Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

TownTalk: KARTS FLEX Ride Is Right On Schedule

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In its first two months of operation, the KARTS FLEX Ride van is living up to expectations. KARTS officials say the goal is to increase ridership with each month of operation – so far, so good.

KARTS Executive Director Randy Cantor said the program is “going really well.”

Finance Manager Tonya Moore has the data to back up that sentiment – in June, the first month of operation for the Uber-style transit that operates within the city limits of Henderson – there were 242 riders. July isn’t even over yet, and ridership is at 253 and counting, Moore said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. She and Cantor discussed the new transportation opportunity available from KARTS.

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State and federal dollars are paying for the first three years of the micro transit. KARTS is one of a growing number of transportation agencies getting funds to establish micro transit programs.

“The goal is to increase every month,” Moore said. New passengers, not necessarily the same individuals who use the KARTS van service, are taking advantage of the new, streamlined system.

The door-to-door service helps people get to and from work, to doctor’s appointments or anywhere else within the city limits. Riders can book online, with an app on their phone or simply call the KARTS office to schedule transportation.

And the on-demand service can pick you up within 30 minutes.

“We’re keeping statistics,” Cantor said. “All of our trips have been 100 percent on-time performance. And there have been relatively few no-shows. There’s one vehicle in service now, but a second is available as demands for the service rise. And there’s a third vehicle that can be easily changed from a KARTS van to a FLEX Ride van, he said.

Each trip is $6, and the driver accepts cash, but KARTS said the process is much more streamlined if you pay by card or set up an account that automatically deducts the cost of the trip.

“The majority are scheduling on the app,” Moore said. “That’s exactly what we wanted to see – it streamlines the process for everyone involved.”

Both Cantor and Moore said they believe that ridership will increase further once the weather cools off.

“When it’s extremely hot, when it’s rainy, extremely cold, cancellations increase,” Moore said.

“People don’t want to get out in non-desirable weather.”

Visit https://www.kartsnc.com/ to learn more.

Rebuilding Hope Inc. ‘Kids Construction Camp’ Aug. 6-8

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There are still a few spots available for Rebuilding Hope Inc.’s Kids Construction Camp, which gives young people an opportunity to learn about tools and how to use them.

The three-day camp takes place Aug. 6-8 at Rebuilding Hope’s facility, 414 Raleigh Rd. from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, said Tom Wille, co-director of Rebuilding Hope. The camp will be capped at 30; Wille said Monday there’s space for 5 or 6 more.

The camp is free and gives youngsters in 3rd-6th grade a chance to visit a variety of stations set up to learn about hammers and nails, electrical and plumbing, as well as block laying, roofing and more.

Wille said it’s a really good thing that the children get to learn some construction skills through hands-on activities, and “they learn a little about Jesus through the Bible Study,” he added.

Parents and guardians can find the application at www.rebuildinghopeinc.org or stop by the office, 414 Raleigh Rd. and pick up a paper copy.

The stations are mock-ups of real-life applications, but don’t worry – it’s all safe. The campers will be learning how to shingle a roof, but the roof is only waist-high, Wille said.

“Everything is safe, but they get the point to see how it’s done…see the tools that are involved,” he said.

The Kids Construction Camp could be a steppingstone to another opportunity for youth that Rebuilding Hope hosts each year: Servants on Site.

This weeklong program wrapped up last week, with 114 young people and even more adult volunteers working together to replace the roof on nine different homes in Vance and Warren counties.

“We were able to take the Gospel to our world – our Jerusalem, which is right here in Vance County and a couple of surrounding counties,” Wille said.

That in and of itself is good news, he said, but the even better news is that a number of youth participants and one of the homeowners professed their love of Christ during the week.

This year’s S.O.S. theme was “Follow Me,” and Wille said the participants got a chance to witness what it’s like to help those in need.

“They’ve made lifelong friends, seen things that they would (otherwise) not see and see how it directly affects the community around them. It’s a pretty awesome thing.”

The kids worked during the hottest week of the year and got a chance to see that hard work pays off – and makes a difference. “You get this opportunity to focus on thing of importance and things that matter,” he said. “It does become clearer…there are more important things than TikTok.”

The evenings were spent at Central Baptist Church, with high-energy Christian Rock music, a worship service, devotional time and small-group discussions about the goings-on of the day.

Several kids made the altar call, he said, a tribute to the power that comes with young people coming together to serve their community in the name of Jesus.

“We can talk about Jesus all we want to, but if we’re not out there relating to them, people are not going to see it,” Wille said.

“If we don’t get out there and show that compassion, that tenderness, the forgiveness, we don’t mirror God.”

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(This story was originally published July 1, 2025.)
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VGCC To Host Applied Technology Programs Open Houses July 30, Aug. 5

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— information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College is hosting two Applied Technology Program Open Houses for new and prospective students. Stop by on Wednesday, July 30, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. or Tuesday, August 5, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to explore VGCC’s Applied Technology programs in person before the new semester begins in August.

Meet instructors and program directors and tour lab facilities to get a close-up look at the latest equipment during the open house opportunities. College staff will be on hand to share information about admission, program pathways and other support services the college offers, as well as information about financial aid and registration, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working professional, or someone considering a career change, VGCC has a variety of programs designed to meet you where you are and help you build a successful future. Visit just one program if you already know what skills you want to pursue,  or you can explore all five to see which one fits your career goals.

Visit the Main Campus in Henderson to learn about Automotive Systems Technology, Electrical Systems Technology and HVAC Technology. The South Campus in Creedmoor will host the Mechatronics & Electronics Engineering Technology tour and the Franklin Campus will host the Welding Technology tour.

Visit https://www.vgcc.edu/ to learn more.

Please note the tours listed below take place at various Vance-Granville campuses. Addresses and directions to all campuses may be found at www.vgcc.edu/about-us/campuses.

Main Campus, Henderson

Automotive Systems Technology

Location: Building 4, Room 4104
Contact: Program Head James Gibbs
gibbsj@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3204

Electrical Systems Technology

Location: Building 8, Room 8110-B
Contact: Instructor Alvin Durham
durhama@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3211

Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC)

Location: Building 5, Room 5103
Contact: Program Head Mark Tillotson
tillotsonm@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3214

 

South Campus, Creedmoor

Mechatronics & Electronics Engineering Technology

Location: Building 1, Room G1124
Contact: Department Chair David Bullock
bullockd@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3541

 

Franklin Campus, Louisburg

Welding Technology

Location: Building 3, Room 3101-1
Contact: Program Head Luke Gravel
gravelc@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3338

 

(This news item was originally posted July 24, 2025.  This is not a paid ad.)

Maria Parham Health Adds SmartRobotics Surgical System To Assist With Orthopedic Surgeries

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— courtesy of Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer Donna Young

Maria Parham Health announces the addition to its complement of orthopedic care the Mako SmartRobotics™ surgical system, a cutting-edge innovation now available to qualified patients undergoing joint replacement procedures.

This advanced technology brings new levels of precision, personalization and potential recovery benefits to patients in north-central North Carolina and surrounding communities, according to information from Donna Young, MPH public information officer.

The Mako system combines 3D CT-based preoperative planning with robotic-arm assisted technology, which allows surgeons to create a highly personalized surgical plan and execute it with unmatched precision. During surgery, the Mako robotic arm helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries and make more accurate bone cuts, which may result in better outcomes and longer-lasting results for patients.

“This is a major step forward in the evolution of orthopedic care at Maria Parham,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “The Mako robotic-arm system allows our skilled surgical team to perform joint replacements with an unprecedented level of accuracy. Patients will benefit from personalized care, faster recovery times, and potentially longer-lasting results. We are excited to bring this leading-edge technology to our community.”

The system can create a 3-D model of the patient’s joint to help the surgeon before the operation takes place, allowing for optimal implant fit and alignment. During surgery the robotic arm provides real-time feedback, aiding the surgeon in precise implant placement

Smaller incisions, less tissue damage and reduced blood loss often results in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times and precision placement of implants may reduce wear and the likelihood of repeat surgeries.

Learn more at a free Lunch & Learn session with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Darius Divina, DO, on Monday, Aug. 11 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m..

Registration is required for the event and space is limited. Reserve your seat today at https://www.mariaparham.com/events/2025-08-11/lunch-learn

(This news item was originally posted July 24, 2025. This is not a paid ad.)

Vance County Schools Host Open Houses Thursday, Aug. 7 As 2025-26 School Year Approaches

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Parents of Vance County Schools students, if you’re beginning to have thoughts of back-to-school shopping and dates for Open Houses as summer vacation becomes measured in days instead of weeks, there’s a website for you.

School leaders have posted a whole list of dates at

https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/news/~board/news/post/back-to-school-2025-2026 to provide information that’s just a click away.

Open Houses for all schools are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., for example.

Students at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, Vance County High School and Vance County Early College begin their new school year on Monday, Aug. 11.

The first day of class for students on the traditional calendar is Monday, Aug. 25. Schools on the traditional calendar are Aycock, Carver, Clarke, Dabney, E.O. Young, L.B. Yancey, New Hope, Pinkston, Zeb Vance, Vance County Middle, STEM, Advance Academy and Vance Virtual Village.

Check out links to everything from drop-off times to vaccination requirements and school supply lists with a few clicks on the VCS website.

Parents and guardians may want to double-check to make sure students’ shots are up-to-date at Vaccination requirements.

 

Find the different academic calendars at https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/calendar/2025-2026-academic-calendars

School Supply lists for elementary and secondary students are at https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/parents-students/2023-2024-supply-list

More links to information are included below:

Volunteer Application: https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/community/volunteer-with-vcs

Drop Off Times, School Schedule & Early Release Times: https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/parents-students/daily-schedule

Progress Report & Report Card Dates: https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/calendar/2025-2026-progress-report-calendar-dates

Updating Your Child’s Information: Need an Infinite Campus Parent Account? Infinite Campus Parent Portal Activation. This system is utilized to update information, contact information, see your child’s attendance, grades and more!

Accessing Your Child’s Attendance, Grades, Schedule & More: Logging in to your Campus Parent Portal Account: Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

‘Unshame NC’ Campaign Takes Aim To Remove Stigma Related To Substance Abuse Disorder, Raise Awareness

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— information courtesy of the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and First Lady Anna Stein, in collaboration with Shatterproof, announced the launch of the Unshame North Carolina campaign to end stigma related to substance use disorder. Unshame NC has two primary goals: to increase knowledge and awareness of substance use disorder and medications for opioid use disorder as a treatment option.

“Stigma is deeply rooted and causes real harm to people and communities across North Carolina,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Unshame NC is part of a collaborative effort from all of us to end stigma, build acceptance and increase support for treatment for people on their path to recovery.”

“Many people struggling with substance use don’t seek help because of stigma,” said North Carolina First Lady Anna Stein. “This campaign will highlight the stories of people who have experience with substance use disorder and recovery and bring greater awareness to effective methods of treatment for opioid use disorder.”

Unshame NC was launched Tuesday at the Wake County Drug Overdose Prevention Coalition meeting. The website, https://www.unshamenc.org/ includes testimonials from North Carolinians sharing their personal stories of substance use, hope and recovery. Facebook and Instagram content will help drive users to the website, which provides links to resources, including information on how to find the right treatment center, and guidance for providers and for family members seeking care for a loved one. NCDHHS contracted with national non-profit Shatterproof to develop and implement the Unshame NC campaign.

Recent data from a statewide survey indicates 57 percent of North Carolinians know someone with opioid use disorder. Despite this widespread issue, only 34 percent of North Carolina residents know how to find quality treatment for themselves or their loved ones. Additionally, only one in five adults in North Carolina recognizes that opioid use disorder is a medical condition. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive education that connects people to lifesaving resources and treatment.

“There’s no better evidence that recovery is real than a life changed,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW LCSW, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. “We’re pairing the stories of people in recovery with a statewide effort to increase access to MOUD, so more people can benefit from evidence-based care. Real access means supporting people on the recovery journey that makes sense for them, without judgment—and offering them every opportunity for lifesaving treatment, that includes MOUD.”

Unshame NC focuses on the voices and experiences of North Carolinians affected by substance use disorder. Through storytelling, education, and grassroots activation, the campaign demonstrates that people with substance use disorder are valued members of our communities—our family, neighbors, and coworkers—and highlights actionable ways we can ensure everyone has the support they need to thrive.

“While most North Carolinians believe that people with SUD can recover with treatment, stigma and misinformation can create barriers to care,” said Courtney McKeon, senior vice president for Shatterproof’s National Stigma Initiative and longtime resident of the Research Triangle area. “We see this often regarding medications for opioid use disorder, a gold standard of care. Through the stories of North Carolinians, we have the opportunity to increase understanding of all treatment options and support individuals on their path to improved health and wellness.”

“It’s not just about overdoses. It’s not just about lives that were lost or lives that were saved,” says Michael, one of Unshame NC’s story sharers. “It’s also about how we treat the people who went through it and how we bring them out of the shadows. How do we welcome them back into society? How do we get them back to where we need to be? And that requires a lot of folks like me to speak out and help break the stigma.”

People with substance use disorder flourish in environments that offer both community support and multiple pathways for treatment. If you want to share your story with NCDHHS and Unshame NC, you can get involved by filling out a Story Sharer Interest Form or joining the Unshame NC coalition.

Follow @UnshameNC on Facebook and Instagram or visit  www.UnshameNC.org to learn more.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, NCDHHS provides somewhere to go, someone to talk to and someone to respond. You can find the help that is right for you 24/7 on the NCDHHS Crisis Services website.

The 988 Lifeline Chat and Text – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to everyone 24/7 by call, text or chat.

North Carolinians can call the 24/7 Peer Warmline at 1-855-PEERS NC (855-733-7762) to speak with a peer support specialist. Peer support specialists are individuals living in recovery with mental illness and/or substance use disorder who provide support to others.

The NC Recovery Helpline (800-688-4232) offers support and referrals for treatment and resources.

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N.C. State Fair Accepting Entries For Competitions From Cakes And Canning To Crochet And Crafts Through Sept. 15

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If you have ever dreamed of winning a ribbon at the N.C. State Fair, now is the time to figure out what you want to enter and sign up! The State Fair is now accepting entries for the 2025 fair, Oct. 16-26. If winning a ribbon at the fair is on your bucket list, now is the time to enter this year’s fair competitions.

The State Fair offers many competition categories such as arts and photography, culinary, livestock, fruit and vegetable production, hobbies and handicrafts, flowers, LEGO creations and more.

“Our competitions highlight the talents of the residents of North Carolina,” said Kent Yelverton, N.C. State Fair director. “Whether your talent is growing giant vegetables, raising champion goats, cross-stitching or crocheting, painting rocks, scrapbooking, photography, flower arranging or more, the fair likely features a competition for you.”

Every year the State Fair reviews the competition offerings looking to include newer crafting trends, attract more competitors and improve the shows for fairgoers. The State Fair Flower Show will see some changes in 2025 with each show highlighting different varieties of individual plants.

“This is to ensure that we can accommodate as many competitors as possible in this popular fair competition category,” said Yelverton. “All the same competition categories will be included but they may only be represented in one of the three shows held during the fair. Flower show competitors should carefully review this year’s show information, including entry drop-off dates and times, when entering the flower show.”

The State Fair also offers a variety of livestock shows, with individual classes based on the animal’s species, breed, age and weight class. Exhibitors will find both junior and open categories.

If any of these competitions sound interesting to you, consider entering today. You could be one of the next blue-ribbon winners. Only a few competitions require an entry fee.

Information on how to enter a competition can be found on the State Fair’s website, ncstatefair.org. Under the “Competitions” tab, you will find everything there is to know about categories, rules and deadlines. The deadline for entering most competitions is Sept. 15. Read the General Entries Premium Book and Livestock Entries Premium Book for detailed descriptions of events and regulations.

Online registration and paper entry forms are found under the “Forms and General Rules” tab in each department. Entrants are also required to submit digital W-9 forms to receive prize money.

Email ncsfcompetitions@ncagr.gov with additional questions. “We’re excited to see what people will enter and we wish everyone the best of luck,” said Yelverton. “Let’s make this a record year for our competitions.”

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Final Candidate List For Henderson’s Oct. 7 Municipal Election

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The filing period for the Oct. 7 municipal elections ended at 12 noon today, Friday, July 18. Each of the four ward seats for Henderson City Council has multiple candidates seeking the position, according to information from Vance County Board of Elections Deputy Director Shelly Wood.

Here is the complete listing of candidates, in alphabetical order:

Henderson City Council Ward 1 at large:

Geraldine Champion

Sara M. Coffey (incumbent)

Kenia Gomez-Jimenez

Clementine “Tina” Hunter

Henderson City Council Ward 2 at large:

Benjamin Buckner

George L. Mayo

Lamont Noel (incumbent)

Henderson City Council Ward 3:

Garry Daeke (incumbent)

Clifford “Cliff” High

Jason A. Spriggs

Deryl “Ms. Dee” vonWilliams

Henderson City Council Ward 4:

Catherine “Kitty” Gill

Fred Robertson

Ola Thorpe-Cooper (incumbent)

Filings for the municipalities of Kittrell and Middleburg:

Kittrell mayor:

Gene Pulley

Kittrell town commissioner:

Mary Jo Floyd

Susan Pulley

Robert B. Tunstall

Middleburg mayor:

Ray Bullock

Middleburg town council:

Hazel A. Baskett

Shirley H. Bullock

Mamie Turner

Maria Parham Health Earns American Heart Association Award For Commitment To Stroke Care

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– Information courtesy of Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer Donna Young

Maria Parham Health has received recognition from the American Heart Association for its commitment to high-quality stroke care, earning the Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. The award is given for dedication to following evidence-based clinical guidelines that improve patient outcomes for stroke care.

Maria Parham Health also received the Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite award, which recognizes hospitals that meet specific benchmarks to reduce the time between a stroke patient’s arrival and the administration of clot-busting medication, known as thrombolytic therapy. These efforts are critical in saving lives and reducing the long-term impact of strokes.

“Maria Parham Health is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to apply proven strategies every day, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in Vance County and the surrounding communities can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a major cause of long-term disability in the United States. The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke program aims to ensure that patients receive care aligned with the most current evidence-based treatment practices.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Maria Parham Health for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved outcomes, fewer hospital readmissions and reduced mortality rates — a benefit to patients, families and the health care system as a whole.”

Hospitals earn recognition through the program by demonstrating consistent adherence to performance measures, including timely diagnosis and treatment, and by educating patients and families on managing health post-discharge to aid in recovery and prevent recurrence.

Chamber Of Commerce Sends Letter To Mayor, Council Members

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The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has sent a letter to the mayor and City Council members asking that local elected officials conduct meetings in a positive, constructive manner.

Chamber Board President Scott Burwell signed the letter, as well as Beth Townsend and Kevin Wade, co-chairs of the Chamber’s Government & Public Affairs Committee.

The letter was cc’d to City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry, Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson and members of the Chamber board.

The letter is dated July 1, and reads as follows:

Dear Mayor and City Council Members:

I hope this message finds you well. The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of the business community in matters that affect the ability of local businesses to prosper and grow, and the ability of Henderson and Vance County to attract new businesses.  I am writing to respectfully encourage you, local elected officials, to conduct open meetings and business-related meetings in a manner that promotes productive dialogue, economic growth, and positive business relations.

Effective governance relies not only on policy but also on the tone and conduct of those in public service. When decision-making is rooted in civility, collaboration, and strategic thinking, it fosters a stable environment where businesses can plan, invest, and grow with confidence. In contrast, divisiveness and unproductive behavior can undermine investor confidence, stall progress, and weaken our region’s economic competitiveness.

Our local business community—small and large enterprises alike—looks to leadership for consistency, transparency, and a commitment to creating a supportive economic environment. On behalf of the Chamber member businesses, the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors urges you to continue championing policies and practices that strengthen partnerships, encourage innovation, and attract long-term investment.

Thank you for your service and dedication to our community. I appreciate your consideration of this request and look forward to seeing continued leadership that reflects the values and priorities of the business community you represent.

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