Celebrate Small Farms Week Mar. 24-30

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Small farmers from across the state are in the spotlight as N.C. A&T State University celebrates the 38th annual Small Farms Week. This year’s theme is “New Paths to Profits,” and small farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs will be able to take part in a variety of workshops and educational programs, panel discussions and tours at the N.C. A&T University Farm Pavilion in Greensboro as part of the weeklong week paying tribute to small farmers.

On Tuesday, Mar. 26, Small Farms Week will focus on education for small farmers that cover topics ranging from small-scale animal production, plant production, natural resource management and to adapting to climate changes that could bring more droughts, severe storms and intense summer heat.

A goal of Small Farms week is to showcase and support limited-resource, small-scale, part-time, and alternative-enterprise farmers who provide their communities with fresh produce and locally sourced products.

“The agriculture landscape is changing,” stated Fletcher Barber, Ed. D., this year’s chair of Small Farms Week. Barber also is the Extension Service’s small farms recruiter and said in a press statement that consumers are interested in exploring multicultural food traditions and new niche products. “That interest offers opportunities for our farmers,” Barber said.

A highlight of the weeklong activities occurs Wednesday when the 2024 Small Farmer of the Year will be named.

Activities kicked off Monday in Wayne County, home to 2023 Small Farmers of the Year J & J Produce.

Since 2019, sisters Jeannette Martin Horn and Joyce Martin Bowden have grown a wide variety of produce – including green beans, mustard and turnip greens, squash, onions, tomatoes, pecans and their signature field peas – on 100 acres of their Century Farm. The sisters’ ancestor, a soldier in the 135th U.S. Colored Infantry, bought the land after the regiment was “mustered out” in 1865, making their land a Century Farm.

“The Martin sisters are a perfect example of the heart and soul of farming in North Carolina,” said M. Ray McKinnie, Ph.D., Extension administrator and associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. “Their land has been in the family for more than 150 years, and they not only grow, they give back to their community by hosting groups and encouraging them to learn about agriculture and farming.

“Our 2024 Small Farmer of the Year, whoever that may be, will exemplify these same characteristics that make family farms so important to our agricultural economy,” he added.

Thursday, Mar. 28 and Friday, Mar. 29 will offer more educational sessions and demonstrations, emanating from the university or other organizations within North Carolina that highlight farming best practices, research results or student-led agricultural and environmental activities benefitting small farmers.

“Our goal is to help small farmers make the most of new markets and crops while adopting sustainable practices that protect their land and their ability to adapt as our climate becomes more variable.”

Check here during the week for updates: www.itzy.io/sfw2024

Sheriff Brame: One Person Faces Drug Charges After Mar. 22 Traffic Stop

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— Press release from the office of Vance Sheriff Curtis Brame

On or about the 22nd day of March 2024 the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit performed a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of 2868 NC Hwy 39 South, Henderson. The vehicle had multiple traffic violations which violated North Carolina General Statutes.

While conducting the traffic stop, detectives had probable cause to search the vehicle. While the deputies were speaking with two of the three occupants in the vehicle, one individual fled on foot from the deputies. The individual was quickly apprehended and identified as Winfred Victor Brown.

During his apprehension, deputies seized illegal narcotics and also located a weapon believed to have been discarded by Winfred as he fled.

Brown was taken to the Sheriff’s Office to be processed and then taken to the Magistrate’s Office and charged with:

Possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana

Possession with intent to sell and deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance

Felony possession of marijuana

Carrying a concealed weapon

Resisting a public officer

Brown was also served with several outstanding orders for arrest and with no bond allowed on his pre-trial release.

Sheriff Brame: One Man Arrested In Connection With Mar. 21 Shooting Incident

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— Press release from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On March 21, 2024, Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1300 Walters Street for a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, patrol deputies discovered Napoleon Nicholson with multiple gunshot wounds to his legs. Nicholson was transported to Duke University Hospital for treatment.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division also responded to the scene. James Colby Davis, 40, of Henderson, was located a short time later, taken into custody and charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury.

Davis was transported to the Vance County Magistrate’s Office and was held without bond for the charge. Davis was scheduled to make an initial court appearance on Mar. 22.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252.738.2200, or Henderson-Vance Crime-Stoppers at 252.492.1925 or through the P3 App.

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TownTalk: Citizens Receive Property Tax Evaluation Notices

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Now that notices have been sent out to Vance County property owners about the revaluation, there are a few things to keep in mind if you don’t agree with the updated figures. Just keep in mind that property owners who appeal the newly revised appraisals can expect one of three determinations from the appeals process: the figure could go down, remain the same, or it could go UP, depending on the evidence that is presented during the appeals process.

Informal appeals will take place first, during which county officials predict that many of the appeals will be settled. A formal appeals process will follow and if an agreement can’t be reached, property owners can appeal to a state review board.

There also are programs that are available to qualified homeowners that could result in a lower tax bill. One program is for the elderly or disabled homeowner and one is for disabled veterans.

Visit www.vancecounty.org, click on the Departments tab at the top and select Tax Administration Office. Details about the appeals process is located here, as well as information about the property tax relief programs.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Forums On Human Trafficking Well Received In Vance, Granville

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-information courtesy of  the Office of  N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon

In an effort to shed some light on the issue of human trafficking, N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon helped organize forums held recently in Granville and Vance counties to raise awareness among his District 32 constituents and provide training for law enforcement officers.

The two forums had “significant participation and engagement from various stakeholders,” according to a press statement from Clai Keel, a spokesperson for Sossamon.

The law enforcement session featured insights from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol on the prevalence of human trafficking across North Carolina and its impact on law enforcement communities. The session highlighted training opportunities such as the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program, designed to help officers identify and assist missing, exploited, or at-risk children. Following the forum, both the Granville and Vance County Sheriff offices have committed to participating in the intensive two-day IPC training later this year.

Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott attended the Vance County forum and shared her personal connection to the issue of human trafficking and emphasized the importance of community collaboration in addressing this critical issue.

In the session for the general public, the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission and NCSTOP delivered a comprehensive Human Trafficking 101 presentation. Attendees gained valuable knowledge about recognizing and responding to human trafficking situations, as well as access to available resources for victims and survivors.

Sossamon expressed his gratitude to all participants, speakers and sponsors for their contributions to the success of these forums. He emphasized the importance of ongoing education, awareness, and collaboration in the fight against human trafficking, reaffirming his commitment to advocating for policies and initiatives that protect vulnerable individuals and hold perpetrators accountable.

 

 

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Tax Relief Programs Available For Qualified Homeowners

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-Information from the Vance County Tax Administration Office

The state of North Carolina offers several tax relief options to qualified homeowners that may reduce their total tax bill.

The programs are for people who live in the home they own, and the tax relief includes the dwelling, the dwelling site (up to one acre) and related improvements, according to information on the Vance County web page.

  • Program for the elderly or disabled – NC GS 105-277.1

Under this program, the first $25,000 or 50 percent (whichever is greater) of assessed value for the permanent residence is excluded from taxation.  “Exclusion means some of the value will not be considered when your tax bill is created.  If you do not qualify for the program in future years, the excluded value from prior years does not become taxable.  You must be either 65 years of age or older or be totally and permanently disabled.  In addition, your 2023 income cannot exceed $36,700,” according to information on the county’s Tax Administration Office website.

  • Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program – NC GS 105-277.1B

This program limits the amount of annual property taxes the owner pays on their permanent residence.  Taxes above the limitation amount are deferred, which means delayed until a future date.  The last three years of deferred taxes become payable with interest if a disqualifying event occurs.

Examples of disqualifying events include: The death of the owner or transfer of the property where the owner’s share is not passed to another qualifying owner; and failure to use the property as the owner’s permanent residence.  You must be either 65 years of age or older or be totally and permanently disabled.  Additionally, if your income is $36,700 or less, your taxes will be limited to 4 percent of your income.  If your income exceeds $36,700 but does not exceed $55,050 your taxes will be limited to 5 percent of your income.  Participants in this program must complete an application each year.

  • Disabled Veteran Exclusion – NC GS 105-277.1C

This program excludes up to the first $45,000 of the appraised value of the permanent residence of a disabled veteran or the unmarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran.  The program defines a disabled veteran as “a veteran whose character of service at separation was honorable or under honorable conditions, and who has a total and permanent service-connected disability or who received benefits for specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C. 2101.”  There is no age or income requirement for this program, but part of the application must be completed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  For more information regarding Veterans services offered in Vance County, click here.

Visit www.vancecounty.org, click on the Departments tab at the top and select Tax Administration Office. “Property Tax Relief Programs” is located on the right side of the tax administration office page.

 

Vance County Schools Friday Feature: The Center For Innovation

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– Information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

Since it first opened in July 2021, Vance County Schools’ Center for Innovation has really lived up to its name: there are innovative schools that call CFI home, as well as innovative spaces like zSpace 3D/VR lab, the audio lab, the video lab Mindsphere MakerSpace and SLICE – Simulation Labs for Interactive Career Education that capture students’ imagination and creativity.

Soon after the CFI opened, the Wayne Adcock Auditorium was unveiled in January 2022 and Gargoyle Garden in April 2022. In August 2022, SLICE Medical was added to the experiences. The opportunities for students continued to grow in 2023 as EnTech and SparkNC joined the mix.

So far this school year, more than 2,000 students have had opportunities for CFI experiences. The campus and its staff are committed to ensuring that innovative opportunities are afforded to students, providing them with cutting-edge possibilities for their future.

Kristin Jeffreys, coordinator for the Center for Innovation, has apassion for the CFI experiences. “Through hands-on STEM integration, we’re fostering confident, creative problem solvers who love to learn and explore,” Jeffreys said. “As active participants in the K-5 Building Engineers cohort and recipients of two NCDPI grants focused on STEM and technology, we are dedicated to amplifying STEM engagement at every level. Together, we’re shaping a future where Vance County Schools is a gateway to innovation.”

Each space within CFI is different by design but works cohesively to maximize the experiences of every student. Learn more about each space below:

 

zSpace – The zSpace lab hosts 26 mixed-reality computers that provide a life-like, virtual learning experience. Digital Learning Specialist Stephen Jones facilitates programming for students around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Possibilities include dissection of a frog to seeing the anatomy of a heart! On the campus, there is a primary zSpace lab, as well as other units utilized in other labs. Vance County Schools was able to initially bring zSpace to the district through the Golden Leaf grant. The program continues to flourish as teachers become certified to bring their lessons to life in this space.

Audio Lab – This cutting-edge facility is equipped with two soundproof booths and state-of-the-art editing software. It serves as a studio for students, schools and the community, providing recording opportunities. Students get hands-on experiences across various aspects of audio production, from broadcasting to editing. Students and staff create podcasts, produce professional audition tapes and partake in other engaging audio-related activities.

Khalil Gay, CFI’s Audio Lab facilitator, collaborates closely with students and staff to optimize the use of the studio, leveraging his expertise in managing the recording lab’s software. In addition to overseeing the technical aspects, he spearheads an after-school music production program aimed at nurturing students’ interests and talents, providing them with opportunities to explore and develop their skills.

Video Lab – The video lab features state-of-the-art equipment for both staff and students to develop high-quality video recordings. With the use of a teleprompter, green screen, lighting components, and video production programs, there are limitless possibilities for students and staff. Digital Learning Specialist Patricia Burroughs provides individualized support for video production. Daily, STEM Early High School students utilize this space to stream their morning announcements, giving them hands-on experience and real-world application to the broadcasting field of study.

Wayne Adcock Auditorium – The auditorium holds 600 people, and has held many events for the district and community. From choral performances to honor society inductions to district-wide events and even graduations, this venue is a coveted space to showcase students and provide enrichment opportunities.

Gargoyle Garden – This musical sanctuary is adorned with various instruments which offer students immersive opportunities to explore beats, music, echo, reverberation and beyond. Named for the whimsical gargoyles gracing the school’s façade – remnants of the building’s 1930’s construction – the garden beckons learners into a realm of auditory discovery. The idea was to create an outdoor learning space, affectionately referred to as a harmony park, tailored to educate students on fundamental elements such as beats, reverberation, and sound. Andrew Markoch, director of Fine Arts and Physical Education, provides experiences for students to maximize their understanding of this space as it relates to the curriculum.

SLICE / SLICE Medical – Simulation Labs for Interactive Career Exploration (SLICE) provides career simulations for students in small groups. Students are exposed to a “slice” of the career, which has included areas within public safety, cosmetology, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, phlebotomy, carpentry, and more! As students take part in the experience, they can utilize resources within the station to view courses that align with that specific career, as well as which high school within the district offers those courses. SLICE Medical branched off from the original SLICE lab a year after the original lab launched. Students were increasingly

interested in the medical career that was provided in the lab, which led to the development of SLICE Medical.

Simulation opportunities in this space include x-ray technician, pharmacy, wound care, lab technician, and registration. Additionally, this lab features an Anatomage table, which is a 3D anatomy visualization that is utilized by leading medical schools and institutions. The touch-sensitive interactive display provides students with a hands-on experience like no other.

Mindsphere – Mindsphere is a dynamic STEAM learning lab and MakerSpace featuring 3D printers, a laser printer, a Lego creation station, and robotics facilities. This innovative space provides both students and teachers with opportunities to actively engage in hands-on STEAM learning experiences. This mission is to facilitate interactive learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics, empowering participants to enhance their skills and contribute to the continuous improvement of their projects beyond mere task completion.

Renaissance – The Renaissance space is a multi-use room that provides the perfect location for meetings, professional development, professional learning communities, and more! With flexible seating and multiple screens throughout the room, it is adaptive and flexible for a plethora of needs.

EnTech – EnTech is the newest lab on the CFI campus, with a focus on Engineering and Technology. Jeffreys, Jones, and Burroughs collaboratively develop programming for this space. Home of the Lu interactive playground,  which provides a laser projector and movement detection camera, alongside a powerful sound system, provides an immersive experience for students. Additionally, this space is home to the drone cage, eSports opportunities, robotics, and more!

Through the support of the Vance County Public School Foundation, an EnTech mobile learning lab trailer has been purchased. Through grant funding, the trailer will be outfitted with experiences for students that bring the classroom to their campus. The mobile unit will bring STEM experiences, with a focus on STEM careers, through the use of zSpace, laser cutting, drones, and robotics.

Located next to EnTech is the SparkNC lab, which is the high-tech career accelerator program through The Innovation Project. The facilitator for that program is Nicholas Barrett and the program is open to high school students to gain credit. This program is one of seventeen in the state of North Carolina, with students working with Apple, Dell, SAS, and other RTP companies.

Atrium – The Atrium is an event space utilized for a variety of events throughout the year. New teacher orientations, recognition events, district-wide engagement opportunities and more have been hosted in this unique space. It may be a cafeteria by day; however, the opportunities of use are endless to support programming, engagement opportunities, recognitions, and more.

In addition to the aforementioned spaces, the Career and Technical Education program provides opportunities in culinary and entrepreneurship, with both labs located on the Center for Innovation campus. The culinary program, in addition to their lab, hosts off-site catering events, utilizing the culinary mobile trailer, as well as Café de Vance, a bistro for students to serve their culinary creations. The entrepreneurship lab provides opportunities for students to develop plans, design items, and create products inclusive of screen printing.

This hands-on experience allows students to take learning to the next level with real-world application.

CFI has hosted a variety of inter-district field trips for students throughout the year. This has included opportunities based on grade levels and schools. Marvels of Innovation was their themed programming, which provided experiences for students at every elementary school in grades 3-5. Additionally, schools throughout the district coordinated opportunities for subject-based programming that encompassed both elementary and secondary schools. CFI developed programming for English Language Learners (ELL) throughout the year, along with enrichment opportunities through the AIG program.

AIG Coordinator Laura Rigsbee works closely with district staff and community members to provide students with next-level learning with up to 30 students at each of the sessions.

The CFI staff coordinates after-school programming through the audio lab, serving up to 30 students per week. Additional opportunities provided at the Center for Innovation include a district-wide keyboarding competition, podcasting, and digital learning staff sessions. Another key area within CFI is robotics. Stephen Jones serves as the district robotics coach, working with schools across the county to develop their robotics teams and programming. The district will host its annual robotics competition on April 27 at Vance County Middle School. EnTech and Mindsphere are two locations that are set up for activities around robotics. The program continues to expand, as the CFI staff received the Digital Learning Initiative Emerging Technologies Grant providing the district with 3 robotic dogs. The dog that will be housed at CFI made its debut during Arts Alive. The robotic dogs provide opportunities for students to engage in coding and programming that are reflected in the actions of the dog.

Vance County GOP Annual Convention Held Mar. 19

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Vance County Republicans held an annual convention Tuesday, Mar. 19 and heard from several elected officials who expressed their gratitude to the local party and shared their plans to continue to serve constituents in their respective districts.

N.C. Lt. Gov and gubernatorial hopeful Mark Robinson was on hand for the official ribbon-cutting for the party’s Garnett Street headquarters, held last Friday.

Convention registration began at 5:30 p.m. and area precincts met at that time to elect delegates to the upcoming district and state GOP conventions.

Vance County GOP Chairman Jimmy Barrier kicked off the business session at 7 p.m. by recognizing guests, which included several state legislators.

Registration Committee captain Regina Ford offered an opening prayer before the group voted to approve the county’s plan of organization and its county delegation for the District 1 GOP convention – set for April 13 in Williamston – and the state GOP convention, which will be held May 23-26 in Greensboro.

William Heitman, the Republican challenger for Vance County Commissioner District 1, was the first speaker to address the group. His goals, if elected, are to bring growth, jobs and prosperity to Vance County.

Matthew Winslow, NC House Representative District 7, spoke on the accomplishments of the representatives and the importance of maintaining the super majority to continue positive change and obtain more money that our area has been missing out on because of previous representation in our state legislature.

N.C. Sen. Lisa Barnes told the convention attendees, “I’m honored to represent Vance County in the N.C. Senate and looking forward to earning your vote in November. It’s quite evident that this delegation of three Republicans in the NCGA is working hard for Vance, bringing back millions in funding for infrastructure, economic development, education and other worthwhile projects. Vance County has been under-represented in recent years and I plan to reverse that trend.”

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon spoke about the recent forums he has organized for District 32 to address topics such as transportation, broadband, crime, mental health and human trafficking.

“I believe we’re making progress and moving in the right direction,” Sossamon said. “We’ve seen improvements with important projects that were funded that’s going to elevate our communities.”

N.C. Rep. Matthew Winslow, (R-Dist. 7) said he is honored to work colleagues like Barnes and Sossamon.

“Together, we’ve secured over $150 million in funding for Franklin, Granville, Nash and Vance counties, as well as lower income taxes for all while paying off our debt to the federal government, expanding school choice and growing our Rainy Day Fund,” Winslow said. He said that these policies and decisions have contributed to North Carolina being a business leader and said the state is “becoming one of the best economics in the world.”

Republican Congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout could not attend the convention due to addressing the Wilson Convention but sent Kim West, her political coordinator, to speak on her behalf.

The convention ended with a prayer by Sossamon.