Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

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Granville Co. to Hold Informational Sessions on Medicaid Changes

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-Press Release, Granville County Government 

Changes to Medicaid requirements will take effect on November 1, 2019. While most recipients will see no changes to the services they have been receiving, enrollment through a health plan will be required.

A health plan – through Medicaid – is a group of doctors, hospitals and other providers that will work together to provide healthcare to meet collective needs. The goal is for every medical service – physical health, mental health and medicine – to come through the same healthcare plan. A primary care provider (PCP) should also be selected to assist with health care needs, which could be in the form of a family doctor, clinic or other health care provider.

Granville County is in the first phase of the Medicaid transformation, with recipients to be enrolled by a September 13 deadline.

Recipients who already have a primary care provider may keep the one they already have or choose a new one. If a PCP or health plan is not selected before September 13, the Granville County Department of Social Services offers a reminder that one will be chosen for you; however, depending on the type of health services needed, a small number of recipients will be able to continue enrollment through NC Medicaid Direct.

A series of informational and enrollment events have been scheduled through the Granville County Department of Social Services to guide local Medicaid recipients through the process of determining eligibility and/or selecting a health plan and primary care provider. These sessions will be held in various locations across the county and are scheduled for:

  • July 31 – 9:30 until 11:30 a.m., Granville County Expo and Convention Center, 4185 Hwy. 15 in Oxford;
  • August 9 – 2 until 4 p.m., Granville County Expo and Convention Center, 4185 Hwy. 15 in Oxford;
  • August 14 – 9 until 11 a.m., Granville County Senior Services, 107 Lanier Street in Oxford; and
  • Aug. 23, – 10 until 11:30 a.m., South Granville Country Club, 2539 Sam Moss Hayes Road, Creedmoor

Participants are asked to bring valid identification or the notification letter sent from the Department of Health and Human Services which states, “there will be a new way to get Medicaid Health Care.” It is also recommended that recipients who are senior citizens should bring a trusted family member or friend to assist in the selection process.

If unable to attend any of these events, an outreach specialist is available for assistance at the Granville County Department of Social Services, 410 West Spring Street in Oxford, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Assistance will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services notes that there are several health plans Medicaid recipients can choose from.

For a list of doctors for each health plan, or to enroll, visit ncmedicaidplans.gov, use the NC Medicaid Managed Care mobile app or call 1-833-870-5500. A language line is also available.

For eligibility information or for questions about Medicaid’s new requirements, contact Beverly Ferrell, Granville County Department of Social Services, at 919-693-1511.

Annual NC Hot Sauce Contest to Heat Up Oxford in Sept.

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-Information courtesy Angela Allen, Director, Granville County Tourism Development Authority

There are less than two months to go until Oxford heats up with the annual NC Hot Sauce Contest! This year’s event will be held Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The NC Hot Sauce Contest brings thousands of people to downtown Oxford to interact with friends, merchants, fans, artisans and vendors. In 2018, the event topped 18,000 visitors!

North Carolina’s finest hot sauces and barbeque sauces, along with breweries and wineries spice up the blends and texture of downtown’s historic streets.

Enter the NC Pepper Eating Contest sponsored by Bailey Farms. Capture all the history of Oxford by visiting the Granville County Museum and their September Sensations Bazaar at the Harris Exhibit Hall, famous for showcasing local artisans.

The day will include activities for children, local shops waiting to greet you and great restaurants, all at your fingertips.

For more details, including sponsor information, vendor forms and contest entry, please visit the NC Hot Sauce Contest website at www.nchotsaucecontest.com.

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Granville Selects Open Broadband, LLC to Expand Internet Access

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County has joined neighboring Vance and Franklin Counties, through an initiative of the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments, to improve internet connectivity and availability issues throughout the county.

This past June, the Granville County Board of Commissioners approved a seven-year contract with Open Broadband LLC to expand services of fixed-wireless broadband internet service into unserved and underserved areas of the county.

“Applying for jobs, access to medical records, access to student coursework and online banking all require good internet infrastructure,” said Open Broadband CEO Alan Fitzpatrick. “Affordable internet options also help address the ‘digital divide.’ We believe everyone should have access to home broadband internet service.”

In August of 2018, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) led a joint broadband enhancement Request for Proposal (RFP) for the tri-county region, with each county to implement its own contract and strategy.

In Granville County, the installation process will begin in the northwest portion, which is currently the most unserved area. The county is currently in the planning and research phase of how the wireless routers will be placed. As the service expands, more areas will be selected to be included as deployment continues.

“During the RFP process, we identified sectors of the county where broadband is in most demand,” explains County Manager Mike Felts. “Over the course of this project, we will be addressing the entire county, but want to make sure we’re starting in areas that are currently unserved so that everyone will have access to high-speed internet.”

Open Broadband is now accepting waitlist signups for enhanced services that range from 25 to 50 Mbps speeds. In certain areas, 100 to 1,000 Mbps speeds can be offered. Those on the waitlist will receive regular updates on the progress of the network build and will be contacted once service is made available in their area.

Granville County residents interested in being included on the waitlist should visit the Open Broadband website at https://openbb.net/granvilleco/ or call 919-205-5400 if internet access is not available.

Those interested in this initiative are also encouraged to attend a series of community information meetings, which are now being scheduled. The first meeting will be held on September 10 at 7 p.m., with a location to be determined. More information about these meetings will be announced when available and can be found at https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/county-commissioners/broadband-initiative/.

Open Broadband, LLC is currently working with 18 other counties within North Carolina to provide hybrid fiber and fixed wireless solutions for broadband services, along with providing gigabit fiber or fixed wireless internet to residential and business customers.

Engineers of the North Carolina-based company will also identify existing assets to install their equipment (for example, water towers, communication towers, church steeples, silos, etc.).

Open Broadband’s customer support service is based in Wilson, NC.

“We are pleased to be awarded the contract with Granville County to bring service to those in need,” said Fitzpatrick.

For more details about this project, please contact Charla Duncan, Management Analyst, at 919-693-5240 or charla.duncan@granvillecounty.org.

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Granville Co. Board of Election Releases Candidate Names

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-Information courtesy Tonya C. Burnette, CERA, Elections Director, Granville County

Filing for the Town of Butner, City of Creedmoor, City of Oxford, Town of Stem and Town of Stovall ended on Friday, July 19, 2019, at 12 p.m. The election date is Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

Office Position: Mayor – Town of Butner    

Name: Terry Turner

Residential Address: 613 25th Street, Butner, NC 27509

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-575-9263

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Email: tturner2@nc.rr.com

Date of Filing: July 5, 2019

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Office Position: Mayor – Town of Butner    

Name: Vicky Hicks Daniels

Residential Address: 301 7th Street, Butner, NC 27509

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-599-0782

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Email: vicky.hicks8@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 18, 2019

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Office Position: Town Council Member – Town of Butner

Name: William E. (Bill) McKellar, Jr.

Residential Address: 605 20th Street, Butner, NC 27509

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-575-4283

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Email: wmckellarjr@nc.rr.com

Date of Filing: July 17, 2019

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Office Position: Town Council Member – Town of Butner

Name: Vickie L. Smoak

Residential Address: 407 East F Street, Butner, NC 27509

Mailing Address: PO Box 641, Butner NC 27509

Telephone Number:  Not Provided

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Email: Vickie.smoak@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 17, 2019

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Office Position: Town Council Member – Town of Butner

Name: Linda R. Jordon

Residential Address: 304 12th Street, Butner, NC 27509

Mailing Address:  (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number:  919-651-1973

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Email: lindarjordon@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 19, 2019

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Office Position: Mayor – City of Creedmoor

Name: Bobby Wheeler

Residential Address: 607 Forrest Lane, Creedmoor, NC 27522

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: Not Provided

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Email: rwheeler5@aol.com

Date of Filing: July 9, 2019

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Office Position: Mayor – City of Creedmoor

Name: Amor Agdeppa

Residential Address: 815 North Main Street, Creedmoor, NC 27522

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-808-0585

Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: No

Email: tammygagdeppa@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 15, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Creedmoor

Name: Ernie Anderson

Residential Address: 601 Hawley School Road, Creedmoor, NC 27522

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 636-288-2495

Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: Yes

Email: eanderson21@nc.rr.com

Date of Filing: July 5, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Creedmoor

 Name: Kechia Brustmeyer-Brown

Residential Address: 729 Forrest Lane, Creedmoor, NC 27522

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: Not provided

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Email: kechiabb@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 8, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Creedmoor

Name: Robert Way

Residential Address: 1837 Fillmore Drive, Creedmoor, NC 27522

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-201-9270

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Email: safetyofficercfd@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 16, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Creedmoor

Name: Herman B. Wilkerson

Residential Address: 211 South Main Street, Creedmoor, NC 27522

Mailing Address: PO Box 231, Creedmoor NC 27522

Telephone Number: 919-528-4317

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Email: Not provided

Date of Filing: July 17, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Creedmoor

Name: Archer Wilkins

Residential Address: 2111 Westbourne Drive, Creedmoor, NC 27522

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: Not Provided

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Email:electrevwilkins@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 18, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Creedmoor

 Name: Ed Mims

Residential Address: 2204 Regent Ct., Creedmoor NC 27522

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-529-4223

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Email: coloneledmims@yahoo.com

Date of Filing: July 18, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Creedmoor

 Name: Georgana Marie Kicinski

Residential Address: 310 Whitehall Drive, Creedmoor NC 27522

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-451-0311

Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: No

Email: kicinskig@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 19, 2019

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 Office Position: Mayor – City of Oxford

 Name: Larry Thomas

Residential Address: 207 E Front Street, Oxford, NC  27565

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-603-0467

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Email: lpthomasoxford@me.com

Date of Filing: July 11, 2019 

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Office Position: Mayor – City of Oxford

Name: Jackie Sergent

Residential Address: 114 High Street, Oxford, NC  27565

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-690-1865

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Email: jackie.sergent@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 12, 2019

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Office Position: Mayor – City of Oxford

Name: Calvin (CJ) Harris, Jr.

Residential Address: 210 New College Street, Oxford, NC  27565

Mailing Address: PO Box 355, Oxford, NC 27565

Telephone Number: 919-939-3058

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Email: calvinharrisjr1@yahoo.com

Date of Filing: July 19, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Oxford

Name: John Tovey

Residential Address: 114 Saddletree Road, Oxford, NC  27565

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 517-294-4194

Party Affiliation: Unaffiliated

Incumbent: No

Email: fly2john@hotmail.com

Date of Filing: July 5, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Oxford

Name: Ron Bullock

Residential Address: 304 Tranquil Dr., Oxford, NC 27565

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-693-7923

Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: Yes

Email: bullock304@centurylink.net

Date of Filing: July 8, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Oxford

Name: Justin Paynter

Residential Address: 110 Greenfield Circle, Oxford, NC 27565

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-389-1052

Party Affiliation: Unaffiliated

Incumbent: No

Email: justin.paynter@me.com

Date of Filing: July 9, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Oxford

Name: Teresa Gilreath

Residential Address: 915 Williamsboro Street, Oxford, NC  27565

Mailing Address: PO Box 1661, Oxford, NC 27565

Telephone Number: Not Provided

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Email: vktsgilr@nc.rr.com

Date of Filing: July 15, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Oxford

Name: Michael M. Hunt, Sr.

Residential Address: 109 Gregory Place, Oxford, NC  27565

Mailing Address: PO Box 213, Oxford, NC 27565

Telephone Number: 919-704-4396

Party Affiliation: Unaffiliated

Incumbent: No

Email: huntforthecity@aol.com

Date of Filing: July 15, 2019

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Office Position: City Commissioner – City of Oxford 

Name: Kenneth Moss

Residential Address: 810 Goshen Street, Oxford, NC  27565

Mailing Address: 207 West College Street, Oxford, NC 27565

Telephone Number: 984-514-5571

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Email: Not provided

Date of Filing: July 17, 2019

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Office Position: Mayor – Town of Stem

 Name: Casey Dover

Residential Address: 312 Coachmans Trail, Stem, NC 27581

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-695-6833

Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: Yes

Email: cdover66@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 12, 2019

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Office Position: Town Commissioner – Town of Stem

 Name: Dave Pavlus (4-year term)

Residential Address: 210 Sunset Street, Stem, NC 27581

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-964-9175

Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: Appointed in 2018 (unexpired term ending in 2021 but now running for 4-year term seat)

Email: djpavlus@aol.com

Date of Filing: July 12, 2019

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Office Position: Town Commissioner – Town of Stem

Name: Lonnie Cole Sr. (unexpired 2-year term)

Residential Address: 209 Old 75 Hwy N, Stem, NC 27581

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: Not provided

Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: No

Email: Not provided

Date of Filing: July 12, 2019

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Office Position: Town Commissioner – Town of Stem

Name: Kenneth C. McLamb (4-year term)

Residential Address: 207 Sunset Street, Stem, NC 27581

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 919-724-3334

Party Affiliation: Unaffiliated

Incumbent: Appointed in 2018 (unexpired term ending in 2019)

Email: Kenneth.mclamb@stemnc.org

Date of Filing: July 15, 2019

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Office Position: Town Commissioner – Town of Stem

Name: Kevin C. Easter

Residential Address: 206 Sunset Street, Stem, NC 27581

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: Not Provided

Party Affiliation: Unaffiliated

Incumbent: No for an unexpired 2-year term but incumbent for a 4-year term ending in 2019

Email: kevin.easter@stemnc.org

Date of Filing: July 16, 2019

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Office Position: Town Commissioner – Town of Stem

Name: Frank N. Shelton III (unexpired 2-year term)

Residential Address: 102 Dundee Place, Stem, NC 27581

Mailing Address: (Same as Residential Address)

Telephone Number: 865-394-5937

Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: No

Email: voteFrankNShelton@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 18, 2019

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Office Position: Mayor – Town of Stovall (This contest is not up until 2021.)

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Office Position: Town Commissioner – Town of Stovall

Name: Dale Hughes

Residential Address: 310 Main Street, Stovall, NC 27582

Mailing Address: PO Box 3, Stovall NC 27582

Telephone Number: 919-482-9065

Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: No

Email: glenn.dalehughesjr@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 5, 2019

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Office Position: Town Commissioner – Town of Stovall

Name: Mike Williford

Residential Address: 306 Main Street, Stovall, NC 27582

Mailing Address: PO Box 382, Stovall, NC 27582

Telephone Number: Not provided

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Email: willifordmichael@yahoo.com

Date of Filing: July 8, 2019

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Office Position: Town Commissioner – Town of Stovall

Name: Ricky Sneed, Sr.

Residential Address: 406 Oak Street, Stovall, NC 27582

Mailing Address: PO Box 58, Stovall, NC 27582

Telephone Number: 919-691-2888

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Email: sneed.ricky@yahoo.com

Date of Filing: July 18, 2019

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Office Position: Town Commissioner – Town of Stovall

Name: Tiana N. Royster

Residential Address: 209 Gillis Street, Stovall, NC 27582

Mailing Address: PO Box 34, Stovall, NC 27582

Telephone Number: Not Provided

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Email: tianaroyster@gmail.com

Date of Filing: July 19, 2019

U.S. Department of Justice

Deported Alien, Previously Found in Granville Co., Charged With Illegal Reentry

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned indictments charging JORGE ALBERTO NATIVI, age 29, of Guatemala, with illegal reentry of a deported alien.

Additionally, the grand jury returned an indictment charging SEBASTIAN CORONEL-LEON, age 29, of Mexico, with illegal reentry of a deported alien, false representation of social security number and document fraud.

If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, NATIVI, previously deported and found in Granville County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

CORONEL-LEON, previously deported twice and found in Wake County, if convicted, would face a maximum imprisonment term of 17 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board of Education to Meet in Closed Session

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will meet in Closed Session, Monday, July 22, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina, to meet with staff and other stakeholders for an annual review of the District’s Strategic Plan and a review of District Accountability Data.

Dangerous Heat Continues Through Weekend for Central NC

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-Press Release, National Weather Service 

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will produce dangerously high heat index values on Friday. The situation will get worse Saturday and Sunday when excessive heat is expected, with limited cooling at night.

The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Heat Advisory, which is in effect from noon to 7 p.m. EDT on Friday.

An Excessive Heat Watch has also been issued. This Excessive Heat Watch is in effect from Saturday through Sunday evening.

Graphic courtesy the National Weather Service.

Heat Index Values

The heat index will be up to 105 degrees Friday. Then, heat index values potentially may soar to between 110 and 112 degrees for Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Heat indices will likely remain between 80 and 90 all night through the period, greatly increasing the potential for heat-related illnesses.

Timing

The most dangerous time will be between noon and 7 p.m. Friday, then all of the weekend. It will not cool below 80 degrees over many areas until 4 or 5 in the morning.

Impacts

Dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken. In addition, consecutive days of dangerous heat will continue into the weekend, when the heatwave will reach a peak.

Consecutive days of dangerous heat indices have a cumulative effect on the body, significantly increasing the potential for heat-related illnesses.

Precautionary Actions

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions if you must work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

Heatstroke is an emergency – call 911.

For additional information and tips, visit the National Weather Service website (click here).

 

Town Talk: Weekend Full of Events Planned for Mary Potter Reunion – 07/17/19

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Town Talk listeners were in for a treat when Susan Rose, president of Rose Farms and Rentals, Inc. (DBA WIZS Radio) hosted today’s episode with special guest Rosalyn Green, event organizer for the upcoming Mary Potter reunion.

Founded by Dr. George C. Shaw, a Louisburg native, in 1889 to educate African Americans, Mary Potter Academy began as a boarding school before becoming a public high school, intermediate school and, most recently, middle school.

Reunion events will kick off on Friday, July 19, 2019, with a “Meet and Greet” event at Mary E. Shaw Gymnasium on Lanier St. in Oxford. The gymnasium was one of the original buildings of the Mary Potter School.

According to Green, Friday’s event will include food, music, good conversation and lots of former alumni.

Reunion festivities will continue with a parade through downtown Oxford on Saturday, July 20 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The parade is open to the public and will start and end at the George C. Shaw Museum located at 202 McClanahan Street in Oxford.

The parade will follow Williamsboro, Hillsborough and Broad Street and will have appearances by “local officials, local talent, bike clubs, car clubs and a few surprises,” according to Green.

Events will conclude with a church memorial service on Sunday, July 21 at the Timothy Darling Presbyterian Church, an establishment that also traces its roots back to Dr. Shaw, founding pastor. The church is located at 123 W McClanahan St, Oxford.

Green said Sunday’s memorial service will pay homage to those who have passed away since the last reunion, as well as recognize alumni who are veterans.

An active member and former president of the National Mary Potter Club, Green is a 1970 graduate of the last class of Mary Potter High School.

According to Green, this weekend’s bi-annual reunion will be even more poignant for alumni in light of news that Mary Potter Middle School will no longer be in operation effective with the 2019-20 school year.

For more information on reunion events or to RSVP, please call Rosalyn M. Green (301) 351-4850, Gloria G. Hawkins (919) 691-1291 or Janet Baptiste Jones (240) 447-2014. Green asks that all interested participants RSVP no later than Thursday, July 18.

To hear Green’s Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

 

Granville Chamber, Health System to Welcome New Teachers

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— Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com

Save the Date for Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s New Teacher Welcome Event on Tuesday, August 13, 2019.

The event will take place from 3 until 5 p.m. in the cafeteria of The Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St. in Oxford.

Sponsored by the Granville Health System, new teachers from Falls Lake Academy, Granville County Public Schools and Oxford Preparatory School will be welcomed to the community.

Donated items for 85 teacher gift bags are appreciated. Suggestions for gift bag items include office supplies, notepads, small notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc.

Meet and greet new teachers, enjoy conversation and refreshments.

Chamber members are invited to bring a table and share information about your business.

Those interested in having a business display or donating gift bag items should contact one of the Chamber’s office locations – 124 Hillsboro Street in Oxford/Wanda, 919.693.6125, wanda@granville-chamber.com or 1598 Highway #56, Butner/Toni Anne, 919.528.4994, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.

Granville County Public Schools

2019-20 School Year Marks Big Changes for GCPS

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Another school year has come and gone, and a new one awaits for the students of Granville County!  We are open for business and accepting enrollments at all schools! We have so many different educational environments, programs and instructional models; any family can find the right fit with us.

In addition to the academic achievement of students, this year’s main focus for our Board of Education and Administration will continue to be on the safety, health and welfare of our children.

In partnership with our County Commissioners, the Sheriff’s Department and the Creedmoor Police Department, the strong School Resource Officer presence in our schools will continue. Efforts to improve the physical security of our campuses also continues with new video surveillance systems, new perimeter fencing, new locks and entryways, along with increased safety training for all staff.

Air quality monitoring continues, with every school being tested by an outside independent laboratory, with results posted to each school’s website for public review.

Anti-bullying and anti-drug, alcohol and tobacco campaigns will be in full effect this school year as well.

A new mobile app will provide students, parents and staff tools for communication concerns related to the well-being and emotional health of our school communities. We will continue to support the social-emotional learning of students through our social worker, counselors and our new Parent University.

You would be correct in thinking that school begins in August – but not for everyone!  In fact, three of our campuses have already started school!  They operate on a dual-calendar, offering both a traditional and ‘year-round’ option to families.

West Oxford Elementary, Butner-Stem Elementary and Butner-Stem Middle School all provide families a modified school calendar in which students avoid the long summer break. While the total number of school days doesn’t change, the vacation time is split up during the whole year, after every 9 weeks of school. More than 350 of our students had their first day back on Monday, July 15!  No summer slide for them!

There is lots in store at other schools across the district this year. Granville Academy is beginning its second year, offering a blended online and face-to-face model for students K-12. The first school of its kind in the state, these students physically attend school only two days a week and receive instruction virtually the other part of their schedule. This is a fantastic option for families who have unique situations, or for those parents who want to be intimately involved in their student’s schooling.

Many home school families, in both our county and surrounding counties, have been flocking to this innovative and non-traditional model.  Early indications show high levels of academic success for the students participating, and other school districts from across the state are inquiring how they can duplicate our home-grown model.

Three other schools are undergoing significant transformations as well. JF Webb High School is busy planning for the merger of the School of Health and Life Sciences in 2020-21. All of the current Biomedical Science courses offered through JFW HLS will continue, with plans for expanded offerings in Career and Technical Education programs, as well as college-level courses offered through VGCC.

Under the leadership of Principal Rice, not only are academics getting an overhaul, but the school itself is also receiving significant facility upgrades, which will go nicely with the improved mascot logo, boasting that Warrior Pride!

Northern Granville Middle School is full of activity in preparation for the merger with Mary Potter Middle School this fall.  The added enrollment helps boost the number and variety of elective course offerings for all students, which will now include Spanish, Art, Music, Chorus, Agriculture Education, Technology Education, and a NEW Minecraft Coding and Video Game Design class with a whole lot of other brain games wherein students would be encouraged to find out Wordscape answers.  Principal Williamson is also planning a wide range of clubs and other enrichment activities for students beyond the regular curriculum.  Exciting times to be a Knight!

Stovall Shaw Elementary is also buzzing with activity this summer in preparations for the merger of students from Joe Toler Oak Hill Elementary. In addition to the new classrooms, instructional programs and electives being planned by Principal McGhee, the school also continues its theme of “Healthy Active Students,” providing a focus on the physical and emotional well-being of students.

Also worth noting are improvements to the entire entrance/drive/parking area of the school, which is being completely redone.  This much-needed upgrade will help ease congestion and traffic concerns, providing a safer experience for all when visiting the school.

Lots of other exciting opportunities are expanding and evolving at schools across the district as well. Mt Energy is entering their second year as a “School of Character,” providing an environment that focuses on leadership and giving back to the community.

Wilton Elementary School continues to offer “The Leader in Me” program, for which they received statewide recognition last year.

West Oxford Elementary School offers the “Global Focus” program, giving students a taste of world cultures and experiences, expanding their perspectives of the world.

CG Credle Elementary offers the “Leadership and Wellness” program, and Granville Central High School continues to offer its focus on STEM-related electives for all students through advanced college-level coursework.

GC Hawley Middle School marches forward with an impressive offering of elective and advanced courses for their students, and Early College keeps pushing the bar higher each year by offering DUAL degrees (high school diplomas AND an Associate’s Degree) to their students.

South Granville High School receives much-needed facility upgrades and delivers that special “Viking” experience to students, leading the way in athletic championships and club activities.

Creedmoor Elementary School of the Arts and Tar River Elementary School round out the offerings with special instructional programs to foster creativity and leadership respectively, meeting the needs and interests of diverse learners.

For all of our newest elementary students, be sure to mark your calendars for an all-day, special Kindergarten Kick-Off at the Granville Athletic Park on July 30. Lots of fun planned for families, along with helpful information and registration forms available!

Finally, efforts continue district-wide to ensure we have the best possible staff in every classroom and in every position across the district. Professional development for all staff will continue to focus on personalized learning and student engagement, making sure that students are invested in their schooling, and are motivated and see value in what they learn.

Recruiting talent also remains a top priority, and the district looks forward to the warm welcome given to our new teachers in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce this August.

Superintendent Alisa McLean offered her thoughts on the direction of the school district, explaining, “Our commitment to the whole child and their quality of educational experience in GCPS – from the environment in which they learn to the individuals from whom they learn; it is ALL important. As such, there is a great deal of work occurring this summer to train, align, clean up, fix, repair, install and simply do what is necessary to ensure Granville County Public Schools is not one of the best but is THE best academic choice for families in our community. Options are contemporary and available; and moreover, our educators are second to none. The Board of Education and I are truly devoted to our motto of being ‘Committed to Excellence and Achievement for All!’”