Archive for November, 2021

Heggie completes leadership development program

Posted Nov. 30, 2021

Monique R. Heggie, Internal Auditor for Granville County Government, has completed the “Leading for Results” program at the UNC School of Government as a Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) Fellow. Heggie was among 120 candidates to apply during a competitive selection process and was one of only 24 participants selected to participate in the leadership training program.

The “Leading for Results” program focuses on personal and professional development while introducing participants to management and leadership tools and strategies. LGFCU Fellows have an opportunity to gain insight into their individual leadership styles and strengths while practicing ways to improve effectiveness within their organizations.

As Internal Auditor for Granville County Government, Heggie assists the management staff in evaluating the efficiency of operations, while ensuring that the County has an effective operating system of internal controls. Her responsibilities also include ensuring that departments and employees follow proper policies and procedures through reviews and assessments.

“The Fellows program allowed me to engage with and learn from other government representatives with different careers across the state,” Heggie said of her experience. “My key takeaway was that ‘leadership is an action, not a position.’ Overall, it was a very positive experience.”

Heggie successfully completed the leadership program on Oct. 15.

To learn more about courses, publications, programs, and services provided by the UNC School of Government, please visit www.sog.unc.edu or call 919-966-5381.

Burn Ban Issued for North Carolina

Posted November 30, 2021

Updated December 13, 2021: The N.C. Forest Service has lifted the burn ban for Granville County, and the remainder of the state. Visit the N.C. Forest Service website for the latest information.

Updated December 10, 2021: The N.C. Forest Service has lifted the burn ban in much of North Carolina, but the restrictions remain in place for 33 counties, including Granville County. Visit the N.C. Forest Service website for the latest information.

Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective November 29, 2021 until further notice.

“It is fall wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state.”

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is open burning?

A: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.

Q: May I still use my grill or barbecue?

A: Yes, if no other local ordinances prohibit their use.

Q: How should I report a wildfire?

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire?

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: My local fire marshal has also issued a burn ban for my county. What does this mean?

A: The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Q: Are there other instances which impact open burning?

A: Local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning. For instance, outdoor burning is prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts. Learn more about air quality forecasts.

Q: Can I have a campfire when I go camping?

A: Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.

Q: What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?

A: Learn about wildfire risk assessments and preparedness and prevention plans on the N.C. Forest Service website.

Notice of Special Called Meeting December 3, 2021

Posted November 29, 2021

All interested persons please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Richard H. Thornton Library in the large conference room located at 210 Main Street, Oxford, NC.  The purpose of the Special Meeting is for the Board to go into closed session for attorney-client and personnel matters pursuant to General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) and (6).  No action is anticipated by the Board.

Notice of Special Called Meetings November 30 and December 2, 2021

Posted November 23, 2021

All interested persons please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold Special Meetings on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. at the Granville County Administration Office located at 104 Belle Street, Oxford, NC. The purpose of the Special Meetings is for the Board to go into closed session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to General Statute 143-318.11(a) (6). No action is anticipated by the Board.

Safe Holiday Shopping Tips

Posted November 22, 2021

With the holiday shopping season underway with upcoming promotional days like Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all shoppers to consider their safety while also enjoying the holiday season.

According to Chief Deputy Chris Smoot, “this time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of the larger crowds and extended store hours. These factors and the usual distraction of shopping, create a more favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders.”

The Sheriff’s Office reminds all Granville County residents to follow these safety tips:

Shopping Safety

• A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative.

• When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you to return.

• Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area.

• When returning to your vehicle, look around it and in the back seat. Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Have your car keys in your hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle.

• If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone, find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car.

Credit Card Fraud

• Keep a close watch on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible.

• Never write your PIN number on your credit card.

• Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around.

• Shield your credit card number so that others around you can’t copy it or capture it on a mobile telephone or other camera.

• Shred anything with your credit card number written on it.

• If you’re not comfortable submitting your information through the internet, call the seller and give them your information over the telephone. Never send your credit card information via email.

• Check the company information. Only do business with companies that provide a physical address and telephone number.

• Keep good records. Always print out a copy of any online products or services you purchase.

Gift Card Fraud

• Never buy gift cards from online auction sites. This is a large source of gift card fraud. Many of the gift cards are stolen, counterfeit or used.

• Only buy gift cards directly from the store issuing the gift card or from a secure retailer’s website.

• Don’t buy gift cards off publicly displayed racks in retail stores because these are more susceptible to tampering or theft. Only purchase gift cards at the sales terminal from the cashier.

• Always carefully examine both the front and back of a gift card before you buy it. If you see a PIN number, ask for a different card. If the card looks like it has been tampered with in any way, do not purchase it.

• Always ask the store cashier to scan the gift card in front of you. This will guarantee that your card is valid when you buy it and that it reflects the balance you just charged on it.

• Always keep your receipt as a proof of purchase if there is money stored on the gift card.

• If possible, register your gift card at the store’s website.

• Never give your Social Security number, date of birth or any other unneeded private information when purchasing a gift card. No reputable company will ask for this information.

Sheriff Application Process

Posted November 19, 2021

Granville County is seeking statements of interest and resumes from law enforcement professionals interested in being appointed sheriff to fulfill the remainder of the unexpired current term which ends December 5, 2022. Applicants must meet all statutory and constitutional requirements including residency in Granville County and having no history of a felony conviction. Further, any applicant must be willing to publicly affirm that he or she will not be a candidate for sheriff in the upcoming election cycle and that he or she is not and will not affiliate with or endorse any candidate for sheriff. All applicants will be subject to an extensive background and reference check.

Preference will be given to applicants who meet the following requirements:

• Possess a BA or BS degree from an accredited College or University or an associate degree.  

• Previously or currently certified as a law enforcement officer by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission, the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, or comparable sworn Federal Law enforcement agency, i.e. FBI, ATF, USMS, USSS and or DEA.  

• Completed recognized state and/or federal law enforcement management course(s).  

• Possess extensive senior/executive management experience directly managing numerous personnel within a sheriff’s office, police department, or state or federal law enforcement agency.  

• Knowledge of federal equitable sharing programs.  

• Experience in planning, coordinating, leading or overseeing critical incidents. 

• Experience in conducting and managing criminal investigations.  

• Experience in developing and managing multi-million-dollar budget.  

• Experience in representing a law enforcement agency directly or as a liaison to various stakeholders including the public, judicial officials, partner organizations, local and state elected officials, community leaders, and media.  

• Capable of developing and implementing law enforcement and detention facility policies and programs.

To apply, interested candidates should submit a statement of interest and resume to the Granville County Board of Commissioners in care of Debra Weary, Clerk to the Granville County Board of Commissioners via e-mail at grancomrs@granvillecounty.org on or before November 30, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Increased Risk of Wildfires due to Dry Conditions and Falling Leaves

Posted November 19, 2021

Fall wildfire season is here. There have been 24 responses for wildfires by fire departments and the N.C. Forest Service in Granville and Vance counties already in November. Due to limited rainfall, falling leaves adding dry fuel to the ground, and dry conditions the N.C. Forest Service urges citizens to be cautious with campfires and when burning yard debris. All of Granville and Vance counties are classified as Abnormally Dry to Moderate Drought by the N.C. Drought Update issued earlier this week. Citizens are encouraged to postpone outdoor burning until the area receives significant rainfall.

The fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is debris burning. When left unattended, debris fires can escape and start wildfires. Most of the recent fires started from debris burning or discarded wood stove ashes.

There are many factors to consider before burning debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents to contact their local county forest ranger before burning debris. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help ensure the safety of people, property, and the forest. The local number for Granville and Vance counties is (919) 693-3154. To find contact information for other offices, visit the NC Forest Service website.

For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

• Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
• Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
• Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
• Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
• Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out.

Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact County Ranger Rob Montague at (919) 693-3154, who will weigh all factors, explain them, and offer technical advice.

Tourism Development Authority awarded for marketing campaign

Posted November 18, 2021

The Granville Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was recently recognized with a Gold Award in Community Relations by the North Carolina Travel Industry Association (NCTIA). The TDA earned the top honor for its virtual “Gathering in Granville County” campaign, a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has greatly impacted the tourism industry, causing us to miss out on events that bring visitors to our area,” said Angela Allen, Executive Director of the TDA. “We realized that members of our community were also missing out on opportunities to gather together, so this campaign was designed to help connect everyone virtually, encouraging the idea to get out and about while still practicing social distancing.”

Through this campaign, the TDA created a series of fun and safe social media “challenges” that showcased Granville County, taking advantage of the time of year to create outings that ranged from “Snow Day” activities to strawberry picking. On average, each installment of the campaign, which encouraged community involvement on Facebook and Instagram, reached approximately 7,000 people and created more than 250 engagements each.

“From an Association perspective, we especially value this award because it signifies how important the citizens of our state and Granville County are in delivering the unique and lasting memories found in North Carolina,” said Vince Chelena, Executive Director of the NCTIA. 

Wit Tuttell, Director of Visit NC Tourism, added that the NCTIA Award highlights the unique relationship Allen and the TDA has with Granville County.

“This is the second premier NCTIA award in the last three years for Angela,” Tuttell said. “It’s not a coincidence that both awards were based on community relations. It really shows the love and appreciation she has for her community.”

While the award was officially presented to the TDA, Allen credits the role the community played to the success of the campaign. “Everyone came together and created this campaign, and the TDA pushed it out on social media,” Allen said. “This is an award I accepted on behalf of the greater Granville community.”

For more information on this marketing campaign or to learn more about tourism events in Granville County, contact Allen by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org or by phone at 919-693-6125. Those interested may also visit the Granville County Tourism website at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

To learn more about the North Carolina Travel Industry Association, the premiere tourism association in the state, please visit nctia.travel.

Notice of Special Called Meeting November 19, 2021

Posted November 17, 2021

All interested persons please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting on Friday, November 19, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. at the Granville County Administration Office located at 104 Belle Street, Oxford, NC.  The purpose of the Special Meeting is for the Board to go into closed session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to General Statute 143-318.11(a) (6).   No action is anticipated by the Board.

Ontic Celebrates “Project Sunrise” Groundbreaking

Posted November 17, 2021

Ontic celebrated “Project Sunrise” on November 16, a major commitment to expanding their already strong presence in Granville County. Ontic will increase local production, engineering, and sales staff supplying parts for legacy aircraft worldwide. The Ontic facility, located off E. Lyon Station Rd. in Creedmoor, is set to begin a three-phase expansion that will nearly double the office space and production capacity of their Granville County facility. Ontic staff celebrated today’s groundbreaking event with representatives from local partners including Granville County Government, the Town of Butner, Granville County Public Schools, Granville County Chamber of Commerce, and Vance-Granville Community College.

Gareth Hall, Ontic’s President and CEO noted how critical the work of local elected leaders and staff was to move this project forward. Hall stated, “it’s clear how important local leadership is to make momentous events like ‘Project Sunrise’ happen. We work with a lot of governments around the world, and the cities and counties ready to foster smart growth are obvious from the start. The work and support of elected officials and staff from Granville County Government and the Town of Butner definitely made this project possible.”

Hall and other members of Ontic’s local and corporate leadership team, explained that they have taken the Granville County facility from just over fifty to over one hundred employees in the last few years. Once “Project Sunrise” is complete, the local workforce and production capacity will likely double again. “We are looking for exponential growth in Granville County, not just small incremental gains,” explained Hall. “Granville County has the infrastructure, resources, and people in place to help us achieve this goal.”

“I’m thrilled to have Ontic in Granville County, and I know that this is the right place for them to expand their footprint in the United States,” said Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills. “Ontic has already proven they are ready to Grow with Granville, and today’s announcement only solidifies their commitment to making sure there are career opportunities for our current and future residents.”

Ontic is a global leader in aerospace engineering, providing thousands of products for customers in the aircraft industry worldwide. In addition to their Granville County location, Ontic has additional facilities in Chatsworth, California; Plainview, New York; Cheltenham, United Kingdom; and Singapore.