TownTalk: Vance County Retirement Community Designation Ceremony

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With Kerr Lake as a backdrop, local officials and community leaders witnessed Vance County receiving its official designation as a certified retirement community. It joins 17 other communities across the state, marking an achievement that has been some years in the making.

In welcoming remarks, Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry called the designation a significant milestone in the life of the community. “It’s not just a badge of honor,” Perry said, “it’s a testament to the vibrant quality of life, welcoming spirit and rich resources that make Vance County a wonderful place to live, work, and now – officially – retire.”

Visit NC’s Andre Nabors said North Carolina attracts people who are looking for “small town Americana” in retirement. But they aren’t quite ready to sit in rocking chairs, he said. “Some are looking to start businesses…and be great volunteers in the community as well.”

With amenities that include Kerr Lake, as well as McGregor Hall, quality health care facilities and proximity to larger cities, Vance County is poised to be a destination for retirees.

It’s a win-win situation: retirees enjoy what the county offers and the county enjoys the boost in economic development that accompanies an infusion of residents.

Through VisitNC, N.C. Department of Tourism markets the designated retirement communities. And Nabors was quick to point to the economic impact that retirees have before and after they make the all-important decision about where to live in retirement.

“Before they make a decision to call another place home, they’re going to visit four to seven times before they make a decision,” Nabors said. “That’s tourism dollars” that come in the form of gas tank fillups, lodging, dining in local restaurants and visiting coffee shops.

“They’re in their ‘fun’ phase,” he continued, describing youthful retirees as folks who may want to start a small business or engage in community and civic activities.

“North Carolina is continuing to be an asset for those who are looking to view their Golden Years in another location,” Nabors said. With this new designation, Vance County will be included in marketing materials, like a new RetireNC guidebook that will be placed in the state’s nine welcome centers and visitor centers.

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson said the chamber predicts positive results from the retirement community designation. “We’re not selfish. We want to share our beautiful community with others. I believe this designation will put a welcoming spotlight on us,” she told the group gathered for the presentation.

Vance County’s new Economic Development Director, Ferdinand Rouse, agreed.

The designation “reflects progress we are making to a prosperous future where all residents, whether starting a career or enjoying retirement can thrive…I look forward to what’s next in Vance County.”

 

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Cooperative Extension With Jamon Glover: Sage Teacher Archetype

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Cooperative Extension 

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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U.S. Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney: Man Gets 25 Years For Role In Trafficking Meth

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-information courtesy of the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District

The U.S. Attorney’s office announced that Olegario Pineda-Palacios, 35, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for importing multi-kilograms of methamphetamine into North Carolina.

According to a press release from the office of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District Michael F. Easley, Jr., Pineda-Palacios pled guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Pineda-Palacios was coordinating with individuals in Mexico to receive shipments of methamphetamine in Franklin County. After locating a shipment containing approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine, in September 2022, Homeland Security Investigations, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at the residence of Pineda-Palacios. On the property behind the residence, law enforcement found a conversion methamphetamine lab – where powdered methamphetamine was converted to crystal methamphetamine, or “Ice,” as it is known.

Law enforcement also recovered a 9mm firearm and additional methamphetamine from the residence.

Pineda-Palacios has prior felony convictions for conspiracy to traffic cocaine, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, operating a vehicle containing a secret compartment, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and illegal reentry of a previously deported alien. Pineda-Palacios is in the country illegally and faces deportation after serving his sentence.

Meet Maria Parham’s Surgical Robot Nov. 4

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Maria Parham Health welcomes the newest addition to its surgical team – the da Vinci Surgical Robot, a groundbreaking advancement in surgical technology. To celebrate, the hospital invites the Henderson/Vance County community to attend the “Meet the Robot!” event on Monday, Nov. 4 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

This special event will provide attendees with an exclusive opportunity to explore the capabilities of Maria Parham’s newest surgical team member. Guests will learn how this state-of the-art technology enhances patient care and surgical precision, revolutionizing the way surgeries are performed.

“We are thrilled to bring this advanced technology to our community,” said Donna Young, public information officer at Maria Parham Health. “The da Vinci Surgical Robot represents the future of robotic surgery, and we can’t wait to share its benefits with our patients and community members.”

Join Maria Parham for this informative and engaging event, where you can meet the da Vinci Surgical Robot and discover how it will improve surgical outcomes for patients.

For more information about the “Meet the Robot!” event, contact Young at donna.young@lpnt.net.

(This post is not a paid ad.)

Home And Garden Show

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

  • Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open on Saturdays 8am-1pm.
  • 4-County 4H Poultry Show and Sell Event will be this Saturday, October 26, the sell will start at 3:45pm and the auction will start around 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Vermiculture and Vermicomposting with Earthworms Workshop taking place on Monday, November 4th, starting at 6:30pm, led by Wayne Rowland. It will be at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • We might get a touch of frost as the temperatures get lower. You need to prepare your frost protection now.
  • Now is a good time to gather materials if you are planning for new shrub and flower planting beds. 
  • Now is a good time to plant your mums and pansies.
  • Fire ants are still around. So be aware of them!
  • Check your crops for insects.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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TownTalk: County Tax Rate Discussion

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In a follow-up to recent criticism aimed at the recent tax-rate increase adopted by Vance County by a concerned citizens group, Manager C. Renee Perry told WIZS News Wednesday that she is working with County Attorney Jonathan Care to determine next steps.

Representatives of the Concerned Citizens of Vance County addressed the board of commissioners during the public comment portion of the Oct. 7 meeting. Commissioners only receive comments during that time and do not respond.

“…we haven’t decided what action to take as far as a response goes,” Perry said in an email to WIZS.

In remarks during that public comment period, citizen Caroline Burnette asserted that the commissioners were violating public meeting laws by not having written minutes of the June 13 work session. Minutes are supposed to be voted on or adopted by a majority of the board, she said.

Perry said minutes of that June 13 work session will be taken to the board at its Nov. 4 meeting for approval; once approved, the clerk to the board will post the minutes to the website.

“Historically, official minutes have NOT been kept for budget work session, work sessions, or committee meetings,” Perry told WIZS. “Moving forward, we will keep official minutes for all budget work sessions, work sessions, and committee meetings.”

Burnette also said she wanted commissioners to allow county residents to pay the taxes they paid in 2023 and “to direct the tax administrator to take no action on delinquent taxes if the 2023 amount has been paid.”

Perry said commissioners “have not indicated that’s a direction they want to take.”

The foreclosure process can begin when a property owner is two years behind in paying taxes.

According to information on the Vance County Tax Administration’s webpage, tax bills not paid by Jan. 6 will be charged a 2 percent interest on unpaid taxes due.

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TownTalk: Masonic Home For Children Homecoming Recap

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The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford welcomed throngs of visitors to its campus last weekend for annual Homecoming festivities, which included activities for the kids, live music, food and tours of some of the facilities.

And don’t forget the parade, said MHCO Administrator Kevin Otis.

“The weather cooperated and a lot of people seemed to really have a great time,” Otis said Wednesday on TownTalk.

A couple of dozen barbecue teams got all set up on Friday in advance of the Saturday cookoff, which began shortly after the traditional parade.

The parade route, however, wasn’t the traditional march down College Street onto the campus – this year’s parade was contained on the campus itself. And Otis said it all worked out fine.

“It was a very good parade, with a lot of people coming to watch it,” he said.

“The entire parade route, even though it was short, had a lot of people” lining the drive to check out all the entries.

Otis was pleased with the community support, from school bands and Scout groups to dance teams and cheer squads.

Visitors got a chance to tour the chapel, museum galleries and even one of the residential cottages. Otis said he has received positive feedback from those who said they appreciated learning more about the children’s home and what it offers young people and families.

“What we’re doing is helping families in need,” he said, whether it’s caring for children while parents work to get back on their feet or grandparents who become guardians of their grandchildren.

Otis said cottage parents co-parent with biological parents or guardians to make sure the children’s needs are being met while in residence at the home.

But there also is an independent living program for young adults ages 18-21 who may be struggling to make it on their own. They get set up in their own apartment while learning how to become independent.

“We’re doing a lot of good work and not just for local kids, but all over North Carolina.

Learn more at 919.693.5111 or visit https://mhc-oxford.org/.

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KVA Marks 50 Years Of Accreditation With Latest External Review

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Kerr-Vance Academy Head of School Matthew McLaughlin has announced that the school has achieved 50 years of accreditation from Cognia, a nonprofit improvement organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.

“It is an honor and a privilege to stand with Kerr-Vance Academy today as we reach this milestone,” McLaughlin stated in a letter to KVA parents.  “Accreditation as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission provides a nationally recognized mark of quality and sustained excellence for our school. Being able to maintain this distinction for 50 years demonstrates our commitment to excellence, our willingness to enact meaningful change based on evaluation and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve.”

KVA Board of Trustees President Robert Bowen – who also is a KVA alumnus and a KVA parent – reflected on a half-century of accreditation.

“We are reminded of the dedication and commitment that have brought us here. This achievement reflects our unwavering focus on providing an exceptional education for our students, ensuring that they are prepared to thrive in the world. On behalf of the KVA Board of Trustees, we are proud of the hard work of our educators, students and the community, and we look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence for many years to come.”

Throughout its more than 125 years of service, Cognia has recognized schools across the globe that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource reallocation, and effective leadership. To receive Cognia Accreditation, a school must submit to an external review. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission is a recognition that the school meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term.

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school and its community on the primary goal of ensuring that all students can flourish in engaging and equitable school environments. Kerr-Vance Academy has continually met high standards and made progress on key indicators that impact student learning. Maintaining their accredited status for half of a century can only be achieved with a steadfast commitment to high quality education and continuous improvement.”

Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Parents and interested community members can learn more about Cognia Accreditation at https://www.cognia.org/.

Visit https://www.kerrvance.com/  to learn more.