Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

VGCC Hosting Biotechnology Open House At Franklin Campus

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Area residents interested in the field of Biotechnology are invited to Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin Campus for an Open House on Monday, July 23, from 4 to 7 p.m.

The event is open to new applicants to the program as well as current students of VGCC. Stewart Lyon, program head for the Bioprocess Technology curriculum program, will discuss the options for students to earn a certificate or an associate’s degree, and members of the admissions and financial aid staff will be available to help students complete applications on site.

Above: Students work in the Bioprocess Tech lab at VGCC’s Franklin Campus, which will hold a Biotechnology Open House on July 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. (VGCC Photo)

“Vance-Granville prepares men and women for work in the growing biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing and distribution environments,” said Lyon. Graduates work as process technicians in biological products manufacturing facilities, with possible jobs including mixing chemicals to make cancer drugs, formulating medical and cosmetic creams and DNA testing kits.

“The certificate program is open to everyone, including students who would be currently enrolled in high school,” Lyon added. The certificate program can be completed with the BioWorks: Process Technician course through VGCC’s Continuing Education division and two curriculum courses, BIO 110 (Principles of Biology) and BPM 111 (Bioprocess Measurements).

In the two-year associate degree program, first-year courses include basics such as biology, chemistry, college algebra and computers, as well as industrial courses in bioprocessing, biochemistry and industrial environment. The first summer and subsequent semester of the program include a cooperative work experience in a local biotechnology company. The second year includes specialized courses in industrial bioprocessing, research and reporting and statistical quality control.

Evening and day course options are available, including online and hybrid opportunities. Visitors will be able to examine the state-of-the-art Biotechnology equipment that students use in the lab at Franklin Campus.

To register for the Open House, complete the form available on the college’s website at www.vgcc.edu/bio-open-house. For more information, contact Bioprocess Technology program head Stewart Lyon at (252) 738-3632 or lyons@vgcc.edu.

VGCC’s Franklin County Campus is located at 8100 NC Highway 56 in Louisburg.

VGCC Partners With N.C. State For Dual-Admission Program

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has entered an agreement with North Carolina State University to offer a dual-admission, dual-enrollment program. The initiative will benefit students who wish to be guaranteed admission to NCSU to earn a baccalaureate degree after completing an associate degree at VGCC.

VGCC is one of eight community colleges working with the university in the N.C. State Community College Collaboration, or C3, as the program is called. NCSU officials met with Vance-Granville officials on Main Campus on June 12 to online the plans for the program.

“This pathway to N.C. State is more like an eight-lane highway for our students to continue a superior education even beyond the doors of Vance-Granville,” said Stacey Carter-Coley, VGCC’s vice president of employee and student services. “What a remarkable day it is for our community of learners, supporters and partners.”

“C3 is intended for high-achieving community college students from low-to-moderate income backgrounds who plan to attend N.C. State University after completing their associate degree at one of the eight community colleges,” Bobbie Jo May, dean of VGCC’s Franklin Campus, said in her welcoming remarks. The program differs from other VGCC partnerships in place, however, she said, because “students are dually admitted to both institutions at the same time.”

North Carolina State University Senior Vice Provost of Enrollment and Management Services Dr. Louis D. Hunt outlines plans for the N.C. State C3 program to allow dual admission and dual enrollment to VGCC students who wish to earn their four-year degree at NCSU after getting an associate degree at the community college. NCSU officials met with college officials on Vance-Granville’s Main Campus on June 12. (VGCC Photo)

When a student enrolls in the Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree programs at VGCC, he or she will also enroll at NCSU as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student, according to Dr. Louis D. Hunt, N.C. State’s senior vice provost of enrollment management and services. Students will have up to three years to complete their AA, AS or Associate of Engineering (AE) degree at one of the designated community colleges.

After completing the degree and maintaining a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better, the C3 participants will be guaranteed admission to N.C. State. Entry into specific majors may be more competitive, Hunt added.

“Each year, nearly 1,700 students transfer to N.C. State to complete their bachelor’s degree,” Dr. Hunt said. “N.C. State is committed to increasing that number by providing a guaranteed admission pathway to N.C. State from our partner community colleges.”

“We’re very excited about this partnership,” he added. “As a land-grant institution, we’ve always been committed to providing opportunities to all citizens across the state of North Carolina. Creating more opportunities for students from low-to-moderate income families and students from rural communities is essential to our success. N.C. State’s strategic plan emphasizes increasing the number of North Carolina Community College System graduates enrolling in our programs.”

May noted that C3 students will work with advising staff at both institutions. “Once enrolled, students are assigned an academic and career coach with Vance-Granville and a separate academic advisor for N.C. State,” May said. “The coach and the advisor will work together with the student on their academic plan.”

Students who may apply for C3 include graduating high school seniors as well as current community college students who have completed less than 30 credit hours of college work, officials said.

Among the benefits of the program for Vance-Granville students will be access to N.C. State’s online advising and course planning systems, the opportunity to enroll in approved NCSU courses while enrolled at VGCC, and planned C3 activities on both VGCC’s campus and N.C. State’s campus.

“Vance-Granville is always seeking new opportunities to educate, inspire and support our students through creative partnerships,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president. “This initiative developed by North Carolina State University will open new doors for our Vanguards, providing clear pathways from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree.”

Also meeting with the NCSU officials were Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, and Spence Bailey, director of admissions.

The other community colleges participating in the program are Alamance, Central Carolina, Durham Technical, Johnston, Nash, Wake Technical and Wilson.

For more information, interested individuals can visit the N.C. State website at https://admissions.ncsu.edu/m/community-college-collaboration/ or speak with a staff member in the VGCC’s Admissions Office at (252) 738-3234.

Family Movie Nights Heat Up Downtown Oxford

-Information courtesy the Oxford NC, Historic Downtown Facebook page

Downtown Oxford Movie Nights

Save the date for these upcoming summer movie nights in downtown Oxford:

Thursday, July 19, 2018 – “Jumanji”  (rated PG-13) starts at 8:30 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Oxford.

*What to bring: lawn chairs, blanket, bug spray and flashlight.

Thursday, August 16, 2018 – “The Incredibles” (rated PG) starts at 8:30 p.m. at Oxford City Hall Theater, 300 Williamsboro St., Oxford.

*Beat the heat and leave your lawn chairs at home for this one.

For more details or updates, check out the Oxford NC, Historic Downtown Facebook page.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Garrison Provides Comparisons of the State’s Proposed Vs. Adopted Budget

-Information courtesy the June 2018 newsletter of Rep. Terry E. Garrison (Dem)

SB 99 or the Appropriations Act of 2018 is the adjusted budget for the State of North Carolina. Every biennium, the General Assembly produces a budget for all North Carolina department divisions. The budget is a document that reflects the authorized expenditures for the department heads by which they determine their program allocations. Governor Cooper vetoed this bill because he felt the budget did not do enough to ensure the welfare of all North Carolinians.

The legislative short session typically has allowed all legislators an opportunity to review the budget and provide input for budget changes or adjustments. However, that did not happen this past session. Budget adjustments were made by a joint conference committee comprised of few Republicans from both the Senate and House. However, all Democrats and many Republicans were not involved with making budget adjustments. Thus, the general legislative body had but one option – to vote either “Yes” or “No” for approval of the budget.

This bill was vetoed by the Governor and his veto was overridden by the General Assembly on June 12, 2018.

Below are some comparisons of the budget that was put forth by the Governor and North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA):

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Provided $20 million to expand broadband in underserved areas                                          NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Provides $10 million

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Provided $12.2 million in rural economic development grants                                              NCGA’s Adopted Budget Does not include statewide rural economic support grants

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Provided $9 million in community mental health funding to fight opioid use disorders   NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Does not provide statewide funding to combat opioid use disorders

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Recommended expanding Medicaid to cover 670,000 additional people                            NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Does not expand Medicaid eligibility to close health care coverage gap

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Invested $28 million to improve safety & security of prison facilities                                    NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Provides $15 million w/no funding for correctional officer training

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Provided $14.5 million to tackle water quality concerns                                                            NCGA’s Adopted Budget – Provides $10.3 million but spreads it around several entities

Cooper’s Proposed Budget – Provided an additional $2.5 million to our state’s HBCU’s                                                          NCGA’s Adopted Budget – This budget does not increase investment in HBCU’s

Oxford Police Dept

Oxford Police Dept. to Host ‘Coffee With a Cop’

-Information courtesy the City of Oxford website

On Thursday, July 12, 2018, officers from the Oxford Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 9 a.m. at McDonald’s, 106 East Industry Drive, Oxford, NC. Please contact Captain Ford with questions: (919) 693-3161, pford@oxfordncpd.org.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Oxford’s neighborhoods. The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction. “We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” said Police Chief Al Coley. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

Granville Crime Stoppers

Burglary/Vandalism/Larceny on Gooch’s Mill Rd and NC Hwy 56

-Press Release, Granville County Crime Stoppers

On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon the private property of a residence located off Gooch’s Mill Road, Oxford, NC and criminally removed a Down to Earth utility trailer, black in color, from the yard. Also, a Simplicity Zero Turn lawn mower, red in color, and a Briggs and Stratton pressure washer, red and black in color, that were loaded onto the trailer were taken.

On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon the private property of a residence located off NC Highway 56, Creedmoor, NC and forced entry of the residence, which caused criminal property damage, and unlawfully removed one 9mm handgun, newborn baby clothing, two gray lock boxes, numerous pieces of gold jewelry, medications and $170.00 in cash.

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES.  IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY, YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

Oxford Board of Commissioners Meeting – Tues., July 10

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

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Among the agenda items:

Recognition – July Yard of the Month – Powell Fox

Recognition – Gil Richardson – Retiring Volunteer Fireman

Recognition – Jimmy Watkins – Retiring Volunteer Fireman

Finance Award – Mayor Jackie Sergent to present The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Hak Ung for the City of Oxford.

Consider adopting a reimbursement resolution as required by the US Treasury Regulations Section 1.15-2 for the City to reimburse itself for capital asset purchases.

Consider resolution authorizing the City to engage in electronic payments as defined by G.S. 159-28 allowing the Finance Officer to create policies and procedures for electronic payments.

Consider adopting a Uniform Guidance Procurement Policy.

Consider adopting a Conflict of Interest and Gift Policy as required by the Federal Uniform Guidance Policy.

Approve the following two people to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission:

  • Kelly Collins-Schram – 2nd Term Expiring in June 2021
  • Derrick R. Brown – 1st Term Expiring in June 2021
Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Clarion Inn & Penn’s Bar & Grill to Host Business After Hours/Open House

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

Clarion Inn & Penn’s Bar & Grill, 913 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave, Oxford, will host a Business After Hours/Open House event on Friday, July 13, 2018, from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to the Granville Co. Chamber – 919-693-6125/ wanda@granville-chamber.com or 919-528-4994/ tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.

Garrison Provides Updates on Recent NC General Assembly Session

-Information courtesy the June 2018 newsletter of Rep. Terry E. Garrison

The 2018 session of the NC General Assembly convened on May 16 and adjourned on June 29. The General Assembly is scheduled to reconvene on November 27, 2018.

This short session of the NC General Assembly included adjustments to the 2017-19 Biennium Budget and passage of a flurry of bills allowable under rules of the General Assembly including six bills placing constitutional amendments on the ballot for the upcoming midterm elections in November 2018.

Some major items on the agenda considered:

  • Appropriations Act 2018 (Budget)
  • Teacher Pay
  • Principal Pay
  • NC Schools
  • State Employees Pay
  • Retirees Pay
  • Rural Broadband
  • Strengthening Safety Guidelines for Correctional Officers
  • Constitutional Amendments – Judicial Redistricting, Election Law Changes
  • Income Tax Cap
  • Farm Act
  • Clean Water

To stay up-to-date on NC General Assembly happenings, please visit the official website at www.ncleg.net

Families Living Violence Free

Families Living Violence Free to Offer Domestic Violence 101 Courses

-Information courtesy Peggy Roark, Sexual Assault Advocate & PREA Coordinator, Families Living Violence Free

Register today for Domestic Violence 101

Domestic Violence 101 is a six-week course with a new class beginning Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

Classes will be held Tuesdays from 6 – 7 p.m. at the office of Families Living Violence Free, 125 Oxford Outer Loop, Oxford.

Receive your DV 101 certificate upon completion of the six-week course.

Missed a class from a previous session? That’s okay! You can take the class you missed in the next DV 101 course and still earn your certificate.

Please call (919) 693-3579 to register.

(This is not a paid advertisement)