Entries by Laura Gabel

TownTalk: A Look At The Vance Co. Budget

Vance County residents can expect no increase in property tax rates or other fees if the commissioners approve the $55 million budget presented to them earlier this month. The commissioners are expected to decide at their June 6 meeting, according to information from County Manager Jordan McMillen. The proposed budget represents a 6 percent increase […]

Henderson Sears Closing Its Doors June 27

There’s been a Sears store in Henderson for more than 60 years, but that’s about to change: the Sears store on Dabney Drive is closing its doors on June 27. Friday marked Day 1 of a liquidation sale, and Store Manager T.W. Floyd said business has been brisk. Business used to be brisk when Floyd’s […]

MPH Staff Has An Oasis Room To Take Respite

Maria Parham Health staff now has an Oasis Room, designed just for them as a spot where they can just unplug and recharge – themselves and their phones. With thanks to the hospital’s facilities team and suggestions from staff to the Resiliency Committee, the room was officially opened today (Thursday) and will open for everyone […]

TownTalk: Kaleah Padgett Helps Daughters Who Have Lost Mothers

Kaleah Padgett has degrees in sociology and in Biblical and religious studies, both of which provide useful tools, but it’s the personal experience of dealing with the loss of her mother that she draws from as she helps other women struggling with their own mothers’ deaths. Padgett formed Our Motherless Daughters about five years ago, […]

The Local Skinny! Around Old Granville: Tiny Broadwick

She was a little bit of a thing, but Georgia Ann “Tiny” Broadwick achieved some larger-than-life accomplishments in her day. All of 4-foot-8 and 85 pounds, Broadwick had been married, given birth to a child and had jumped out of a hot-air balloon by the time she was 15, according to Mark Pace, who shared […]

Town Talk: First Fruits Farms Balloon Festival

Jason Brown’s faith has led him to do some interesting things since he retired from his NFL football career and he and his family have used their farm in Franklin County to do everything from growing and giving away produce to transforming an old dairy barn into a wedding venue. And on Memorial Day weekend, […]

The Local Skinny! Nobles Talks Latest At The Animal Shelter

Thanks to a local volunteer firefighter, the animals up for rescue or adoption at Vance County Animal Services may get some extra “likes” that just might land them in their furever home. Lightning, a male lab mix, is the first animal to be named “Firedog of the Month” on the Facebook page of Watkins Volunteer […]

The Local Skinny! Maria Parham Health To Host Job Fair On Thursday

Maria Parham Health is hosting a job fair from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19. There are a variety of clinical and non-clinical jobs available. Human Resources Director Randy Toscano spoke with John C. Rose on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! and said job applicants could possibly be extended an offer at […]

TownTalk: Crime Stoppers Breakfast Held In Appreciation To Law Enforcement

The Henderson Vance Crime Stoppers kicked off National Police Week by giving area law enforcement officers a pat on the back – and a complimentary breakfast. Frankie Nobles is president of the local Crime Stoppers organization and he said Wednesday’s  breakfast included an awards ceremony to recognize a number of people who serve the community. […]

The Local Skinny! The Doctor Is In! Free Medical Event This Weekend

The Vance Charter School parking lot transforms into a large waiting room this weekend as a pop-up medical clinic comes to town. All services are free of charge, and organizers say the only thing folks need to bring may be an umbrella, as rain is forecast for the weekend. The parking lot will open at […]