SANFORD, NC (September 22, 2023) — Education and workforce development organizations throughout central North Carolina put pen to paper Thursday (Sept. 21, 2023), creating AdvanceNC, a new coalition Gov. Roy Cooper predicted would become “a mighty force” preparing North Carolinians for jobs in a vibrant, ever-changing economy.

AdvanceNC is formally described as “an innovative workforce development ecosystem developing a robust talent pipeline to support unprecedented economic growth in central North Carolina.”

What it boils down to is 10 community colleges, two state universities and six regional workforce development boards combining what they do best to provide opportunity for local families and develop expert workers for the exploding number of advanced manufacturing companies in the region. Though AdvanceNC focuses on 18 counties, it also is being promoted as a model that can be replicated all across the state.

Speaking to an audience at Central Carolina Community College's E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center in Sanford, Gov. Cooper explained why this new coalition has so much promise. “North Carolina has the best array of public and private universities in the country, bar none …. And I can say without hesitation that we have the best community college system in the entire country,” he said. “When you couple that with our effective workforce development boards and their staff, it is a sight to see.

“All of them working together is a mighty force and the collaboration that will come with AdvanceNC, this initiative, it will do more than I can think of to help prepare our workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Community colleges have long been a driving force statewide in workforce development. The North Carolina Community College System offers a sweeping portfolio of initiatives designed to train workers for new careers and help companies develop workers already on the job. But because those apprenticeships and courses are offered by individual colleges with well-defined service areas, it’s not always simple to work across borders.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System, said that reality is one reason AdvanceNC is needed. “Companies don’t care anything about our little territories for individual community colleges,” he said. “They don’t want to know about competition between the universities and the community colleges. They want us all working together to meet their workforce needs. And that’s what this represents, 100 percent.”

Less than two years ago, Toyota announced it would build a new $1.29 billion automotive battery manufacturing plant at a Randolph County location not far from Greensboro that would create 1,750 new jobs. And the company added another $2.1 billion investment to that project just four months ago.

More big news broke just months after the initial Toyota announcement, in March 2022, when Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast announced a $4 billion advanced manufacturing plant near Moncure that is expected to create 7,500 jobs. VinFast was the largest economic development project in North Carolina history — for about five months. That’s when Wolfspeed, a silicon carbide manufacturer based in Durham, announced early last September that it would invest $5 billion to create a new manufacturing center that would bring 1,800 jobs to Siler City.

Such rapid expansion required a new approach to workforce development. But Rodney Carson, president of the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards, isn’t worried about the state’s ability to adapt. Reflecting on innovations from early in his own workforce development career, Carson believes that the solution is finding new ways to develop workers, something North Carolina has done before.

“I think about how we pushed the envelope when it comes to workforce development,” Carson said. “AdvanceNC does exactly that. We continue to push the envelope on what workforce and the workforce ecosystem is in North Carolina. We were, 27 years ago, the shining example of what workforce development is in this country as a whole. AdvanceNC pushes that envelope even further and continues to push us out to the edge of what it means to truly take care of our citizens.”

It was a sentiment shared by Peter Hans, president of the University of North Carolina System. He reflected on North Carolina’s transformation over generations from an agricultural economy based largely on textiles and tobacco, into major hubs for research and banking, and now into the kind of advanced manufacturing center defined by Toyota, VinFast and Wolfspeed.

“At every turn, North Carolina has trusted in the capacity of its people to learn, to adapt and compete,” Hans said. “We may be a valley of humility, as the old saying goes, but we’ve always known that a properly educated North Carolinian can tackle any challenge and master any new field on God’s green earth. So our task is to make sure that every one of our citizens has that opportunity and that anyone with the drive and the talent can play a role in building the future of this great state.”

AdvanceNC partners include the following community colleges, universities, and workforce development boards:

• Community Colleges – Alamance, Central Carolina, Durham Tech, Fayetteville Tech, Johnston, Piedmont, Randolph, Sandhills, Vance-Granville, and Wake Tech
• Universities – NC A&T State University and NC State University
• Workforce Development Boards – Capital Area, Durham, Kerr-Tar, Lumber River, Mid-Carolina, and Piedmont Triad Regional

Central Carolina Community College President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman introduced the ceremony with some statistics for the 18-county region. One of them was a huge labor force of 1.5 million — a group that offers a wealth of talent. The goal of AdvanceNC, she said, is to make sure those workers have the right skills to take advantage of the opportunities now available. And that companies can find the highly skilled workers they need — not only now, but for decades to come.

“We are great at attracting businesses to North Carolina and it is great for our residents, because that means family-sustaining wages and that means a great life for North Carolinians,” she said. “But we need to make sure that we don’t simply attract those businesses … but that we do an exceptional job of keeping them here and supporting them in the way that we need to.”

As Gov. Cooper said, “North Carolina is the top state for business thanks to our well trained, talented and diverse workforce. The AdvanceNC initiative will help prepare our students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

###

NC Governor Roy Cooper, NC Community College System President Dr. Jeff Cox, UNC System President Peter Hans, and NC Association of Workforce Development Boards President Rodney Carson joins with officials from 10 community colleges, two universities and six workforce development boards to celebrate the beginning of the AdvanceNC regional workforce development partnership.

NC Governor Roy Cooper says, “North Carolina is the top state for business thanks to our well trained, talented and diverse workforce. The AdvanceNC initiative will help prepare our students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

About Vance-Granville Community College: Established in 1969, VGCC is one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System. With a service area the size of Rhode Island, VGCC is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. VGCC offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer

cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484

LOUISBURG, NC – The Land Trust Accreditation Commission administers an accreditation program to recognize land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Tar River Land Conservancy, which was accredited in 2013 and re-accredited in 2018, is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, will conduct an extensive review of Tar River Land Conservancy’s policies and programs. The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Tar River Land Conservancy complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards, visit http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-andresources/indicator-practices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission regarding Tar River Land Conservancy’s application will be most useful by December 9, 2023.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tar River Land Conservancy is a nationally-accredited land trust that works to preserve natural resources across Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Nash, Person, Vance, and Warren Counties, North Carolina. Since 2000, Tar River Land Conservancy has protected 23,038 acres of land and 199 miles of streams. For more information, please visit www.tarriver.org.

A community event for women, by women, to equip women

HENDERSON, NC (September 23, 2023) — Mark your calendars for Empower Her, a community event for women, by women, to equip women! The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is proud to present this event on Saturday, October 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the college’s Main Campus Courtyard, located at 200 Community College Road in Henderson.

Come for FREE information and resources from local community partners. Enjoy free activities for kids, food, giveaways, and more:

· Dress for Success Mobile Boutique

· Meal Planning on a Dime

· Financial Counseling

· Make-up Tips

· Career Advice

In addition to providing scholarships to deserving students, the VGCC Foundation supports a broad range of special projects involving education, training, and economic development in our community. Tax-deductible donations to VGCCF have often been used to honor a person, group, business, or industry with a lasting gift to education.

For more information about Empower Her or the VGCC Foundation, contact 252-738-3264 or foundation@vgcc.edu.

https://fb.me/e/1cUgMzhmj

###

About Vance-Granville Community College: Established in 1969, VGCC is one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System. With a service area the size of Rhode Island, VGCC is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. VGCC offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484

GRANVILLE COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES: Granville County Senior Services will host the Vance-Granville Community College Band for an hour of entertainment on Saturday, September 30 at 4:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Granville County Senior Center located at 107 Lanier Street in Oxford. The program will consist of waltzes, marches, medleys of popular and classical tunes, and other selections such as might be played by the
Boston Pops Orchestra. This event is free and open to the public. Those in attendance are invited to stay after the program for light refreshments. For more information about this event, contact the Granville County Senior Center at 919-693-1930.

Oxford, NC, September 13, 2023 -- Granville Health System (GHS) is delighted to welcome Dr. Natalie Hobdy to the Granville Primary Care practice. She will join the team at the primary care practice situated on the GHS campus in Oxford, NC.

Adam McConnell, Interim CEO of Granville Health System, shared his excitement, saying, "Granville Health System consistently draws top-tier professionals like Dr. Hobdy. Her dedication to patient-centered care mirrors our ethos. We aspire to be the go-to primary care provider for Granville County, ever-committed to promoting well-being, accelerating healing, and inspiring hope in our communities."

A Board-Certified Family Physician, Dr. Hobdy gained significant medical expertise at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Reflecting on her approach to patient care, she remarked, "I'm thrilled to be part of a system with robust support, enabling the thorough, patient-centered care I stand by. My training at John Peter Smith in Texas and at Essentia Health in Minnesota has prepared me well for rural practices catering to all ages and stages of life. I'm confident in leveraging my skills for the benefit of this community and deeply value the opportunity to care for patients and their families comprehensively."

Over the years, Granville Health System has steadfastly committed to improving its physician services and facilities, with ongoing expansion efforts. GHS has welcomed numerous accomplished providers across diverse specialties, such as primary care, OB/GYN, ENT, and gastroenterology.

Granville Primary Care is located at 110 Professional Park Drive, Oxford. For appointments, call 919.693.6541 or visit online at https://ghshospital.org/location/granville-primary-care-ob-gyn/.

About Granville Health System:

For over a century, Granville Health System has been at the forefront of quality healthcare. To cater to the evolving needs of its community, Granville Health System has extended its services throughout Granville County, ensuring convenient medical care access for its residents. The Granville Health System main campus can be found at 1010 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina. For more details, visit GHS online at www.ghsHospital.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lauren Roberson, Marketing & Foundation Director

919-690-2148 lbroberson@granvillemedical.com

2022-23 Test Results Released:  

GCPS Student Academic Achievement Increases 

On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) released the results of student standardized test data for the 2022-23 school year.  The student test scores from the state standardized tests taken during the past school year are collected, verified, and analyzed to provide different understandings of how students performed academically.   

In GCPS, over half of all schools either exceeded or met growth overall, which represents significant progress since the pandemic began.  Across the state, 72% of all NC schools met or exceeded growth.  Three schools, Butner-Stem Elementary School, Granville Early College High School, and CG Credle Elementary School were each identified as having exceeded growth.

“The results from this past year indicate that as a district, we have improved overall, but much work still remains.  Our principals and staff have been reviewing these results since June and have put in place new plans for the 2023-2024 school year with different district priorities.  We are focused forward”.

In a press release from NCDPI on September 6, 2022, Dr. Tammy Howard, Senior Director of the NC Office of Accountability and Testing, “We are continuing to experience some of the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Howard said. “As we look at the data, the school performance grades and other information from the 2022-23 school year, it’s very important to note that while it’s informative, it is limited, and it is discouraged to make comparisons to 2018-19, which is prior to the pandemic.” 

In that same press release, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truit also shared “It’s hard to overstate the impact of the pandemic,” Truitt said, “but teachers across North Carolina are working harder than ever to help students recover, and more importantly, advance in their learning. We owe them our gratitude for meeting this challenge to improve outcomes for students.”

All four high schools, as well as the K-12 Granville Academy, showed improvement in both growth and student achievement. In fact, South Granville High School and Granville Central High School both improved a letter grade as compared to 2021-22. One less school in the district is designated Low Performing as compared to 2021-22. Overall, the percentage of students performing at grade level improved slightly compared to the 2021-22 school year.

Board Chairman, Glenda Williams had these thoughts to share regarding the results, “I am very proud and grateful of the hard work and dedication of our educators.  They should be commended for the support and love they have provided their students.”

GRANVILLE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION: Granville County Manager Drew Cummings will host a series of listening sessions in each Granville County district from September through November 2023. The listening sessions will provide the opportunity for members of the public to learn more about county government, the role of the County Manager, and to ask questions or give feedback about county operations in a relaxed informal environment. Cummings will be joined by members of the Granville County Board of Commissioners along with other county staff members.

“We have had an eventful year since I began as County Manager and I thought it was time to get out in the community and make sure that I’m getting face-to-face time with our residents,” said Cummings. “I have spent
time in all corners of Granville during my tenure as County Manager, but I’m really looking forward to getting to know some of these communities better and to having the time to sit down and talk with our residents. I think it’s critical to my performance that each citizen can inform me about the issues that are truly important to them.”

The listening sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the dates and locations listed below:
• Thursday, September 14 at Stem Ruritan Club (3595 Old NC 75, Stem)
• Thursday, October 5 at Granville County Senior Center (107 Lanier Street, Oxford)
• Thursday, October 12 at Tar River Elementary (2642 Philo White Road, Franklinton)
• Tuesday, October 17 at Camp Oak Hill (1528 Oak Hill Road, Oxford)
• Thursday, October 26 at Creedmoor Community Center (116 Douglas Drive, Creedmoor)
• Monday, October 30 at Butner Town Hall (415 Central Avenue, Butner)
• Tuesday, November 14 at Stovall Library (300 Main Street, Stovall)

For more information, contact the Granville County Administration Office at 919-693-5240.

Verdigris Restaurant at Oxford Oaks Distillery promotes Marc Cavanaugh to Executive Chef

Oxford Oaks Distillery LLC is pleased today to announce that it has promoted Granville County native Marc  Cavanaugh from Kitchen Manager to Executive Chef of its on-site restaurant Verdigris. Returning to  Oxford from Dallas, TX in March, Chef Marc has utilized his extensive experience and skills to provide  outstanding food service to Verdigris Restaurant guests over the past few months as Kitchen Manager. His  new role now includes direct accountability for all of the kitchen business operations and will work with  Head Chef Joshua Robinson on menu creation and special events.  

"We are excited to promote Chef Marc to lead our growing culinary team. He has done everything asked  of him over these past few months and we couldn’t be more pleased with his commitment to this project.  His ability to produce exceptional food and bring fresh ideas is something we are absolutely thrilled  about," commented Founding Partner Dr. Peter Johnson.  

Chef Marc brings exceptional culinary talent to the team and continues to contribute to the momentum in  the local culinary scene. He grew up in Oxford and has worked in the restaurant industry for almost 20  years. Being classically trained with a degree in Culinary Arts by Le Cordon Bleu and Master Chefs from the  Culinary Institute of America, he brings vast experience in fine dining, fast casual dining, wedding and  event venue food service as well as upscale restaurants.  

 “It is an honor to lead the culinary team in Oxford's new “must visit” venue. We are just shy of 6 months  in operation and the team we have makes it feel like it’s an establishment that has years of operation  under its belt. Teams with that kind of chemistry are hard to come by and I have to say without question  this is the best team I’ve had the chance to lead in my professional career. I look forward to bringing  Oxford and the surrounding areas a culinary experience that sets the standard when going out for a great  meal. We have had outstanding reviews and I credit that to the team I have in the kitchen making this  happen. I have really loved the opportunity to come back home and bring the region more elevated  cuisine. I am continuously grateful to the community for accepting this new restaurant concept with open  arms, it’s safe to say we are here to stay for many years to come. I look forward to launching  new seasonal menus and specialty dinners for all to enjoy what I call “Passion on a Plate”, Executive Chef  Marc said.  

About Oxford Oaks Distillery LLC: Oxford Oaks Distillery is Granville County’s first craft distillery  featuring a specialty cocktail bar and upscale restaurant where the community can gather and enjoy fine  spirits, elevated cocktails and delicious cuisine located in the heart of downtown Oxford, North Carolina.  There is a main first floor dining room and bar with a “loft” area on the second floor with seating  overlooking the main dining room. There are three separate private and semi-private event areas for  groups ranging from 20-100 people. The restaurant has been open since March 2023. 

GRANVILLE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM: The site of the former Granville Street Colored Library will be recognized  with an historic marker, which will be unveiled to the public on Friday, September 15 at 12:00 p.m. The event  will be in front of the former Granville Street Colored Library located at 314 Granville Street in Oxford. The  public is invited to the celebration of this important Granville County historical landmark, which will feature  remarks from former US Representative G.K. Butterfield. 

The Granville Street Colored Library opened its doors to the African American community on June 12, 1942.  Maude Warren Lassiter served as the library’s director for many years and she and the library hold a special  place in the history of Oxford and Granville County. The Granville Street Colored Library received visits from  numerous African American leaders throughout its history including poet and social activist Langston Hughes,  

educator and President of Howard University Mordecai Johnson, and historian and longtime Duke University  professor John Hope Franklin. In 1965, the Granville County Library System integrated and added the Granville  Street Library as a new branch. Helen Currin Amis served as Branch Manager until 1975 when the Granville  Street branch closed and was merged with the Richard H. Thornton Library. 

The historical marker was made possible by a partnership between the Granville County Library System Board of  Trustees and First Baptist Church of Oxford. Funding for the marker came from the Granville County Library  System Memorial Fund. 

For more information about the event, contact the Thornton Branch Library at 919-693-1121. 

Frequently Asked Question: Why is Sewer Line Construction Taking Place During Daylight Hours Instead of Evening?

The city has been abuzz with a recurring question: Why is the ongoing sewer line construction being conducted during the daytime rather than at night? This strategic decision has been made to prioritize the safety of workers, residents, and commuters while ensuring the improvement of infrastructure.

This project is funded by a state agency, and it does not include the additional cost of work performed in the evening.

Evening construction activities will lead to additional costs of more than $1.5 million that the funding agency will not pay for. This financial increase is due to the necessity of paying higher wages to compensate workers for their overnight labor, the increased time it takes to do the work, the additional equipment such as lights, and more staff to address safety concerns. Daytime construction reduces the potential for accidental damage to existing infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines, internet, gas, and power lines. Also, there is an increased risk of damage to vehicles, equipment, buildings, and injuries or death to workers. In addition to worker safety, it is easier to manage vehicle traffic and pedestrians during the daytime, lowering the risk of accidents and incidents.

Supplies such as asphalt are available during the day. If the work is done during the evening hours, the cost of asphalt will be higher due to asphalt companies staying open later. In addition to the increased cost, it takes longer for the contractor to perform the work because they are managing more risks, it is more difficult to obtain supplies, and it makes them less efficient. Even though it is inconvenient, it is still the most cost-effective way to complete the work.

Will the Sewer Line Project Take Place During the NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival?

No, the sewer line project will not occur during the NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival. To ensure the success of the festival and to minimize disruptions for attendees and participants, it has been decided to temporarily suspend all construction work during the event. Once the festival concludes, construction work will resume as planned.

Projected Work Completion Schedule

The City of Oxford anticipates the sewer line construction to be complete on Hillsboro Street from Lewis to College and Bank Street, along with milling and overlaying of the utility patch on Hillsboro Street, around the beginning of November and before the Christmas shopping season. Unless unforeseen construction complications or weather-related factors arise that might affect the projected timeline.

For any inquiries, concerns, or questions, please direct them to our Communications Specialist, Sabrina Richards, at sabrina.richards@oxfordnc.org.

Abigail McKenzie, an esteemed educator at Butner-Stem Elementary, has been honored with a prestigious $15,000 GO Grant from the N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission. The award, presented by N.C. House of Representative Frank Sossamon, recognizes McKenzie's commitment to advancing outdoor learning experiences for students.

L to R:  BSES Principal, Dr. Day-Heggie, Abigail McKenzie, NC Representative Frank Sossamon

With the newly acquired grant, McKenzie envisions a groundbreaking initiative that will transform the school's educational landscape. Her visionary project involves the establishment of a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility within the school premises. The greenhouse will serve dual purposes: providing a sustainable source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the cafeteria and offering an immersive learning environment for the students. This innovative project not only addresses the importance of healthy nutrition but also creates hands-on opportunities for students to delve into the world of agriculture, biology, and environmental science. The N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission's GO Grant has long been recognized as a catalyst for transformative educational initiatives. Abigail McKenzie's pursuit of excellence perfectly aligns with the Commission's mission, and her grant is a testament to her exceptional contributions to the advancement of student engagement and environmental awareness.

GRANVILLE COUNTY VETEARNS SERVICES: A familiar face has been tapped as Granville County’s new Veteran  Services Officer. Albert “A.J.” Spiess takes on this new role after serving as Veteran Services Technician for the  past year. The Veteran Services Officer serves as the department’s director whose mission is to assist local  Veterans and their families with navigating the complex processes to access programs and resources at the state  and federal level. 

Originally from Lula, Georgia, Spiess is a retired Veteran of the U.S. Navy. He began his twenty-six years of  service after enlisting in Gainesville, Georgia and eventually rose to the rank of Senior Chief Master at Arms  (Military Police). Spiess served on six ships (USS Butte, USS Simpson, USS Briscoe, USS Truman, USS Harpers  Ferry, and USS Wasp). Before reaching the rank of Senior Chief Master at Arms, Spiess also served as Deck  Seaman and Signalman. 

Spiess also has extensive experience serving as Anti-Terrorism Officer/Physical Security Officer conducing anti terrorism training, Department Leading Chief Petty Officer/Lead Investigator where he investigated larcenies,  assaults, suicides, and other security violations, and Senior Master Training Instructor at the Navy Police  Academy overseeing major curriculum changes and teaching students at all levels of experience. 

In addition to his professional experience, Spiess previously volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans  (DAV), serving as Chapter Veteran Services Officer where he aided veterans and their families in obtaining  benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other government agencies. 

Spiess also holds an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and  Emergency Management. He and his wife Corie have one child, Brooke, who is currently attending nursing  school. Spiess began his tenure with Granville County as Veteran Services Technician in July 2022 and most  recently served as Interim Veteran Services Officer. 

“After a rewarding year working with Granville Veterans, I am humbled and honored to be chosen as Granville  County’s new Veteran Services Officer,” said Spiess “I feel so privileged to serve our Veterans and their families.  This work along with my previous volunteer experience with the DAV is truly my calling. I look forward to  continuing to work with Granville’s Veterans and help guide them to access all the services and programs they  deserve.” 

“The Veterans Affairs Committee is really pleased that A.J. has been chosen to lead the Veterans Services  Office,” said Committee Chair Charles Miller. “As Veteran Services Technician, he demonstrated his commitment  to serving the needs of the veterans in our community. We are confident he is the right person to guide this  department into the future.”

The Granville County Veterans Services Office is located at 141 Williamsboro Street, Oxford and Creedmoor City  Hall (111 Masonic Street, Creedmoor). The current office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from  8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Oxford and Wednesday from 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. in Creedmoor. To learn more about the  services and programs offered, visit the Granville County website  

(https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services/) or call 919-693-1484.

OXFORD, NC, August 14, 2023 -- The Granville Health System Foundation today announced that Jenna Radford, Emma Hicks, and Holly Currin all of Oxford are the recipients of its 13th annual Sam Perry Scholarship Award. Ms. Radford, daughter of John and Lisa Radford, is currently attending Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and will attend East Tennessee State University in the fall with plans to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. Ms. Hicks, daughter of Greg and Julie Hicks, is a graduate of Vance Charter School and will be attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to major in nursing with plans to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse. Ms. Currin, daughter of Randy and Marie Currin, is a graduate of Oxford Preparatory School, NC School of Science and Math, and Vance-Granville Community College, and will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to major in pharmacy with plans to pursue a career as a pharmacist.

In 2009, the Granville Health System Board of Trustees and the GHS Foundation Board of Directors established a scholarship fund in honor of Sam Perry, a physician’s assistant whose specialized medical care earned him deep respect from both patients and peers throughout his career at Granville Health System.

The Sam Perry Scholarship is awarded to Granville County residents who have been accepted into a two-year or four-year allied health program at an accredited school and who intend to pursue a career in the health care field. Programs eligible for this scholarship include various health-related specialties including, but not limited to, clinical laboratory sciences, physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiological science, pharmacy, RN, BSN, ADN, LPN, dentistry and related careers, physician, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner.

“The GHS Foundation is pleased to honor Sam’s vision and commitment to the community by awarding this year’s Sam Perry Scholarship Award to Jenna Radford, Emma Hicks, and Holly Currin each of whom exemplify the qualities of leadership, community volunteerism and academic discipline that will help them realize their health care career aspirations,” said James W. Crawford, Jr., a member of the Board of Directors of the GHS Foundation. “The Scholarship Committee was impressed by each of these recipients’ academic achievements, broad list of extracurricular activities and community engagement experiences which exceeded the criterion we look for as part of the Scholarship Award selection.”

About Granville Health System Foundation

The mission of Granville Health System Foundation is to serve as a charitable resource for Granville Health System (GHS), supporting its commitment to providing quality health care to all citizens of the community, where they work and live. The Foundation builds support for GHS and provides financial resources to purchase new equipment, develop new services, maintain, expand, and improve facilities. For more information about the Granville Health System Foundation, or to make an online contribution, please visit www.ghsfoundation.org. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

About Granville Health System

For more than 100 years, Granville Health System has been delivering quality healthcare. To meet the growing needs of its community, Granville Health System has expanded its services throughout Granville County, offering convenient access to medical care where its citizens work and live. The Granville Health System main campus is located at 1010 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina. For more information about Granville Health System visit GHS online at www.ghsHospital.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lauren Roberson

919-690-2148

lbroberson@granvillemedical.com

Local Talk w/ Trey Snide - Local Elections 

And good morning. Welcome to local talk here on Next Door Radio, nextdoorradio.com, and the Next Door Radio app. My name is Trey Snide on behalf of our local talk program. If you are tuned in by way of our website at nextdoorradio.com or mobile app, Google and Apple, our social media video/audio. We appreciate you very much. 

Also, you could tune in locally here in Oxford to WNDR 97.7. Again, WNDR Oxford. Hope you are having a wonderful day. Our phone number, nine one nine six one eight nine two five eight. 

 
You can call us live right now or you can send us an email at contact@nextdoorradio.com. With the local elections coming up, I wanted to bring to your attention a few of them and not just a few, but all the current seats that are looking to be filled. But I also introduce you to some of our local audio that we have recorded. You can go back to our website at nextdoorradio.com and go under the local talk tab under the podcast section. Scroll down, you will see a local talk section. Click on that. You will be able to watch videos and the audios that we have done, including the sheriff's races, and the current local elections coming up for mayor and commissioner. So, feel free to look at that. 

Again, we are live here today on WNDR 97.7 here in Oxford. Or local website at nextdoorradio.com and the mobile app available by Google and Apple and are phone number if you are tuning in for the very first time right now Nine one nine six one eight nine two five eight, we are just going to do a quick little run down here for another five or ten minutes or so. We are going to run down who is officially filed for the election and reelection. And so, if you have missed any of this, head back to all the things that we have mentioned already and take a listen to that. Coming up for our local election coverage of our interviews by way of all our social media, website, mobile app, and, of course, ninety-seven point seven, we have some major interviews that are set up. 

 
The candidates for either Creedmoor, Butner, Oxford, STEM, and Stovall. They will be joining us here by way of our local talk program here on WNDR and Next Door Radio. Coming up on the fifteenth of August, we are going to have Debbie Ramsay at 10:00 AM during our local talk program. She is a candidate for Oxford mayor. On the seventeenth, we are going to welcome Casey Dover, candidate for mayor of STEM, who is currently the mayor there in STEM. So, he will join us on the seventeenth. And again, on the twenty fourth of August we will welcome Terry Turner, the current mayor of Butner. So again, the fifteenth, we will welcome Debbie Ramsay, the seventeenth, we are going to welcome Casey Dover. And then on the twenty fourth of August, Terry Turner, the mayor of Butner. So that is a couple of the audios that we have planned. If you missed that, you could head back to our website at nextdoorradio.com, like we mentioned, and go to the local talk program tab. 

 
But first, I want to get it out there that one of the reasons why we started here at Next Door Radio going on two years ago now, again, to be exact September 4th of 2020. So, a lot has been happening here in the two-year mark. But one of the reasons why we started Next Door Radio was to be able to provide a platform for an extremely unbiased platform, for those that want to have a voice, for those in politics, local rec departments, students, businesses, local artists that we have welcomed. But it was started to create that platform for those that never had a platform to be able to be free and to be open and to be honest. Of course, we are going to have the good, the bad, and the ugly. That is what local media is all about that. Of course, we want to highlight not just the sad and the bad things, but also the good stuff that is going on in our community, not only here in Granville County, but we are serving Franklin, Durham, Wake, and even into Johnston County, we just did a season there in Petersburg, Virginia for their local basketball. So, a lot of wonderful things are going on here on Next Door Radio. 

 
My name is Trey Snide, phone number is nine one nine six one eight nine two five eight. Feel free to reach out to me personally to ask any question that you might have. I promise you. I will be extremely honest. We have always been straight to the point and honest, and that is what we are built on here at Next Door Radio, especially for our community here in Granville County. I live here. I am in the City of Oxford. I love it here. So, there is so much happening here that we are truly honored and proud to not only live here, but to continue to grow our family here.  

 
Join us live tonight (July 27th) at the Expo Center here in Granville County, we are going to be streaming live, the Republican Party meeting. So, you could tune in to our website at nextdoorradio.com, you can go to our mobile app. We welcome all parties involved with the local elections. We want them to be able to have a voice, and we want the listeners, our listeners here on Next Door Radio, to truly listen to the candidates and make up your mind who you want to vote for. We want you to listen to the source itself. I promise you we will be open and honest. We provided a platform to create that atmosphere here in the Granville County area because that is what this community deserves. 

So, our local coverage of the upcoming elections will include the mayor's talk, and commissioners talk. Debbie Ramsay will be joining us live in Studio on the fifteenth of August. That will be at ten AM. Casey Dover will be joining us on the seventeenth; he is mayor of STEM currently and looking for reelection. And, of course, Terry Turner, the current Mayor of BUTNER will join us on the twenty fourth. We are looking to get a hold of Linda Jordan, who is current commissioner there in Butner. We are also looking to get a hold of Bobby Wheeler, who is currently seeking reelection there in Creedmoor and Renee Green, who is seeking election candidacy for the mayor of STEM. If you are listening to this, feel free to pass along my cell phone number nine one nine six one eight nine two five eight. You can send us an email. Pass that along contact@nextdoorradio.com. We are an open platform for all candidates here for our local talk and local election coverage. 

 
So, let us walk through this quick. These names are the ones that officially have filed for election or reelection here in Granville County area. We are going to kick off with the Town of Butner. To start off with, candidacy for mayor Terry Turner, seeking reelection. Miss Linda Jordan, she is the current commissioner. Terry Turner, seeking reelection and Linda Jordan, looking who is the current commissioner will be is candidacy for The Town of Butner mayor. There are three seats available for the commissioners. Right now, looking on this list, Vicky Daniels, Joshua Shank and Eduardo Sosa are running for the three seats that are available for commissioner, for the Town of Butner. Once again, for the Town of Butner, Terry Turner, seeking reelection, Linda Jordan, current commissioner, looking to become the next candidate for or candidate for the Town of Butner, mayor. Commissioner three seats available Vicky Daniels Joshua Shank and Eduardo Sosa. 

Moving on to Creedmoor, Bobby Wheeler, seeking reelection as mayor of Creedmoor. There is currently nobody running against him for that seat. But commissioners Three seats are available. We have Ed Gleason, currently appointed there for commissioner, Archer Wilkins Jr, currently appointed as well, and Georgana Kicinski who is seeking reelection. Once again, Bobby Wheeler, seeking reelection as mayor of Creedmoor, and the commissioner's three seats are available there in Creedmoor, Ed Gleason, Archer Wilkins Jr., and Georgana Kicinski. 

Moving on to Oxford. Running for Oxford Mayor, Guillermo Nurse, and Debbie Ramsey. Candidates for Commissioner with three seats available are: John Tovey, seeking Reelection, Stuart Powell, Carlos Valez Jr. Curtis McRae, Scotty Brooks, Teresa Gilreath and Jimmy Crawford are running for the three seats that are available for commissioner. Once again, for Oxford Mayor, Candidates Guillermo Nurse, and Debbie Ramsay. And candidates for the three commissioner seats available are John Tovey, Stuart Powell, Carlos Valez Jr, Curtis McRae, Scotty Brooks, Teresa Gilreath and Jimmy Crawford. 

For the Town of STEM mayor Casey Dover, who is seeking reelection and opposing him will be Renee Green. Once again, for mayor, Casey Dover, and Renee Green. There are three seats available for the commissioner seat. David Pavlus, seeking reelection, Kenneth McLamb, seeking reelection, Lonnie Cole, seeking reelection, and Denise Ray. Once again, running for mayor of STEM, Casey Dover, seeking reelection or Renee Green looking to become the next mayor of STEM. The Candidates for the three seats available for Commissioner, David Pavlus, seeking reelection, Kenneth McLamb, seeking reelection, Lonnie Cole, seeking reelection, and Denis Ray. 

And to finish it all off with the upcoming election for Stoval. The mayor seat is not up for election, but there are three seats available for the Commissioner seats, Jeffrey Stoval currently appointed, Ricky Sneed Sr. seeking Reelection, David Rivenbark, Angelina Cromer, and Curtis Pugh. 

That is your list for the upcoming elections and reelection. So, if you miss any of this you can head back to our website at nextdoorradio.com. The video and audio will be sitting right there. 

 
Wanna go back to the beginning when we started Next Door Radio, we started to be extremely unbiased and provide a platform for all parties to be involved. We want to have a platform for honesty. We want to provide a platform for all discussions here. So, all discussions are welcome. And we would love to hear more from you. 

 
If you have a question for me, give me a call at nine one nine six one eight nine two five eight, or you could send us an email at contact at nextdoorradio.com. Ten nineteen here in the studios, of Next Door Radio and WNDR 97.7 FM, and our mobile app available by Google and Apple Store. Until next time. God bless. 
We will see you later. 

Granville Health System Earns 4-star rating in its Overall Quality Ratings for 2023

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded Granville Health System four (4) stars in its Overall Quality Ratings for 2023. This outstanding achievement is a testament to Granville Health System's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional healthcare services and ensuring the well-being of its patients.

The Hospital Compare ratings, which encompass essential metrics such as patient experience, safety measures, efficiency of care, and clinical outcomes, serve as a critical benchmark for healthcare facilities across the country by providing a rating from 1 to 5 stars. Granville Health System's 4-star rating reflects its commitment to surpassing industry standards and delivering high-quality care to the communities it serves.

"I am immensely proud of our medical staff and all of Granville Health System’s staff, this rating underscores our team's relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care," said Adam McConnell, Interim CEO. "This 4-Star rating is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Medical Staff, healthcare professionals, administrators, and support staff who strive to make a positive impact on the lives of our patients every day."

Over the past years, Granville Health System has implemented various initiatives to enhance patient safety, optimize treatment outcomes, and elevate the overall patient experience. By investing in medical technology, fostering a compassionate environment, and placing a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, the hospital has emerged as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

About Granville Health System:

For more than 100 years, Granville Health System has been delivering quality healthcare. To meet the growing needs of its community, Granville Health System has expanded its services throughout Granville County, offering convenient access to medical care where its citizens work and live. The Granville Health System main campus is located at 1010 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina. For more information about Granville Health System visit GHS online at www.ghsHospital.org.

GCPS Announces Additional Leadership Changes

Mrs. Latisa McKnight, formerly the Principal of Creedmoor Elementary School, was approved by the Board of Education to become the Personnel Coordinator for the Human Resources Department in GCPS.

Mrs. McKnight began her tenure in Granville County Public Schools as a principal intern at Butner-Stem Elementary School. Upon completion, she served as the Assistant Principal at Creedmoor Elementary School of the Arts for 5 years and as Principal for 6 years. She began her public education career as a middle school teacher in Durham Public Schools. She holds an undergraduate degree in Middle Grades Education from North Carolina State University and a Masters in School Administration from UNC Chapel Hill. She and her husband are the proud parents of one daughter who currently attends South Granville High School. 

Mrs. Latisa McKnight

Personnel Coordinator, Human Resources Department

“I am delighted to have Mrs. McKnight join the hard-working and dedicated staff in the Human Resources department.  Her experience, unwavering passion for students and strong work ethic will be an asset to all of the educators we support,” commented Superintendent Stan Winborne.

Mrs. McKnight will begin her role effective immediately and will help support current employees and assist with the onboarding process for new hires as they transition into the Granville County Public Schools family.

GCPS Board of Education Approves Senior Leadership Changes

At a special meeting held on July 10, 2023, the Board of Education approved changes in key senior district leadership positions.

First, Mr. Jamar Perry was named the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Student Services.  Mr. Perry enters his fifth year with GCPS and has a total of 24 years in public education, serving in a variety of school and district leadership positions, including elementary school principal, central services director and executive director roles.  Most recently, he served as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for GCPS,  He received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and holds two master’s degrees from NCCU and NC State University.  Mr. Perry has a strong background in Human Resources and Curriculum and Instruction with a proven track record of past successes and achievements.  

Mr. Jamar Perry, Assistant Superintendent for 

Curriculum and Instruction & Student Services

Next, the Board approved the appointment of Mrs. Courtney Currin as the Executive Director of Human Resources and the Public Information Officer.  Mrs. Currin has nearly 20 years of experience in public education - all in GCPS.  She began her career teaching English at JF Webb High School and has served as an Assistant Principal and Principal at multiple grade spans.  She has also served as the Federal Personnel Director in the Human Resources Department for the past two years.  Mrs. Currin holds her undergraduate degree from Meredith College, a Masters Degree from NC State University and is nearing completion of her Doctorate Degree from UNC Wilmington.

Mrs. Courtney Currin, Executive Director of Human Resources 

& Public Information Officer

Mr. Bill Graham. Executive Director for Operations, and Mrs. Vickie Hines, Interim Finance Director, will continue in their respective roles as the two other members of the Executive team for GCPS.

Superintendent Winborne commented on these new changes, saying “The individuals in these new roles will bring stability and strength to our senior leadership.  Each has a deep connection to our district, a strong work ethic, and an absolute commitment to the students of GCPS.  I am very optimistic about our future and look forward to a great school year for our students and educators.”

GCPS Board of Education Approves Senior Leadership Changes

At a special meeting held on July 10, 2023, the Board of Education approved changes in key senior district leadership positions.

First, Mr. Jamar Perry was named the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Student Services.  Mr. Perry enters his fifth year with GCPS and has a total of 24 years in public education, serving in a variety of school and district leadership positions, including elementary school principal, central services director and executive director roles.  Most recently, he served as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for GCPS,  He received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and holds two master’s degrees from NCCU and NC State University.  Mr. Perry has a strong background in Human Resources and Curriculum and Instruction with a proven track record of past successes and achievements.  

Mr. Jamar Perry, Assistant Superintendent for 

Curriculum and Instruction & Student Services

Next, the Board approved the appointment of Mrs. Courtney Currin as the Executive Director of Human Resources and the Public Information Officer.  Mrs. Currin has nearly 20 years of experience in public education - all in GCPS.  She began her career teaching English at JF Webb High School and has served as an Assistant Principal and Principal at multiple grade spans.  She has also served as the Federal Personnel Director in the Human Resources Department for the past two years.  Mrs. Currin holds her undergraduate degree from Meredith College, a Masters Degree from NC State University and is nearing completion of her Doctorate Degree from UNC Wilmington.

Mrs. Courtney Currin, Executive Director of Human Resources 

& Public Information Officer

Mr. Bill Graham. Executive Director for Operations, and Mrs. Vickie Hines, Interim Finance Director, will continue in their respective roles as the two other members of the Executive team for GCPS.

Superintendent Winborne commented on these new changes, saying “The individuals in these new roles will bring stability and strength to our senior leadership.  Each has a deep connection to our district, a strong work ethic, and an absolute commitment to the students of GCPS.  I am very optimistic about our future and look forward to a great school year for our students and educators.”

Harry Mills Announces Retirement as Granville County  Economic Development Director 

GRANVILLE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 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 and 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 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. 

Families Living Violence Free

Board Recruitment Announcement

Families Living Violence Free, Granville County’s only Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center, is seeking volunteer leaders to join its board of directors.

Families Living Violence Free’s talented staff provides an array of services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. All services are free and confidential.

The Board of Directors is made up of dedicated, volunteer members actively involved in organizational governance and strategic planning. Board members are expected to attend monthly board meetings, participate in at least one board committee, make a personal financial contribution, participate in community events, and serve as a goodwill ambassador and spokesperson for Families Living Violence Free and its programs.

Families Living Violence Free’s Board is seeking to fill its Treasurers position. This is a volunteer position on the Board of Directors. Candidates with experience in accounting, budgeting, and finance are encouraged to apply.

The board is also planning to expand membership and needs a variety of skills, with a strong emphasis on board candidates with accounting, legal, fundraising, and media expertise.

If you are interested in an opportunity to volunteer your time and talents to an organization committed to giving voice and support to domestic violence and sexual assault victims, please submit your resume to proark@FLVF.org or PO Box 1632 Oxford, NC 27565.

GRANVILLE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS: Poll Workers in Granville County will receive a pay increase  beginning with the 2023 municipal elections. The Granville County Board of Commissioners approved a  recommendation from the Granville County Board of Elections to increase the pay rate for Poll Workers by  approximately 25% in the upcoming fiscal year budget. This increase will take pay to $11.50 per hour for Poll  Workers and $13 per hour for Poll Workers in Charge. Additionally, the Board of Commissioners approved the  implementation of overtime pay for Poll Workers who staff the One-Stop Early Voting locations in Granville  County. 

“Poll Workers are critical to ensuring that Election Day and One-Stop Early voting runs smoothly in Granville  County,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Russ May. “We listened to the feedback from the Board of Elections  and their staff and understand the challenges they face in recruiting Poll Workers each election cycle. Hopefully,  this pay increase for Poll Workers will help ease the burden and show our appreciation for the valuable service  these individuals provide.” 

“In my view, the Board of Commissioner’s decision to increase the pay for Poll Workers is a recognition of their  dedication and hard work and an acknowledgement that Poll Workers are essential to the Granville County Board of Elections mission,” said Board of Elections Chair James A. Wall, Sr. “On behalf of the Board of Elections  and our dedicated staff, I would like to thank the Board of Commissioners for recognizing this need and showing  their dedication to our mission.” 

The 2023 Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7. For more information about becoming a Poll  Worker, contact the Board of Elections at 919-693-2515. 

For more information about upcoming elections in Granville County, visit the Board of Elections website at  https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/board-of-elections/. 

GCPS Board of Education Approves Leadership Changes

At their regularly scheduled meeting on June 5, 2023, the Board of Education approved recommended school leadership changes at Tar River Elementary School.  

Ms. Lisa Tusa has been named as the Principal of Tar River Elementary School. Ms. Tusa is an experienced school leader with nearly 22 years of service in Granville County Public Schools, 14 of them as a principal at the middle and high school levels.  She began her career as a 3rd grade teacher in New York, then moved to NC where she first taught in Durham and then, as a 5th teacher at Creedmoor Elementary School.   Ms. Tusa earned her undergraduate degree at Dowling College in New York and her Masters degree from NC State University.   A native of New York, Ms. Tusa has found a home in Granville County and has deep ties to the community through her many years of service to the children of our district.  Ms. Tusa begins in her new role effective June 6, 2023.

Ms. Lisa Tusa, Principal, Tar River Elementary School

Mrs. Rita Jackson was named the Assistant Principal of Tar River Elementary School and will serve alongside principal Tusa.  Mrs. Jackson has been an educator for eight  years, having served as an Exceptional Children's Program Teacher at West Oxford and Dean of Students at Butner Stem Middle School.  She completed her administrative internship at JF Webb High School during the 2022-2023 school year.  Mrs. Jackson is also a graduate of South Granville High School and earned her undergraduate and masters degrees from NC Central University. She and her husband are the proud parents of two daughters, both graduates of GCPS.  Mrs. Jackson begins her new role with the 2023-2024 school year.

Mrs. Rita Jackson, Assistant Principal Tar River Elementary School

Superintendent McLean offered her comments, stating, “I am very proud to announce these two amazing educators as the new leaders at Tar River Elementary School.  I believe that both Ms. Tusa and Mrs. Jackson will lead the school forward and continue the tradition of excellence in academics.  We are very proud of the family of Terrapin educators and look forward to another successful school year at their school.”

In addition to the leadership announcements at Tar River Elementary School, the Board also named Mr. Michael Spradlin to take on the new role of SparkNC Lab Leader.  Mr. Spradlin, who previously served in the administrative role of Dean of Instruction for Granville Academy, will begin this new position on July 1, 2023.  SparkNC is a special, grant-funded initiative designed to provide middle and high school students opportunities to learn skills and gain credentials in the high tech sector, including the areas of computer programming, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), game art design, computer engineering and Esports.

Mr. Spradlin came to Granville County Schools seven years ago after spending five years in the Outdoor and Environmental Education field. He holds a BA in History from Brevard College, an MS in Experiential Education from Minnesota State Mankato, and an MSA Add-On from UNC Wilmington. He has been a teacher for seven years, having taught at Northern Granville Middle School and at Granville Academy; and has been the Dean of Instruction at Granville Academy for the past two years. 

Mr. Spradlin will recruit, teach and coach students through a variety of competency-based modules and work-based learning experiences.  In addition, he will facilitate special field trips to various business partners throughout NC (Apple, Lenovo, Epic Games, etc), all of which will lead toward industry-based credentials and course credit.  The state-of-the-art Spark NC Lab, fully-equipped through grant funds, will be located at South Granville High School and will be open to all GCPS students in grades 8-12.  The goal of the program is to build awareness, interest and readiness for our students to enter the high-paying, high-demand world of work in the high-tech sector.  For more information about this program, please reach out to Mr. Spradlin at spradlinm@gcs.k12.nc.us

Auction Direct USA Announces Major Expansion in Granville 

GRANVILLE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Granville County, the City of Oxford, and the North Carolina  Department of Commerce welcomed Auction Direct USA to Granville County today with the announcement of  an expansion to their regional operations with the announcement of a new vehicle refurbishment and wholesale  facility. Auction Direct USA will occupy a portion of the former Santa Fe Tobacco production center located on  Knotts Grove Road in Oxford.  

“We see our company becoming a part of the Granville County community,” said Auction Direct USA CEO Tim  Frank. “Auction Direct has become the company it is today by investing in our employees and preparing them  for success with our company and for the future. We know that the culture we build is the most important part  of our business model and the monetary success we have as is just a byproduct of creating a place that our  employees want to be a part of.” 

Auction Direct USA was formed in Rochester, New York in 2004 by a group of automotive professionals who  loved the car business, but not the way vehicles were sold to customers. This group used their combined 70  years of experience to develop a new approach to car sales that focused on fun and letting customers “drive”  the process. This new location in Granville County will provide a base of operations to refurbish incoming stock  and allow direct sales to vehicle wholesalers with a new subsidiary called “a.i.m.” This subsidiary will allow  Auction Direct to expand into supply chain solutions, providing both wholesale and retail-ready vehicles to the  entire automotive industry, including dealers and digital channels. The company’s project in Granville County will establish a high-volume location to recondition vehicles and prepare them for wholesale. 

“Granville County works every day to build a culture of success for our citizens” said Harry Mills, Granville  County Development Director. “Announcements like this show that Granville is ready to lead the way for our  region as we attract new growth, that includes more jobs and opportunities for our citizens. Auction Direct USA  has proven that they are committed to ‘Growing with Granville,’ by bringing investment that cultivates success  for their customers and our community as a whole.” 

“We are always pleased to welcome a new business to Granville County, but we are truly excited to welcome a  company known across the country for success and innovation,” said Russ May, Chair of the Granville County  Board of Commissioners. “The Board of Commissioners takes great pride in ensuring that Granville County is a  place that promotes success for our existing businesses and welcomes new investment. I am confident that  today’s announcement will have a positive effect on our community for years to come. Auction Direct USA is the  exact type of company we hope to attract to Granville; one that will bring in stable, high-paying jobs and  become ingrained in our community.” 

“Auction Direct USA choosing Granville County as its expansion location shows North Carolina has secured a 

foothold in the automotive industry,” said Jordan Whichard, Deputy Secretary of the North Carolina Department  of Commerce. “North Carolina continues to see economic development success in the automotive sector, and  we are thrilled that Auction Direct is showing a commitment to Oxford, Granville County, and the State of North  Carolina with this major expansion and investment.” 

As a result of Auction Direct USA’s investment in this new Granville location, the company is eligible to receive a  $2,076,300 Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) over the course of twelve years from the North Carolina  Department of Commerce and a $500,000 Building Reuse Grant from the NC Rural Infrastructure Authority. In  return, by 2024 Auction Direct USA will invest $2.9 million in facility improvements and create 173 jobs with an  average salary of $88,258, nearly double the current median salary in Granville County. This project is estimated  to produce a total economic impact of $393.3 million over the next twelve years. 

For more information about Auction Direct USA, visit their website: https://www.auctiondirectusa.com/