Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

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.”

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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KVA’s Early Learning Center Gains Full Accreditation Status From Cognia

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— information courtesy of Kerr-Vance Academy

The Early Learning Center at Kerr-Vance Academy has earned full accreditation status by Cognia, an internationally recognized education accrediting body.

The ELC is for children from 18 months of age through 4 years, according to information from KVA Head of School Matthew McLaughlin.

In a press release announcing the news, McLaughlin stated that KVA’s K-12 program has maintained accreditation for more than 50 years, and with the addition of the ELC, it becomes the only fully accredited Early Learning Center in the area.

“This accomplishment reflects our deep commitment to educational excellence and holistic growth from the very beginning of a child’s development,” McLaughlin said.

“We’re proud to provide families with an exceptional foundation of learning that supports every stage of their journey.”

The accreditation process includes areas such as curriculum, staff expertise and dedication to continuous improvement.

McLaughlin stated that it also solidifies the school’s reputation as a leader in early childhood education across the region.

For more information about the KVA Early Learning Center and enrollment opportunities, visit www.kerrvance.com.

Estate Sale To Benefit American Cancer Society In Full Swing Through Saturday, July 19

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To some, she’s Sally Garrett. Others call her Frances. And sometimes it seems like she’s doing the work of two people – or more. But whatever name she answers to, rest assured that she’ll tell you right quick why she enjoys raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Garrett is a five-time cancer survivor, she told WIZS’s Scout Hughes when he sat down to talk with her during the estate sale, going on now at the former INCO building at 602 S. Garnett St.

She was doing some research after completing treatment for her third bout with cancer, and she said, “Every treatment that I had at that time had been funded or partially funded by the American Cancer Society,” and that’s when she decided to do something to help keep that research going.

Each year, a representative from each Congressional district goes to Washington, D.C. to present their checks from fundraising efforts.

And last year, this Congressional district was the largest contributor, she said.

The estate sale concept is part of the success, she noted. Auctions had sort of run their course, she said, and once the idea of having an estate sale format gained traction, they were off to the races.

“We just did great,” she said. “We made $14,000 that first sale and that really fired us all up…we can do this!”

She said it speaks well of the community the size of Henderson and Vance County that she and her team of volunteers can raise that kind of money. “It all comes from friends getting together and doing something we love,” she said.

Not to brag, but Sally & Friends was the top fundraiser group at last year’s Relay for Life in Granville County with $30,000 going to the cause to find a cure for cancer.

“You have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,” Garrett said. “We don’t know who this money is going to help, but it’s going to help somebody…it could be my family, your family or somebody across the world.”

The sale is scheduled to continue through the week, but Garrett said it would depend on how many items are left and how many people are coming in to shop.

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The following was the original post of this story on Friday, July 11, 2025:

Come check out the items up for grabs at the annual estate sale to benefit the American Cancer Society. Sally Garrett and Friends are conducting the sale, which kicked off Thursday and continues through the weekend.

Stop by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and then 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The sale picks up again on Tuesday, July 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and could continue as long as Sunday, July 20, depending on how sales go, said Frances Garrett, one of the organizers.

This is the second year for the sales, said Chuck Martin, another volunteer who helps with the sale. The items are donated by people who may be downsizing or who have things left from other sales. This sale takes place at the former INCO building, located at 602 S. Garnett St, and features furniture, home furnishings and more.

Visit https://www.estatesales.net/ to see photos of the featured items.

“Every dime goes to the Cancer Society,” said Martin. “Sally Garrett represents the American Cancer Society and assures that all money raised is accounted for and deposited with the state ACS in Raleigh,” he added.

The building space is donated by Jason Stewardson.

July 24 Workshop To Discuss Land Ownership, Preservation And Heirs’ Property

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The N.C. Cooperative Extension, in partnership with faculty and staff at N.C. State University, N.C. A&T State University, the Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute and other entities, will host a workshop about land ownership rights, heirs’ property and land preservation.

The daylong workshop is free – includes lunch – and is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 24 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson.

This is an educational workshop designed to share information about land ownership rights, land use, as well as land preservation.

Register for the workshop at https://go.ncsu.edu/vcheirsproperty.

NCDMV Offers 2-Year Extension For Driver License Renewals

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— information courtesy of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles

North Carolina drivers have two extra years to renew their driver licenses, thanks to Senate Bill 391 and efforts by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles reduce wait times and long lines at DMV offices across the state.

The new law went into effect July 1, but there are some exceptions that drivers need to know about: the law is only for Class C licenses, which is the standard passenger vehicle license, and it’s for in-state driving.

The moratorium, in effect through Dec. 31, 2027, applies only to Class C licenses and allows continued in-state driving privileges during the two-year grace period, according to information from the NCDMV. “Expired licenses will not be valid for any purpose other than establishing the license holder’s driving privilege, including identification purposes and air travel, and may not be recognized by other states or federal entities. The moratorium does not apply to commercial driver licenses, or any licenses that are suspended, revoked, or cancelled,” the NCDMV statement read.

“Thank you to the Legislature and Governor for this temporary measure to provide flexibility for North Carolina drivers while we work to address the increased demand for our services,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “Customers may present expired Class C licenses for in-state driving privileges only if the expiration date is July 1, 2025, or later. However, we advise our customers to renew their licenses to ensure they remain valid for identification purposes, including to fly, rent a car, get a bank loan, fill a prescription and have documents notarized.”

Saturday Service Hours Resume at 20 Locations

Beginning again this weekend, and through Aug. 23, NCDMV will offer walk-in services at 20 locations on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., no appointment needed. Available services include driver license and ID card renewals, duplicates, address changes, REAL ID issuance, and road tests for those who have completed knowledge and written tests.

Before visiting, check if your needs can be met online. NCDMV provides many services digitally, such as license and ID renewals, duplicates, address changes, and voter registration applications. Visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/default.aspx to find out if you can conduct your business online instead of heading to the local DMV office.