The Local Skinny! N.C. Rep. Bryan Cohn Says $10M For Water Plant Expansion Is Spent

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N.C. Rep. Bryan Cohn said House Bill 74, signed into law last week by Gov. Josh Stein, is not anticipated to have any impact on the $10 million that had been reappropriated away from the City of Oxford as part of the Kerr Lake Regional Water expansion.

“That money has been distributed and contractors have been paid,” Cohn told WIZS News Monday morning. “That money no longer exists.”

Cohn learned in early March that the bill contained language that would “claw back” money that had been appropriated to the City of Oxford in 2023 to expand the water plant. The project is underway, and once complete, will increase capacity to up to 20 million gallons a day.

“The facts are that the city of Oxford, through the water authority, applied for reimbursement to DEQ. DEQ evaluated that reimbursement request, just like they would any other reimbursement request, and they issued the final payment,” Cohn explained. “So that money has been distributed and the contractors working at Kerr Lake Regional Water plant have been paid – at least they’ve been paid using the funds allocated by the General Assembly.”

You can’t spend money twice, and Cohn said he is unsure what will happen next, but he added “the law is on our side.” The money was originally allocated in 2023 by the N.C. General Assembly for the regional water expansion project.

“That project is underway and they followed all the proper protocols and procedures for executing the work and getting reimbursement as required,” he said.

Cohn said when he learned that there was an attempt to reallocate the funding, he said he recommended that they needed to request reimbursement and follow the process given.

“At no point did I ask DEQ or anyone to circumvent or expedite anything,” Cohn explained, adding that he “simply asked the regional water authority and the city of oxford to go ahead and put in for reimbursement before this became law.”

In House Bill 74, South Granville Water and Sewer Authority was appropriated $3 million for an expansion project of its own, and Cohn said he fully supports those efforts. The other $7 million was to have been used in Franklin County and a couple of other counties, for similar projects.

“We have the opportunity to do something right now with this budget,” he said, referring to the fact that legislators are in the middle of creating the state’s budget. But he said he didn’t want to be in a situation of robbing Peter to pay Paul.

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TownTalk: Ride to Save Lives Event

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A Ride to Save Lives fundraiser will be held Saturday, May 31 in Henderson at Shooter’s Tavern on Norlina Road. Proceeds will go to support local participation in the Lost Voices of Fentanyl’s national event that will be held in October on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Local organizer Patricia Drewes said the motorcycle ride will begin at 11 a.m., but the day doesn’t end there. Guest speakers will take the stage about 1 p.m., Drewes said on Monday’s TownTalk and she wants families to come out and bring their children because they need to know how dangerous illicit drugs like fentanyl can be.

Drewes is vice president of the national group Lost Voices of Fentanyl, which she said is the largest fentanyl advocacy group in the U.S. with 36,000 members. The group’s president, April Babcock, is scheduled to speak during the local event, too.

Also on display will be 50 victims impact banners and four teen banners to highlight the tragic loss of young lives to fentanyl.

Beginning about 4 p.m., several bands will perform, including local groups Legendary Lane and Heartbreak Station. Virginia-based Redbank also will perform.

The cover charge for the concert is $15; the cost to ride is $20.

Drewes said she’s organized rallies before, but this is the biggest to date. She thanked Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow for his help with planning the route and for volunteering to lead the ride.

“I’m on a mission to save lives,” Drewes said. Her only child, Heaven, died from fentanyl poisoning.

“I want people to come out and bring their children,” she said, stressing the importance of helping young people realize and understand the dangers of illicit drugs.

“This could happen to them,” she said. “It’s just really important that kids see it. They need to understand that ‘yes, it can happen to you.’”

She prefers the word poisoning to overdose because an overdose implies that the person simply took more than the recommended dosage.

“It’s not an overdose,” she said. “There’s no recommended dosage for any illicit drug.”

 

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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Vermicomposting

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On the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report from Wayne Rowland:

Vermicomposting can improve your garden by using vermicompost to improve your garden soil.

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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NCDOT

11 Miles Of Vance County Roads Included In NCDOT $1.2M Improvement Project

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— Information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Transportation

The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded an almost $1.2 million contract to Sunrock Industries, LLC to improve more than 11 miles of roadway in Vance County.

NCDOT spokesperson Kim Deaner released the information on Thursday, May. 15.

The contractor will improve 11 sections of secondary roads including Glebe Road from Glover Road to N.C. 39, Nutbush Road from N.C. 39 to Satterwhite Point Road, and Haywood Wright Road from Ross Mill Road to N.C. 39.

The project will involve milling, resurfacing, shoulder reconstruction, and curb replacement. Work is scheduled to begin this spring and is expected to be complete by late fall 2026.

Maria Parham Health Celebrates National Nurses Week With Food, Fun, Gifts Galore!

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— information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Marketing & Communications coordinator

The nurses at Maria Parham Health enjoyed a little pampering during the recent National Nurses Week, celebrated May 6-9, to honor their extraordinary dedication, compassion and resilience of its nursing team. Throughout the week, events were held to show appreciation for the difficult and essential work nurses perform every day, according to Donna Young, MPH Marketing & Communications coordinator.

The celebration kicked off on Tuesday, May 6, with a festive ice cream sundae bar available to both day and night shift nurses. MPH team members also enjoyed a delicious variety of lunch options from local food trucks including Soulbachi, Bologna Boyz Food Wagon, and Smoking Aces.

On Wednesday, May 7, the hospital hosted its much-loved Annual Nurses’ Breakfast, providing a hearty meal to energize our healthcare heroes for the demanding day ahead.

Thursday, May 8, featured a particularly meaningful tradition: The Blessing of the Hands. Led by Pastor Frank Sossamon, this sacred ceremony acknowledges the physical and spiritual work of nurses, asking for strength, compassion and protection as they provide care and healing to others. The Blessing of the Hands is a long-standing ritual in healthcare settings, symbolizing the deep connection between the caregiver and the patient, and affirming the sacredness of the healing profession.

The week concluded on Friday, May 9, with a caffeine boost: nurses were treated to coffee from Love is Coffee.

Throughout the week, nurses were also entered into drawings for nearly 100 valuable prizes, generously donated by community sponsors. Maria Parham Health extends heartfelt thanks to the following businesses and individuals who made these giveaways possible:

Henderson Sponsors

Nella Roo’s • Charles Boyd • Chick-fil-A • Auto Brite • George’s • The Attic • Hair Loft • Jersey  Mike’s • Postal Plus/NC Flavors • Wester Insurance • NG Nails • Ichibar • Vanco Outdoor  Equipment • Sossamon Funeral Home 

Oxford Sponsors

Art and Craft Space • Southern Style Mercantile • Tobacco Wood • Oasis • Bliss Nutrition 

Wake Forest Sponsor

Salon Serenity 

Special thanks also go to Jane Haithcock, Connie Roberson, Kay Hall, and our MPH doctors for  their generous contributions and support throughout the week.

Maria Parham Health is deeply grateful to its nurses—not just during Nurses Week, but every day—for their tireless service and commitment to patient care.

“Our nurses are truly the backbone of this hospital,” said Maria Parham Health CEO Bert Beard.  “Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our patients and community are nothing short of inspiring. This week was just one way for us to say ‘thank you’ for all that they do.”

Maria Parham Health proudly celebrates the vital role nurses play in delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare across our region.

Vance County Schools Named National District Of Distinction By National Beta

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— information courtesy of Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has been named a 2024-2025 National District of Distinction by National Beta, an independent nonprofit organization that recognizes high academic achievement and encourages service to others.

This award is given to school districts which offer National Beta in all schools in their district and induct qualifying students in grades 4-12. Vance County Schools is one of only 78 districts to receive this award nationwide, according to information from VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Support Aarika Sandlin

Through the exceptional efforts of Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, club sponsors and deserving Beta members, Vance County Schools has flourished since the district’s initial Beta charter. This national award speaks highly of our district’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and service involvement, and illustrates our dedication to preparing students for college and career readiness. The students in their district understand the importance of these qualities and exemplify the Beta motto, Let Us Lead by Serving Others.

“This recognition is evidence of the incredible work happening in every school across our district,” said Dr. Cindy Bennett, Superintendent of Vance County Schools. “To be named a National Beta District of Distinction again speaks volumes about the character of our students, the dedication of our staff, and our shared belief in service, leadership, and academic excellence. We are honored to celebrate this achievement together.”

Vance County has been named a Beta Club District of Distinction for the last 7 years, yearly since 2019. Vance County Schools will receive a National Beta District of Distinction plaque to display at the district office. In addition, National Beta District of Distinction principals will receive a plaque to display at their schools.

The District Beta Club Coordinator for Vance County Schools is Mr. Andrew Markoch, Director of Fine Arts and Physical Education. Following is a list of schools, their principals and Beta Club advisers.

  • Aycock Elementary: Principal, Donald Johnson III; Beta Club advisers, Raegan Ross and Caroline Boyd
  • Carver Elementary: Principal, Regina Rainey; Beta Club adviser, Michelle Morgan-Edwards.
  • Clarke Elementary: Principal, Dr. C’monee Wilkins; Beta Club adviser, Lori-Ann Lewis
  • Dabney Elementary: Principal, Dr. Michael Putney; Beta Club adviser, Michelle Foster
  • E.M. Rollins: Principal, Dr. Carnetta Thomas; Beta Club adviser, Nicole Anderson
  • E.O. Young Elementary: Principal, Kristen Boyd; Beta Club adviser, Marian Faulkner
  • L.B. Yancey: Principal, Dr. Shannon Bullock; Beta Club adviser, Wendy Oakley
  • New Hope Elementary: Principal, Letitia Fields; Beta Club adviser, Barbara Young
  • Pinkston Street Elementary: Principal, Canecca Mayes; Beta Club adviser, Yolanda Dixon
  • Zeb Vance Elementary: Principal, Joy Suther; Beta Club adviser, Colleen Tyburski
  • Vance County Middle School: Principal, Dr. Stephanie Ayscue; Beta Club adviser, Sheneika Campbell-Thomas
  • STEM Early High: Principal Edward Ortega also serves as Beta Club adviser
  • Vance County High School: Principal, Dr. Nealie Whitt III; Beta Club adviser, Lindsey Ramsey
  • Vance County Early College High School: Principal, Debbie Hite: Beta Club adviser ,Vicki Fullwood-Barrett
  • Vance Virtual Village: Principal, Dr. Jeff Batten; Beta Club adviser, Anton Wesley

 

 

‘Got To Be NC Festival’ Kicks Off May 16 For A Weekend Of Fun, Ag-Related Activities

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— from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences

North Carolina’s No. 1 industry — agriculture — will be on display along with a colorful lineup of tractors, N.C. food and beverage products, and plenty of family-friendly activities when the Got to Be NC Festival returns to the State Fairgrounds May 16-18 in Raleigh.

In addition, this free event features a daily tractor parade at 1 p.m., carnival rides and games, a butterfly barn, kids’ activities, dairy milking classes, a pig birthing exhibit, antique farm equipment, an N.C. Craft Beer Garden and N.C. Craft Cocktail Garden, an antique tractor pull, fair food and music.

The Got to Be NC Pavilion will feature nearly 100 North Carolina food and beverage vendors showcasing some of North Carolina’s tastiest products. Visitors can sample and shop the Pavilion for their favorite items. Admission to the Pavilion is $3.

Daily grounds entertainment includes the King BMX Stunt Show, the Kenya Safari Acrobats, a puppet show, herding dog demonstrations with Quack Pack USA, demonstrations with K-9 officers with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and Boomer’s Farm Truck that offers photo opportunities for youngsters and the young at heart.

The Got to Be NC Music Stage will feature a variety of music throughout the weekend including, country, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, Latin and Americana. Check the Got to Be NC website for the concert lineup.

On Saturday, May 17, the Carolina Pig Jig will feature more than 20 chapters of Masons in a BBQ competition to benefit the Masonic Homes for Children at Oxford and Central Children’s Home. BBQ and fixings will be served to the public beginning at 11 a.m, following judging. Stretchy pants are definitely recommended for this all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet. Tickets are $20 for ages 11 and older, $10 for youth 5 to 10 years old, and free for kids 4 and under.

Also on Saturday, catch the antique tractor pull from 2 to 8 p.m. in the N.C. Education Lottery Grandstand.

On Sunday, enjoy a gospel performance by The Master’s Men a capella group during the Heritage Church Service at 10:30 a.m.

Festival gate hours are Friday, noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Building and exhibit hours are Friday noon to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Carnival hours are Friday noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Carnival hours may extend one hour depending on attendance.