Posts written by Terry Hobgood

Library System Summer Reading Program Makes Huge Impact

Posted August 27, 2024

The 2024 Summer Reading Program was a huge success at all four branches of the Granville County Library System. Hundreds of Granville County residents of all ages participated in this annual program with the goal of lessening the summer learning gap and ensuring that there are opportunities for fun educational activities during the summer months between school academic years.

During the 2024 Summer Reading program, 468 kids registered to participate and track their reading hours. Of those who registered, the total reading hours logged was 4,873; more than 10 hours of reading per participant. In total, the library checked out over 5,000 children’s and young adult books. The library system also offered 112 children’s programs this summer attended by 3,327 people. Adult programming was also a big hit this summer with 879 adults attending 52 programs and events.

“We are always thinking of ways to keep our community engaged and the summer provides a unique challenge and opportunity,” said Will Robinson, Director of the Granville County Library System. “The Summer Reading Program is a great way to continue learning and keep kids active and engaged while school is out. We know that everyone is busy with family and community activities, but these statistics show how much Granville County residents value their library and are eager for activities to participate in. A special thank-you goes out to our Children’s Librarians, Amy Carlson and Amy Kemp, for the time and effort they spend planning and carrying out this program. Their hard work certainly has paid off!”

Some of the featured programs this summer included the Star Lab Mobile Planetarium, Mario Kart Tournaments, Japanese Taiko Drumming, Girls in STEM, and a “truck rally” at the Granville Athletic Park. Many of these events attracted hundreds of attendees each.

Even though the Summer Reading Program is over, there are programs for all ages nearly every day at the Granville County Library System’s four branches. For more information about services and programs offered by the Granville County Library system, visit the library website or visit any of the four branches: Richard H. Thornton (210 Main Street, Oxford), South (1550 South Campus Drive, Creedmoor), Stovall (300 Main Street, Stovall), and Berea (1211 US Highway 158, Oxford).

Work is Underway at North Granville Senior Center

Posted August 22, 2024

Board of Elections Meeting Notice – August 15, 2024

Posted August 13, 2024

The Granville County Board of Elections will meet on August 15, 2024 at 2:30 pm at the Board of Elections office located at 208 Wall Street, Oxford NC to appoint the Early Voting Chief Judges and Judges and discuss training for the November General Election.

Road Closures in Southeastern Granville County

Posted August 13, 2024

Notice to travelers in southeastern Granville County! There are currently two roads closed to through traffic in southeastern Granville County.

Wayside Farm Road is closed to through traffic until September 8 to allow a repair after a pipe failure during Tropical Storm Debby. Motorists will use NC Highway 96 and Bruce Garner Road to access either side of the closure on Wayside Farm Road.

Woodland Church Road and Graham Sherron Road are closed where the two roads converge near Wake Forest until September 26 for road maintenance. Motorists will detour using Bruce Garner Road or Graham Sherron Road to reach either side of the closure on Woodland Church Road.

For more information, visit the NC Department of Transportation’s Drive NC site to view current travel information including closures caused by Tropical Storm Debby: https://drivenc.gov/

 

August 5, 2024 Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap

Posted August 12, 2024

The Granville County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, August 5 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center. The meeting featured a recognition of service for Angela Crawford, a final project presentation by the 2024 Summer Civic Leadership Participants, and recognition of Granville County Youth Voice representative Kaylee Overby.

Angela Crawford retired in July after decades of service to the Granville County Department of Social Services. Commissioners Sue Hinman and Tony Cozart, who also serve on the Social Services Board, recognized Crawford and thanked her for her dedication to the citizens of Granville County. Crawford worked in various positions with the Department of Social Services for thirty-six years, beginning in 1988.

The Summer Civic Leadership cohort gave a presentation to the Board of Commissioners on the work they completed in Granville County over the summer. The 2024 group consisted of Destani Harris (Granville Central High School), Madison Martinez-Molina (South Granville High School), Jazmin Santiago-Barrera (Granville Early College High School), Leah Scott (Henderson Collegiate High School), and Praley Williams (Granville Early College High School). The group spoke about their work in varied county departments this summer and how their experience will help them as citizens and future professionals.

Kaylee Overby was selected to represent Granville County as the Youth Voice participant at the 2024 North Carolina Association of County Commissioners annual conference held August 8-10 in Forsyth County. Kaylee serves on the Granville County Youth Leadership Council and participates in the 4-H Popshots program. Youth Voice offers sessions that help youth gain a better understanding of what county governments do and the role of commissioners as the governing body for counties and provides multiple opportunities for youth and county officials to connect.

Other business conducted on August 5 included:

– Approval of a consulting services contract with Robert Bailess for the Granville County Sheriff’s Office through September 30, 2024.

– Approval of a fixed price service agreement with Gupton Services, Inc. for $18,524 to replace two heating/cooling units at the Granville County Courthouse.

– Approval of a unit-price service agreement for construction materials testing at the North Granville Senior Center construction site in Stovall for an estimated cost of $36,666 with a $10,000 contingency for unanticipated services.

– Approval of a proposal from the North Carolina Department of Commerce Main Street and Rural Planning Center to conduct a 5-year county-wide economic development strategic plan at a cost of $600.

– Approval of a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) radio upgrade for the 911 Emergency Communications Center with Motorola Solutions at a cost of $30,037 to comply with upgrades to the Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER) technology.

– Reappointing Chris Bass (District 5) to the Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority.

– Appointing Joshua Florio (Vice President and General Manager, Ontic) to the Research Triangle Regional Partnership.

– Approval of a resolution authorizing that Granville County sign onto the Kroger Settlement and Second Supplemental Agreement for Additional Funds opioid settlement.

– Approval of Budget Amendment #2 for Fiscal year 2024-2025.

– Approval of Triangle North Project Ordinance Amendment #1 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

– Approval of a resolution for a new Fire and Rescue District Fund investment account.

– Approval of Tax Refunds, Releases, and Write-Offs for June 20 through July 24, 2024.

– Approval of annual pay increase for Elections Director in accordance with the Granville County Board of Elections recommendation.

– Approval of Dribben & Associates, LLC to develop an agreed upon procedures report for the twelve Volunteer Fire Departments in Granville County at a cost not to exceed $45,000.

– Approval of revisions to the Granville County Information Technology (IT) Policy.

– Approval of Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes dated June 17, 2024, and July 1, 2024.

The next meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center.

To stay informed about upcoming meetings of the Board of Commissioners, visit the Granville County website at www.granvillecounty.org where you can sign up for the “Sunshine List” and follow the county on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GranvilleCountyGov.

All meetings of the Granville County Board of Commissioners are now streamed live on YouTube! Subscribe to Granville County Government on YouTube to view the live videos at www.youtube.com/channel/UCbVYs817nNZw3JQFiySEeXg. Archived recordings will also be available on the Granville County website at www.granvillecounty.org/government/county-commissioners/meeting-recordings

Tropical Storm Debby Update – August 8 at 3 p.m.

Posted August 8, 2024

TROPICAL STORM DEBBY UPDATE (3 PM on 8/8/24)

Tropical Storm Debby is currently moving into North Carolina in a north/northwesterly direction. Since making landfall the storm has picked up speed and is now moving at 10 mph. As of 2 p.m., the center of the storm was 55 miles from Charlotte and 100 miles southwest of Raleigh.

The National Hurricane Center predicts that the center of Debby will move through North Carolina this afternoon and evening before making its way into Virginia late Thursday.

CHANGES SINCE LAST UPDATE

Granville County has experienced significant effects from Debby and will continue to see rain and a chance of isolated tornadoes. Rain is expected to continue until Friday afternoon, but likely less heavy rain than before. Granville County could see an additional 2 inches of rain in the next 24 hours in addition to the nearly 4 inches of rain that has already fallen.

EXPECTED HAZARDS

Granville County remains under a Flood Warning until 4 PM today, a Tornado Watch until 9 PM today, and a Flood Watch until 9 PM on Friday.

Granville County 911 has received numerous reports of flooded roads and downed trees across the county. Many of the reports are from central and southern Granville County. A list of roads affected can be found below. This list is not exhaustive and is current as of 3 PM on 8/8/24.

Central Avenue Extension – Butner
Brassfield Road/Three Bridges Lane – Creedmoor
Brassfield Road/Hawley School Road – Creedmoor
Wayside Farm Road/Appaloosa Trail – Franklinton
NC Highway 56/Fort Creek Road – Franklinton
Bruce Garner Road – Franklinton
Flat Rock Road/Averette Drive – Franklinton
Mooreland Drive/Cherry Street – Oxford
US Highway 15/Sam Usry Road – Oxford
Oxford Loop Road/Maluli Drive – Oxford
Tom Hunt Road/Englebright Trail – Oxford
Tar River Road/Tom Hunt Road – Oxford
Forest Avenue – Oxford
New College Street – Oxford
Dogwood Lane – Oxford
US Highway 15/Sanders Road – Stem
Woodland Church Road/Robinson Lane – Wake Forest

POWER OUTAGES

As of 3 PM on 8/8/24, Duke Energy is reporting 100 customers without power in Granville County and Wake Electric is reporting 11 customers with outages.

There are currently over 80,000 customers without power in North Carolina.

Cooperative Extension Employment Opportunity – Ag Business and Market

Posted August 6, 2024

North Carolina A&T University is seeking an Ag Business & Marketing Agent who will be assigned to the Granville County Cooperative Extension office.

Apply now by visiting https://jobs.ncat.edu/postings/33827

Key duties of this role include:

Market Development – Assisting farmers in identifying and accessing new market opportunities, both locally and regionally, to increase the profitability and sustainability of their operations.

Innovative Marketing Strategies – Providing training and resources on the lates marketing techniques, including digital marketing, direct-to-consumer sales, and branding strategies, to help farmers effectively reach and engage with their target audiences.

Business Development – Offering guidance on business planning, financial management, and risk mitigation, tailored to the unique needs of small-scale farmers.

Collaborative Initiatives – Facilitating collaborations between farmers, local businesses, and community organizations to create synergistic opportunities and strengthen the local agribusiness network.

Educational Programs – Conducting workshops, seminars, and field days focused on agribusiness and marketing, ensuring that farmers have access to the latest knowledge and best practices.

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Notice – August 5, 2024

Posted August 1, 2024

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet at the Granville County Convention & Expo Center, 4185 Highway 15, Oxford, NC on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. for the regular scheduled meeting.   

A copy of the agenda can be found at this link.

The live stream broadcast can be below: 

Any questions should be directed to Karen Evans, Clerk to the Board, at 919-603-1307 or emailed to  karen.evans@granvillecounty.org  

Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Notice – August 5, 2024

Posted August 1, 2024

All interested persons please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center located at 4185 US Highway 15, 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.

Any questions should be directed to Karen Evans, Clerk to the Board, at 919-603-1307 or emailed to karen.evans@granvillecounty.org

Veterans Breakfast Scheduled for August 12 in Creedmoor

Posted July 17, 2024

Granville County Veterans Services will host a free breakfast for Veterans on Monday, August 12 at 8:00 a.m. at the Creedmoor Community Center Willow Oak Room (116 Douglas Drive) in Creedmoor. This event is made possible by the Joel Fund.

Veterans will be able to enjoy a breakfast and fellowship free of charge in recognition of their service in any branch of the United States Armed Forces.

For more information, contact the Granville County Veterans Services Office at 919-693-1484 or visit 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 111 Masonic Street in Creedmoor on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Additional information about the programs and services offered by the Granville County Veterans Services Office is available on the Granville County website.

To learn more about the Joel Fund, visit their website.