Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
Planting native plants can improve your landscape while helping the environment.
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— information courtesy of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles
North Carolina drivers have two extra years to renew their driver licenses, thanks to Senate Bill 391 and efforts by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles reduce wait times and long lines at DMV offices across the state.
The new law went into effect July 1, but there are some exceptions that drivers need to know about: the law is only for Class C licenses, which is the standard passenger vehicle license, and it’s for in-state driving.
The moratorium, in effect through Dec. 31, 2027, applies only to Class C licenses and allows continued in-state driving privileges during the two-year grace period, according to information from the NCDMV. “Expired licenses will not be valid for any purpose other than establishing the license holder’s driving privilege, including identification purposes and air travel, and may not be recognized by other states or federal entities. The moratorium does not apply to commercial driver licenses, or any licenses that are suspended, revoked, or cancelled,” the NCDMV statement read.
“Thank you to the Legislature and Governor for this temporary measure to provide flexibility for North Carolina drivers while we work to address the increased demand for our services,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “Customers may present expired Class C licenses for in-state driving privileges only if the expiration date is July 1, 2025, or later. However, we advise our customers to renew their licenses to ensure they remain valid for identification purposes, including to fly, rent a car, get a bank loan, fill a prescription and have documents notarized.”
Saturday Service Hours Resume at 20 Locations
Beginning again this weekend, and through Aug. 23, NCDMV will offer walk-in services at 20 locations on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., no appointment needed. Available services include driver license and ID card renewals, duplicates, address changes, REAL ID issuance, and road tests for those who have completed knowledge and written tests.
Before visiting, check if your needs can be met online. NCDMV provides many services digitally, such as license and ID renewals, duplicates, address changes, and voter registration applications. Visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/default.aspx to find out if you can conduct your business online instead of heading to the local DMV office.
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The 3rd annual charity gala for the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford was a success by all accounts. Attendees enjoyed fellowship over the course of the evening, and the live and silent auctions proved a fun way to raise money to support the children and families that MHCO serves.
But credit long-time Mason Gene Cobb with landing the guest speaker for the evening. They’d known each other since college, when Cobb was manager of the basketball team.
The school? Carolina.
The speaker? None other than Number 12 himself, Phil Ford.
“He kept the stats my senior game against Duke,” Ford told WIZS. In fact, Cobb presented the UNC legendary point guard with that stat sheet, along with a piece of the net that was cut down in that 87-83 win over the Blue Devils in Carmichael Auditorium in 1978.
“He’s a great friend…he’s been a Mason for years and he asked me to speak,” Ford continued.
MHCO Marketing & Events Coordinator Charlie Roberson said, “His heartfelt words, shared wisdom, and connection to The Masonic Home for Children made the evening even more impactful and inspiring for all who attended.”
Ford said he’d visited the Oxford home to spend time with the kids there when he was at Carolina, and later when he was playing pro ball.
“Any time you can do something for kids, or do something for someone else that really can’t do anything to pay you back,” Ford said, you will reap rewards later.
“So many people have stepped up and helped me in my life with the things that I’ve been through,” Ford said. “Coach Smith, my family. I don’t know where I would be without them.”
And that was the message that Ford had for those at the gala. “Basically, it was just thanking them for having the heart and the will to want to do something for someone else…for our fellow man,” Ford said.
Offering encouragement to others who share a passion for service and giving back to the community is a message that never goes out of style. And MHCO leadership recognized the efforts of its staff for their dedication to the children in residence, those in attendance for their support at the gala and throughout the year, and to the numerous Masonic groups and other individuals who sponsored the event.
“A special thanks goes to our generous sponsors, whose unwavering support and generosity made this event possible. Your commitment to our cause plays a vital role in ensuring that every child at The Masonic Home for Children receives the care, education, and love they deserve,” Roberson said in a press release following the event.
Sponsors include Wayne Baker, Eddie Gaskins, Luther Starling Jr., Braxton & Vickie Jones, Steve Safrit, Brandon & Terri Dunn, Larry Thompson, Larry Payne, The Herring Family, Oxford Orphanage Alumni Assoc., North Carolina Masonic Foundation, Randy Cline, Oasis Shriners, Pinnacle Financial, Patricia and Lou Smith, Amran Shriners, Sudan Shriners, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Otis, Steve Norris, Athelstan, Allan Mann, Johnny Surles, City of Oxford, Raleigh York Rite, WhiteStone Masonic & Eastern Star Community and Granville Medical Center.
To learn more about the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, visit www.mhc-oxford.org.
— information courtesy of Vance County Tourism
Satterwhite Point Park was THE place to be over the Independence Day holiday, and tourism and park officials said the daylong celebration on Saturday, July 5 brought out thousands of people to enjoy lakeside activities.
Pam Hester with Vance County Tourism called it “an unprecedented turnout,” which featured food vendors, music and more leading up to the evening’s fireworks display.
According to State Parks Superintendent Bill Stanley, “This is the first time in 10 years I can remember hitting the complete parking capacity.”
According to State Parks traffic counter, 2,167 vehicles entered the park on Saturday, July 5. Using a standard estimate of three occupants per vehicle, that means at least 6,501 people attended the park alone.
And that doesn’t count the hundreds who arrived by boat or who gathered at nearby locations to view the show.
Campsite usage hit peak levels, too, and the campground reached 100 percent capacity well before the weekend of the Fourth. A limited number of sites, typically held back for emergencies such as double bookings or maintenance issues, were also fully utilized by Saturday, according to Hester. “The strong demand reaffirms that visitors specifically plan their vacations around the annual celebration. State Parks reported approximately $28,000 in park fees collected, directly tied to the influx of holiday visitors and fireworks anticipation.”
Local vendors benefited significantly from the crowd, too. Food and novelty vendors reported selling out before the end of the evening.
Participating businesses included: Bob’s Wind Planes, Ships, and Novelties; Bun on the Run; De Tocho Morocho; DPC Concessions; Hudson’s Grill & Chili; Kernel Craze; King Southern Style Cooking; Ninja Realty; R J’s Grill; and Taba’s Facepainting.
The event would not be possible without the support of local agencies, volunteers and the community. Their collective effort delivered a safe, fun and memorable celebration for all in attendance.
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The county’s Public Safety Committee and the Vance County Fire Commission have scheduled a joint meeting on Tuesday, July 29 at 4 p.m. to discuss the fire study.
The public safety committee consists of Commissioners Dan Brummitt, Valencia Perry and Board Chair Carolyn Faines.
At Monday’s regular monthly meeting, commissioners discussed the pros and cons of having a separate county rescue squad. The contract extension ended on June 30, but commissioners approved a 90-day extension to allow for more discussion before making a final decision.
Commissioners heard from Rescue Squad Chief Doyle Carpunky about the role of the rescue squad and the specialized certifications necessary for rescue squad members to perform several different types of rescues, including high-angle and water rescues.
Carpunky spent the early moments of his presentation refuting information shared at the previous meeting about the status of rescue squads in other counties.
He talked about the extensive training involved in the rescue certification process. Members of the rescue squad do more than water rescues, but besides the City of Henderson fire department, only Watkins Volunteer Fire Department is heavy-rescue certified. More than half of the rescue squad members are fire certified, he said.
The commissioners agreed to a 90-day contract extension so allow time for the county to purchase equipment and Vance County Fire Chief Marvin Harrison shared information about various pieces of equipment that he’s been researching.
“All departments should be self-sufficient in every way,” he said. Harrison is looking at an all-terrain vehicle, as well as different types of water craft, including one that rescuers can dive from, and an inflatable craft. Harrison said whatever equipment is purchased would be available to any of the county’s fire departments.
Commissioner Dan Brummitt said sending the issue back to the public safety committee would allow for more in-depth conversation. He said the county shouldn’t be spending taxpayers’ money “duplicating things that we already have that we could be working together on.”
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Wednesday’s ribbon cutting that marks the near-completion of Phase 1 of the Maria Parham Health Emergency Department renovation is a giant step toward creating a safer space for staff and law enforcement officers working to help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis get the care they need.
If the final inspections go as planned, the Phase 1 project could open as soon as July 24, said Donna Young, MPH’s communications officer.
It’s been six years in the making, but this phase of the renovation creates specialized space that will serve individuals with mental health challenges.
In remarks during the event, MPH CEO Bert Beard told those gathered that the project is a perfect example of a public/private partnership to make things happen. Tours were offered to show just how the patients will move through the ED more efficiently to get the care they need.
Noting the somewhat smaller waiting area, Beard said “it shouldn’t be about waiting.” Like a home renovation to better accommodate a family’s needs, the ED design and construction better addresses the particular needs of those in mental health crises.
Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame said, “I’m definitely excited about it, especially having the space for the sheriff’s office and the Henderson Police Department to bring people who have mental issues out here and have them evaluated.” Officers will no longer have to sit out here with them 24 or 48 hours at a time while they await evaluation and treatment or transportation to another facility. “And they’ll have a secure location, not only for the deputies but for the staff here at Maria Parham Hospital,” Brame said.
The Rev. Frank Sossamon, MPH’s lead chaplain, spoke about helping to secure $5 million in funding from the General Assembly when he served District 32 in the N.C. House.
Sossamon said the project has many positive aspects, including providing mental health care for patients and protecting the safety of everyone involved, from hospital staff to law enforcement officers who bring patients to the ED for help.
This renovation contributes to the hospital’s role as an economic driver, too, he said.
The event was an official ribbon cutting of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.
Post Originally Made on July 2nd, 2025
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Jamon Glover, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
We discuss why it’s so important to build traditions with your children and leave a legacy of fatherhood. We also talk more about the Supporting Father Involvement initiative.
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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The Vance County Board of Commissioners got updates Monday on several matters that involve the detention center, ranging from repairs to the existing facility, plans for a new facility and new hires to help close the gap in staffing.
Blair Bordeaux, president of Bordeaux Construction, and Todd Davis, vice president of Moseley Architecture, are heading up the design/build team and talked through with commissioners the process that will help achieve the ultimate goal of having a functioning jail while a new one is being built.
County Manager C. Renee Perry was scheduled to meet today (Wednesday) with the design/build team to get details on just how the process will unfold as sufficient renovations are made to the existing facility as plans for a new jail are made.
They did a walk-through of the current jail on July 1 and mentioned numerous areas that need attention, including the video security system.
“In looking at the cameras and security electronics system, the first thing we noticed, it’s not a digital system,” Davis said. There is one server, designed to accommodate maybe 55 or 60 cameras. The jail’s single server has closer to 90 cameras, but 22 weren’t working when they checked them out during the walk-through.
“That needs to be changed, right off the bat,” Davis said.
One problem creates additional problems, and when you combine a staff shortage with the age of the jail and its less-than-perfect design, the problems soon mount.
Brame told commissioners that he’s hired eight new officers and hopes to hire five more in the next few weeks. Six of the eight new hires still have to complete detention center training.
The sheriff reminded commissioners that detention center staff may not always on site at the jail – they often are transporting inmates to and from other detention centers or in court.
Over the past couple of months, Special Project Coordinator Frankie Nobles has been overseeing repairs to the jail.
During that time, county maintenance workers have checked off a number of repairs, from replacing dropped ceiling tiles and making sure that all doors can be secured to cleaning, sanitizing and repairing bathrooms and fixtures.
“Frankie Nobles and his team have done all that they can do,” said Sheriff Curtis Brame, adding that he’s ready to “let the professionals with the skill sets and tools come in” to complete more specialized repairs.
The trouble is, some detainees damage property almost as quickly as repairs can be made – a source of concern for commissioners. The staff shortage, coupled with an inadequate security system, means that supervision is less than ideal.
“You’ve got some very improper sight lines, Davis said. “If you can’t get those sight lines better and you can’t get control over when these inmates come out and who comes out,” it’s going to continue to be difficult to properly supervise the detainees.
“Staffing is going to continue to be a problem, it’s not just here, it’s everywhere,” Davis said.
“Your jail is too old to try to patch,” Davis said. “You’ve got to increase that supervision better – no way around it, but you can’t do that with one or two people. In my opinion, you’re in a bad situation.”
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