Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Ronnie Daniel Scholarship

New VGCC Scholarship Endowed in Memory of George Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Daniel

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Faye Daniel Chappell and her brother, R. T. “Tom” Daniel, both of Oxford, recently established a new scholarship at Vance-Granville Community College in memory of their brother, George R. “Ronnie” Daniel.

VGCC will award the Ronnie Daniel Memorial Academic Achievement Scholarship to a student from Granville County. Preference will be given to students in programs of study related to information technology or medical fields. VGCC Health Sciences programs include Radiography, Nursing, Histotechnology, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Technology.

A new scholarship was recently established at Vance-Granville Community College in memory of the late George R. “Ronnie” Daniel. VGCC will award the Ronnie Daniel Memorial Academic Achievement Scholarship to a student from Granville County. (Photo courtesy the Daniel family.)

“Ronnie would be pleased that from this memorial scholarship, many others will join the ranks of healthcare professionals,” Faye Daniel Chappell said.

Ronnie Daniel was born and raised in Oxford and remained there until his death in 2019. He graduated from J.F. Webb High School in 1967 and attended Hardbarger Business College in Raleigh. Daniel was employed by Food Lion for the last 15 years before he retired. While there, he was a faithful employee, never missing a day of work. He received several awards and recognitions while employed.

“Ronnie had a very outgoing personality and never met a stranger. His ability to interact with people enabled him to form many lifelong friendships. He enjoyed traveling. He particularly loved Disney World and had been there six times throughout the years. He also loved history, especially that which pertained to Granville County. He enjoyed getting out to use his Metal Detector, collecting coins and geodes,” his siblings, R.T. “Tom” Daniel and Faye Daniel Chappell, recalled.

“Thanks to this family’s generosity, the Ronnie Daniel Scholarship will support hard-working students for years to come by allowing them to complete training for rewarding careers,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president.

“We are honored that Faye and Tom would choose to celebrate the life of their brother, Ronnie, by helping VGCC students achieve their educational goals,” added VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson.

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,700 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information, call (252) 738-3409.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Cases, Hospitalizations, Deaths as of 9/21/20

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of September 21, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.

The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.

Granville County

1,702 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,702, 1,042 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 1,042, 935 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,702, 523 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 494 of those 523 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,702, 137 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 30 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center and 96 at Universal Health Care.

The outbreak at Granville House is no longer active.

After consultation with NC DHHS, Whitmore Retirement Center is not classified as a long term care facility and therefore, the cases will not be reported as an outbreak.

Of the 137 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, 87 have been released from isolation.

8 individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 49 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 20 associated with Universal Health Care and 22 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex. Unfortunately, a recent death has been reported associated with the outbreak at the prison: a 62-year-old male passed away on September 17.

Vance County

984 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 984, 859 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 859, 713 have been released from isolation.

Of those 984, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

The outbreaks at Alliance Rehabilitative Care, Senior Citizens Home, and Pelican Health nursing home are no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 96 have been released from isolation.

19 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized

There have been a total of 44 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 16 in the community. Unfortunately, another recent death has been reported from the community: a 56-year-old female passed away on September 20.

WIZS Note: There are 146 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 107 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). One additional COVID-19 related Vance County death and one additional Granville County death have been reported in the last eleven days,.

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

Please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily.

North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2.5 through October 2, 2020. Face coverings are still mandatory in public places. To learn more about restrictions currently in place in North Carolina and the phased approach to lifting those restrictions, please visit Staying Ahead of the Curve.

Granville County Library System

Granville Co. Library System Celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The month of September is set aside each year as “Library Card Sign-Up Month.” The Granville County Library System, in partnership with the American Library Association, marks the beginning of the school year as an opportunity to ensure that every child signs up for their own library card.

The 2020 Theme for the American Library Association’s campaign is “Libraries are Wonderful,” with “Wonder Woman” of the DC Comics’ Justice League, as Honorary Chair. The superhero theme emphasizes the value of learning and the role libraries play in transforming lives and strengthening communities through education.

Library cards can be used to check out books, take home DVD’s, use the internet, and take advantage of a wide variety of ways that make learning fun. Studies show that children who read regularly (or are read to) and who use library resources often perform better in school, and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. Libraries also offer great ways for families to spend time together through scheduled programs and activities.

Granville County residents may apply for a FREE library card by showing a valid North Carolina driver’s license, photo ID or student ID with a current Granville County address. Students under the age of 14 can be issued a card with a parent ID and parent signature.

Non-residents may be issued a Granville County Library System library card for $15 per year. Lost cards can be replaced for only $1.

Throughout the school year, librarians and staff members are ready to assist students with educational resources and services. From STEAM programs, online activities, internet access, workshops, storytime hours and librarian expertise, local libraries help provide a cost-effective option for education, whether virtually or in person.

Branches of the Granville County Library System (in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea) are open during limited hours, as precautionary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing guidelines apply and masks are required when visiting library branches in person.

For more details about what your local library has in store during the 2020/2021 academic year, or to learn more about Library Card Sign Up Month, please visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ or call your local library today:

  • Richard H. Thornton Branch (Oxford): (919) 693-1121
  • South Branch (Creedmoor): (919) 528-1752
  • Stovall Branch (Stovall): (919) 693-5722
  • Berea Branch (Berea): (919) 693-1231

Library Card Sign-Up Month has been held each September since 1987.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools Addresses Governor’s ‘Plan A’ Announcement

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Statement from Granville County Public Schools

On Thursday, September 17, 2020, Governor Cooper announced that NC Public Schools will have the option to allow all students to return to school under Plan A as soon as October 5, 2020. This announcement aligns with the current Granville County Public Schools’ plan to bring students back to school physically in a gradual, staggered entry progressing over time.

Having the option for K-5 students to return on Plan A provides the next step in the GCPS district’s goal of having all students able to return to school when it is safe to do so. Our Board of Education and administration will continue to closely monitor the readiness indicators for our district and community.

Currently, GCPS will shift to students physically reporting to school on alternating days of the week under Plan B beginning on September 28 for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and special education students who receive instruction in a separate setting. All other grades will return on October 12.

The district will continue to include stakeholders in the planning and decision-making of safely bringing our children back to school.  GCPS is thankful for the continued patience, grace and support during this time.

For more information, please visit our website at www.gcs.k12.nc.us.

Ernie Anderson

Anderson Sworn In as Granville County Commissioner

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Mr. Ernie Anderson of Creedmoor was sworn into office as County Commissioner at 3 p.m. on September 16, 2020. Anderson was appointed by the Granville County Board of Commissioners to represent District 5, a seat left vacant by the unexpected passing of Comm. Owen Roberts in July.

Anderson, a construction project manager, was sworn in by Creedmoor Mayor Bobby Wheeler, with Commissioners Zelodis Jay (District 1), Sue Hinman (District 3) and Tim Karan (District 6) in attendance.

The appointment was made at the September 8 meeting of the Board. Anderson will serve until December 7, as this seat is on the upcoming ballot.

County Commissioner Ernie Anderson is pictured above (right) being sworn into office on Sept. 16, 2020. Creedmoor Mayor Bobby Wheeler administered the oath of office while Anderson’s wife Linda looked on. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Granville County Tourism

Granville Visitors Spend More Than $54 Million in 2019

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

In data shared from a recent statewide study, the economic impact of visitor spending in 2019 has been reported, with Granville County expenditures showing an increase of 4.5 percent over the previous year. According to the annual study by Visit North Carolina, a part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, visitor spending in Granville during 2019 totaled $54.79 million, compared with $52.44 million reported in 2018.

Granville County Tourism Development Director Angela Allen attributes the county-wide growth in tourism and visitor spending to a growing local economy – such as the opening of new restaurants and gathering places – as well as the wide variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

“As more and more people are discovering our welcoming atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle, we are quickly becoming a choice destination,” Allen remarked. “Our new marketing campaign bears this out. We are ‘Uniquely Carolina.’”

North Carolina currently ranks number 6 in the country for overnight visitation. Will Tuttell, director of Visit North Carolina, credits the state’s natural beauty and authenticity for this ranking. The 2019 study indicates that visitors spent more than $73 million per day across the state in 2019, setting a new record as more than $26.7 billion in expenditures was reported. This total represents an increase of 5.6 percent from 2018.

“The numbers confirm the strength of North Carolina’s tourism industry as an anchor for economic development,” Tuttell remarked. “The money that is spent here by our visitors benefits everyone by sustaining jobs and reducing our residents’ tax burden.”

Visitor spending in Granville County has seen a steady increase over the past decade. Approximately $37 million reported in 2010, with $40.89 million in 2011, $42.97 million in 2012, $44.43 million in 2013, $44.26 million in 2014, $45.69 million in 2015, $47.11 in 2016 and $49.51 in 2017.

The COVID-19 pandemic and an emphasis on “staying home” during 2020 have presented its own set of challenges for tourism in the coming year. Allen offers a reminder that Granville County continues to offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities, as well as locally-owned shopping and dining experiences, that keep our area in the forefront.

“Granville County already features many of the outdoor activities and natural surroundings visitors are looking for,” she reminds. “There are five lakes to choose from for fishing, kayaking and outdoor fun, as well as hiking and biking trails, open areas, play spaces and so much more. And there are ample opportunities for shopping, dining and supporting our local businesses. We’re working hard to spread the word that Granville continues to be a ‘unique,’ choice destination for visitors.”

To learn more about tourism in Granville County, log onto www.visitgranvillenc.com, or contact Tourism Director Angela Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Statewide county statistics from the  Visit North Carolina study are available through their website at https://partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools Votes to Return to Classroom This Fall

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

At its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education voted 5-2 to return to school this fall with a staggered, gradual entry under Plan B.

The Board received detailed information from senior staff on the readiness of the district to receive students. Also participating in the presentation were Lisa Harrison, Health Director of GVPH, and Dr. Shauna Guthrie, Medical Director of GVPH. The information presented included facts about the following: organizational readiness of the district; COVID data from the local Health Department and NCDHHS; student, parent and educator survey data; and, information about emerging research related to COVID.

The exact plan for when and how students will return was also approved by the Board. For those students whose parents did not commit to full virtual learning for the first semester, the 2-step process for a gradual, staggered return to school begins on September 28, 2020. Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and students who receive special education services in a separate setting will return to school on September 28. All other grade levels will return on October 12.

For the first step, students will report to school divided into FOUR groups, each group attending school one day a week. Then, in as soon as two weeks, these same students will transition and begin to report to school divided into TWO groups, with each group attending school two days a week.

The chart below lists target dates and student groupings for a staggered, gradual return.

Pre-Kindergarten,

Kindergarten, &

Self Contained EC classes

(Special Education students who receive instruction in a separate setting)

Return to school the week of September 28

Grades 1-12

Return to school the week of October 12

STEP 1: PLAN B – Gradual, Staggered Entry

Only up to 25% of students return to school at the same time

ALL GRADES

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

GROUP A1

Up to 25% of Students

Face to Face

GROUP A2

Up to 25% of Students

Face to Face

ALL STUDENTS
REMOTE

Building Disinfecting

GROUP B1

Up to 25% of  Students

Face to Face

GROUP B2

Up to 25% of Students

Face to Face

STEP 2: PLAN B – Gradual, Staggered Entry

Only up to 50% of students return to school at the same time

ALL GRADES

Group A  Students

Face to Face

Group A Students

Face to Face

ALL STUDENTS REMOTE

Group B Students

Face to Face

Group B Students

Face to Face

Group B Students Remote

Group B Students Remote

ALL STUDENTS REMOTE

Group A  Students Remote

Group A Students Remote

Full-time virtual students will remain virtual

through 1st Semester

Families will begin to receive information about their child’s particular schedule in the coming days. Please be sure to check in regularly with your child’s teachers for important information that may be shared during this transition from Plan C to Plan B.

During this transition time back into our schools, it is very important for families to remember that new safety practices and procedures will be in place. All students and staff will be screened every time they enter GCPS campuses. Anyone with COVID-like symptoms will not be allowed in school. Also, face masks are required at all times while on GCPS property.

A supply of five reusable, cloth face masks will be provided to each student. Families are responsible for making sure students have a clean face covering each day. Face mask breaks will be provided during the school day. Also, every person must maintain proper social distancing while on school property. A minimum of 6’ should be maintained at all times.

Families and students will note many changes in how school ‘looks’ and ‘feels’ when they arrive back. First, no visitors will be allowed on any campuses unless it is an emergency. Movement in and around the school will be limited and structured. Meals will be served in the classrooms. On days when students are not in school, curbside and remote site meal service will continue. All meals are free to students aged 3-18 until December 31.

Students will be also asked to wash hands or use hand sanitizer more frequently. Finally, students who ride the school bus will be required to present an “attestation” form prior to boarding the bus. This form, which will be provided by schools, should be signed by a parent or guardian each day indicating that the child is symptom-free and has not had exposure to COVID.

Students will be socially distanced while riding on the bus; however, family members will be allowed to sit together. Every student will be screened each day upon arrival at school after getting off the bus. All car riders will be screened before being allowed to exit their vehicles. All of these practices will be new to students, parents and staff, so please be patient and be sure to follow all processes as they will be strictly enforced.

GCPS is very excited to have students return to school this fall. We need everyone’s support to help ensure the process is safe and healthy for everyone. Your cooperation and communication will be very important to this process. Please be sure to reach out to your child’s school with any questions or concerns. Together, we can make this work!

Granville County Logo

Granville Commissioners to Conduct Hearing for Proposed Wireless Tower

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-Press Release, County of Granville

Please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center located at 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.

The purpose of the meeting is to conduct a special use permit hearing for a proposed Wireless Telecommunication Tower near the Town of Stem off of Tump Wilkins Road.

The Board anticipates going into closed session pursuant to G.S. §143-318.11(a)(3), (4) and (6).

Edgar Smoak

Flags Lowered in Honor of Granville Commissioner Edgar Smoak

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Government will lower flags to half-staff until September 15 at all facilities in honor of Commissioner Edgar Smoak, who passed away on September 11, 2020.

Smoak, who represented Granville County’s District 7, was sworn into office in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014 and 2018. He had served in several key positions, which included the Area Mental Health Board, the Audit Review Committee and the Board of Equalization and Review.

He also represented the County on Granville Health System’s Board of Trustees, as well as serving as Liaison for Public Safety, the Soil and Water Board, South Granville Water and Sewer Authority (SGWASA) and for Water/Sewer Matters. In addition, he was instrumental in forming Granville County’s Opioid Advisory Committee, for which he served as Chair.

Smoak was retired from the U.S. Military (National Guard). His most recent term of office would have expired in 2022.

Granville County Commissioner Edgar Smoak passed away on September 11, 2020. Smoak, who represented Granville County’s District 7, was sworn into office in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014 and 2018. (Photo courtesy Granville County Govt.)

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

COVID-19 Update: Whitmore Retirement Added to Active Outbreak List, Other Centers Come Off

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of September 10, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.

The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.

Granville County

1,629 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,629, 971 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 971, 836 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,629, 522 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 440 of those 522 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,629, 136 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 28 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 96 at Universal Health Care, and one at Whitmore Retirement Center.

The outbreak at Whitmore is newly reported. The outbreak at Granville House is no longer active.

Of the 136 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, 83 have been released from isolation.

Nine individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 48 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 20 associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Vance County

932 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 932, 807 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 807, 665 have been released from isolation.

Of those 932, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

The outbreaks at Alliance Rehabilitative Care, Senior Citizens Home, and Pelican Health nursing home are no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 96 have been released from isolation.

15 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 43 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home, and 15 in the community.

WIZS Note: There are 142 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 135 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). One additional COVID-19 related Vance County death and three additional Granville County deaths have been reported in the last ten days,.

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

Please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily.