Home and Garden Show

/by

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

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is now open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. Today they have tomatoes, snapbeans, beets, cabbages, yellow squash, zucchini squash, red irish potatoes, cantaloupes, watermelons, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and peaches.
  • The 2025 Landowners and Heirs Property Workshop will be on July 24th, 2025 from 8am to 4:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Check for flooded rows after storms have passed open ends of rows to let excess water out.
  • Check soil for moisture before watering plants.
  • Cooperative Extension has excellent publications on canning and freezing your garden harvest.
  • Do not prune back azaleas now or you will lose next year’s blooms.
  • If you have harvested your irish potatoes, plant some other vegetable in that location.
  • Do garden chores early morning or late evening.
  • Let your children and grandchildren help in the garden and teach them now, they are our future gardeners.
  • Service your lawn mower according to the owners manual.
  • Check the harvest interval before spraying any fruits or vegetables that you are planning to harvest soon.
  • Keep your garden journal up to date.
  • 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

Click Play!

Warren County Seeks Public Input As Part Of UDO Update

/by

Warren County is currently working toward a major update to its development regulations by updating its Zoning, Subdivision, and related ordinances and consolidating them into a single Unified Development Ordinance. This effort also aims to implement key recommendations from the 2022 Warren County Comprehensive Development Plan, helping to shape future growth and development in a way that reflects the community’s vision.

Community input is a vital part of this process. Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders are invited to attend a public meeting on Monday, July 8, 2025, at the Warren County Armory, located at 501 U.S. Highway 158 Business East, Warrenton. The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A presentation outlining the purpose and goals of the UDO update will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by an open-house format that will allow attendees to review draft materials, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to the project team.

This is an important opportunity for the public to help shape Warren County’s future by ensuring the updated ordinance reflects the needs and priorities of the community. “A Unified Development Ordinance will make it easier for residents, developers, and business owners to understand the rules, navigate the process, and invest in our communities with confidence,” said Mark Bloomer, Warren County Planning and Zoning Director.

For more information about the Unified Development Ordinance project and to stay up to date, visit
www.warrencountync.com/907/Unified-Development-Ordinance-Inj or reach out to the Warren County Planning & Zoning Department directly by calling 252.257.1305.

Reminders For Safe, Fun Independence Day Activities

/by

As the Independence Day holiday approaches, families and friends anticipate gathering for cookouts, outdoor activities and, of course, fireworks. But law enforcement officials and the American Red Cross have a long list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind to make sure everyone stays safe on the water, on roadways or just in your own backyard.

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame provided a list of reminders as the long holiday weekend draws near.

On average, North Carolina hospital emergency rooms see 197 fireworks injuries each year, with 70 percent of these injuries occurring in July.

You can help to reduce the number of fireworks-related injuries and be sure to follow the law by following these basic safety tips:

  1. Certain types of fireworks may be prohibited in the state or in your area. Research ahead of time to ensure you are following all laws and ordinances.
  2. Wear eye protection while lighting fireworks.
  3. Never allow children to light or handle fireworks of any kind, including sparklers.
  4. Light fireworks one at a time.
  5. Do not try to re-light fireworks that have not ignited fully. Soak them in water and dispose of them.
  6. Keep a safe distance from people, structures, and flammable materials.
  7. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device while lighting the fuse.
  8. Keep a bucket of water or water hose nearby.
  9. Soak all spent fireworks in water before disposal to avoid a trash fire. Hot embers may remain long after the sparks have stopped!
  10. Always have fun!

Knowing the risks associated with the use of fireworks is not meant to diminish your fun, Brame said, but to encourage you and your family to be safe and avoid unnecessary injuries.

If you’re visiting the beach or the lake, it’s important to supervise children at all times. If you’re in a boat or other watercraft, every passenger needs to have – and wear – a lifejacket that fits properly.

Always use the “buddy” system when swimming – never swim alone, even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer. Be familiar with basic CPR life-saving techniques. Have rescue equipment near swimming pools such as rope and life-saving rings

Everyone knows about the dangers of drinking and driving, and that applies to boats and jet skis, too.

If you choose to stay on shore, remember to use sunglasses to protect your eyes – they’re more than just a stylish accessory. Other essentials include an umbrella or wide-brimmed hat for shade, sunscreen and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

If you’re just in the backyard, anticipate how your pets may react to the noise and lights of fireworks. It’s best to keep them inside if possible, especially if they get anxious or nervous.

Have a current photo of your animals, just in case they get frightened and run away. If you shoot off fireworks in your backyard, inspect the yard for any debris before letting dogs and cats back outside.

Peach Harvest Arrives Early This Summer To The Delight Of Growers, Consumers

/by

There’s an upside to the recent stretch of really hot weather that sent sweltering North Carolinians seeking air-conditioned spaces – the peach crop is early, and state officials are calling it a bumper crop.

It’s usually mid-July before local peaches are harvested, but lovers of the juicy, fuzz-covered fruit have reason to celebrate, despite the hot start to summer.

“This run of hot days means peaches are ripening ahead of schedule, and we’re seeing a strong, sweet crop,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The early varieties are coming in with excellent color, size and sweetness, and consumers can expect a strong, extended season if conditions remain stable.”

The main reason peaches are ahead of schedule this year is because of spring’s short bloom season.

“Bloom season on any average year can be from mid-late February or early March into April before we approach shuck-off (shedding of the blooms and the emerging of young fruit). This past spring, we had maybe 10 days of bloom before shuck-off happened,” said Christine Parsons, vice president of the N.C. Peach Growers Society. “Peaches should be available through Labor Day weekend this year. Some seasons will go into the later part of September, but not all growers have later-season peaches.”

Peaches are typically in peak supply during July, but several farms and markets are now offering early-season varieties, with more to follow in the coming weeks.

“The peach season is well underway, and we have a full crop. It’s been a great year so far,” said Jan Williams of Kalawi Farm. “The heat does cause peaches to ripen faster, so if people want these juicy, sweet peaches, don’t wait. Visit your local N.C. peach growers soon.”

The early arrival is expected to boost customer turnout at roadside stands, pick-your-own orchards and farmers markets statewide.

In addition to fresh peaches, many markets will feature a variety of peach-inspired offerings, including baked goods, preserves, salsas and beverages. The early season is also anticipated to provide a boost to agritourism and community-based food systems.

Consumers are encouraged to:

  • Visit local markets early for the best selection of fresh fruit.
  • Speak with growers about ripeness and variety recommendations.
  • Follow proper storage practices—allow peaches to ripen at room temperature before refrigerating.

“We are proud to support N.C. growers and help connect consumers with the freshest, most flavorful peaches possible,” added Khaila Daye, NCDA&CS peach marketing specialist. “This early harvest is a welcome surprise and a great reason to shop local this summer.”

For more information on peach season availability, events and where to buy N.C. peaches, please visit http://www.ncpeachgrowers.com.

NCDMV Now Serves Walk-Ins All Day, Tweaks Check-In Process In Effort To Improve Customer Service

/by

— information courtesy of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is rolling out operational changes at its driver license offices to help customers stay out of long lines and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hot summer months. These changes aim to get the lines moving, streamline the check-in process, and enhance customer comfort while maintaining efficient service.

Under the new system and effective immediately, all driver license offices in the state now serve walk-in customers all day. Customers without an appointment no longer have to wait until 12 noon to be seen.

Additionally, examiners will prioritize checking in customers quickly and directing them to wait in their vehicles or at a nearby business until space is available in the office lobby. DMV staff will review customers’ documents to ensure they have everything needed for their desired service before checking in. Customers will receive a text notification when there is room in the lobby and another when it is their turn to be served.

“We’re committed to making the DMV experience as comfortable and efficient as possible, especially during these scorching summer months,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “By focusing on quick check-ins and allowing customers to wait in cooler, shaded areas, we’re reducing time spent standing in the sun while keeping our offices running smoothly.”

People may notice there are no lines outside some locations, and that’s intentional. Customers will be checked in and waiting elsewhere, ensuring a more comfortable experience. However, the NCDMV encourages customers to come prepared for the possibility of brief waits during check-in. Bringing water, snacks, necessary medications, and items like an umbrella or chair can help ensure comfort while waiting to be processed.

“We want our customers to be safe and prepared,” Tine added. “Due to the severe temperatures, we decided to implement these changes more quickly than planned. If you do not have to come into DMV in the next week as we make these changes, please don’t come in.  We should have a more comfortable and predictable experience that allows us to serve our customers better once the new system is fully in place.”

NCDMV also reminds customers to check the requirements for their specific service on the NCDMV.gov website before visiting an office to avoid delays.

The changes to the check-in process are being implemented at 82 of the 115 driver license offices around the state and reflect NCDMV’s ongoing efforts to improve customer service and adapt to seasonal challenges. The remaining 33 offices will be receiving updates that better fit their size and restrictions in the near future.

The 20 DMV offices that offer walk-in service on Saturday mornings will be closed on Saturday, July 5. Saturday service hours will resume at all locations on July 12 and will continue through Aug. 12.

All NCDMV offices will be also closed on July 4 for Independence Day.

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! July Fun at Perry Memorial Library

/by

Kids can beat the heat on Tuesday mornings in July by ducking into Perry Memorial Library and catching a movie. And parents, you can’t beat the price: it’s FREE!

The movie series kicked off today with the popular Dog Man on the big screen. The movies begin at 11 a.m., and Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters said next up is Mufasa on July 8, followed by Sonic 3 on July 22.

Tuesday afternoons heat up with a string of “Color My World” activities, the Summer Reading Program theme.

On Tuesday, July 8 at 4 p.m., it’s “Color My World With Fossils” when Coleman Davis with the N.C. Fossil Club brings his collection to the library.

Peters said the club, founded through the N.C. Museum of History, sends representatives to places like Perry Library to do outreach activities.

“It’s quite something,” Peters said of Davis’s collection. “I learned so much last year.”

But Tuesdays don’t get all the fun stuff during the summer – Thursdays are filled with activities for all ages of young people all day long.

There’s Mother Goose Story Time at 11 on Thursdays, where children 0-5 (and their siblings, too) can gather to enjoy stories and songs with a summer theme.

Then, on Thursday afternoons, a shorter version of the story time kicks off at 3:30 p.m. “It’s designed for families on the go,” Peters said. A quick story followed by those ever-popular bubbles for children from PK through elementary school.

Kids can stay for LEGO Club or STEAM Club, which start at 4 p.m. for the younger crowd, or stick around for Teen Time in the Maker Space, which will be stocked with snacks and arts and crafts activities.

Peters said the summer reading program is off to a good start, and she is pleased to see that entire families are participating.

“I love the response we’re getting,” she said. “We’ve got families reading together,” she said, filling out very simple reading logs and then coming in and choosing their prizes.

It’s a great way for parents to get involved with their kids’ activities, she said.

Check out www.perrylibrary.org to view the complete schedule of events and activities.

CLICK PLAY!

Rebuilding Hope Inc. ‘Kids Construction Camp’ Aug. 6-8

/by

There are still a few spots available for Rebuilding Hope Inc.’s Kids Construction Camp, which gives young people an opportunity to learn about tools and how to use them.

The three-day camp takes place Aug. 6-8 at Rebuilding Hope’s facility, 414 Raleigh Rd. from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, said Tom Wille, co-director of Rebuilding Hope. The camp will be capped at 30; Wille said Monday there’s space for 5 or 6 more.

The camp is free and gives youngsters in 3rd-6th grade a chance to visit a variety of stations set up to learn about hammers and nails, electrical and plumbing, as well as block laying, roofing and more.

Wille said it’s a really good thing that the children get to learn some construction skills through hands-on activities, and “they learn a little about Jesus through the Bible Study,” he added.

Parents and guardians can find the application at www.rebuildinghopeinc.org or stop by the office, 414 Raleigh Rd. and pick up a paper copy.

The stations are mock-ups of real-life applications, but don’t worry – it’s all safe. The campers will be learning how to shingle a roof, but the roof is only waist-high, Wille said.

“Everything is safe, but they get the point to see how it’s done…see the tools that are involved,” he said.

The Kids Construction Camp could be a steppingstone to another opportunity for youth that Rebuilding Hope hosts each year: Servants on Site.

This weeklong program wrapped up last week, with 114 young people and even more adult volunteers working together to replace the roof on nine different homes in Vance and Warren counties.

“We were able to take the Gospel to our world – our Jerusalem, which is right here in Vance County and a couple of surrounding counties,” Wille said.

That in and of itself is good news, he said, but the even better news is that a number of youth participants and one of the homeowners professed their love of Christ during the week.

This year’s S.O.S. theme was “Follow Me,” and Wille said the participants got a chance to witness what it’s like to help those in need.

“They’ve made lifelong friends, seen things that they would (otherwise) not see and see how it directly affects the community around them. It’s a pretty awesome thing.”

The kids worked during the hottest week of the year and got a chance to see that hard work pays off – and makes a difference. “You get this opportunity to focus on thing of importance and things that matter,” he said. “It does become clearer…there are more important things than TikTok.”

The evenings were spent at Central Baptist Church, with high-energy Christian Rock music, a worship service, devotional time and small-group discussions about the goings-on of the day.

Several kids made the altar call, he said, a tribute to the power that comes with young people coming together to serve their community in the name of Jesus.

“We can talk about Jesus all we want to, but if we’re not out there relating to them, people are not going to see it,” Wille said.

“If we don’t get out there and show that compassion, that tenderness, the forgiveness, we don’t mirror God.”

Click Play!