Tag Archive for: #thelocalskinny

Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
  • We have some rain. Now is the time to collect your soil samples. It should take 2 weeks of analysis time.
  • Check the germination rate on grass seed bags. Look for 90% germination rate.
  • Lawn renovation season is now! Plant tall fescue. Use a three-variety mix of fescue seed.
  • Obtain your Carolina Lawns publication before you renovate your lawn.
  • Use newspaper or cardboard to keep down weeds in your garden rows.
  • Use row covers to protect young transplants.
  • Keep your garden journal updated each day you work in your garden.
  • Put a board under growing pumpkins.
  • Get your copy of the Central Piedmont Vegetable Planting Guide.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • 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! Henderson City Council Agrees on Granite Benches for Veterans Memorial

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American Legion Post #60’s Hartwell Wright appeared before the Henderson City Council and was almost apologetic about it, prefacing his request with a comment along the lines of “you’re probably tired of seeing me here.”

But it was Council Member Garry Daeke who spoke up first, making a motion that was seconded by Council Member Michael Venable to approve Wright’s request: permission to purchase and install eight 5-foot long polished granite benches, putting the finishing touches on the newly installed Veterans Memorial on Breckenridge Street outside the Henderson Police Department.

“We’re prepared to order them,” Wright said, keeping good on Post 60’s plan to first create the memorial and then install benches that will provide visitors a comfortable spot to view the monument and reflect on what it represents.

Interim City Manager Kendrick Vann said Kelley Wade Perdue proposed the addition of a POW/MIA flag on the Purple Heart flagpole, recently dedicated in honor of former City Council Member Sara Coffey.

Perdue was not at the Council meeting, Vann said, because she was at the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting making a similar request of county leaders.

In a statement to WIZS News Tuesday, Perdue provided an update on the project.

An event is being planned for Veterans Day – Nov. 11 – to celebrate, honor and recognize Vance County as a POW*MIA County, with the hope that a flag will be permanently displayed at the Veterans Memorial. The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m.

The commissioners approved a resolution presented by Perdue at its Sept. 14 meeting and Friday, Sept. 18, the POW/MIA flag replaced the Purple Heart flag for the National Day of Recognition, Perdue said.

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Vance County Logo

The Local Skinny! Vance County Names Robert Smith As New Fire Marshal

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— Press Release from Vance County

Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Smith as Vance County Fire Marshal, effective August 31, 2026. Smith brings 29 years of fire service experience to Vance County, with an extensive background in fire prevention, investigation, code enforcement, emergency response, and community risk reduction.

Prior to joining Vance County, Smith served as a Deputy Fire Marshal with the Fayetteville Fire Department and as Fire Marshal for the Beaufort Fire Department. His previous experience also includes serving as a Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator with the Gastonia and Hickory fire departments and as a Fire Engineer/Fire Inspector with the Valdese Fire Department.

“Mr. Smith brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, and leadership to Vance County,” said County Manager C. Renee Perry. “His extensive background will be a great asset to our organization and community. We are excited to welcome him to the Vance County team and look forward to his leadership as we continue strengthening fire prevention and life safety efforts throughout the county.”

Smith holds several professional certifications through the State of North Carolina, including NC Fire Inspector Level III, NC Certified Fire Investigator, and NC Fire & Life Safety Program Manager. He also serves as a North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (NCOSFM) Fire Inspector Instructor and holds the designation of Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

Smith earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration/Fire Investigations from Columbia Southern University and an Associate Degree in Emergency Management from Gaston College. His combination of education, professional certifications, instructional experience, and nearly three decades of fire service experience provides a strong foundation for leading Vance County’s fire prevention, investigation, code enforcement, and community risk-reduction efforts.

As Vance County Fire Marshal, Smith will work to protect the lives and property of Vance County citizens through professional fire code enforcement, thorough and objective fire investigations, effective fire and life safety education, and continued collaboration with local fire departments, government agencies, businesses, and community partners.

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Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
  • Take your soil samples now to avoid the rush.
  • If you are planning to renovate your lawn you may have to irrigate your lawn before you spray your lawn to kill the weeds and grass before you renovate your lawn.
  • Lawn renovation season is now! Plant tall fescue. Use a three-variety mix of fescue seed.
  • Obtain your Carolina Lawns publication before you renovate your lawn.
  • Provide irrigation to newly planted fall vegetables. Your garden needs at least 1 inch of rain or irrigation per week.
  • Use row covers to protect young transplants.
  • Keep your garden journal updated each day you work in your garden.
  • Stay hydrated and take rest breaks in these high temperatures.
  • Harvest early in the day and get vegetables under refrigeration as soon as possible.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • 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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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Exciting Events For September at Perry Memorial Library

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In the spirit of being a good community partner, Perry Memorial Library Youth Services Director Melody Peters said she’s going all in for Saturday’s Ducky Derby: She bought a Quack Pack (five ducks for $20) for the annual fundraiser that supports local Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start and its programs.

The festivities surrounding the Derby begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and Peters said library staff will be on site downtown to show off the Bookmobile and provide crafts and other fun things for young people to enjoy before the race begins at 2 p.m.

“It’s a great family day,” Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! with WIZS’s Scout Hughes.

The first duck to make it across the finish line wins a cool $1,000 for its owner; second prize is Chick-fil-A for a year.

There’s still time to purchase the numbered ducks – visit https://fgvsmartstart.org/ and click on the link to purchase ducks or sponsor the event.

September finds library staff busy with programs inside and out, and Peters invites young people and the adults in their life back to the library on Monday, Sept. 21 for Tobacco 101 and Project Open Air.

The program begins at 5:30 p.m., but don’t fret – there will be pizza, Peters said.

This is the first time the library has hosted the program, which melds education and discussion about tobacco use and vaping with the creation of a video that can be used to inspire change in others.

It’s a way to include people in the conversation, Peters said. “A lot of people really enjoy being included in the conversation. People like to be part of the solution and people always enjoy creativity,” she said.

Young people will get a chance to create artwork that promotes a positive message for other kids.

The next Monday, on Sept. 28, the library will open its doors – literally – from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for an open house.

Many in the community already know about the library and all it offers, but Peters said it’s always good to remind people about all the services the library provides.

Come to learn more, make a cool button with the library’s button-making machine and learn more by participating in an interactive bookmark activity.

There will be things to see and do all across the library – upstairs, downstairs, on the patio (weather permitting) and in the Farm Bureau room

You won’t want to miss it.

Peters said the library will show the movie “Encanto” at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29 as the library celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. In addition, there are a couple of book displays featuring authors that represent the diverse backgrounds that span Spanish-speaking countries and cultures from around the world.

Visit www.perrylibrary.org to learn about all the programs and services at Perry Memorial Library.

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(This information and the embedded audio are not offering medical advice.)

The Local Skinny! Jail Repairs, Staffing Concerns Top Commissioners’ Public Safety Committee Discussion

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At its Sept. 2 meeting, the Vance County Board of Commissioners Public Safety Committee got an update on repairs being made at the jail.

Frankie Nobles reported on a long list of repairs, replacements and demolition that have been made thus far and said all the maintenance items that had been noted on jail inspections have been made.

“We’re in good shape,” Nobles said in reference to addressing deficiencies that included broken locks, doors, missing ceiling tiles, peeling paint and more throughout the facility.

Sheriff Curtis Brame said that he feels more comfortable about the safety of sheriff staff and detention center staff in light of the repairs and upgrades that have been made.

But he reiterated that if something’s not done about the staffing shortage – 16 to 18 openings at the jail alone – he won’t be satisfied.

“People get complacent, people get tired,” Brame said of the overworked detention center staff during the meeting. “Until we get our staffing up to par, not only at the detention center, but also at the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, we’re going to continue to have these issues and these problems.”

Salaries need to be more competitive to attract quality employees. The repairs that have been made have helped to reduce incidents at the jail, and that may entice more people to apply to work there.

“We have minimized assaults, we have minimized and improved officer safety,” Brame said. It’s vital to get the staffing levels up as the county prepares to build a new detention center. Brame said people need to be hired now so they’ll be trained and ready when the new jail opens.

The current jail remains over capacity, for reasons that include backlogs in the court system, repeat-offender detainees not able to post bond and a lack of beds in the state prison system.

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Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
  • The Vance-Warren Beekeepers Association will have their next meeting on Monday, September 14th starting at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market
  • Take your soil samples now to avoid the rush.
  • Spray Roundup to kill existing grass and weeds before renovating your lawn.
  • Lawn renovation season is now plant tall fescue. Use a three variety mix of fescue seed.
  • Obtain your Carolina Lawns publication before you renovate your lawn.
  • Provide irrigation to newly planted fall vegetables.
  • Use row covers to protect young transplants.
  • Take pictures of your vegetable garden add them to your garden journal to know what was planted in each location of your garden.
  • Stay hydrated and take rest breaks in these high temperatures.
  • Harvest early in the day and get vegetables under refrigeration as soon as possible.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • 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

Click Play!

The Local Skinny! MPH Having Toy Drive Through Sept. 22

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— submitted by Maria Parham Health

A child’s hospital stay can be difficult and frightening, especially when that stay stretches from days into weeks or even months. Sometimes, something as simple as a new stuffed animal, a box of crayons or a sticker book can provide a welcome distraction and a little bit of comfort.

Maria Parham Health is inviting the community to help bring that comfort to children at Duke Children’s Hospital through a special toy drive taking place September 8–22.

The effort was inspired by a member of the Maria Parham Health family whose young daughter recently spent time receiving care at Duke Children’s Hospital. During her stay, the family discovered firsthand that the hospital has a need for toys and other simple activities for children who may be hospitalized for extended periods.

After seeing how much a simple toy could mean to a child during a difficult hospital stay, the family wanted to turn that experience into an opportunity to help other children.

“Knowing how much joy a simple toy can bring to a child during a difficult hospital stay, we wanted to find a way to help other children experience that same little moment of happiness,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We hope our community will join us in showing others love through the gift of toys.”

Community members are encouraged to donate just one or two basic, new toys. There is no need to purchase anything elaborate or expensive. Suggested donations include:

  • New stuffed animals
  • Crayons
  • Sticker books
  • Coloring and activity books
  • Other small, age-appropriate toys and activities

**Collection boxes will be available at Maria Parham Health in the lobby throughout the drive, September 8–22. Toys can be dropped off between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. **

Following the collection, Maria Parham Health will deliver the community’s donations to Duke Children’s Hospital.

The toy drive is a simple opportunity to make a meaningful difference. For a child spending weeks or months in a hospital room, a new toy can offer a moment of fun, a creative outlet, a comforting companion and a reminder that people are thinking about them.

Maria Parham Health encourages community members, employees, families, churches, schools, civic organizations and local businesses to participate by donating whatever they can.

One toy. One child. One moment of joy.

Together, our community can help bring a little more comfort, happiness and hope to children when they need it most.

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(This information and audio is not a paid ad.)

The Local Skinny! VCS Celebrates Academic Progress

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Vance County Schools is celebrating academic progress following the release of the 2025–2026 accountability results, with the data showing student growth, improved School Performance Grades, and substantial school turnaround across the district.

The 2026 results reflect positive momentum for Vance County Schools. Thirteen schools met or exceeded overall growth expectations, including Aycock Elementary, Carver Elementary, Clarke Elementary, Dabney Elementary, EM Rollins STEAM, EO Young Elementary, LB Yancey Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Pinkston Street Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, Vance Virtual Village, Vance County Middle, and Vance County Early College.

A total of ten schools improved their year-over-year growth status, including Aycock Elementary, Clarke Elementary, Dabney Elementary, Vance County Middle, New Hope Elementary, EO Young Elementary, Pinkston Street Elementary, Vance County High, LB Yancey Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, and STEM Early High.

The district also made a significant stride in reducing the number of schools receiving an “F” School Performance Grade from 4 to just 1. The district’s 2026 School Performance Grade distribution includes one A, five Cs, nine Ds, and one F. 

Seven schools improved their School Performance Letter Grade, including Aycock Elementary, Clarke Elementary, Dabney Elementary, New Hope Elementary, E.O. Young Elementary, L.B. Yancey Elementary, and Zeb Vance Elementary.

Superintendent Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney said in the press release from Vance County Schools … “These results belong first to the teachers, instructional specialists, school leaders, and support staff who have done the hard work of turning strategy into stronger instruction for students every day. Over the past few years, we have been very intentional as a district about strengthening core instruction, using data differently and putting targeted supports around schools and classrooms. It is incredibly rewarding to now see that work reflected in sustained growth across so many of our schools.”

E.O. Young Elementary improved its School Performance Grade 24 points over the last two years, earning a “C” and demonstrating substantial academic progress. Zeb Vance Elementary recorded the district’s largest single-year increase in School Performance Grade score, gaining 11 points in 2026, while also meeting growth expectations.

Vance County Early College continues its tradition of academic excellence, earning an “A” School Performance Grade for the 11th consecutive year. In 2026, the school recorded an 89.4% overall proficiency rate while meeting growth expectations.

Vance County Schools also recorded a four-year cohort graduation rate of 80.8%, another indicator of the district’s continued focus on helping students maintain the momentum to stay on track for graduation and future success.

Aycock Elementary continues sustained student growth, having exceeded growth expectations in four of the last five years. In 2026, it increased its School Performance Grade score by eight points, earning a “C.” The school also recorded an impressive 90.6% growth score.

Vance County Middle demonstrated substantial instructional progress in 2026. The school exceeded growth expectations with a 91.3% growth score, reflecting strong academic progress among students and continued efforts to address achievement gaps.

The 2026 accountability results demonstrate that Vance County Schools is continuing on a trajectory of academic growth and school improvement. While district leaders recognize that achievement gaps remain and additional work is necessary, the gains across schools provide evidence that focused instruction, strategic supports, and the commitment of students, educators, families, and community partners are producing meaningful results.

“We are proud of this progress, but we are not satisfied,” Superintendent Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney said. “Our responsibility now is to build on what is working, accelerate achievement where gaps remain, and make sure this kind of growth becomes the expectation across every school in VCS.”

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Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
  • Take your soil samples now to avoid the rush.
  • When planting turnip seed by hand, add nitrogen fertilizer to your bucket of seed and 1tbsp of water and mix well. This will help you see where you have sown your turnip seed.
  • Now is the time for lawn renovation season. Be sure to plant tall fescue. Use a three-variety mix of fescue seed.
  • Obtain your Central Piedmont planting guide so you will know what to plant for the fall garden.
  • Be on the lookout for yellow jackets when mowing fields.
  • Use row covers to protect young transplants.
  • Take pictures of your vegetable garden add them to your garden journal to know what was planted in each location of your garden.
  • Stay hydrated and take rest breaks in these high temperatures.
  • Harvest early in the day and get vegetables under refrigeration as soon as possible.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • 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

Click Play!