Tag Archive for: #thelocalskinny

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

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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

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Wrap Up Summer At Perry Memorial Library

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It’s September, which means that schools are back in session, and parents and kids are getting back into a routine – and that includes programs and activities at Perry Memorial Library.

Youth Services Director Melody Peters said there’s certainly something for everyone at the library, from familiar favorites like Mother Goose Story Time to a new Gaming Club for tweens and teens.

The Gaming Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on The Local Skinny! segment. Prepare to enjoy some new games and gaming systems – and there will be snacks, too! This is a drop-in program, so no registration is needed – just come by and spend some time with fellow gamers.

The Reading Buddies program is a way for children in grades K-5 to build their confidence with reading.

“It’s not tutoring, but just a support,” Peters explained. Parents can sign up for a 30-minute slot on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Volunteers will read with their buddies and help get the youngsters exposed to the joys of reading.

Thursdays are busy days at the library, with Mother Goose Story Time at 11 a.m., Lego Fun and Games from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and a 4:30 p.m. story time for busy families – “one book and bubbles, for families on the go,” Peters said.

Teen Time moves to Mondays, and the first program is set for Sept. 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Participants will have some fun creating objects with beads. The Teen Time continues on Sept. 21 and Sept. 28 for kids in middle and high school.

Young people in middle and high school – and their parents or caregivers – are invited to a special workshop to learn about the negative consequences of smoking and vaping.

Project Open Air and its Creator Lab will come to the library at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 21.

There will be pizza, Peters said, so come hungry and come prepared to help turn what you learn into a presentation that can be used to help others understand how tobacco use and vaping affect your health and community.

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, come celebrate the First Day of Autumn with a leaf-rubbing art activity for all ages.

And on Sept. 28, the library is hosting an Open House to showcase all the different programs, activities and amenities that are available for all to enjoy.

Peters invites the community “to come out and explore all the amazing things that they may not know about our library.”

Visit www.perrylibrary.org for a complete listing of programs and services the library offers.

 

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Vance County Logo

The Local Skinny! Refinement for a UDO

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Members of the Vance County Board of Commissioners and the Vance County Planning Board had a joint meeting Tuesday afternoon to continue discussions to refine a draft unified development ordinance, looking specifically at Section/Article 5 that talks about data centers.

Those present around the table were reminded that, currently, a data center is allowable – without. a special use permit – in the Light Industrial and in Office & Industrial zoning districts, and technically would be allowed in areas zoned Heavy Industrial Mining.

At a previous joint meeting of the two boards, Commissioner Dan Brummitt had suggested that the group consider first the Article 5 and then use that agreed-upon language to create a text amendment to the county’s present zoning rules.

He reiterated that point at Tuesday’s meeting.

“I guess at this point, we need to give some guidance to – which I think our board already did at our last meeting – (on how) we wanted to proceed with a text amendment. That was the direction that we had asked for.”

County Attorney Jonathan Care reminded the group of the process – the planning board has to review and then recommend – or not recommend – the UDO to commissioners for their consideration.

The planning board’s next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10 and the next commissioners’ meeting is Sept. 14.

Close to an hour into the meeting, Commissioners Board Chair Carolyn Faines asked Sheriff Curtis Brame to address the audience because numerous individuals were interrupting the meeting with comments calling for a moratorium.

A moratorium, while not off the table, is a popular idea with many residents who have spoken out over the past several months in opposition to data center development on property off U.S. Hwy 158.

But here’s where things get tricky.

Michael Harvey with NFocus, the group helping the county update the UDO, said the state’s December 2024 downzoning law makes it difficult for local governments to amend zoning regulations.

Any changes to the ordinance would not have any effect on existing or proposed applications for any development, data centers included.

And similarly, putting a moratorium in place for any period of time would not affect any current project; it would only give county leadership a certain length of time to study the issue and have Vance County more prepared for future data center proposals.

 

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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.
  • Plant fall vegetable transplants on a cloudy, windless day.
  • When buying grass seed in bulk. Check the germination % on the bag you want a minimum of at least 90% germination rate.
  • Get your copy of Carolina Lawns if you plan to renovate your lawn.
  • Obtain your Central Piedmont planting guide so you will know what to plant for the fall garden.
  • Check your garden for weeds that may start to seed out soon.
  • 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.
  • Continue your fruit spray program according to product directions.
  • 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!

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.
  • Start planning your fall garden on paper now. Locate sources of transplants and seeds.
  • When buying grass seed in bulk. Check the germination % on the bag you want a minimum of at least 90% germination rate.
  • Get your copy of Carolina Lawns if you plan to renovate your lawn.
  • Be on the lookout for yellow legged hornet. If you see one, kill it and contact Cooperative Extension.
  • Check your garden for weeds that may start.
  • When canning and freezing vegetables, contact Cooperative Extension for updated information.
  • Keep rain gauges cleaned after every rain and record the amount of rain in your garden journal.
  • Continue your fruit spray program according to product directions.
  • 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!