NCDOT

$57M Dabney Drive Upgrade Chugging Along

/by

 

Anyone who dropped in during Tuesday’s NCDOT meeting at E.M. Rollins School got a chance to view project maps and speak with transportation officials about just what the $57 million Dabney Drive upgrade is going to look like.

From initial conceptual drawings, what it’s going to look like is very different.

The proposed upgrades include a peanut-shaped roundabout at Dorsey Avenue and upgrading existing Dabney Drive for eastbound traffic and Corbitt Road and a former rail corridor for westbound traffic. But it also makes accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists who use the roadway.

Dabney Drive is a major transportation artery for the city that gives motorists access to residential, commercial, industrial, churches and institutional facilities located within the project area. There aren’t many times during the day that traffic isn’t congested, and NCDOT has been working on getting plans together for the upgrade since 2019.

Right now, projected costs to complete the Dabney Drive upgrade include $7.3 million for relocating utilities, $25 million for right-of-way acquisition, $24.4 million to complete an environmental document. Construction is set to begin in Fall 2027.

and utility companies to make sure the work “will minimize impacts to the greatest extent possible,” documents state.

No doubt NCDOT will have to acquire property, and once the design phase is complete, affected property owners will be contacted.. For more information about the right-of-way process, visit https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/Documents/right-of-way-residential-english.pdf#search=right%20of%20way.

In addition to fielding questions from the public, NCDOT representatives received comments, which will be reviewed and discussed as plans continue.

The project – U-5890 – has its own webpage https://publicinput.com/dabney-drive-henderson

NCDOT also invites public comment by email or phone. To send an email, visit dabney-drive-henderson@publicinput.com.

Phone 984.205.6615 and enter Code 4600 to leave a voice message.

Public comments can also be mailed to:

Zahid Baloch

NCDOT Division Project Team

1573 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1573

 

Comments should be submitted by Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

Home And Garden Show

/by

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

  • If you have plants in a greenhouse or cold frame, always check the projected high temperature for the day 70F or higher. You will need to ventilate your greenhouse or cold frame.  Also have a good thermometer in these structures.
  • Do not over water seedlings in greenhouse or cold frame
  • When pruning, always wear safety glasses and gloves.
  • Cut back ornamental grasses and liriope, but be careful not to cut into emerging growth.
  • Get your Piedmont Planting guide from Cooperative Extension
  • Do a germination test on old seed.
  • Have all your lawn mowers serviced before the rush

Click Play!

 

The Local Skinny! Vance County Schools Receive Blue Ribbon Awards

/by

For the fourth year in a row, Vance County Schools has been recognized by a statewide organization for excellence in communications. The district took four Blue Ribbon awards at a recent ceremony of the North Carolina School Public Relations Association, according to information from VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin.

Of the 344 awards given out during the ceremony, Vance County received two Gold level awards, one Silver and one Bronze level award.

The BlueRibbon Awards are the highest honor presented by t6he NCSPRA to school districts. The awards are given for outstanding communication in eight categories: marketing, digital media engagement, electronic media, excellence in writing, publications, image/graphic design, photography and special events/programs.

“This recognition is an honor for our entire district, as well as a testament to the hard work of our team,” Sandlin said in the press statement. “We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration between the Communications department and the Center For Innovation staff as we work together to provide opportunities and experience for our students and showcase our district’s story.”

Here’s a breakdown of the award-winning programs and projects:

VCS earned Gold level recognition in the Special Events and Programs category for its Engage, Inspire, Empower conference, held in April 2023 for young women in grades 7-12 and in the Digital Media Engagement category for its Alumni Roll Call 2023 social media campaign.

The district took Silver and Bronze in the category of Image/Graphic Design for its use of AI technology that turned each principal into a superhero during Principal Appreciation Month.

The Bronze award was given for a billboard campaign called Sharing Our Story at New Heights. The billboard is on Norlina Road across from the Food Lion Shopping Center.

The NCSPRA identified a “Best of the Best” for each category, and VCS was honored in the Special Events/Programs category.

Other school district winners were:

  • Digital Media Engagement: Guilford County Schools
  • Electronic Media: Guilford County Schools
  • Excellence in Writing: New Hanover County Schools
  • Image/Graphic Design: Chatham County Schools
  • Marketing: Rutherford County Schools
  • Photography: Durham Public Schools
  • Publications (Electronic & Print): Durham Public Schools

Visit www.ncspra.org to learn more about the organization.

CLICK PLAY!

 

The Local Skinny! RAM Clinic In Henderson This Weekend

/by

Organizers and participants of this weekend’s Duke RAM pop-up clinic in Henderson are planning to provide medical wellness checkups, as well as dental and vision services – all free of charge.

Duke University senior Saajan Patel has invested a good chunk of his time over the past three years to get the Remote Area Medical clinic up and running. This is the third year that the clinic has been held at Vance Charter School, and Patel said he’s excited for what the weekend holds.

Patients can begin lining up as early as midnight on Friday, Feb. 16 in advance of the clinic’s opening at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. Dentists, optometrists, doctors, nurses and other health professionals are volunteering their services during the two-day clinic. Patients need only show up and get in line for care; no proof of insurance or ID is required, Patel said.

In rural North Carolina, where access to services may be limited for residents, Patel said. “Getting into the health care atmophere is so cumbersome…hopefully RAM makes it easier for patients to connect” patients with services.

Patel said through his participation with RAM, he’s been able to see firsthand the health disparities that exist in areas like Henderson and Vance County. He hopes to be able to continue to serve rural North Carolina in some capacity “and make a difference” after he graduates in May with a degree in biology and minors in global health and chemistry.

The clinic hours are Saturday, Feb. 17 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 18 from 6 a.m. to about 12 noon or 1 p.m. Vance Charter School is located at 2922 Ross Mill Rd.

Other community partners will be on hand to provide information, from how to enroll in Medicaid or Medicare to demonstrations on how to properly use Narcan in case of drug overdose.

CLICK PLAY!

 

The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: Batteries

/by

For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

If the memories from that elementary school science lesson about how batteries work are a little fuzzy, here’s a recap: batteries store chemical energy that is changed to electric current that is used to do work.

When you’re talking flashlights and other handheld devices, replacing those AA or AAA cylinders is no big deal.

But when it comes to car batteries, replacement – or recharging – is a horse of a different color.

Those heavy squares with the plastic-capped terminals are nothing to trifle with, so let the professional staff at Advance Auto Parts help you determine whether your vehicle’s battery needs a charge or whether it’s time to replace.

In fact, come to Advance and they’ll check the battery, starter and alternator for free – no appointment necessary.

Do-it-yourselfers can recycle old batteries at Advance and get a $10 gift card good on future in-store purchases.

Those batteries are filled with sulfuric acid, a caustic and flammable substance. Use safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself in case of an accident.

Check your battery every so often to make sure the terminals are free of corrosion, there’s no leakage and the battery itself is properly seated and secure.

There are many choices for batteries, and the staff at Advance can help you decide which type is best for you.

Whether you’re replacing your vehicle’s battery or you need a battery for a golf cart, lawn mower, motorcycle or watercraft, check with Advance Auto to get just the right type for your application.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Home And Garden Show

/by

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

  • If you have plants in a greenhouse or cold frame, always check the projected high temperature for the day 70F or higher. You will need to ventilate your greenhouse or cold frame.  Also have a good thermometer in these structures.
  • Ok to begin pruning ornamental trees, but only if they need it (mention CM).
  • When pruning, always wear safety glasses and gloves.
  • Cut back ornamental grasses and liriope, but be careful not to cut into emerging growth.
  • Get your Piedmont Planting guide from Cooperative Extension
  • Plant sugarsnap peas.
  • Have all your lawn mowers serviced before the rush
  • Find ways to get children involved in gardening
  • Check storage areas for mice.

 Click Play!

 

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Events At Perry Memorial Library

/by

Perry Memorial Library is offering up some special treats during February, from classic movies in the history room to chocolate fondue and meeting Henderson’s mayor, Melissa Elliott.

During Black History Month, patrons can enjoy watching a curated movie list, said Melody Peters, youth services director.

As part of African American and the Arts programs, the library will show movies on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

“It’s a great opportunity to get folks into the building,” she said, and to let the community know “we’re more than books.”

Young people will get a chance to meet Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott at the Kids Connect session on Feb. 27 at 4 p.m.

Elliott, the city’s first Black and first female mayor, will share a story with the group and then take questions from her young audience. Peters said she always has been interested in ways to get children interested in local government, and Elliott’s visit is a good start.

Next Tuesday, Feb. 13, the monthly Life Hack program kicks off at 4 p.m. and combines creating a found object art project with chocolate fondue. Some folks may ask why? Peters turns it around and says: “Why not?”

Discover the complete listing of events, activities and programs the library offers at https://www.perrylibrary.org/

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

Mike Waters

The Local Skinny! Waters Announces Life Sentence For Oakes

/by

– information courtesy of Vance County District Attorney Mike Waters

A Vance County man will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury found him guilty last week of first-degree murder, according to a press release from the office of District Attorney Mike Waters.

On Thursday, Feb. 1, in Vance County Criminal Superior Court, Jarred Robert Oakes was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, following his conviction of first-degree murder of his mother, Geraldine Oakes.

Oakes is the oldest son of Geraldine Oakes, who was found unresponsive in the family home on Friendly Lane on May 24, 2017. At the time, investigators found evidence that the victim had been strangled. During the trial, the jury heard testimony from law enforcement officers, lay persons and expert witnesses.

CLICK PLAY!

 

The Local Skinny! City Council’s Special Called Meeting

/by

In a special called meeting on Jan. 22, the Henderson City Council heard a couple of rezoning requests and gave the green light to a $6.1 million project to address “major infiltration and inflow issues” at the Sandy Creek Basin.

H.G. Reynolds Co., Inc. was the sole bidder for the Sandy Creek Basin project, coming in at $6,149,697. Recent heavy rains have caused overflow of untreated wastewater from pump stations into area tributaries.

The project will be paid for with $5 million in 0 percent state funding that has already been awarded for the project, along with a $2.5 million federal ARPA grant.

Council members also approved a rezoning request for a tract on Carey Chapel Road from R-15 (moderate to low density residential) to R-11 (moderate density residential).

Thomas Hutton & Engineering Company made the request for part of the Carey Chapel subdivision, which has two different zoning districts. The request was to make the entire tract of almost 50 acres R-11.

The council approved the request.

The second rezoning request was to grant a special-use permit to allow Vaya Health to put a Diversion Center in the space in a location zoned for commercial use.

Vaya Health wants to convert the former Big Lots building on Dabney Drive into a 16-bed facility that provides support for people with mental health illnesses and substance use disorders.

Although the Planning Board recommended approval of the matter, but Council tabled the issue until it could get more information.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Home And Garden Show

/by

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

  • Get your equipment ready to start seeds indoors, Grow lights, media, starting trays
  • Ok to begin pruning ornamental trees, but only if they need it (mention CM).
  • Clean and sharpen your pruning equipment
  • Plant blueberries. Consult NCSU recommendations.
  • Check your house plants for disease and insects,dust with a soft cloth
  • Treat lawns for broadleaf weeds as soon as weather is favorable.
  • Check stored fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid using lawn fertilizer that is combined with an insecticide.
  • Check storage areas for mice.
  • Time your seed starting carefully.

Click Play!