Michael Ellington, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
This segment demonstrates how easy it can be to compost at home.
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— from Gov. Josh Stein, Who Urges USDA to Deploy Contingency Funds
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the November benefits for the 1.4 million North Carolinians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be delayed if the federal government shutdown continues.
On Oct. 10, 2025, NCDHHS was directed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to delay the issuance of November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal shutdown. While October benefits are not impacted, this federal inaction means there is a significant risk that November benefits will not be issued on their normal schedule. As of Oct. 27, 2025, NCDHHS has not received the necessary federal funding for the program.
Additionally, the USDA sent guidance and a notice to states on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, stating it would not be using the roughly $6 billion in federal contingency funds available to keep the SNAP program running for November. The notice also explained that the federal government would not reimburse any state funds used to cover SNAP benefits. SNAP benefits in North Carolina represent about $230 million to $250 million each month. NCDHHS will stay in close communication with federal partners and will issue SNAP benefits to beneficiaries as soon as federal funding is provided.
“I am urging the USDA to take immediate action to prevent more than 1.4 million North Carolinians – including children, people with disabilities, veterans, and working families – from going hungry,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Specifically, USDA can deploy federal contingency funds and prevent a disruption of SNAP benefits on November 1. The administration’s refusal to use these available funds as temperatures cool and the Thanksgiving holiday approaches is a cruel abdication of the responsibility to support families and communities. Congress owes it to the American people to return to the negotiating table and come together to reopen the government, stop health care premiums from skyrocketing, and ensure stability for hardworking people across our state and country.”
“We know how vital these benefits are for children, seniors, and hardworking families in every corner of our state,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Our priority is to be transparent and provide clear, factual information so families can prepare for a potential delay in benefits. We will continue to process applications and stand ready to issue benefits as quickly as possible once we receive authorization and funding from our federal partners.”
More than 600,000 households comprising 1.4 million individual North Carolinians are due to receive SNAP benefits to help put nutritious and healthy food on the table in November. Four in five North Carolina families participating in SNAP have either a child, senior or an adult with a disability. There are more than 580,000 children in North Carolina that rely on SNAP and more than 80% of people receiving SNAP benefits are working.
Additionally, NCDHHS does not currently have funding to maintain benefits past early November for the more than 262,000 people who depend on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This critical program provides healthy food, infant formula, nutrition education and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new mothers and young children. While it is possible the federal government may allocate additional funding, at present there is no certainty that funding will be received. NCDHHS is currently exploring all options to maintain these benefits if NCDHHS does not receive federal funding for WIC.
The federal government shut down began on Oct. 1, 2025, because Congress did not pass a budget for the new fiscal year. The administration has paused or reduced many federal programs, and more than a million federal workers have been furloughed or are working without pay. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more serious the impacts may become.
NCDHHS is doing everything it can to reduce the impact on North Carolinians. The department understands the uncertainty can be very concerning for individuals and families who rely on these programs. NCDHHS is committed to being transparent and will share the latest updates on the www.ncdhhs.gov/shutdown website.
NCDHHS is providing the following guidance for people who depend on food and nutrition benefits:
Continue to Apply and Renew: All residents should continue to apply for SNAP benefits and submit renewal paperwork on time. County DSS offices remain open and are processing all applications to prevent a backlog when funding is restored.
Check Your Balance: Any benefits currently on your EBT card are still available to use. Check your balance on the ebtEDGE app, at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling the number on the back of your card (1-888-622-7328).
If you or your family is in immediate need for food resources, please call 2-1-1 to be connected with local resources. You can also visit the NCDHHS website dedicated to food access to find a food pantry closest to you.
— press release from Office of Governor Josh Stein
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Kendrick Vann looked out over the crowd gathered for the Chestnut Street park rededication Thursday afternoon, with its bright blue basketball courts and nearby playground and picnic areas and commented on another beautiful aspect: the folks who’d come together to be a part of the activities.
“The most beautiful thing about this project,” Vann said, “You look around – we’ve got a diverse group out here. And these kids are a diverse group – that’s beautiful for our area,” he said.
Vernon Brown spent many an hour honing his basketball skills on the Chestnut Street courts back in the early 1970’s. The longtime member of the Recreation Advisory Committee, Brown recounted the history of the courts – located on the site of a warehouse that burned during a tumultuous period of boycotts and unrest in the city.
Those blacktop courts proved to be so popular, Brown said kids waited in line for at least an hour to have their turn to play.
“Soon, and very soon,” Brown said, “there will be hundreds of people out here and these basketball courts will be full.”
Thursday’s rededication marked the completion of Phase 1 of the project, which took off in earnest in January 2024 when Joshua Jones, Charles “C.J” Turrentine, Jr. and others talked about making some modest improvements.
Those modest improvements turned into a $100,000 revitalization project, fueled by generous donors and grants. “We’ve got two more phases to go,” Turrentine said. “This is not the end – we’re just getting started.”
Recreation Advisory Council Chair Donna Stearns, a retired employee of the recreation and parks department, recalled how busy the park was in the mid-1980’s.
“I find joy that we found this to do together,” Stearns said in remarks at the event. “I’ve never seen it look so good. This is a community-oriented project. And look what we’ve done!”
Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott said the rededication also is a celebration of what can be achieved through partnerships with the community, government agencies and the faith-based community.
Elliott thanked Turrentine for the vision and everyone who participated in the project.
“This is not just a rededication,” she said. “This is hope… for our students and our families to come together.”
Click Here to Listen Including Ceremony Audio
(This news post originally appeared on WIZS.com on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025)
Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
Small fruit orchards can be grown well with selection and planning.
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In a special called meeting, the Henderson City Council approved Friday morning to move ahead with a grant application to make significant renovations to Kings Daughters Park, including making it handicap accessible for multi-generational users.
As interim City Manager Paylor Spruill explained, this Community Development Block Grant funding is a variation that does not require housing construction; rather, it’s for neighborhood revitalization.
The meeting was called to allow for a required second public hearing on the matter. Four individuals spoke during the public hearing.
The grant also requires no match, and the initial $150,000 would be used to complete Phase 1, said Kendrick Vann, director of the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department and assistant to the city manager.
In addition to improving the park’s accessibility, Phase 1 would also enhance the amphitheater, allowing for future concerts in the park, Vann said.
The total price tag when Phase 2 is completed, would be about $1.25 million and would include shelters and a walking trail for health and wellness.
Talks are under way to create an environmental design for the park, located at 600 W. Montgomery Street. Vann said this project fits with the focus on revitalization of the Elmwood and West End areas of the city.
Vann said the Kerr-Tar COG has been instrumental in getting paperwork for the grant completed and submitted, and with Council support, it can be completed before the looming deadline.
Vann said the project has received letters of support from a variety of community entities, including Vance County, Smart Start, FVW Opportunity, Inc. and Gateway CDC.
Spruill said to expect to hear something in early 2026.
— From the office of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame
The Halloween holiday is quickly approaching, and many in Vance County have already been participating in fun and spooky activities. Before you head out to participate in trick-or-treating, haunted houses or costume parties, keep in mind these tips from Sheriff Curtis R. Brame to help you and your family stay safe while you enjoy the festivities.
If you plan to go out in search of treats, parents and guardians should take the time to check their local sex offender registry at https://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov/. At this webpage you can view a map of registered sex offenders’ addresses in your area and also set up an alert that will notify you if a sex offender moves to your area.
Once you have determined the best route for treat-seeking, Sheriff Curtis R. Brame hopes you will follow these basic safety tips to keep your little ghouls and goblins safe:
Unfortunately, Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, so if you plan to be driving around your neighborhood amongst the spooky trick-or-treaters, make sure to remain vigilant to prevent unnecessary tragedy. When driving on Halloween, remember:
If you plan to stay inside and hand out candy rather than joining the festive crowds, you can still help keep little ones safe:
“Halloween is a great time for families and friends to celebrate the fall season, which means there may be a large number of people out and about enjoying the festivities,” noted Sheriff Curtis R. Brame. “It is important to take extra precautions on busy holidays like this one to help you and everyone in our community can have a safe and enjoyable time. We can work together to make sure that the only scary thing about this Halloween is the spooky decorations and ghoulish costumes!”
Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 252.738.2200 to learn more.
— information courtesy of Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools recognized three outstanding students as the October Student Spotlights for the 2025-2026 academic year. Ayden Massey of Zeb Vance Elementary, Rosa Lopez of L.B. Yancey Elementary, and Adriana Lopez-Villatoro from Pinkston Street Elementary, have been honored for their exceptional contributions and leadership within their school communities.
The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools in partnership with the Vance County Public School Foundation, highlights students who go above and beyond. These remarkable students embody qualities inclusive of kindness, dedication, and a strong commitment to personal growth and service to others.
Ayden Massey, 5th grader at Zeb Vance Elementary
Zeb Vance Elementary proudly recognizes 5th grader Ayden Massey as their 2025–2026 Student Spotlight honoree. Nominated by the Zeb Vance staff, Ayden exemplifies what it means to be a SOARing Eagle—Showing Self-Control, Offering Peer Support, Actively
Listening and Learning, and Respecting Everyone. A bright and curious AIG student, Ayden consistently demonstrates responsibility, respect, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
Highly involved in school life, Ayden participates in BETA Club, Safety Patrol, RoboVance, Flag Team, and AIG, where he continues to strengthen his leadership skills and passion for exploration. His favorite subject is science because of the hands-on experiments, especially those related to the water cycle and jet stream.
Outside the classroom, Ayden enjoys reading, completing his “reading marathon,” playing games, and spending time with his family. He especially admires his mother, Tiffany Massey, for her love, strength, and constant support.
Ayden’s favorite book series is I Survived, his favorite movie is Despicable Me 4, and his favorite song is Wellerman. Recently, he enjoyed learning about the Boston Tea Party and the Shot Heard Around the World, which deepened his interest in history.
Looking ahead, Ayden dreams of becoming an astronaut, a goal inspired by his fascination with space, satellites, and the mysteries beyond Earth. If he could have a superpower, he would choose invisibility, just for the fun of sneaking around. And if granted one wish, he would wish for an infinite supply of tacos.
When asked what advice he has to share with other students, Ayden said: “Work hard and always try to do your best. It’s not about being the best, but trying your best.” Driven by curiosity, respect, and a love of learning, Ayden Massey is an outstanding example of what it means to be a Zeb Vance Eagle—soaring high with purpose, kindness, and integrity.
Rosa Lopez, 4th grader, L.B. Yancey Elementary
L.B. Yancey Elementary proudly celebrates 4th grader Rosa X. Lopez as the school’s 2025–2026 Student Spotlight honoree. Nominated by her teachers and school staff, Rosa exemplifies what it means to be a leader, learner, and role model at L.B. Yancey. She consistently demonstrates outstanding character, academic excellence, and a genuine desire to help others. Rosa stands out as a student who leads by example, always respectful, kind, and inclusive. She takes initiative in class, guiding group discussions and supporting her classmates whenever they need help.
Rosa’s favorite subject is math, because she believes it helps her gain knowledge that will be valuable in the future. She also enjoys science experiments, especially those that let her explore real-world concepts like precipitation and evaporation. Outside the classroom, Rosa stays active in several school programs, including the Yancey Girls Club, AIG, Orchestra Club, and Robotics Club, where she continues to grow in teamwork, creativity, and confidence.
When she is not at school, Rosa enjoys playing hide-and-seek and doing homework with her sisters, Grace and Annid. She also loves reading chapter books, especially the I Survived series, and watching movies like Goosebumps and I, Robot.
Rosa’s role models are her parents, Jose and Brittany Lopez, whom she admires for their hard work and kindness toward others. Inspired by their example, Rosa dreams of becoming a doctor so she can help people and make a difference in her community.
When asked what advice she would give to other students, Rosa said: “They should be strong and work very hard.” She believes success comes from perseverance and a positive attitude.
Her teachers, classmates, and family all agree that Rosa Lopez is a shining example of the excellence, empathy, and leadership that define L.B. Yancey Elementary.
Adriana Lopez-Villatoro, 5th grader, Pinkston Street Elementary
Pinkston Street Elementary proudly named 4th grader Adriana Lopez-Villatoro as its 2025–2026 Student Spotlight. Nominated by her teacher, Ms. Jennivise Lindsay, Adriana is being celebrated for her outstanding dedication, leadership, and positive attitude toward learning. She is known for her patience and enthusiasm when helping classmates. Whether she is working on a group project, volunteering to assist teachers, or participating in school events, she leads by example.
Adriana’s favorite subject is science, where she enjoys hands-on experiments like exploring the water cycle and learning about climate change. She has a natural curiosity and loves making new discoveries. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her friends and being someone others can count on for support and encouragement.
In her free time, Adriana loves reading Dork Diaries, listening to relaxing jazz and rap music, and watching movies, though she admits she avoids the scary ones! She admires Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter for their creativity and talent, and she hopes to bring that same passion into her own future goals. Adriana dreams of becoming either a scientist or a veterinarian, inspired by her love for animals and her desire to make a difference in the world.
If she could have any superpower, Adriana would choose teleportation, admitting with a smile that sometimes “the bus takes too long.” When asked what advice she would give to others, she shared: “Keep focusing and following your dreams—never give up.”
Her favorite part about being a student at Pinkston Street Elementary is the opportunity to help others and be friends with everyone. She wishes for all kids to “stop, think about what they are doing, and get along.” That thoughtful perspective shows the maturity and kindness that make Adriana such a special part of her school community.
Adriana Lopez-Villatoro shines as a role model for her peers and a proud representative of Pinkston Street Elementary’s spirit of excellence and compassion.
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