Filter

Archive for June, 2019

Celebrate safely this Fourth of July!

With the July 4th weekend approaching, Granville County Sheriff Brindell B Wilkins, Jr asks all citizens to join him in making this Independence Day holiday happy, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

 

The Sheriff reminds all Granville County residents to follow these safety tips on the highway.

  • Always shift your attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind you. Never blankly stare ahead nor fix your gaze on one point on the road;
  • Always signal your intentions with your brake lights and turn signals, so that other drivers will see you well before you change course;
  • Drivers should always “aim high” in steering. That is, you should glance frequently at points well ahead of you; and
  • Never follow too close. Remember that it’s good to have an extra cushion of space in front of you if you’re being tail-gated, on a slippery road, or in low visibility conditions.

 

Granville County citizens should also remember that fireworks, as enjoyable as they are to watch, can be dangerous and should only be handled by professionals.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there are nearly 13,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year. You can enjoy a safe Fourth of July by following these safety tips:

  • Never give fireworks to small children;
  • Always follow the instructions on the packaging;
  • Light only one firework at a time;
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets;
  • Never throw or point a firework towards people, animals, vehicles, or structures
  • Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays; and
  • Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

 

Sheriff Wilkins also wants citizens to use caution when swimming at the lake or at a pool.  “Sadly, most deaths from drowning occur within a few feet of safety,” Sheriff Wilkins said. ”The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.”

 

The Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To find out where lessons are offered, or to enroll in a CPR/AED or first aid course, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

 

At a swimming pool, take the following precautions

  • If no lifeguard is on duty, do not let children swim unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult who knows lifesaving techniques and first aid;
  • Look around the pool area to be certain lifesaving devices are readily available for emergency use;
  • Be sure covers are installed on all drains of a swimming pool or in a wading pool; and
  • Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies water resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and rests.

 

If at the lake, take the following precautions:

  • Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” – too tired, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity;
  • When diving, exercise extreme caution. Underwater obstacles may not be visible; and
  • Swim with others, never swim alone.

 

“Following these precautions can help Granville County residents stay safe and healthy this holiday weekend and throughout the summer,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “Let’s make this a safe holiday for everyone.”

 

 

 

 

Creative Lifelong Learning Program gears up for new season

The Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program, sponsored by Granville County Senior Services, has completed its 2018/2019 schedule, with organizers preparing for the 2019/2020 course offerings. Almost 300 Granville County residents participated in the Fall 2018/Spring 2019 program, which included a variety of courses, activities and educational trips. Topics included Conversational Spanish, Marketing and Advertising, Tai Chi as Physical Therapy and many others, some of which were not limited to local seniors, but were open to any participant over the age of 18.

 

The CLL program will continue to be open to Granville County adults, ages 50+, as well as to those outside the county and/or over the age of 18. The program is now renewing memberships for the coming year, as well as accepting new members. Class/activity schedules are available in the “Senior Connections” monthly newsletter, as well as on the Granville County Government webpage. Visit www.granvillecounty.org/residents/senior-services/.

 

Among many new topics/experiences scheduled for Fall 2019, CLL will offer the educational series “My Former Life.” This course will focus on the professional experiences of Granville County seniors and their careers before retirement. According to organizers, the course will provide an understanding of some unique career choices and will offer a glimpse into the depth of knowledge of our senior citizen population.

 

New teachers are now being recruited for the upcoming Fall and Spring season and new classes are being developed on an ongoing basis. If interested in becoming involved, teacher applications are available online at www.granvillecounty.org/residents/senior-services/.

 

Participation in this program continues to be encouraged and new CLL members are welcome. The Granville County Senior Center in Oxford is located at 107 Lanier Street in Oxford. For suggestions for future schedule additions or for more information about the program, contact Marilyn Howard, CLL Coordinator, at 919-693-1930.

 

(Pictured are members of CLL’s “Young at Heart Chorus” and a flyer to promote an educational presentation from last season, “Cedar Lawn Plantation from Two Perspectives.” On home page are Dr. Paul and Jane Reeder, the first charter members of the Creative Lifelong Learning program in one of the many activities offered.)

 

     

 

 

 

Hayes retires from Granville County Sheriff’s Office

A retirement celebration was recently held at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center as Mr. Jimmy Hayes officially worked his last day with the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. Hayes served as Administrator of the Detention Center since 1997, after a 34-year career with the Department of Corrections.

Many were in attendance at the farewell event, including family members, co-workers and friends –  to wish him well in his retirement.

 

    

 

 

Cadets graduate from Sheriff’s Office Teen Law Academy

Participants of the 2019 Granville County Sheriff’s Office Teen Law Academy have received certificates of completion after a week-long training program. Held at Granville Central High School, the session was offered – at no cost – to high school students interested in a career in law enforcement, the criminal justice system, the U.S. Military or public service. Participating cadets engaged in classroom and hands-on law enforcement activities, exposing them to the rigors and demands facing today’s law enforcement officers.

 

The 2019 graduating class included 28 cadets: Adam Adcock, Shakya Ball, K’Veon Bruce, Malachi Cheek, Megan Ellis, Evelyn Galvan, Daniel Gladden, Jatavious Hunt, Riley Johnson, Christopher May, Ricky O’Neal, Dominic Pollay, Kara Ray, Clay Slaughter, Matthew Spiers, Joel Tidd, Josh Adcock, Blake Bowling, James Gladden, Sandra Inman, Jaden Lawrence, Griffin McCaffery, RocQuan Perry, Felix Pollay, Brittany Smith, Caleb Senter, Brandon Sullivan and Angel Webb.

 

“We are very proud of this training program,” Sheriff Brindell Wilkins said, “and are especially proud of our first graduating class. These young men and women showed that they have what it takes to be successful when they enter their chosen professions.”

 

 Representatives of law enforcement, judges, attorneys, members of the U.S. Army National Guard and other highly-qualified career professionals provided training in firearms and shooting skills, crime scene investigation, K9 drug detection, high-risk felony traffic stops, physical fitness, and other aspects of instruction. Training also consisted of information about the roles of SWAT and special response teams, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the criminal court system, and use of the Life Flight helicopter.

 

A graduation ceremony was held on Friday, June 21. Angel Webb served as Class Valedictorian, while Brandon Sullivan was recognized as Distinguished Leader. Other honors included Brittany Smith, Best All Around; Caleb Senter, Extra Effort Award (male); Megan Ellis, Extra Effort Award (female); and Clay Slaughter, Top Performance.

 

Scholarship winners, each of whom received a $300 cash award at program completion, included Christopher May, Griffin McCaffery and Kara Ray.

 

Randy Christensen, Elliott Carver, Christy Currin, Tabitha Glasscock, Jackie Harris, Sergent M. Manz, Shelby Sharron and Jerry Wells served on the 2019 Teen Law Academy Planning Committee. Presenting sponsors, along with Granville County Sheriff Brindell Wilkins, Jr., included Granville County Public Schools, the U.S. Army National Guard and the Boy Scouts of America.

 

“This program was made possible by a number of local business and individuals who are too numerous to mention,” Sheriff Wilkins remarked. “Because of their support, we were able to offer this valuable training at no charge to the cadets who participated. I would like to personally thank everyone for their contributions and support.”

 

Plans are already in the works for the 2020 Teen Law Academy. To find out how you can assist in this training program, contact the Granville County  Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213.

 

 

(Photos courtesy of @ah.photography.336)

 

Free concert to be held at Thornton Library, June 29

On June 29, the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford will host a musical concert as Grammy award winner Dom Flemons performs a selection of American folk tunes, ballads and bluegrass music. Known as “The American Songster,” Flemons has traveled all over the world, performing on banjo guitar, harmonica and percussion instruments. This Saturday at 2 p.m., Flemons will bring his talents to Oxford for a free show that is open to the public.

 

Now embarking on a solo career, Flemons has performed with leading musicians such as the Old Crow Medicine Show, Taj Mahal, Guy Davis, Mike Steeger, Joe Thompson, Martin Simpson and Boo Hanks. In 2005, the musician co-founded the “The Carolina Chocolate Drops,” a group which has been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. In 2010, “The Carolina Chocolate Drops” was singled out for a Grammy award in the category of “Best Traditional Folk Music.”

 

Over the past ten years, Flemons’ tours have included stops at Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry and other popular venues, as well as the Opening Ceremony for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American history and Culture. His most recent solo album, “Dom Flemons Presents Black Cowboys,” pays tribute to the music, culture and history of the Wild West, following the footsteps of the thousands of African-American pioneers who helped build the country’s trails and rails. The recording, part of Folkways 70th Anniversary and the African-American Legacy Recording series, spent 31 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Bluegrass chart.

 

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in Oxford and is one of four branches of the Granville County Library System. Others are located in Creedmoor (South Branch), Stovall and Berea. To learn more about Flemons and his musical work, visit TheAmericanSongster.com website, which has been selected by the Library of Congress for inclusion in the American Music Creators Web Archive. For more details about other upcoming programs and events hosted by a library branch near you, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us.

 

 

Prescription drug assistance now available

FROM NC DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE: Medicare beneficiaries who have limited incomes and assets may be eligible for Extra Help to pay for their prescription drugs. The federal Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, also known as Extra Help, assists qualified Medicare beneficiaries with out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare Part D prescription drugs.

 

There are more than 80,000 Medicare beneficiaries in North Carolina who may be eligible for help but have yet to apply. SHIIP, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program and a division of the N.C. Department of Insurance, is joining with partners around the state to help beneficiaries understand and apply for Extra Help. 

 

“Many who are eligible for this assistance are not aware that it is available to them,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey. “It is our goal to get the message of Extra Help out to Medicare beneficiaries statewide and get them enrolled so they can begin receiving help with their Medicare prescription drug costs.”

 

Granville County Senior Services can help Medicare beneficiaries in Granville County with the enrollment process for Extra Help. Please contact Carolyn Keith at 919-693-1930 to schedule an appointment.     

 

To qualify for Extra Help, a Medicare beneficiary must meet certain income, resource and asset level requirements. The income and asset limits for Extra Help are $1,508 per month with assets up to $13,820 if you are single, and $2,030 per month with assets up to $27,600 if you are married.

 

SHIIP, a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, has volunteers in all 100 counties in North Carolina who offer one-on-one counseling and provide free, unbiased information about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage and health plan options and long-term care insurance. To contact SHIIP, call 1-855-408-1212 or visit www.ncshiip.com. 

 

Annual fireworks show scheduled for July 3

The City of Creedmoor and Town of Butner will host a spectacular fireworks display at Lake Holt, located on Old Highway 75 in Butner. The 2019 event is also supported with donations from the Town of Stem, City of Oxford, and Granville County Government. This event is scheduled for July 3.  Gates open at 6 p.m. and the fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.  Concessions offering a selection of hot dogs, bottled water, and soft drinks are available (no alcoholic beverages are permitted), and a DJ will provide music to add to the celebration.  

 

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and/or blanket, as well as a personal-size flashlight.  Due to the loud nature of fireworks, event organizers request that all pets be left at home for this event. 

 

Parking and security is organized by officers of the Creedmoor Police Department, the Creedmoor Volunteer Fire Department, Butner Public Safety, and Granville County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Spring/Summer newsletter now available

The Spring/Summer newsletter published by the Granville County Soil and Water District is now available online. The eight-page edition includes information including how to use the NRCS Web Soil Survey, an update on North Carolina Agriculture Cost-Share Funds, and details on how to manage local fishponds as well as an introduction to the local Soil and Water Board members.

 

Did you know that there are 96 Soil and Water Districts in North Carolina, and that these districts are organized under state law to carry out the state’s Soil and Water Conservation Programs? Local Board meetings are held monthly and are open to the public. Contact the Granville Soil and Water District at 919-693-4603 for more information on how to get involved.

 

The Granville Steward Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal filing period begins July 5

The Granville County Board of Elections announces that the municipal filing period is set to begin at noon on Friday, July 5 and will end on Friday, July 19, also at noon. The Board of Elections office will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will not close for lunch during the filing period. 

 

Local offices up for re-election are as follows:

 

City of Oxford:

Mayor

City Commissioner (three seats)

Filing fee is $10.00

 

City of Creedmoor

Mayor

City Commissioners (three seats)

Filing fee is $10.00

 

Town of Stem

Mayor

Town Commissioners (three seats, one of which is an unexpired term)

(REVISED INFORMATION, JUNE 21, 2019: FOUR SEATS, TWO OF WHICH ARE UP IN 2019 AND TWO OF WHICH ARE UNEXPIRED TERMS ENDING IN 2021)

Filing fee is $5.00

 

Town of Stovall

Mayor (Seat is not up until 2021)

Town Commissioners (three seats)

Filing fee is $5.00

 

Town of Butner

Mayor

Town Council Members (three seats)

Filing fee is $10.00

 

Candidates are asked to bring a check to pay for the appropriate filing fee. 

 

The Board of Elections office is located at 208 Wall Street in Oxford. For questions about filing, please contact the Board of Elections office at 919-693-2515.

 

 

Summer Civic Leadership Program begins

The Granville County Board of Commissioners’ Summer Civic Leadership Program for rising Granville County seniors began on June 13. The program is in its twentieth year. Interns will work for five weeks, rotating through Granville County departments and learning about how their local county government operates. The program has a competitive application and interview process. Fifteen applicants were interviewed this year. Interns are Brooklyn Pridgeon, Sarah Elliott, Anthony Goreman, Tanaura Harrison, and Akoya Penny-Campbell.

 

Pictured (left to right, front) are Brooklyn Pridgeon, Sarah Elliott; and (back)) Anthony Goreman, Tanaura Harrison, Akoya Penny-Campbell.

 

Back To Top