Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Granville Chamber Banquet Set For Jan. 24, 2022

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual membership meeting a nd banquet on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022 at the Vance-Granville Community College civic center. The organization is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, and has as its guest speaker North Carolina native and basketball legend Phil Ford, according to Chamber Executive Director Lauren Roberson.

Ford played for UNC-Chapel Hill and was named National Player of the Year, First-Team All-America, and ACC Player of the Year. He also helped the US team bring home the gold in the 1976 Olympics under coach Dean Smith.

The John Penn Citizen of the Year award winner also will be announced at the banquet. Nominations are due to the Chamber office by Jan. 4, 2022. Contact the Chamber at 919.693.6125 for more information or to get a nomination form.

The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 each; seating is limited at the VGCC civic center to observe COVID-19 social distancing protocols. An RSVP is requested by Jan. 12, 2022.

Sponsors for the banquet include:
Presenting Sponsor: Spectrum Medical Solutions
Gold Sponsors:
Certainteed
Duke Energy
Granville Health System
Hicks & Koinis, PLLC
Silver Sponsor:
Oxford Preparatory school
Bronze Sponsors:
Rogers Property Group
Union Bank-Oxford
Wake Electric Membership Corporation

Granville School Board Meeting Set For 6 P.M. Today

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The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting tonight (Monday) at the Mary Potter Center of Education, 200 Taylor Street, Oxford, NC 27565. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. The meeting will be livestreamed at https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj.

There are three ways to make comments for this meeting, according to Dr. Stan Winborne, public information officer and associate superintendent: in person at the board meeting, placing a written comment in the box located outside the board room between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. or by using the link: https://tinyurl.com/y37evl6z. Comments made using the link must be submitted between the hours of 12 noon and 4 p.m. today. A copy will be distributed to the board members.  A maximum of 30 minutes in total will be allotted for public comment.

Anyone who attends the meeting in person must wear a face covering and comply with social distance requirements. Winborne said that residents without access to WiFi who would like to view the meeting via livestream may visit the Richard Thornton Library, 210 Main Street, Oxford, NC 27565, or the South Branch Library, 1550 South Campus Drive, Creedmoor, NC 27522, and use the libraries’ WiFi services.

South Granville High School To Remain Open Following School Board Reversal

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The Granville County Board of Education has reversed its previous decision to consolidate southern-end high schools and voted unanimously at a Thursday work session to keep all three high schools in operation.

The school board also voted to cancel its previous plans for district consolidation and reorganization and instead will make all elementary schools K-6 next year. School attendance zones will not change; elementary-school students will spend an extra year at their current school before moving to a middle school, which will become Grades 7-8 schools.

By keeping South Granville High School at its Creedmoor campus, G.C. Hawley Middle School students will attend Butner-Stem Middle School, where school leaders say there is sufficient space to merge the two student groups, according to information from Dr. Stan Winborne, associate superintendent and public information officer.

Board member Amanda LaBrecque shared a presentation that laid out plans the board ultimately supported, which called for adding sixth graders to all elementary campuses.

The presentation, titled “A Temporary Solution,” is a three-pronged approach to consolidation while addressing short-term and long-term needs.

Part 1 – K-6:  Move all sixth-grade classrooms into the elementary schools, district-wide and include an district intramural sports league for sixth graders.

Part 2 – 7 & 8: As a result of this move, Butner-Stem Middle School can accommodate seventh and eighth graders from both G.C. Hawley and Butner-Stem, with room for growth

Part 3 – 9-12:  Enrichment hub: Granville Central High School will act as an enrichment hub for students district-wide to attend advanced courses and additional electives – foreign language courses, for example. The plan proposes that buses shuttle students to minimize the need for student driving. Career Technical Education classes will not be part of the enrichment hub.

The proposed plan also looks at the short-term (3-5 years), 5-year, and 10-year intervals with various possible scenarios, depending on future growth in the county and student enrollment in the school district, Winborne explained.

Following LaBrecque’s presentation, Winborne stated “the board engaged in a thorough discussion regarding various aspects of (the) presentation, shared ideas and posed a variety of questions.” Following the discussion, two motions were approved, one for the reorganized schools and grade levels and a second to take a closer look at options for the closure of the Hawley Middle School campus.

The first motion passed 7-0 which basically restated the information detailed in the presentation regarding the school changes for the 2021-22 school year.

The board also agreed with the concept of making an “enhancement hub” at Granville Central High School for specialized courses offered in the school district. Winborne stated that this may allow students to cross-enroll in advanced placement and other specialized courses using innovation and creative instruction models.

View the full presentation HERE.

The second motion, which also passed unanimously, calls for creation of a formal study of the closure of Hawley Middle School and the merging of Hawley students to Butner-Stem Middle School.

“This motion does not result in any immediate actions that impact students or families,” Winborne stated. “Rather, it begins the process to direct staff to gather and develop information to create a formal study of the closure of G.C. Hawley, which may then be presented to the board, possibly in February of 2022.  A public hearing must be held prior to any decision to close G.C. Hawley Middle School.”

Live streaming, video recordings, agendas and exhibits of all oard meetings, including full copies of all school closure studies may be found on BoardDocs HERE.

Granville Ed Foundation Awards More Than $50,000 In Grants To Local Teachers

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The Granville Education Foundation (GEF) has distributed awards totaling more than $50,000 to schools across the county during its recent “Prize Patrol” celebration.

The foundation funded 40 grants in 16 different schools, according to GEF Executive Director Jennifer Cufalo Carpenter.

A total of 82 applications were reviewed and scored by GEF grant committee members. Names and schools were not included on the applications during the evaluation process. A GEF team presented the awards to happy recipients on Nov. 19 and on Nov. 22.

“This day was filled with surprises, excitement, and tears of joy for many deserving teachers and students.  We secretly notified the school principals we would be awarding the grants, but the teachers were unaware.  Balloons, checks, and grant acceptance letters were delivered to the schools during the celebrations.  It was delightful to witness these very happy Granville County School teachers receive their grants!” Carpenter said in a press release.

GEF board president Dr. Linda Frederickson was among the team that visited schools to celebrate with the recipients. “Our grant funding goes directly into the classrooms for these teachers’ innovative projects, which is exciting not only for the teachers receiving the grants, but for their schools, their students, and for our GEF board of directors,” Frederickson stated. “We are excited about these projects and look forward to hearing how these grants impact our Granville County Students.”

GEF will remain in contact with the grant recipients throughout the 2021-2022 school year to stay updated on the projects made possible with the grant funding.

There are four types of grants available – “success through technology” grants for a maximum of $5,000; “experience” grants for a maximum of $1,000; “performing & visual arts” grants for a maximum of $1,500; and the Lela Eaton Creative Teaching grants for a maximum of $1,000.

visit www.GranvilleEdFoundation.org to learn more.

Below is a list of winners in each category:

2021-2022 Success Through Technology Grants

  • Oxford Preparatory School – Cindy Clark
  • Wilton Elementary School – Tasha Blalock
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Ashley Barnette
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Wendy Short
  • J.F. Webb High School – Carole Griffin
  • Granville Central High School – Joshua Carter

2021-2022 Experience Grants   

  • Stovall-Shaw Elementary School – Maureen Bellissimo
  • Creedmoor Elementary School – Andrea Auclair
  • Butner Stem Elementary School – Carolyn Vickers
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Jade Currin
  • C.G. Credle Elementary School – Brenda Williamson
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Angela Satterwhite
  • Tar River Elementary School – Zane Hill
  • Creedmoor Elementary School – Niekietta Grillo
  • Tar River Elementary School – Amber Shaw
  • C.G. Credle Elementary School – Brenda Williamson

2021-2022 Performing & Visual Arts Grants   

  • Oxford Preparatory School – Cindy Clark
  • Granville Central High School – Joshua Carter

2021-2022 Lela Eaton Creative Teaching Grants   

  • Granville County Public Schools OT – Scharla Keeton, Leslie Currin, Michelle Collier
  • J.F. Webb High School – Leslie Magnanti
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Jade Currin
  • Tar River Elementary School – Karen Floyd
  • Stovall-Shaw Elementary School – Tammy Hughes
  • Granville Central High School – Joshua Carter
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Riley Olsen
  • West Oxford Elementary School – Bethany Bonnemere
  • Falls Lake Academy – Kelly Good
  • Tar River Elementary School – Madison Parker
  • Northern Granville Middle School – Mary Newton
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Heather Williams
  • Granville County Public Schools ESL – Ivelisse Rosario de Marín
  • Tar River Elementary School – Sherry Thompson
  • West Oxford Elementary School – Regina Harris
  • Stovall-Shaw Elementary School – Lisa Carver
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Katrina Bria
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Allison Satterfield
  • Oxford Preparatory School – Heather Daniel
  • Tar River Elementary School – Madison Parker
  • South Granville High School – Michele Sherer
  • Falls Lake Academy – Mary Tunstall
NCDHHS

New Program Can Help Eligible Households That Face Water Disconnection

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A new emergency program launched today (Dec. 1) to help low-income households afford water and wastewater services. The program, called Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is scheduled to run through September 2023 or until the funds are all used up. It is a federally funded program administered through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Households that have already had the water or wastewater services cut off or have received notice of being cut off because of past due bills may be eligible to apply for the one-time payment, which will be paid directly to the utility company, according to a press release.

Families that already receive assistance from federal programs such as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services are automatically eligible. Households that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021 also are automatically eligible. These households should contact the local Department of Social Services for more information.

There are certain eligibility criteria, according to the press release. A household must have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen and have income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, have household services that are already disconnected, in danger of disconnection or have a current outstanding bill that they are responsible for paying.

If your water has been cut off, or if you have gotten a notice of disconnection, apply online at www.epass.nc.gov, apply in person at your local department of social services or by phone. In addition, a paper application is available at the website above and can be completed and dropped off or faxed to the department of social services.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, any household needing help paying its water bill can apply for help if they meet eligibility requirements.

Visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-household-water-assistance-program-lihwap to learn more.

Michael Easley, Jr. Sworn In As U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of NC

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Michael F. Easley, Jr. is the newest U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. His nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, 2021 and U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III administered the oath of office last week, according to a press statement.

 “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the Eastern District of North Carolina as United States Attorney,” Easley said in the statement. “I am grateful to President Biden for this opportunity, and I want to thank Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis for their strong support through the confirmation process.”

As U.S. Attorney, Easley is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which includes Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties among the 44 easternmost counties of North Carolina. He oversees a staff of 119 employees, including 58 attorneys and 61 non-attorney support personnel.  The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics.  The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Easley was a partner in McGuire Woods LLP prior to his appointment and was a litigator focused on internal investigations and trial court work in state and federal courts.  He represented businesses and individuals in civil, criminal, and regulatory matters over a wide range of topics, including criminal law, environmental, consumer protection, business torts, professional negligence, government contracting, as well as matters involving financial services and securities.

Easley also has advised clients facing inquiries by the U.S. Department of Justice, North Carolina Ethics Commission, and matters before other governmental regulatory bodies.

Born in Southport, Easley attended the University of North Carolina where he graduated with honors and distinction in political science. He later received his law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

In addition to his work at McGuireWoods, Easley contributed time to various bar and community organizations.  He served as a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of North Carolina.  He was also a member of the Criminal Justice Section Council and the Integration, Equity & Equal Justice Task Force of the North Carolina Bar Association. Mr. Easley also served as a mentor in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Success in Law School Mentoring Program.

Granville Teen Takes State Fair Prize With Her Hereford Cow/Calf Pair

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A Granville County teen is among the winners of the annual livestock competitions held during the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh.

Lillian “Lillee” Bissett, 16, won reserve supreme champion in the cow/calf pair class, according to the final results released recently by the N.C. Department of Agriculture. Jamie Byers of Jonesborough, TN took supreme champion honors in the cow/calf class. Bissett also won Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair class in the Open Beef Cattle – Hereford division.

Bissett’s mother, Pam Bissett, said her three girls all started showing sheep by the time they were 4 years old and then moved to cattle by age 6. “We’ve never missed a state fair,” she said, adding that they participate in regional and national shows.

Lillee Bissett showed the mama cow in the show ring and her friend Mazie Bunn handled the calf for the cow/calf class. The Bissett family operates Grassy Creek Farm in Bullock, NC where they raise Hereford cattle. Bissett said she loves Herefords for their easy disposition.

Like her father and grandfather before her, Pam Bissett has served at the state level for Hereford associations. She currently is a director of the N.C. Hereford Association.

NC Forest Service

Forest Service Urges Residents To Hold Off Burning Yard Debris, Leaves

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There’s a slight chance of rain early next week, but local forest service officials are encouraging area residents to hold off burning those leaves or other yard debris until the area has had some good rainfall.

It’s fall wildfire season and the area has been put in the abnormally dry to moderate drought category, according to N.C. Forest Service County Ranger Rob Montague. Local fire departments and the forest service have responded to 24 fire calls in Vance and Granville counties so far in November, according to information from the local forest service office.

“Due to limited rainfall, falling leaves adding dry fuel to the ground and dry conditions, the N.C. Forest Service urges citizens to be cautious with campfires and when burning yard debris,” according to the statement.

The fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is debris burning. When left unattended, debris fires can escape and start wildfires. Most of the recent fires started from debris burning or discarded wood stove ashes.

There are many factors to consider before burning debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents to contact their local county forest ranger before burning debris. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help ensure the safety of people, property, and the forest. The local number for Granville and Vance counties is (919) 693-3154. To find contact information for other offices, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
  • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.

Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time.

Before doing any burning in a wooded area, seek input and technical advice from County Ranger Rob Montague at 919.693.3154.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Online ‘Holiday Mini-Term’ Classes Run Nov. 29 to Dec. 24

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Vance-Granville Community College is offering more than a dozen online classes as part of its Holiday Mini-Term. The deadline to pay for the classes is Wednesday, Nov. 23 at noon.

The mini-term will be sandwiched in between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve – Nov. 29-Dec. 24, according to information from VGCC.

Current students should speak with their academic advisor to learn more about the classes; new students should contact the admissions office at 252.738.3327 to get started with the enrollment process.

Following is a list of classes that will be offered:

  • College Transfer Success (ACA 122)
  • Introduction to Business (BUS 110)
  • Introduction to Computers (CIS 110)
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice (CJC 111)
  • Law Enforcement Operations (CJC 121)
  • Corrections (CJC 141)
  • Crisis Intervention (CJC225)
  • Personal Health/Wellness (HEA 110)
  • Critical Thinking (HUM 115)
  • Music Appreciation (MUS 110)
  • American Government (POL 120
  • General Psychology (PSY 150)
  • Introduction to Sociology (SOC 210)

Visit vgcc.edu to learn more.

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is not a paid ad.)

Granville County Logo

Ontic Launches Expansion At Creedmoor Plant

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An aerospace engineering company that provides thousands of products to customers worldwide has announced plans to almost double their existing footprint in southern Granville County.

Ontic launched “Project Sunrise” this week, setting in motion a major commitment to expand their facility on E. Lyon Station Road in Creedmoor. The three-phase expansion will nearly double the office space and production capacity, according to information from Granville County government.

Ontic staff, joined by representatives from across the county, had a groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting to mark the occasion. Local partners include Granville County government, the Town of Butner, Granville County Public Schools, Granville County Chamber of Commerce, and Vance-Granville Community College.

Ontic’s President and CEO Gareth Hall noted how critical the work of local elected leaders and staff was to move this project forward. “It’s clear how important local leadership is to make momentous events like ‘Project Sunrise’ happen,” he said. “We work with a lot of governments around the world, and the cities and counties ready to foster smart growth are obvious from the start. The work and support of elected officials and staff from Granville County Government and the Town of Butner definitely made this project possible.”

In just a few years, the Granville County facility has grown from just more than 50 employees to more than 100. Once “Project Sunrise” is complete, the local workforce and production capacity likely will double again. “We are looking for exponential growth in Granville County, not just small incremental gains,” explained Hall. “Granville County has the local infrastructure in place to help us achieve this goal.”

“I’m thrilled to have Ontic in Granville County, and I know that this is the right place for them to expand their footprint in the United States,” said Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills. “Ontic has already proven they are ready to Grow with Granville, and today’s announcement only solidifies their commitment to making sure there are career opportunities for our current and future residents.”

Ontic is a global leader in aerospace engineering, providing thousands of products for customers in the aircraft industry worldwide. In addition to their Granville County location, Ontic has additional facilities in Chatsworth, California; Plainview, New York; Cheltenham, United Kingdom; and Singapore.