Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

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.

Public Safety Committee, Fire Commission Plan Joint Meeting July 29 To Discuss Fire Study, Future Of Rescue Squad

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The county’s Public Safety Committee and the Vance County Fire Commission have scheduled a joint meeting on Tuesday, July 29 at 4 p.m. to discuss the fire study.

The public safety committee consists of Commissioners Dan Brummitt, Valencia Perry and Board Chair Carolyn Faines.

At Monday’s regular monthly meeting, commissioners discussed the pros and cons of having a separate county rescue squad. The contract extension ended on June 30, but commissioners approved a 90-day extension to allow for more discussion before making a final decision.

Commissioners heard from Rescue Squad Chief Doyle Carpunky about the role of the rescue squad and the specialized certifications necessary for rescue squad members to perform several different types of rescues, including high-angle and water rescues.

Carpunky spent the early moments of his presentation refuting information shared at the previous meeting about the status of rescue squads in other counties.

He talked about the extensive training involved in the rescue certification process. Members of the rescue squad do more than water rescues, but besides the City of Henderson fire department, only Watkins Volunteer Fire Department is heavy-rescue certified. More than half of the rescue squad members are fire certified, he said.

The commissioners agreed to a 90-day contract extension so allow time for the county to purchase equipment and Vance County Fire Chief Marvin Harrison shared information about various pieces of equipment that he’s been researching.

“All departments should be self-sufficient in every way,” he said. Harrison is looking at an all-terrain vehicle, as well as different types of water craft, including one that rescuers can dive from, and an inflatable craft. Harrison said whatever equipment is purchased would be available to any of the county’s fire departments.

Commissioner Dan Brummitt said sending the issue back to the public safety committee would allow for more in-depth conversation. He said the county shouldn’t be spending taxpayers’ money “duplicating things that we already have that we could be working together on.”

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Maria Parham Celebrates Phase 1 Of Emergency Department Renovation

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Wednesday’s ribbon cutting that marks the near-completion of Phase 1 of the Maria Parham Health Emergency Department renovation is a giant step toward creating a safer space for staff and law enforcement officers working to help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis get the care they need.

If the final inspections go as planned, the Phase 1 project could open as soon as July 24, said Donna Young, MPH’s communications officer.

It’s been six years in the making, but this phase of the renovation creates specialized space that will serve individuals with mental health challenges.

In remarks during the event, MPH CEO Bert Beard told those gathered that the project is a perfect example of a public/private partnership to make things happen. Tours were offered to show just how the patients will move through the ED more efficiently to get the care they need.

Noting the somewhat smaller waiting area, Beard said “it shouldn’t be about waiting.” Like a home renovation to better accommodate a family’s needs, the ED design and construction better addresses the particular needs of those in mental health crises.

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame said, “I’m definitely excited about it, especially having the space for the sheriff’s office and the Henderson Police Department to bring people who have mental issues out here and have them evaluated.” Officers will no longer have to sit out here with them 24 or 48 hours at a time while they await evaluation and treatment or transportation to another facility. “And they’ll have a secure location, not only for the deputies but for the staff here at Maria Parham Hospital,” Brame said.

The Rev. Frank Sossamon, MPH’s lead chaplain, spoke about helping to secure $5 million in funding from the General Assembly when he served District 32 in the N.C. House.

Sossamon said the project has many positive aspects, including providing mental health care for patients and protecting the safety of everyone involved, from hospital staff to law enforcement officers who bring patients to the ED for help.

This renovation contributes to the hospital’s role as an economic driver, too, he said.

The event was an official ribbon cutting of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.

Post Originally Made on July 2nd, 2025

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Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

The Local Skinny! Farmers Market Brimming With Fresh Produce

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This time of year, the vendors at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market have to squeeze together just a bit to accommodate the tables of fresh produce, baked goods and more that are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“The bay doors are full,” said Market Manager Pat Ayscue. “We kind of slip and slide a little closer to each other this time of year.”

In addition to the sweet corn, butterbeans, peas and more, there’s a new local producer who’s bringing in peaches. “He fills the back of his truck up, and they are so delicious!” Ayscue said.

Come on out to the market on Saturday, July 26 to celebrate the birthday of long-time vendor Calvin Adcock.

There will most likely be a cake with candles, but who knows – there could be candles in a birthday watermelon – the market also is celebrating Watermelon Day that day.

“Everybody loves and appreciates Mr. Adcock so much…it just all works together really well for both days to be together,” Ayscue said. “He’s a real inspiration to us all.”

To mark Watermelon Day, Ayscue said she’ll be giving away free watermelons every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to noon.

It’s shaping up to be a great watermelon harvest, she said, unlike last year when untimely drought and then heavy rains took tolls on the summertime favorite.

“Last year was a rough season on watermelons,” Ayscue said. “This season is looking really good…this year, we’ve hit it just right.”

Be on the lookout for Sugar Baby, Charleston Gray and Jubilee varieties.

Eligible customers can stretch their produce budget with the Senior Voucher and Double Bucks programs. EBT is accepted as well.

“If you use your EBT card at our market, I can match that with Double Bucks to stretch your food dollars,” she said.

The Senior Voucher program is a state program, and Ayscue said the vouchers can be used at any farmers market that is certified.

Artis Crews with Green Rural Redevelopment Organization will be at the market this Saturday to sign up seniors for the voucher program.

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