The Local Skinny! Paws for Granville

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The Humane Society of Granville County is hosting its annual Paws for Granville fundraiser on Saturday, Mar. 29 at the Barn at Vino in Stem.

Anne Crews, a member of the local humane society and one of the event organizers, said this year’s goal is $20,000. “It’s our major fundraiser for the year,” Crews said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The event begins at 5 p.m. and dinner, catered by George’s of Oxford, will begin at 6 p.m. There will be a live auction, too, she said.

The Humane Society splits the proceeds with the local animal shelter, and Crews said the funds are used to pay for vet bills, spay/neuter programs, vaccinations and more for animals that come to the shelter and hopefully adopted out to good homes.

In 2023, 2,034 animals were taken in at the animal shelter. “That’s an awful lot of animals,” Crews said.

For every dog or cat that is spayed or neutered, she said, it reduces the number of unwanted animals that often end up at the shelter looking for new homes.

In addition to the adoption program that the humane society and the spay and neuter program that operate at the shelter, volunteers also run a pet food pantry and have cat adoption events at Petsmart in Durham’s Patterson Place.

Crews said there’s always a need for additional volunteers. Visit the website or call 919.691.9114 to learn more.

Paws for Granville tickets are $40. Purchase them on Eventbrite, or visit https://www.hsgcnc.org/paws-for-granville.

 

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Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Vance Warren Beekeepers Association meeting will be on Monday March 10, 2025 at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • The Growing The Spring Vegetable Garden Event will be on Monday March 31, 2025 at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Pruning season is here! Cooperative Extension has pruning publications that will show how to correctly prune fruit trees and grape vines.
  • Get your copy of the central Piedmont planting guide for vegetables that can be planted in each month.
  • Fertilize your fescue lawn if you haven’t already ASAP.
  • Apply crabgrass preventer to lawns.
  • Make sure fruit tree varieties grow well in zone 7 before ordering that variety.
  • Cleanup flower beds, then apply weed preventer and new mulch.
  • Don’t top crepe myrtles unless necessary for size control.
  • Remember to wear PPE equipment when doing all garden chores.
  • Start checking your lawn care equipment.
  • Check areas for mice. Greenhouse storage 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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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Events at Perry Memorial Library

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Springtime is just around the corner, and Perry Memorial Library’s Youth Services Director Melody Peters is gearing up for a busy time, filled with themed programs wedged in between the regular favorites.

“We will be getting really busy,” Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! February was filled with programs to observe Black History Month and April’s calendar is shaping up to be busy, if not busier.

Not only is April National Poetry Month, but there’s Week of the Young Child and National Library Week, it’s a time when students will be enjoying Spring Break so they may have extra chances to visit the library.

But before April, there’s Women’s History Month, and Peters said she’s invited a female author to come speak toward the end of March.

The Sunday afternoon Family Story Time will be held on Mar. 16, which is just one day away from St. Patrick’s Day, when mischievous leprechauns roam around and have some innocent elfin fun.

Peters said she feels the luck of the Irish all year long as she plans and creates programming for young people.

“I talk to kids all the time,” she said, “and I listen to what they’re saying.”

From those interviews have come programs about teen mental health and the Crochet Club, among others. “I want to find out what’s exciting to them and try to make it happen,” she said.

Peters said she visited Pinkston Street Elementary on Monday and a youngster came in with her grandmother after school was out – it was the 6-year-old’s first visit to the library.

“It was just great!” Peters exclaimed. “That’s why you do what you do.”

Visit perrylibrary.org to learn about all the programs and services the library offers.

 

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NC Forest Service

The Local Skinny! Wildfire Season is Upon Us

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A brush fire on Edwards Road in Vance County burned about 10 acres of land, and firefighters and forestry service crews were able to get things under control to prevent the fire from spreading further.

“We did have a busy weekend, both locally and statewide,” said N.C. Forestry Service Ranger Rob Montague, whose territory includes Vance and Granville counties. A fire near Uwharrie Forest in the western part of the state has burned about 400 acres.

The fire on Edwards Road was caused by a debris burn that took place on Wednesday, three days before the fire broke out.

The person who was burning the debris thought the fire was out, Montague said, but conditions became such that it escaped the ash pit where the fire had been and then rekindled on Saturday.

“That strong wind Saturday really made conditions right for fires to escape,” Montague said.

Another fire near Epsom burned 75 acres and started as a land clearing pile that was burned during last month’s snowfall.

“It does not take long this time of the year for fire fuels to dry out after a precipitation event and become available to burn,” Montague said. The brisk winds and low humidity over the past few days make conditions right for fires, he said.

Thankfully, none of the half dozen or so fire calls that the forest service received on Saturday resulted in any structure damage or other loss.

“Fire departments have really jumped on fires quickly and done excellent work to keep these fires contained,” he said.

Montague said property owners should remember this rule of thumb about burning: If it grows on your property, you can burn it – safely – on your property.

That means natural vegetation – leaves, limbs, etc. But nothing manmade can be burned, he said. Property owners found to be in violation of the county ordinance can be fined or face possible civil penalties.

It’s a lot simpler for those who live within the city limits: except for charcoal grills, no open burning is allowed. Period.

The N.C. Forest Service suggests that your local forest service office before starting any outdoor fire and offers the following tips to keep in mind:

  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
  • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
  • These same tips apply to campfires and grills as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.

 

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Single Gunshot Wound Killed Child

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— press release from Henderson Chief of Police Marcus Barrow 2/28/25

This morning at approximately 9:30, first responders were dispatched to a residence on Gary Street in the City of Henderson following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered a minor with a single gunshot wound. EMTs and other first responders provided medical assistance, but, unfortunately, the minor died as a result of the injury.

Preliminary information indicates that the incident took place inside the victim’s residence. Another minor living in the same home had accessed an unsecured firearm and discharged it, striking the deceased. The firearm involved in the incident has been recovered, along with other evidence. The investigation will require time and various resources, including consultation with the District Attorney’s Office.

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NC Coop Extension

The Local Skinny! Farmers Market Vendor Courses

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This is the time of year when local gardeners are perusing seed catalogs or checking in with local nurseries about when the vegetable slips will be ready to purchase.  The April 15 frost date seems a long way off, but gardeners are planning now in order to reap the benefits – literally – when spinach, peas, beans and more are ready to harvest.

Vance County Cooperative Extension is hosting a series of vendor workshops during March for anyone interested in participating in farmers markets in Vance, Granville or other nearby counties.

Vance County Agriculture Agent Michael Ellington said the classes will be held on Saturday mornings beginning Mar. 8 and will continue on Mar. 15, 22 and 29. The first three sessions will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the Mar. 29 session will last from 10 a.m to 1 p.m.

All sessions will be held at Salem United Methodist Church, 4151 Salem Rd., Oxford.

Each session has a different focus, Ellington explained.

  • 8 – the basics of business
  • 15 – marketing – product placement for optimum visibility on tables in the market
  • 22 – knowing your customers and follow-up to sales
  • 29 – basic food safety

Vendors often sell at more than one farmers market, Ellington said, so it just makes sense that these vendor trainings are offered to individuals from numerous counties throughout the area.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market may see a higher volume than some of the other area markets because of tourism – folks visiting Kerr Lake or traveling along I-85 may choose to stop in, he noted.

He would like to see the Vance market be an incubator market for others who are just getting started in growing produce or for those who are interested in expanding their existing production.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will have a new feature this year, if all goes according to plan.

Ellington said volunteers and others have been whacking away at kudzu to create a community garden on the campus of the farmers market.

More volunteers are needed at upcoming workdays, he said:

  • Mar. 21 – working on establishing garden borders – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Mar. 29 – marking walkways and preparing for stone installation – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Apr. 11 – installing garden beds – 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“We want to have the community realize that this is their market, and the garden is theirs,” Ellington said. The community garden would be a perfect spot for those who want a garden but lack the space or the confidence to plant, tend and harvest on their own.

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Home and Garden Show

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

The Granville-Vance-Warren Beginner Beekeeping School will be on March 1st, at 9am at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

The Vance-Warren Beekeepers Association will have their March Meeting on Monday, March 10th, at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

The Growing The Spring Vegetable Garden Workshop will happen on Monday March 31st, 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. This event will be hosted by Wayne Rowland.

  • Pruning season is fast approaching, sharpen your pruning equipment,  Cooperative Extension has pruning publications that will show how to correctly prune fruit trees and grape vines.
  • Check the central Piedmont planting guide for vegetables that can be planted in each month.
  • Fertilize your fescue lawn if you haven’t already done so.
  • With warmer temperatures this week check for cool season broadleaf weeds in your lawn and spray them if needed. 
  • Continue planting trees and shrubs anytime soil is workable.
  • Organize seed packets according to planting date.
  • Do not till soil if it is wet.
  • Check seedlings daily for moisture.
  • Keep that garden journal up to date.
  • Treat sheds, lawn furniture, and wooden handled tools with wood preservative if needed.
  • 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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The Local Skinny! Granville County Wedding and Event Expo is This Sunday

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Whether you’re planning a wedding, a big birthday bash or some other type of special event, this weekend’s Granville Wedding and Event Expo is the place for a one-stop shopping opportunity to learn about venues, vendors to make the celebration unforgettable.

The expo will be held Sunday, Mar. 2 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Creedmoor Community Center, and Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen said 40 vendors will be on site to discuss all your party, reception and wedding planning needs.

“This is a wonderful event that I look forward to every year,” Allen said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

There is no charge to attend, but a donation for Families Living Violence Free will be your ticket to get in, she noted. Examples of useful items include financial donations, gift cards, packaged foods, individually wrapped snacks and toiletry items.

Once you’re inside, Allen said vendors representing a range of services from venues all the ways to food and photography, music, makeup and hair will be on hand to speak with you to help plan your special event.

Allen said there’s a whole room dedicated to food. A tasting ticket is available for $10, but if you want the full experience, spring for the VIP bag for $20, which includes vendor samples as well as the tasting ticket.

“This is one of those chances to shop all in one spot for one day,” Allen said. All the vendors are from Granville County and surrounding counties, which makes the event even more special, she said, “to know that we have this many people and professionals to showcase our little place in the world.”

The wedding and event expo gives participants a chance to learn not just what services are available, but it’s also a great time to seek advice or get suggestions from vendors.

“These are the people you want to talk to,” she said.

To learn more and to purchase tasting tickets and VIP tickets, check out the website https://visitgranvillenc.com/whats-happening/weddings-events/

To learn about other upcoming events in Granville County, visit http://visitgranvillenc.com

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The Local Skinny! SBI Called In On Officer-Involved Shooting That Left One Citizen Dead

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UPDATED MONDAY, FEB. 24 AT 2:59 PM

 

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF VANCE COUNTY SHERIFF CURTIS BRAME

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office wishes to provide the following update regarding the 22 February 2025 Officer Involved Shooting. 

Shortly before noon on the date listed above a Vance County Deputy Sheriff conducted a traffic stop on US 1 in the Kittrell area. During the stop it was discovered that the driver, Johnny Mayfield, had numerous outstanding orders for his arrest. The Deputy, following his lawful duty, attempted to take Mayfield into custody at that time. Mayfield refused to comply with commands from the Deputy and a brief foot chase ensued. 

 

Mayfield, after running across numerous lanes of traffic on US 1, returned to his vehicle, entered into the driver’s seat and continued his flight from the Deputy, leaving the female occupant of his vehicle on the roadside. The Deputy continued his pursuit of Mayfield north into Henderson. The vehicle pursuit ended after Mayfield wrecked his vehicle on West Bell Street in the city limits of Henderson. Mayfield exited his vehicle and fled again. 

 

The Deputy exited his patrol car and began to pursue Mayfield on foot a second time. Mayfield continued his flight onto West Young Avenue. As the Deputy continued the pursuit onto West Young Avenue Mayfield walked into the roadway carrying a glass bottle and began to walk towards the Deputy stating “I’m going to kill you”. The Deputy drew his weapon and began to walk backwards away from Mayfield as he continued to walk towards the Deputy, again Mayfield stated “I’m going to kill you”. While attempting to distance himself from Mayfield the Deputy lost his footing and fell to the ground onto his back. As the Deputy fell to the ground Mayfield broke the bottle on the roadway and continued to walk towards to the Deputy, now with the remainder of the broken bottle in his right hand, stating again “I’m going to kill you”. 

 

The Deputy regained his footing and stood up facing Mayfield. Mayfield then lunged at the Deputy with the broken bottle in his hand. The Deputy discharged his weapon striking Mayfield. The Deputy reported over the radio that shots had been fired and requested emergency assistance. The Deputy, and other units, attempted life saving measures on Mayfield until such time as EMS units arrived on the scene. 

 

The Deputy involved has been placed on Administrative Leave, as is standard procedure, pending the results of the NCSBI Investigation. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is cooperating with the NCSBI including the preservation of all video recordings.

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UPDATED MONDAY, FEB. 24 AT 12:45 PM

The investigation continues into an officer-related shooting that resulted in the death of a person on Saturday morning in Henderson.

In a press statement issued Saturday, Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame confirmed that the person died from injuries received in the incident.

The sheriff notified the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, and the SBI issued the following statement:

“At the request of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and the 11th Prosecutorial District Attorney, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday morning in Henderson, NC.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a series of incidents occurred between a Vance County Deputy and a citizen. As a result, an altercation ensued, and a deputy drew his service weapon and fired, striking and killing the citizen.

No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident. SBI agents on the scene collected evidence and are conducting interviews. The findings of the SBI investigation will be shared with the Vance County District Attorney for his review and consideration.”

Additional details will be provided as they become available.

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Heart Healthy Lunch and Learn at Maria Parham Feb. 27

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There are still a few days left in February, and health care professionals at Maria Parham Health want the community to be informed about heart health and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Araba Ofosu-Somuah, an interventional cardiologist, is a speaker at an upcoming Lunch and Learn event on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the hospital.

Ofosu and Lisa McGhee, director of MPH cardiac services, were guests on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny! on WIZS to talk about the program, which will also feature Dr. Benjamin Dao.

The program begins at 12 noon in the hospital’s auditorium, McGhee said. Following lunch and a question-and-answer period, Part 2 of the program will take place in one of the hospital’s classrooms, where multiple interactive stations will be set up – participants can get their blood pressure checked, learn about healthy diets and cardiac rehabilitation options and much more.

McGhee said there will be demonstrations on how to administer hands-only CPR.

There will be giveaways and information about other resources available as well.

Ofosu said she has an interest in obstetrics and women’s cardiac care and spent several years during her fellowship looking at links between problems during pregnancy and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease when women reach their 40s and 50s.

She said it’s important for women to tell their primary care providers about any obstetrical problems they may have experienced in the past.

Primary care physicians often create baseline testing, and, if concerns persist, can make a referral to a cardiologist.

Acknowledging that some risks are within a patient’s control and some are not, Ofosu said she likes to focus on primary prevention – the things that people can do to avoid cardiovascular disease – healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise.

Ofosu uses the catheterization lab at Maria Parham, and, even though she’s only been here six months or so, she said having access to such a tool is key to promoting good heart health.

McGhee said the cath lab has been open since 2017, and the hospital has been providing coronary interventions since 2019 for patients who have blockages in their coronary arteries that could lead to heart attack.

The Lunch and Learn is one way to increase awareness in the community about signs of cardiovascular disease or other symptoms that could point to heart or vascular problems.

“If people were more proactive instead of reactive about these primary risk factors, I think we would be able to make some changes when it comes to outcomes for cardiovascular disease,” Ofosu said.

Register for the Lunch and Learn online at www.mariaparham.com. There is no cost to attend.

Participants can enter through the Cancer Center entrance to get to the auditorium, McGhee said.

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