Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Granville Revaluation Process Underway

/by

Workers with the county’s contracted vendor for conducting the mandated tax revaluation process have started their field work and residents can expect to see clearly marked vehicles and employees identifying themselves for this specific purpose.

The updated property tax values go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, and employees with Pearson’s Appraisal Service have begun verifying and updating tax listings to ensure fair and equitable tax values are applied to commercial and residential properties throughout the county, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

Employees will have photo identification badges as well as vehicles marked “GRANVILLE REVALUATION.” The appraisal process involves photography of each property and verification of information in the existing Granville County tax listing. Property owners interested in providing additional information or requesting an interior inspection for a property can do so by calling Pearson’s Appraisal Services at 888.573.2776.

Revaluation is the process of reappraising all properties within the county for tax assessment purposes. The purpose of revaluation is to re-establish equity among properties that may have changed in value at different rates since the county’s last revaluation, which was completed in 2018.

Each county in the state must conduct a reappraisal of all real property – land, buildings, and other improvements to land –  at least once every eight years as mandated by North Carolina General Statutes. Granville County conducts revaluations on a six-year cycle.

For more information regarding property tax values or the revaluation and assessment process, please contact the Granville County Tax Administration Office at 919.693.4181 or visit the Granville County website:  https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/tax-department/.

Red Cross Offers Safety Tips for Memorial Day, Summertime Activities

/by

Red Cross officials have some safety suggestions for people as they prepare for the Memorial Day holiday – and don’t forget pets as we head into the warmer summer months.

“Summer is a great time of year to get outside and have fun with your friends and loved ones,” said Barry Porter, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina Region. “But there are dangers if you don’t swim, camp or grill properly. We here at the Red Cross want you to have a safe summer and offer these steps you can follow.”

Read the suggestions below whether you’ll be enjoying watersports, camping or grilling.

PET SAFETY

Summer’s heat can be dangerous for your family pets. Follow these steps to take to help ensure your pet stays safe this summer.

  • Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
  • Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in the warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
  • Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are heavy panting and being unable to calm down, even when lying down, brick red gum color, fast pulse rate and being 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 as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage. Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid appfor instant access on how to treat heat stroke, other emergencies and general care for cats and dogs and take the Cat and Dog First Aid Online Training

WATER SAFETY

Every day, an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning — and one in five of those are children 14 or younger according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Red Cross wants everyone to know critical safety knowledge and skills that could save your life in and around the water. We encourage families to build confidence in the water by learning to be safe, making good choices, learning to swim and how to handle emergencies.

  • Preventing unsupervised access to water, providing constant, active adult supervision and knowing how to swim are critical layers of protection to help prevent drowning.
  • Classes to learn how to swim are available for both children and adults. Check the map for Learn-to-Swim providers in your community. Everyone should learn first aid and CPR too, so they know what to do in an emergency.
  • Download the Red Cross Swim app, sponsored by The ZAC Foundation, for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course in English or in Spanish.
  • It’s best to swim in a lifeguarded area. Always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
  • Drowning behavior is typically fast and silent. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging. Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.

CAMPING SAFETY

If a camping trip is in your plans, know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly.

  • Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Falls are the biggest threat, many due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or not being properly prepared. Dehydration is also a danger. Plan ahead for these dangers.
  • Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.
  • Bring nutritious food items and water, light-weight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets.

GRILLING SAFETY

More than three-quarters of U.S. adults have used a grill — yet, grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. To avoid this, the Red Cross offers these grilling safety tips:

  • Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
  • Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
  • Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Keep Road Safety At Top Of Memorial Day To-Do List

/by

Even with today’s high gas prices, the State Highway Patrol expects about 35 million folks to be on the road during the long Memorial Day weekend. And although the following safety suggestions aren’t new, they do bear repeating as a way to ensure safe travels on the state’s 80,000 miles of roads, highways and interstates.

This time last year, the average prices of a gallon of regular gas in North Carolina was $2.91, compared to $4.36 this year, according to AAA. But families are apparently ready to get out of town for the four-day holiday, some long overdue for even a short vacation.

This weekend traditionally kicks off the unofficial start to summer, and AAA predicts an increase of almost 5 percent in the number of people who will travel by car compared to last year, when COVID-19 precautions still had people sticking close to home.

The Highway Patrol will be out in full force, taking steps “to monitor driver behavior in an attempt to reduce collisions that occur from speeding, impaired and distracted driving, as well as reducing the severity of collisions through seat belt use enforcement.  Using the Vision Zero approach, law enforcement officials hope to report zero fatal collisions throughout the holiday weekend,” according to a press release from the North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety.

The Highway Patrol is again teaming up with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to participate in the annual “On the Road, On the Water” campaign. The same rules apply to boat operators as apply to drivers of motor vehicles – don’t drink and drive.

Additionally, the SHP is partnering with the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign.  This campaign began Monday, May 23 and continues through June 5, with an emphasis being placed on seat belt violations.

Motorists are encouraged to follow these suggestions while traveling:

  • Plan Ahead – Plan routes in advance to include secondary routes, detours and possible road closures.  Up-to-date information regarding delays and closures can be found at www.DriveNC.gov.
  • Slow Down – Obey the posted speed limit and be mindful of speed limit reductions within work zones.
  • Use Restraint Devices – Seat belts must be worn in both front and back seats if available.  Children should be properly restrained in compliance with child passenger safety laws, www.buckleupnc.org.
  • Don’t Drive Distracted – Avoid any distraction(s) while driving that reduces your ability to drive safely.
  • Plan Ahead if Consuming Alcohol – Have a predetermined plan to arrive home safely by identifying a designated driver or by utilizing one of the many ride sharing services.
  • Reporting Dangerous Drivers or Other Emergencies – Motorists are encouraged to dial *HP(47) or 911 if they encounter a situation needing a law enforcement response.

Candidates For Sheriff Determined In May 17 Primary

/by

Robert Fountain and Vance Johnson will face off in the race for Granville County Sheriff in November, each coming out on top in their respective races in the May 17 primary elections.

According to the N.C. Board of Elections, 8,325 voters cast ballots in Granville County for the primary, from a total 39,851 registered voters in the county.

Fountain, a Democrat, beat Democratic challengers Ronald Smith Sr. and Keith Daniel. Fountain had 2,847 votes for 65.75 percent of the vote, versus Smith’s 761 votes and Daniel’s 722 votes.

In the Republican primary, Johnson beat challengers Robert Morris and Clinton Owens. Johnson got 2,192 votes for 58.91 percent of the vote compared to Morris’s  1,340 votes –  just over 36 percent and Owens’s – 189 votes for just more than 5 percent of the vote.

Fountain and Johnson will face each other in the November 2022 election.

Two seats on the Granville Board of Education were decided in the Tuesday primary:

Incumbent David Richardson beat challenger Taylor Frederick to keep his District 7 seat. Richardson got 484 votes for 52.72 percent and Frederick garnered 420 votes, or 45.75 percent of the votes cast.

In District 5, Danielle Hayes narrowly defeated Samantha Harris 652 to 608. Hayes goes 52.42 percent of the vote compared to Harris’s 47.95 percent.

Granville Board of Education Set To Meet May 20 To Discuss Drawing Down Lottery Funds

/by

-Information courtesy of Dr. Stan Winborne, public information officer for Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a special called meeting on Friday, May 20, at 2:30 p.m. to review and approve an application  for Granville County to draw down North Carolina Education Lottery funds.  This meeting will be conducted electronically, with members of the public invited to view the live stream. To join the live stream meeting, please use the following link:  https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj

 

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local COVID-19 Cases On The Rise

/by

COVID-19 cases are on the rise across much of North Carolina, and Vance and Granville counties are no exception.

According to information extracted from the COVID-19 dashboard Granville-Vance Public Health website, the number of new weekly positive cases is on the uptick in both counties.

The most recent numbers are for May 7, with 42 cases – 2 of which are reinfections – for Vance County. That is an increase over the 26 cases reported as of April 30.

In Granville County, the May 7 number was 95, with 7 being reinfections. The April 30 number had been 75, according to the dashboard statistics.

In both counties, the number of new cases dropped to single digits in early April, but have since seen increases. Cases in both counties peaked in mid-January, with 865 cases in Vance and 1,155 cases in Granville.

Total cases since March 2020 are 11,936 in Vance and 14,536 in Granville, with deaths from COVID-19 standing at 122 in Vance and 115 in Granville.

With mask requirements now optional in many places and people gathering and congregating with less regard for social distancing, the risk for contracting COVID-19 may also increase.

If you do experience symptoms, you should get tested. And if the results come back positive for COVID-19, health professionals advise to self-isolate for 10 days.

Visit http://www.gvdhd.org/ to learn more.

 

National Police Week Observed May 11-17

/by

In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley recognized the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers at the local, state and national levels. The annual observance began May 11 and continues through Tuesday, May 17.

“In taking an oath to preserve and protect, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line daily to keep our communities safe,” Easley said in a press statement released earlier this week. “We recognize and appreciate their sacrifice and commitment every day. This week, we take the opportunity, across the country, to honor those law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. We also express our deepest respect and admiration for the families of these fallen heroes.”

Based on information from the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021.  Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19.  Nine officers have died in the line of duty in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed gratitude to the law enforcement community. “This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” Garland said.

“We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read tonight (Friday, May 13) during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8 p.m. Those who wish to view the vigil live online can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF.

 

Online Meeting May 19 To Talk About Business Recovery Grants

/by

The N.C. Department of Revenue has scheduled an online information session next week to help businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic apply for Business Recovery Grant money.

The session will be held Thursday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to noon and is open to anyone interested in learning more about the grant’s Phase 2, according to Sheri Jones, VGCC Small Business Center Director. “The state is eager to distribute these funds to eligible businesses so I would encourage anyone who was in business during the pandemic to take a look at the criteria and apply – it is much broader and covers more business types in this phase, Jones said.

The deadline to apply is June 1.
To register for Thursday’s online session, go to:  NC DOR Business Recovery Grant – Program Overview & Common FAQs
The N.C. General Assembly passed the legislation and Gov. Roy Cooper signed it into law in March. The BRG issues awards of up to $500,000 to eligible North Carolina businesses that suffered substantial economic loss during the pandemic.
Two types of grants are available through the program:

  • A hospitality grant is available to an eligible arts, entertainment or recreation business,
    as well as an eligible accommodation or food service business such as a hotel, restaurant or bar (NAICS code 71 and 72).
  • A reimbursement grant is available to an eligible business not classified in NAICS Code
    71 and 72.

For Phase 2, the law was changed to make more businesses eligible for a grant. A business that received other COVID-19 relief may now be eligible for a grant in Phase 2.
Visit https://www.ncdor.gov/business-recovery-grant for more information and to apply.

Mail Carriers’ ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ Event May 14

/by

Postal carriers deliver all sorts of mail to boxes near and far every day. But there’s a special-delivery postcard that found its way into area mailboxes recently to promote the “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign, which takes place the second Saturday in May.

That day is THIS Saturday, May 14.

The request is simple: Leave healthy, non-perishable food items by your mailbox and the person who delivers your mail will pick up your donation.

Since 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers, along with various national partners, has worked to collect food items that are donated to local food pantries.

Visit www.stampouthungerfooddrive.us to learn more.

Upcoming Blood Drives Scheduled; Make An Appointment To Give

/by

-information courtesy of the American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina

 The school year is almost over, and it’s about time for afternoons at the pool and family road trips. While summer means fun for many of us, it’s business as usual in hospitals across the country. The need for blood doesn’t take a break, and it’s critical that donors take time to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply in the coming months.

In thanks for helping boost the blood supply, all who come to give through May 19, 2022, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and will also be automatically entered to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps eight. Details are available at rcblood.org/camper. Those who come to give May 20-31 will receive an exclusive 20-ounce Red Cross aluminum water bottle and customizable sticker set, while supplies last, according to Cally Edwards, regional communications director for the Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina.

Upcoming blood drive schedule by county:

Vance

Henderson

5/18/2022: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Maria Parham Medical Center, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.

5/19/2022: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.

Granville

Creedmoor

5/27/2022: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave.

Warren

Macon

5/20/2022: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Macon Baptist Church, 159 Church St.

How to donate blood

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.