Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Granville School Board Announces Leadership Changes For 2025-26 School Year

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— Information courtesy of Granville County Public School Public Information Officer Dr. Courtney Currin

The Granville County Board of Education announced a number of leadership changes that will take effect in the 2025-26 school year. The changes come as a result of school closings and consolidations.

Kevin Ferrell was named director of Transportation, succeeding Dr. Chris Ham, who will retire at the end of the calendar year. Ferrell has served as the principal of South Granville High School since July of 2021. He has an undergraduate degree from Duke University and a graduate degree from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Janita Allen has been named the High School Success and Math Coach in an interim role. Allen has been with Granville County Public Schools for her entire career, which spans almost 29 years. She currently is principal of Granville Central High School, which will close at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Allen holds a bachelor’s degree from N.C. Central University, a master’s degree from N.C.  State University and a doctorate from East Carolina University.

Ashley Clark will replace Ferrell as principal of South Granville High School. Clark was the 2022-2023 GCPS Principal of the Year and currently is principal at Butner-Stem Middle School. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from East Carolina University.

Jessie Shore will be the first principal of the new Granville Central Middle School. Shore currently serves as the principal of G.C. Hawley Middle School, which will close at the end of the school year.

Shore was born and raised in Winston-Salem, and attended Western Carolina University for her undergraduate degree and, later, administration licensure. She also holds a master’s degree from Salem College.

Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne commended school administrators from across the district for their dedication to students and to education. “I want to publicly thank our amazing school administrators who dedicate countless hours to ensuring the best education possible for the students of Granville County Public Schools. I am confident that the administrators who have new positions will help our schools and district thrive.”

The board also named the following administrators to new roles as assistant principals:

  • Shaun Daniel, Granville Central Middle;
  • Dane Fields, Wilton Elementary;
  • Cierra Harris, C.G. Credle Elementary;
  • Regina Harris, J.F. Webb High School;
  • Ruby Mondell-Long, South Granville High School;
  • Chastity Rivera, South Granville High School;
  • Kendalyn Smith, Granville Central Middle;
  • Michael Spradlin, J.F. Webb High School.

The Local Skinny! Granville County Wedding and Event Expo is This Sunday

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Whether you’re planning a wedding, a big birthday bash or some other type of special event, this weekend’s Granville Wedding and Event Expo is the place for a one-stop shopping opportunity to learn about venues, vendors to make the celebration unforgettable.

The expo will be held Sunday, Mar. 2 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Creedmoor Community Center, and Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen said 40 vendors will be on site to discuss all your party, reception and wedding planning needs.

“This is a wonderful event that I look forward to every year,” Allen said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

There is no charge to attend, but a donation for Families Living Violence Free will be your ticket to get in, she noted. Examples of useful items include financial donations, gift cards, packaged foods, individually wrapped snacks and toiletry items.

Once you’re inside, Allen said vendors representing a range of services from venues all the ways to food and photography, music, makeup and hair will be on hand to speak with you to help plan your special event.

Allen said there’s a whole room dedicated to food. A tasting ticket is available for $10, but if you want the full experience, spring for the VIP bag for $20, which includes vendor samples as well as the tasting ticket.

“This is one of those chances to shop all in one spot for one day,” Allen said. All the vendors are from Granville County and surrounding counties, which makes the event even more special, she said, “to know that we have this many people and professionals to showcase our little place in the world.”

The wedding and event expo gives participants a chance to learn not just what services are available, but it’s also a great time to seek advice or get suggestions from vendors.

“These are the people you want to talk to,” she said.

To learn more and to purchase tasting tickets and VIP tickets, check out the website https://visitgranvillenc.com/whats-happening/weddings-events/

To learn about other upcoming events in Granville County, visit http://visitgranvillenc.com

CLICK PLAY!

 

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VGCC Gets ‘Leader College’ Designation From National Organization

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— information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College has been designated a Leader College by Achieving the Dream, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing and economic mobility in their communities.

The announcement was made Thursday, Feb. 20 at ATD’s DREAM 2025 conference in Philadelphia. VGCC President Dr. Rachel Demarais was on hand to receive the award.

“VGCC is honored to be recognized as a Leader College for the ATD Network as we work to achieve student excellence and success,” Desmarais said. “Continuous improvement is the fuel to advance the people and communities we serve.”

Leader Colleges are recognized for their role in accelerating the adoption of effective practices within the ATD Network and across higher education. They have demonstrated quality work in whole-college reform, resulting in increased completion rates for all students. Leader Colleges develop innovative ways to work with other colleges to share knowledge and facilitate an exchange of ideas about evidence-based reform strategies.

In 2018, VGCC joined the ATD Network, a coalition of more than 300 colleges across the nation which support student success at their institutions and promote economic vitality in their communities. The school’s Leader College designation continues for three years, at which time VGCC will have the opportunity to be recertified.

“We are proud to recognize our 2025 Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction for their extraordinary commitment to student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “These colleges exemplify excellence within the ATD Network, achieving measurable gains in student outcomes and fostering impactful change within their institutions and communities. Their dedication to using data-informed approaches to create meaningful opportunities for students and their communities serves as a powerful example for all institutions of higher education and especially for those in the ATD Network.”

Granville Soil & Water Office To Sponsor 2 Students For June Workshop At N.C. State

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Granville County Soil and Water Office will sponsor two local students to attend the annual conservation workshop at N.C. State University, scheduled for June 15-20.

The Resource Conservation Workshop is a weeklong intensive study and hands-on conservation workshop that includes a wide range of conservation topics. The workshop is intended to engage students to learn about natural resources and their management in today’s environment. Students participate in field study, tours, hands-on sessions and evening activities that focus on college and career-decision making.

Students who attend the Resource Conservation Workshop stay on campus at N.C. State in dormitories and attend workshop sessions in Williams Hall, Lake Wheeler Soils Field Lab in addition to field studies at Falls Lake State Recreation Area and Clemmons State Educational Forest.

“Having served as a counselor at this workshop, I can personally attest that it’s a great opportunity for students to experience a taste of college life while expanding interest and passion for degrees in conservation like environmental science, agriculture, or natural resources,” said Granville County Natural Resource Conservationist Byron Currin. “It’s a great way to build connections, add a great experience to your resume, and even earn a college scholarship. I can’t speak highly enough of this program and its importance to furthering the aims of natural resource conservation in Granville County and North Carolina.”

Granville County Soil and Water will sponsor two rising high school juniors and/or seniors. Any current 10th or 11th grader who resides in Granville County is eligible to apply.

Applications are due by Tuesday, April 1 via the N.C. State University Brickyard application system. Create an account and apply at https://reporter.ncsu.edu/index.html 

Brickyard accounts must be created by the student’s parent or guardian. N.C. State University will forward eligible applications to the student’s Soil and Water Conservation District office for review.

Maria Parham Feb. 27 Lunch And Learn Focuses On Heart Health

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Maria Parham Health Hosts is kicking off the 2025 Lunch and Learn series this month with a focus on heart health.

February is Heart Health month and on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 12 noon, two interventional cardiologists are scheduled to present information with a focus on prevention, early detection and cardiac care.

Dr. Araba Ofosu-Somuah, who will discuss heart and vascular disease with a specific focus on the unique needs of women’s cardiac care. Dr. Benjamin Dao, who will share essential insights on heart and vascular disease,  as well as emphasizing prevention and early detection.

This free event is open to all community residents, and a complimentary lunch will be provided.  Seating is limited, so online registration is required. Secure your spot by visiting MariaParham.com/event/62 today.

For more information or to register, please contact Donna Young, Marketing & Communication coordinator, at 252.436.1408.

 

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VGCC, Western Carolina University Partnership Turns Vanguards Into Catamounts

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— Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

More than 300 miles separate Vance-Granville Community College and Western Carolina University—but thanks to a new partnership, the two schools are now much closer than the physical distance that separates them.

On Thursday, Feb. 6, VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and colleagues from both institutions met by video call to sign a memorandum of understanding, guaranteeing admission to WCU for all Vance-Granville graduates who satisfy certain requirements. The agreement will offer a direct pathway for Vanguards to earn their four-year degree at WCU.

“We are pleased to be a participant in the Catamount Connections program offering a direct-entry admission opportunity to qualified VGCC graduates,” said Desmarais. “Western Carolina University offers unique programs of study, and we are excited to offer a pathway to these possibilities.”

Brown is excited Western Carolina can help make higher education more accessible to students in VGCC’s four-county service area.

“WCU continues to make the process of transferring to WCU as smooth as possible for the graduates of all our community college partners across the region and the state,” Brown noted. “This memorandum of understanding is an important tool in providing Vance-Granville Community College graduates with the resources and access to continue their higher education journey.”

Participating students must satisfy the following conditions:

  • Be a currently enrolled student at Vance-Granville Community College in a degree-seeking capacity
  • Submit WCU application for admission and records by WCU deadlines
  • Submit application fee or waiver and fulfill all commitment action steps
  • Be in good standing at VGCC and other institutions attended
  • Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct
  • Earn and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at VGCC and a minimum GPA of 2.20 in their most recent term
  • Earn an associates degree from VGCC in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which an articulation agreement exists
  • Enroll at WCU within one academic year (within the next two regular terms [fall/spring semesters]) of completion of the associates degree

VGCC students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university may find more resources at www.vgcc.edu/transfer. For additional information, contact Robinette Fischer, Department Chair of Transition, Student Success, & College Transfer, at 252-738-3255 or fischerr@vgcc.edu.

Thinking Of Planting A Specialty Crop? N.C. Ag Dept. Accepting Grant Applications

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The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Nonprofits and government agencies have until 5 p.m. on Mar 10 to submit applications.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is managed by the department, through anticipated funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Eligible projects must involve fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, nursery, floriculture or horticulture crops.

“We are fortunate in North Carolina that our farmers can grow just about any crop, which means the production of specialty crops continues to grow and add to the state’s $111 billion ag industry,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This $1.2 million in grants helps support and grow specialty crop production.”

The department will accept grant requests of up to $200,000 from nonprofit organizations, academia, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, and colleges and universities. Grants are not available for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual.

See https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop for a comprehensive listing of qualifying specialty crops. For grant guidelines and an application, go to www.ncspecialtycrops.com/apply. For questions, contact Jenni Keith at 919.707.3158 or by email at jenni.keith@ncagr.gov.

NC Foundation For Soil And Water Conservation Scholarships Available

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The North Carolina Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation is offering scholarships to students who are currently studying or plan to seek a degree in natural resource management at a college, university or community college in North Carolina. Scholarship applications are open now and will be available until March 1, 2025.

Find the application at https://ncsoilwater.org/careers-in-conservation-scholarship-program-application/ 

The Careers in Conservation Scholarship Program’s goal is to increase the number of qualified people committed to working in the field of natural resource management. Scholarship recipients will be students who are currently pursuing or have firm plans to pursue a college degree in natural resource management or other closely related fields. Recipients will receive $1,000 per school year and must reapply each year for consideration. Scholarship awards will be announced before the end of May 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation from their Soil and Water Conservation District Board or staff members.

For more information, please contact the Granville County Soil and Water office at 919.693.4603

 

Granville County Library System

Thornton Library’s North Carolina Room Gets $4K Gift

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The North Carolina Room at the Richard H. Thornton Library has received a $4,000 gift from an anonymous donor via the Friends of the Library. This is the largest single donation received by the North Carolina room during the 16 years North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace has been at the helm.

The unnamed donor grew up in Oxford and has longstanding ties to Granville County but gave the donation on the condition of anonymity, according to a press release from Granville County Public Information Terry Hobgood.

The gift will be used for currently currently unfunded areas of need for the North Carolina Room. This could include the purchase of archival storage boxes, a genealogical book series or other equipment or maintenance needs in lieu of taxpayer dollars.

The North Carolina Room includes a multitude of county histories like Census records for Granville and surrounding counties, archives of the Oxford Public Ledger and Butner-Creedmoor News, minutes from court proceedings, as well as marriage certificates, deeds, family genealogical histories and church histories. The North Carolina Room is located at the Richard H. Thornton Library, 210 Main St., Oxford. To learn more, visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/438/NC-Genealogy-Room

The Friends of the Library is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the support of the Granville County Library System, including the development and growth of library resources, services and facilities. Visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/431/Friends-of-the-Library to learn more.

Auto Owners, Brace Yourselves For Possible Insurance Rate Increase

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North Carolina insurance companies have requested a statewide average 22.6 percent increase in automobile insurance rates.

The North Carolina Rate Bureau, which represents the automobile insurance companies in the state and is not a part of the Department of Insurance, filed the request with the Department on Monday. The insurance companies requested that the rates take effect on Oct. 1.

State law gives the Commissioner of Insurance 60 days to review the rate request to determine if the increase is justified based on the data submitted.

If Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey does not agree with the requested increase, he and the Department of Insurance can negotiate a settlement or call for a hearing.

Settlements have been reached on automobile rate filings in the past. If the case goes to a hearing, a hearing officer would make a ruling on the request.

This rate filing follows a February 2023 filing in which the insurance companies requested a statewide 28.4 percent increase. That filing resulted in a settlement of an overall average 4.5 percent increase per year for two years.