On this date 116 years ago, the U.S. began absorbing an island paradise en route to making it a treasured part of the nation, as President William McKinley signed a resolution annexing Hawaii. A short time later, Congress made Hawaii an incorporated territory of the U.S., which it remained until achieving statehood in 1959. For most Americans on the mainland, Hawaii is the ultimate vacation, with its lovely scenery and average annual temperature of around 72 degrees. Tourism, defense, and …
Month: July 2014
Richard Brand: The Same Old March
Several years ago Barbara Tuchman, an American Historian and Pulitzer Prize winner, wrote a book about the “march of folly.” Her idea was that there are many times when people pursue policies and decisions which are against their best interest in the long run. The times she pointed to were picked because in those moments there were loud and persistent voices arguing against the dominant direction, but those voices were ignored. Mrs. Tuchman began with the battle of Troy and …
Fourth of July Message from Senator Burr
Every year, we look forward to the Fourth of July holiday as an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends by grilling out, enjoying the warm weather, and viewing the community fireworks display. However, as we enjoy the day of fun, we must not let the significance of our nation’s birthday escape us. Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. By signing the Declaration, a new nation was established, ruled by the people and for …
Whtie House: Celebrating Independence Day
In this week’s address, President Obama commemorated Independence Day by noting the contributions and sacrifices from individuals throughout the history of this country — from our Founding Fathers, to the men and women in our military serving at home and abroad.
Michael Bobbitt: Notes from the Peanut Gallery (City Council June 23rd, 2014)
A Special Called Board of County Commissioners meeting and a Henderson City Council Meeting were both scheduled last week on Monday June 23, 2014. One started at 5 pm and the other started at 6 pm. Instead of crafting two separate summaries I thought mixing and matching the two could highlight similarities and dissimilarities of the two governing bodies. Budget Approval The first of the five topics on the Board’s agenda was to approve the 2014 – 2015 budget. The …
Newsletter from the Office of Sen. Angela R. Bryant
Volume 9, Issue VI July 3, 2014 **Happy 4th of July** NEWS FROM RALEIGH… I always welcome your comments, project updates, suggestions, and visits. My office door and electronic door are always open to you! As always, thank you for your support! NEWSLETTER INDEX Around the District … and More Scholarships/Grant Awards, Jobs and Other Opportunities For your information Ethics Tip Legislative News Because You Care – Thank you —————————————————————————- …
Vance County Board of Commissioners July 7th 2014
Download the full agenda packet here: 20140707_vcboc_agenda_packet Invocation Rev. Mary Anderson, Associate Pastor Shiloh Baptist Church Composite Board to Reappoint Chair and One Member to the Vance County ABC Board 1. Public Hearing 6:10 p.m. Karen Foster, Council of Governments CDBG Scattered Site Closeout #10-C-2131 Other Matters: a. Revised Recapture Provisions b. Award of Bid – 1667 Walnut Street 2. Appointment 6:30 p.m. Tracy Madigan, Farmers Market Update 3. Appointment 6:45 p.m. Porcha Brooks, Tax Administrator Untimely Exemption Application 4. …
White House: 9.7 Million Jobs over 52 Straight Months
The latest jobs report came out this morning, and we’re seeing some encouraging trends: 1.4 million jobs were added in the first half of this year — the most in any first half since 1999 Private employment has increased for 52 consecutive months — the longest streak on record The unemployment rate has fallen 1.4 percentage points over the past year — the sharpest year-over-year decline in nearly three decades June marked the fifth straight month that the U.S. has …
Friday / Weekend Open Line
Today is that most American of holidays — Independence Day, celebrating the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Ours was the first successful colonial independence movement against a European power. Recognition of our nationhood came with the Peace Treaty of 1783. From sea to shining sea, there will be parades, concerts, barbecues, and, of course, fireworks. Among the famous celebrations is the Boston Pops fireworks spectacular, featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” now in its …
VGCC Students Awarded Golden LEAF Scholarships
A group of students from Vance-Granville Community College recently received scholarships through the Golden LEAF Scholars program for the North Carolina Community College System. The scholarship program, designed to help North Carolinians attend the state’s community colleges, is funded through a $750,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, fees, supplies, transportation and childcare related to attending classes during the 2013-14 academic year, and industry-recognized credential testing expenses that address skill gaps upon …
Peach Day and dessert contest on July 10 at State Farmers Market
RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market is looking for bakers and peach-cobbler makers for the peach dessert contest, which is part of the market’s annual Peach Day, July 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The winning recipe will earn $100 in prize money. Second- and third-place recipes will earn $75 and $50, respectively. Winners will be announced during Peach Day at the market’s event area, located between the Farmers Building and the N.C. Seafood Restaurant. Visitors can enjoy free …
Gov. McCrory proclaims July Got to Be NC Agriculture, Lake Appreciation months
Gov. Pat McCrory has proclaimed July Got to Be NC Agriculture Month. The proclamation notes agriculture and agribusiness constitute the top industry in North Carolina, providing more than $77 billion in revenue, of which $14.9 billion comes directly from farm production; North Carolina leads the nation in the production of sweet potatoes and tobacco, and is second in production of pork, trout, poultry, eggs and Christmas trees; and nearly a fifth of the state’s workforce is employed in some field …
NPS announces the availability of $3 million in grants for outdoor recreation in cities
The National Park Service has announced the availability of $3 million in grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for a new “Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership” program, a nationally competitive grant program. These funds will help acquire and/or develop land for public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Matching 1:1 grants will be awarded in amounts between $250,000 and $500,000 federal share. Proposals, whether state or locally-sponsored, must be submitted by each state’s Land and Water …
Butterfield Statement on the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) released the following statement today to mark the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson enacting the landmark Civil Rights Act on July 2, 1964: “Without question, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is one of the most significant laws in this nation’s history. This 50th anniversary is a time to remember the debt all of us owe to the courageous leaders of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. “This landmark law …
North Carolina Weekend
For the week of July 3 on UNC-TV’s North Carolina Weekend, enjoy a walking tour of Bath. Explore Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo. Experience the Franklin Folk Festival in Franklin. Discover Fontana Village Resort in Fontana Dam. And check out the scene at Babylon in Raleigh. Due to special holiday programming, the program’s re-airing on Friday, July 4, will be at 11 pm. (Please note: listings are subject to change.) North Carolina Weekend is underwritten by the N.C. Division …
Claim Your Independence This July 4th With NC-filmed TAMMY
WILMINGTON—The North Carolina filmed comedy, Tammy, hits theatres nationwide this Wednesday, July 2, in anticipation of the 4th of July holiday. Filmed in Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties, the feature stars Oscar winner Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, Identity Thief, The Heat, TV’s Mike and Molly) as a down on her luck fast food worker who hits the road with her profane, hard-drinking grandmother after losing her job and finding out her husband has been unfaithful. Joining McCarthy on the screen …
AAA projects 41 million Americans to celebrate summer freedom with an Independence Day getaway
AAA Travel projects 41 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday weekend, a 1.9 percent increase from the 40.3 million people who traveled last year and a nearly 14 percent increase compared to the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The majority of travelers will be celebrating their freedom with a road trip, with more than eight in 10 (34.8 million) choosing to travel by automobile, the highest level since 2007. The Independence Day …
White House: 50 Years Later
In the latest installment of Being Biden, the Vice President reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, and shares a photo of himself with Representative John Lewis, Jesse Jackson, and other leaders of the civil rights movement. It was 50 years ago today that President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law. And Vice President Biden reminds us that, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, we must also celebrate and remember the struggles of …
Thursday Open Line
Befitting the eve of the nation’s celebration of freedom, one of the most important pieces of legislation in our history became law on this date in 1964. The Civil Rights Act, signed by President Lyndon Johnson, swept away Jim Crow laws by prohibiting discrimination based on race in all accommodations and facilities open to the public, as well as employment, union membership, and voter registration. Shortly after the Civil Rights Act became law, nearly 42 percent of blacks lived in …
N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority Approves Five Grants
The N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved five grants totaling $1.4 million to companies for projects with the commitment of more than 130 new jobs in North Carolina. The grants include: Community Development Block Grant ($240,000) for the Town of Faison (Duplin County). Funds for the new distribution lines and an elevated water storage tank will allow Southern Produce Distributors to construct a new 90,000-square-foot warehouse that will be used to store sweet potatoes and sweet potato processed products …