-Information courtesy Pastor Cam Ford, New Horizons Baptist Church
New Horizons Baptist Church in Oxford will be having a Brunswick Stew Sale on Saturday, February 2. Quarts are $8 apiece, and you’ll be able to pick these up from the Granville County Shrine Club located at 706 Roxboro Rd. in Oxford from 9 until 11 a.m. that morning.
Please call Pastor Cam Ford for your advance orders at (919) 690-5287.
-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
At their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, January 7, 2019, the Granville County Board of Education approved a motion to close Joe Toler Oak Hill Elementary School at the end of the 2018-2019 school year. This vote passed with a 5-2 vote. At this same meeting, the Board also approved a motion to assign the students who currently attend Mary Potter Middle School to Northern Granville Middle School effective with the 2019-2020 school year. This vote passed with a 5-2 vote.
The Board then approved another motion that Mary Potter Middle School campus would remain an educational facility and data be provided to the Board of Education, by the Superintendent, of all cost options for the location of additional programs and for the Central Office to be housed on the Mary Potter Middle School campus. This vote passed 6-1.
In accordance with these decisions, district staff will begin the process of creating implementation and transition plans. Teams from each school will assist in providing input in determining new attendance zones, staff assignments, academic programs, and parent communications. In addition, staff will begin the process of gathering information for the Board related to the future potential uses of the Mary Potter Middle School facility so it may remain a vibrant part of the community.
For more than a year, board members have been addressing the issue of school reorganization in our district. The state of North Carolina provides essential funding for school districts based on the average daily membership (ADM) of students. With the increase in charter school choices in our region, the enrollment of the school district has decreased over the past several years. This has caused significant decreases in funding for the school district. At the same time, the number of school buildings has remained the same, with the facility usage percentages dramatically falling at some schools in particular.
To address this problem, the district has relied on fund balance (the district savings account) over the past four years to cover the budget deficit. This year alone, the district is projected to spend nearly one million dollars more than it is funded. Future projections indicate the district could soon face serious financial problems absent action being taken. School reorganization will save the district significant funds by making more efficient use of our facilities and staffing and will also decrease overall operational expenses. It will also prevent additional deep cuts from our academic programs and personnel who serve our students.
In considering these closures, the Board directed a series of studies and held public hearings to gather information and hear from multiple stakeholders. It is estimated that the closure of these two schools could result in savings for the district of more than $778,000 dollars each year beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. In addition, in October of 2018, the Board approved the merger of JF Webb School of Health & Life Sciences with the JF Webb High School beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. It is estimated that this merger will save the district more than $40,000 dollars per year moving forward.
The Board of Education plans to continue its work with efforts to save money and improve academic opportunities for all students. They will continue to address school reorganization in the coming months and will explore a variety of other options. One study that has already been authorized is the evaluation of the efficient use of facilities related to GC Hawley Middle School and the surrounding elementary schools. Additional considerations may be made as well.
As the board continues to work through these difficult decisions, the administration will still be laser-focused on providing the very best possible opportunities for the students of Granville County.
-Information courtesy Victoria Bradsher, School Director, Oxford Preparatory School
Oxford Preparatory School’s 6th-grade Griffins continue to excel. The first semester for the 2018-19 school year ended on December 19 and a number of students demonstrated high achievement levels. We are proud to announce the first semester A and A/B Honor Rolls for 6th-grade students.
Students on the A (Directors’ List) and A/B Honor for the semester will participate in an honors recognition ceremony on January 31.
6th Grade – 1st Semester A Honor Roll – Directors’ List
James Boone Allred
Elizabeth Jones
Jacquelin Jose
Marleigh Swanner
Hannah Twisdale
Caleb Watkins
Kennedy Wilkerson
Hunter Wade Woodlief
6th Grade – 1st Semester A/B Honor Roll
Andrew Jordan Adcox
Mary Virginia Bailey
Elizabeth Diane Baker
Ayla Kristine Batchelor
William Christopher Brooks
Emily C. Dail
Starling Davis Faulkner
Kaylee Brianna Gill
Cadence Hoyle
Holden Jones
Jetta Mangum
Sean Osborne
Violet Perry
Brandy Ray
Makala Roberson
Ellie Stock
Pearla Tabor
Sawyer Vaughan
Trevor Weary
Emily Grace Wilkinson
Macie Rae Wilkinson
-Press Release, County of Granville
The Granville County Tourism Development Authority (GCTDA) is now accepting applications for the upcoming fiscal year. The 2019-2020 grant application period runs from Jan. 1, 2019 through April 1, 2020.
The primary purpose of the Granville Tourism Development Authority (GTDA) Mini-Grant Program is to stimulate and assist Granville County organizations and agencies in the enhancement, promotion and marketing of tourism and culturally-related events that create a known economic impact from visitor spending. This program is designed to establish activities and events which can eventually grow and thrive without direct funding from this grant program. Funding from the GTDA Mini-Grant should be considered as a supplemental resource only.
Primary consideration will be given to projects/programs with demonstrated/defined potential for positive economic impact to projects that promote travel and the GTDA’s mission of promoting the area as a destination and increase occupancy rates in Granville County through day and weekend visits. Events planned for off-peak times may receive higher priority and first consideration by the GTDA.
Applicants eligible for grant funding must be a Granville County-based community group, non-profit organization, county municipalities or recognized community within the county lines. For-profit groups cannot apply for grant funds unless the event’s proceeds will go to a community supported event (i.e. fundraiser).
Total funding of any event, project, or program will not be greater than 25 percent of the total project budget and will not exceed $5,000. Included with the request may be a one-time artist/entertainment allowance up to $1,000. If this allowance is granted, the GTDA expects the artist/entertainment source to publicize the event and to include the Tourism Development Authority in all advertisements.
Applications are available through https://www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/or through the Granville County Tourism Development office in Oxford. All applications should be submitted by email to angela.allen@granvillecounty.org, or in person/by mail to the Granville County Tourism Development office (124 Hillsboro Street, P.O. Box 820, Oxford NC, 27565) by April 1, 2019, at 5 p.m. The Tourism office is located inside the Granville Chamber of Commerce office in Downtown Oxford.
Grant information sessions will be held throughout the cycle. Visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/ or contact the Granville County Tourism Office at 919-693-5125 for more details about these sessions.
To learn more about this grant, contact Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen by phone at 919-693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.
-Press Release, Granville County Library System
The Granville County Library System has plans to start off the new year with many new programs, services and events as several popular offerings continue.
Starting Jan. 10, a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) program will be offered at the Richard H. Thornton Library on Thursday afternoons. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to participate in this weekly session, which will be held at 4 p.m. To learn more, contact Children’s Librarian Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121, ext. 212.
Every other Thursday from 6 until 8 p.m, “Game Night” is held at the Thornton branch. These fun-filled evenings, which include board games, cards and other friendly competitions, were introduced on Dec. 27, with the next “game night” scheduled for Jan. 10.
Computer workshops also continue at the Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch. An introduction to computers is included, as well as email set-up and information on social media platforms. Sessions are conducted at the South Branch in Creedmoor every Wednesday from 2 until 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 until 11 a.m. at the Richard H. Thornton branch. Contact Adult Services Librarian Ashley Wilson at 919-693-1121, ext. 203 for details.
On Sunday, Jan. 13, a book signing by author Bill Massey will be held at the Richard H. Thornton Library. Massey’s new book, “I Learned More Than Them” will be discussed as the author describes his experiences as a middle school teacher in the Granville County Public School system. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to teachers to fund field trips for their students.
On Jan. 15 at 11 a.m., library patrons can enjoy a “potluck lunch” at the Thornton Library in Oxford. Bring a plate, silverware and a dish to share as “Lunch with the Librarians” is served, along with an opportunity to find out more about what is available at the local public library.
“Pop Up” libraries are offered every Wednesday at the Granville County Senior Center. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Granville County Library brings movies, books and audio books to the Center, which is located at 107 Lanier Street in Oxford.
Storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers continue at several library branches. The Stovall library has story time on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and children can enjoy stories at the Berea site on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. The Children’s Library at the Thornton branch in Oxford hosts story time at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. January themes include “Hats for Everyone” on Jan. 9; “Nursery Rhymes” on Jan. 16; “Snowmen” on Jan. 23 and “ABC, 1-2-3” on Jan. 30.
At the South Branch in Creedmoor, a “Teen Book Club” meets at 3:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Teens can come talk about what they are currently reading, swap recommendations with friends and enjoy snacks. An “arts and crafts” time is also offered for teens every third Monday of the month at the South Branch. Call 919-528-1752 for details.
Meetings of the LEGO Club will continue in the new year for any interested participants. The club meets at the South Branch in Creedmoor on the second and fourth Monday of each month and at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meeting are held at 3:30 p.m. at both locations.
There are four branches of the Granville County Library System, with sites in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea. To find out more about what the library closest to you has to offer, visit the new website recently launched by the library system at https://granville.lib.nc.us/.
-Information courtesy Andrew Swanner, Executive Director, Oxford Preparatory School
Applications for new 5th – 12th grade student enrollments for the 2019 – 2020 school year have been available at oxfordprep.org since Open Enrollment began on October 29. Oxford Preparatory School (OPS) is an independent and tuition-free public charter school that is designed to mold students into future leaders through completion of a rigorous curriculum while focusing on community service and developing an appreciation of the arts. OPS offers a college preparatory curriculum, a variety of competitive middle school and varsity athletic teams, and is located at 6041 Landis Rd. in Oxford.
To be considered for a potential lottery, all applications must be submitted online by Friday, February 1, 2019. If more applications are received than available seats in the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, a blind public lottery will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019. All students choosing to attend OPS will need to confirm enrollment by completing and sending in an enrollment packet by Friday, March 15, 2019. After February 1, applications received at the end of the waiting list as determined by the lottery.
Oxford Preparatory School invites families of prospective students to learn more about the unique offerings of the school. The final of three information sessions will be held on Saturday, January 19 at 10 a.m. Afterward, tours will be conducted that will allow the opportunity to meet faculty.
In addition, prospective students are invited to spend time visiting the school on the final of three Shadow Days so they can experience our unique school program firsthand. Visiting students accompany OPS student guides through their classes during a four-hour visit. It’s a chance to meet the staff and the students and to get a snapshot view of our engaging college preparatory classes. The final shadow day will take place on Friday, January 18 from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Please call the Oxford Preparatory School office at (919) 690- 0360, or email Office Manager, Karen Brown at KarenBrown@oxfordprep.org to make an appointment.
For additional comment, please contact Andrew Swanner, Oxford Preparatory School Executive Director at swannerab@oxfordprep.org or by calling (919) 690-0360.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County
The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, January 7, 2019, at 7 p.m. at the Granville Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.
Agenda items include:
Consent Agenda
1. Contingency Summary as of 1/7/19
2. Minutes
Recognitions and Presentations
3. Families Living Violence Free Update
4. Boys and Girls Club Update
5. Airport Update
Public Comments
6. Public Comments
Tax Matters
7. Late Application for Present-Use Value
Solid Waste Matters
8. Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling Consolidation
Purchasing
9. COTT System Software Renewal
10. E-911 Back-up Center UPS Expansion
Appointments
11. Opioid Advisory Committee
12. Butner Board of Adjustment – ETJ
13. Butner Planning Board – ETJ Member
14. Orange Street Community Center
15. Senior Services Advisory Committee
County Manager’s Report
16. Mighty River Contract Extension
17. EMS System Medical Director Services
County Attorney’s Report
18. Standing Response to Waiver/Remission of Court Costs and Fines
19. Resolution Declaring the Opioid Crisis a Public Nuisance
Presentations by County Board Members
20. Presentations by County Board Members
Any Other Matters
21. Any Other Matters
-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS
The Granville County Board of Education will meet in a Closed Session to consult with the Board attorney and preserve the attorney/client privilege in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(1) and (a)(3) on Monday, January 7, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. at West Oxford Elementary School.
The Granville County Board of Education will also meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, January 7, 2019, at 6 p.m. at West Oxford Elementary School, 412 Ivey Day Rd, Oxford, NC. Please note the change of location for this regular board meeting.
To find a copy of the agenda for the meeting, click here. The agenda for January 7 includes a Closed Session to discuss confidential personnel matters and preserve the attorney/client privilege in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and 115C-321.
Dywanda Pettaway
Clerk to Board of Education
— Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com
Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Nominating Committee – Report to the People
Kyle Puryear, Past President and Chairman of the Nominating Committee, along with the committee members, submits the following slate of officers and directors for the 2019 Granville County Chamber year:
Officers
Past-President: Hal Muetzel – Express Employment Professional
Board of Directors
Jason Jones – Granville County Farm Bureau
Terms expire 2021
Andrew Swanner – Oxford Preparatory School
Terms expire 2022
Scott Thomas – Granville Health System
Newly-filled positions are President, President-elect, Past President, one (1) Board of Director, filling an unexpired term (expires 2021); two (2) Board of Directors’ terms (expire 2022).
As stated in the Chamber’s By-Laws, the following will apply:
C. Nominations by petition. Additional names of candidates for directors can be nominated by petition bearing the genuine signature of at least ten (10) qualified members of the Chamber. Such petition shall be filed within ten (10) days after the notice has been given of the names of those nominated. The determination of the Nominating Committee as to the legality of the petition shall be final.
D. Determination. If no petition is filed within the designated period, the nominations shall be closed, and the nominated slate of candidates shall be declared elected by the Board of Directors. Installation of the Executive Committee and the Board shall take place at the Annual Banquet with responsibilities beginning in February of the new year at the Board of Directors Meeting.
-Information courtesy the County of Granville website
Residents of Granville County should be on the lookout for the 2019 tax listing forms. The listing period is during the month of January.
The following items should be listed if owned as of January 1, 2019:
Failing to list before Jan. 31, 2019 will result in a 10 percent late listing penalty of the tax levied. All listings, including those submitted by mail, should be received in the Granville County Tax Department or postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service within the listing period.
Application deadlines for exemptions include:
Applications may be obtained from the Tax Department.
The Granville County Tax Department staff will be available for assistance during the listing period, Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.
For more information, contact the Granville County Tax Department at 919-693-4181.
