Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Terry Garrison

Henderson Gets $5.4 Million For Water, Wastewater Projects

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An additional $5.4 million is set to flow into the City of Henderson to target drinking water and wastewater projects, most of which will go to fund the Sandy Creek Basin Sewer Rehab project.

The money comes from the American Rescue Plan Act and the state Water Infrastructure Authority approved funding for the local projects, according to information from the office of Rep. Terry Garrison, who serves District 32 – Vance, Granville and Warren counties.

In addition to $5 million designated for the Sandy Creek project, two allotments of $200,000 each were awarded to the city to conduct asset inventories and assessment planning for both water and wastewater.

“I am happy to see this critical funding come from the Department of Environmental Quality to Henderson,” Rep. Terry Garrison said. “Clean water is essential for every North Carolinian. This money is going to help Henderson ensure that everyone has access to clean, safe water.”

City Manager Terrell Blackmon told WIZS News Friday that this money will be used to address excess water that flows into sewer pipes from groundwater and stormwater, known as “infiltration and overflow.”

The $5 million is added to $2.5 million, zero interest loan the city got last year from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, Blackmon said.

“The other $400,000 will be used to perform a water study centered around inspecting our water lines…(to) help us better map our system,” he added.

Granville and Warren counties also received chunks of money for improvements to their water systems, Garrison’s office noted.

The City of Oxford got more than $9.5 million to fund sewer system improvements and the South Granville Water and Sewer Authority was awarded $150,000.

Warren County got money for three projects totaling $745,000. The breakdown includes two planning grants: a $189,500 planning grant for a regional elevated storage tank and a $400,000 pre-construction planning grant for the Eatons Ferry sewer extension and $155,500 for the Pleasant Hill pump station replacement.

Granville Welcomes New Interim Manager, Bids Farewell To Felts

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Granville County welcomes Doug Logan as interim county manager during a swearing-in ceremony Friday afternoon, just moments before a reception honoring outgoing manager Mike Felts begins.

Logan returns to county service, having retired in 2020 from the position of emergency services director and fire marshal, a job he had held since 1994.

Felts was appointed county manager in July 2013. He tendered his resignation to the board of county commissioners in May 2022 after accepting a position with the N.C. Association of County Commissioners Risk Management Pools.

Logan will be sworn in at 2:45 p.m. and the reception for Felts is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Both events will take place at the Granville Expo Center, 4185 Hwy. 15 South.

NC State Board of Elections

State Court Of Appeals: Felons May Register To Vote In NC – For Now

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-Information courtesy of the N.C. State Board of Elections

Starting today – July 27, 2022 – an individual serving a felony sentence who is not in jail or prison may register to vote and vote. An individual must also have resided in North Carolina for at least 30 days prior to the election, be a U.S. citizen, and be at least 18 years old by the next general election.

Previously, under a North Carolina statute, a person serving a felony sentence could not register to vote or vote, whether they were in or out of prison, until they completed that sentence. This meant that felons serving probation, post-release supervision, or parole were not able to register or vote, until they completed their term of supervision.

Earlier this year, however, a North Carolina superior court determined that denying voting rights to people serving their felony sentences outside of jail or prison violates the state constitution. This decision has been appealed; however, while it is on appeal, the North Carolina Court of Appeals has ordered that the decision should go into effect as of July 27, 2022.

This means that, for the time being, any person serving a felony sentence outside of prison or jail is eligible to register to vote and vote. Those in jail or prison for a felony conviction are not allowed to register or vote. If a person is in jail awaiting trial for a felony but has not yet been convicted, they retain their voting rights. In North Carolina, a person never loses their voting rights for a misdemeanor conviction.

As of July 27, the State Board will update its website and voter registration forms and other voting-related documents to reflect this new information on felon eligibility. The agency will update this information upon any further order of the courts.

Granville County Library System

Berea Library Patrons Can Check Out N.C. Arboretum ecoEXPLORE Kits

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-Information courtesy of the Granville Library System

The Granville County Library System, in partnership with the North Carolina Arboretum, will now offer ecoEXPLORE discovery kits for patrons to check out. These backpack-based kits include binoculars, a camera, a bird call, a magnifying glass, and more to encourage science and nature exploration through participation at https://www.ecoexplore.net/

Participants earn badges as they gain knowledge about the environment and the creatures that live nearby while earning prizes for exploration.  The kits, designed for children ages 5-13, promote “citizen science” and getting kids outdoors.

The discovery kits will be available to check out at the Berea Branch Library, located at 1211 U.S. Hwy 158, north of Oxford. It’s best to call the library in advance – 919.693.1231 – to make sure kits are available for checkout.

In addition to this program, the Berea Branch Library has also been designated as an ecoEXPLORE hotspot and will be establishing a wildlife viewing area and pollinator -friendly garden for patrons to use and explore. A volunteer workday will be held Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon to install the garden.

Volunteers can sign up by calling the library or filling out the form at https://tinyurl.com/garden-help-signup.

Also, as part of the ecoEXPLORE program, the library will be hosting an “All About Owls” event on Thursday,  Aug. 18, at 5:30 p.m. A naturalist will present information about ornithology (the study of birds) and provide more information about the ecoEXPLORE program.

For more information about this exciting addition to the services offered at the Berea library, call 919-693-1231 during its hours of operation: Tuesday and Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Thursdays 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Take Kerr-Tar COG Survey By Aug. 19 To Weigh In On Economic Development

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The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is asking for help from all those who live or work in the region – Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin, Person – as it gathers information to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

The CEDS team has created an online survey that is open now through Aug. 19 which seeks input about the region’s strengths, challenges and opportunities. Data from the survey will be used to inform policymakers across the regions about what is going well, what needs improvement and ways to guide focus areas over the next five years.

Anyone who lives, works or has an interest in the Kerr-Tar region is encouraged to take part in the online survey.

In addition to the survey, the Kerr-Tar COG has scheduled in-person meetings to gather comments and opinions. The Vance, Franklin and Warren meetings were held earlier this week, and the Granville and Person meetings will be held on Tuesday, July 26, according to iformation on the Kerr-Tar COG webpage. The Granville meeting will be held at the Granville County Convention & Expo Center, 4185 U.S. Hwy. 15 in Oxford between 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon; the Person County meeting will be held in the Person County office building auditorium, 304 S. Morgan St., Roxboro between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Visit https://www.kerrtarcog.org/ to access a link to the survey, or simply click the link here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/survey-taken/?sm=fOW9Nqb_2BYpcyo73LmBCJHylTUVcNu_2BdTkwHeMJJTE7uFIIVtxeK2Pr3Zt_2BS2TjVcmEgkHM4BUUAyp0bavgB9TMZlZl_2BfCFp0WhBOvhzEAn8_3D

Keep Pets’ Safety In Mind – Never Leave Them In Vehicles

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  -information courtesy of American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina Region

The excessive heat that has been reported all across the country is not to be taken lightly, and the American Red Cross urges everyone to take precautions to avoid dangerous – and sometimes deadly – situations.

Pet owners are especially encouraged to keep their pets’ best interests at heart by never leaving them in vehicles, even for just a few minutes while running errands.

“It’s critical that you don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes,” said Barry Porter, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina Region. “The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows cracked open.”

The advice for humans is to stay inside and out of the heat, if possible, and to stay hydrated to prevent medical emergencies like heat stroke. The same is true for pets – keep them inside, out of the heat, and make sure they have access to cool, fresh water all day long, according to advice from the Red Cross.

And just like humans, animal also can suffer heat stroke. Animals can suffer heat stroke in warmer weather. Dogs especially vulnerable are those breeds with short noses or snouts – think boxers and bulldogs – as well as overweight animals, or those with an extremely thick coat or who have been diagnosed with other upper respiratory problems.

Some of the signs of heat stroke to watch for:

  • Heavy panting and inability to calm down, even when lying down
  • Brick-red gum color
  • Fast pulse rate
  • Unable to get up

If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring your pet to the veterinarian immediately as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.

RESOURCES Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, toxic substances, a pet profile for storing tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact a veterinarian and an animal hospital locator. You can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for a link to download the app or going to redcross.org/apps.

You can also take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so that you’ll know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. Access the course on your desktop or tablet and go through the content at your own pace.

The interactive course includes:

  • How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so owners can notice if there are any irregularities
  • Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound, or is having a seizure; and information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet’s well-being.

Find more information about pets and their safety during warm weather here.

Granville County Sheriff

Granville Deputy Cleared Following Officer-Involved Shooting

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A Granville County Sheriff’s deputy has been cleared in connection with an officer-involved shooting incident that left one man dead in February 2022.

District Attorney Michael D. Waters released a 7-page report Tuesday stating that “there is no legal basis for pursuing criminal prosecution in this matter.”

Sheriff’s deputies were called to a domestic disturbance at a home on Reavis Road on the afternoon of Feb. 9. Makari Jamel Smith had been at the home, but had left, armed with a shotgun. He later returned to the home, and law enforcement officials from the sheriff’s department and the town of Stovall were present as the situation unfolded.

According to the report from the District Attorney’s office, “the single most important piece of evidence” is the video footage that captured the interaction between the deputy and Smith. After some back-and-forth dialogue between the two, Smith raised the shotgun and shot at the deputy. The deputy fired three shots in response.

The report stated that deputies at the scene properly collected and secured the deputy’s gun and body-worn camera.

In his conclusion, Waters said the events leading to Smith’s death”should reinforce the need for continuing efforts of law enforcement to find more effective avenues to help defuse volatile situations that may arise during a mental health crisis.”

TownTalk: Granville Tourism Prepares For A Busy Intro To Fall

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Summer may be a time to slow down and enjoy family vacations, outdoor activities or chill out with a good book in the air conditioning, but Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen invites everyone to come out to the streets of Oxford and Creedmoor for several upcoming events.

On Saturday, Aug. 6, head over to Old Warehouse Square just off College Street in downtown Oxford for a “Back to School Bash.” There will be a bounce house, fairy hair, vendors and food trucks on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Allen told WIZS’s Bill Harris Thursday on Town Talk. There will be a school bus on hand to accept school supplies and donations, and Allen said the goal is to fill that bus with items that can be used in classrooms across the county.

Numerous downtown merchants will have collection bins for donating school supplies for students and teachers in advance of the event, and folks are invited to make donations, Allen added.

By early August, grownup and children alike are “getting ready to get their mindset back to school,” Allen said, so a fun family event is just the thing for preparing to return to the classroom.

The Back to School Bash coincides with the annual Sidewalk Sale in downtown Oxford, which happens on Friday, Aug. 5.

If bluegrass music is more your jam, check out Music on Main in downtown Oxford on Friday, Aug. 12. The Grass Street Band will perform from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. “It’s a great time to get out on the streets in downtown Oxford…grab some to-go and bring your lawn chair,” Allen said.

The Creedmoor Music Festival is returning after a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Allen said it is “definitely back, bigger and better.” The festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 17 in downtown Creedmoor. Music lovers will enjoy seven different performances on two stages throughout the event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Allen said there’s a variety of genres represented, from rock and R&B, to Bluegrass and sounds of the ‘60s by band The British Invaders. Add to that mix more than 100 food and craft vendors, and the 29th annual Creedmoor Music Festival will have something for everyone. Find Creedmoor Music Festival 2022 on Facebook or visit https://www.cityofcreedmoor.org/ for updates on when the different groups will perform.

The final concert of the Alive After Five series will take place on Thursday, Sept. 29 in downtown Oxford from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Little John parking lot just off Main Street. The group Spare Change will perform.

And wedged in between all the musical performances is the 16th annual Hot Sauce Contest and Festival. The event, held on the second Saturday in September, falls on Saturday, Sept. 10 and Oxford is gearing up for another influx of visitors to sample the latest hot sauces and mingle downtown for a day of fun and food.

The Embers with Craig Woolard and Crush are among the musical guests scheduled to appear on the Main Stage, as well as numerous other local artists on the regional stage.

The classic car show, always a crowd favorite, will showcase cars for participants to view.

The kids’ area returns with lots of activities like inflatables, crafts and face painting to keep the little ones happy.

There’s a new scavenger hunt planned, which gives participants the chance to win a gift basket filled with hot sauces and other items from downtown merchants.

Check out all the activities planned at a new website, https://nchotsaucecontestandfestival.com/

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

Granville Fire District Set Up To Help Fund Local Departments

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Granville County residents will be paying an extra tax that will be used to provide financial help to fire departments across the county.

The Granville County Fire Protection and Rescue Service District was established with the passage of the new county budget that went into effect July 1, according to information from Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

Fire departments throughout the county will now receive funding from this dedicated funding  stream, and the money must be spent on fire and rescue services. The newly formed district includes all unincorporated areas of the county, as well as the town of Stovall. It took effect after several months of public meetings and deliberation by the board of county commissioners following the completion of an in-depth study by the N.C. Fire Chiefs Consulting firm.

Anyone who lives within the municipal limits of the Town of Butner, City of Creedmoor, City of Oxford and Town of Stem are not in the Fire Protection and Rescue Service District and are not subject to the applicable district tax.

The tax rate is $0.06 per $100, which means that a homeowner with a home valued at $100,000 would see a rise of $60 in his or her annual tax bill.

The tax is expected to generate $1,875,733 in fiscal year 2022-2023.

“The district will help protect the health and safety of all Granville County residents by providing a dedicated and sustainable funding  source for the county’s volunteer fire departments and ensure that all residents receive professional fire  protection services when needed no matter where they live in the county,” the press release stated.

Before this district was established, there was not a dedicated funding source for fire departments in Granville County, which made it difficult for individual fire departments to plan for capital expenses like trucks and stations, not to mention annual expenses such as standard equipment, training, utilities and other routine costs to keep a fire department operational.

Departments will receive a base funding level and the volunteer fire departments will also be eligible to receive additional enhancement funding. Fire departments with “first responder” designation will receive $85,454  and include Berea, Brassfield, Bullock, Cornwall and Stem. Antioch, Butner, Corinth, Creedmoor, Granville Rural, Oxford, and Providence departments will get $80,192. South Virgilina will get $53,377 since they also get funding from Halifax County, VA.

Although final authority rests with the county commissioners, the fire and rescue services district will have an advisory board – the Granville County Fire Commission – whose  members will be appointed by the county commissioners and will have members who reside in the north, central and southern portions of the county as well as the president of the Granville County Fire Chief’s Association.

 

The Board of Commissioners recognized that fire departments throughout the county are facing a host of distinct challenges that would need sound and thoughtful financial planning. One of these future challenges is staffing, which may be required by the NC Department of Insurance to keep fire insurance affordable and have firefighters ready when emergencies occur.

To learn more, contact the Granville County Tax Administration Office at 919.693.4181 or visit the office at 141 Williamsboro  St., Oxford.

State Highway Patrol

Campaign To Reduce Speeders In Effect Through July 24

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Most drivers, whether they admit it or not, have driven at speeds higher than the posted limits.

You’re late to an appointment or to pick the kids up at school or a sports practice – the excuses may vary, but the results of speeding remain the same – the increased risks of crashes, injury and loss of life.

Law enforcement officers across the state are participating in a “Speeding Wrecks Lives” campaign through July 24, part of a national initiative in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Speeding-related crashes are at all-time high levels across the country, including North Carolina, and one proven way to prevent speeding is an increased law enforcement presence on the roads,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “Campaigns like these are key pieces to decreasing crashes, even as we work on more long-term solutions such as safe road design, safer cars and quality driver education.”
Speeding is a major cause of injuries and deaths on North Carolina roadways. Last year, 424 people died in speeding-related crashes across the state. Moreover, speed was a contributing factor in nearly a quarter of all fatal crashes in 2021. Males under 39 account for nearly half of all speeding-related crashes.
To be safe, drivers should always avoid speeding. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to negotiate curves, makes it more difficult to stop a vehicle and increases the risk of crashes and injuries because other vehicles and people might not be able to judge distance correctly.

View more statistics on speeding in NC here.