Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

NC Dept of Agriculture

Grant Funding Available To Preserve Farmland Through Agricultural Easements

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Landowners interested in preserving farmland through agricultural conservation easements can apply for grants through a state trust fund. The application period is open now and ends Jan. 17, 2025.

County governments and conservation nonprofit groups can apply for farmland preservation grants from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund; property owners work with county governments or land trusts to apply for the funding, according to information from the office of N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“A growing population and increased development continue to put pressure on family farms,” Troxler stated. “Agricultural conservation easements are the best tool to preserve farmland. I encourage farmers and landowners across the state to work with local partners and apply for grant funding to become North Carolina Forever Farms.”

Grants are available for agricultural conservation easements on working farms and forests; to support public-private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; to develop agricultural plans; and to create Agricultural Growth Zones that enhance local investments in farmland preservation.

If awarded a grant in which the application requests funds for the conservation easement purchase value, landowners will be compensated for the purchase of the development rights.

During the most recent grant cycle, the N.C. ADFP Trust Fund awarded $18.2 million to protect working farms and forests, support county farmland preservation efforts and promote agricultural enterprises.

Agricultural conservation easements not funded in the previous grant cycle are encouraged to reapply for funding. Reapplications must notify the Farmland Preservation Division via online form.

A new online grant portal will be used for Cycle 18 applications. Grant applications, rules and information packets are available online at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/farmland-preservation/applicants. For more information, call the Farmland Preservation office at 919.707.3074.

Granville DSS Director Receives Alumni Honor From University Of North Florida

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Granville County Department of Social Services Director LaToya Toussaint was recently honored by the University of North Florida Black Alumni Association for achievement as a non-profit professional. Toussaint received the award, along with other alumni, at a ceremony in Jacksonville, FL.

Toussaint began her current role in Granville County in 2023 and has more than 18 years of experience in Human Services in North Carolina and Florida, both in the public and private sectors. Before coming to lead the Granville County DSS, Toussaint was the senior deputy director of Health and Human Services in Wake County.

Before moving to North Carolina, Toussaint had various leadership roles in Florida’s public and private sectors, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. She was Broward County’s human services administrator and a case manager with the Florida Department of Children and Families, in addition to other positions within child welfare, early childhood education and mental and behavioral health programs.

She also served on local and statewide committees and work groups which continue to influence decision-making across Florida today.

In addition to this latest recognition from the UNF Black Alumni Association, Toussaint has been a National Peer Reviewer with the Council on Accreditation since 2018. She was recognized by Nonprofits First of Palm Beach County as a Rising Leader in 2016 and honored on Legacy Magazines’ “40 Under 40” list of recognized professionals from across Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties in 2017.

The University of North Florida Black Alumni Association focuses on financial contributions, direct personal involvement, and engaging the current minority population at UNF. The organization advocates for the needs of minority alumni and current students to university administration and the broader UNF alumni organization.

Toussaint holds a bachelor’s degree in health science and a dual master’s degree in public administration and nonprofit management from UNF.

TownTalk: 9th Annual Military History Show Coming Up Soon

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Wartime friends –  and foes – will be represented when the 9th annual Military History show commences later this month, but organizer Harry Coombs is confident that there won’t be any skirmishes. All sides are coming together in a show of force to benefit the Granville County Veterans Affairs Committee.

The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Henderson-Oxford Airport, 6514 Airport Rd., Oxford, where it’s been held since Coombs first hatched the idea of showcasing his own collection of military artifacts. But he learned early on that it’s hard to be the organizer AND the exhibitor. In fact, Coombs said on Monday’s TownTalk that he has yet to display any of his collection. Except his 1931 German-style BMW motorcycle.

But that’s ok, because there will be plenty of reenactors representing military personnel dating back to the Revolutionary War.

“Each year, it’s the same – but different,” Coombs said of the various reenactors and which era will be represented. He said in addition to the reproduction uniforms from the Revolutionary War and Civil War periods, authentic uniforms from more recent wars will be represented, including the two World Wars, as well as Vietnam and the Gulf War.

“They are absolutely authentic,” Coombs said. “The firearms, weapons – they’re all the real things,” he said. The reproductions are “museum quality,” he said. “They’re reproductions, but they are on-the-spot reproductions.”

The event is free and open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Coombs said. In addition to the reenactors, there will be weapons demonstrations and other displays of military equipment and vehicles.

Total Flight Solutions is going to be on site to provide helicopter rides again this year. If prices remain the same as last year, $40 will get you a seat on a chopper for an overhead tour of the area.

There will be a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and a donation bucket to stuff in some extra bills, all of which go to support the work of the local Veterans Affairs Committee, which helps veterans with a wide range of support services.

Each year, the event has bettered the previous year’s profit, and last year, Coombs said, was the best yet – a total of $3,000 was raised.

So whether you’re interested in seeing what the Army calls a “half track,” just how big a Howitzer cannon is or what the Allied Forces uniforms looked like during World War II, the Military History Show is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Vendor spaces are available, Coombs said. Reserve a 10 x 10 space for $25.

Search the Event tab on Facebook to find the 9th Annual Military History Show for more details.

CLICK PLAY! 

Dr. Tony Cozart Receives Order Of The Long Leaf Pine

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– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County Commissioner Dr. Tony Cozart was recognized for his decades of service to his county Monday, Oct. 7 when he was presented with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Rep. Frank Sossamon provided remarks about Cozart’s career as an educator, minister and public servant during the presentation, held during the regular monthly meeting of the Granville commissioners.

According to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood, Cozart was first elected to the Granville County Board of Commissioners in 1989 and has now served nine consecutive terms representing District 4, with his most recent term beginning in December 2020. Cozart received this distinction not just for his service on the Granville County Board of Commissioners, but also his years of service as an educator, a principal, executive director of Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, Pastor of Cooks Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity board of directors, Masonic Home for Children board of directors, commissioner of Central Children’s Home church basketball league, moderator of the United Shiloh Missionary Baptist Association, and many other achievements that have served this county and North Carolina.

“Being a county commissioner is one thing that has never grown old for me,” said Cozart. “Growing up, I learned hard work in the tobacco fields and working as a bag boy at 7-11. To my fellow members of the board of commissioners, you are like family to me, and I am grateful to all of you. I had wonderful parents; and God gave me a wonderful wife, wonderful children, and grandchildren that have stolen my heart. I love this county and have enjoyed all these years of service.”

Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools Considers More Consolidation, School Closures

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The Granville County Board of Education has scheduled two public hearings on Monday, Oct 21 to hear from the community about closing two more schools in the Granville County Public Schools district and consolidating high schools and middle schools in the southern part of the county.

The public hearings will be held in the gymnasium of Granville Central High School, located at 2043 Sanders Rd, Stem.

Members of the public may sign up in person beginning at 5 p.m. on the date of the hearings.

The first public hearing begins at 6 p.m. and will be on the proposed closing of Granville Central and reassigning that school’s students to South Granville High and J.F. Webb High, according to information from GCPS Public Information Officer Courtney Currin.

As soon as the first public hearing concludes, a second public hearing will take place about closing both Butner-Stem Middle and G.C. Hawley Middle and reassigning the students from both campuses to one middle school on the campus of the current Granville Central High.

Granville Central High opened in the 2007-08 school year to ease overcrowding at the other two high schools. It served 9th and 10th grades that year.

Since 2019, Granville County Public Schools has closed Joe Toler-Oak Hill Elementary School in the northern part of the county, as well as Mary Potter Middle School in Oxford, G.C. Hawley Middle School and Creedmoor Elementary, although the campus of the former Creedmoor Elementary is in its second year as the new home of Hawley Middle School.

Learn more at https://www.gcs.k12.nc.us/

Families Living Violence Free

TownTalk: Families Living Violence Free Hosts Info Events Wednesday In Creedmoor, Oxford

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Families Living Violence Free is taking its message into the community this week, with pop-up outreach programs in Creedmoor and Oxford.

FLVF Advocate Erica Romero invites the community to stop by their tent at Southern States, 301 N. Main St., Creedmoor Wednesday, Oct 9, between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the tent will be in front of the Hub on Main, 100 Main St., also between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Since 1989, when first designated as Domestic Violence Awareness month, October has been a time to remember victims of domestic violence and to honor and acknowledge survivors.

The FLVF outreach event is one way to bring information to people who may be looking for ways to leave an abusive household or relationship. Nationally, there have been gains in reducing domestic violence, it is estimated that an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute.

Millions of people across the country live in fear within their own homes – fear for their own safety and for the safety of their children.

In addition to the events in Creedmoor and Oxford, FLVF is planning to visit Stem on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Visit www.flvf.org later to learn where that event will take place.

The 24/7 crisis hotline is 919.693.5700. Spanish speakers can call 919.690.0888.

The Local Skinny! Gun Safety And Children Next Forum Topic Hosted By Rep. Frank Sossamon

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Rep. Frank Sossamon is hosting forums to underscore the need for gun safety, especially as it pertains to children.

The evening forums are designed to share information about gun safety with families. Representatives from the N.C. Dept. of Public Safety and the Center for Safer Schools, along with others, will be on hand during the events, according to information from Sossamon’s office.

The Granville County forum will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Northern Granville Middle School, 3144 Webb School Rd, Oxford.

Then, on Thursday, Oct. 10, the Vance County forum will be held at E.M. Rollins Elementary School, 1600 S. Garnett St., Henderson. That forum also runs from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The forums are free and open to the public.

 

Granville Senior Services Director Kathy May Receives Order Of The Long Leaf Pine

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– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County Senior Services Director Kathy May was recognized for her decades of service to Granville County and the state of North Carolina when she was named as one of the newest recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award last week. State Sen. Mary Wills Bode presented the award to May on behalf of Gov. Roy Cooper during a surprise ceremony on Sept. 25 at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest civilian honor awarded by the North Carolina Governor’s Office.  Established in 1963 by Gov. Terry Sanford, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the state and to their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

Recipients become honorary North Carolina ambassadors and their names and award dates are recorded on a roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.

Assistant Senior Services Director Angela Wright spoke during the ceremony about May’s accomplishments since she arrived on the scene in 1987. Now approaching her 38th year as Senior Services director, May has led the department through significant changes over the years.

In 1987, Senior Services was located in the former Orange Street School, and because renovations were being made to the building to ultimately house the Department of Social Services, there were no dedicated facilities for senior activities beyond basic services like congregate meals in Oxford and Creedmoor. Under May’s leadership, the Senior Services Department has expanded to a true county-wide service model that includes continuing education, fitness classes, technology training, Medicare enrollment assistance, housing improvements, and so much more at three locations throughout the county.

As of 2024, the Oxford location has relocated a second time to the current facility on Lanier Street and sites have been established in Creedmoor and Stovall in partnership with those local municipalities providing many of the same services to northern and southern areas of the county. Work is currently underway on a major expansion  in downtown Stovall for a new North Granville Senior Center, scheduled to be complete in 2025.

Troxler: Western NC Livestock Owners Need Fencing Supplies, Feed

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As supplies for people make their way to western North Carolina following last week’s devastation by Hurricane Helene, N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler issued an urgent plea for donations of fencing supplies to assist livestock owners as they attempt to secure cows, horses and other animals in their care.

“We have seen time and time again our agriculture community support one another in times of need, and this is no different,” Troxler said in a press statement released Thursday.

Hay – especially square bales – and other livestock feed are needed, in addition to the fencing supplies. Area extension agents are good sources of information if you have questions about how to help. Granville County Livestock Extension Agent Kim Woods provided information that includes a direct link to the Disaster Hay and Livestock Assistance Portal. Visit https://go.ncsu.edu/livestockdisasterhelp, note whether you need help or want to offer help. To donate, click on the ‘Want to Help’ button, which will ask for a bit of information and items you have to donate.

“We are seeing an outpouring of support with hay, animal feed, fencing and other supplies that are going out to those needing these resources. In the days ahead, we know we are going to need even more fencing supplies, especially solar fence chargers to help livestock producers. If you have resources to donate, please go to our website to let us know.”

Various donation collection sites have been set up in and around Western North Carolina. For a list of these sites that are being continuously updated, go to: https://www.ncagr.gov/emergency-programs/disaster-information/agsupplydonation

At the present time, here is a list of items being accepted at these locations:

Corn Silage
Grain mix or pellets for cattle
Round and square hay bales
Baleage/Haylage
Mineral Supplements
Fence Supplies
Feed tubs/troughs
Water troughs
Basic animal supplies

TownTalk: MHCO Homecoming Oct. 11-13

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The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford has been in the business of caring for children for more than 150 years. Coming off last year’s sesquicentennial celebration, MHCO Administrator said Year 151 shines just as brightly as last year.

“It’s been an incredible journey and it’s just getting started,” Otis said on Thursday’s TownTalk.

Alumni, Shriners, pit masters and more will converge on the historic campus next weekend for the annual Homecoming, which runs Oct. 11-13.

“This whole event is (a way) for the home to say ‘thank you’,” Otis said. Thank you to the community, thank you to alumni, Shriners and all the people who support the mission of the home.

Things kick off on Friday, Oct. 11 about 5 p.m. when the barbecue team get organized for the next day’s featured food. One team travels from Delaware each year to support MHCO, Otis said.

The community is invited to come out and mingle and then stay to hear music by Brightest Light, which takes the stage about 6 p.m.

Come back early the next day, Otis said, because everything kicks off about 10 a.m. There will be amusement rides for the kids – free of charge – and then the anticipated parade begins at 11 a.m.

This year’s parade route is different, so anyone who wants to watch needs to park on the MHCO campus and find a space along the main campus drive area – the parade will NOT take place on College Street, he noted.

He encourages parade watchers to bring a chair. There will be parking attendants and golf cart shuttles for those who need a ride from their cars to the middle of campus.

The barbecue pit opens at the conclusion of the parade and folks can sample meats and sides from the teams who’ve been cooking and preparing for hours.

“You give us a donation, we’ll give you a plate,” Otis explained.

Other activities include tours through the museum galleries at Cobb Center and one of the residential cottages, too. Cory Luetjen & the Traveling Blues Band performs in the afternoon and the day’s activities will conclude about 3 p.m.

There are so many things to see and experience during the course of the weekend’s activities, which Otis said is the result of a lot of work and preparation from staff and residents alike.

“Having the kids involved is an experience for them,” he said. They can enjoy all the fun of the weekend, but they can also take pride that they helped get things ready.

Just like the Shriners Hospital, the children’s home provides care for children without asking families to pay for anything, Otis explained.

Donations of any kind – from school supplies and money to fund a weekend excursion to remembering MHCO in your estate – Otis said it’s all put to good use to help provide children with the tools they need to be successful – in school, in their career and in life.

Otis said he’s always interested in hearing from married couples who think they want to be cottage parents.

Visit https://mhc-oxford.org/ to learn more.