The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Financial Work Session on Monday, April 15, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.
The purpose of the meeting is to receive a financial presentation and financial updates from staff on School System finances.
The next regular scheduled Board meeting is set for Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Granville-County-Public-Schools.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-12 16:59:572019-04-12 16:59:57Granville Board of Education to Hold Financial Work Session
In honor of April 7-13 as National Library Week, Mark Pace, North Carolina Room Specialist at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford, was the featured guest on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program.
A part of the Granville County Library System since the early 1960s, the North Carolina Room’s primary mission is to preserve and maintain materials for historical and genealogical research in the present-day county of Granville and adjacent counties.
“We are a regional history center. Granville County formed in 1746 and is a ‘mother’ county. Warren, Vance, Franklin, parts of Orange and Person and present Granville were all once part of the original Granville County,” Pace explained. “We seek to preserve the materials that are relative to the cultural and historical flavor of old Granville County.”
According to Pace, genealogical records ranging in date from 1746 to present day include wills, deeds, marriage records, court records and cemetery records.
Such information can be found on the approximately 600 microfilm reels of newspapers, dozens of large size genealogy charts and 175 scrapbooks – some dating to the late 1800’s – that are a part of the Room’s collection.
“I always tell people that when you start researching your genealogy, you’re going to find something that you don’t like. On the other hand, you find out things about your ancestors that make you proud,” said Pace.
In addition to microfilm and charts, the 900-square-foot room inside the Thornton Library is also home to an extensive photography collection, personal papers and 4,500 books and volumes specific to local history.
“We have received some good collections recently, specifically a photography collection of 4,500 images given by the family of J.B. Clay, a local photographer in Oxford from the mid- 1950s to the mid-1990s. This new donation serves as the largest known photo collection relative to Granville County to date,” Pace said.
Donated materials from the public, including family bibles, photos and letters, are essential to the mission of the North Carolina Room, according to Pace.
“We rely heavily on what people donate to us or bring and let us copy. You can’t go out and buy these types of things. The public is always encouraged to bring by any items of local historical significance for us to copy and keep a record of, no matter how obscure those items may seem.”
Although its primary function is genealogical, Pace said the North Carolina Room meets patron needs for inquiries into historical environmental site surveys, high school reunions, local government requests, church histories and more.
While the majority of visitors are Granville County residents, Pace reported that up to 40% live outside of the area, including residents of other states and countries. “In just this year alone, we’ve had visitors from 35 different states and from far away as Great Britain and Jamaica.”
Pace, a Henderson native and college history major, said his passion for historical events and documents began with the Henderson High School fire of 1968.
“I was eight-years-old and my father taught school there. I remember it vividly. He got home late that night and I begged him to take me back to the school to let me see it. The next day, I saved the newspaper articles about the fire. After that, I would save other newspaper articles of historical events. In the late 1960s/early 1970s, there was a lot going on.”
In his Town Talk interview, Pace relayed many interesting historical facts about both Granville and present-day Vance County, including what he considers Granville’s most significant contribution to the world marketplace – flue-cured tobacco.
“The land in the southern part of Granville County was so good for growing flue-cured tobacco that a group came from Australia in the 1890s and loaded up dirt from Granville County and had it shipped back to Australia to see if they could grow it there. Of course, it didn’t work,” laughed Pace.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Mark Pace in its entirety, including more interesting historical facts on Granville and Vance County, please click here.
The North Carolina Room is located inside the Richard H. Thornton Library at 210 Main St. in Oxford. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays from Memorial Day until Labor Day).
The Henderson Family YMCA is sponsoring a “Girls on the Run Northern NC” Spring 5K on Saturday, May 4, 2019, in downtown Oxford. Activities will begin at 9 a.m.
Open registration is available now through May 3; race day registration will also be available on May 4.
Registration is $15 for children and $25 for adults. Be one of the first 100 to register to receive a 5K t-shirt.
Volunteers are also needed!
For more information, contact Becca Stanley, Girls on the Run Council Director, at (252) 438-2144 or email beccas@henfamymca.org.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Girls-on-the-Run-5K-2019.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-10 16:59:012019-04-10 16:59:01YMCA to Sponsor ‘Girls on the Run’ 5K in Downtown Oxford
Brides planning a 2019-2020 wedding in Granville County will be taking a scenic tour on the “Bridal Bus” to learn more about wedding locations and resources available to help plan the “perfect” event.
The day includes a stop at four local wedding/reception venues, as well as early access to a Vendor Show at the Clarion Inn and Suites on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue in Oxford. Florists, photographers, caterers, event planners, disc jockeys, rental companies, etc. will be set up to welcome the new brides – and members of the public – to display a variety of wedding service options. The Vendor Show will be open from noon until 4 p.m., with tickets now available to attend.
Photo courtesy Granville Co. Government
The “Brides on Wheels” (BOW) limo-style bus will depart from the Clarion at 1 p.m. for scheduled stops at the four locations, where prospective brides will find options and ideas to plan their event. Participants who registered for this tour will make stops according to the following schedule:
1:20 p.m.: Tour of Cedar Grove Acres in Creedmoor;
2:30 p.m.: Tour of Vino Oasi in Stem;
3:50 p.m.: Tour of Carlee Farms in Oxford;
5:05 p.m.: Tour of Thorndale Oaks in Oxford.
While the Brides on Wheels tour bus makes its way through Granville County, the vendor show will continue until 4 p.m., with the bus scheduled to arrive back at the Clarion Inn in Oxford by 6:15 p.m.
“From rustic to elegant and from indoor to outdoor, brides are sure to find something that fits their perfect event,” said Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen. “This is an opportunity to showcase all the wonderful things we have right here in our county for brides or anyone else who wants to put together a special event.”
Created as a way to promote Granville County, Allen says that the bridal tour and vendor show will boost the local economy, as well as promote local vendors and make both residents and non-residents aware of what the county has to offer. The vendor show was added this year to provide information about other local resources that are available when planning a wedding or other special events.
This is the second year that the “Brides on Wheels” tour has been presented. Last year’s tour attracted eight brides, one groom and their family members.
“We had a diverse group of brides last year,” Allen said, “some from the local area, some from Raleigh and some from the Greensboro/High Point area.”
This year’s tour has grown to a larger number of participants who will see first-hand what Granville County has to offer. Each bride will receive a free “goodie bag” filled with products, certificates and coupons for helping plan their special event.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Brides-of-Wheels-2019.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-09 16:54:352019-04-09 16:54:35Granville Tourism to Host Vendor Show/Limo-Style ‘Brides on Wheels” Tour
-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford
The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.
Agenda items include:
Public Hearing to receive citizen input on a Contiguous Annexation Ordinance for 3 +/– of land adjacent to the Hardees property located on Industry Drive.
Consider adopting a Contiguous Annexation Ordinance for 3 +/– acres of land adjacent to the Hardees property located on Industry Drive.
Consider adopting amendments to the 2019 Municipal Records Retention and Disposition Schedule.
Consider adopting a resolution to appoint Police Chief Alvin Coley as the designated official to make recommendations to the NC Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission on ABC permit applications.
Consider changing Medical Insurance to NCHIP in association with Gallagher.
Consider entering a contract with the NC Department of Public Safety Division of Adult Correction.
Consider approving the 750k Elevated Tank Paint Color Scheme & Logo.
Consider approving a Budget Amendment for $100,000.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Oxford-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-08 16:57:512019-04-08 16:57:51Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold Monthly Meeting Tues., April 9
At the April 1 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Trudi Bowden was recognized with the Volunteer Service Award for her work with the Granville County Animal Shelter.
Dr. Bowden, a member of the Animal Control Advisory Committee, provides veterinary services at Oxford Veterinary Hospital and has been in practice for 19 years. She was nominated for the award in the category of animal welfare for her “outstanding commitment to volunteering with/for animals” by shelter staff members Matthew Pippins, Danya Rumple and Melissa McDowell.
At the April 1 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Trudi Bowden was recognized with the Volunteer Service Award for her work with the Granville County Animal Shelter. Pictured left to right: Comm. Sue Hinman, Dr. Trudi Bowden, Danya Rumple and Matthew Pippins (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)
“Dr. Bowden has volunteered at the shelter on a weekly basis to provide animals with proper checkups and special medications, in certain circumstances,” the nomination form reads, in part. “She has made herself openly available by answering important questions over text, dealing with emergency cases quickly, accepting night calls and being available after hours just to ensure each animal is in good physical condition to live a long and happy life. She truly has a deep passion for animal health and safety.”
Nominees must have made a substantial and long-term sustained impact in the community as a result of their service efforts. The County Manager’s Office and the associated advisory board selects award recipients based on merit and eligibility, with award selections based on the commitment of time, accomplishments, community impact and enhancement of the lives of others.
Dr. Bowden was presented the award by Commissioner Sue Hinman, with Animal Shelter staff members Pippins and Rumple standing alongside and offering words of appreciation.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Dr.-Trudi-Bowen-Service-Award.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-08 12:05:172019-04-08 12:05:17Dr. Trudi Bowden Receives Volunteer Service Award
Granville County Animal Control is offering spay and/or neuter coupons to qualifying low-income citizens of the area. Qualifying residents can pay only $20 for neuter/spay service for a dog or $10 for neuter/spay service for a cat with these coupons.
Once qualified, the pet owner will be able to pick the next available appointment day and location for this service. When the appointment has been made, SNAP-NC.org will call or send an email with instructions prior to the pet’s appointment date.
Learn how to qualify for these coupons by calling Granville County Animal Control at 919-693-6749. The Granville County Animal Shelter is located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford.
Visit www.granvillecounty.org for more information about Granville County Animal Management and the services it provides.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0062_granvillecountyseal.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-04 08:17:402019-04-04 08:17:40Spay/Neuter Coupons Available Through Granville Co. Animal Control
The public is invited to attend the dedication of a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker in honor of James E. Webb of Granville County at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019. Webb served as NASA Administrator from 1961 to 1968.
The marker will be dedicated in front of C.G. Credle Elementary School in Oxford and will be the 13th one installed in Granville County by the state since 2005.
A reception will follow at the Granville County Historical Society Museum’s Harris Exhibit Hall, 1 Museum Lane in Oxford, where an exhibit about Webb’s life will be on display.
Credle School is located at 223 College Street in Oxford.
The public is invited to attend the dedication of a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker in honor of James E. Webb of Granville County at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019. Webb served as NASA Administrator from 1961 to 1968. The marker will be dedicated in front of C.G. Credle Elementary School in Oxford (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/James-E.-Webb.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-02 16:51:492019-04-02 16:51:49Public Invited to Historical Marker Dedication for James E. Webb
Granville County Animal Control reports the pickup of a raccoon near the intersection of Elam Currin Road and Pine Town Road that has tested positive for rabies. The animal was collected in a pasture with livestock.
A representative from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be advising the property owner and conducting a separate investigation of the animals that may have come into contact with the raccoon. This is the fourth confirmed rabid animal so far this year and the third rabid animal in this location in the last 14 months.
The best way to protect yourself and your animals is to make sure all of your pets have a current rabies vaccine, in accordance with N.C. law. The Granville County Animal Shelter, located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford, provides one-year rabies vaccines for dogs and cats for only $6. Call 919-693-6749 for more details.
The approval of the 2018 Farm Bill in December has thrust industrial hemp into the spotlight as a lucrative agricultural crop, encouraging Jack Tatum of Isolera Extracts to bring an industrial hemp processing service to Granville County. North Carolina’s long tradition of organic farming, along with is support for the industrial hemp industry and its strategic geographic location, was a key factor in Tatum’s decision to bring his company to the state.
Several regions were considered, Tatum, noted, but Granville County and the City of Oxford stood out by offering tremendous support for this vision to spark economic growth through a bustling “new” industry. Upon touring the former Burlington Mills facility at 325 Lewis Street, Tatum knew he had found the ideal location.
A long-time entrepreneur, Tatum said that the impending passage of the 2018 Farm Bill last year encouraged him to make preliminary steps to “get ahead of the curve” as he began work to up-fit the 187,000 square foot industrial facility. Upon securing the site, extensive measures were taken to design “clean” zones for the industrial hemp processing equipment, update existing infrastructure to support the on-scale laboratory, improve air quality, and other measures to prepare for operation.
Jack Tatum (right) of Isolera Extracts is pictured with Economic Development Director Harry Mills. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)
Construction at the site is now complete and Tatum’s equipment partners from Precision Extraction Solutions, a world-renowned extraction company based out of Michigan, are working to complete the installation of equipment and training of Isolera Extract’s locally-based laboratory team.
Since industrial hemp farming and industrial hemp processing are new to this region, engaging local farmers was a priority in the initial phase of the project to establish strong working relationships. There are about 100 farms in our community that have faced reductions in tobacco allotments and at the same time have doubled the production of Adrafinil,” Tatum explained.
Although growing organic industrial hemp is somewhat similar to growing tobacco, Isolera Extracts has hosted free information sessions with third-party experts for local farmers to learn how to ensure that their crops are planted in ideal soil conditions, retain the proper moisture content, receive adequate sunlight, are harvested properly to optimize value and are kept in compliance with North Carolina and federal regulations. Soil sampling and periodic plant testing is also an important part of the process.
“Everyone will be going through a learning process as we get this off the ground,” Tatum explained. “We are suggesting that farmers start with one to five acres as they learn the process and proper techniques, and then grow from there.”
A form of cannabis, industrial hemp contains less than 0.3 percent of THC. (THC, i.e. tetrahydrocannabinol, is a crystalline compound that is one of more than 100 known cannabinoids found in industrial hemp.) The form of industrial hemp that has been legalized through the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill contains high levels of CBD (cannabidiol) oil, which can be extracted and used in health supplements. The top selling cbd oil in Colorado is said to have helped both kids and adults in regaining good health.
Health supplements containing CBD are lauded for their ability to reduce inflammation, among other benefits. Industrial hemp that contains more than 0.3 percent THC is considered non-industrial hemp cannabis under federal law and is not legally protected under the 2018 Farm Bill.
After industrial hemp crops are harvested, farmers in Granville County and neighboring regions will be able to bring their crops to the Isolera Extract team, who will identify each farmer’s batch, test the biomass for its chemical composition, grade the plant material and buy the industrial hemp, if the farmer so desires, at its current market value.
“We have a system of checks and balances in place and a team of scientists on board to ensure compliance and quality,” Tatum indicates. “We want to ensure that farmers in the community are being compensated appropriately for their efforts and output. In the end, our goal is to produce top-notch products and stimulate economic growth for individuals and for a community hard-hit by cutbacks from the tobacco industry.”
A series of interviews to round out the staff of Isolera Extracts is now in progress, with an opening phase of the company’s rollout employing a workforce of approximately 40 people. Tatum says that Isolera Extracts will hire approximately 100 local employees as production grows.
“The quality of the workforce here is exceptional,” Tatum remarked. “There is a lot of local talent and we are looking forward to working with our team to push the boundaries forward in this new and exciting industry.”
Initially, Isolera Extracts plans to process about 3,000 pounds of industrial hemp per eight-hour shift. Within six months, however, the estimate is a production level of about 10,000 pounds of industrial hemp each eight-hour-shift.
North Carolina is quickly becoming more accustomed to the idea of industrial hemp as a “cash crop.” In data shared by the USDA, N.C. has been listed in the “top ten” in a ranking of the nation’s hemp-growing states, falling behind Colorado, Kentucky, Oregon, North Dakota, Minnesota and New York.
“North Carolina has gone all-in on hemp” the USDA noted in its ‘Hemp Industry Daily’ report. “State officials see it as a natural fit for an economy once dominated by tobacco farming and textile manufacturing.”
With the addition of Isolera Extracts to its industrial base, Granville County will play a major role in this trend as a new agricultural phenomenon sweeps the country.
“We could not be more pleased to operate Isolera Extracts in Granville County,” Tatum said. “We’ve received a warm reception from Granville County, the City of Oxford and the state of North Carolina. The entire community is behind us and our partnership with Granville County and its farmers is an exciting opportunity for everyone.”
“We would especially like to thank Economic Development Director Harry Mills,” Tatum added, “who has been essential in this process and has facilitated making this a reality.”
Plans are for Isolera Extracts to be operational by the beginning of April. A ribbon cutting at its 60-acre home will take place with local, regional and state officials on April 5.
For more information on Isolera Extracts and other local industries, contact Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills at 919-693-5911 or email him at harry.mills@granvillecounty.org.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Isolera-Extracts.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-03-29 16:58:482020-03-11 06:35:25Industrial Hemp Processor to Open in Granville County
