Entries by Laura Gabel

TownTalk: Around Old Granville – Walter Alexander Pattillo

Walter Alexander Pattillo was a Baptist preacher, newspaper publisher and accomplished farmer who established a dozen churches in and around Old Granville County. He died young – age 57 – but his legacy has had a lasting impact throughout the area. Local historian Mark Pace said Walter Pattillo was born in 1850, the son of […]

TownTalk: Commissioners Question District 3 Hopefuls

In a special called meeting Monday afternoon, Vance County Commissioners heard from the four candidates vying for the open District 3 seat on the board. At the conclusion of the meeting, which lasted less than an hour, Chairwoman Carolyn Faines said she would like to reconvene next week – at a second special called meeting […]

TownTalk: Interest In And Options For Public Transportation Growing In The Area

UPDATE 2-18-25: Because of the weather, the Transportation Town Hall has been re-scheduled for March 17, 2025. A community town hall-style meeting on the topic of public transportation is scheduled for Monday, March 17 in Oxford to provide information about the types of public transportation that are available now and to help shape the future […]

TownTalk: KVA Celebrates 20th Anniversary of State Championship

The Kerr-Vance Academy Spartans boys’ basketball team takes to the court Friday evening in a  6 p.m. conference matchup with Halifax Academy, but the folks in the bleachers will also get a chance to relive a magical moment in the school’s history as the 2005 state champion basketball team is recognized. It was 20 years […]

Vance Charter Lottery Mar. 1; Application Period Runs Jan. 21-Feb. 28 For 2025-26

The Vance Charter lottery for the 2025-2026 school year will open on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Parents of prospective students have until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 to complete the online application. Find the application at www.vancecharter.org under VCS Lottery Info. Because there is a limited number of spaces per class, it is possible more students […]

Project-Based Learning Charter School Starting In Vance County; Sledge Institute

Sledge Institute is a new charter school opening in Vance County in August 2025, with a focus on project-based learning that links students with the community to put into action what they’re learning in the classroom. Chandra Sledge Mathias, Ed.D, founder and chief executive officer, said the enrollment period is open now through Feb. 28, […]