#granvillecountynews - WIZS

Officials Tour New Granville Co. Law Enforcement Center, Animal Shelter

March 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information and photo courtesy Granville County Government

Granville County Commissioners, as well as representatives of the Sheriff’s Department, Animal Management, 911 Communications, Information Technology, the court system and county administration, toured the new Law Enforcement Center/Animal Shelter last week to get a first-hand look at the progress being made on both projects.

The new facility is located at 525 New Commerce Drive in Oxford, NC.

Scott Phillips, director of Granville County Development Services, led the group and explained that construction will be completed on time and on budget.

Move-in for the Sheriff’s Office is expected to begin in late-June of this year, with the Animal Management staff and 911 Communications to move in shortly after. The Detention Center will be the last phase of transition from existing to new facilities.

A groundbreaking ceremony for construction was held on March 12, 2019.

Please visit Granville County Government’s Facebook page for more details as the project nears completion.

Granville Co. Public Schools BOE Adopts Calendar Changes

March 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

At their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 2, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education approved several changes to the district’s academic calendars.

First, the Board approved changes to the current 2019-20 calendars as a result of the recent “snow day” which caused school to be canceled for students and staff on Friday, February 21. For students, that day was essentially “forgiven” as the district already had a surplus of instructional hours beyond the minimum the state requires in order to comply with calendar law. For staff, the missed day will now be replaced with an Optional Workday added to the end of the calendar in June.

These revised calendars are now posted to our district websites and will be made available in our schools as hard copies.

Next, the Board decided to discontinue the “dual-calendar” programs which are currently offered at Butner Stem Elementary School, Butner Stem Middle School and West Oxford Elementary School. These three schools currently offer both a traditional and a year-round calendar as options for students as part of the choice program. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, these schools will operate on the single, district-wide calendar.

In making their decision, the Board reviewed data about the program which showed declining enrollment, a lack of interest from parent surveys, increasing cost, and no clear changes in overall academic achievement for children.

Finally, the Board approved a NEW district-wide academic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. This calendar differs from the current traditional calendar in that all students will report to school two weeks earlier than normal, with their first day back to school being Monday, August 10, 2020. The calendar also provides a longer winter break, with opportunities for students to participate in an “intersession” in early January. This optional intersession will provide students with innovative opportunities for enrichment, exploration and remediation, as well as clubs and extracurricular activities.

The calendar offers spring break right before Easter and ends with the last day for students occurring on Friday, May 26, 2021. An additional three-week intersession period is also offered for students in the month of June.

The Board cited several student-friendly features of this new calendar design, including finishing the first semester before the winter break, closer alignment with VGCC course schedules, intersession programs, better alignment with athletic programs, and more flexibility for offering professional development to improve teacher effectiveness.

The new calendar, dubbed an “innovative year-round” calendar, provides additional flexibility for the district in start and end dates, which makes many of these new features possible. The Board reviewed survey data to help inform their decision, which showed that of 1082 respondents, an overwhelming majority (644) chose this new calendar option as their first choice. Additionally, more respondents (415) chose the current traditional calendar design as their least favorite choice.

Board Chairman David Richardson commented, “I am pleased we can offer this new innovative approach that puts children first. The Board has made increasing academic performance its top priority, and we need to make sure our efforts focus on ways to best support our students and staff in this regard. We recognize there will be some adjustments to this new design and will work with families to help make the transition as smooth as possible.”

All schools except Granville Early College High School (GECHS) will follow this new, innovative calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. GECHS will follow a separate calendar mirroring that of its partner, Vance-Granville Community College.

Both the new 2020-2021 district calendar and the 2020-2021 GECHS calendar are posted on the district website and available in hard copy at schools.

Granville Co. Emergency Services Offers Severe Weather Preparedness Tips

March 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

To encourage planning and preparation for severe weather, the first week of March is designated as Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The observance serves as a reminder of the importance of planning for unexpected thunderstorms and tornadoes.

North Carolina has between 40 and 50 thunderstorm days per year, and 10 percent of those are severe. Severe storms can produce hail an inch in diameter, winds of 58 mph or more or can produce a tornado. Last year, there were 928 incidents of severe thunderstorms across the state with damaging winds, as well as 91 incidents of flooding.

With warmer weather quickly approaching, now is the time to prepare for potential storms. These storms can develop so rapidly that having a plan in place beforehand is critical. Granville County residents are encouraged to learn more about severe weather safety and to develop a safety plan. Follow these safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during severe weather and tornadoes:

Develop a family emergency plan so that each member knows what to do, where to go and who to call during an emergency. Practice your plan to be ready when severe weather strikes.
Know the terms. WATCH means that severe weather is possible and to remain alert. WARNING means that severe weather is on the way and that all residents of the area should take shelter immediately.
Assemble an emergency supply kit for use in your home or in your vehicle. Make sure to include a three-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water.
If driving, leave your vehicle immediately to seek shelter in a safe structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or bridge. If there is no shelter available, take cover in a flat, low-lying area.
Stay alert by listening to NOAA radio, local television and radio. In addition, be sure you are signed up for CodeRED emergency alerts. This notification system is free and is provided to all Granville County residents and businesses.

Granville County Emergency Services encourages all residents to take time now to prepare. To enroll in Granville County’s CodeRED notification system, please visit granvillecounty.org. Click on the CodeRED logo located on the Emergency Management page, found under the Community heading.

To find out more about tornadoes, severe storms and emergency preparedness, visit the ReadyNC website at www.ReadyNC.org.

GCPS Working to Keep Students & Staff Healthy

March 2, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

On Thursday, February 27, 2020, the GCPS District Safety Task Force convened for their regular monthly meeting. This group of approximately +/- 40 members has a laser focus on improving and protecting the safety, health and welfare of students and staff in our school district.

Superintendent McLean created the District Safety Task Force shortly after arriving in the district more than two years ago. Since that time, it has been extremely successful in addressing areas of concern with rapid and effective solutions. The Safety Task Force consists of a wide variety of stakeholders, including board members, law enforcement officers, first responders, health care officials, local elected officials, faith-based leaders, district administrators, school nurses, principals and, of course, parents.

At this recent meeting, one of the agenda items was COVID-19, or the “Coronavirus,” and how the district should plan and prepare for its potential threat. Currently, there are no confirmed cases in North Carolina, and the threat of the virus remains very low. In fact, the district has recently been more focused on absenteeism and illnesses caused by the common cold and influenza viruses. In just the past two weeks, some schools have had nearly 1/3 of students and staff out as a result.

The district’s immediate response to those outbreaks, as recommended by the CDC and the Departments of Health, largely focused on the following three tactics:

Practicing and encouraging good personal hygiene (Frequent and proper handwashing, coughing or sneezing in the bend of elbow or sleeve, using tissues, just being “courteous” with your space, etc.).
Thoroughly cleaning frequently touched surfaces or high traffic areas using Lysol or similar products which are highly effective at killing the viruses.
Staying home when sick, and avoiding people who are sick.

These three main tactics are highly effective against the spread of any such contagions and should be practiced by all, especially when considering the potential future threat of COVID-19.

One additional item of consideration is the use of facemasks. According to the CDC, the use of facemasks is NOT recommended for use by people who are well. Instead, only those who show symptoms should wear them, but ideally, those individuals should stay home and be isolated if possible.

Dr. McLean has already begun close dialogue and scheduled meetings with our local Health Department officials, school nurses and healthcare experts. “We are certainly not attempting to create a scare or undue alarm. Just like we drill, practice and prepare with any other potential threats, we are simply doing what is needed to keep our children and staff safe. After all, if you are ready, then you don’t have to get ready.”

The district continues to work with the Health Department and other experts to create action plans for the district. GCPS would like to thank everyone in the community in advance for their attention to this matter. The safety, health and well-being of everyone in our community is the top priority for GCPS!

Granville Tourism Development Authority Wins Regional Award

February 28, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

At their annual Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Connections Conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas, Granville County’s Tourism Director Angela Allen and the Granville County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was recognized with the Best Marketing Shining Example Award for its “Uniquely Carolina” campaign.

Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen was recently recognized with the “Shining Example” award by the Southeast Tourism Society. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

The “Uniquely Carolina” brand was unveiled at the 2019 Hot Sauce Festival this past September and has already received top honors by the North Carolina Travel Association. According to Allen, the need to refresh the brand was long overdue, as there was no consistent or unique brand message to deliver a compelling reason to visit Granville County.

As part of the re-branding process, Allen and the TDA Board of Directors interviewed over 100 county stakeholders, including industry partners, government officials, community leaders and local volunteers. They also conducted focus groups, with community outreach including the completion of surveys to residents, community leaders and teachers.

“We developed our brand with input from those in the community,” Allen explains. “Granville County offers outdoor spaces where visitors can come and relax, festivals and venues where they can gather with friends, and shops, restaurants, farms and markets where they can step away and discover Granville County. We really feel the new brand and identity captures our county and the tourism community.”

The Southeast Tourism Society is comprised of all states in the southeast, stretching beyond the Mississippi River to include Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. STS brings together tourism professionals from the state and local levels who share the mutual belief that regional promotion of tourism creates a powerful marketing alliance.

As part of this partnership, STS evaluates marketing programs of the 13 states in the southeast region, selecting three as the “best of the best.” The three winners are identified by size: smaller community, mid-size, and large city/state levels.

“We are thrilled to see Angela Allen win a Shining Example award for such a great campaign,” said Wit Tuttell, Vice-President of Tourism and Marketing for North Carolina. “This campaign does an excellent job focusing on the authentic experiences in Granville. That’s exactly what visitors want to know, and it fits perfectly with our efforts to promote ‘Firsts That Last’ for people who visit North Carolina.”

Additionally, the state of North Carolina was recognized with the marketing award on the state level.

“We are part of the Carolinas,” Angela further explains. “North Carolina has an incredibly positive image with residents and travelers. We want to continue to capture and reflect the attraction of being in North Carolina, so for the professionals across STS to recognize the work in Granville as the best across all 13 states in the region is actually a tribute to the whole community.”

For more information about Granville County’s “Uniquely Carolina” campaign, or to find out more about the local tourism industry, contact Allen at 919-693-6125 or at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Those interested in the local events and attractions that bring visitors to our area can also visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.

Granville Board of Education to Meet March 2

February 28, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, March 2, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Central Services Building, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The Board will also meet in a Closed Session with the Board’s attorney in accordance with N.C. General Statute pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a) on this evening.

To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.

Local Granville-Vance Health Director Attends White House Coronavirus Briefing

February 27, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government and Lisa Harrison

The local, Granville-Vance Public Health Director, Lisa Harrison, attended a White House Briefing this week about the Coronavirus.

On Tuesday, February 25, 2020, Harrison joined representatives from more than 30 states and territories for a federal/state/local discussion about Coronavirus. The point was for communities to be prepared.

Pictured (left to right) are Pramod Dwivedi, MS, MSW, MA, BSc, Linn County Public Health in Iowa; Jennifer Kertanis, MPH, President-elect of NACCHO and the Farmington Valley Health District, Connecticut; Lisa Macon Harrison, MPH, Granville Vance Public Health Director, North Carolina; and George Roberts, Jr., MHA, FACHE, President of NACCHO Northeast, Texas Public Health District, Texas. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Harrison told WIZS News her biggest takeaway from the briefing is that all levels of government are working together to update, communicate and respond. She said, “Local, state and federal levels are committed to ensuring the public health and safety is the best it can be. We have an important job of communicating clearly and well during this time in a way that’s appropriate to this new virus and its risk, but that doesn’t land with people in a way that makes them panic anymore.”

Of course, it is flu season too, and Harrison said, “The flu virus is much more deadly and common in the U.S., and I find it interesting to balance people’s perception of risk with this new virus versus how people continue to shrug their shoulders and deny the flu vaccine.”

The NC Division of Public Health has a helpful web site (https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/COVID19.html) and a phone number people can call if they have questions.

Harrison added, “I need to stress that there are currently, as of today, no cases of novel coronavirus cases in NC. Nobody needs to get a mask or worry unnecessarily at this point. We do suspect we will have a case in the future and are hopeful that like every other place in the US, the virus will be mild and people will recover fully.”

A 24-hour, main phone number for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is (919) 733-3419.

A Granville County Government press release said that in her role as regional representative/Board member for the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Harrison was one of approximately 40 state, county and city health officials invited to attend and participate in this briefing, which also acknowledged the leadership roles of state and local health officials in meeting community needs.

Reminder: Granville Co. Animal Control to Offer Free Rabies Vaccines

February 26, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Animal Control will be offering free rabies vaccines for dogs and cats on Saturday, February 29, 2020. From 9 until 10:30 a.m., residents can bring their pets to Gazebo Park in Butner for one and three-year vaccinations.

North Carolina rabies law (NCGS 130A-185) requires that all owned dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and that rabies vaccinations be kept current.

On Feb. 29, one-year vaccinations will be available for all dogs and cats over this age requirement. Pet owners must bring proof of prior rabies vaccination to receive the three-year option. Accepted proof of vaccination is the paper certificate provided by the pet’s veterinarian when the shot was administered. A rabies tag will not be accepted as proof.

Granville County Animal Control offers a reminder that all cats must be in a carrier and all dogs must be leashed to receive this free service. Vaccinations will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gazebo Park is located at 416 Central Avenue in Butner. With questions, please contact the Granville County Animal Shelter at 919-693-6749.

Free Tax Assistance Available to Granville Co. Seniors

February 26, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Free tax assistance is available to Granville County Seniors! Representatives of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program are available at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford from 5 until 8 p.m. each Thursday until April 9, 2020.

Appointment times are reserved for Granville County residents age 60 or older. This is a free service and appointments are required.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford at (919) 693-1930.

Granville Co. Elementary Students to Compete in District Spelling Bee

February 25, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Ten students from elementary schools around Granville County will compete for the Local Spelling Bee Trophy in two weeks. “All of these children are already winners,” stated Dr. Tonya Thomas, Director of Student Services for GCS, “and we know they are going to succeed!”

The 3rd Annual Granville County District Spelling Bee for third, fourth, and fifth-grade students will take place on March 10, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose hall at Tar River Elementary with a reception to follow provided by the office of Granville County’s Superintendent, Dr. Alisa McLean. The public school system is sponsoring the Spelling Bee again this year.

Families, friends and the community are invited to come out and show their support for these excellent students!

Four fourth graders will be representing their elementary school at the Bee:

Joel Jose, winner from C.G. Credle Elementary; Aubrey Canada, winner from Mt. Energy Elementary; Jasper Luffman, winner from Stovall-Shaw Elementary; and Bree Blackley, winner from Wilton Elementary.

Six fifth graders will round out the competition:

Cayden Middleton, winner from Butner-Stem Elementary; Belen Elizarraras, winner from Creedmoor Elementary; Payton Gary, winner from Falls Lake Academy Charter School; Jordan Hershberger, winner from Granville Academy; Morgan Congleton, winner from Tar River Elementary School; and Dacari Burrell, winner from West Oxford Elementary School.

Two of our spellers are return competitors from last year’s bee – Dacari Burrell and Joel Jose. Joel took the winner’s trophy home at the 2019 District Bee. He then went on to represent Granville County at the Nationals. He is hoping for a return trip this year.

For the District Bee, these students are studying 1,200 words from the Scripps Spelling Bee list. Each one has a chance to move on to the National Spelling Bee in May if they can out spell the others!