Franklin, CenturyLink Continue Broadband Project To Unserved Areas

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 High-speed fiber internet will soon be available to almost 2,000 homes currently in unserved areas throughout Franklin County.

Through a $3.9 million Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant, Lumen – the parent company of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber – will be providing high-speed fiber internet to 1,978 homes across Franklin County. The project makes available broadband fiber internet in areas previously unserved by that service, according to a press statement from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III.

The project will bring broadband to the unincorporated areas of Franklinton, Centerville, Wood, Justice, Bunn, Green Hill, Laurel Mill, Montgomery, Firetower, NC 561, NC 56 East, Alert and Perry. Work is expected to finish in July 2023.

The company has already completed access to 584 homes and is accepting new customers in the areas of Montgomery, NC 581, Green Hill and Laurel Mill.

Officials from Lumen met recently with Franklin County Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Schriver and Commissioner Harry Foy along with Assistant County Manager Will Doerfer at one of the completed sites of the project along Ronald Tharrington Road.

“This broadband GREAT Grant program is a wonderful example of public-private partnerships that work for people, communities, and their businesses,” said Steve Brewer, Lumen’s director of state regulatory and legislative affairs. “Families and businesses have shifted to living more of life online. We know broadband brings many benefits to communities—this expansion will improve access to the online applications being used every day.”

GREAT grants, established by N.C. legislature and awarded by N.C. Broadband Infrastructure Office, are provided to private broadband service providers to “facilitate the deployment of broadband service to unserved areas of North Carolina,” according to the Broadband Office’s website. Visit https://www.ncbroadband.gov/grants/great-grant to learn more.

Franklin County’s Board of Commissioners approved a letter of support and local match for CenturyLink to receive this GREAT Grant of $3,899,638 to install high-speed fiber internet to nearly 2,000 homes throughout the county. Commissioners also supported the application with a promised local match of $116,990. In February 2021, CenturyLink signed a five-year service agreement with NC Broadband Infrastructure Office. At the July 2021 meeting, commissioners approved a contract for CenturyLink to provide fiber-to-the-home service for 1,978 homes in Franklin County in exchange for the county’s match.

County leadership is awaiting a decision on additional Phase II GREAT Grant funding and will be pursuing additional grant programs to further expand broadband access in Franklin County.

“Franklin County is excited about this opportunity for residents to access life-changing service,” said County Manager Kim Denton. “Access to high-speed internet expands opportunities for education, healthcare, and personal enrichment.”

Residents can find out about service and rate information in their area by visiting www.Q.com or www.centurylink.com. Residents can also find service availability information by clicking the “Check Availability” button and supplying their addresses.

Attention, Farm Families! Apply For A Chance To Be Featured During 2022 N.C. State Fair

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– Information courtesy of N.C. State Press Office

 

Has your farm family got what it takes to be one of the 11 families recognized this year at the N.C. State Fair as a Farm Family of the Day?

If you are proud to be an N.C. farmer, work hard to contribute to the state’s No. 1 industry and love both farming and the N.C. State Fair, you could be one of the lucky ones selected.

The “Farm Family of the Day” program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, is returning for its second year to recognize and celebrate more of our state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind our $92.9 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.

Applications can be found at https://ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions/FarmFamilyOfTheDay.htm The deadline to apply is Sept. 16.

“The State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new agricultural practices and technology. Helping people make the connection between farming and the food they enjoy is one of our top missions at the NCDA&CS each year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“Thanks to Tractor Supply Company, this program can help tell the story of and celebrate our farm families. Farmers are out there every day working to grow the food, fiber and fuel that we need to survive.”

Families recognized as Farm Family of the Day honorees will be awarded an N.C. State Fair gift basket including fair tickets to use on any day of their choice during the 2022 N.C. State Fair, ride passes and additional swag from Tractor Supply Company and the N.C. State Fair. Families will be chosen by both nomination and application.

The 2022 N.C. State Fair is set for Oct. 13-23 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights. For more information, visit https://www.ncstatefair.org/2022/index.htm.

Warren Senior Center Issues Coupons For Use At Local Farmers’ Market

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The Warren County Senior Center and Warren County Cooperative Extension announce the launch of the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) for 2022.  The SFMNP provides lower-income older adults with coupons to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at their local farmers’ markets.  The program’s dual goals are designed to improve the nutritional status of older adults and stimulate business for local farmers while creating a greater awareness of the farmers’ market.

The Warren County Senior Center is distributing coupons to eligible residents once during the growing season.  A recipient must be a Warren County resident aged 60 years or older and meet certain self-declared monthly income eligibility requirements.  These coupons can be used through Sept. 30, 2022, at the local Warren County Farmers’ Market, located in the parking lot of the Warren County Health Department, at 544 West Ridgeway St. in Warrenton.  The Warren County Farmers’ Market operates on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

Income eligibility is $2,096 per month for an individual or $2,823 for a couple.

Coupons are available at the Warren County Senior Center, located 435 West Franklin St., Warrenton, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  To learn more, call the Warren County Senior Center at 252.257.3111.

NCDOT

Volunteers Needed For NC DOT Fall Litter Sweep

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The N.C. Department of Transportation is looking for volunteers for the Adopt-A-Highway Fall Litter Sweep, which runs Sept. 10 – 24.

Each April and September, the department calls on volunteers to help remove litter from roadsides. Volunteers from local businesses, schools, non-profits, churches and community groups play an important role in keeping North Carolina’s roads clean.

“The Litter Sweep is a great opportunity to get outdoors with family and friends and work alongside NCDOT to ensure North Carolina remains a beautiful place to live and work.” says David Harris, a state DOT roadside environmental engineer.

Volunteers can request gloves, safety vests and bags from their local county maintenance office to prepare for the cleanup event. DOT maintenance crews devote one week of their time to pick up litter and collect the orange bags that dot roadsides after volunteers have finished their work.

Cleanup supplies, such as reversible orange/blue trash bags, gloves and orange safety vests, are available from the local NCDOT county maintenance yard office.
​The following link contains contact information for each county’s local litter management coordinator.
Visit the Litter Sweep webpage for more information.

LEAP Grants Totaling $20K Awarded During Tuesday Teacher Convocation

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Information courtesy of Aarika Sandlin, VCS Director of Communication & Marketing

The Vance County Public School Foundation (VCPSF) awarded eleven Vance County School teachers with Learning that Extends Actual Performance (LEAP) mini-grants at the 2022-23 convocation on Aug. 23 at McGregor Hall. A total of $20,000 was awarded, made possible through the VCPSF and a $10,000 donation from MAKO Medical.

The LEAP mini-grants provide financial resources and support to teachers so they can enrich classroom learning experiences. The funded projects reflect the pillars of the Vance County Schools’ strategic plan – equity & inclusion, high performance culture, innovation and experiential learning.

Following is a list of this year’s LEAP grant recipients, their schools and the winning projects;

  • Frank Brown, Vance County High School – Communicator Headsets for Public Safety Course: Communicator headsets will expand the 9-1-1 telecommunicator program to help train students for the workforce
  • Lillian King, Carver Elementary – Amplifying Student Voices: A school-wide project that is intended to promote student participation in classrooms with tossable, ball-shaped microphones called Q-balls.
  • Milton Lima, STEM Early High – Cymatics in Action: Students will build and engage with cymatic experiences using Tesla coils, oscilloscopes, speakers, wiring and cymatic plates, that will encourage class discussion and enhance hands-on classroom experiences.
  • Claudel Richards, Dabney Elementary – Math Reads with Flexibility: Standing desks and flexible seating will be provided to make reading more accessible for all students. Math storybooks and resource books will assist teachers with implementing strategies that cater to the needs of all learners.
  • Debbie McCune, Carver Elementary – Science Fun for Everyone: Second grade students will participate in In-School Science Field Trips with interactive, educational and fun science activities.
  • Loricia Martin, E.O. Young Elementary – Learning at All Levels: Sensory rugs, ottomans, and counter-height stools will be used to foster comfortable learning at all levels during instructional blocks.
  • Ginger Glover, Vance Virtual Village Academy – Dream Believers: Dream Believers are a group of elementary students who create projects that will inspire creativity and imagination. These projects will be donated to various organizations within the Henderson/Vance community.
  • Cynthia Nnameka, Vance Virtual Village Academy – Lab Days with Lab Kits: Sixth to eighth grade students will participate in critical thinking and hands-on experiences that correspond with NC Essential Standards.
  • Amber Baker, Ebony Watkins and Alexandra White, E.M. Rollins STEAM Elementary – LaserSTEAM: LaserSTEAM encourages hands-on experience for students that will engage students in reading, learning and writing.

Following its initial $10,000 donation in April 202w to fund the LEAP grants, MAKO Medical issued a challenge to the community to double the difference, making a commitment to match every donation, totaling up to $10,000. VCPSF reached the milestone in July, receiving over $10,000 in community donations since May. MAKO presented the additional $10,000 from the MAKO match at the VCS Convocation, which was attended by all Vance County Schools staff, members of the Vance County School Board of Education, the Vance County Public School Foundation, MAKO representatives Clever Prince and Mikey the Shark, as well as representatives from area businesses.

Learn more about the VCPSF at vcs.k12.nc.us and follow them on Facebook @The Vance County Public School Foundation.

The Local Skinny! September Heating Up In Oxford

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Anyone in the listening area who complains about there being nothing to do better not let Angela Allen hear you.

Allen, Granville County Tourism Director, has outlined a bevy of events that are taking place in the next couple of months that will keep you on your toes.  (Listen Here – The Local Skinny! September Heating Up In Oxford)

First up, the 16th annual Hot Sauce Contest and Festival, which takes over downtown Oxford on Saturday, Sept. 10. From live music, food and beverage vendors and classic car show – and don’t forget the pepper eating contest – the daylong festival has something for everyone.

Visit nchotsaucecontestandfestival.com for a complete list of events and schedules or to sign up to be a volunteer.

The following weekend, it’s downtown Creedmoor putting on a show – literally. The Creedmoor Music Festival cranks up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17.

“We’re really excited about (that) one, it’s been two years” since the festival could be held because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Visitors will hear a variety of music throughout the day, performed by local groups and regional favorites. See the complete lineup and schedule at https://www.cityofcreedmoor.org/departments/recreation/events/creedmoor-music-festival

“The thing that makes it so unique is that you get to hear so many genres in one day,” Allen said. There will be everything from bluegrass to British Invasion tribute bands in Creedmoor for the festival.

And, hot off the press, Allen said, is the “very first Restaurant Week in downtown Oxford.” During the week of Sept. 25 to Oct. 1, all the downtown restaurants will participate in a celebration that includes special menus and pop-ups.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Allen said, adding that a kickoff event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 25 with a special “Supper at Oxford Oaks.” Oxford Oaks is the new distillery coming to College Street. Find more information at visitgranvillenc.com/

October ushers in a variety of activities across the county, from the Oct. 1 CultureFest in downtown Oxford to the Cedar Creek fall pottery and glass festival, which takes place the first two weekends in October outside Creedmoor.

Once you’ve perused the gallery with works from more than 200 artists ranging from handcrafted pottery, glass sculptures, jewelry and more, head over to the Granville Haunt Farm on Hwy 15 south of Oxford.

The drive-through event takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings in October, Allen said.

“You can be terrified from the comfort of your own car.”

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Vance Charter Cheerleaders Close To Goal For A Spot In Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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The Vance Charter School cheerleaders are in the home stretch of their fundraising efforts that will result in performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City – they are just $12,000 shy of making their goal.

Head Coach Stacey Long said the group needed to raise about $30,000 for the trip, which would pay for the students but not the chaperones.

“It’s going great,” Long told WIZS News. “We are down to the last $12K – we would love to wrap this fundraising up. She had said they needed to have all the money in by Sept. 1, which is one week away.

The group got the invitation in early May, and Long said to her knowledge, they’re the only cheerleading group in the area ever selected to march in the parade, known for its giant balloons, festive floats and marching bands. The girls will march along the 2.5 mile parade route, then stop and perform at Herald Square in front of Macy’s flagship store.

The cheerleaders have fanned out across Henderson and Oxford, visiting businesses and delivering informational flyers in hopes of drumming up additional donations.

“The girls are pretty excited,” she said. “They are sacrificing not having the holiday with their immediate family,” but an invitation to appear in the parade may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Long said she and assistant coach Shelley Whitehead have worked diligently alongside the cheerleaders to bring the fundraiser to the community’s attention.

If you can help, phone Long at 919.691.3279 or send a message via the

Vance Charter Cheer Leading Facebook page.

The best way to make a financial donation is to send a check to the school:

 

Vance Charter School

Attn: Coach Stacey Long

2090 Ross Mill Rd.

Henderson, NC 27537

Perry Memorial Library

Perry Library Bookmobile Fundraiser Off And Running

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Longtime residents of Henderson and Vance County may remember seeing the old bookmobile parked under the shade of a tree alongside the old H. Leslie Perry Library. The paint was a faded blue, but the sight of that vehicle out in the county meant that if the readers couldn’t get to the books, then the books could get to the readers.

The Perry Memorial Library staff is resurrecting that concept and recently announced that it got a $100,000 grant to get a sleek, new bookmobile on the roads of Vance County once more.

The price tag for a new bookmobile, however, is $160,000. A fundraiser is going on now to make up the difference and so far, citizens, business owners and non-profits have stepped up to provide $31,000.

The base of the bookmobile is a 22-foot Morgan Olson Step Van, and the vehicle will be equipped to meet the needs of the people who will use it – all types of technology will be on board to allow for books to be checked in and out, for use of the computers located inside and new library patrons can have their library cards printed on site. There also will be a lift to accommodate handicapped patrons.

Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Michele Burgess said her group’s education division is focusing on ways to improve the county’s literacy rate, and it fully supports the library’s efforts to get a bookmobile on the road to serve the community. She noted that nearby counties have multiple branches to serve patrons and other counties already have bookmobiles to serve outlying areas, but Vance County has only the one library in Henderson.
“Having a Vance County bookmobile to travel up to Townsville, out to the Middleburg area, and over to Kittrell is going to provide a tremendous service,” Burgess said.

To learn more about how to make a donation to the bookmobile project, visit the Perry Memorial Library website at:  www.perrylibrary.org.  Or mail your check to:  Perry Library Bookmobile Fund, 205 Breckenridge St., Henderson, NC 27536.

If you have questions, contact Christy Bondy, assistant librarian at 252.438.3316 or email cbondy@perrylibrary.org.

 

Business owners can make tax-deductible donations at the following sponsorship levels:

  • Platinum – $5,000+ – your name and company logo will appear on the back of the bookmobile
  • Gold – $2,500 – 4,999 – your name/business name will be listed on the back of the bookmobile
  • Silver – $500 – $2,499 – your name/business name will be acknowledged inside the bookmobile as a silver donor
  • Bronze – $250 – $500 – your name/business name will be acknowledged inside the bookmobile as a bronze donor
  • Supporter $1 – $249 – your name/business name will appear on the library’s website as a bookmobile supporter.

 

TownTalk: Brick Power Team Event Benefits Local Church

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Think you’ve got what it takes to compete at The Brick?

If you have to ask what The Brick is, you may want to be a spectator rather than a competitor – The Brick is where The Brick Power Team gets its name and it is the site of an upcoming bench press contest.

Harry Orr, a member of the weightlifting team, said the Oct. 15 event will benefit Freedom Life Church of God, located right next door to The Brick on Martin Creek Road in Henderson.

It’s a tangible way to say thank you for the support the church has provided The Brick Power Team, Orr told John C. Rose on Wednesday’s Town Talk.  (Click to Play Audio – TownTalk: Brick Power Team Event Benefits Local Church)

“We’re trying to give a little bit back to our church for helping us and supporting us through these events,” he said. “We’re like a ministry outreach from the church – we’ll find somebody with some kind of need” and then host a fundraiser bench press event.

“Every little bit helps,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s a lot we can give…we enjoy doing it – and use weightlifting to make it happen.”

A recent recipient was the local American Legion, he said. Adult competitors pay $40 to register and teens pay $30, but Orr said they’re not sticklers on strict rules and regulations – Orr said he’s grateful to sponsors for their help in defraying the cost of things like food and trophies for the first- and second-place finishers in the various categories.

Competitors can weigh in between 8:30 and 11 on the morning of the competition, which should begin around noon. Previous events have pulled competitors from Wake Forest, Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville and Roxboro, and Orr said he hopes that folks will turn out in October to participate or to cheer the competitors on.

“We go by weight classes and age,” Orr said, in determining the different categories for the competition. There are classes for teens, and men’s and women’s master classes, as well as open classes determined by weight.

There’s been a 75-year-old winner and a 10-year-old winner, he said. The youngster weighed about 100 pounds and he benched more than 100 pounds.  “We’ve got some real tough competitors in this sport,” he added.

For Orr, it’s a time to do what he enjoys doing – he’s been lifting for more than 30 years, he said. “It’s a great event to put on – we have a good time doing it.”

And the competitors probably get a little charge out of flexing their muscle in front of  others. “Everybody likes to show off a little bit,” Orr said.

Orr may fit that description as well, when he’s in a competition. But he was a bit more subdued as he shared an accolade that will be bestowed on him and some others from Vance County in just a couple of weeks at Aycock Rec Center: Orr will be inducted into the N.C. Power Lift Hall of Fame on Saturday, Sept. 10.

In 2011, Orr was ranked #1 in the 55-59 class of the American Challenge. It’s a lot of hard work on his part to train and practice, but he gives the credit to God.

“God’s been good to us, giving us the ability to do it,” he said.

Call Orr at 252.432.4196 or email him at horr2553@yahoo.com

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