RALEIGH — As the Triad remains dry, the N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to think safety and exercise caution when burning yard debris. The fall fire season in North Carolina typically lasts from mid-October until the end of November. During the season, people do a lot of yard work that often includes burning leaves and yard debris. There are many factors to consider before doing any debris burning. The Forest Service encourages people considering debris burning to contact their …
Senator Kay Hagan: We Must Honor Veterans By Finally Clearing the VA Backlog
I recently had the honor of presenting a long-overdue Bronze Star to Army Corporal Merle “Jack” Hammersley, a veteran of World War II. After Corporal Hammersley’s family contacted my office, we worked quickly to secure the medal to honor his contributions to our country. Part of the “Greatest Generation,” Corporal Hammersley represents the very best of our country, and the Bronze Star recognizes and honors his bravery, service and sacrifice. As we pay tribute to Corporal Hammersley and all our heroes …
North Carolina Public Schools Post Strong Academic Growth; Higher Standards Mean Fewer Students Marked Proficient
More than 71 percent of North Carolina public schools met or exceeded academic growth expectations in the 2012-13 school year, according to the first READY Accountability report today presented to the State Board of Education. In addition, test scores dropped as expected in the first year of more rigorous standards. Results were provided for the end-of-grade and end-of-course tests as well as the complete accountability model measures. Data for the schools, districts and state can be accessed at www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/reporting/. The …
Friday / Weekend Open Line
The fluctuations of the nation’s general economic situation have not greatly troubled the revenue ledgers of state and local governments. In the year between 2010 and 2011, state and local governments brought in nearly $3.4 trillion in revenue — that’s an annual increase of 8.4 percent. In terms of expenditures, spending at the state and local levels increased 1.5 percent, to $3.2 trillion. Education and public welfare together comprised almost 43 percent of that total, and education alone accounted for …
Gobble Gallop 2013, November 23rd
This year GOTR NNC is partnering with ACTS (Area Christians Together in Service). ACTS is a local non – profit organization in Vance County whose mission is to help those who are without food by providing food and moral support for those who have been abused. Please take a look at the insert provided and consider bringing at least one of the items listed with you on race day. Part of the Girls on the Run experience is giving back …
Vance County Schools Educators Receive Awards
Vance County Schools honored local educators at its annual recognition banquet last night in the Civic Center of Vance-Granville Community College. Approximately 200 educators, family members, local officials and community supporters attended the event during which Dr. Larry Webb of Eaton-Johnson Middle School was named the Vance County Schools’ Principal of the Year for 2013-2014, Angela Pugh of Henderson Middle School was named the Vance County Schools’ Assistant Principal of the Year for 2013-2014 and Dr. Jeff Arthurs of Northern …
Senator Angela Bryant: Grants available for Local Farmers
District 4 Halifax, Nash, Vance, Wilson, and Warren Counties Eligible $8,000 Farm Grants $10,000 for Collaborative Group Projects Deadline: Wednesday, December 4, 2013 The Rural Advancement Foundation International’s (RAFI) Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund announces 2014 grants for existing farm enterprises. If you are a North Carolina farmer earning at least 50% of your personal income from your farm operation you may be eligible to apply for a grant. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate a way to replace …
Beach Soccer Classic to bring more than 2,100 players to Wilmington area
The 5th Annual Beach Soccer Classic, Nov. 16-17 in Wilmington, expects 150 teams from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Nearly 30 hotels in New Hanover County will house more than 2,100 youth players and their guests. “Based on participant numbers provided by event organizers, we estimate that the Beach Soccer Classic will generate approximately $787,164 in direct visitor spending in New Hanover County. Using a conservative 2.5 multiplier, the total economic impact of this tournament will be approximately $1.97 …
VGCC Ambassadors announced
Vance-Granville Community College has selected eight outstanding students to serve as ambassadors during the 2013-2014 school year. Ambassadors represent the college at special campus and community functions, among other duties. This year’s ambassadors include Charles Douglas of Henderson (a student in the College Transfer program); Jonathan Herndon of Henderson (College Transfer/Vance County Early College High School); Joy Herndon of Henderson (College Transfer/Vance County Early College High School); Ellie Sipfle of Louisburg (College Transfer); David Henry of Macon (College Transfer); Theresa …
Blue Ridge Parkway gets its own weather forecasting site
A common complaint from wintertime Blue Ridge Parkway visitors is seeing a “Parkway closed for winter weather” gate, when the skies are sunny and the air is warm. They can’t see the snow and ice a few miles down the road. A newly launched Blue Ridge Parkway weather site will help visitors understand the fickle nature of parkway weather, said Carolyn Ward, with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the fundraising nonprofit for the parkway. The foundation, along with the parkway, …
Gift from Black High School Alumni to benefit GED students at VGCC
The North Carolina Association of Black High School Alumni recently presented a gift to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund to assist students with their GED (General Educational Development) testing fees. The intended beneficiaries are students in the Adult Basic Skills program at VGCC’s Franklin County Campus. The NCABHSA was established in 2008 in order to maintain the history of former African-American high schools in central and eastern North Carolina, while also supporting education and young people. Among the high …
World of Outlaws dirt track race: Cabarrus County’s $8 million mudfest
The World of Outlaws World Finals, called by one public relations rep the “Super Bowl of grassroots dirt track racing,” is returning this week to The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord. It’s bringing more than 40,000 spectators from Thursday to Saturday with an estimated impact on the local economy of $8 million. John Mills, with the Cabarrus County CVB, said the festivities will bring in $5 million in direct visitor spending on hotels, food, transportation and retail …
North Carolina Weekend
For the week of Nov. 7 on UNC-TV’s North Carolina Weekend, tempt your taste buds at Videri Chocolate Factory in Raleigh. Stroll through the N.C. Veterans Park, the first state park dedicated to military veterans, in Fayetteville. Take in an event at The Liberty in Elkin. Be amazed at the talent featured in “Igneous Expressions,” a glass art exhibition at the David McCune International Art Gallery, part of the William F. Bethune Center for Visual Arts at Methodist University, in …
Thursday Open Line
In this month, there falls the 50th anniversary of one of the most unsettling events in U.S. history: the November 22, 1963, assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The fourth president to be slain in a span of under 99 years and the sixth to die in office in that time, Kennedy left a vast archive of film, video and audio recordings that sustain his legacy in American consciousness. But his place in history is also upheld by living memory. …
Vicky M. Jiggetts: Tutoring for Everyone
Is it a challenge for you to write essays, study for tests, prepare proposals, or perfect an e-mail that goes to everyone in your company? Many people struggle with each of these challenges, but help is on the way. I worked as a news reporter for many years, and then I taught English courses at Vance-Granville Community College for almost ten years. For the past 13 summers, I taught a writing course to future medical and dental students at Duke …
State Farmers Market to host special events this month
RALEIGH -The State Farmers Market can help add a local touch to your holiday meals or gift giving with three special events planned in November. This weekend, crafters and artisans will sell their wares during the annual Fall Craft Fair. Vendors will offer quilts, stained glass, woodworking items, pottery, ornaments, handbags, birdhouses, wreaths and more. The craft fair runs Nov. 8-10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Friday, Nov. 15, fans of leafy greens can get their fill at …
VGCC names new Dean of Students
George A. Henderson was recently named Dean of Students at Vance-Granville Community College. Henderson, a resident of Wake Forest, has worked in various capacities for the college since 1998 and most recently served as dean of VGCC’s Warren County Campus. In his new leadership role, Henderson oversees an array of student support services, including counseling, advising, tutoring, mentoring, career services, and the Workforce Investment Act. He also supervises departments such as Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, the Registrar, Student Activities …
Raleigh Flea Market at State Fairgrounds reopens Saturday November 9th
RALEIGH — After a month-long break for the N.C. State Fair, the Raleigh Flea Market reopens Saturday, Nov. 9. In addition, the N.C. State Fairgrounds will host several events this weekend. The flea market operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays except during October, when the annual State Fair is held. The Raleigh Flea Market is host to more than 600 dealers and craftsmen, showcasing everything from antiques and collectibles to handicrafts, furniture, homemade goods, clothing …
VGCC Advisory Committees hold annual meetings
Citizens from Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties came together at the Main Campus of Vance-Granville Community College on Oct. 29 as the college’s advisory committees held their annual meetings. VGCC’s 38 advisory committees are made up of people from the communities served by the college who have worked in the fields for which the college offers training. Committees are also established to advise the VGCC campuses in Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, as well as the Small Business Center …
$4.7 Million Grant Will Support Professional Development for North Carolina Principals
Strong professional development for principals has received a big boost in the northeastern part of the state thanks to a grant awarded to North Carolina State University. The U.S. Department of Education has awarded NCSU a five-year, $4.7 million grant to fund the Northeast Leadership Academy (NELA) through its School Leadership Program. “Solid leadership is essential to the success of a school and the students within,” said State Superintendent June Atkinson. “The Northeast Leadership Academy has provided a remarkable level …