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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford
The City of Oxford’s 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive will run from October 1 to November 20, 2020.
Please bring in non-perishable food items for local families in need. Drop off boxes will be located in City of Oxford departments.
With any questions, please call (919) 603-1102 or email alyssa.blair@oxfordnc.org.
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-Press Release, Granville County Government
Mr. Ernie Anderson of Creedmoor was sworn into office as County Commissioner at 3 p.m. on September 16, 2020. Anderson was appointed by the Granville County Board of Commissioners to represent District 5, a seat left vacant by the unexpected passing of Comm. Owen Roberts in July.
Anderson, a construction project manager, was sworn in by Creedmoor Mayor Bobby Wheeler, with Commissioners Zelodis Jay (District 1), Sue Hinman (District 3) and Tim Karan (District 6) in attendance.
The appointment was made at the September 8 meeting of the Board. Anderson will serve until December 7, as this seat is on the upcoming ballot.
County Commissioner Ernie Anderson is pictured above (right) being sworn into office on Sept. 16, 2020. Creedmoor Mayor Bobby Wheeler administered the oath of office while Anderson’s wife Linda looked on. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)
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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper
After several weeks of stable COVID-19 trends and continued low virus spread in school settings, Governor Roy Cooper today announced that beginning on October 5, North Carolina public school districts and charter schools can choose to implement Plan A for elementary schools (grades K-5).
Plan A continues to include important safety measures like face coverings for all students, teachers and staff, social distancing, and symptom screening but does not require schools to reduce the number of children in the classroom.
“We are able to open this option because most North Carolinians have doubled down on our safety and prevention measures and stabilized our numbers,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “North Carolinians are doing the hard work to improve our numbers and trends. Many people are wearing masks, keeping social distance and being careful to protect others as well as themselves. We have shown that listening to the science works. And I’m proud of our resolve.”
As the Governor announced in July, every district will continue to have the flexibility to select Plan A, B or C based on their unique needs. In addition, districts should still provide an option for families to select all remote learning for their students. Read the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit to learn more about the requirements under each plan.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that North Carolina has seen a sustained leveling or decrease of key metrics.
“Our trends show that we are on the right track. It’s up to all of us to protect our progress. Our individual actions like those 3 Ws will help keep our school doors open.,” said Secretary Cohen.
Dr. Cohen also explained that as schools have opened, the current science shows that younger children are less likely to become infected, have symptoms, experience severe disease or spread the virus.
“It’s great news today that we are a step closer to providing the option of in-person learning to families who want their children to return to school,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson. “While the Governor, the State Board of Education, and I have our differences, I join with them today to encourage local school board members to take advantage of this change and open all schools safely. I thank the many parents and teachers across North Carolina who have been vocal advocates on this important issue.”
“For the past six months, superintendents, principals, teachers and local BOE have worked diligently to care for the safety of our students and staff while educating our children. While we are anxious to return all students, we know that teachers, principals, and students need a gradual transition over the next three months. I ask our parents to remain patient, knowing that we are moving as quickly as is safely possible. And I ask our teachers to continue to assist our students by supporting this deliberate, thoughtful transition,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.
Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:
Laboratory Testing
Tracing Capability
Personal Protective Equipment
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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation
Drivers traveling on North Carolina roadways are likely seeing what has become an election-year tradition – a lot of campaign signs.
A state law passed in 2011 allows campaign signs to be placed in the state road right of way as early as 30 days before the start of early voting, which starts on Oct. 15. That means signs legally started going into place this week.
There are restrictions regarding the signs. They include:
The N.C. Department of Transportation has the authority to remove any signs that violate these rules. If anyone else removes or vandalizes a sign, they could be subject to a Class 3 misdemeanor citation from law enforcement.
Campaign signs can remain in place for 10 days after the Nov. 3 election. Signs still in the right of way after the deadline are in violation of state law, and the NCDOT is authorized to remove and dispose of them.
– Flash Flood Watch
– Granville County Schools Plan B Coming
– Vance County Schools
– Shop With A Cop
Click Play for Local News Audio and Full Details…
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-Press Release, Granville County Government
In data shared from a recent statewide study, the economic impact of visitor spending in 2019 has been reported, with Granville County expenditures showing an increase of 4.5 percent over the previous year. According to the annual study by Visit North Carolina, a part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, visitor spending in Granville during 2019 totaled $54.79 million, compared with $52.44 million reported in 2018.
Granville County Tourism Development Director Angela Allen attributes the county-wide growth in tourism and visitor spending to a growing local economy – such as the opening of new restaurants and gathering places – as well as the wide variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
“As more and more people are discovering our welcoming atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle, we are quickly becoming a choice destination,” Allen remarked. “Our new marketing campaign bears this out. We are ‘Uniquely Carolina.’”
North Carolina currently ranks number 6 in the country for overnight visitation. Will Tuttell, director of Visit North Carolina, credits the state’s natural beauty and authenticity for this ranking. The 2019 study indicates that visitors spent more than $73 million per day across the state in 2019, setting a new record as more than $26.7 billion in expenditures was reported. This total represents an increase of 5.6 percent from 2018.
“The numbers confirm the strength of North Carolina’s tourism industry as an anchor for economic development,” Tuttell remarked. “The money that is spent here by our visitors benefits everyone by sustaining jobs and reducing our residents’ tax burden.”
Visitor spending in Granville County has seen a steady increase over the past decade. Approximately $37 million reported in 2010, with $40.89 million in 2011, $42.97 million in 2012, $44.43 million in 2013, $44.26 million in 2014, $45.69 million in 2015, $47.11 in 2016 and $49.51 in 2017.
The COVID-19 pandemic and an emphasis on “staying home” during 2020 have presented its own set of challenges for tourism in the coming year. Allen offers a reminder that Granville County continues to offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities, as well as locally-owned shopping and dining experiences, that keep our area in the forefront.
“Granville County already features many of the outdoor activities and natural surroundings visitors are looking for,” she reminds. “There are five lakes to choose from for fishing, kayaking and outdoor fun, as well as hiking and biking trails, open areas, play spaces and so much more. And there are ample opportunities for shopping, dining and supporting our local businesses. We’re working hard to spread the word that Granville continues to be a ‘unique,’ choice destination for visitors.”
To learn more about tourism in Granville County, log onto www.visitgranvillenc.com, or contact Tourism Director Angela Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Statewide county statistics from the Visit North Carolina study are available through their website at https://partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies.
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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
At its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education voted 5-2 to return to school this fall with a staggered, gradual entry under Plan B.
The Board received detailed information from senior staff on the readiness of the district to receive students. Also participating in the presentation were Lisa Harrison, Health Director of GVPH, and Dr. Shauna Guthrie, Medical Director of GVPH. The information presented included facts about the following: organizational readiness of the district; COVID data from the local Health Department and NCDHHS; student, parent and educator survey data; and, information about emerging research related to COVID.
The exact plan for when and how students will return was also approved by the Board. For those students whose parents did not commit to full virtual learning for the first semester, the 2-step process for a gradual, staggered return to school begins on September 28, 2020. Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and students who receive special education services in a separate setting will return to school on September 28. All other grade levels will return on October 12.
For the first step, students will report to school divided into FOUR groups, each group attending school one day a week. Then, in as soon as two weeks, these same students will transition and begin to report to school divided into TWO groups, with each group attending school two days a week.
The chart below lists target dates and student groupings for a staggered, gradual return.
|
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, & Self Contained EC classes (Special Education students who receive instruction in a separate setting) |
Return to school the week of September 28 |
|||
|
Grades 1-12 |
Return to school the week of October 12 |
|||
|
STEP 1: PLAN B – Gradual, Staggered Entry Only up to 25% of students return to school at the same time ALL GRADES |
||||
|
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
GROUP A1 Up to 25% of Students Face to Face |
GROUP A2 Up to 25% of Students Face to Face |
ALL STUDENTS Building Disinfecting |
GROUP B1 Up to 25% of Students Face to Face |
GROUP B2 Up to 25% of Students Face to Face |
|
STEP 2: PLAN B – Gradual, Staggered Entry Only up to 50% of students return to school at the same time ALL GRADES |
||||
|
Group A Students Face to Face |
Group A Students Face to Face |
ALL STUDENTS REMOTE |
Group B Students Face to Face |
Group B Students Face to Face |
|
Group B Students Remote |
Group B Students Remote |
ALL STUDENTS REMOTE |
Group A Students Remote |
Group A Students Remote |
|
Full-time virtual students will remain virtual through 1st Semester |
||||
Families will begin to receive information about their child’s particular schedule in the coming days. Please be sure to check in regularly with your child’s teachers for important information that may be shared during this transition from Plan C to Plan B.
During this transition time back into our schools, it is very important for families to remember that new safety practices and procedures will be in place. All students and staff will be screened every time they enter GCPS campuses. Anyone with COVID-like symptoms will not be allowed in school. Also, face masks are required at all times while on GCPS property.
A supply of five reusable, cloth face masks will be provided to each student. Families are responsible for making sure students have a clean face covering each day. Face mask breaks will be provided during the school day. Also, every person must maintain proper social distancing while on school property. A minimum of 6’ should be maintained at all times.
Families and students will note many changes in how school ‘looks’ and ‘feels’ when they arrive back. First, no visitors will be allowed on any campuses unless it is an emergency. Movement in and around the school will be limited and structured. Meals will be served in the classrooms. On days when students are not in school, curbside and remote site meal service will continue. All meals are free to students aged 3-18 until December 31.
Students will be also asked to wash hands or use hand sanitizer more frequently. Finally, students who ride the school bus will be required to present an “attestation” form prior to boarding the bus. This form, which will be provided by schools, should be signed by a parent or guardian each day indicating that the child is symptom-free and has not had exposure to COVID.
Students will be socially distanced while riding on the bus; however, family members will be allowed to sit together. Every student will be screened each day upon arrival at school after getting off the bus. All car riders will be screened before being allowed to exit their vehicles. All of these practices will be new to students, parents and staff, so please be patient and be sure to follow all processes as they will be strictly enforced.
GCPS is very excited to have students return to school this fall. We need everyone’s support to help ensure the process is safe and healthy for everyone. Your cooperation and communication will be very important to this process. Please be sure to reach out to your child’s school with any questions or concerns. Together, we can make this work!
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-Press Release, County of Granville
Please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center located at 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.
The purpose of the meeting is to conduct a special use permit hearing for a proposed Wireless Telecommunication Tower near the Town of Stem off of Tump Wilkins Road.
The Board anticipates going into closed session pursuant to G.S. §143-318.11(a)(3), (4) and (6).
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-Information and featured image courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center has rescheduled “The Drifters in Concert” to Sunday, October 3, 2021, at 3 p.m.
The Drifters linked Fifties rhythm and blues with sweet Sixties soul music. They have enjoyed a string of honey-voiced lead singers, including Henderson native Ben E. King. Hit after hit followed, including “There Goes My Baby,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “This Magic Moment,” “Up on the Roof,” “On Broadway,” and many, many others.
All tickets purchased for the original 2020 concert date will be honored. Additionally, reserved seating will remain the same from the original ticketing orders. If you have purchased tickets for this event, a McGregor Hall representative will be in touch with you via email or phone.
If you have further questions regarding this concert, please contact McGregor Hall:
Email: info@mcgregorhall.org
Facebook Messenger: https://www.
OR
Leave a voicemail on the McGregor Hall Box Office phone line at (252) 598-0662
PURCHASE TICKETS: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11557/mcgregor-hall-performing-arts-center
Thank you for your patience as McGregor Hall endeavors to navigate this unprecedented, challenging time in the arts industry, and ultimately, in world history.
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-Press Release, Granville County Government
Granville County Government will lower flags to half-staff until September 15 at all facilities in honor of Commissioner Edgar Smoak, who passed away on September 11, 2020.
Smoak, who represented Granville County’s District 7, was sworn into office in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014 and 2018. He had served in several key positions, which included the Area Mental Health Board, the Audit Review Committee and the Board of Equalization and Review.
He also represented the County on Granville Health System’s Board of Trustees, as well as serving as Liaison for Public Safety, the Soil and Water Board, South Granville Water and Sewer Authority (SGWASA) and for Water/Sewer Matters. In addition, he was instrumental in forming Granville County’s Opioid Advisory Committee, for which he served as Chair.
Smoak was retired from the U.S. Military (National Guard). His most recent term of office would have expired in 2022.
Granville County Commissioner Edgar Smoak passed away on September 11, 2020. Smoak, who represented Granville County’s District 7, was sworn into office in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014 and 2018. (Photo courtesy Granville County Govt.)
