Category: Open Lines

Filing is done, we’d like to thank all who have filed to run for public office.  Our list is up to date as far as I know of all candidates filed in Vance County.  Some positions have only one person running, giving them a clear shot, unless there is such a thing as a write in, I’m not sure.  See the full list here: http://homeinhenderson.com/2012/02/28/candidates-filed-so-far-in-local-districts/ Next Tuesday, for the first time ever, nearly all public and charter school 11th graders …

Today is the LAST DAY to file for public office, your application must be in the board of elections hands by today at NOON.  There are 15 seats open, with the majority of those seats currently only have one person running as of Tuesday afternoon.  We have a list of people that have filed so far here.  Notice, only 2 spots have more than one name listed…  That’s 4th ward seat for the city council, and NC House District #32. …

Only one more day to file your application to the Board of Elections if you want to run for an office this year.  There are seats open on City Council, Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education.  A few new people registered yesterday for election / re-election:  Edward Wilson, James C. Kearney, Sr., Terry Garrison, Emeron J. Cash, Sr., and Vernon Brown.  See our running list here:  http://homeinhenderson.com/2012/02/28/candidates-filed-so-far-in-local-districts/ Last night, PBS aired the White House Red, White & Blues Concert …

For those truly interested in change in this county, I’d like to remind you that this is an election year, with nearly 15 open elected spots up for grabs.  Those seats up this year are:  County Commission Districts #1, 2, 5, & 6.  School Board Districts #3, 4, & 5. City of Henderson Officials- Mayor, 1st – 4th Ward Seat & 1st – 4th Ward At Large Seat. There is still time to file to run, with the final date …

There are many bird-feeding and bird-watching events this month.  One of them is the annual Great Backyard Bird Count — in which ordinary Americans note the kinds and quantity of birds in their immediate area, helping scientists track the health of the bird population.  With the foliage off the trees, many will be looking at and photographing birds with cameras and binoculars.  It was this month in 1872 that the first state bird sanctuary was established at Oakland, California’s Lake …

One of the first chain stores in the U.S. opened its doors on this date (February 22nd) in 1879 in Utica, New York.  For generations of Americans, Woolworth’s was known simply as the “five and dime.”  Inside were wooden floors and display tables stacked with items that sold for up to a dime.  Equally famous was the store’s lunch counter, featuring malted milk shakes.  The distinctive red and gold signs were taken down in 1997.  Woolworth’s was no longer able …

We’ve had an active week with 4, count ’em, 4 articles submitted by regular readers.   Please take some time to read them and comment on them all.  These fellow readers have taken time to write out their thoughts to provoke discussion on important issues. I’ll make it easy for you: Richard Brand: Almost Funny Gary Morgan: Healthcare – Individual Right or Imposition Michael Bobbitt: Notes From the Peanut Gallery – City Council Water Bill Special Meeting Elissa Yount: Mea Culpa …

The Wake County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Monday in support of an amendment to the state constitution that would define marriage as being between one man and one woman and ban civil unions. The amendment will appear on the May primary ballot. Of course, this is just a formality and doesn’t really mean anything except that they show their position.  But would you be interested in Henderson City Council, or the Vance County Board of Commissioners also taking …

I’d like to thank everyone for entering our weekend contest, as you can see it brought out lots of commenters, lots of viewers to our site.  I just wish I didn’t have to bribe you all to comment so much!  Our purpose is to give the area a discussion place for topics that affect us all.  Although we don’t have official reporters, we have the community, and you can see that when everyone participates, there’s plenty of news and discussion …

As I commented yesterday, WTVD 11 came to City Hall Thursday to interview residents, and also the city manager Ray Griffin regarding the new water bill fees.  You can see the segment here: I know they also interviewed more people outside of city hall that are not shown in the video.  You can read their article here. About 400 people have had their water shut off this week, assuming all of those people pay this week, thats a minimum of …

For the week of Feb. 16 on UNC-TV’s “North Carolina Weekend,” stroll among the Civil War era drawings at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington. Whet your appetite with a visit to Snappy Lunch in Mount Airy. Enjoy a reception, dinner and program at Taste of Core Sound in Harkers Island. Lift several glasses during the Yadkin Valley Red Tour, based in Yadkinville. And wander among the delights at Glasshalfull in Carrboro. (Please note: listings are subject to change.) “North …

Today I’ve posted numerous releases regarding businesses expanding and creating jobs in North Carolina.  Although they aren’t here, the large number of businesses announcing hiring and expansion is a telling sign that our economy is growing. While February 14th may not be an official holiday, Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular in the year’s calendar.  Its origins are a mix of legends involving two Christian martyrs, a roman fertility rite, and the old notion that this is the …

Happy Valentine Day to all! Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The mid-19th century Valentine’s Day trade was a harbinger of further commercialized holidays in the United States to follow. In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts in the United States. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates packed in a red satin, heart-shaped box. In the 1980s, the diamond …

Weekly Address: Extending the Payroll Tax Cut for the Middle Class – President Obama urges Congress to extend the payroll tax cut to prevent a tax hike on 160 million hardworking Americans. Back in December, Congress faced this exact same predicament. People all over the country tweeted, emailed and wrote to explain how losing $40 each check would affect them. Ultimately, thanks to your stories, Congress did the right thing and passed a two-month tax cut extension. It’s more important …

Greenway’s new restaurant on Garnett Street is open.  Lunch: Sunday – Fri 11 – 2 Dinner: Fri – Sun 5 – 10 Located in the old Wildflower / Bullpen / Jessica Charles / restaurant location Martin Robinson Delany had many careers — doctor, editor, author, politician, judge, and army officer.  He used his talents toward abolishing slavery and promoting emigration for African-Americans.  He went to Harvard to become a physician, and during the Civil War recruited soldiers for all-black units …

Regardless of whether the groundhog saw his shadow last week — it’s still cold over much of the nation’s landscape — and that means keeping the heat on and also keeping an eye on the thermostat for a balance of being comfortable and holding down costs.  Across the U.S., just over half of all homes are heated by gas.  Electricity is the second most popular fuel, used in just over a third of homes.  Fuel oil and kerosene heat just …

This month, the word “heart” usually makes us think of the romance of Valentine’s Day, coming up next week.  But February is also American Heart Month, with a more serious meaning — taking care of our physical heart.  Everyone should be aware of the warning signs of a problem, an uncomfortable pressure in the chest may signal a heart attack, while numbness or weakness on one side of the body could mean a stroke.  Experts say you can help prevent …

The late Virginia Hamilton has been called “a majestic presence” in children’s literature.”  She was greatly influenced by growing up on a small Ohio farm and by her extended family — but especially by her parents, who were gifted storytellers.  Hamilton went on to write or edit more than 35 children’s books — many of them reflecting the life of African-Americans.  Her works, such as “M.C. Higgins the Great,” won nearly every award possible, including the National Book Award, the …

Tonight the Vance County Board of Commissioners will hold a meeting, with a lengthy over 200 page agenda packet.  You may download the packet on here. Weekly Address: It’s Time for Congress to Act to Help Responsible Homeowners.  President Obama continues his call for a return to American values, including fairness and equality, as part of his blueprint for an economy built to last. West Wing Week:  Riding the Advanced Technology Superhighway This week, the President made history by holding …

On the list of those who have been awarded the nation’s highest honor is Milton Olive III, a slightly built young man from the South Side of Chicago.  Pfc Olive was a member of the 503rd Infantry Regiment fighting in Vietnam, as he and four fellow soldiers were pursuing the enemy through the jungle, a grenade suddenly landed in their midst.  Olive saved the lives of his fellow soldiers by throwing himself on top of the grenade, his body absorbing …