Tag Archive for: #hendersonnews
‘Paws, Tails & Boots’ Veterans Dog Walk to Return to Vance Co. Animal Shelter
-Information and flyer courtesy Mark Ferri
The fall Veterans Dog Walk “Paws, Tails and Boots” will be held at the Vance County Animal Shelter, 1243 Brodie Rd., Henderson, on Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The public is welcome, with veterans and first responders strongly encouraged to attend. Participants will be walking and interacting with selected shelter dogs in an effort to provide companionship and trust-building activities.
The event was founded by veteran and Vance County Animal Shelter volunteer Mark Ferri. Ferri began the program in 2016 as a way to raise awareness of the mental health issues faced by veterans.
For more information on the Vance County Animal Shelter and their services, please visit their website at https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/animal%20control/.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Rebuilding Hope Volunteers Help Hurricane Florence Victims
-Information courtesy the Rebuilding Hope, Inc. October 2018 newsletter
Teams of Rebuilding Hope (RHI) volunteers assisted with cleanup in Elm City on September 20 following a tornado spawned by Hurricane Florence and in Warsaw on September 22 with cleanup from the hurricane.
In another disaster relief effort, RHI called for donations of cleaning supplies, paper products, nonperishable foods and other essentials for hurricane victims. On September 22, the supplies were delivered to the Core City FWB Church in Craven County, a collection site for Craven and Jones County victims.
“The response,” says RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson, “enabled us to nearly fill one of our trucks. We met people in dire need of help, and they’re going to need help for a long time to come.”
Volunteers Leo Suitte and Steve Lyles equip a trailer with chainsaws, generator and other items needed to help Hurricane Florence victims. (Photo Credit: Rebuilding Hope, Inc.)
To further assist victims, RHI is working on plans to assist repairing homes. A partnership would be with either North Carolina Baptist Men or a local church in eastern North Carolina.
RHI began preparing to offer assistance to hurricane victims as the path of the hurricane was announced.
Within days, two tool trailers were outfitted with chainsaws, generators, ladders, ropes and chains, safety equipment and a variety of tools. A tractor and skid steer loader were serviced and readied for use.
As the path of the storm veered away from local communities, volunteers looked toward helping storm-ravaged communities in other parts of the state and waited for a call.
Gearing up for this kind of mission is a first for Rebuilding Hope.
“We have the equipment, and volunteers are eager to help,” RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson says.
“We can’t do much where the hurricane hit until the water recedes,” he says. “Then we’ll connect with others at operation centers.”
RHI’s mission is always Christ-centered.
“When we serve, we want victims to know that we come in the name of and with the love of Jesus,” Randolph says.
Vance Co. Board’s Oct. Meeting to Address Vacant School Buildings, Camper Use
-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance
- The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, October 1, 2018, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson. The Invocation will be given by Pastor Ronald Cava, First Baptist Church.
Agenda items include:
Appointments –
a. Brian Short, Emergency Operations Director – CAD System Overview
b. Jonathan Jones, USDA Letter of Conditions – Water Project
Water District Board –
a. Monthly Operations Report
Committee Reports and Recommendations –
a. Properties Committee
– Vacant School Buildings Reuse Planning
– Jail Intercom/Video/Door Lock Control System Modernization
b. Planning/Environmental Committee
– Recreational Vehicle/Camper Use Regulations
County Attorney’s Report –
a. REO Properties – Bid Acceptance Resolutions
– H.G. Taylor Land
– Parcel 0325 02002
County Manager’s Report –
a. Mobile CAD Hardware Installation
b. Resolution – NC Rural Ready Sites Grant
c. Capital Project Ordinance – Economic Development Land
d. Selection of Engineering Firm – Economic Development Land
County Attorney’s Report –
a. REO Property – Bid Acceptance Resolution
– H.G. Taylor Land – Parcel 0325 02002
– Elm Street Lot – Parcel 0087 03011
Consent Agenda Items –
a. Budget Amendments and Transfers
b. Tax Refunds and Releases
c. Ambulance Charge-Offs
d. Monthly Reports
e. Minutes
Miscellaneous –
a. Appointments
The agenda for the October meeting may be viewed in its entirety on the Vance County website.
County Manager McMillen Says Vance is Full of ‘Positive Momentum’
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the positive growth in various areas of county government.
“Vance County’s mission is to improve the quality of life for our citizens,” McMillen said. McMillen, who has worked for Vance County for 10 years and served as county manager for two, credits the approximately 350 “amazing employees” for their hard work in making a better life for all residents.
Part of that improvement in quality involves the removal of 35-40 abandoned structures from Henderson and Vance County in the past two years. Working with the City of Henderson, the County has eliminated these potentially dangerous and unsightly structures and has cleaned up at least twice that amount of properties that are now available for purchase.
McMillen estimates that there are currently 50 available properties for sale in the county and 160 in the city-limit. County surplus properties, along with photos and aerial views, may be viewed by visiting the County’s website at www.vancecounty.org and clicking on the “Surplus Properties” tab.
The County is also improving the quality of life for its citizens, according to McMillen, by bringing more jobs to the area. “Our major focus is jobs. Not only bringing jobs to Henderson and Vance County but preparing for future job opportunities as well.”
New businesses such as Mako Medical Laboratories are bringing in higher-paying jobs and opportunities. “Mako has been a great partner with us and with the community. I’m happy to report that they are six months ahead of schedule in that they have created 80 jobs of the 153 they committed to creating,” McMillen said.
The retail industry is also beginning an upward swing in the area. “We are seeing a lot of positive momentum on the retail front with businesses such as Planet Fitness and Aldi. We are starting to see Henderson and Vance County as a good market from the retail standpoint,” said McMillen.
When asked what contributed to the change in momentum, McMillen explained, “You start bringing in businesses and that starts the trend. Small pieces start coming together and the market starts improving.”
Another area currently undergoing growth and expansion is the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park. In fact, McMillen said the County would be closing on the purchase of 85 acres of land for park expansion on Thursday afternoon.
With the help of a $2.5 million grant from the NC State Department of Commerce, the County will be able to develop the land to include a road, water, sewer and utilities. Construction is expected to begin late spring of 2019.
“What some folks don’t know about the park is that there are about nine or so businesses there and all have expanded in the last two or three years,” said McMillen. “This has created a situation where there is a need for more land.”
Another way Vance County is looking towards the future includes the Henderson-Vance Economic Development’s new marketing and branding campaign aimed at attracting more people to the area. McMillen expects the department’s new logo and redesigned website to be unveiled within the next 30 days.
Vance County is also currently working with Franklin and Granville counties on receiving proposals to improve broadband access, especially to those residents on the very outskirts of the county lines.
In discussing improvements, McMillen also mentioned the addition of 81 miles of water line in Vance County, a part of the water project completed in 2014. “We are looking forward to the next phase of the project with construction starting later this year on Rock Mill Road, NC-39 S. and Foster Road, a six-mile project.”
The County is also in the middle of a consolidation project with the Kittrell Water Association. “We are looking forward to that [consolidation] having a positive impact on our systems and being able to better serve citizens in the Kittrell area,” said McMillen.
Finally, McMillen believes progress is being made due to the spirit of the local people. “I love the people of Vance County. You build relationships with people in a small town and have close access to the things you need. There is a will of the County and of the folks to do better, and that is what is most important.”
MPH to Offer Free Breast Exams in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health’s Facebook page
To celebrate October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, FREE clinical breast exams will be offered at Maria Parham Health on Thursday, October 11, 2018, from 5 until 7 p.m.
Join Maria Parham for:
Free clinical breast exams
Breast cancer resources
Follow up resources if needed
Prevention education
Wellness information
Refreshments
Giveaways
Door prizes
For more information call (252) 436-1605.
West Hills Vet to Present ‘Unmasked!’ at McGregor Hall
-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
West Hills Veterinary Centre will present “Unmasked!” on Saturday, October 20, 2018, from 7 – 11 p.m. at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.
This night of entertainment will help raise funds aimed at “unmasking” cruelty and helping local pets find their forever homes. All proceeds will benefit the Vance County Animal Shelter and Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society.
Live music performed by The Soul Psychedelic Orchestra. Dancing ~ Food ~ Bar ~ Auction.
Tickets can be purchased at facebook.com/westhillsvet or at whvc-unmasked-masquerade-ball.eventbrite.com
(This is not a paid advertisement)
