Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Commissioners Approve Lower Application Fee For Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners on Monday voted to drop the application fee for vendors at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market from $30 to $20 in an effort to attract more potential producers to sell their vegetables, fruit and other products at the seasonal market.

Vance County Cooperative Extension Director Dr. Wykia Macon explained to commissioners that she, in consultation with the market advisory board and extension staff, is willing to not only lower the fee, but also to drop the daily $10 setup fee.

The market opens on Saturday, May 3.

“We’re ready to get started,” Macon said, and will move forward to approve this year’s guidelines now that commissioners have approved lowering the application fee.

Macon said the advisory board also is planning to open up the market property to other uses, including installation of a community garden and a health and wellness fair on Friday, May 2.

Commissioner Tommy Hester said he’d be in favor of doing away with fees altogether, adding that the facility, now 10 years old, is a way to help look out for local farmers who want to sell their produce.

Macon welcomed commissioners to attend the next market advisory board meeting on Tuesday, Mar. 18 at 2 p.m.

County Manager C. Renee Perry said there is a small increase in the 2025-26 budget for the farmers market, which is probably the first increase since the market opened in 2014.

“Our marketing budget is very small,” Macon said, adding that it will take “a concerted effort” to increase foot traffic and vendor participation at the market. “Advertising is just one part of it.”

The community garden project is taking shape.

More volunteers are needed at upcoming workdays:

  • Mar. 21 – working on establishing garden borders – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Mar. 29 – marking walkways and preparing for stone installation – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Apr. 11 – installing garden beds – 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“We want to have the community realize that this is their market, and the garden is theirs,” said Extension Agent Michael Ellington. The community garden would be a perfect spot for those who want a garden but lack the space or the confidence to plant, tend and harvest on their own.

There also is a series of market vendor workshops that is being held on Saturdays in March at Salem United Methodist Church, 4151 Salem Rd., Oxford. The workshops are free to attend and no registration is required. Upcoming sessions are as follows:

  • 15 – marketing – product placement for optimum visibility on tables in the market
  • Mar. 22 – knowing your customers and follow-up to sales
  • Mar. 29 – basic food safety

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr.

Maria Parham Health Emergency Department Renovation Update

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Maria Parham Health is kicking off the first phase of a major renovation to its Emergency Department, with a focus on enhancing care for individuals facing behavioral health challenges.

“We are excited to begin this important renovation, which will allow us to provide even better care to those who need it most,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “This is a huge step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve care for vulnerable populations in our  community, and we are grateful for the support of our partners and the local community.”

The renovation will take place in two phases, with the initial preparation already completed by the hospital’s Facilities team, according to information from MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young. Temporary modifications to the main lobby area have been made,  including the installation of new flooring and the construction of temporary walls. These changes  will create dedicated space for waiting areas, triage zones, registration desks and other essential  facilities to ensure the continued smooth flow of patient care during construction.

Because the front portion of the current Emergency Department will be closed for the duration of the renovation, the hospital’s main lobby will be used as a temporary intake, registration and emergency care  area for patients coming to Maria Parham’s Henderson campus in personal vehicles.  Ambulances will continue to arrive through the current ambulance intake bay. There are directional signs in place to help direct people to their destinations.

Phase One of the project is expected to take approximately 16 weeks, with actual construction beginning Monday, Mar. 17.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • During the renovation, emergency patients who arrive at the hospital by their own means  will be directed to the main entrance for registration, triage, and care.
  • Emergency Medical Services entry will remain unaffected.
  • Radiology patients will also be guided to the main entrance for registration and sent to a separate waiting area for their services.
  • For other services such as Lab, Outpatient Surgery, Inpatient Rehab, and General Visitation, patients will be asked to use the Heart & Vascular Center entrance, located to the right of the hospital’s main entrance.
  • Please look for signage posted in front of the hospital for additional guidance.

This vital renovation is made possible through funding allocated to Maria Parham Health in October 2023 as part of a joint initiative led by the Vance County District Attorney’s Office, Granville Vance Public Health, the Vance County Board of Commissioners and the North Carolina General Assembly.

The project will specifically focus on creating designated areas within the Emergency Department tailored to meet the unique needs of behavioral health and mental health patients.  These spaces will provide a safer, more supportive environment for patients and care team members, while improving overall hospital efficiency. Furthermore, the changes are designed to foster a healthier and more secure hospital environment for patients and visitors alike.

Maria Parham Health encourages the public to stay informed about the renovation’s progress.  Updates will be available on the hospital’s official Facebook page and through local news outlets.

Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Growing The Spring Vegetable Garden Event will be on Monday March 31, 2025 at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Resist the temptation to plant tall fescue.
  • Prune as soon as possible.
  • Order your bees for pollination ASAP
  • Apply crabgrass preventer to lawns
  • Reread owners manual of all power equipment
  • You can plant spinach, irish potatoes, mustard, beets, kale, lettuce, carrots, peas, onions, and radishes. Get your copy of central piedmont planting guide.
  • Provide ventilation for plants in greenhouse and cold farame
  • Remember to wear PPE equipment when doing all garden chores.
  • Start checking your lawn care equipment
  • Check areas for mice. Greenhouse storage shed.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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Granville Vance Public Health Logo

TownTalk: GVPH Director Lisa Harrison Keeps Eye On Health Issues, Funding For Federal Programs Like Medicaid, WIC

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In addition to all the health-related issues that Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa M. Harrison monitors, lately she’s been keeping a close watch on what’s happening in Washington, DC as politicians consider cost-saving measures to address a focus on government efficiency and tax cuts.

For Harrison, what happens in Washington has a direct effect on what happens right here in North Carolina – and specifically in rural areas like the area her department serves.

“People don’t often realize that our federal tax dollars are so closely tied to programs and local jobs,” Harrison said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. There are many connections to the work done here in Vance and Granville counties that are federally funded, she said.

“It’s important to pay attention and give people advance notice” if funding cuts are recommended.

As health director, she’s especially interested in Medicaid and the WIC program. So far, so good, she said, adding that she’s hopeful both programs will be spared from cuts.

“If Medicaid goes away, we all pay the price,” Harrison said. Medicaid is not a handout, she said; rather, it’s an insurance option that enables the working poor, children and disabled individuals to have access to health care. She said it also helps keep premiums and costs down for those who have private insurance.

“The way we make payroll is by billing Medicare and Medicaid,” Harrison said. They take private insurance and self-pay clients as well, but about 50 percent of the health department’s clients use Medicaid.

Cuts in Medicaid and WIC – which provides vouchers to women with infants and children for nutritious foods, baby formula and more – would be felt sharply and quickly, she said.

But federal funds also make it possible for GVPH to administer programs like THRIVe, a grant-funded program that addresses behavioral health services from licensed clinical social workers to Vance County Schools and Granville County Public Schools for students from5-18 years of age.

There’s a licensed clinical social worker based at the health department who provides one-on-one counseling for children and families. In addition, Harrison said THRIVE connects with behavioral health professionals from UNC and Duke to help school staffs better understand how to assist or help students with behavioral health, including training teachers about trauma-informed care.

Children come to school and need a lot more than facts, Harrison said. The $4 million federal grant for THRIVe allows adults to help children with the resources they need to be their best selves, she said.

Grant funding has increased dramatically over the 50 years that GVHD has been in existence, Harrison said.

The health department published a report to celebrate and reflect on its 50 years of service to the two counties. In those 50 years, Harrison is only the third director. Dr. Charles Rollins was the first director and served from 1974 to 1991. Dr. Roddy Drake was the second director and served until 2012. Harrison became the director when Drake retired.

Harrison called Rollins “a passionate advocate” for bringing the WIC program to rural areas in the 1970’s. The health department oversaw seven programs and had a couple of dozen employees for both counties. Today, there are close to 60 programs and almost 100 employees.

“Our team is amazing,” Harrison said, “making a difference in the lives of others and health outcomes.”

Visit www.gvph.org to learn about all the programs GVPH offers and to read the 50th anniversary annual report.

 

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Vance County Sheriff: Two Adults, One Juvenile Face Drug Charges

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–information from the office of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On Thursday, March 6, 2025 members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at 130 Lynnbank Estates Rd. in  Kittrell after receiving complaints that narcotics were being sold from the residence.  During the search of the residence, investigators located heroin, cocaine, a Glock handgun and other items of drug manufacturing equipment.

Fuquan Henderson was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin and maintain a dwelling for selling controlled substances. Demarius Vass was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine and maintain a dwelling for selling controlled substances. A juvenile was also arrested and charged on a juvenile petition with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule III drug, maintain a dwelling for selling controlled substance and possession of a handgun by a minor.

Henderson received a $30,000 secured bond and Vass is being held at the Vance County Detention Facility with no bond. The juvenile involved in this matter was transported to a juvenile facility.      

‘Shamrocks On Breckenridge’ Returns To Downtown Henderson Monday, Mar. 17

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Monday, Mar. 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, and the community is invited to Shamrocks on Breckenridge in downtown Henderson to celebrate all things Irish from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The first 200 folks to arrive get a free meal – hotdog, chips, a cookie and a drink.

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Brian Dawson.

Sponsors include Gateway CDC, the N.C. Arts Council, Vance County Arts Council, the City of Henderson, as well as Perry Memorial Library, Turning Point Development, FGV Smart Start and Jessica Rice with AIM High and Taba’s Face Painting.

There will be children’s activities and more, so deck out in emerald green and head downtown for a fun afternoon.

TownTalk: Rodeo This Weekend at Franklin Brothers Nursery Sunday, March 16

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Franklin Brothers Nursery is hosting a rodeo this weekend, featuring barrel racing and more. Thomas Franklin said it’s wholesome entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

And Franklin has plans for more shows in the future – it’s all part of an overall vision to make the best use of the property.  This is just the beginning, he said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

Barrel racers of all ages are invited to come out and take part in the show, which will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Mar. 16 at 9 a.m. with a barrel racing exhibition. Cowboy Church starts at 11 a.m. and the different classes – including barrels, pole bending, speed barrel goat tying and dummy roping – begin at 12 noon.

This show is part of the Taylor Digh Series and barrel racers compete at various TD-sanctioned shows to earn points.

Digh is a trainer from Benson who trains a lot of horses and trains a lot of kids to be competitive in the classic rodeo event that involves horses and riders speeding around a set of three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern.

His own daughter, Bailey, participates in the TD series and Franklin said as a parent, he couldn’t be happier about seeing her go do her best at what she loves to do in a competitive environment and then step back and be able to socialize with others in a healthy, outdoor setting.

“We’re looking forward to a wonderful show,” he said, adding that he expects anywhere from 50 or 60 to as many as 100 competitors to attend. Some competitors are competing for points and prizes that will be awarded at the end of the season, but anyone with a horse is welcome to trailer it over and compete on Sunday.

There will be additional prizes – saddles and other tack, and more – that will be given as prizes in each division of the barrel race classes: PeeWee, Elementary, Middle School, High School and Open (which is for youth of any age as well as adults).

Admission is $3 and there’s a $5 entry fee for riders.

Franklin said it’s thrilling to watch the riders “ripping through an arena, spinning around barrels.”

For the uninitiated, barrel racing involves a horse and rider running around three barrels set up in the shape of a triangle. The horse/rider team runs around each barrel to create the cloverleaf pattern. The team that does it the fastest without knocking over a barrel is the winner.

There will be food trucks on site as well on Sunday, and Franklin said the plan is to have more shows in the future.

For more information about the TD Series, contact Dye at 704.689.3013.

For more information about Sunday’s event, contact Franklin at 919.702.3839.

Franklin Brothers Nursery is located at 3193 Vicksboro Rd.

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The Local Skinny! Shaw Alumni Event Coming March 29

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Join area alumni of Shaw University at an event designed to celebrate education, faith and community impact on Saturday, Mar. 29 in Henderson.

The Granville, Vance and Warren alumni chapter invites the community to Shaw Day, which organizers say will promote support and awareness.

“This is your chance to support students of Shaw University, engage with inspiring leaders and make a difference,” according to information from Jake Hargrove, himself a 1983 graduate of the university, located in Raleigh.

“We’re looking forward to a wonderful day,” Hargrove said, adding that he hopes that other churches will get involved in the event, organized as a way to encourage prospective students to consider Shaw when they’re making decisions about college, raising money as well as awareness for the university, which was established in 1865.

The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church, 511 Orange St. in Henderson.

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TownTalk: Fuqua Receives Recognition from City Council

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Henderson’s Finance Director Joey Fuqua received some special recognition at Monday’s City Council meeting for excellence in financial reporting.

And though it was more a formality than anything else, Fuqua was officially sworn in as finance director – before Council Member Tami Walker read a proclamation expressing gratitude on behalf of the Council for the work done by Fuqua and his staff. He’s been the city’s finance director for about 10 years.

“Thank you for your financial leadership and your excellence in financial reporting for the last eight years,” Walker said in remarks before she read the proclamation.

The 2023 budget marks the 8th year that Fuqua and his department have received a certificate of excellence in financial reporting from the Government Financial Officers Association.

In addition to preparing the city’s annual budget, Fuqua and his team provide financial services and support city departments, manage revenue collections and disbursements and oversee purchasing functions, Walker noted.

Fuqua also has “emphasized commitment to addressing budget constraints,” Walker said, and helps the city by planning with long-term financial responsibility in mind.

Fuqua accepted a certificate, a bouquet of cut flowers and a standing ovation from the City Council members, Mayor Melissa Elliott and city staff at the meeting.

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