Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Agritourism

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These days, farmers not only need green thumbs to grow their bountiful fruits and vegetables, but they need to think “outside the garden” to find ways to add income to their enterprise, where profit margins are often tight and weather wreaks havoc adversely affecting the bottom line.

Enter agritourism.

The idea has probably been around longer than the term, but the National Agricultural Law Center defines agritourism as a form of commercial enterprise that links agriculture with tourism for entertainment or educational purposes.

Many small-scale farms welcome visitors to their property for a variety of reasons, ranging from pick-your-own patches – think strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pumpkins and more – to farm stays and wedding venues to hiking and biking trails. Farmers really are only limited by their imagination – and the time they have to commit to the endeavor.

Vance County Cooperative Extension Technician Wayne Rowland offered a few reminders for anyone toying with the idea of branching out into agritourism:

  • Figure out what you want to focus on – it has to be a good fit for the farm and for the people running the farm.
  • Know the time commitment – many farmers have regular “day jobs” and do farm chores after work and on the weekend.

Contact the Vance County Cooperative Extension office to learn more about agritourism at https://vance.ces.ncsu.edu/ or call 252.438.8188.

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The Local Skinny! Chestnut Street Park Revitalization Project

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Charles Turrentine Jr. grew up on Hamilton Street, so it was a short walk down to Chestnut Street Park, where he spent time playing basketball and hanging out with his friends.

The park is due an upgrade, and Turrentine is spearheading an effort to give the park a facelift.

As the old saying goes, all it takes is time and money.

“It’s a collective effort,” he said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Turrentine’s church, Davis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, is located across the street from the park, and he said they’ve sort of adopted it, putting into action a plan to make some much-needed changes so the park can once again be a place for the whole community to enjoy.

“We’re really in action with the revitalization effort,” he said. “We want a modernized park that’s open to everyone.”

Rep. Frank Sossamon has joined the effort, and is one of several folks featured in a 2-minute video about the project, which can be seen on YouTube. Turrentine and Sossamon have known each other for a good while, and Turrentine said the pastor-turned-legislator contacted him asking how he could help.

Once the site of a tobacco warehouse, the park was donated by J.P Taylor in the early 1970’s and the surface for all the courts is the original warehouse floor. The plan includes other amenities like installing a cover over the courts, and adding water and electricity.

The first phase will be resurfacing the courts, which will involve taking down the hoops and the chainlink fencing that surrounds the park.

Turrentine said the resurfacing alone has a $20,000 price tag.

Inflation and the spike in construction materials and costs, has bumped the original estimate of about $100,000 to more like $500,000, he said. The fencing alone could cost upwards of $30,000.

He hopes to make some tweaks to the video and use a slightly longer version to help with fundraising efforts. The idea now is to get started at the beginning of 2025, using the rest of 2024 to promote the project and raise money.

There already are different ways to donate, including a GoFundMe page and making a tax-deductible donation at Davis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. All donations will go to fund the project, Turrentine said.

“We have to do it in phases, as the money comes in and we get more support,” Turrentine explained. And he is confident about the success of the project and what it will mean for the community.

“We can change the narrative of Henderson,” he said, putting aside differences and raising money to create a modern park for all to enjoy.

Find the “Every Court Has A Story – Chestnut Street Park” video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTW0q-4CXqA&t=21

One Woman Injured, One Man Faces Assault Charges In July 9 Incident

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– Press release from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On Tuesday, July 9, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to 37 Rose Lane about a female who had been assaulted at the caller’s residence.

Upon arrival, deputies located a female victim undressed, with signs of assault on her face, neck, and body. Deputies determined that the incident occurred at 45 Rose Lane.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the female was assaulted with a blunt object, as well as a closed fist on her head and face. The female was transported to Maria Parham Hospital for treatment. The suspect in this incident was identified as Daniel Currin, 37, identified as the victim’s boyfriend.

Deputies then went to 45 Rose Lane where they encountered Currin. At the time of the encounter, Currin was armed with a kitchen knife. Deputies deployed a Taser on Currin and were able to take him into custody without further incident.

Currin was charged with assault by strangulation, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and inflicting serious injury, assault inflicting serious bodily Injury, and assault on a female. Currin was confined to the Vance County Jail under no bond.

On Wednesday, July 10, Currin appeared in Vance County District Court for his first appearance and was given a $1,850,000 secured bond.

The investigation into this incident is still ongoing and anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252.738.2200, or Henderson-Vance Crimestoppers at 252.492.1925 or through the P3 app.

Vance Sheriff: Two Arrested On Drug Charges In Separate Traffic Stops

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-Press releases from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

The Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Division of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office made two arrests and seized several different types of pills and controlled substances in two different traffic stops this week.

On Monday, July 8, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle operated by Kenneth D. Bullock of Henderson.

Agents located and seized a quantity of both Hydrocodone and Oxycodone pills, along with a single dosage unit of the street drug Ecstasy, a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance.

Bullock was arrested and charged with the following criminal offenses:

  • Felony Possession of a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Maintaining a Vehicle to Keep/Sell/Transport a Controlled Substance

Bullock was placed under a secured bond in the amount of $30,000.

The second traffic stop took place on Wednesday, July 10, involving a vehicle found to be operated by Quintavious Alston of Henderson.

During this encounter, agents located and seized a quantity of Oxycodone pills, marijuana and a single dosage unit of the street drug Ecstasy.

 Alston was arrested and charged with the following criminal offenses:

  • Trafficking a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Maintaining a Vehicle to Keep/Sell/Transport a Controlled Substance
  • Simple Possession of marijuana
  • Carrying a Concealed Weapon

Alston was surrendered to the Vance County Detention Facility under no bond as he was currently out on bond for a prior arrest also related to drug violations.

Distinguished Alumni Award Due To VGCC Foundation Board By Aug. 31

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The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation board is seeking nominations for its third annual Distinguished Alumni award. Nominations are due by Aug. 31.

Throughout its 55-year history, VGCC has served the citizens of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, preparing them for careers and further secondary education in dozens of certificate and curriculum programs.

Many alumni of VGCC have gone on to make significant impact in their communities and careers. Two years ago, the Vance-Granville Community College Foundation began recognizing one outstanding VGCC alumnus each year with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes and honors outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their community, college or career. Mara Shelton was the 2022 recipient; Dr. Priscilla Chavis-Lockley was honored in 2023.

Alumni who have completed a diploma or degree program at VGCC are eligible for the award. Current VGCC Foundation Board members are not eligible. Selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Exhibits outstanding leadership and character
  • Achieved significant accomplishments in career area
  • Exhibits outstanding service to the community
  • Supports VGCC in some capacity

Visit www.vgcc.edu/foundation to complete the nomination form or request one via email at foundation@vgcc.edu. Please note that nominees remain nominated for three years after the receipt of their nomination.

The award will be presented during the annual the VGCC Foundation Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Sept. 26.

Sossamon Plans Concert Tuesday, July 23

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Pastor Frank Sossamon has scheduled a concert for Tuesday, July 23 at Freedom Life Church of God. Come listen to some good old Southern gospel music and hymns, featuring Sossamon, accompanied by Marsha Ranes on piano.

The performance begins at 4 p.m. and will highlight the activities of Community Partners of Hope. Sossamon said the event’s offering would benefit this worthwhile ministry and its ongoing activities.

Come out for a great time of worship, inspiration and fellowship at Freedom Life Church of God, located at 1001 Martin Creek Rd.

Call 252.432.1469 for more information.

Pop The Hood: Know The Difference Between Coolant And Antifreeze

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— For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

Although the terms often are used interchangeably, it’s important to know that antifreeze and coolant are NOT the same thing.

Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze; antifreeze contains either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which keep your engine from freezing in winter or overheating in summer.

And while it may sound strange to be talking about “anti-freeze” products in the middle of summer, it’s always good to know just what your vehicle needs to operate efficiently in any type of weather. Let the professionals at Advance Auto Parts help you choose the product that’s just right for your needs.

Michael Puckett, a district manager at the Advance Auto on Raleigh Road, said different types of antifreeze come in different colors, according to their particular uses and ingredients.

Vehicle owners should follow the original manufacturer’s specifications when choosing antifreeze.

Coolants are usually 50/50 mixes of distilled water and the glycol, but different brands may offer different ratios.

In addition to raising the boiling point and lowering the freezing point of water, coolant also helps prevent corrosion.

Unless it’s an emergency situation, it’s never a good idea to put plain ol’ water in your vehicle’s radiator. But it IS always a good idea to disconnect the battery cables and make sure the engine is cool enough to work on before adding any fluids, even if you’re just topping off.

When your car or truck engine is not running, the coolant is in the radiator. When the engine is running, however, the coolant courses through passageways in the engine, absorbing heat before returning to the radiator to be cooled by fresh air.

If you find you’re having to top off coolant levels often, it could be a sign that there’s a leak in the system somewhere.

It’s a good idea to think about doing a system flush every few years, but that depends on the make and model of the vehicle.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

TownTalk: NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey on Rates and More

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Anyone who owns a vacation home or rental property may know the difference between a homeowner’s insurance policy and a dwelling policy. They are two distinct types of coverage, and N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has successfully negotiated an agreement that provides for a rate increase of 8 percent for dwelling policies.

The Rate Bureau had requested a 50.6 percent increase, but as the head of what Causey calls a consumer advocate agency, it’s his job to keep an eye on the bottom line to make sure that people who want and need insurance have access to the best information to make decisions about coverage.

“My job is to protect consumers…to make sure they’re getting a fair shake and (insurance) companies are financially solvent so that they can pay claims when needed,” he said on Thursday’s TownTalk.

Although the rates vary across the state – higher rates in counties along the coast and lower in some of the western counties, Vance County’s rate is just over half of that 8 percent level, Causey said – 4.8 or 4.9 percent.

The new rates take effect on Nov. 1.

Renters need to remember, however, that a dwelling policy is for the structure; renters still need to consider renters’ insurance to protect their personal property against, loss, theft or damage.

Causey explained that, as insurance commissioner, he is only able to offer two responses to a Rate Bureau for a rate request: yes or no.

So far, in his 8 years, his answer has always been “no,” which puts the request on a path that involves going to court. The dwelling policy rate request had been scheduled for later this month, but it was canceled when an agreement was reached in May.

“I’ve beem criticized for not going to court,” Causey said, but court cases are expensive and those costs get passed along to taxpayers. The way he sees it, “getting as close to 0 as you can get – that’s much better than going through that court process.”

So far, a request for a homeowner’s insurance rate increase is still on for October. During the required public comment period, Causey said he received more than 25,000 comments – not surprisingly – asking that rates not go up.

“I heard the message loud and clear,” Causey said.

With his consumer advocacy hat on, Causey reminds current policy holders to review their coverage regularly, shop around and choose financially sound companies that will be able to pay claims.

Make sure you ask your insurance agent about deductibles and make sure you ask for replacement value coverage.

“If you don’t have replacement value coverage, you’re not going to be happy with your claim,” he said. Having this type of coverage may cost a few dollars more in premiums, he said, but “it’s worth its weight in gold.”

Oh, and don’t fall for TV and internet ads. Choose local agents with local companies, he said.

Email him at mike.causey@ncdoi.gov, visit www.complaint.ncdoi.gov to file a complaint or phone the department 855.408.1212.

“We’re here to help and that’s the message I want to get out,” Causey said.

 

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