Tag Archive for: #thelocalskinny

Henderson City Council Will Get $5K Refund From Law Firm That Conducted Investigation Following Working Conditions Survey

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The law firm that conducted an investigation of results from a working conditions survey of city employees and Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott has apologized for tardiness in producing the report and said it will refund the city’s payment of $5,208.

At the regular monthly meeting of the Henderson City Council on Monday, Council Member Tami Walker read the short statement from the Brough Law Firm, LLC, which follows in its entirety:

“We sincerely apologize for the delay in producing the report and have discussed the matter with the attorney. We agree that the report should have been provided to you already as work on the investigation has been completed. The attorney’s final report will be given to you by 11-6-25.

The city will not be charged for the investigation and the report. Also, we will provide the city a full refund of the fees charged to date for the investigation and report. The attached client ledger shows that the city has been billed a total of $5,828. The city has paid us $5,208 all of which will be refunded to you. The remaining $620 will be written off.”

Walker’s remarks came after Elliott read a letter aloud that she addressed to the Council:

It read:

“Dear members of the Council:

I want to formally acknowledge receipt of the investigative report conducted by the attorney Brough Law Firm, which was commissioned to review allegations made by various individuals concerning my role as mayor of Henderson.

I have fully cooperated with the investigation and supported a transparent process from the outset, as I believe deeply in accountability and ethical governance. After a careful review of the findings, it is clear that there is no criminal conduct, no ethical violations, and no substantiated wrongdoing found.

The report instead reflects on a collection of unverified statements, opinions and hearsay, primarily originated from individuals with different political or personal perspectives. Such narratives, while concerning, do not constitute credible evidence.

It is important to underscore that no legal or policy breach was identified. I have always upheld the highest standard of public service and work diligently to improve our city’s operations, community programs and partnerships.

I will continue to do so with transparency, fairness and the best interests of our residents at heart. I recognize that leadership can invite scrutiny, lots of scrutiny in my case, and I welcome any process that strengthens trust between our government and the citizens we serve.

However, it is equally vital that future actions and reports be guided by facts rather than conjecture.

Henderson’s residents deserve governance based on integrity and truth, not unfounded allegations.

In my closing, I remain steadfast in my commitment to serve all citizens of Henderson, with honesty, humility and dedication.

I look forward to continuing work collaboratively with the council to advance our shared mission of building a stronger, safer and more unified community.”

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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 Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
  • The Vance-Warren Beekeepers Association will meet on November 10th at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Peak season for soil sample. The fees start on November 26. It’s $400 per sample with a turn around of 3 weeks.
  • Start assembling your frost protection materials now. Frost is projected early next week.
  • Harvest herbs before frost.
  • Use a leaf blower to keep leaves off your newly emerged grass.
  • Drain and store any sprayers or pumps now.
  • Start composting your leaves. Do Not Burn them!
  • Check vegetables that have been in storage. Ex: Irish potatoes.
  • Avoid pruning right now.
  • Check cole crops for disease and insects.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing fall 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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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Perry Memorial Library Ready For DINOvember!

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It’s “DINOvember” at Perry Memorial Library, and Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters is capitalizing on young people’s fascination with the now-extinct animals that roamed the Earth millions of years ago to create special activities with a dinosaur theme.

“Most kids love dinosaurs,” Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The month’s theme is a way to stir a young person’s imagination and sense of wonder, she said. There will be a dinosaur-related story time at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 and then a Dino-Mite Family Story Time on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m.

Kids will get a chance to participate in a scavenger hunt in the library for young people of all ages throughout November, and a special “Adopt-a Dinosaur” program for youngsters to promote reading.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the library will host a program from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in observance of Native American Heritage month. Peters said participants will enjoy a story, a song and then have a make-and-take craft activity.

While some of the regular programming is preparing for a break until after the holidays, Peters and the library staff are gearing up for the final Fun Friday activities that will take place this Friday, Nov. 7.

“It’s just a day of fun,” Peters said. “I have a BALL!”

The day gets started with Baby Rave at 10:30 a.m. It’s a time when the youngest kiddos – 0-2 years, get a chance to play together with their parents or caregivers. Parents enjoy watching their kids interact with other kids, Peters said. And Baby Rave is a prime opportunity for that to happen.

Then, from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon, it’s Parachute Play for the 3-5 year olds. “Kids love the big parachute,” Peters said, calling it “good active play” for the preschool age.

She said she wanted something special for the preschool-aged children who aren’t in formal preschool during the week. And Parachute Play was born.

It’s important for children to interact with others, Peters said, but not everyone has a chance to do that in a formal school setting.  Another popular library program serves homeschooled children. Home School Social Hour is just what it sounds like, Peters said, and children and their parents/teachers can gather together beginning at 1 p.m. on Fridays during the regular programming year to play games, use computers and create in the Maker Space. Friday’s session is the final one for the year, but like other regular programming, it’ll crank back up in January.

Find out about all the library’s programs and services at www.perrylibrary.org.

 

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The Local Skinny! CPOH Ministry Freedom BRIDGE Opens Monday

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Freedom BRIDGE, a ministry of Community Partners of Hope, is scheduled to open its doors next week and there are still plenty of ways to help the nonprofit in the way of donations.

Danette McKnight is the new program coordinator, and she has created a wish list of items still needed. There’s a list at SignUp Genius.com. Search for Furnishings for Freedom Bridge.

Take a look to see if there is anything you can offer. The ministry is particularly looking for set of old folding chairs or tables that a church or other organization no longer uses that could be donated. The list ranges from bookshelves and inspirational posters and artwork to a refrigerator and folding tables.

The new program is opening at 12 noon on Monday, Nov. 3 with a mission to connect individuals affected by or at risk for opioid use disorder with the support they need to heal and thrive. The office is located at 936 W. Andrews Ave., next to Vance Recovery.

Through accessible classes, compassionate counseling, prevention programs, and recovery services, Freedom BRIDGE is designed to empower people to reclaim their lives and build stronger, healthier communities. It also will offer services to families of those affected by opioid use.

Learn more at https://www.cp-hope.org/freedombridge 

Contact Danetta McKnight at bridge@cp-hope.org or call 252.572.2067.

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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 Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
  • The Vance-Warren Beekeepers Association will meet on November 10th at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Collect soil samples as soon as the soil dries some. The soil sample turn-around is 3 weeks.
  • Plan to purchase fruit trees for planting this fall.
  • Harvest sweet potatoes now.
  • Keep leaves off newly established grass.
  • Top dress cole crops if needed.
  • Compost your leaves this year. Do Not Burn them!
  • Check vegetables that have been in storage. Ex: Irish potatoes.
  • Avoid pruning right now.
  • Check cole crops for disease and insects.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing fall 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! Mammogram Bus Rolls to Aycock, Nov. 1

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Wearing pink in October and tying pink ribbons around lamppost and trees are visual reminders to Freddie Harris about just how much community support there is for breast cancer awareness. And she wants a big showing of support on Saturday at a community event to learn more about how breast cancer awareness.

The Invision Diagnostics bus is pulling in to Aycock Rec Center on Saturday, Nov. 1 to provide free 3-D mammograms. The slots are filling up, Harris said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! but there’s still time to take part. Call 877.318.1349 to schedule your appointment. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The service is for those with or without insurance, Harris said. Although appointments are preferred, Harris said anyone who comes out Saturday without scheduling first will get assistance.

“No one will miss an opportunity,” she said. “We’ll figure it out.”

Harris, a two-time cancer survivor and founder of the nonprofit Sisters Speak Life, said there’s more to Saturday’s event than mammograms. Inside the Aycock gym will be vendors and others just waiting to provide participants with information, resources and more.

Feeling nervous about entering the bus to have the mammogram? “Step inside the gym and someone will go with you,” Harris said.

In addition to resources and information, Harris said they’ll show a video titled “Metamorphosis of the Butterfly,” which captures survivors’ journeys through diagnosis and treatment.

And the Wall of Hope is a place to share information about a survivor – whether yourself or someone you know.

People who’ve had their world turned upside by a cancer diagnosis can feel uplifted by the support they feel, Harris said. “Not just from family and friends, but the community. I think that what makes a difference.”

Harris said Saturday’s event is another way to promote awareness of breast cancer, but that’s not all. It’s a way for people to come together to show support for one another.

Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/sistersspeaklife/

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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 Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
  • There will be a Home Composting Workshop on October 27th at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Collect your soil samples now! Avoid the rush!
  • Before tilling in your garden take a picture of what grew where, this will help you rotate your vegetables next year.
  • Make plans to purchase landscape & fruit trees. Do your research.
  • Keep leaves off newly established grass.
  • If cole crops are not dark green they may need top dressing.
  • Winterise any equipment that you will not use till next spring.
  • Check vegetables that have been in storage. Ex: Irish potatoes.
  • Avoid pruning right now.
  • Check cole crops for disease and insects.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing fall 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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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Wrapping Up October at Perry Memorial Library

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It’s not too soon for trick-or-treaters to be plotting their routes for maximum candy collection on Oct. 31. With Halloween just over a week away, Perry Memorial Library Youth Services Director Melody Peters has a couple of great suggestions: Stop by the Vance County Regional Farmers Market for Spooky Story Time at 3 p.m. and then head downtown to see what the business and retail community has in store between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The library is teaming up with the local 4-H program to host the story time at the farmers market. It’ll last about an hour and is for children of all ages, she said.

But this won’t be the only option for Halloween celebration at the library, Peters said. She’s hosting a “Not So Spooky” Family Story Time at 3 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 26. Enjoy a story and then a craft afterward.

Peters hopes the weather cooperates for the last Wednesday of the month’s Community Read-In. What started back in the summer has continued, she said. It’s a simple way to encourage more reading among all ages, adults and children alike.

The read-in will take place – weather permitting – on the grassy area outside the library near the police station on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Bring a book or other print reading material, a blanket or a lawn chair to participate.

“It’s a very simple, but very powerful” demonstration of the power of reading. The group has grown from a handful in the beginning to dozens, and Peters said she hopes the growth continues.

Another multi-age opportunity comes Tuesday, Oct. 28 when the Charlie Cart gets wheeled in for a free cooking class to learn how to cook sweet potato fries.

Space is limited but there’s still time to register for participants ages 13 and up, Peters said. The class is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visit the library website to sign up for the cooking class.

To learn about all the program and services the library offers, visit www.perrylibrary.org

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The Local Skinny! Seahawks Night at Vance County Football Game

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The Gate City Seahawks took the field Friday night to be recognized during Seahawks Night at Viper Stadium, but also as future Jaguars and Vipers, and to get an idea of what it’s like to play under the Friday Night lights.

Henderson Vance Recreation and Parks Director Kendrick Vann said the young people are learning what it’s like to be part of a team and all the positive aspects of collaboration, teamwork and partnerships.

It’s been seven years since the local youth league teams have been part of a competitive league, and Vann told WIZS’s Scout Hughes and David “Doc” Ayscue that from where he sits, “good things are happening in football” in Vance County.

The youth league teams are coed, Vann said, and teams vary by age group – a few dozen kids are in flag football, for ages 4-6. And the teams for older youth are both 7-0 this season.

The Seahawks play home games at Vance County Middle School, but travel to Durham, Clayton, Wendell, Franklinton and elsewhere for contests.

But it’s not just about the games, Vann said. There’s an emphasis on doing service projects in the community, including participating in the citywide cleanup efforts in Henderson and making sure that the kids “dress for success” when banquet time rolls around.

Vann said the team walks out on the field together and exercises together. “We try to do a good job to form a program,” he said.

The coaching staffs at the middle school and the high school also are developing partnerships with the Seahawks – after all, they are the future Jaguars and the future Vipers.

“Vance County has a lot of great athletes,” Vann said. “There is true talent here in Vance County,” he said.

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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 Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
  • There will be a Home Composting Workshop on October 27th at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • If you haven’t reseeded your fescue lawn, complete it this week.
  • Drain and clean all sprayers.
  • Collect dried seed heads from flowers for seed next year.
  • Get ready to compost! Leaves will be falling soon. Do you have a compost bin for the leaves?
  • Plant a cover crop in your vacant garden. Ex: red clover.
  • Winterize any equipment that you will not use till next spring.
  • Check vegetables that have been in storage. Ex: Irish potatoes.
  • Avoid pruning right now.
  • Check cole crops for disease and insects.
  • Start ordering your fall planting bulbs now.
  • 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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