Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market to Reopen in Late April, New Vendors Welcome
Paul McKenzie, agricultural extension agent for Vance and Warren County Cooperative Extension, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the opening of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market in late April.
According to McKenzie, the VCRFM, located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, will kick off the season by opening on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additional Wednesday hours will be added in late May.
McKenzie said this standard opening date coincides with the time “produce starts coming in and folks are getting the bug for spring planting.”
Early in the growing season, McKenzie said fresh produce – greens, peas, potatoes and onions – as well as flowering plants are plentiful.
In addition to produce and plants, the market includes vendors selling handmade, high-quality crafts, homemade baked goods, and locally produced pork, sausage and beef.
Locally produced fresh eggs are also a fan-favorite. “There’s just a difference in the taste and in the texture,” said McKenzie. “It’s hard to turn back once you’ve gone the fresh eggs route.”
When visitors first come to the market, they should expect to be greeted by Tracy Madigan, manager for the VCRFM. “When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by our friendly and outgoing market manager,” McKenzie said. “Tracy will greet you with a smile and help you find the products that you are looking for.”
McKenzie said this friendliness extends to the rest of the market experience as people interact with each other and build a sense of community.
“Our customers enjoy speaking to the vendors and getting to know the farmers. There’s a saying ‘know your farmer, know your food.’”
The freshness of the food sold at the market can’t be beaten, according to McKenzie. “You’re getting something that was picked the previous afternoon and brought to you as fresh as possible. You can find quality products at the grocery store, but it’s probably been on a truck for a couple of days, and potentially much longer. You can’t beat the freshness, and freshness equals flavor.”
Supporting local people and the local economy is also a benefit of shopping at the market. “When you buy here, you are supporting mom-and-pop enterprises, you are supporting someone who is trying to add something to the local community,” said McKenzie.
The VCRFM is currently accepting new vendors. Types of acceptable products include local handmade crafts, produce, plants, farm products and homemade baked goods with proper certification.
The market offers vendors electricity, convenient outlets and ceiling fans inside a comfortable, covered environment.
There is an application process and a $30 application fee for interested vendors. Each day the vendor participates in the market also requires a $10 fee.
For more information about the VCRFM, please contact either Tracy Madigan at tmadigan@vancecounty.org or (252) 598-0814 or Paul McKenzie at paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or (252) 438-8188. You may also check out the VCRFM’s Facebook page by clicking here.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Paul McKenzie in its entirety, please click here.
Virginia Pair Arrested for Purse Snatching at Henderson Walmart
-Press Release, Henderson Police Department
On March 6, 2019, around 3:36 p.m., officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to Walmart, 200 N. Cooper Drive, in reference to a purse snatching that had occurred. Arriving officers were able to develop the suspect’s information quickly and this information was provided with surrounding officers.
Within an hour, the suspect was located at Roses, 1245 Dabney Drive, along with a female accomplice using the victim’s credit card. Officers arrested the two Virginia residents: Rodney Eugene French, 49, and Kristina Stewart, 40.
Rodney French was charged with larceny from the person, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, and one count of attempted obtaining property by false pretenses. French received a $60,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on March 25, 2019, and no bond for a fugitive warrant from Virginia for Forgery.
Kristina Stewart was charged with felony aid and abet a larceny, and received a $10,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on March 25, 2019.
The items that were taken were returned to the victim after proper processing. Virginia authorities were notified of Rodney French’s arrest.
Rodney French was charged with larceny from the person, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, and one count of attempted obtaining property by false pretenses. French received a $60,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on March 25, 2019, and no bond for a fugitive warrant from Virginia for Forgery. (Photo courtesy HPD)
Kristina Stewart was charged with felony aid and abet a larceny, and received a $10,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on March 25, 2019. (Photo courtesy HPD)
Blockage Caused by Rags Leads to Discharge of Untreated Wastewater
-Press Release, City of Henderson
BYPASS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER
The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System discharged approximately 2,700 gallons of untreated wastewater on March 4, 2019, due to a blockage caused by rags. This occurred at the corner of Cypress Drive and Summitt Road.
North Carolina General Statutes Article 21, Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.
The city is investigating the problem at the locations noted above to address infiltration/inflow problems associated with this discharge as well as pumping capacity at the Sandy Creek Pump Station.
Questions relating to the sewer collection system should be directed to the Public Works ORC Joey Long Jr. at (252) 226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at (252) 431-6117.
Kerr-Vance Academy to Hold ‘Spartan For a Day’ Event
-Information and flyer courtesy Frank Wiggins, Headmaster, Kerr-Vance Academy
Kerr-Vance Academy will hold a “Spartan For a Day” event for rising 7th-12th graders on March 18 & 19, 2019. Come and visit KVA, attend classes and meet teachers. See how it feels to be a Spartan! Half-day and whole-day visits are available.
Please call the school to register at (252) 492-0018. The school is located at 700 Vance Academy Road in Henderson.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
West End Community Watch to Hear from Sheriff Brame at March Meeting
-Information courtesy Claire Catherwood, West End Community Watch
The West End Community Watch will meet on Tuesday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of West End Baptist Church in Henderson.
The speaker will be Vance Co. Sheriff Curtis Brame. Law enforcement will be present with police reports and to hear your concerns.
All are invited to join us!
Reardon Talks CBD Products: What’s Legal and What’s Illegal in NC
Joe Reardon, NC’s Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture for Consumer Protection, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the recent explosion in the marketplace of CBD oil and CBD-containing products.
Following up on a press release published in mid-February, Reardon stated that the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is taking an “educational approach” in making producers and retailers aware of both state and federal laws regarding CBD products.
“We felt with the confusion in the marketplace and the explosion of these products, the most responsible thing the NCDA&CS could do was to educate everybody on what’s federal law, what’s state law and what our expectations of those in NC would be,” Reardon said.
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the legal product hemp that lacks the psychoactive chemical levels needed to experience the proverbial “high.” According to Reardon, cbd öl should contain 0.3% or less of THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid commonly associated with traditional marijuana.
While CBD has been approved by federal and state law as a drug, Reardon explained that it cannot be legally added or infused in either human or animal food products that are for sale.
Of particular concern to the department, according to Reardon, is the illegal sale of CBD food items traditionally marketed to children including gummies, ice cream and lollipops.
CBD products can also not make health claims, including statements that the product may prevent, treat or cure any disease. Failure to comply could result in embargo or seizure of products.
“We don’t want someone making an uninformed decision,” said Reardon. “We don’t want people on prescription pharmaceuticals to discontinue their medication without consulting their physician.”
The NCDA&CS has sent out approximately 400 letters to CBD manufacturers and retailers detailing what is legal and what is illegal to sell in North Carolina. The letters are prompting phone calls and questions of officials, Reardon said.
“The encouraging thing is that in many places across the state, once we made them aware of the law, they are complying. They say they are not going to continue to order or display CBD food products and they are removing pamphlets from stores that make CBD health claims.”
Reardon said the department will evaluate the effectiveness of this initial, educational campaign and will take a more “aggressive regulatory approach” if needed.
While CBD production is currently unregulated, Reardon said the goal of the NCDA&CS is to work with the State Legislature and the industry to construct a regulatory framework for CBD product that will be sold as tinctures.
“We believe the product needs to be processed in the right environment, we believe the extraction should be done with the most appropriate chemicals and we believe there should be quality control in this process,” Reardon explained.
Until a regulatory framework is in place, Reardon suggests consumers ask questions and do their research before purchasing CBD products. “Find out who processes it, where is it being processed, is it being tested and what is the concentration of the final product.”
Industry with questions about the regulation of CBD can call the Food and Drug Protection Division at (919) 733-7366. You may also visit the NCDA&CS website by clicking here or email Reardon directly at joe.reardon@ncagr.gov.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Joe Reardon in its entirety, click here. Reardon’s segment begins at the 17:10 mark.
Vance Co. High School Students Display Their Talent in ‘Art of Protest’ Event
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Twelve students at Vance County High School shared their artwork and their important voices in the school’s “Art of Protest” event held in the school’s Music Room during the evening of March 5, 2019.
The “Art of Protest” event was a joint effort between the English Department and Art Department at the school to enable the very talented students to show through their artwork their focus on societal issues about which they share a passion.
Marsha Harvey of the English Department, and Amy Simpson of the Art Department, coordinated plans for the event. They wanted the students to speak through their art and be able to share their opinions about issues they feel are important and need special attention.
Students who participated in the “Art of Protest” and their work included:
- Jose Gonzalez, “Sweet Relief” painting, focusing on the lack of awareness for mental health issues
- DeAndre Johnson, “The Color of Piece” painting, focusing on racism issues
- Madonna Baselios, “(I’m)migrant” painting, focusing on American politics and the treatment of immigrants
- Christian Green, “Silent Revolt” painting, focusing on the dictatorship in government
- Samej Brown, “Not My Hero” charcoal drawing, focusing on youth brainwashing
- Qe’Shaun Hargrove, “Relic” painting, focusing on the inherited legacy of African Americans from their white forefathers
- Anterrahn Harris, “Of Body & Mind” painting, focusing on the lack of recognition of African Americans in the arts
- Stephanie Salazar, “Free Yourself” painting, focusing on society’s treatment of the LGBT community
- Edgar Trejo, “Rise” painting, focusing on the courage of immigrants in the current political climate
- Susanna Hernandez, “Illusion v Reality” painting and art rendering, focusing on homelessness for military veterans
- Jordan Lewis, “Voices” painting, focusing on lack of freedom of speech in America
- Kintochia Barnes, “Silent Traffic” painting, focusing on the problem of sex trafficking
All of the students’ artworks were excellent. Members of the audience, who included educators, parents and community members, were able to view each piece of art and speak with the student artists about their message conveyed through their art. A silent auction for the artwork also was held and several art pieces received purchase bids.
Miracle Chin, a senior at Vance County High School, also recited a powerful poem that stressed a person’s true beauty comes from within and should not be determined by the person’s outward appearance.
Dr. Ellen McLarney, a professor at Duke University, presented the featured lecture at the event. She showed several pieces of national and international photos and paintings, both historical and present day, that are widely acclaimed for their depiction of people concerning key societal issues today throughout the world. She noted that art throughout time has always been an expression of the artist’s opinions on all types of issues. She encouraged the students to continue to pursue their passion for art and to continue to voice their opinions through their work.
Anterrahn Harris talks with an “Art of Protest” attendee about his painting, “Of Body & Mind,” and how it depicts the lack of recognition of African Americans in the arts. (Photo courtesy VCS)
“Art of Protest” work done by, from left, Madonna Baselios, Semaj Brown and DeAndre Johnson are displayed for the silent auction. (Photo courtesy VCS)
West End Baptist Men to Sponsor Fish Fry Fundraiser at 220 Seafood
-Information courtesy Jerry Parrish, West End Baptist Church
The Baptist Men of West End Baptist Church in Henderson will be sponsoring a Trout Fish Fry Fundraiser to support our local ministries on Monday, March 18, 2019, from 4 until 7 p.m. at the 220 Seafood Restaurant located at 1812 Norlina Rd. in Henderson.
Plates will include trout, cole slaw, french fries and hush puppies for $7 per plate. Eat in or take out (beverage provided with eat in meals only).
All proceeds will be used to support our local ministries, which include ACTS, Lifeline Ministries, Rebuilding Hope, GRACE Ministries and many others.
Tickets can be purchased in advance from any West End Baptist Church member. Your support is greatly appreciated.