Archive for July, 2023

Accidental 911 Calls FAQ

Posted July 30, 2023

Have you ever accidentally dialed 911? It’s an increasingly easy mistake to make now that most smart phones are equipped with “SOS” features and shortcuts to utilize in the case of emergency. These “smart” features can save lives during emergency situations but have also led to an increasing load of 911 calls where the caller immediately hangs up or does not realize that they called 911 at all.

When this happens, what should you do? Here are a few helpful tips about accidental 911 calls:

• If you accidentally call 911, DO NOT HANG UP! Stay on the line to inform the dispatcher that the call was made by mistake so that they can confirm there is no emergency. If you hang up, 911 will attempt to call you back and emergency responders may be dispatched to your location if the dispatcher was unable to confirm there was not an emergency.

• Did you know that deactivated phones, often used by kids for gaming, may still have the ability to call 911? Make sure your kids know this important fact so that they can call 911 in case of emergency and to ensure that they ONLY do so in case of emergency.

• Many smart watches also include SOS capabilities and may call 911 in certain situations. These features can sometimes activate without the user realizing they have done so.

• Both Apple IOS and Android devices offer automated SOS features that can be adjusted. They are intended to automatically call 911 in the case of a car crash or other high impact event. Check your phone settings to adjust if the sensitivity of this feature, especially if this has ever activated on your device by mistake.

• Thrill rides like roller coasters have been known to activate these automated SOS features. Consider leaving your phone in a locker or place in “airplane mode” the next time you are considering a “rough” theme park ride.

Celebrate National Parks and Rec Month at the GAP

Posted July 30, 2023

July is National Parks and Recreation month and the perfect time to feature the truly great recreational space that is the Granville Athletic Park (GAP). The 2023 National Parks and Recreation Month theme is “where community grows” and anyone that has ever visited the GAP knows it is great place to connect with the community, enjoy a quiet contemplative walk in nature, or take in a tennis match, baseball, or soccer game.

The GAP is a true regional recreation destination and offers something for everyone. From playgrounds, an 18-hole disc golf course, paved walking trails, tennis courts, sand volleyball, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, outdoor exercise equipment, an amphitheater, spray park (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), and a covered pavilion, there is truly something for every Granville resident no matter their age or physical ability.

In addition to enjoying these amenities any day and time, many park facilities are also available for private rentals. Consider hosting your next corporate or family event at the GAP! For more information about renting facilities at the GAP, visit www.granvillecounty.org/rentalfacilities or call 919-693-3716. The GAP is open dawn to dusk 365 days a year and is located at 4615 Belltown Road, Oxford.

Notice of Board of Elections Meeting – July 27, 2023

Posted July 25, 2023 

The Granville County Board of Elections will hold a special meeting in the Board of Elections office at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2023 to approve a One-Stop plan for the November 7, 2023 Municipal Election, add additional duties and approve Director duties and responsibilities, and conduct any other business to come before the Board.

Notice of Fire Commission Meeting – August 8, 2023

Posted July 25, 2023

The Granville County Fire Commission will meet at Granville County Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US HWY 15, Oxford, NC on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Any questions should be directed to Jason Reavis, Emergency Management Director, at 919-603-1310 or emailed to  jason.reavis@granvillecounty.org 

Veterans are Encouraged to Locate and Securely Store their DD-214

Posted July 13, 2023

One of the most critical items needed by Veterans in the United States to receive access to benefits and programs is their Discharge from Active Duty or Certificate of Release Form, commonly referred to as the DD-214. This vital document is issued by the US Department of Defense upon retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty and is the key document needed by local, state, and federal service providers to assist Veterans and their families.

“When speaking with Veterans at our office, we often find that they do not have a copy of their DD-214,” said Interim Veterans Services Officer A.J. Spiess. “Whether they are trying to sign up for medical care from the VA, file a claim for burial honors, or apply for VA home mortgage loans, you will need a copy of your DD-214. I would encourage all Veterans to keep a copy of their DD-214 securely stored and somewhere it be accessed easily. It is also important to make sure your spouse or another close family member knows how to find a copy of your DD-214.”

Veterans in Granville County who need assistance obtaining a copy of their DD-214 are encouraged to visit the Veterans Services Office located at 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford. Weekly office hours are also held on Wednesdays at Creedmoor City Hall (111 Masonic Street, Creedmoor) from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Currently, the Oxford office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Granville County Veterans Services Office provides Veterans and their families assistance with educational benefits, grave markers, license plates, disability benefits, tax benefits, wildlife licenses, and much more. For more information about the Granville County Veterans Services Office, call 919-693-1484 or visit the Granville County website.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – July 10, 2023

Posted July 12, 2023

The Granville County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, July 10 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center and kicked off the evening with a recognition of the many years of volunteer service of Vivian Oney to the Oxford-based Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM). Commissioner Sue Hinman, who also serves as ACIM’s Executive Director, recognized efforts of Oney to help make Granville County a better place to live for all its residents.

“Vivian has volunteered with ACIM for the last thirty-eight years,” said Hinman. “Her dedication to service is truly inspirational; not just to me, but for all the people in Granville County whose lives have been touched by her work.”

The Board also conducted the following business:

• Approved the committee roster and spending plan for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC).
• Approved Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Mini-Grants to the City of Creedmoor for soccer goals and fencing for Creedmoor Memorial Park, the Town of Butner for playground shade structure at Butner Athletic Park, the Town of Stovall for picnic tables and benches for Stovall Community Park, and Treasures of Joy for trail and community garden with street access at 222 Granville and 312 Sycamore streets in Oxford.
• Approved the purchase and installation of wireless internet infrastructure at the Granville County Courthouse.
• Appointed Neil Gresham and reappointed Tony Woodlief to the City of Oxford Planning Board Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) seats.
• Appointed Sabine Stovall to the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees.
• Authorized the Granville County Opioid Advisory Committee to spend up to $105,000 in settlement funding to create an Opioid Coordinator position and conduct additional public education efforts.
• Approved the surplus of three county-owned vehicles.
• Approved Revisions to the county’s Personnel Policy.
• Invited the public to comment on the proposed NC DEQ Air Quality permit for the expansion of CertainTeed in Oxford. More information about the permit and the public comment process may be found here.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Notice – July 10, 2023

Posted July 7, 2023

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet at the Granville Expo and Convention Center, 4185 Highway 15, Oxford, NC on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. for the regular scheduled meeting.

Any questions should be directed to Debra Weary, Clerk to the Board, at 919-603-1307 or emailed to debra.weary@granvillecounty.org 

July 10, 2023 Agenda

Sponsor Mural Dedicated at the GAP

Posted July 5, 2023

Granville County Commissioners and staff gathered with local community partners to dedicate the new sponsor mural at the Granville Athletic Park (GAP) on June 26. The mural is located on the restroom shelter facility in Phase III of the park, adjacent to the accessible playground, tennis and sand volleyball courts, and several holes of the disc golf course.

“Today we are unveiling a mural that will serve not just as recognition for our sponsors, but a testament to the strength of Granville County and the desire by all of those named to make our community a better place to live,” said Chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Russ May. “This mural will add to the beauty of our park while also encouraging others in the future to show the same dedication to their community that these sponsors have.”

The sponsors included on the unveiled mural were Carolina Sunrock, Duke Energy, Granville Health System, Hicks & Koinis, PLLC, Bailey Farms, Inc., and Paul and Jane Reeder.

Several spaces on the mural are still available. There are four sponsorship levels available at multiple price points ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. Each tier offers a different level of prominence and visibility on the mural to allow a business or family donation to be permanently recognized and featured for the thousands of visitors that visit the GAP each year.

For more information about securing your place on the GAP sponsor mural wall, visit www.granvillecounty.org/gapsponsors.

Since opening in 2004, the GAP has truly become the crown jewel recreational complex for Granville County residents. The park consists of miles of paved walking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course that weaves through tall pines and hardwoods, ball fields framed by foliage, an outdoor amphitheater perfect for showcasing special performances in the open air, and an outdoor classroom surrounded by plant life and sunshine.  Other features at the GAP include numerous amenities like the large sports pavilion, picnic shelters, children’s musical sound garden, outdoor fitness equipment, spray park, and a Storywalk® display. Granville County is currently undertaking a recreation master plan, which will guide future planning and development of recreational spaces for the public beyond the GAP.

To rent a facility at the GAP for private use, visit www.granvillecounty.org/rentalfacilities. The GAP is located at 4615 Belltown Road, Oxford.

View the video below for highlights of the event:

Harry Mills Announces Retirement from Granville County

Posted July 3, 2023

After decades of public service, Harry Mills has announced his retirement as Economic Development Director for Granville County. Mills was named Economic Development Director in 2014, previously serving as a Social Worker with Granville County Senior Services for six years. In his nine years at the helm of the Economic Development office, Granville County experienced unprecedented growth in commercial and residential development and retained many key employers while other rural counties simultaneously saw industries flee to major metropolitan markets. Mills spearheaded many major projects during his tenure, attracting new industries or facilitating federal and state grants for employers like Meel Corp, Certainteed, Bandag, Ontic, Altec, Plantd, Auction Direct USA, Strong Arm Bakery, and countless others. Mills formed relationships with local, regional, and national partners to promote Granville County to employers and improve workforce development programs with Vance-Granville Community College and Granville County Public Schools. Mills has represented Granville County on local and statewide boards and committees like the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the Regional Foreign Trade Board, Tourism Development Authority, and the Economic Development Advisory Board.

“Harry Mills has truly left his mark on Granville County as a citizen and a valued county employee,” said Granville County Board of Commissioners Chair Russ May. “His dedication to improving the lives of our citizens through his dedicated leadership of our Economic Development Office have been instrumental to the economic success of Granville County and all our municipalities over the last nine years. He will be missed, and we wish him happy and healthy retirement!”

A native of Granville County, Mills graduated from J.F. Webb High School in 1978. He attended Mount Olive Junior College and Warren Wilson College before joining the United States Marine Corps, where he served for four years.

“I loved my time working for Granville County but am also so excited for what retirement has to bring for my family,” said Harry Mills. “Working with and for this community has been the highlight of my life and I’m thankful to all those who helped me succeed during my time as Economic Development Director and as a Social Worker. Please know that Granville County is positioned for continued success, and I can’t wait to see what happens next as I ‘Grow with Granville’ as a regular citizen watching from the sidelines.”

A national search will begin soon for Mills’ replacement and Economic Development Specialist Audrey Boone will serve as Interim Director until a permanent appointment is made by the County Manager.