Tag Archive for: #thelocalskinny

Home and Garden Show

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

  • The “Do You Want to be a Beekeeper” Workshop will be on Saturday, February 7th, starting at 9am at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • The Beginner Bee School will be on Saturday, February 14th starting at 9am at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • When planning your spring garden, draw it out on paper to get a visual where your vegetables are going to be planted.
  • Keep your garden journal up to date, even log in when you do maintenance on equipment.
  • Clean out your greenhouse.
  • When ordering any seed or plants try to order varieties that have resistance to disease and insects.
  • Plan to grow one vegetable this year that you haven’t grown. Ex: arugula
  • Do a germination taste on any old seed. Take 10 seeds and wrap each seed in an individual paper towel. Lightly moisten each towel seed wrap, place in a warm area. Check in 10 days. If you have 5 seeds out of 10 that would be a 50% germination rate. If below 80% don’t plant that lot of seed. Purchase New seed.
  • Get your piedmont planting guide now.
  • Check pruning equipment. Sharpen, repair, or even replace them. You can get pruning guides from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check your garden equipment according to the manufacturer. Ex: wheelbarrow tires.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing winter 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! Great Ways To Kick Off February at Perry Memorial Library

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The recent snow and ice “events” have put the brakes on some of the programs for kids and families at Perry Memorial Library, but Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters is ready with a flurry of activities, when the weather is a bit more cooperative.

Tuesday’s afternoon and evening activities were cancelled because the library will close at 5 p.m., but Peters said Thursday’s activities are “still a go” — as of now, unless Mother Nature decides to send in another round of bad weather.

That includes the 11 a.m. Mother Goose storytime, followed by Lego fun in the afternoon from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Then on Friday, Feb. 6, it’s Baby Rave for the 0-2 group at 10:30 a.m. followed by Parachute Play for kiddos ages 3-5 from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

Another part of the Fun Friday activities includes Homeschool Social Hour. Homeschooled families can come to the library at 1 p.m. to spend some time with other homeschool groups. It’s a chance to network, ask questions and learn from each other.

“It’s important for the library to offer opportunities for those families to be together,” Peters said. “Our space can accommodate different ages for learning and playing,” she said. It’s a flexible alternative to other more structured associations.

Peters said the homeschool social hour doesn’t require a commitment, but provides a way for families to connect with others, while allowing scheduling flexibility.

The Feb. 10 Teen Time program combines fondue and “found object” art for middle and high-school aged students. Come to the Maker Space at 4 p.m.

The Teddy Bear sleepover was rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, Peters said. Drop off those precocious stuffed animals and loveys to spend the night at the library. Drop of is Friday, Feb. 20 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and pickup is on Sunday, Feb. 22 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Who knows what shenanigans they’ll be up to on Saturday? Peters and staff will document their mischief.

Visit www.perrylibrary.org for a complete listing of programs and activities.

 

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First Methodist Church

The Local Skinny! United Women In Faith Tag Sale Opened Tuesday, Feb. 3

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The United Women in Faith Tag Sale for Missions opened its doors beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3 with a great selection of items available.

Come to First United Methodist Church, 114 Church St., between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Shop between now and Feb. 26 and enjoy a 50 percent discount on holiday items!

Then, the tag sale continues every Tuesday and Thursday.

The tag sale is located on the second floor of the church Education Building; enter at the church office entrance on Church Street.

Christmas décor is 50 percent off, and shoppers will find a variety of items from dishes and linens to ornaments. Some fall and Halloween items also are available.

Please note that the furnishings in the Christmas Room are not included in the half off discount.

All proceeds go to support local and global mission ministries.

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Home and Garden Show

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

  • The “Do You Want to be a Beekeeper” Workshop will be on Saturday, January 31st, from 7pm-9pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • The Beginner Bee School will be on Saturday, February 14th starting at 9am at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • If you have limited space, consider raised beds.
  • Prepare for the upcoming inclement weather. Batteries, food that doesn’t need to be cooked, first aid kits, medications. Check on senior neighbors.
  • Use cat litter or sand on walking areas or drive ways salt can damage lawns and landscape plants.
  • When ordering any seed or plants try to order varieties that have resistance to disease and insects.
  • Order newly released seed varieties ASAP.
  • Purchase your seed starting mix  Be certain to get a good quality product that drains well. Avoid using garden soil. Home compost, or used potting mix.
  • Get your piedmont planting guide now.
  • Check pruning equipment. Sharpen, repair, or even replace them. You can get pruning guides from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check your garden equipment according to the manufacturer. Ex: wheelbarrow tires.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing winter 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! Beware Of Latest DMV Scam

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— Information from the office of N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson

Attorney General Jeff Jackson is warning North Carolinians about a new wave of scam text messages falsely claiming to come from the North Carolina DMV and threatening license suspension, fines and other penalties.

The message claims the recipient has an unpaid traffic ticket and directs them to a website that looks official but is not connected to the State of North Carolina.

“This message is a scam,” Jackson stated. “The DMV does not collect traffic tickets by text, does not threaten people this way, and does not send links asking for payment.”

“We are aware of multiple fraudulent text scams that have gone out requesting payment for fees, fines, or tolls,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “We will NEVER request payment by text. If you get one of these texts, don’t respond. Instead, report it as spam and delete it.”

Signs This Is a Scam
Consumers should watch for these red flags:

  • Fake web address: The link includes the word “.gov,” but it is not a real government site. The true domain ends in .cc, not .gov. The true domain, .cc, is the country-code for the Cocos Islands near Australia.
  • Fake penalties: The text threatens things that do not exist under North Carolina law, including a “35% service fee at toll booths” and credit score damage from the DMV.

What To Do
If you receive this message, do not click the link.

  1. Report It: The Attorney General’s Office tracks these scams to work with telecom providers to shut them down. Report the message to our Consumer Protection Division at https://ncdoj.gov/report-robocalls/.
  2. Verify Status: If you’re unsure whether an email, text, or letter from the NCDMV is legitimate, you should contact the agency directly at (919) 715-7000.
  3. Block and Delete: Once reported, block the number delete the message.

The Consumer Protection Division protects North Carolina consumers from scams and fraud. If you spot a scam, let us know by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or filing a complaint online at ncdoj.gov/complaint.

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The Local Skinny! Henderson Police Make Arrest Following Car Chase Monday Morning

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A Henderson man is in jail without bond Monday on domestic assault charges after being pursued by police in a car chase earlier Monday morning.

Henderson Police Department officers initiated a traffic stop involving Ryheem Antwon Wilson, 28. Wilson was wanted on charges related to a domestic assault that occurred on Jan. 25, according to information from Police Chief Marcus Barrow.

Wilson failed to yield to the officer’s blue lights and siren, resulting in a vehicle pursuit that lasted approximately nine minutes.

Additional units from the Henderson Police Department and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office assisted on the periphery of the pursuit and helped keep it contained within the city limits of Henderson. Wilson was apprehended without further incident on Highland Avenue after stopping for law enforcement.

Wilson was served with a warrant related to the Jan. 25 incident and charged with the following felonies:

  • Second-Degree Kidnapping
  • Breaking and/or Entering with Intent to Terrorize or Injure
  • Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury

Additional charges were obtained in connection with the vehicle pursuit, including:

  • Felony Flee to Elude Arrest
  • Reckless Driving
  • Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign or Signal
  • Failure to Maintain Lane Control
  • Hit and Run with Property Damage (involving a vehicle operated by a Vance County Deputy Sheriff)
  • Exceeding Safe Speed for Existing Weather Conditions
  • Left of Center
  • Wrong Way on a One-Way Street
  • Improper Turn
  • Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance

Wilson was processed and transported to the Vance County Magistrate’s Office, where he received no bond. He was subsequently remanded to the Vance County Detention Facility. His court date is scheduled for February 6.

No law enforcement officers or members of the public were injured during the pursuit.

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The Local Skinny! VCS Plans to Close New Hope and Carver Elementary Schools

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A public hearing held Wednesday evening gave Vance County Schools leadership and members of the school board a chance to discuss and explain the plan currently underway to close two elementary schools.

Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett spent about a half hour to lay out reasons why New Hope Elementary and Carver Elementary are being considered for closure.

Long story short, it’s a matter of low enrollment, aging buildings and funding.

The Vance County Board of Education has been discussing this possibility since its October 2025 retreat, according to remarks made by Bennett at the public hearing, which took place at the schools’ central services location on Graham Avenue.

Bennett said there were meetings at the two schools on Tuesday evening so school leaders could have a chance to hear from parents about the plans in store for the schools.

Just more than 20 years ago, there were close to 8,000 students enrolled in Vance County Schools; in 2024-25, that number was 4,913, Bennett said.

This year, there are 123 students in grades PK – 5 at Carver; New Hope has 108 students.

It comes down to funding, Bennett said. The school district relies on local, state and federal funds to keep its schools open, and state funding follows the students. So if students leave traditional public schools for charter schools, that per-pupil-expenditure goes with the student.

Parents have multiple options, Bennett said, including charter schools, private schools and home schooling.

Bennett cited data indicating that out of 8,194 school-aged children in Vance County, 4,113 are enrolled in Vance County Schools.
“Parents and families have more options than ever,” Bennett said. “Every family has the right to make the best choice for their children.”

If plans to close and consolidate proceed, New Hope students will be sent to Dabney Elementary. Carver students will go to E.O. Young Elementary.

Bennett stressed that schools employees would have job security, adding that nobody would be out of a job if the two schools close.

“We are trying to find the best possible option for all in the district so that we have financial stability in a time of declining enrollment and declining funding,” Bennett 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 “Do You Want to be a Beekeeper” Workshop will be on Saturday, January 31st, from 7pm-9pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • The Beginner Bee School will be on Saturday, February 14th starting at 9am at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Take a soil sample now to improve your garden this year.
  • Prepare for the upcoming inclement weather. Batteries, food that doesn’t need to be cooked, first aid kits, medications. Check on senior neighbors.
  • Use cat litter or sand on walking areas or drive ways salt can damage lawns and landscape plants.
  • When ordering any seed or plants make sure they are recommended for Zone 7.
  • Order newly released seed varieties ASAP.
  • Does your landscape look drab? Consider planting something to make your landscape more interesting next winter. Consider ornamental grasses, trees with attractive bark, shrubs with berries, and even trees and shrubs that bloom in winter.
  • Get your piedmont planting guide now.
  • Check pruning equipment. Sharpen, repair, or even replace them.
  • Check your garden equipment according to the manufacturer. Ex: wheelbarrow tires.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing winter 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

Click Play!

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! January Wrap-Up at Perry Memorial Library

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Not only does Perry Memorial Library’s Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters keep track of all the programs that go on inside the library, she’s got to keep an eye on the weather, too.

And because weekend weather forecasts point to “winter weather,” Peters said she’s decided to reschedule the Teddy Bear Sleepover.

But don’t fret – the loveys and favorite stuffed animals will be invited in February to have their sleepover fun among the books, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Just add that to the growing list of programs and events happening at the library as the calendar turns from January to February.

“We’re getting ready to get rolling,” Peters said. “Things will really get busy and I love it – there’s a lot to celebrate!”

All that wintry weather predicted for the weekend likely will be a distant memory by the time Tuesday, Jan. 27 rolls around. That’s when ‘Teen Time’ launches. Young people in grades 6-12 are invited to the weekly gathering from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Maker Space to take part in different activities.

“This is a program that will happen every Tuesday through the end of April,” Peters said.

The program kicks off with make your own pizzas and a t-shirt bag, she said. And while there probably won’t be pizza every week, plan on having some sort of snack while enjoying the activities, Peters added. Participants are asked to bring a t-shirt from home, but there will be extras on hand at the library, just in case.

“Each week will be something different,” she said, giving kids a chance to come to the library to hang out and do crafts together.

The first ‘Community Read-In’ of 2026 will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 and the library welcomes back members of the Henderson Fire Department who will create the ever-popular s’mores treats for participants. Explore the fire truck, read a book with a firefighter and then enjoy a deliciously gooey treat, compliments of the fire department and sponsor Fred’s Towing and Recovery.

The library hosts the Anime Club on the last Thursday of each month, beginning at 3:30 p.m. It’s a time when kids in middle and high school can gather to watch an anime and then do a craft activity. Book your spot by calling the library or emailing Peters at mpeters@perrylibrary.com.

Kids of all ages can take part in a Wizard of Oz scavenger hunt at the library as a lead-in to performances on Saturday, Jan. 31 of “Wizard of Oz on Ice” at McGregor Hall.

“It’s just a little something fun, something different,” Peters explained. “We’re happy to highlight and support McGregor Hall. We’re very lucky to have them in our community – they do amazing things.” Get tickets at https://www.mcgregorhall.org/. Visit or call the box office, 201 Breckenridge St., at 252.598.0662.

Find all the details about the scavenger hunt at the Youth Services desk in the library. Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ to learn about all the programs and services offered.

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Possible School Closings, Consolidations Topic Of School Board’s Jan. 21 Special Called Meeting

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The Vance County Board of Education is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21 to have a public hearing about the possible closing and/or consolidation of two of the county’s elementary schools.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Curriculum and Instruction area of the Vance County Administrative Services Center, 1724 Graham Ave., according to information from Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett and Board of Education Chair Ayana Lewis.

The most recent school consolidations came in 2018, when the school board voted to merge the two high schools and the two middle schools to form Vance County High School and Vance County Middle School. Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, the high school was located on the campus of the former Southern Vance High School and the middle school was located on the campus of the former Northern Vance High School.

Here’s the statement in its entirety:

Pursuant to the provisions of N.C.G.S. 115C-72 and N.C.G.S. 143-318.12 the Vance County  Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 in order to  provide a public hearing to discuss with the general public the proposed closing and/or  consolidation of New Hope Elementary School with another school, and also the closing and/or  consolidation of Carver Elementary School with another school, having in mind and taking into  account the welfare of the students to be affected by such closings and/or consolidations,  including providing information regarding which the said Board has in its possession relating to  the practical and best use of its present school facilities and the costs and maintenance of all its  facilities, and the use of same, and also considering geographic conditions, increase or  decrease in school enrollment, the inconvenience or hardship that might result to the pupils to  be affected by such closings or consolidations, the cost of providing additional school facilities in  the event of such closings and/or consolidation, and such other factors as the Board shall  determine to be germane. 

Said hearing shall be held on January 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Curriculum and Instruction area within the Vance County Administrative Services Center located at 1724 Graham Avenue,  Henderson NC, and the general public shall be afforded an opportunity to express their views regarding said proposed closings and/or proposed consolidations. 

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