Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

City of Henderson Logo

Blockage Caused by Rags Leads to Discharge of Untreated Wastewater

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

BYPASS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System discharged approximately 2,700 gallons of untreated wastewater on March 4, 2019, due to a blockage caused by rags. This occurred at the corner of Cypress Drive and Summitt Road.

North Carolina General Statutes Article 21, Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

The city is investigating the problem at the locations noted above to address infiltration/inflow problems associated with this discharge as well as pumping capacity at the Sandy Creek Pump Station.

Questions relating to the sewer collection system should be directed to the Public Works ORC Joey Long Jr. at (252) 226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at (252) 431-6117.

Kerr-Vance Academy to Hold ‘Spartan For a Day’ Event

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-Information and flyer courtesy Frank Wiggins, Headmaster, Kerr-Vance Academy

Kerr-Vance Academy will hold a “Spartan For a Day” event for rising 7th-12th graders on March 18 & 19, 2019. Come and visit KVA, attend classes and meet teachers. See how it feels to be a Spartan! Half-day and whole-day visits are available.

Please call the school to register at (252) 492-0018. The school is located at 700 Vance Academy Road in Henderson.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance County Sheriff's Office

West End Community Watch to Hear from Sheriff Brame at March Meeting

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-Information courtesy Claire Catherwood, West End Community Watch 

The West End Community Watch will meet on Tuesday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of West End Baptist Church in Henderson.

The speaker will be Vance Co. Sheriff Curtis Brame. Law enforcement will be present with police reports and to hear your concerns.

All are invited to join us!

NC Dept of Agriculture

Reardon Talks CBD Products: What’s Legal and What’s Illegal in NC

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Joe Reardon, NC’s Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture for Consumer Protection, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the recent explosion in the marketplace of CBD oil and CBD-containing products.

Following up on a press release published in mid-February, Reardon stated that the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is taking an “educational approach” in making producers and retailers aware of both state and federal laws regarding CBD products.

“We felt with the confusion in the marketplace and the explosion of these products, the most responsible thing the NCDA&CS could do was to educate everybody on what’s federal law, what’s state law and what our expectations of those in NC would be,” Reardon said.

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the legal product hemp that lacks the psychoactive chemical levels needed to experience the proverbial “high.” According to Reardon, cbd öl should contain 0.3% or less of THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid commonly associated with traditional marijuana.

While CBD has been approved by federal and state law as a drug, Reardon explained that it cannot be legally added or infused in either human or animal food products that are for sale.

Of particular concern to the department, according to Reardon, is the illegal sale of CBD food items traditionally marketed to children including gummies, ice cream and lollipops.

CBD products can also not make health claims, including statements that the product may prevent, treat or cure any disease. Failure to comply could result in embargo or seizure of products.

“We don’t want someone making an uninformed decision,” said Reardon. “We don’t want people on prescription pharmaceuticals to discontinue their medication without consulting their physician.”

The NCDA&CS has sent out approximately 400 letters to CBD manufacturers and retailers detailing what is legal and what is illegal to sell in North Carolina. The letters are prompting phone calls and questions of officials, Reardon said.

“The encouraging thing is that in many places across the state, once we made them aware of the law, they are complying. They say they are not going to continue to order or display CBD food products and they are removing pamphlets from stores that make CBD health claims.”

Reardon said the department will evaluate the effectiveness of this initial, educational campaign and will take a more “aggressive regulatory approach” if needed.

While CBD production is currently unregulated, Reardon said the goal of the NCDA&CS is to work with the State Legislature and the industry to construct a regulatory framework for CBD product that will be sold as tinctures.

“We believe the product needs to be processed in the right environment, we believe the extraction should be done with the most appropriate chemicals and we believe there should be quality control in this process,” Reardon explained.

Until a regulatory framework is in place, Reardon suggests consumers ask questions and do their research before purchasing CBD products. “Find out who processes it, where is it being processed, is it being tested and what is the concentration of the final product.”

Industry with questions about the regulation of CBD can call the Food and Drug Protection Division at (919) 733-7366. You may also visit the NCDA&CS website by clicking here or email Reardon directly at joe.reardon@ncagr.gov.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Joe Reardon in its entirety, click here. Reardon’s segment begins at the 17:10 mark.

Vance Co. High School Students Display Their Talent in ‘Art of Protest’ Event

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Twelve students at Vance County High School shared their artwork and their important voices in the school’s “Art of Protest” event held in the school’s Music Room during the evening of March 5, 2019.

The “Art of Protest” event was a joint effort between the English Department and Art Department at the school to enable the very talented students to show through their artwork their focus on societal issues about which they share a passion.

Marsha Harvey of the English Department, and Amy Simpson of the Art Department, coordinated plans for the event. They wanted the students to speak through their art and be able to share their opinions about issues they feel are important and need special attention.

Students who participated in the “Art of Protest” and their work included:

  • Jose Gonzalez, “Sweet Relief” painting, focusing on the lack of awareness for mental health issues
  • DeAndre Johnson, “The Color of Piece” painting, focusing on racism issues
  • Madonna Baselios, “(I’m)migrant” painting, focusing on American politics and the treatment of immigrants
  • Christian Green, “Silent Revolt” painting, focusing on the dictatorship in government
  • Samej Brown, “Not My Hero” charcoal drawing, focusing on youth brainwashing
  • Qe’Shaun Hargrove, “Relic” painting, focusing on the inherited legacy of African Americans from their white forefathers
  • Anterrahn Harris, “Of Body & Mind” painting, focusing on the lack of recognition of African Americans in the arts
  • Stephanie Salazar, “Free Yourself” painting, focusing on society’s treatment of the LGBT community
  • Edgar Trejo, “Rise” painting, focusing on the courage of immigrants in the current political climate
  • Susanna Hernandez, “Illusion v Reality” painting and art rendering, focusing on homelessness for military veterans
  • Jordan Lewis, “Voices” painting, focusing on lack of freedom of speech in America
  • Kintochia Barnes, “Silent Traffic” painting, focusing on the problem of sex trafficking

All of the students’ artworks were excellent. Members of the audience, who included educators, parents and community members, were able to view each piece of art and speak with the student artists about their message conveyed through their art. A silent auction for the artwork also was held and several art pieces received purchase bids.

Miracle Chin, a senior at Vance County High School, also recited a powerful poem that stressed a person’s true beauty comes from within and should not be determined by the person’s outward appearance.

Dr. Ellen McLarney, a professor at Duke University, presented the featured lecture at the event. She showed several pieces of national and international photos and paintings, both historical and present day, that are widely acclaimed for their depiction of people concerning key societal issues today throughout the world. She noted that art throughout time has always been an expression of the artist’s opinions on all types of issues. She encouraged the students to continue to pursue their passion for art and to continue to voice their opinions through their work.

Anterrahn Harris talks with an “Art of Protest” attendee about his painting, “Of Body & Mind,” and how it depicts the lack of recognition of African Americans in the arts. (Photo courtesy VCS)

“Art of Protest” work done by, from left, Madonna Baselios, Semaj Brown and DeAndre Johnson are displayed for the silent auction. (Photo courtesy VCS)

West End Baptist

West End Baptist Men to Sponsor Fish Fry Fundraiser at 220 Seafood

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-Information courtesy Jerry Parrish, West End Baptist Church

The Baptist Men of West End Baptist Church in Henderson will be sponsoring a Trout Fish Fry Fundraiser to support our local ministries on Monday, March 18, 2019, from 4 until 7 p.m. at the 220 Seafood Restaurant located at 1812 Norlina Rd. in Henderson.

Plates will include trout, cole slaw, french fries and hush puppies for $7 per plate. Eat in or take out (beverage provided with eat in meals only).

All proceeds will be used to support our local ministries, which include ACTS, Lifeline Ministries, Rebuilding Hope, GRACE Ministries and many others.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from any West End Baptist Church member. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Spring Valley United Methodist to Hold Pancake Supper Fundraiser

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-Information courtesy Rusty Renshaw, Spring Valley United Methodist Men 

A Pancake Supper fundraiser will be held by Spring Valley United Methodist Men at Spring Valley United Methodist Church, 955 Spring Valley Road in Henderson, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Cost is $7 each for the pancake supper, which also includes sausage. Eat in or take out. A drink will be provided for those that eat in.

Causey, Insurance Comm./State Fire Marshal, Talks Recent Vance County Visit

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North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss his recent visit to various volunteer fire departments in Vance County.

Causey, who visited the Watkins, Bearpond, Epsom and Hicksboro volunteer fire departments on February 28, said it was a pleasure to make his first official visit to Vance County since taking office in January of 2017.

During his day-long visit, Causey presented grant checks for needed improvements, congratulated departments on their improved insurance ratings and discussed efforts to modernize the insurance industry with Joel T. Cheatham Insurance and Jeffrey Ayscue Allstate Agency representatives.

According to a press release from the NC Department of Insurance, Causey presented ceremonial grant checks in the following amounts: Watkins Community Volunteer Fire Department ($29,752); Epsom Fire Department ($11,572); Hicksboro Volunteer Fire Department ($29,765) and Bearpond Volunteer Fire Department ($5,893).

Causey reported that all NC fire department inspections are up-to-date, a feat that he said was accomplished by increasing the number of department inspectors from five to eight.

Prior to his taking office, some fire departments had not been inspected for 25+ years, according to Causey. “You want a department to be inspected, ideally, every five years. Since hiring more inspectors in 2017, we don’t have a single fire department that is backlogged.”

Two of the fire departments on Causey’s Vance County tour – Bearpond and Epsom – recently received improved fire ratings following inspections. Achieving a better rating can result in lowered insurance rates for businesses and homeowners in that fire district.

“Bearpond and Epsom have some real fine buildings; the people are first-class, dedicated firefighters,” said Causey. “It’s easy to see they’ve done the things they needed to do, including mutual aid agreements, to bring their fire rating up.”

When questioned on the national and state-wide trend of decreasing volunteerism, Causey replied, “It’s becoming harder to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters, that’s why you are seeing some departments going to a paid/volunteer combination. We are doing as much as we can at the state level to help the counties and volunteer departments.”

Causey’s trip followed a recent 4-3 vote by the Vance County Board of Commissioners to move ahead with a fire restructuring plan that includes funding paid part-time positions in the County’s volunteer fire departments.

“Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of fire departments across this nation. Across the state, 70% of firefighters are strictly volunteer,” Causey explained.

Junior firefighter programs aimed at getting the younger generation interested in firefighting is the best way to ensure the future of the business, according to Causey. “More and more high schools across the state are offering cadet programs for junior firefighters. Firefighters also go into elementary schools to get children interested.”

In the long run, Causey said the success of a fire department all comes down to the people involved. “You can have the best equipment, the most modern, up-to-date technology, but if you don’t have dedicated, committed people, it’s not going to work. I met good, dedicated people in Vance County.”

A Word of Thanks From the Family of Margaret Ellis

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-Letter courtesy Ericka M. Ellis-Stewart – granddaughter of Margaret Ellis

To the Community of Vance County, North Carolina,

We, the family of Margaret Alston Ellis, would like to thank each of you (friends, extended family, and members of the public) for all your acts of kindness and bravery as you helped reunite us on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Many of you assisted by using social media to spread the word, or offered words of encouragement. We have heard stories where some of you organized (to assist with the) search parties and drove around looking for her. This community truly came together in support of one of your own.

We are especially grateful to Ms. Vicky Marshall of Robersonville, NC for alerting the Greenville Police Department (GDP) that Margaret was in the TJ Max/Harris Teeter parking lot. We thank the first responders (Henderson Police Department and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office) who took our calls, calmed us down, and issued a statewide Silver Alert, and GPD Officer Terence Daltroff for being first on the scene and confirming her identity. The Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office worked diligently with law enforcement from other counties enlisting their help in locating a treasured Vance County community member. Finally, we thank the various media outlets, the National Center for Missing and Endangered, and the NC Center for Missing Persons for helping to make the public aware.

As many of you know by now Margaret was found, unharmed, in Greenville, NC and has since been reunited with her family. Please know we are grateful for all the thoughts, prayers, and acts of kindness as we went through the process of locating and reuniting with our loved one.

Thank You!

The Family of Margaret Alston Ellis

Vehicle Access Across John H. Kerr Dam Restricted March 11-22

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-Press Release, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wilmington District, announced that the road across the John H. Kerr Dam will restrict vehicular traffic beginning on March 11 through March 22, 2019. All vehicles should follow the posted detour signs.

The restricted access is a necessary precaution to ensure public safety until the staff can perform maintenance and repairs to the bridge across the dam.

Many motorists use the John H. Kerr Road in their daily commutes across the Kerr Dam, and the restriction may add to their travel time. Signs located at each end of the road are in place to notify the public of its restricted accessibility of traffic.

For more information contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers John H. Kerr Powerhouse at 434-738-6633.