Entries by Laura Gabel

“The Local Skinny!” March 18; Eddie Ferguson VGCC Foundation and more

It may seem like a small detail, but Vance-Granville Community College officials have decided to change its fundraising arm from an endowment to a foundation. Eddie Ferguson, executive director of the VGCC Foundation, said that changing one little word could make a big difference in fundraising opportunities. Ferguson spoke with John C. Rose Thursday on […]

Behavioral Health; It’s Time to Start Talking

The Behavioral Health unit at Maria Parham Franklin in Louisburg offers resources for and treatment of a variety of health issues, from mild dementia in older adults to substance abuse and bipolar disorder. For Jason Roberts, behavioral health director for the in-patient facility, people struggling with mental health problems need to know they aren’t alone […]

Vance Commissioners Could Bring Fire Discussion to a Head Soon

The Vance County Public Safety Committee met Monday to continue discussing the possible reorganization of the county’s fire department structure. Although no final decisions have been made yet, County Manager Jordan McMillen said there seems to be some progress toward a satisfactory resolution. This issue – to create a fire department structure to provide as […]

Oxford Water/Sewer Improvements and Adjusting to get the Big Bucks to do It

Some residents of Oxford may be annoyed at the rat-a-tat of jackhammers as they chew up sidewalks or asphalt. Others may grimace when they see the ‘Road Work Ahead’ sign marking street construction. But these sights and sounds also are the marks of progress on the city’s infrastructure improvement plan. In an effort to keep […]

Henderson’s Sewer Rehab “Find” and “Fix” Plan

The Henderson City Council paved the way for a sewer rehabilitation project in hopes of rectifying a recent spate of overflows by approving acceptance of a $2,542,553 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The matter was on the consent agenda at the council’s Mar. 8 meeting, and City Manager Terrell Blackmon said […]

Use care when burning yard debris

The sunny skies and warmer temperatures may be tempting area residents to get outside and burn yard debris, but a local fire ranger urges landowners to use abundant caution to avoid problems. Just in the last week, fire departments in Vance and Granville counties and the NC Forest Service have responded to 13 wildfires. Of […]

TownTalk 03-11-21 Monica Kearney, Safe Space Inc.

They may not be on the front lines or in the spotlight as other types of professionals who work to keep the community safe and healthy, but social workers operate across society to provide services to those in need. March is National Social Work Month and this year’s theme is “Social Workers are Essential.” Monica […]

Watkins selected for Governor’s School

Isaac Charles Watkins, a junior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been selected to attend North Carolina Governor’s School of 2021. Watkins, 17, lives in Oxford with his parents Kelly Watkins and Chris Cox. He was selected for the program because of high academic performance in the social sciences, according to Vici Bradsher, upper school director at OPS. He will […]

Vance County Goals for 2021-2022

The Vance County Board of Commissioners discussed and prioritized a wide range of goals for the 2021-22 during its recent board retreat, from attracting new businesses to finding ways to lowering EMS call volume. The number one goal is to retain or create new jobs and attracting $10 million in new investment in the county, […]