School Resource Officer

The School Resource Officer (SRO) Program is a collaborative effort by certified law enforcement officers, educators, students, parents, and the community to offer law enforcement presence in Granite Falls Middle School and Granite Falls Elementary School. The purpose of the SRO program is to reduce crime, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, prevent juvenile delinquency, and provide a safe school environment for students and administration. The SRO investigates acts by delinquents within the school system and crimes within the community that are school related. The SRO is responsible for developing relationships with students and parents to encourage open communication with law enforcement.

The D.A.R.E. Program is offered at both Granite Falls Elementary School and Granite Falls Middle School. This program is an international substance abuse prevention education program that seeks to prevent the use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs, bullying and violent behavior and to encourage safe use of the internet. The Granite Falls Police Department strives to deliver the D.A.R.E. message to all 5th and 7th grade students at the middle and elementary schools in Granite Falls. The 5th graders completing the core ten week program are invited to participate in the annual D.A.R.E. Graduation Ceremony. During this memorable event, students are provided with graduation certificates while awards are handed out to the winners of the D.A.R.E. essay contest. The children also hear words of encouragement from their D.A.R.E. officer, principal, teachers, and other community leaders as they prepare to head off to middle school. The middle school program has been formatted for older students but reinforces the same basic message regarding peer pressure, drugs, and making the right decisions. The middle school version consists of ten weekly lessons. These lessons will help educate and prepare students for potential dangerous situations they may face in high school and in the years beyond.

If you have questions about the SRO or D.A.R.E. Programs please e-mail Captain Ricky Lail.

TOWN OF GRANITE FALLS IMPLEMENTS STAGE 2 MANDATORY WATER REDUCTIONS TO PROTECT LOCAL WATER SUPPLY

GRANITE FALLS, NORTH CAROLINA – Due to continued dry conditions across the region and declining water supply indicators, the Town of Granite Falls has implemented Stage 2: Mandatory Water Reductions under its Water Shortage Response Plan.

This action follows regional drought conditions identified within the Catawba-Wateree River Basin, where Stage 2 drought conditions require immediate conservation efforts to protect shared water resources and preserve drinking water availability.

Stage 2 conditions indicate that water supply levels are significantly below seasonal norms and that prolonged shortages are possible without immediate reductions in water use.

Town officials are urging all residents, businesses, and institutions to take immediate action to reduce nonessential water use.

Under Stage 2, the following restrictions are required for all Granite Falls water customers:

· No lawn watering or irrigation is permitted

· Watering of shrubs, trees, and flowers is limited to:

o 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m.

o Hand-held hoses with automatic shutoff nozzles only

· Washing of driveways, sidewalks, and exterior surfaces is prohibited, except when necessary and approved

· Restaurants may only serve water upon customer request

· Filling of swimming pools is restricted to Wednesdays and Saturdays and requires a permit

· All customers must eliminate unnecessary water use, including commercial and industrial operations

These restrictions build upon previously encouraged conservation measures, which are now mandatory and enforceable.