Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Two Men In Custody Following Altercation Involving A Gun At Local Medical Clinic

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Two men were arrested Wednesday following an incident involving a gun that took place in the parking lot of Vance Family Medicine, but police say there were no injuries as a result of the gunfire.

Anthony Meadows, 22, of the Hicksboro community and Ransom Hawkins, 21, of the Gillburg community were in a physical altercation in the medical clinic’s parking lot, according to a statement issued Wednesday by Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow. 

Both men were treated for abrasions and contusions sustained during the fight and they are both in the custody of the Henderson Police Department, pending charges.

The gun was recovered by police.

Further details of the charges and bonds will be forthcoming, Barrow stated.  

Hendfact Director Addresses Vance Commissioners

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Antelmo Salazar, director of Hendfact Fuerza Activa, addressed the Vance County Board of Commissioners during the public comment section of the July 10 regular monthly meeting.

Through an interpreter, Salazar said in its 14 years of service to the Latino community in the area, Hendfact has helped share information and raise awareness among young people and to their parents.

His appearance before the board was to share some of Hendfact’s goals and to say that the group has seen changes that have helped in the community.

“You have the power and resources to help the Latino community,” he said, adding that there are some laws don’t help Latinos.

“We love this county and we want to be included as well,” Salazar said. He has lived in Vance County 30 years.

Chairwoman Yolanda Feimster thanked Salazar for his comments.
“When we take the opportunity to learn about other cultures and other ethnic groups…we get a lot of information that can be helpful and we can impart information that can be helpful

“We appreciate your input in the community,” Feimster said, adding that she hoped they would continue to contribute to the community.

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Antelmo Salazar, director de Hendfact Fuerza Activa, se dirigió a la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Vance durante la sección de comentarios públicos de la reunión mensual ordinaria del 10 de julio.

A través de un intérprete, dijo Salazar, en sus 14 años de servicio a la comunidad latina de la zona, Hendfact ha ayudado a compartir información y concienciar a los jóvenes ya sus padres.

Su aparición ante la junta fue para compartir algunos de los objetivos de Hendfact y decir que el grupo ha visto cambios que han ayudado a la comunidad.

“Tienen el poder y los recursos para ayudar a la comunidad latina”, dijo, y agregó que hay algunas leyes que no ayudan a los latinos.

“Amamos este condado y también queremos ser incluidos”, dijo Salazar, notando que ha vivido por 30 años en el condado de Vance .

La presidenta Yolanda Feimster agradeció a Salazar por sus comentarios.

“Cuando aprovechamos la oportunidad de aprender sobre otras culturas y otros grupos étnicos… obtenemos mucha información que puede ser útil y podemos impartir información que puede ser útil

“Agradecemos su aporte a la comunidad”, dijo Feimster, y agregó que esperaba que continuaran contribuyendo a la comunidad.

 

Mayor Ellington Will Not Run For A Third Term

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Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington will not seek another term in the upcoming municipal elections.

On Friday, Ellington called his decision “bittersweet” but said after two terms as mayor, he looks to a new chapter in life.

“Holding on for too long leads to entrenched leaders, which diminishes new ideas and creative thinking,” Ellington said.

He said he vividly remembers his first days in office, and said he was “driven with passion and vision” for the city.

In his eight years as mayor, Ellington cited successes such as the $79.6 million expansion of the regional water system and the $600,000 renovation and expansion of the downtown fire station.

“We celebrate our successes but the let-downs can truly wear on you. I have seen and lived both sides of politics and it can be hurtful and hard not to take it personally,” he noted.

Being mayor of a city during the COVID-19 pandemic proved especially challenging, and Ellington said it’s a point of pride that he, with the assistance of City Manager Terrell Blackmon, “courageously and emotionally led us as a city and community through hard decisions of the COVID pandemic that touched us all.”

Ellington said it’s important to realize that problems must be faced if improvements are to be made.

“Looking back, I have devoted the past eight years and two terms to ensure a brighter future while establishing a broad range of relationships on the state and federal level across both sides of the aisle. Being the official ambassador and lobbyist for the City of Henderson I can proudly say I have ties and political courtesy with both governors past and present, as well as officials in Washington, DC who will answer the phone if I call. That goes a long way for us here at home. Coming from the business sector and often at times frustrated but knowing that government moves a lot slower, we have shared success with many goals and projects that gives us a promise for the days to come,” Ellington stated.

In addition to the projects noted above, Ellington shared some more projects that have taken shape during his time as mayor, including:

  • adoption of a new Comprehensive Land Use Policy
  • completion of the West End Urban Redevelopment Area Plan and the Flint Hill Neighborhood Strategy
  • new Water and Exercise Park on William and Montgomery streets
  • new Economic Development initiatives that led to the location of Mako Medical, M.R. Williams Frozen Food Expansion, new state-of-the-art Maria Parham Cardiac Catheterization Lab
  • support and vision for the new S-Line corridor
  • re-establishment of our NC Main Street Community Program
  • re-enacted the City Redevelopment Commission
  • the creation of the first city-wide Unified Development Ordinance
  • declared gun violence a public health crisis
  • implementation, along with Henderson Police Department, the new FLOCK system with neighborhood cameras and license plate readers

Now’s The Time To Think About Entering A State Fair Exhibit

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-information courtesy of the N.C. State Fair Press Office

October seems a long way off, but for anyone interested in entering any of the competitions at the annual N.C. State Fair, fall is just around the corner.

The fair is slated for Oct. 12-22 in Raleigh and its Competitive Exhibits Coordinator John Buettner wants to make sure all prospective exhibitors have plenty of time to check out rules and deadlines for all the different exhibit categories.

Whether it’s culinary arts, handicrafts and hobbies, livestock exhibitions, horticulture or something else, there probably is a competition for most everyone to enter.

“We have a lot of classic categories and even a few new categories for competitions, and only a few require an entry fee” Buettner stated. Now is the time to read about competition rules and deadlines.

“With 4,027 classes of competitions available for entry, there is truly something for everyone. We love to see all of the talent in our state, so don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of one of North Carolina’s most cherished traditions,” he added.

To enter a competition, go to ncstatefair.org and click on competitions. The website offers a guide to all competitions, events and attractions visitors can expect during this year’s fair. Entrants can start registering online now. The deadline for submitting entries is Sept. 15, but don’t hesitate to enter in your preferred competitions early.

All contest entrants are required to submit W-9 forms along with their entry submissions. This ensures that necessary tax-related information is collected from participants. Guides and sample forms can be found on the Fair’s official website, ncstatefair.org.

The N.C. State Fair works with ShoWorks, a data management software, to compile entries. Entry forms can be mailed in or entered using the ShoWorks website or app.

“We are always excited to see what competitiors bring each year,” Buetnner said. “Whether it’s your first time entering or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s a great idea to get started early on your entries.”

Granville Hosts Five-County Beef Tour July 21

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Granville County is hosting the 2023 Five County Beef Tour on Friday, July 21. Participants will visit several spots across the county to learn about different aspects of cattle production.

Registration is open until July 14, according to information from Kim Woods, livestock agent for N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Granville Center. The counties that rotate hosting the tour are Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Wake, but participants from other counties are welcome to attend.

The tour will begin at 8 a.m. at the Butner Bull Test Station, 8800 Cassam Rd., Butner. The second stop will be Mill Creek Farm, owned by Randy and Barbara Guthrie. The Guthries have a heifer development program.

The final stop will be High Rock Farm, owned by Beth and David Hollister. The Hollisters have a stocker/finisher operation.

The group will have lunch at High Rock, during which

Evan Davis with NCDA&CS Farmland Preservation Division is scheduled to discuss farmland preservation. The tour should conclude around 2 p.m.

Carpooling is encouraged.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Woods at kim_woods@ncsu.edu or 919.603.1350 to learn more.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5-county-beef-tour-tickets-650768063797.

Maria Parham Health Releases 2022 Economic Impact Report

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-information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Market Coordinator, Communication and Marketing

Individuals depend on Maria Parham Health to provide health care and other services ranging from emergency room visits to outpatient rehabilitation therapy and cancer care.

In addition to the health care, however, the hospital also affects the economic health of the community in the way it supports local endeavors. When it’s all added up, the report concludes that MPH is responsible for a total of $66,180,877, from donations to local non-profits and tax payments to providing care to those who can’t afford it and adding more than 70 new providers to its campus.

Maria Parham has published its 2022 community benefit report, which outlines the various ways the hospital continues to invest in the health and economic vitality of the Henderson/Vance County community as part of its mission of making communities healthier®, according to Donna Young, MPH market coordinator, communication and marketing.

“For more than 97 years, Maria Parham Health has been proud to call Henderson/Vance County our home, and as a leader in our community, we are continually seeking ways to make a positive impact for those we serve,” said Bert Beard, MPH chief executive officer

“This year’s report underscores our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality care possible – both inside and outside our hospital walls.”

Maria Parham Health’s 2022 community benefit report highlights its continued efforts to meet the growing healthcare needs of its community through welcoming new providers, adding and expanding service lines and continually investing in its facilities and healthcare technology. For example, in 2022, Maria Parham Health added 73 providers in cardiology, oncology, internal and emergency medicine, pathology, telemedicine, anesthesiology, general surgery, rehabilitation, radiology and behavioral health; and made nearly $3.6 million in capital improvements, including new equipment like workstations in the pharmacy, an energy study for more efficiency, and updated endoscopy and communications equipment.

Additionally, Maria Parham Health made a donation of more than $57.2 million in health services to those in need, demonstrating its continuous commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

Maria Parham Health is also devoted to creating environments where providers want to practice, and employees want to work. In 2022, the hospital distributed more than $64,700,00 in salaries, wages and benefits for its more than 700 employees, while contributing more than $68,000 in professional development and tuition assistance so all its employees can have the opportunity to learn, grow and improve the care they provide their patients.

Last year, the organization paid $8,519,012 in local and state taxes, while also continuing its support of local activities and organizations committed to serving the region, including ACTS of Vance County, United Way, Vance County Relay for Life, Crimestoppers, and more.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community who entrusts us with their care and for the hard work and dedication of our providers, employees and volunteers who make it all possible,” said Beard. “As we continue our recovery from the many industry impacts of COVID-19 and look ahead to the future, we remain committed to honoring our legacy while further enhancing the many ways we serve our neighbors and communities.”

View the complete report at  https://www.mariaparham.com/community-benefit-report

 

 

 

Chamber’s ‘Business After Hours’ July 13 At Coastal Credit Union

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The Henderson Vance Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business After Hours next week at Coastal Credit Union.

It’s a great time for Chamber members and their guests to gather for a little networking and socializing over hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

The Business After Hours social will be held Thursday, July 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Coastal Credit Union, located at 236 Dabney Drive in Henderson.

Please RSVP Vanessa Jones, the Chamber’s director of programs, at 252.438.8414 or via email at vanessa@hendersonvance.org.

 

Local Insurance Agent Donates Equipment To Oxford Fire Department

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-information courtesy of the City of Oxford, from its ‘Discover Oxford’ newsletter

By its very nature, insurance is protection that we pay for and hope we never need to use. Whether it’s home, health, auto or some other type, having insurance is essential.

One local insurance agent, Ray Pegram Jr. of Henderson, has donated a piece of life-saving equipment to the Oxford Fire Department. It’s a different type of insurance, and it’s something OFD Fire Chief David Cottrell hopes they don’t have to use.

Called The Great Wall of Rescue, this particular piece of equipment helps remove individuals who are trapped in grain bins.

It’s the first donation of its kind in North Carolina through a program sponsored by Nationwide Insurance. The Pegram Agency has offices in Henderson and Oxford.

Pegram said he worked on his uncle’s farm in Middleburg as a youngster, which instilled in him a deep respect for farmers. Farming involves risks, especially when working in silos.

“I hope they never have to use this equipment, but if they do, they’ll have it when it’s needed,” Pegram said. “It hits close to home for me.”

Cottrell expressed his appreciation for the donation and explained that grain entrapment rescue scenarios can quickly escalate, putting victims in grave danger. “If a 165-pound person sinks into the grain up to their waist, the pressure can be equivalent to 365 pounds. If the grain reaches their chest, the pressure can be equivalent to 600 pounds, making it almost impossible to lift,” Cottrell said. ‘The Great Wall of Rescue allows us to respond more efficiently and provides a vital support system for our rescuers, ensuring a quicker and safer extraction of individuals trapped in grain.”

The apparatus consists of lightweight panels that can be lowered into the grain bin and then configured in various shapes around the trapped individual. Nationwide has documented eight lives saved in the past few years, thanks to this equipment.

The arrival of the equipment underscores OFD’s commitment to improving rescue operations and ensuring the safety of their community members.

Learn more about this life-saving equipment at https://www.greatwallofrescue.com/.

 

NCDOT

Vance, Granville To Get Part Of $9M RAISE Funding For Downtown Pedestrian Safety Improvements

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Vance and Granville counties are two of a dozen counties across the state that will receive $9 million in federal funding to make safety improvements for pedestrians in downtown areas.

The NC Department of Transportation will administer projects under Walk NC: Creating Safer Crossings as part federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE, program funds by the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to information from NCDOT.

The project, designated for economically disadvantaged areas, will add pedestrian countdown signals, crosswalks and accessible routes at signalized intersections in 15 communities, as well as add signal timing improvements and address some sidewalk gaps.

The project will put in place pedestrian safety improvements in towns identified by their poor pedestrian safety records. It will also increase transportation accessibility for many people without vehicles and prioritizes disadvantaged businesses by creating better connections in rural downtowns.

Other counties that will receive funding are Davidson, Rowan, Halifax, Wilson, Robeson, Chatham, Beaufort, Johnston, Lenoir and Richmond.

 

Vance County Logo

Filing Period For Municipal Elections Opens July 7

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Filing for municipal elections begins Friday, July 7 at 12 noon and will conclude at 12 noon on July 21, 2023 at 12 noon. Someone will be in the office at all times during the business week  throughout the filing period, according to Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan.

The filing fee for the City of Henderson is $10. Candidates must live within the city limits and also must reside within the Ward for which they seek election.

Voters will elect a mayor, as well as council members in the 1st and 2nd Wards, and at-large members in Ward 3 and Ward 4.

The filing fee for the Town of Middleburg  is $5. Candidates for the office of mayor and for the three council seats must live within the city limits.

The filing fee for the Town of Kittrell also is $5 and candidates for mayor and for the three commissioner seats must live within the city limits to qualify as candidates.