Past NCTTFC projects include farmers market improvements, cost-share grant programs for farmers, training for qualified farm family members in community colleges and support of more than 30 high school agricultural education programs.

More information can be found at the NCTTFC’s website, or by calling 919-733-2160.  The deadline for applications submission is March 8, 2019.