On August 15, 2011 the Granite Falls Town Council appointed a Veterans Committee to research potential locations, designs and funding options for a Veterans Monument in Granite Falls in honor and memory of Veterans with ties to the Granite Falls area. The committee consisted of Sam Erby (USMC), Chairman, Jim Mackie (USMC), Vice-Chairman, Ritch Bolick (USN), Secretary, Martin D. Townsend (USA),  Jim Sullivan (USN) and Frank Mackie (USA). Former Town Manager Jerry Church was named ex-officio member. The Veterans Committee fulfilled its duties as the monument was completed on November 8, 2014 and a dedication ceremony was held on Veterans' Day, November 11, 2014 at 11:11 a.m. EST. The monument is inscribed with the names of 600 honorably discharged Veterans who served their country, including the names of 32 Veterans Killed in Action who laid down their lives to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. The Monument includes the dedication statement, "This Veterans Monument is dedicated in honor and tribute to the men and women of the armed forces who defend America in war and peace. Past, present and future...all forces and all times."
 
The Town of Granite Falls continues to accept applications for name inscriptions on the Veterans Monument. Applications for new inscriptions that are received after July 31 of each year will be added to the monument the following year and dedicated at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony in November of each year. Applications for name inscriptions for the Veterans Monument may also be obtained at the Town Office. An alphabetical inscription list and monument key have been provided to assist you in locating your loved one's name on the monument. For more information about the Veterans Monument or the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, contact the Town Office at 828.396.3131. 

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.