Stories Across Granville

Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – May 20, 2024

Posted May 22, 2024

The Granville County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, May 20 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center. The meeting featured a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. The full budget document can be viewed on the county website and a video of County Manager Drew Cumming’s presentation is available on YouTube. The Board of Commissioners will consider adopting the final budget document during their meeting on June 3, 2024.

Other business conducted on May 20 included:

– Approval of a contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams, and Co. (TPSA) to conduct the 2023-2024 fiscal year audit and financial statement preparation at a cost of $47,950.

– Reappointing Robert Gorham to the City of Creedmoor Planning Board extraterritorial jurisdiction seat.

– Appointing Kelly Jones to the Granville – Vance District Board of Health pharmacist seat.

– Appointing Commissioner Russ May to the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees.

– Transferring easement rights for the Butner Greenway to the Town of Butner.

– Approving Budget Amendment #10 for fiscal year 2024-2025.

– Approving the surplus and future disposal of five Sheriff’s Office vehicles.

– Approving updates to signature authority on County, Sheriff’s Execution, and Sheriff’s Inmate accounts.

– Approving tax refunds, releases, and write-offs for April 25 through May 6, 2024.

– Approval of memorandum of understanding with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) to complete a transportation study to include most of southern Granville County.

The meeting of the Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, June 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.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – May 6, 2024

Posted May 14, 2024

The Granville County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, May 6 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center. The meeting featured the presentation of the Manager’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 and an update from the Granville County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC).

Eddie Crews and Reverend Tolokun Omokunde provided a report on recent activities by JCPC. Ongoing programs coordinated by JCPC include Community Connections counseling service, Community Service/Restitution programs, Teen Court, Positive Action Program, and Trails to Success. In the past year JCPC has served 122 juveniles through these programs designed to keep juveniles out of the criminal justice system.

Other business conducted on May 6 included:

– The introduction of Finance Director Jennifer Baird.

– Approval of the JCPC County Plan for fiscal year 2024-2025.

– Approval of the JCPC membership list for fiscal year 2024-2025.

– Holding a public hearing and approving an amendment to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Nugget Comfort, LLC.

– Authorizing the County Manager to execute an accreditation manager contract for the Granville County Sheriff’s Office with Belinda L. Pounds in the amount of $19,999.81. Funding will come from a North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission grant.

– Reappointing Michael Smith to the Granville County ABC Board.

– Appointing Joe Stallings to the Economic Development Director position on the Granville County Tourism Development Authority.

– Appointing Adam McConnell to the Kerr-Tar Regional Economic Development Commission – Triangle North Board.

– Approval of an Emergency Communications Consulting Contract with Tonya Evans for a not to exceed amount of $30,000.

– Approval of a short-term lease for the 2^nd floor of 204 Williamsboro Street and a long-term lease for the entire facility after the 1^st floor becomes available later this year.

– Approval of an interlocal agreement with Granville-Vance Public Health for Opioid Community Development Specialist Services.

– Approval of an amendment to the previously approved contract with Portman Industrial, LLC to extend the examination period for the purchase of property at Triangle North Granville Business Park.

– Approval of the surplus of one county-owned vehicle.

– Approval of tax refunds, releases, and write-offs for April 4 to April 24, 2024.

– Approval of a property tax adjustment for a building destroyed by fire.

– Issuing a proclamation for May 5 to May 11, 2024, as Clerks to the Board of County Commissioners Week in Granville County.

– Approval of the March 18 and April 1, 2024, meeting minutes.

The next meetings of the Granville County Board of Commissioners will be the annual budget workshops scheduled for Monday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 15 at 9:00 a.m. at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center. An additional workshop will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 9:00 a.m. if needed. The next regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, May 20 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 https://www.facebook.com/GranvilleCountyGov.

Granville Hosts NCACC District Meeting

Posted May 6, 2024

Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic at Corinth VFD – May 11, 2024

Posted May 6, 2024

Granville County Animal Control and the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department will host a FREE rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Corinth Volunteer Fire Department (3660 NC Highway 96, Oxford)

1-year and 3-year vaccines will be available for dogs and cats. To receive the 3-year vaccine pet owners MUST bring paper certificate proof of prior vaccine.

All owners will be asked to stay in their cars and the vaccines will be administered to dogs while still in their owners vehicles. Cats will be taken inside the fire department.

All cats must be in carriers and all dogs must be leashed.

Thank you to Dr. Trudi Bowden, the Corinth Volunteer Fire Department and our Granville County Animal Shelter Friends volunteers!

Friends of the Library Book Sale – May 11

Posted May 2, 2024

The Friends of the Granville County Library System will host a book sale at the Richard H. Thornton Library on Saturday, May 11. The sale will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Members of the Friends of the Library will have early access beginning at 10:00 a.m.

All items will sell for $1.00 with proceeds going to the Friends of the Library to support the operations of the Granville County Library System. For more information, contact the Richard H. Thornton Library at 919-693-1121.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in downtown Oxford. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Thornton Library and the other three branches of the Granville County Library system (South, Stovall, and Berea), visit the library’s website. Or follow the library system on Facebook. 

Veterans Services Hosting Breakfast for Veterans on Monday, May 20

Posted May 1, 2024

Granville County Employees Participate in DOT Litter Sweep

Posted April 26, 2024

Granville County Teen Court Places First at 2024 Summit

Posted April 26, 2024

The 26th Annual Teen Court Statewide Mock Trial Summit Competition, hosted by the North Carolina Teen Court Association, took place in Concord, NC from April 19th to 21st. Granville County Teen Court’s youth volunteers were among over 200 participants from across North Carolina, engaging in an educational weekend showcasing their skills and knowledge through mock trial competitions. Seven dedicated student volunteers from Granville County represented the Teen Court, assuming roles such as attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and defendants, competing against teams from various counties across the state. Representing Granville County in this year’s event were: Defense Attorneys Cristina Portillo-Martinez and Jazlyn Usher, Prosecutors Joydan Johnson and Jermaine Puryear, Jr., Clerk of Court Iesha Landis, Bailiff Cassie Peele, and Defendant Caitlynne Horton.

These students dedicated weeks of diligent practice to perfecting their roles leading up to the competition. Amidst their regular schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and ongoing Teen Court responsibilities, they carved out time to come in for extra sessions on evenings, Saturday mornings, and even during school breaks to prepare thoroughly. Their perseverance paid off immensely as the team emerged victorious, claiming 1st place in the state competition! Additionally, two members received special recognition for their outstanding performance in the courtroom. Jazlyn Usher was honored with the title of “Best Attorney Courtroom A” in the Defense’s trial, while Jermaine Puryear, Jr. received accolades as “Best Attorney for Courtroom B” in the Prosecution’s trial, as well as the prestigious title of “Best Overall Prosecuting Attorney” across all courtroom trials.

Apart from the Mock Trial competition, the objectives for the three-day event encompassed several key goals: assembling volunteers from all Teen Courts across North Carolina; enhancing volunteer effectiveness in the courtroom; gaining practical experience through the Mock Trial Competition; fostering friendships; and exchanging information and experiences. On Friday night, youth engaged in a team-building workshop. Following a tense morning of mock trial competition, students were treated to much-needed stress relief and fun at the Great Wolf Lodge water park. On Saturday night, they enjoyed a Dinner Theater presentation titled, “The Douglas-Lincoln Debates, A One-Act Play and Discussion Event.” The play centered on the authentic and sometimes awkward humanity and vulnerability of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. 

The final day concluded with a presentation by Glenn Smith, Executive Director of Life Connections of the Carolinas, Inc., where he discussed the significance of restorative justice and the advantages of diversion programs like Teen Court. Following this presentation was the awards ceremony, a moment filled with excitement and celebration for Granville County.

Charissa Puryear, the County Extension Director, had the pleasure of accompanying the youth and witnessing their joyous celebration. She remarked, “This was an exhilarating moment for our youth volunteers. Throughout the year, they have dedicated themselves to serving the youth of Granville County through their teen court program. These young volunteers commit their time to offering an alternative for youth offenders in the county. The NCTCA summit provided them with the chance to showcase their skills among participants from across the state, and I am immensely proud of their dedication and achievements. As Granville County Teen Court marks its 15th anniversary this year, our volunteers continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment and excellence.”

Granville County Teen Court deeply appreciates the ongoing support from the community. The Granville County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) and the County of Granville persist in their support through funding. The program is also immensely thankful for the consistent support from the Sheriff’s Department at the courthouse, as well as the various schools that allow volunteers to participate. Adult volunteers play a crucial role as the program’s biggest supporters, including Judge Katherine Burnette, S. Quon Bridges, and Lori Dutra, who provide invaluable support and feedback during Teen Court sessions, preparing youth for competitions throughout the year. Committed volunteers such as Tiana Jones, Nancy Pifer, Carol Wheeless, and Sonia Hernandez demonstrate unwavering dedication to supporting the youth and the program.

For countless volunteers who have devoted countless service hours to Teen Court, the Teen Summit serves as the pinnacle of their year-long commitment. This dynamic weekend activity provided volunteers with the realization that their contributions to their peers through Teen Court extend far beyond the confines of their individual courtrooms. The impact of restorative justice resonates across counties, states, and even globally.

Household Hazardous Waste Event – Saturday, May 18

Posted April 25, 2024

It’s almost time to finish up your spring cleaning!

Soil and Water Conservation Workshop Scholarhips

Posted April 22, 2024

Granville County Soil and Water Office will sponsor two Granville County students to attend the annual conservation workshop at NC State University scheduled for June 16 to June 21, 2024.