The Local Skinny! Oxford Rotary Club Erases $2 Million In Medical Debt In Partnership With National Non-Profit

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The Oxford Rotary Club has partnered with a national nonprofit organization to erase a whopping $2 million in medical debt for families in Granville County and across North Carolina.

Rotary Club President-Elect Don Fick issued a statement about the medical debt relief initiative Monday.

“Medical debt is one of the leading causes of financial distress for American families, often resulting from unexpected illness or injury and disproportionately affecting households with limited financial resources,” said Fick, who also chairs the club’s medical debt relief committee. “By purchasing and abolishing medical debt, we are delivering immediate and lasting financial relief to our neighbors, removing barriers to future care, and strengthening our local economy.”

Rotary President Michael Felts said the initiative reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to service above self. “With this action, we have transformed community generosity into meaningful relief for hundreds of our neighbors here in Granville County, while also extending that impact statewide,” Felts said.

Through a partnership with Undue Medical Debt, the Rotary Club of Oxford has eliminated more than $1 million* in outstanding medical debt for 597 Granville County residents. This local effort was further magnified by a matching grant from an anonymous donor, extending an additional $1 million in medical debt relief to families in North Carolina.

The total debt relief in Granville County totaled $1,072,839.36.

Recipients of medical debt relief do not need to apply and will not be contacted for payment. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a letter from Undue Medical Debt in the coming weeks. The relief has no tax consequences and does not adversely affect credit scores — in fact, Undue Medical Debt takes steps to remove the medical debt from recipients’ credit reports.

“Due to limited resources and privacy constraints, we cannot assist with individual requests for debt relief,” Fick said. Visit https://www.oxfordncrotaryclub.org/ to find links to local organizations that may be able to help families explore options.

Founded in 1923, the Rotary Club of Oxford is a local service organization dedicated to addressing community needs through hands-on service and collaborative partnerships. This campaign represents one of the largest charitable initiatives in the club’s history.

Learn more about Undue Medical Debt at https://www.unduemedicaldebt.org.

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The Local Skinny! CPOH in Need of Items

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If you had to go outside today, hopefully you were bundled up enough to keep warm as the wind swirled and cold temperatures persisted. No doubt, you didn’t linger outside if you didn’t have to.

The City Road Center for Hope Shelter Manager Darryl Jones said the overnight staff hung around until mid-morning today to allow the men in the shelter to have a few extra hours inside.

Usually, the men who spend the night at the shelter, located in the former City Road Methodist Church at 903 N. Garnett St., have to be out by 6:30 a.m.

But Jones said that in “white flag” conditions – when the temperature is below 32 degrees – the men can stay longer.

During the recent bout of ice and snow a few weeks ago, the shelter remained open because daytime temps never got above freezing. “Several times this season, the shelter was open all day long,” Jones explained.

The shelter gives men a safe place to spend the night, offering meals, a real bed, a shower, and a place to do their laundry.

The shelter always appreciates donations to help offset costs. Monetary donations are most welcome, but donations of other items help defray costs, too.

If you can donate any of the following items, please contact Jones at 252.820.0701 or email manager@cp-hope.org.

Below is a list of much-needed items at City Road Center for Hope:

  • Paper Products
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Snacks
  • Family Size Frozen Dinners
  • Laundry Pods
  • Cereal
  • Batteries, AA or AAA
  • White Out
  • Office Supplies
  • PJ Bottoms, L, XL, or XXL
  • Shower Slippers, L or XL
  • Deodorant
  • Bath Towels
  • Monetary Donations are always welcome.

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Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Beginner Bee School will be on Saturday, February 28th starting at 9am at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • There will be a Cut Flower Production on Monday, March 2nd at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Fertilize your tall fescue lawns this week. Remember to use a slow release, turf grade fertilizer.
  • Now is the second best time to reseed your tall fescue lawn, but you must be able to irrigate it, if not wait till September.
  • Go to google earth to view your landscape to see any gaps in your landscape. You may want to add plants in those gaps.
  • Have a thermometer in your greenhouse, when outside temps reach 70 degrees F you need to provide ventilation in your greenhouse or cold frame if you have plants in them,
  • Clean out perennial beds. Cut back dead foliage, clean out weeds, and refresh mulch.
  • Now is the time to look at large trees that may be damaged or show signs of disease. If you have trees like this you need to contact a certified arborist.
  • Get your piedmont planting guide now.
  • Check pruning equipment. Sharpen, repair, or even replace them. You can get pruning guides from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check your lawn equipment and have your lawnmower serviced.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing winter chores.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building 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! VC Fire Dept. Provides Certification Update At Commissioners’ Meeting

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Vance County Fire Chief Marvin Harrison got something Monday from the Vance County Board of Commissioners that he may not have been expecting: a standing ovation.

Harrison shared with commissioners the recent certifications members of his department had received in the areas of medium and rescue and emergency medical responder from the N.C. Rescue and Emergency Management Services Commission.

Commissioner Tommy Hester commended Harrison for his efforts. “The job you’ve done here (is) outstanding in moving this forward. Your leadership has made this happen,” Hester said.

In prepared remarks, Harrison thanked commissioners for their support “to build a strategic plan and follow through with action.”

In the past few months, the county’s fire department has acquired equipment that has strengthened its operational capabilities in measurable ways, Harrison said.

“Vance County Fire is not keeping pace,” he continued, “we are positioning ourselves to lead in public safety and service delivery.”

He said he is proud of the fire personnel for continuing to pursue additional training and certifications that will raise the professional standard of the department. He included the volunteer department’s staffs as well, saying they were making the same commitment.

“It speaks volumes about the culture we are building,” Harrison said. “Rooted in service, accountability and pride in protecting Vance County.”

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Wrapping Up February at Perry Memorial Library

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The weather looks like it’s going to cooperate this weekend for the much-anticipated Teddy Bear Sleepover at Perry Memorial Library. Apparently, Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters is willing to take on any number of roles as she plans programs for youngsters and their families – even the role of meteorologist.

Peters may enjoy the role of party planner more, however, as she puts into place a steady stream of events for the whole community to enjoy.

Bad weather forced the cancellation in January of the Teddy Bear Sleepover, but Peters wanted to make sure youngsters had the chance to bring their favorite stuffed animal or “lovey” to the library for a Saturday night pajama party.

Drop off your lovey during regular library hours on Friday, Feb. 20 or Saturday, Feb. 21 during regular library hours, and then pick them up again on Sunday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Peters explained.

Extend the family time at the library on Sunday, Feb. 22 by coming to the Learning Lab at 2:30 p.m. or staying for Family Story Time at 3:30 p.m. The Learning Lab activity is jewelry making.

Come back to the library on Monday for Movie Night. The featured film is “Sarah’s Oil,” a 2025 movie based on a true story.

“It’s gotten amazing reviews,” Peters said. It’s about a girl whose faith guides her to find oil, making her one of the first Black child millionaires.

Then, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Vance County High School Library Club and Chorus will gather at the library to present a program focusing on local Black history, highlighting people from Henderson and the surrounding area.

And the new Bookmobile is hitting the road this weekend for a stop in Townsville.

“I’m really excited to bring it out more often and throughout the community,” Peters said. Patrons can visit the bookmobile and get a library card, use the internet and, yes, even check out a book.

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

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Henderson City Council Votes Down City-County “One-Stop” Shop For Inspections, Planning Departments

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In a narrow 5-4 vote, the Henderson City Council voted against housing city and county planning county planning and inspections together under one roof.

In discussion leading up to the vote, Mayor Melissa Elliott was critical of the proposed 20-year lease at $1 a year. Elliott broke the 4-4 vote to defeat the motion.

Council members voting in favor of the county and city creating in essence a “one-stop shop” for inspections and planning offices were Garry Daeke, Lamont Noel, Sam Seifert and Kenia Gómez-Jimenez. Council members voting against were Geraldine Champion, Catherine “Kitty” Gill, Tami Walker and Michael Venable.

City Manager Paylor Spruill presented the proposal at the Council’s regular monthly meeting on Feb. 9. The plan to create a decentralized Development Services Office at the former municipal building on Young Street would house the city’s planning and code enforcement services and the county’s planning and development, inspections, permitting and code enforcement staffs.

The county had agreed to foot the bill to upfit the building and the city would be asked to provide parking on property recently purchased from the Embassy Cultural Foundation.

The city previous had installed a new roof and new restrooms in the building, basically creating a shell structure as it awaited a future use.

Daeke made the motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Seifert, following a presentation by Vance County Chief Building Code Enforcement Officer Bob Rosch.

“Vance County will pay for all costs of upfit to meet all parties’ needs,” Rosch explained, including architect fees, construction and getting the building up to code “to everyone’s liking.”

Council member Venable said he like the idea of a single location for developers, businesses and others who need both city and county services, but questioned the $1 annual lease.

Rosch said the county’s investment would likely be in the $300,000 range – roughly what the city had invested when it made improvements to the building earlier.

Daeke said people can get things done quicker and make the process easier for prospective businesses to get answers to questions, get permits and more.

Rosch said his office is “shuffling people back and forth on a daily basis” between city and county offices. “It is very confusing for everybody,” Rosch said.

Elliott said, “I think a 20-year lease is pretty long” She asked whether the county had considered giving the city revenue as part of the agreement.

Rosch said the idea of a 10-year lease had been “completely rejected” by county commissioners.

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The Local Skinny! School Board Formally Approves Closing Carver, New Hope

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The Vance County Board of Education approved Monday the closure of Carver and New Hope elementary schools, effective June 30, 2026.

This formal vote was the last step needed to complete the closure and consolidation process required by state law.

The board had been discussing the possibility of closing the two schools since its retreat in October 2025, citing low enrollment, aging buildings and funding.

A public hearing was held in January to give parents and others from the community the opportunity to hear more about the plan to close the schools and to have those students attend other schools.

The Carver students will go to E.O. Young Elementary and the New Hope students will go to Dabney Elementary. In comments during the public hearing, Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett stressed that school employees would have job security, adding that nobody would be out of a job if the two schools close.

“We are trying to find the best possible option for all in the district so that we have financial stability in a time of declining enrollment and declining funding,” Bennett said.

Bennett also provided current enrollment information for both schools at the public hearing. There are 123 students in grades PK – 5 at Carver; New Hope has 108 students.

It comes down to funding, Bennett said. The school district relies on local, state and federal funds to keep its schools open, and state funding follows the students. So if students leave traditional public schools for charter schools, that per-pupil-expenditure goes with the student.

A link on the school’s website contains information in FAQ format that provides details for the process of closure and consolidation. Find it at Website link with closure/consolidation info:

https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/board-of-education/consolidation-plans

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NC State Board of Elections

The Local Skinny! State Elections Board Vacates Local Decision In Perdue District 4 Residency Appeal

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In a 3-2 vote Wednesday morning, the N.C. State Board of Elections vacated a decision of the Vance County Board of Elections, paving the way for candidate Kelley Wade Perdue to remain a candidate for the District 4 seat on the Vance County Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Dan Brummitt had challenged Perdue’s residency in District 4, prompting the county board of elections to hold an evidentiary hearing on Jan. 22. The board voted 4-1 that Perdue hadn’t proved her case that she resides or maintains a domicile with District 4, but rather in District 2.

At Wednesday morning’s hearing, the state board of elections heard from Perdue’s attorney, Steven Walker. Perdue was present at the online meeting but did not address the panel.

Walker reviewed evidence that Perdue had provided showing the District 4 address on documents ranging from a driver license and voter registration to property, utility and bank records – all showing the same District 4 address.

Walker stated that she had temporarily moved her residence – and voter registration – because of illness, “but always intended for her domicile to be in District 4.”

Perdue renewed her driver license and voter registration in September 2024. Both reflect the District 4 address.

Looking at the whole record in this case, Walker asserted that the Vance County Board of Elections had come to the “wrong conclusion” and asked the panel to reverse the local board’s decision.

A motion by Stacy “Four” Eggers, IV to uphold the earlier decision failed 3-2 and a subsequent motion by Jeff Carmon to vacate the local board’s decision passed 3-2.

Perdue told WIZS News Wednesday she was grateful that the appeals process worked as it was intended and that her appeal was ultimately upheld.

“This experience reaffirmed an important principle: when citizens believe their rights have been compromised, they deserve a fair, lawful, and transparent process to seek resolution,” Perdue said.

“Throughout this appeal, I stood firm, followed the law, and respectfully pursued every available avenue to protect my rights—not just for myself, but because those same protections must exist for every citizen of Vance County. The rule of law matters most when it is tested, and this process demonstrated why due process and accountability are essential to our local democracy.

“As a candidate for the Vance County Board of Commissioners, District 4, this experience has only strengthened my commitment to stand up for fairness, equal treatment, and the rights of the people I seek to serve. Just as I fought for my own rights through the proper legal channels, I will bring that same determination, integrity, and persistence to advocating for the citizens of Vance County.”

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Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Beginner Bee School will be on Saturday, February 14th starting at 9am at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Fertilize your tall fescue lawns this week. Remember to use a slow release, turf grade fertilizer.
  • Purchase a good soil thermometer to check soil temperature before planting.
  • Refresh mulch around trees and shrubs, but don’t over do it.
  • When ordering any seed or plants try to order varieties that are recommended for Zone 7.
  • Clean out perennial beds. Cut back dead foliage, clean out weeds, and refresh mulch.
  • Now is the time to look at large trees that may be damaged or show signs of disease. If you have trees like this you need to contact a certified arborist.
  • Get your piedmont planting guide now.
  • Check pruning equipment. Sharpen, repair, or even replace them. You can get pruning guides from Cooperative Extension.
  • Clean all of your planting trays with a 1part bleach to 9 parts water solution before you add potting media and start your seed.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing winter chores.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building 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! VGCC Foundation Preparing For 3rd Annual Wine-Tasting Gala

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The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is putting the finishing touches on plans for the third annual gala wine-tasting gala slated for Saturday, April 11. Proceeds from the event will help students facing financial emergencies.

VGCC Foundation Director Tanya Weary and Associate Director Sheri Jones say it’s important to be able to assist students when things come up that prove to be barriers to their education. In addition to administering more than 350 scholarships each year, students also have access to a food pantry, a clothing closet and can ask for help to cover unforeseen costs when their car battery dies or they have a flat tire.

There’s even a program with KARTS to provide transportation to and from campus if transportation is needed.

“Putting on events like the gala…is very heartwarming to us,” Jones said.

Attendees will get a souvenir wine glass and the chance to sample wines from different wineries while enjoy foods that pair well with each variety.

There’s a silent auction – bidding is done online – with auction items that include vacation packages, as well as cornhole boards and chairs from the VGCC carpentry classes and other items from the school’s culinary and cosmetology departments, just to name a few.

A violinist and pianist will provide special music throughout the evening for the event, which will be held at High Rock Farm on Enon Road in Oxford.

“It’s a great night for a great cause,” Weary said. Current VGCC students will be on hand to share their stories about how these extra resources have helped them along the way.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased through The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation office. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so get yours now! Email foundation@vgcc.edu or call 252.738.3264 to purchase tickets or to learn more.

 

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