Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

North Henderson Baptist to Hold Yard/Bake Sale, Country Breakfast

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-Information courtesy Catherine Abbott, North Henderson Baptist Church

North Henderson Baptist Church, 1211 N. Garnett St., will hold a Yard/Bake Sale and Country Breakfast on Saturday, October 6, 2018, from 7 – 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

The event will be held rain or shine and all proceeds go to benefit Relay for Life/American Cancer Society.

Contacts: Catherine Abbott (252) 430-9631 or Sylvia Spain (252) 425-1862.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Downtown Henderson’s ‘Show, Shine, Shag & Dine’ to Feature Annual Corbitt Truck Show

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-Information and flyer courtesy Ken Stegall, The Corbitt Preservation Association

The Corbitt Preservation Association will host their 17th Annual Corbitt Truck Show and Reunion on Saturday, October 20, 2018, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Historic Downtown Henderson. This year, the Corbitt group will set up in their new location on the corner of Garnett and Montgomery Streets.

The show is being held in conjunction with Vance County Tourism’s 2018 Show, Shine, Shag & Dine event.

Additionally, the Corbitt Museum will be open to visitors on Saturday, October 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 180 Church Street, Henderson.

For more information regarding the Show, Shine, Shag & Dine weekend, including a schedule of events, please click here.

 

Watkins Volunteer Fire Dept. to Hold BBQ Chicken/Pork Fundraiser

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-Information and flyer courtesy Watkins Volunteer Fire Dept.

The Watkins Volunteer Fire Department will hold a BBQ Chicken and Pork Fundraiser on Friday, October 5, 2018, starting at 11 a.m.

Chicken or BBQ Pork Plate – $8

Chicken/BBQ Pork Combo Plate – $12

1-pound BBQ Pork – $8

Plates come with boiled potatoes, slaw, bread and dessert and are eat in or take out.

Location: Watkins Fire Department – 1590 Horseshoe Bend Road, Henderson

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

Registration Underway for Rebuilding Hope’s Annual Men & Boy’s Ministry Weekend

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc.

Registration is underway for Rebuilding Hope’s 8th Annual Men and Boys Ministry Weekend.

The weekend begins with a meal and worship service at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2018, at Rebuilding Hope, 414 Raleigh Road in Henderson.

A worship service led by the Rev. Joel Beckham, pastor of New Life Baptist Church, Henderson, will follow the meal. He will speak on “Biblical Mentorship.”

Participants will gather at 8 a.m. Saturday, October 20 at Rebuilding Hope to make up teams and receive assignments for hands-on projects in the communities served by the ministry.

Men are encouraged to bring their sons and grandsons and their friends, as well as their neighbors.

For information and to register, call (252) 438-5132. The deadline for registration is Monday, October 15. There is no cost.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

First Nationwide Presidential-Level Emergency Test to be Conducted Wed., Oct. 3

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-Information courtesy Lynn Allred, Public Information Officer/Grants Coordinator, County of Granville

IPAWS National Test

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system on October 3, 2018.

• The test will assess the readiness to distribute an emergency message nationwide and determine whether improvements are needed.

• The test messages will be sent using FEMA’s IPAWS, which enables authorities to send emergency messages to multiple communications networks, including the EAS and WEA as part of the nation’s modern alert and warning infrastructure.

• Sending the WEA test message will begin at 2:18 p.m. EDT. The EAS message will be sent at 2:20 p.m. EDT.

• This will be the first nationwide Presidential-level WEA test and cannot be opted out.

• Originally planned for September 20, 2018, the test has been postponed until October 3, 2018. A back-up date is always planned in case of severe weather or other significant events.

Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) Test

Cell towers will broadcast the WEA test for approximately 30 minutes beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT. During this time, WEA-compatible cell phones that are switched on and within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless carrier participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. Cell phones should receive the message only once.

The WEA test message will be a Presidential Alert and will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

WEA messages are sent by public safety officials to warn the public about dangerous situations in other critical emergencies. The national test will use the same special tone and vibration as with all WEA messages (e.g. tornado warnings and AMBER Alerts).

The EAS test message is distributed to radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers.

The test message will be similar to regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar and interrupts programming for approximately one minute.

The EAS message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency, an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message. A similar Wireless Emergency Alert test message has been sent to all cell phones nationwide. Some cell phones will receive the message; others will not. No action is required.”

For additional information, please visit the FEMA website by clicking here.

‘Paws, Tails & Boots’ Veterans Dog Walk to Return to Vance Co. Animal Shelter

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-Information and flyer courtesy Mark Ferri

The fall Veterans Dog Walk “Paws, Tails and Boots” will be held at the Vance County Animal Shelter, 1243 Brodie Rd., Henderson, on Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The public is welcome, with veterans and first responders strongly encouraged to attend. Participants will be walking and interacting with selected shelter dogs in an effort to provide companionship and trust-building activities.

The event was founded by veteran and Vance County Animal Shelter volunteer Mark Ferri. Ferri began the program in 2016 as a way to raise awareness of the mental health issues faced by veterans.

For more information on the Vance County Animal Shelter and their services, please visit their website at https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/animal%20control/.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

Rebuilding Hope Volunteers Help Hurricane Florence Victims

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-Information courtesy the Rebuilding Hope, Inc. October 2018 newsletter

Teams of Rebuilding Hope (RHI) volunteers assisted with cleanup in Elm City on September 20 following a tornado spawned by Hurricane Florence and in Warsaw on September 22 with cleanup from the hurricane.

In another disaster relief effort, RHI called for donations of cleaning supplies, paper products, nonperishable foods and other essentials for hurricane victims. On September 22, the supplies were delivered to the Core City FWB Church in Craven County, a collection site for Craven and Jones County victims.

“The response,” says RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson, “enabled us to nearly fill one of our trucks. We met people in dire need of help, and they’re going to need help for a long time to come.”

Volunteers Leo Suitte and Steve Lyles equip a trailer with chainsaws, generator and other items needed to help Hurricane Florence victims. (Photo Credit: Rebuilding Hope, Inc.)

To further assist victims, RHI is working on plans to assist repairing homes. A partnership would be with either North Carolina Baptist Men or a local church in eastern North Carolina.

RHI began preparing to offer assistance to hurricane victims as the path of the hurricane was announced.

Within days, two tool trailers were outfitted with chainsaws, generators, ladders, ropes and chains, safety equipment and a variety of tools. A tractor and skid steer loader were serviced and readied for use.

As the path of the storm veered away from local communities, volunteers looked toward helping storm-ravaged communities in other parts of the state and waited for a call.

Gearing up for this kind of mission is a first for Rebuilding Hope.

“We have the equipment, and volunteers are eager to help,” RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson says.

“We can’t do much where the hurricane hit until the water recedes,” he says. “Then we’ll connect with others at operation centers.”

RHI’s mission is always Christ-centered.

“When we serve, we want victims to know that we come in the name of and with the love of Jesus,” Randolph says.

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Board’s Oct. Meeting to Address Vacant School Buildings, Camper Use

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, October 1, 2018, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson. The Invocation will be given by Pastor Ronald Cava, First Baptist Church.

Agenda items include:

Appointments –

a. Brian Short, Emergency Operations Director – CAD System Overview

b. Jonathan Jones, USDA Letter of Conditions – Water Project

Water District Board –

a. Monthly Operations Report

Committee Reports and Recommendations –

a. Properties Committee

– Vacant School Buildings Reuse Planning

– Jail Intercom/Video/Door Lock Control System Modernization

b. Planning/Environmental Committee

– Recreational Vehicle/Camper Use Regulations

County Attorney’s Report –

a. REO Properties – Bid Acceptance Resolutions

– H.G. Taylor Land

– Parcel 0325 02002

County Manager’s Report –

a. Mobile CAD Hardware Installation

b. Resolution – NC Rural Ready Sites Grant

c. Capital Project Ordinance – Economic Development Land

d. Selection of Engineering Firm – Economic Development Land

County Attorney’s Report –

a. REO Property – Bid Acceptance Resolution

– H.G. Taylor Land – Parcel 0325 02002

– Elm Street Lot – Parcel 0087 03011

Consent Agenda Items –

a. Budget Amendments and Transfers

b. Tax Refunds and Releases

c. Ambulance Charge-Offs

d. Monthly Reports

e. Minutes

Miscellaneous – 

a. Appointments

The agenda for the October meeting may be viewed in its entirety on the Vance County website.

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County Manager McMillen Says Vance is Full of ‘Positive Momentum’

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Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the positive growth in various areas of county government.

“Vance County’s mission is to improve the quality of life for our citizens,” McMillen said. McMillen, who has worked for Vance County for 10 years and served as county manager for two, credits the approximately 350 “amazing employees” for their hard work in making a better life for all residents.

Part of that improvement in quality involves the removal of 35-40 abandoned structures from Henderson and Vance County in the past two years. Working with the City of Henderson, the County has eliminated these potentially dangerous and unsightly structures and has cleaned up at least twice that amount of properties that are now available for purchase.

McMillen estimates that there are currently 50 available properties for sale in the county and 160 in the city-limit. County surplus properties, along with photos and aerial views, may be viewed by visiting the County’s website at www.vancecounty.org and clicking on the “Surplus Properties” tab.

The County is also improving the quality of life for its citizens, according to McMillen, by bringing more jobs to the area. “Our major focus is jobs. Not only bringing jobs to Henderson and Vance County but preparing for future job opportunities as well.”

New businesses such as Mako Medical Laboratories are bringing in higher-paying jobs and opportunities. “Mako has been a great partner with us and with the community. I’m happy to report that they are six months ahead of schedule in that they have created 80 jobs of the 153 they committed to creating,” McMillen said.

The retail industry is also beginning an upward swing in the area. “We are seeing a lot of positive momentum on the retail front with businesses such as Planet Fitness and Aldi. We are starting to see Henderson and Vance County as a good market from the retail standpoint,” said McMillen.

When asked what contributed to the change in momentum, McMillen explained, “You start bringing in businesses and that starts the trend. Small pieces start coming together and the market starts improving.”

Another area currently undergoing growth and expansion is the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park. In fact, McMillen said the County would be closing on the purchase of 85 acres of land for park expansion on Thursday afternoon.

With the help of a $2.5 million grant from the NC State Department of Commerce, the County will be able to develop the land to include a road, water, sewer and utilities. Construction is expected to begin late spring of 2019.

“What some folks don’t know about the park is that there are about nine or so businesses there and all have expanded in the last two or three years,” said McMillen. “This has created a situation where there is a need for more land.”

Another way Vance County is looking towards the future includes the Henderson-Vance Economic Development’s new marketing and branding campaign aimed at attracting more people to the area. McMillen expects the department’s new logo and redesigned website to be unveiled within the next 30 days.

Vance County is also currently working with Franklin and Granville counties on receiving proposals to improve broadband access, especially to those residents on the very outskirts of the county lines.

In discussing improvements, McMillen also mentioned the addition of 81 miles of water line in Vance County, a part of the water project completed in 2014. “We are looking forward to the next phase of the project with construction starting later this year on Rock Mill Road, NC-39 S. and Foster Road, a six-mile project.”

The County is also in the middle of a consolidation project with the Kittrell Water Association. “We are looking forward to that [consolidation] having a positive impact on our systems and being able to better serve citizens in the Kittrell area,” said McMillen.

Finally, McMillen believes progress is being made due to the spirit of the local people. “I love the people of Vance County. You build relationships with people in a small town and have close access to the things you need. There is a will of the County and of the folks to do better, and that is what is most important.”

Maria Parham Franklin to Hold Open House on Wed., Oct 3

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health, a Duke LifePoint Healthcare hospital, will celebrate the upcoming grand opening of Maria Parham Franklin in Louisburg. The community is invited to join the Maria Parham leadership team on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house from 3:30 – 7 p.m.

Located at 100 Hospital Drive in Louisburg, Maria Parham Franklin will celebrate the grand opening of the emergency room and geriatric behavioral health unit.

For more information, please visit www.mariaparhamfranklin.com