Latest News

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.

Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Posted April 19, 2024

Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – April 15, 2024

Posted April 19, 2024

Commissioner Sue Hinman, Social Services Director LaToya Toussaint, Social Work Supervisor Joe Tartamella, and Commissioner Tony Cozart

The Granville County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, April 15 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center. The meeting featured the presentation of a proclamation recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month and an update from the Senior Services Advisory Committee.

Commissioners Sue Hinman and Tony Cozart (who also serve as members of the Granville County Social Services Board) joined Social Services Director LaToya Toussaint and Social Work Supervisor Joe Tartamella to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child Abuse Prevention Month aims to protect our most vulnerable residents from all forms of abuse and neglect.

Senior Services Advisory Committee Chair David Smith provided an update on committee activities to the Board of Commissioners. The Senior Services Committee consists of residents from all seven county districts who advise the Senior Services department on programs and services provided by Granville County’s three senior centers. Other committee initiatives include monitoring the progress and design of the planned North Granville Senior Center in Stovall, enhancing the home-delivered meal program, and planning needs of the South Granville Senior Center in Creedmoor.

Other business conducted on April 15 included:

– The introduction of Grant Writer Jamie Oxendine, who began his tenure on April 1. Oxendine’s position is co-funded by the City of Creedmoor to provide grant writing services to Granville and Creedmoor.

– Approval of a final resolution for financing for the North Granville Senior Center.

– Approval of the extension of a lease agreement with Bi-Comm Systems for their tower that acts as the prime paging site for notifying fire and EMS of emergency calls from 911 Emergency Communications.

– Adopting a correction to the neighborhood adjustment factors that were originally included in the published 2024 Real Property Assessment Manual.

– Approval of a base bid of $1,975,439 and a contingency amount of $98,000 to Park Construction of North Carolina to construct water service infrastructure at Triangle North Business Park.

– Authorizing the County Manager and County Attorney to finalize a cash escrow agreement equal to 125 percent of the estimated cost of the required road improvements necessary to bring Triangle North Drive up to North Carolina Department of Transportation standards needed for final subdivision plat approval.

– Approval of a letter to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley in support of Vaya Health becoming the statewide administrator for the Children and Families Specialty Plan in collaboration with Partners Health Management.

– Reappointing John Frank (District 6) and Delores Lyon (Alternate, District 4) to the Granville County Board of Adjustment.

– Appointing Cynthia Griffin (District 3) to the Senior Services Advisory Committee.

– Approval of Budget Amendment #9 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

– Approval of Project Ordinance Amendment #2 for Triangle North Water and Sewer Project.

– Approval of the surplus of eight county-owned vehicles.

– Approval of tax refunds, releases, and write-offs for March 21 to April 3, 2024.

– Approval of county employee participation in the North Carolina Department of Transportation sponsored litter sweep on April 26.

– Approval of a proclamation for National Therapy Animal Day.

– Approval of the March 4, 2024, meeting minutes.

The next meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, May 6 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.

Notice of Possible Quorum – April 22, 2024

Posted April 18, 2024

A quorum of the Granville County Board of Commissioners may be present during a training session for the Board of Equalization and Review  on Monday, April 22, 2024.  The training will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center, 4185 Highway 15, Oxford, NC.  For more information, please contact the County Manager’s Office at 919-693-5240.

Debra A. Weary

Clerk to the Board

Board of Equalization and Review Meeting Notice – April 29 through June 3, 2024

Posted April 18, 2024

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet in the Granville County Convention & Expo Center, 4185 Highway 15 South, Oxford, North Carolina to consider taxable property appraisals as provided by the General Statutes of North Carolina (Sec. 105-322) on the following dates:

                        April 29^th         –           5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (convene)

                        May 6^th           –           5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

                        May 14^th         –           5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

                        May 20^th         –           5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

                        May 21^st         –           5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

                        May 30^th         –           5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

                        June 3^rd          –           5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (adjournment)

In the event of earlier or later adjournment, notice of any changes will be published in this newspaper.  If you have any questions about your tax values or about the powers and duties of this Board, contact the Granville County Assessor’s Office, 141 Williamsboro Street, Oxford, North Carolina 27565.  (919) 693-4181.

Jennifer Short

Tax Administrator

Granville County

Child Abuse Prevention Month Digital Advocacy Day

Posted April 16, 2024

Summer Civic Leadership Program