Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

H-V Chamber Logo

Henderson-Vance Chamber Banquet Set For Jan. 27, 2022

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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual meeting and banquet in January 2022, during which time the Vance County Citizen of the Year will be announced.

The meeting and dinner will be held on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022 at the Vance-Granville Community College civic center, according to information from Chamber President Michele Burgess.

Current board chairman Dr. Levy Brown will recap the year’s successes and incoming board chair Ronald Bennett will announce member benefits and program initiatives for the new year.

Burgess said invitations are forthcoming, so check your email inboxes for those as well as for sponsorship opportunities for the banquet.

A video is being produced to spotlight community pride in Henderson and Vance County which will feature interviews with local business leaders discussing the benefits Chamber membership provides.

“If you or your business has seen a direct benefit from your chamber membership, please email us a short statement that we can share or if you would be willing to be interviewed for our video about why you belong to our Chamber,” Burgess stated. Email comments for the video to michele@hendersonvance.org.

Nominations for the citizen of the year award are due before Jan. 6, 2022. Request a nomination form and guidelines from the Chamber at 252.438.8414 and return it via email to Burgess or mail a paper copy to the Chamber, P.O. Box 1302, Henderson, NC 27536.

This annual award honors a member of the community for outstanding service and long commitment to Vance County and Henderson.

Filing Period For Mar. 3 Primary Elections Opens Monday, Dec. 6

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UPDATED — The Vance County Board of Elections is making plans for the upcoming county and Henderson municipal primary elections, rescheduled from last month to March 3, 2022.  The filing period for county or local offices begins at 12 noon on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021 and closes on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 at 12 noon, according to information from Melody Vaughan, board of elections director. Contests for the following offices will be on the Mar. 3 ballot:

  • Vance County Commissioner-Districts 3, 4 and 7
  • Vance County Board of Education-Districts 1, 2, 6 and 7
  • Vance County Register of Deeds
  • Vance County Clerk of Superior Court
  • Vance County Sheriff

Filing for the city of Henderson will begin at 12 noon on Jan. 3, 2022 and will end on Jan. 7, 2022 at 12 noon. Contests for the following offices will appear on the Mar. 3 ballot:

  • Wards 1 and 2, at-large seats
  • Wards 3 and 4

The fee schedule for the various seats is set by the State Board of Elections.

The fees are:

  • County Commissioners⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅$ 98.72
  • Board of Education⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅$ 42.00
  • Register of Deeds⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅$ 529.56
  • Clerk of Superior Court⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅$ 998.00
  • Sheriff⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅$ 720.60
  • City of Henderson⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅$10.00

Payment will be accepted in the form of a check or cashier’s check payable to Vance County Board of Elections.

The primary elections information will be updated in the next week to include any federal or state offices that will appear on the ballot, and again after the filing deadlines to include names of all candidates running for each office. Ballots are scheduled to be printed a couple of months before the election.

On Election Day, poll workers will mark buffer zones with signs to mark where electioneering may take place. State law requires that the limit be set at 50 feet from the entrance of the polling place, but no farther than 50 feet and at least 25 feet. Listed below are the precincts and polling places in Vance County:

  • North Henderson 1 – County office building, 305 Young St. and Walnut St.
  • South Henderson 1 – Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St.
  • East Henderson 1 – Advance Academy, 219 Charles St.
  • West Henderson – Central Fire Station, 211 Dabney Dr.
  • Northern Vance – Vance County Middle School, 293 Warrenton Rd.
  • South Henderson 2 – L.B. Yancey Elementary School, 311 Hawkins Dr.
  • Hilltop – St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 3005 Oxford Rd.
  • Kittrell – Kittrell Fire Station, 54 W Main St., Kittrell
  • Middleburg – E. O. Young Elementary School, US 1 North, Middleburg
  • Sandy Creek – Aycock Recreation Complex, 307 Carey Chapel Rd.
  • Community College – Vance-Granville Community College, 200 Community College Rd.
  • New Hope – New Hope Elementary School, 10199 NC Hwy 39 N

Contact the board of elections office at 252.492.3730 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. with questions.

Vance Teen Court Club: Adult And Youth Volunteers Needed

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The Vance County Teen Court Club is an organization designed to help young people understand the justice system while learning how to take responsibility for their actions. The club is looking for volunteers ages 12 and up to participate. Youth and adult volunteers are needed, according to Tara Goolsby with the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department.

The group currently meets at Aycock Recreation Center on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., according to Youth Services Program Coordinator Darius Pitt. The actual court sessions are held at the court house with real judges and attorneys, he said. “We are in the rebuilding stage right now because most of our volunteers have graduated and are gone off to college,” Pitt said.

Participants learn about the justice system through a variety of hands-on activities, and they provide an alternative system of justice which encourages young people to take responsibility for their actions and correct mistakes.

Student volunteers participate in the defense and prosecution of youthful offenders.

In addition to knowledge gained, volunteers also can earn community service hours toward graduation and improve their communication and problem-solving skills with their involvement in Teen Court Club.

Contact Pitt at 252.431.6099 or dariuspitt@henderson.nc.gov.

NCDOT

NC DOT Awards Contracts For Vance, Warren Road Improvements

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More than 20 miles of state-maintained roads in Vance County will undergo resurfacing and shoulder improvements, according to information from NC DOT.

Carolina Sunrock of Raleigh was awarded a $2.7 million contract to mill, resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 21.4 miles of Vance County roads, including Tungsten Mine, Jacksontown and Morgan roads.

ST Wooten Corporation of Wilson was awarded a $2.1million contract to make similar improvements along 16.5 miles of roads in Warren County. Roads to be resurfaced under this contract include Slick Williams, Baltimore and Parktown roads.

The work may begin in spring 2022 and must be completed by the end of summer 2023, according to the NC DOT press release.

NCDHHS

New Program Can Help Eligible Households That Face Water Disconnection

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A new emergency program launched today (Dec. 1) to help low-income households afford water and wastewater services. The program, called Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is scheduled to run through September 2023 or until the funds are all used up. It is a federally funded program administered through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Households that have already had the water or wastewater services cut off or have received notice of being cut off because of past due bills may be eligible to apply for the one-time payment, which will be paid directly to the utility company, according to a press release.

Families that already receive assistance from federal programs such as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services are automatically eligible. Households that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021 also are automatically eligible. These households should contact the local Department of Social Services for more information.

There are certain eligibility criteria, according to the press release. A household must have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen and have income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, have household services that are already disconnected, in danger of disconnection or have a current outstanding bill that they are responsible for paying.

If your water has been cut off, or if you have gotten a notice of disconnection, apply online at www.epass.nc.gov, apply in person at your local department of social services or by phone. In addition, a paper application is available at the website above and can be completed and dropped off or faxed to the department of social services.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, any household needing help paying its water bill can apply for help if they meet eligibility requirements.

Visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-household-water-assistance-program-lihwap to learn more.

S-Line Rail Corridor

Passenger Rail Plan Seeks Input As S-Line Project Continues

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The community is invited to participate in a couple of activities this weekend that are part of the NC DOT study of the proposed S-Line rail project. Henderson and Norlina are both being considered for stops along the line.

There will be a pop-up community meeting in Norlina on Friday, Dec. 3 as the plan moves forward.  The Norlina meeting will be held at Rachel’s Whistle Stop Café, according to Warren County Economic Development Director Charla Duncan. The gathering is open to all and will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The café is located at 123 Hyco St, Norlina, NC 27563.

Then, on Saturday, Dec. 4, a team from the engineering firm hired by the state to lead and assess the needs/feasibility study will be at the Henderson Christmas parade to conduct public interest surveys about the plan, according to Downtown Development Director Tracy Madigan. Stop by Sadie’s Coffee Corner on Saturday between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to provide input and give thoughts about the proposed rail plan.

The engineering firm is interested in hearing from the public about such things as how the transit-oriented development should look, things you would consider exciting to change or improve and items you believe present concerns.

Duncan told WIZS News that the Dec. 3 meeting is not about the design of the rail line itself, but “about the possibility for development around a potential stop in Norlina.” She invites the public to come out to share input.

The same is true in Henderson.

Transit-oriented development is defined as a way to build compact, walkable cities and town and preserving rural and natural areas. Having a mix of residential, business and retail  development within walking distance of a transit station reduces the need for driving while creating walkable destinations for recreation and other activities.

According to information about the study from NC DOT, the S-Line is a 95-mile long missing link within the plan for passenger rail service along the southeast rail corridor. The proposed S-Line section begins in Sanford and continues through Apex, Raleigh, Wake Forest, Franklinton, Henderson and Norlina. The Henderson and Norlina stops are among 13 that are noted along the proposed line. The transit-oriented development (TOD) study “will evaluate market conditions, affordable housing considerations, multi-modal transportation opportunities, and regulatory conditions in the various jurisdictions,” according to materials provided by the engineering firm.

 

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Brame: Two Drug Arrests In Separate Traffic Stops Over Long Holiday Weekend

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Vance Sheriff Curtis R. Brame announced the arrests of two people on drug charges in separate incidents over the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Gregory Brown was stopped by members of the patrol division on Tiny Broadwick Boulevard on Nov. 25 for an expired tag. During the traffic stop, Brame said Brown told a deputy that he had narcotics in the vehicle.

In searching the vehicle, deputies located a substance in a clear bag, along with some drug paraphernalia.

Brown, who lives in Durham, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver methamphetamine, maintain a vehicle for a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and for expired vehicle registration. He posted a $50,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 27, 2022.

On Saturday, Nov. 27, members of the sheriff’s office criminal investigation division conducted a traffic stop on Rice Road on a vehicle for littering. Deputies observed what they considered to be narcotics in plain view during the stop. During a search of the vehicle, officers located 42 small white envelopes of a substance they determined to be heroin. The passenger in the vehicle, Katlyn Duncan of Nathalie, VA, was arrested and charged with possession of heroin. Duncan was given a $10,000 secured bond and was transported to the Vance County Detention Center. She has a court date of Jan. 24, 2022.

Michael Easley, Jr. Sworn In As U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of NC

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Michael F. Easley, Jr. is the newest U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. His nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, 2021 and U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III administered the oath of office last week, according to a press statement.

 “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the Eastern District of North Carolina as United States Attorney,” Easley said in the statement. “I am grateful to President Biden for this opportunity, and I want to thank Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis for their strong support through the confirmation process.”

As U.S. Attorney, Easley is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which includes Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties among the 44 easternmost counties of North Carolina. He oversees a staff of 119 employees, including 58 attorneys and 61 non-attorney support personnel.  The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics.  The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Easley was a partner in McGuire Woods LLP prior to his appointment and was a litigator focused on internal investigations and trial court work in state and federal courts.  He represented businesses and individuals in civil, criminal, and regulatory matters over a wide range of topics, including criminal law, environmental, consumer protection, business torts, professional negligence, government contracting, as well as matters involving financial services and securities.

Easley also has advised clients facing inquiries by the U.S. Department of Justice, North Carolina Ethics Commission, and matters before other governmental regulatory bodies.

Born in Southport, Easley attended the University of North Carolina where he graduated with honors and distinction in political science. He later received his law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

In addition to his work at McGuireWoods, Easley contributed time to various bar and community organizations.  He served as a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of North Carolina.  He was also a member of the Criminal Justice Section Council and the Integration, Equity & Equal Justice Task Force of the North Carolina Bar Association. Mr. Easley also served as a mentor in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Success in Law School Mentoring Program.

4-H Logo

Vance 4-H Agent Discusses Programs For Area Youth

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The 4-H program is designed as a youth development program, but there are definitely some benefits for adults as well. One program that Vance 4-H agent Wykia Macon said is a win-win for club members and older adults alike is called Tech Changemakers, which pairs those young, savvy tech users with others who need a little help understanding how it all works.

Macon spoke with Paul McKenzie on a recent lawn and garden segment of The Local Skinny! and said 4-H still has traditional programming like gardening but has evolved to include other areas like food and nutrition and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.

In 4-H, club members have the opportunity to develop public speaking and leadership skills. Participants in district and state competitions vie for ribbons and cash awards.

Macon said some of the programs are short, lasting six weeks. Find new listings on their Facebook page or on the cooperative extension’s webpage. One food and nutrition program modeled after the popular Food Network show “Chopped” included competing for top cooking honors. There also are financial management classes for teens.

The Tech Changemakers program has teens teaching adults a variety of digital literacy skills to be able to create PowerPoint presentations, learn how to use the Zoom platform, and how to use Google Calendar.

The “Just Grow It” program is a self-paced project that supplies youth with all the materials necessary to grow microgreens and create container gardens. “They get a chance to see things grow,” Macon said, and also “gives them an idea of where their food comes from.”

There is always a need for adult volunteers to help with 4-H, Macon said. The more adults that offer their time, the more children in the community 4-H can reach, she added.

To learn more, contact Macon at wsmacon@ncsu.edu or 252.438.8188.

Free Christmas Concert SATURDAY At McGregor Hall, Courtesy Of Vance Arts Council And Community Sponsors

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(This post has been edited to correct the day of the show.)

The Vance County Arts Council will present a holiday program SATURDAY afternoon, November 27, at McGregor Hall. Admission is free and the public is invited to come out and enjoy Tidings of Comfort and Joy, featuring Christmas music to soothe the soul.

Alice Sallins, executive director of the local arts council, said the program lineup includes sacred and secular music, as well as dance performances and the Holiday Royal Pageant at intermission.

The doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the program begins at 4 p.m. McGregor Hall is located at 205 Breckenridge St. in Henderson.

Sallins said the first half of the show will showcase sacred music and the second half will have secular music. Some of the individuals and groups scheduled to perform include:

  • Lynn Cooper, recording artist
  • Clearview Baptist Praise Team
  • I Praise Dance Academy
  • Jimmy Barrier Band
  • Brotherhood, a group of local male vocalists
  • The Queen of Diamonds
  • Tyrel Clark as Lil Santa
  • Work in Progress
  • The Chavis Family

Sallins said the show should last a good two hours and there just may be a surprise group that will make an appearance. It’s something that the local arts council does each year for the community, but it doesn’t happen without a lot of support and good ol’ hard work and attention to details.

Local sponsors are vital to the success of programs like this one, she said. In addition to the North Carolina Arts Council and the Vance County Board of Commissioners, she said she is especially grateful to Vance Family Medicine for sponsoring the back cover of the program booklet for this performance.

In addition to Sallins’ role as executive director of the arts council, she also is chair of the promotions committee of the downtown development corporation. And she said there’s still time to enter the Christmas parade, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m.

She said she’s gotten more than 50 entrants so far, and she expects to get more through the weekend. She’ll take forms until Monday, Nov. 29. She needs time to get all the groups and floats and other entries in an official lining-up order. “We already have a lot of floats, both homemade and professional,” Sallins said.

“Vance County Schools will have a great presence this year,” Sallins said, noting that most of the schools will be represented in one way or another.”

The parade route will begin at the Raleigh Road Extension and Dabney Drive near Walgreens, which will mean some streets will be closed as early as 2:30 p.m. The parade ends near the intersection of Garnett Street and Andrews Avenue.

For more information, contact Sallins at 252.767.4579.