Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Granville Native Named Forestry Scholarship Winner

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A Granville County native has received the 2023 Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment by the North Carolina Forestry Association.

Cameron Carter will receive the $2,000 scholarship, established in memory of Curtis, whose commitment to sustainable foresty was matched only by his desire to help others.

In a press release issued by his office,  N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon noted Carter’s achievements. Sossamon represents District 32, which includes Granville County.

“I am so proud of Cameron and the great things that he is doing. As a former Marine and member of the Student Veterans Association, he has already shown incredible dedication to serving others, and his commitment to his studies is equally impressive.”

The Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment is a testament to the importance of education, service and community involvement. Sossamon expressed his gratitude for Cameron’s commitment to these values and his confidence in his future success. “Cameron has already accomplished so much, and I know that he will continue to achieve great things. He is a shining example of the kind of leader and professional that we need in Granville County and beyond.”

Granville Plans May 15 Public Hearing To Review Proposed 2023-24 Budget

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The Granville County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing on May 15 to discuss the proposed 2023-24 budget.

County Manager Drew Cummings presented his first budget during the commissioners’ May 1 meeting, which calls for an extra $1 million to Granville County Public Schools, cost of living adjustments for county employees, all with no increase in the county tax rate.

A vote on the final budget draft is planned for June 5, according to information from Granville Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

Highlights of the recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year include:

  • No increase to the current Granville County tax rate (property tax rate remains $0.84 per $100 valuation and Fire Tax District remains $0.06 per $100 valuation).
  • Major market adjustments (up to 8%) and paid meal breaks (equivalent to a 4.35% increase) for public safety employee salaries. Maintain current merit pay program (up to 4%).
  • Up to 4% cost of living adjustments for all other county employees and maintain current merit pay program (up to 4 percent).
  • Lowering employee health insurance premiums and enhancing retirement benefits.
  • Funding increase to Granville County Public Schools current expense of nearly $1 million. An increase of 4.7 percent on a per-pupil basis.
  • Continues significant recent increases to EMS funding.
  • Maintains strong support of Vance-Granville Community College funding.
  • A net increase of seven full-time positions and four new part-time positions in Administration, Finance, Tax Administration, Board of Elections, Senior Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Social Services (Social Services positions are all partially funded by the State of NC).
  • Increased funding to Kerr Area Transportation Authority.
  • Fleet management transition to leased vehicles.

To view the County Manager’s Budget presentation, visit the Granville County YouTube page: https://youtu.be/VWcL5Rn9yD0

A PowerPoint presentation of budget highlights can be viewed on the Granville County website at this link  (https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Drew-Rec-Budget-Powerpoint-5-1-23- FINAL.pdf) and the full recommended budget document can be found here

(https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FY23-24-Recommended Budget_compressed.pdf)

Those wishing to examine a hard copy of the recommended budget document can do so during business hours  at the Granville County Administration Office (104 Belle Street, Oxford) or at the Richard H. Thornton Library  (211 Main Street, Oxford).

TownTalk: CultureFest Coming To Oxford This Weekend

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CultureFest is coming to downtown Oxford and organizers hope that all those who take part in the festivities will leave with a greater appreciation not just for diversity, but for all the things that different world cultures share in common.

“It’s back and bigger than ever,” said Ajulo Othow, one of those planning the event. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and a postponement from last fall because of an impending hurricane, the festival will resume for its second year in the Littlejohn parking lot in Oxford.

Oxford Mayor Jackie Sargent and Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen joined Othow on Monday’s TownTalk to discuss highlights of the festival, which will take place Saturday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A variety of entertainment is scheduled each half hour, which Othow said represents cultures from around the globe. St. Cyprian’s African Drummer group kicks things off at 11 a.m., and Sergent said she plans to stick close to the stage so she can enjoy all the performers throughout the day.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn some new things…celebrate each other and learn commonalities,” Othow said. Her mother, the late Dr. Helen Othow, had the original vision for CultureFest. “I’m proud to be able to continue the work she started.”

The festival has taken on a larger community feel since it found its downtown spot, with collaborators including The John Chavis Society, the City of Oxford, Granville Tourism, Downtown Oxford Economic Development Commission, Granville Ed Foundation, Mary Potter Club, Granville Museum and NC Arts Council all contributing to the event.

“I am really proud of this particular festival,” Allen said, adding that she expects folks from outside Oxford and Granville County to come to the festival. “It’s an awesome time to invite people into Granville County,” she said, while uniting folks who already call Granville County home.

There will be food trucks, more than 20 vendors with crafts and more, as well as children’s activities and demonstrations like tortilla making and much more during the daylong festival, making it a real interactive event, Allen said.

“Many hands have gone into making this a successful celebration and a community event,” she added, and that she hopes it becomes a fixture among the city’s festivals.

 

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City of Oxford

Oxford’s New City Manager Set To Begin Work May 10

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-information courtesy of  City of Oxford Communication Specialist Sabrina Richards

The City of Oxford has a new city manager – William “Brent” Taylor has been appointed to the post and will be sworn in to begin his new duties in a ceremony on May 10.

Taylor most recently was town manager for Selma, NC and brings with him 30 years of experience in municipal government in the Carolinas, according to information from the city of Oxford.

He has experience with issues relating to police departments, town events and water and sewer management. In his role as town administrator in Walhalla, SC, Taylor helped secure ffunding for the Walhalla Water Treatment facility and improved the water quality for the city’s residents.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Taylor as our new City Manager. He demonstrated multiple strengths to  the board during his interviewing process.” said Mayor Jackie Sergent. “His passion for public service, commitment to transparency and accountability, and the ability to build relationships with employees and residents makes him the perfect candidate to lead our city.”

As city manager, Taylor will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city, strategic planning, budget management and community engagement.

“The people of Oxford have been very warm and friendly and the city has that small-town charm which not only makes me want to work here but even more importantly be a place to live,” Taylor stated upon his selection to the position.

A drop-in reception to welcome Taylor will be held in the City Hall lobby between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., before the regular monthly commissioners meeting begins. The public is welcome to attend.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Foundation Scholarship Priority Deadline May 31

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Scholarships offered through the Vance-Granville Community College Foundation for the 2023 Fall Academic Year are open for applicants. The priority deadline for full scholarship consideration for Fall 2023 is May 31, according to VGCC officials.

“We know our students are often already working, raising families, and going to college in their spare time,” VGCCF Executive Director Tanya Weary stated. “At VGCC, we work to help them graduate with as little debt as possible.”

The VGCC Foundation has more than 300 endowed scholarships based on a variety of factors – merit, financial need, degree choice and more. Scholarships are awarded individually to curriculum students based on criteria outlined for each award. Selection will be based on an overall assessment of academic performance, leadership skills, character and community service, according to a press statement from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Scholarship funding is limited, and completion of the application does not guarantee an award. All applicants must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to be considered for a VGCC Foundation scholarship; many scholarships require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarship recipients are selected by a scholarship selection committee unless otherwise stipulated in the criteria of the scholarship.

The scholarships are made possible through the generous support of private citizens, organizations and businesses. To apply for VGCCF scholarships, visit www.vgcc.edu/fao/scholarships. For additional questions, contact foundation@vgcc.edu.

 

Kerr-Tar COG Gets $200,000 To Promote Safety, Reduce Traffic And More Around School Areas

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-information courtesy of Kerr-Tar COG and NC DOT

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is among a dozen recipients who will share $3 million in grant funding for educational programs as part of the Safe Routes to School program. KTCOG will get $160,000 in federal funds, with an additional $40,000 in local matches for a total of $200,000, according to Kenia Gomez-Jimenez, KTCOG’s communications & administrative coordinator and SRTS coordinator.  Funding is for two years of Safe Routes to School program implementation and operates on a reimbursement basis, which means that once the funds are spent, NCDOT can reimburse the participating organization.

The grant funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration and the money will be used to develop creative and educational programs to teach community members about safe driving, walking and biking practices near schools.

Safe Routes to School promotes healthy and active lifestyles by encouraging children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bike to school. Also, the program facilitates the planning, development and implementation of projects and activities that improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution near schools.

“This is an important way to improve child safety and promote the healthy benefits of walking and biking,” said Ryan Brumfield, director of the Integrated Mobility Division.The local SRTS program began in 2019, when the organization was first awarded funds for this project. The Kerr-Tar COG will use funds from the new 2023 SRTS grant cycle to continue the programs endeavors within the region for K-12 students.  The project evaluates public, private and charter schools within the five-county region to address how SRTS programs could be implemented or improved.

Recommendations for education, activities and future infrastructure improvements will enhance walking and biking activities around the region, Gomez- Jimenez stated. The intent of these activities will be to make biking and walking fun for students and adults, encouraging healthy behaviors for a lifetime. The target audience for this project will include the following: School Personnel, Students and Parents, Law Enforcement, City/County Employees, Individuals who volunteer and otherwise assist with school activities.

The Kerr-Tar COG’s SRTS program is especially committed to ensuring that its initiatives are benefitting all demographic groups, with particular attention to ensuring safe, healthy and fair outcomes for low-income students, students of color, students of  all genders, students with disabilities, and others.

Collaborative partners for the Kerr-Tar COG’s 2023 SRTS grant application include: Franklin County Schools, Granville County Public Schools, Person County Schools, Vance County Schools, Warren County Schools, Henderson-Family YMCA, City of Oxford Parks & Recreation Department, 4-H Vance County, Turning Point Community Development Corporation & NCDOT Division 5 Office.

For more information, visit NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division’s Safe Routes to School.

TownTalk: What’s Happening In May In Granville County

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If the phrase “a rolling stone gathers no moss” applied to a geographic entity, then Granville County would be that moss-less stone. The array of activities is dizzying, and Tourism Director Angela Allen shared just a glimpse into what’s in store for May on Wednesday’s TownTalk with WIZS’s Bill Harris.

First up is Quittin’ Time in downtown Oxford, which kicks off May 4 stretches across May and June on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Area restaurants and other retail outlets have joined forces to create what Allen called a “little version in downtown Oxford of Spanish-style tapas dining.” Patrons can stroll from spot to spot, ordering up small plates and specialty drinks along the way.

“For me, Quittin’ Time takes it up to a whole ‘nother notch,” Allen said. “We really want people to think of this as a gathering time – a great excuse to get outside.”

Participating businesses include:

  • Strong Arm Baking Co.
  • Main St. Oasis
  • The Hub on Main
  • Milano’s
  • Orpheum
  • Harvest
  • Tobacco Wood Brewing Co.
  • Oxford Oaks Distillery
  • Uptown 101

Find details about menus and more on Visit Downtown Oxford’s Facebook page.

Other upcoming events in Granville County include:

  • Granville Little Theatre’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” which runs consecutive weekends beginning the weekend of Friday, May 5. Shows are at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and there will be a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, with tickets for students, seniors over 65 and veterans $10. The shows will be held in the auditorium of City Hall, located at 300 Williamsboro St. in Oxford.
  • Butner’s Friday Movie in the Park – Bring lawn chairs and blankets to Gazebo Park on Central Avenue in Butner on Friday, May 5 to enjoy the family movie “The Sandlot.” There will be free popcorn and water, courtesy of a local church, Allen said. The movie begins about 8:15 p.m., so make sure you get there early to get all set up. Just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, the movie will move to the Soldiers Memorial Sports Arena.
  • Alive After Five – The kickoff will be Thursday, May 11, a raindate from the original date in late April. Everything else is the same – Things crank up at 5 p.m. with The Konnection Band and then The Orpheum will host an “after party” until about 11 p.m.
  • CultureFest – Saturday, May 13 is the date for this year’s CultureFest, which celebrates world cultures with food trucks, vendors, performers and demonstrations. From cloggers and African drummers to the art of tortilla making and blacksmithing, the area around Littlejohn Street in downtown Oxford will come alive with tastes, sounds, sights and aromas from all around the world. “It’s a wonderful experience to get together (to) learn about other cultures and enhance your love for your own culture,” Allen said.
  • Cedar Creek National Teapot Show – The Creedmoor gallery puts on this show every three years, Allen said. It kicks off on May 20, but the teapots will be on display through September. While many are functional, Allen said that some of the teapots are quite artistic. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 1150 Fleming Rd. off Hwy 15 outside Creedmoor.

 

Find all these events and more at www.visitgranvillenc.com, or follow Granville Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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Granville County Library System

Granville Library System Adds LinkedIn Learning To Patron Amenities

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County Library System patrons now have access to a free service that offers thousands of courses and trainings that can be used for professional and personal development.

LinkedIn Learning offers more than 16,000 courses – from leadership and computer skills to foreign language classes, according to information from Director Will Robinson.

Need to brush up on your Microsoft Office skills? There’s a class for that. What about that resume you’ve been meaning to update? Check. There’s a class for that, too. And if you wish you’d paid more attention during your foreign language class in high school, there’s something for you, too. Users can enroll in courses in seven different languages  – English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, and Mandarin – and follow customized learning paths at their own pace.

“LinkedIn Learning is one of the top online professional development curriculums available,” Robinson said. “We are excited to offer this resource for free to all residents with the added benefit of making the same training available to all county employees. It was an easy win-win decision to provide this valuable resource to Granville County residents while simultaneously improving the professional training available to county employees.”

The addition of LinkedIn learning aligns with several priorities identified in Granville County’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan including improving resident services with online access, retaining local talent through skill development for the workforce, creating community and employee education opportunities and improving training resources to ensure Granville County is a preferred destination for the top public service employees in  this region.

Granville Library users can login to LinkedIn Learning with their library card number and Personal Identification Number. Need help? The library staff is happy to help. Contact the Thornton Library at  919.693.1121 or the South Branch Library at 919.528.1752.

Visit www.granvillecounty.org/linkedin to get started.

LinkedIn Learning is also available for mobile devices allowing offline access and learning on the go.

Download  the IOS version in the App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/linkedin-learning/id1084807225) or for  Android devices visit the Google Play store

(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.linkedin.android.learning&hl=en_US&gl=US). On the mobile app, select “Sign in with a Library Card” and enter “granvillecountylibrarysystem” as the Library ID and follow the prompts to enter the library card number and your PIN.

 

Oxford Police Dept

Oxford Police, ALE Agents Arrest Four On Drug Charges

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Four Oxford residents face a slew of drug charges following an investigation by the Oxford Police Department and ALE special agents earlier this week.

On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, ALE special agents and the Oxford Police Department, executed a search warrant at Four Corners Food Mart, located at 1104 Goshen St. in Oxford, after receiving complaints of drug sales at the location.

As a result of the investigation, two employees and two owners were charged with a total of 21 charges, which included 14 felonies. During the search, agents seized more than 3.5 pounds of marijuana,oxycodone, Adderall, Xanax pills, Ecstasy tablets and Suboxone, as well as one handgun and more than $11,000.

“The Oxford Police Department is appreciative for the joint effort in making our community safer,” Chief Pat Ford said in a press release issued Thursday. “Thank you to the agents and officers involved.”

Charged in connection with the case are:

  • Abraham Saif Assaedi, 27, was charged with Felony Conspire to Sell Marijuana, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Felony Maintain a Dwelling/Vehicle/Place for Controlled Substances and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
  • Saif Alsaidi, 71, was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Felony Conspire to Sell/Deliver Marijuana, Felony Maintain a Dwelling/Vehicle/Place for Controlled Substances, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
  • Nikki Davis, 47, was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Felony Conspire to Sell/Deliver Marijuana, Felony Trafficking Opium or Heroin, Possession with Intent to  Manufacture/Sell/Delivery Schedule II Controlled Substance, Felony Maintain a Dwelling/Vehicle/Place for Controlled Substances, Felony Possession Schedule II Controlled Substances, Felony Possession Schedule I Controlled Substance, Simple Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Simple Possession of Schedule III Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia.
  • Felicia Ann Hayes, 47, was charged with Felony Possession with the Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Marijuana, Felony Conspire to Sell Marijuana and Simple Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Oxford Prep School

SportsTalk: Best Season Ever For Oxford Prep Softball

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It’s been a great year for Oxford Prep softball.  “We’re having a really good season. It’s the best year we’ve ever had,” said coach Tommy Anstead on Thursday’s SportsTalk.   Currently, Oxford Prep is 13-3 on the season with just three games remaining on their conference schedule.  One of those games is with Vance Charter while a double header with Voyager will take up the final two games.

Currently, Oxford Prep is number seven in the RPI rankings and will likely move up. “A lot of people underestimated us,” added coach Anstead.  One of the reasons is no one knew of the strong freshmen class.  These freshmen players included Addison Faucett. The freshmen pitcher has 118 strikeouts on the season.  Additionally, the team has five players batting over .400 on the season and Oxford Prep as a team has a batting average of .355.

If the final three games go as expected, meaning wins, then Oxford Prep will get a first round playoff game at home and a strong possibility of a second home playoff game. However, Anstead and Oxford Prep are trying not to look ahead.  “I tell the girls all the time to take it one game at a time,” Anstead said.

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