Farm-City Week, part 1 of 3
Vance County has declared the third week in November each year as Farm-City Week. During that time, local residents are encouraged to reflect upon the connections and interdependence between the people and businesses in our towns, and the farms that surround them. This great nation was built on agriculture, but the towns and cities provide the markets and support businesses that make farming possible. — Paul McKenzie
OUR AGING FARMERS: A LOOMING CRISIS FOR OUR NATION?
By Paul McKenzie, Agriculture Extension Agent, Vance County Cooperative Extension
If you happen to be a farmer, I have some important information for you: You’re not getting any younger. Sorry, don’t mean to get personal, but the 2007 Census of Agriculture reports that the average age for farmers in Vance County is almost 60. Nor is this phenomenon limited to our own community. For North Carolina as a whole, the average age is a hair over 57, while the figure is just over 58 for our nation (2012 Census of Agriculture).
Now, this is not necessarily a problem over the short term, since I’ve met plenty of 70-year old farmers who could outwork me all week and twice on Sunday. We shouldn’t see bare grocery store shelves anytime soon. But in the long run, our community, state and nation depends on recruiting young folks to pick up the plow. And since recent decades have seen the daughters and sons of farmers leaving the farm for jobs in the city, the issue is complex.
Young people who are interested in farming usually lack experience, and perhaps more importantly, the capital to invest in land and expensive equipment. Comprehensive strategies to address these barriers are vital to our nation’s future. Fortunately, agriculture presents fantastic career opportunities, and it’s way more interesting than sitting on a tractor all day. Farmers today must deal with high tech equipment, manage complex pest issues, and have sharp business skills.
If you know a young person who is exploring career options, encourage them to look into the many great opportunities available in agriculture.
(Paul McKenzie can be heard on WIZS each Tuesday at 4:35 P.M. on the Home and Garden Show and at other times Monday through Thursday at 2:05 P.M. for the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report.)
Candidates Forum 2015 Audio
Unedited Audio From City Council and Mayoral Candidates Forum 2015
Who: Henderson Municipal Election Candidates for Mayor and City Council organized by The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, The Daily Dispatch and WIZS Radio
When: Sunday, Sept 19, 2015 from 4:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M.
Where: Old Courthouse Downtown, County Commissioners’ Meeting Room
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The City of Henderson will be holding its 2015 municipal election on Oct. 6. The offices of 1st Ward – Ward Seat, 2nd Ward – Ward Seat, 3rd Ward At-Large Seat, and 4th Ward At-Large Seat as well as the position of Henderson Mayor will be up for election. In order to vote upon these positions you must live within Henderson and be registered to vote by September 11, 2015. For more information regarding Henderson elections as well as other upcoming elections in Vance County you can visit the “Vance County Board of Elections” page on the Vance County website at: https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/board-of-elections/.
20th Annual Crime Stoppers Banquet
Thursday night at the Vance Granville Community College Civic Center, the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers organization held its 20th annual awards and recognition banquet.
Crime Stoppers Chairman Lorraine Watkins emceed the event, which included remarks from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, Vance County Sheriff Peter White and the keynote address from Dr. Stelfanie Williams, President of Vance Granville Community College.
The following individuals received awards:
Jimmy Ayscue received the Community Watch Award, representing the West Henderson Community Watch.
Herman Davis of Senior Citizens Home received the Local Citizens Award.
Dr. Ron Cava of The First Baptist Church of Henderson, NC won the Public Service Award.
Eric Brinkley of Superior Chrysler Dodge Jeep received the Corporate Award.
John Faucette of Carolina Carpet received the Business Award.
Pictured left to right: Irvin Robinson, Craig Thorpe, Gene Washington, John Faucette, Ron Cava, Larry D. Carrol who received on behalf of Herman Davis, Jimmy Ayscue, Bobby Choplin, Lorraine Watkins
The Crime Stoppers Board Member of the Year is Bobby Choplin. Watkins said Choplin is known for taking care of the smallest details and for providing encouragement to others that they can get a job done. She said Choplin is always saying, “If you need me, I’m only a phone call away.” Choplin said, “This belongs to you all, not me, but I have the pleasure of displaying it at my place, and I thank you.”
The Special Recognition Award was presented to Ret. Lt. Irvin W. Robinson Jr. He was introduced by Deputy Sheriff Craig Thorpe. Thorpe said Robinson has been a member of every committee in Henderson and Vance County trying to make Henderson a better place. He said, “If you want it done and done right, give it to Irvin. He’s always been dedicated to the cause.” Robinson said, “I could not have done it without everyone in the community helping me, and thank you for this award.”
The Sam Pearson Memorial Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Award was presented to Gene Washington of the Henderson Police Department, the agency’s Parking Enforcement Agent. Barrow introduced Washington, and Barrow described many of the difficult situations that he and his officers face in the line of duty. In speaking of Washington, he said, “He always makes us smile.” Washington was described as a man who can use his good personality take the edge off some of the things officers encounter. Barrow said, “The staff was unanimous that it was well overdue to give to Gene Washington.” Washington said, “I am glad they thought about me this time, and I want to thank all of y’all.”
The Tom Long Memorial Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Award was presented to Deputy Sheriff Craig Thorpe. White introduced Thorpe by saying, “He works closely with Crime Stoppers and community watch. He has right at about 30 years of law enforcement experience. He follows up with all domestic violence victims we deal with to make sure they have all the resources at their disposal that are available out there. He has true compassion, and I’ve never seen him speak negatively. He is just an all around good guy.” Thorpe said, “I am just a big teddy bear. I am truly blessed. There is nothing special about me, and I thank Jesus Christ for all that he is doing in my life.”
Williams, in her keynote speech, encouraged those in attendance to invest in the community and described what she called a “deep sense of connection” between VGCC and the law enforcement community. She said the mission of the college aligns with Crime Stoppers in many ways. “Vance Granville is a partner in your effort to reduce and fight crime through education and training. As people are more educated, they are statistically less likely to commit crime.” She said the value of the college and to any individual is “measured by our benefit to the community. We must believe that our community is worth our investment, whether resources or time or public-private partnerships, but, whatever the form, we should all invest in our community. If we each do what we can, our community will continue to progress.”
If you would like to hear the audio in its entirety, it is provided here.
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Rain Barrels and Tall Fescue
Rain Barrel Seminar at Warren County
Thu, August 27, noon
Learn all you need to know about how to build, install and utilize a rain barrel! Rain barrels are a great way to supplement the water supply for your garden and landscape. To be presented by Paul McKenzie, Vance-Warren Agricultural Extension Agent. Please register by calling 252-213-6095 or e-mail paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.
Tall Fescue Season Just Around the Corner!
Do you plan to over seed or re-seed your tall fescue lawn this year? Early to mid September is the preferred time to do so. When shopping for seed, look for a blend of at least three cultivars of turf-type tall fescue. Read the seed tag to get valuable information about quality (germination percent, weed seed, other crop seed, etc.). If you have compacted soil, you may want to aerate as well. A core type aerator that pulls plugs is best. Early September is also a good time to fertilize with a slow release type.
Do You Have Backyard Poultry? Please register
NC is at risk for an outbreak of Avian Influenza
In order to prepare for a possible outbreak of Avian Influenza (which affects POULTRY not people!) the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is asking all poultry owners to register their flocks. This includes “backyard” poultry flocks. Doing so will allow for a more rapid, comprehensive and effective response should this devastating poultry disease strike our state. For more information, including a link to an on-line registration form, visit https://www.ncagr.gov/avianflu/
Lawn Care Seminar at the VCR Farmers Market
Lawn Care Seminar to be held at the Vance County Regional Farmer’s Market on August 19th at 12 noon. Join in and learn all you need to know to have a beautiful lawn. Items covered will include everything from fertilization to weed control to irrigation. Special emphasis will be given to the tasks you should be doing over the next few weeks to make sure your lawn looks great next year! FREE of charge! For more information, call 252-438-8188 or e-mail paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu
H-V Crime Stoppers August Crimes of the Month
Shooting Case:
On August 3, 2015 around 12:21 AM, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to Highland Green Apartments, 111 S. Pinkston Street Henderson, NC in reference to shots being fired. While in route, officers were advised that there was a 9 year-old female that was transported by a personal vehicle to a local medical facility with injuries. The 9 year-old victim is currently being treated for her injuries. Officers on scene at Highland Green Apartments located a 19 year-old female, Aisha Taylor, of Henderson, who was suffering from a gunshot graze to her arm. Ms. Taylor later went to a local medical facility for treatment. The incident was reported to have occurred when a vehicle pulled up to a group of people that were standing in front of the apartments and began firing a firearm.
The incident is under further investigation by members of the Criminal Investigations Division. The Henderson Police Department encourages anyone with information related to this crime to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141 or Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925. You can put anonymous tips on the web site. (www.hvcrimestoppers.com) Callers may remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers offers a reward up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest.
Larceny Case
On July 27, 2015 at approximately 7:21 am, the Vance County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Sunset Gardens, 3174 US-158 Business, in reference to a larceny. Upon arrival Deputies talked to William Haithcock, who stated that someone during the night had taken a red Toro zero-turn mower from the shed. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office encourages any person with information related to this case to contact Henderson –Vance Crime Stoppers at 492-1925 and also you can put anonymous tips on the web site. (www.hvcrimestoppers.com) Citizens with information can also contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 738-2200.
Larceny Case
On July 17, 2015 at approximately 3:35pm, Vance County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Kids World Daycare, 420 Red Oak Road, in reference to a larceny. Upon arrival, Deputies talked to Ms. Stewartson who stated that someone had taken during the night an air conditioner unit from the property. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office encourages any person with information related to this case to contact Henderson – Vance Crime Stoppers at 492-1925 and also you can put anonymous tips on the web site. (www.hvcrimestoppers.com) Citizens with information can also contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 738-2200.
New Animal Shelter Moving Forward
A “New” animal shelter for Vance County is moving forward, although at a snail’s pace. Vance County Commissioners recently agreed to move forward on a new 8,000 square-foot building that is to cost between $1.1 and $1.6 million. The shelter will be built on five acres of donated land.
After much discussion and with Commissioner Deborah Brown casting the only NO vote, the project is moving forward. Commissioners have agreed to take the next step and have approved further review of plans for the new shelter.
In addition, the County is working with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to receive a 30-year loan of $1.7 million. If approved, the County will make a $17,000 contribution as a part of the USDA deal.
The current shelter was built 40 years ago and is considered to be out-dated and, with only 2,000 sq. feet, is very small relative to the current needs of the community.
The Boyd family donated the five acres three years ago and includes a sunset provision that has the property reverting back to the Boyds if construction is not started within five years of the original gift.
So far about $22,000 has been raised by active supporters and animal lovers for the new shelter. You can help by donating to the Vance County Animal Shelter. Send your tax deductible donation to the shelter at 165 Vance Academy Road, Henderson, NC 27537.
As the old saying goes, “We are closer than ever” to having a New Animal Shelter in Vance County.