The Local Skinny! Rebuilding Hope Chicken Plate Sale Coming Up April 25

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Rebuilding Hope, Inc. is having its spring chicken plate fundraiser Friday, Apr. 25. For the price of $10 a ticket, customers will get half a chicken, potatoes, green beans, bread and dessert, thanks to lots of volunteers who will be working behind the scenes to get food prepared and packaged for takeout.

Stop by the RHI headquarters between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to pick up to-go plates. Or, said RHI Co-Director Tom Wille, businesses that call and place an order for five or more plates can have them delivered.

Rebuilding Hope, Inc. has kept its price at $10 – “that’s our price and we’re sticking to it,” Wille said. Everybody is trying to save a little bit these days, and he said he hopes keeping the price at $10 a plate will be helpful to families.

Wille estimated that between 150 and 200 volunteers will have had some role in the fundraiser after all is said and done. “This is an awesome operation,” he said, “and it really speaks to what Rebuilding Hope, Inc. is all about – a team effort.

From cake bakers and slicers to the folks on the assembly line who place the meal in containers, the volunteers show up and show out.

And then there’s the grillers – “they appear from nowhere with their cookers,” Wille said.

“These guys know what they’re doing. They come together and have a good time doing it,” he added.

The end result? Chicken that’s cooked to perfection.

Whether during the twice-a-year chicken plate fundraiser or at other times throughout the year when Rebuilding Hope is helping others, the mission of the ministry is “designed to be the feet of Jesus in the community,” he said.

In addition to the roofing repairs and wheelchair ramp construction that the construction ministry is known for, they also help churches support members in need. Rebuilding Hope, Inc. supplies the materials and the tools, and the churches supply the workers to help get that ramp built or some other project around the house.

“We’re loving on the people where they’re at,” Wille said. “We’re here to point people to Jesus.”

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Vance County Included In Latest Statewide Round Of Broadband Project

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Vance County is among 17 counties that will benefit from a statewide initiative to increase broadband internet to rural communities.

Connect Holding II will receive about $41 million to provide high-speed internet access to 1,327 homes and businesses in Vance County, according to information Gov. Josh Stein’s office. That’s just over half of the county’s eligible locations, the April 15 press release noted.

“For rural communities like ours, access to high-speed internet is critical for economic development, telehealth and remote education opportunities,” N.C. District 32 Rep. Bryan Cohn said in a written statement in response to the announcement. “I am excited to see continued investments and appreciate this award from NCDIT. This will lead to better jobs, better education and better outcomes for our residents.”

“Connecting North Carolinians online helps strengthen our state,” Stein said. “Broadband plays a crucial role in our development, and I look forward to seeing how these funds expand economic opportunities for people in every corner of North Carolina.”

NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione said the grants will fund projects that provide critical internet access to people in communities across the state.

“Internet access is a necessity in today’s world…We will continue to partner with counties and internet service providers to make more awards this month as we work to expand high-speed internet to every North Carolinian.”

The projects will be funded by more than $29 million from the federal American Rescue Plan awarded by NCDIT and nearly $12.5 million from selected broadband providers.

NCDIT partners with counties and internet providers to identify areas that need access partnership between counties and NCDIT to identify areas that need access, and then awardees must agree to provide high-speed service that reliably meets or exceeds speeds of 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload.

This most recent wave of grant funding adds to the more than $547 million in Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology grants and previous projects that will connect more than 200,000 North Carolina households and businesses to high-speed internet.

TownTalk: Of Henderson, By Henderson, & For Henderson

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This is John Charles Rose of TownTalk and WIZS Radio. I am of Henderson, by Henderson and for Henderson. Are you?

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Marvin Harrison Named Vance County Fire Department Chief

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Vance County has named Marvin Harrison as chief of the Vance County Fire Department.

Harrison begins the new job on Monday, April 21, according to information from County Manager C. Renee Perry.

With more than 14 years in the fire service, Harrison brings experience in leadership roles as well as operational expertise along with a deep commitment to public safety.

His previous department is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and Harrison served in key leadership roles, including interim Division Chief of Budget and Logistics and Battalion Chief. His experience in a CFAI-accredited organization has given him firsthand expertise in high-level operations, strategic planning, and fiscal responsibility.

“I am honored to lead the Vance County Fire Department and to serve the residents of this great community,” Harrison said in a press statement. “My experience in an internationally accredited department has prepared me to guide this organization forward with a focus on professionalism, operational excellence, and community trust. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation already in place.”

Chief Harrison has outlined a forward-thinking leadership agenda that includes strengthening recruitment and retention, expanding diversity within the department, and prioritizing professional development for all personnel.  He also emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with the community and ensuring firefighters are supported with the tools, training, and leadership necessary to succeed.

“This is a historic moment for Vance County. Chief Harrison brings an exceptional blend of experience, education, and vision that aligns perfectly with our goals for the future of public safety. His leadership in an internationally accredited department and his passion for service make him the right person to move our fire department forward. We are excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our community,” Perry said.

A native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Harrison holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration from Fayetteville State University. He also earned an associate’s degree in emergency management from Nash Community College and an associate’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix.

Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Integrated Pest Management For The Home Garden workshop will be on April 28, 2025 at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. Wayne Rowland will be hosting this workshop.
  • Read the back of seed packets lots of useful information. Ex: days to maturity, how to plant.
  • Top dress your raised beds with compost or aged manure plus some slow release fertilizer and incorporate that mixture before planting.
  • Read the label on all chemicals before you purchase them to see if it is the right product for the job.
  • When setting out transplants put a cardboard collar around the transplant to prevent cutworm damage.
  • If you limed in the fall, you might want to take another soil test to see if the PH has changed.
  • Identify insects before you spray. It could be beneficial! Bring us the insects and we can identify them for you.
  • Purchase a good rain gauge.
  • Purchase healthy transplants.
  • If you are purchasing transplants directly from the greenhouse, keep plants outside for a few days before planting.
  • Check areas for mice. Greenhouse, storage, and shed.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.      

The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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Reducing Contraband At Detention Center

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Vance County Detention Center Administrator Maj. William Mitchell, Sheriff Curtis Brame and others are working feverishly to comply with a corrective action letter requiring improvement in five different areas at the jail – from staffing shortages to making repairs, supervision schedules to contraband.

It sounds an awful lot like the carnival game Whack A Mole at times, as one area is addressed another two or three pop up.

If there were more corrections officers at the jail, maybe there would be fewer instances of detainees destroying property. If property weren’t in disrepair, maybe detainees wouldn’t be able to sneak in contraband through a hole cut in a perimeter fence.

With the recent dismissal of several corrections officers, Mitchell told Vance County commissioners Monday afternoon at a special called meeting to discuss next steps at detention center, Mitchell said “somehow the contraband has dramatically slowed down.”

Another policy that is being put in place at the jail requires two people to be present when there’s any contact with a detainee. It can be two corrections officers, a CO and a deputy sheriff, Mitchell explained, but always two people.

And as for staff going off site for “smoke breaks” without being screened again upon return to the facility?

“Those days are over,” Mitchell said.

Neither Brame nor Mitchell is in favor of having staff go through the body scanner, however.

The scanner is used every day for detainees entering or returning to the jail, Mitchell said, but not for staff because of its “intrusive” nature.

Two stand-alone units – one for cell phone detection and one for metal detection have been ordered and should arrive soon, he added.

“The greatest success will be in no single (person) contact with inmates,” Mitchell emphasized as he offered details about reducing the amount of contraband entering the jail.

And from the “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” Department comes this from Mitchell, when asked about a rumor going around about a detainee and Bojangle’s food.

“That’s not a rumor,” Mitchell said, referring to the food item simply as a breakfast treat.

“There was a video or picture taken by an inmate and posted on social media, so we all know it happened.”

The correction officer in question no longer employed at the detention center. “And we presume that the cell phone was recovered,” Mitchell said.

TownTalk: Henderson City Council Meeting Information

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Although city revenue collections are lagging behind projected rates at this time in the fiscal year, Finance Director Joey Fuqua told the Henderson City Council on Monday that work on the recommended FY 2025-26 budget is coming along and should be ready for to present to Council at its May 12 meeting.

Roughly 28 percent – about $2 million of a projected $8 million – from a category called “various revenue – has been collected so far. Responding to a question from Council Member Garry Daeke, Fuqua explained that the category includes a number of different licenses and fees paid to the city.

Water revenues are at 55 percent and sewer revenues are a bit lower at 48 percent.

“The impact of the cyberattack has seriously impeded our ability to capture real-time numbers,” Fuqua said, referring to an apparent computer bug that forced the city to shut down key computer programs including water bill payments.

Fuqua said his team has been “working diligently” to shore up all of those accounts and get the infrastructure back into place.

Last year’s budget required $4 million from the fund balance, and Fuqua said this year’s budget is “contingent on some very important variables” that should get firmed up in the next week or so when March and April revenues are finalized.

Fuqua said this year’s budget is shaping up to be conservative, with increases due mostly to inflation. There could be a bit of a cushion in the area of capital improvements due to the fact that the city will be retiring several loans.

The Council approved a schedule of six budget work sessions that will take place between the May and June meetings.

A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27 beginning at 6 p.m.

There were a couple of matters before the Council that pertain to the water and sewer system – one involved granting access along Rock Mill Road at Martin’s Creek pump station through an easement to landlocked property adjacent to the pump station.

Another matter involved an application for money from the State Revolving Fund to make improvements at the Sandy Creek lift station and force mains. W.K. Dickson is submitting the application on the city’s behalf but needed the approval of the Council.

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Perry Memorial Library Celebrates Earth Day, National Poetry Month

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Perry Memorial Library is teaming up with Vance County Cooperative Extension and Safe Routes To School to promote Earth Day 2025.

Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters invites the public to come out on Tuesday, Apr. 22 at 4 p.m. No registration is necessary – just come on out and have some fun!

Peters said there will be plenty of hands-on activities for youngsters as they learn about how to care for the planet and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

“We just want to celebrate Mother Earth,” Peters said, adding that there will be opportunities projects to create bird feeders and plant seeds in a cup, both of which can be taken home when they’re completed.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and the activities can take place outside. Safe Routes to School will bring a Story Walk to share and kids can take part in a scavenger hunt, too.

Then on Tuesday, Apr. 29, the library will be the site of an evening of poetry to celebrate National Poetry Month.

Peters said she’s visited Vance County High School to do programs, but this time, the school’s chorus and library club are coming to the library to share a program highlighting poetry and the spoken word.

Members of the Library Club are always helpful when they come to the library, and Peters said if you have never heard the VCHS Chorus perform, you should definitely come hear them on the 29th.

“They have a beautiful sound,” Peters said, adding that their voices, lifted together, just seem to fill the entire gallery area.

Bringing groups into the library to present programs improves and strengthens community partnerships. Peters isn’t shy about approaching groups or individuals, and the answer is usually a resounding ‘yes’ to the request.

It’s just another way to inform the community and raise awareness about resources located right here in the area.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ to learn more.

 

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