Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Granville Visitors Spent More Than $52 Million in 2018

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-Press Release, Granville County Tourism Development Authority

In a recent announcement, Gov. Roy Cooper reported that visitors to North Carolina set a record for spending in 2018. The 2.3 billion in total spending represented an increase of 5.6 percent from 2017. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

Granville County tourism helped contribute to this statewide increase, bringing in more than $52 million in 2018. This reported total equates to a 5.9 percent increase from the previous year’s expenditures, which is higher than the increase reported for the state. According to data shared in the report, Granville County’s share of local tax receipts for 2018 totaled $1.49 million, with $3.07 million in state tax receipts reported.

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 a greater awareness of events and attractions that can be enjoyed in our area.

“As more and more people are discovering what Granville County has to offer  – our welcoming atmosphere, hometown charm and relaxed lifestyle –  we are quickly becoming a choice destination,” Allen remarked. “Our recently-launched marketing campaign bears this out – we are ‘Uniquely Carolina.’”

Visitor spending in Granville County has seen a steady increase over the past decade, rising from approximately $36 million in 2009 to $43 million in a time span of four years. The report from 2014 reflected $44 million generated by visitor spending, with an increase to $45 million in 2015, $47 million in 2016 and $49 million reported last year.

According to a press release issued by Gov. Cooper’s office, North Carolina visitors spent more than $65 million per day in 2018, with each household saving approximately $530 (on average) in state and local taxes as a direct result of the tourism industry.

“North Carolina is a welcoming place to stay for the nearly 50 million visitors who travel here each year, employing more than 225,000 people across more than 45,000 businesses last year,” Gov. Cooper remarked. “I’m proud of the way tourism continues to fuel growth in communities across our state.”

To learn more about tourism and events/attractions in Granville County, log onto www.visitgranvillenc.com, or contact Angela Allen, Tourism Director, by phone at 919-693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

Reminder: NC Hot Sauce Contest Spices Up Downtown Oxford This Sat.!

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-Information courtesy Angela Allen, Director, Granville County Tourism Development Authority

There are now only a few days to go until downtown Oxford heats up with the annual NC Hot Sauce Contest! This year’s event will be held Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The NC Hot Sauce Contest brings thousands of people to downtown Oxford to interact with friends, merchants, fans, artisans and vendors. In 2018, the event topped 18,000 visitors!

North Carolina’s finest hot sauces and barbeque sauces, along with breweries and wineries spice up the blends and texture of downtown’s historic streets.

Enter the NC Pepper Eating Contest sponsored by Bailey Farms. Capture all the history of Oxford by visiting the Granville County Museum and their September Sensations Bazaar at the Harris Exhibit Hall, famous for showcasing local artisans.

The day will include activities for children, local shops waiting to greet you and great restaurants, all at your fingertips.

For more details, please visit the NC Hot Sauce Contest website at www.nchotsaucecontest.com.

Reminder: Last ‘Alive After Five’ of Year Set for Thursday!

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-Press Release, Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the date for the last Alive After Five event of 2019 – Thursday, September 12. This event will feature the music and entertainment of JIM QUICK AND COASTLINE BAND and will be held from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. in Oxford’s Downtown Parking Lot on Gilliam Street.

Coincidentally, this concert is leading into an exciting weekend in downtown Oxford  – the annual North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest, which will be held Saturday, September 14. Plan to spend quite a bit of time meeting, greeting, visiting, shopping, dining and lodging in Oxford.

Concession vendors Chick-fil-A of Henderson will be offering their famous chicken sandwiches and soft drinks; Williamson’s Country Store and Grill from Bullock will be offering hot dogs, fried bologna sandwiches, French fries, soft drinks, etc. There will be Coca-Cola and Long Beverage products.

The Chamber’s Alive After Five outdoor event is free to attend. Come early, bring a chair, listen to the incredible music, dance and enjoy visiting with friends. The last Alive After Five event of 2019 will be a night to remember as Jim Quick and Coastline Band takes the stage!

Please visit the Chamber’s website, www.granville-chamber.com or their Facebook page to view the event poster for complete details, including amazing event sponsors and contributors.

Majority of Granville Co. Public Schools Exceeded or Met Growth

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The NC Department of Public Instruction released the standardized test scores for the 2018-19 school year, and the results show some positive trends for the district. The majority of schools either exceeded or met growth, according to state analysis.

Growth measures the overall academic progress a student makes during the course of the entire year, compared to their counterparts across the state. Proficiency measures whether or not a student achieves a particular score, typically designated as level III or above on most tests.

Using a combination of the growth measure (20%) and percentage of students who are proficient (80%), the state assigns a school letter grade. Granville Early College High School earned an A. Wilton Elementary and Mt. Energy Elementary both earned a B, and seven other schools earned a C.

Eight schools earned a D, with four of those schools only two points away from earning a C. Northern Granville Middle School earned an F, but was one point away from earning a letter grade of a D.

Superintendent McLean offered her perspective on the outcomes, stating, “While our growth measures continue to remain strong, we did see some slippage in the overall letter grades of our schools. Since this past June, we have been using the raw data to make adjustments in our approach, including making changes in school leadership, reallocating curricular resources, and renewing our focus on literacy.At our lowest performing schools, we have already made significant changes to address areas of concern, which we are confident will yield positive results.”

Dr. Brenda Williamson takes on the newly merged and energized Northern Granville Middle School as the principal for the 2019-2020 school year. JF Webb School of Health and Life Sciences also prepares for its merger in 2020 with JF Webb High School under new leadership. JF Webb High School improved its letter grade from a D to a C this past year under Principal Amy Rice’s leadership.

A variety of external factors may have also contributed to the variance in test scores. This past year, the NCDPI administered newly designed math assessments at all grade levels, which resulted in statewide standard-setting, causing scores to be re-calibrated on a new scale. There were also no retests for any math tests, which did not afford some students a second chance to improve their score.

In addition, this was the first year that all students took all standardized tests online using their laptop computers as recommended by NCDPI. In the past, most tests have been administered using paper and pencil test booklets and answer sheets.

A deeper analysis of results by subject area, grade level and subgroup of students show some areas of marked improvement.  For example, there was a double-digit increase in 8th grade math proficiency of 25 percentage points. In addition, 3rd grade reading proficiency increased by almost 8 percentage points for all students across the district. Finally, all but one high school improved their graduation rate, with JFW HLS boasting a 100% and Granville Early College at a 98% graduation rate for the year.

Dr. McLean further explained, “While important, these test scores are but one measure of student success. Our teachers work very hard to provide a safe environment where our students are prepared academically, socially and emotionally for what lies beyond graduation. This is our number one goal. We love our students, and together, our teachers, support staff and administrators will stay on the move!”

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board of Education to Hold September Meeting

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, September 9, 2019, 6 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The Board will also meet in a Closed Session with the Board’s attorney in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 on this evening.

To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.

BBQ Contest, Parade Planned for 9th Annual Oxford Masonic Homecoming

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-Information courtesy the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford

The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College St., will hold its 9th Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival on Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Admission is free and festivities are open to the public. Campus tours of the Masonic Home will be available.

Enjoy a fun day full of games and activities for kids, homecoming activities for alumni, music, food and the annual Shrine and Community Parade. Parade begins at the fire department at 11 a.m.

$10 lunch tickets will be sold on-site and include all-you-can-eat samples from the BBQ contest.

Don’t miss music performances by The Tams with hits such as “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” “What Kind of Fool” and “Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me.”

For more information, please visit www.mhc-oxford.org.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Town Talk 09/04/19: State Tourism Campaign to Feature Oxford Hot Sauce Contest

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With less than two weeks to go, the countdown is officially on for one of Oxford’s largest tourism draws – the annual NC Hot Sauce Contest. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 14 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m in downtown Oxford.

Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, said thousands of people are expected in downtown Oxford next weekend to interact with friends, merchants, fans, artisans and vendors. In 2018, the event reportedly topped 18,000 visitors.

“If you plan on visiting us, just put Main Street, Oxford in your GPS and you will find it,” Allen said.

According to Allen, 40 of North Carolina’s barbeque and hot sauce vendors are participating, along with approximately 30 food vendors and eight breweries and wineries.

An NC Pepper Eating Contest sponsored by Bailey Farms will begin at 1 p.m. and always proves interesting to watch, said Allen. “I love to see the faces of those going through the many rounds and to see who can actually stand the heat!”

The day will also include activities for children, antique car displays, music, entertainment, shopping at downtown stores and dining at local restaurants.

Participants may also see a film crew on site as the NC Tourism Department will be recording portions of the event to include in its Visit NC “Firsts That Last” state-wide advertising campaign. “They will be there to capture those first experiences that people have at the contest, whether it be trying a pepper for the very first time or sampling sauces that are way too hot,” Allen said.

While the annual contest is literally a lot of fun and games, Allen said the bigger picture is the tourism dollars generated from sales tax on travel expenses such as hotel stays, gasoline, food and entertainment.

“Every time a person travels, they are going to spend money,” explained Allen. “All that sales tax comes back to that particular area and destination.”

In her Town Talk interview, Allen explained that the local area has often been easy for travelers to overlook in the past as they drive through via the interstate to other destinations.

“Tourism departments focus on making their location unique from other destinations,” she said. “You’ve got to play up those things that make you stand out. The hot sauce contest is definitely one of those things that has the platform to make Oxford unique.”

To hear Allen’s interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Granville County Logo

Open Broadband Meeting, Business & Industry Day Among Granville’s Sept. Events

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville Co. Community Calendar Items

A COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETING, hosted by Granville County Government and Open Broadband, LLC will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Camp Oak Hill and Retreat Center. The 7 p.m. meeting is scheduled to share details and to answer questions about Granville County’s new Broadband Initiative, which will bring high speed internet service to unserved and underserved areas of the county. All interested residents are encouraged to attend and to have questions prepared.

Camp Oak Hill and Retreat Center is located at 1528 Oak Hill Road in Oxford.

THE ANNUAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY APPRECIATION DAY EVENT is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center in Oxford. Local businesses are invited to join Granville County Economic Development, in partnership with the Granville County Chamber of Commerce and Vance-Granville Community College, for an opportunity to network and to learn more about services and resources that are available to assist them. The event is free and open to the public.

For information on reserving a table, contact Lynn Cooper at 919-693-5911 or cooper@granvillecounty.org.

THE CREATIVE LIFELONG LEARNING (CLL) PROGRAM, offered by Granville County Senior Services, has kicked off its fall season with a wide range of classes, activities and educational tours. Upcoming classes include Barn Quilt Painting, taught by Nancy Peele on Monday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.; Nutrition, taught by Linda Robinson on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 12:30 p.m.; The Romanov Dynasty, taught by George Robinson on Thursdays from Sept. 19 to Oct. 31 at 10 a.m.; Clogging, taught by Linda Cash on Thursdays from Sept. 19 to Oct. 24 at 8:30 a.m., Decoupage, taught by Christine Luscavich on Friday, Sept. 20 at 9:30 a.m.; and Learning to Play Duplicate Bridge, taught by Chip Hughes, on Fridays from Sept. 20 to Nov. 22 at 10 a.m.

Classes are open to any interested adult in Granville County – you don’t have to be a senior to participate. To learn more about the CLL program or to register for these classes, contact Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930.

CodeRED Logo

Granville Co. to Test CodeRED Community Notification System

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County’s free emergency notification system, CodeRED, will be tested between 6:30 and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10. The purpose of the test is to validate telephone numbers in the Granville County database.

The CodeRED system allows Granville County’s emergency officials to effectively reach residents and personnel through telephone calls, text messages and e-mails. If a resident receives this call, no action is needed. Granville County is merely testing the system to ensure it is operational and to encourage additional residents to enroll to receive future notifications.

This process helps to continually improve the system already in place by increasing the efficiency and speed at which notifications will be delivered during an actual emergency. If citizens of the county are not registered and their phone number is not in the database, they will not receive this call or any other notifications during an emergency.

Robin Edwards, Granville County’s Emergency Services Coordinator, notes that the number of residents who actively add/update their contact information in the emergency database directly impacts the protection that can be provided to people and property.

“Residents, as well as businesses, are encouraged to visit our website and update their contact information,” Edwards said. “In particular, those who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year and those who use a cellular phone or VolP phone as their primary number.”

A reminder is also offered that if a citizen is already registered for a municipal CodeRED system in their city or town of residence, they are not automatically enrolled in the county-wide database. Granville County enrollment is an entirely separate process.

“If you want to be notified of emergencies across the entire county, then you are urged to register on our website – and to keep your contact information up to date to be better informed,” Edwards adds. “And if you know anyone who is not registered and lives in Granville County, please encourage them to do so.”

To register or for more information about CodeRED, visit the Granville County website, www.granvillecounty.org, and click on the CodeRED logo located on the Emergency Management page. This page can be accessed through the “Community” heading at the top of the home page.

Those without internet access should contact a friend or family member to assist in the online process of adding/updating contact information to the county’s emergency database.

Questions regarding this system test or about CodeRED should be directed to Granville County Emergency Services at 919-603-1310.

Granville Co. Board of Commissioners to Meet This Evening

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at 7 p.m. at the Granville Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.

Agenda items include:

Consent Agenda

1. Contingency Summary

2. Minutes

3. Tax Releases and Refunds

4. Resolution Designation of Applicant’s Agent (DAA) Hurricane Florence Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Recognitions and Presentations

5. Recognition of Service – Carolyn W. Trappiel

Public Comments

6. Public Comments

Public Hearings

7. Public Hearing for Economic Development – Project Cookie

Tax Matters

8. Oxford Preparatory School 2019 Property Tax Exemption

Solid Waste Matters

9. Solid Waste Residential, Collection Franchise and Convenience Site Management – Second Reading

Purchasing

10. Smoke Testing Amendment to Agreement

11. Inspections Department Pickup Truck

12. Detention Center Transit 250 Cargo Van and Van Insert

Appointments

13. Research Triangle Regional Partnership Board of Directors

14. Granville County Human Relations Commission

15. Granville County Economic Development Advisory Board

16. Granville County Digital Infrastructure Planning Committee

County Manager’s Report

17. Granville County Volunteer Services Enhancements

18. Granville County Employee NCDOT Fall Litter Sweep Event

County Attorney’s Report

19. County Attorney’s Report

Presentations by County Board Members

20. Presentations by County Board Members

Any Other Matters

21. Any Other Matters

To view Granville Co. Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes, click here.