WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) expressed his extreme disappointment with Governor Pat McCrory for signing into law House Bill 589, the Voter Information Verification Act, which makes sweeping and regressive reforms to voting laws in the state. In reaction to the bill’s enactment, Butterfield said, “Governor McCrory and his party members have destroyed the progressive reputation for voting inclusion this state has long held. With one stroke of his pen, McCrory has effectively reversed 30 years …
Tuesday Open Line
We are all used to thumbing through the catalogs that arrive in the mail almost daily for the latest bargains, even in this Internet age. The first such catalog — more of a flyer — was sent out by Montgomery Ward late this month in 1872. That first catalog consisted of only one page, featuring 163 items for mail order purchase. But the idea was so successful that by 1904, the Ward’s catalog weighed in at four pounds. While Montgomery …
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: Serving the Second District
I’m so happy to be back home in the Second District this month! The Congressional recess provides me the opportunity to spend invaluable time listening to the concerns of the men, women and families across my district. Last week, I spoke to the Mary Stewart Lions Club in Dunn and visited the NC Defense & Economic Development Trade Show in Fayetteville. You’ll find some photos from those events below, and more information and photos on Facebook and Flickr. I also …
VGCC Practical Nursing Graduates receive pins
Vance-Granville Community College honored 30 students who have completed its one-year Practical Nursing program during a pinning ceremony on Aug. 1 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus. Upon receiving diplomas, graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national exam for licensed practical nurses (NCLEX-PN). Among the graduates recognized at the ceremony were Ashley Kayla Green of Creedmoor; Kara Renee’ Hill, Emily Elizabeth Litzenberger, Nyamweya Omundi and Marta Saldana, all of Durham; Nicole Perry and …
Newsletter from the Office of Senator Bryant
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 · Grant Awards and Opportunities · Events · Legislative News · Hear and See Legislative Live Daily · Ethics Tip · A Note of Thanks —————————————————————————- AROUND THE DISTRICT AND MORE Youth Speaker Javan Richardson visits the General …
White House Weekly Address: A Better Bargain for Responsible, Middle Class Homeowners
In this week’s address, President Obama says that the housing market is starting to heal, and now it’s time to build on that progress by creating a better bargain for responsible, middle class homeowners. The President announced steps he will take to strengthen the housing market, and now Congress must act to help make homeownership a source of pride and middle class security for generations to come. This week, the President embarked on a two-day trip west, to Arizona and …
Monday Open Line
An invention that has had a profound impact on our use of fabrics and on the nation’s economy was patented on this date in 1851 — the home sewing machine, developed by Isaac Singer. The idea of the sewing machine — and some working models — went back to nearly a century before 1851. But Singer’s simple, sturdy machine was the first to be a commercial success. While far fewer people sew at home as avidly as was done in …
City of Henderson City Council Meeting August 12th
PUBLIC NOTICE Henderson City Council Regular Meeting Monday, 12 August 2013 6:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers, 134 Rose Ave., Henderson, NC 27536 Download the full agenda packet here: 20130812_coh_agena_packet I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. OPENING REMARKSIn order to provide for the highest standards of ethical behavior and Transparency inGovernance as well as provide for good and open government, the City Council hasapproved Core Values regarding Ethical Behavior1 and Transparency in …
Vance County Board of Education Meeting Monday, August 12th
Vance County Board of Education Henderson, N. C. 27536 August 12, 2013 7:00 p.m. Administrative Services Center I. Call to Order II. Moment of Silence * III. Approval of Minutes * IV. Approval of Meeting Agenda V. Recognitions/Announcements VI. Comments from the Public (Citizens who would like to address the Board may do so by completing Form BDDH-E, Public Participation at Board Meetings. This request must be made by noon one working day …
VGCC to be profiled on UNC-TV
Vance-Granville Community College will take a turn in the statewide spotlight on Thursday, Aug. 22, when UNC-TV airs a segment on the college during its nightly news magazine program, “North Carolina Now.” As part of the N.C. Community College System’s 50th Anniversary celebration this year, UNC-TV has been producing short documentaries on each of the 58 community colleges in the state. Earlier this summer, producer Rick Sullivan conducted interviews for this segment with the president of VGCC, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, …
State Graduation Rate Continues to Reach Record Heights
North Carolina’s four-year cohort graduation rate continued its upward climb and set another record, according to the state’s 2012-13 Cohort Graduation Rate Report, presented to State Board of Education members today. In 2013, 82.5 percent of students who started ninth grade in 2009-10 completed high school in four years or less. This is up from the 2012 rate of 80.4 percent. Some students require a fifth year of high school in order to complete graduation requirements. The five-year cohort graduation …
Health Insurance Marketplace Cost Estimator
Curious about your Marketplace costs? Use the Kaiser Family Foundation’s online Subsidy Calculator to get an estimate of what your premiums and savings might be on a Marketplace plan. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and your actual costs may be higher or lower. When open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace starts October 1, you’ll be able to see exactly what you’ll pay for specific plans, including any savings you qualify for based on your income. …
Friday / Weekend Open Line
With so much modern infrastructure featuring soaring atriums and deep subterranean transit systems, it’s not easy to imagine getting by without escalators. However, this efficient people mover was conceived in a far simpler, down to earth time. The first patent for a moving stairway was obtained on this date in 1859 by Nathan Ames, however, it was never built. The first practical escalator was built by Jesse Reno in 1896 at Coney Island, New York. Reno called his device an …
VGCC recognizes Medical Assisting students at Pinning
Vance-Granville Community College held a pinning ceremony for its 2013 Medical Assisting program graduates on Aug. 1 at the college’s Franklin County Campus in Louisburg, where the program is conducted. As VGCC’s program is nationally accredited, graduates are now eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ (AAMA) certification examination to become Certified Medical Assistants. The 16 graduates being honored included Judy Vann McIntosh of Bunn; Lindsey Brooke Hinkle of Creedmoor; Tiffany Nicole Crudup, JoAn Arnold Marshall, Lauren …
Three transferring VGCC Students receive Golden LEAF Scholarships
Recent Vance-Granville Community College students Allison Forsythe of Oxford, Tiffany Gill of Raleigh and Haleigh Meffert of Louisburg have all been awarded Golden LEAF Foundation Scholarships as they continue their education at the four-year level. They are among 215 students from across the state who were selected to receive Golden LEAF scholarships to attend participating in-state colleges or universities this year. Of those recipients, 30 were community college students transferring to a four-year institution. Community college transfer students are eligible …
Golf Course Architecture magazine lists Pinehurst No. 2 and Tobacco Road among Top 100 courses in the world
In its July issue, Golf Course Architects magazine announced its “Architects’ Choice: Top 100 Golf Courses,” a world-wide list of courses. Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst was ranked #15 and Tobacco Road, outside of Sanford, was ranked #50. Golf Course Architecture, an international publication and website, is supported by the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects, the European Golf Course Owners Association and Golf Environment Organisation, and covers golf architecture stories from around …
Wilson unveils latest N.C. Civil War Trails marker
The unveiling ceremony for the N.C. Civil War Trails marker featuring the Confederate Military Hospital No.2 in Wilson was held July 23. Wilson is one of the newest towns to participate in the N.C. Civil War Trails program. The program – now in five states (N.C., Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) – has more than 1,000 Civil War markers installed, along with brochures of each state that highlight major campaigns, skirmishes and stories. N.C. is one of 30 states …
New study confirms high value of Hatteras to N.C. economy
A new report on the flow of tourism dollars in and out of seven Outer Banks communities is beefing up previous estimates of one island’s financial ranking in the state’s roster of tourism heavyweights. The Hatteras Island Economic Impact assessment, funded by the Outer Banks VB, is a detailed exploration of how, and how much, the island communities of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village contribute to Dare County and the state of North Carolina. “Our goal …
North Carolina Weekend
For the week of Aug. 8 on UNC-TV’s North Carolina Weekend, stroll through the Wilkes Art Galleryin North Wilkesboro. Take in a performance of “Unto These Hills” in Cherokee. Step back in time at the Swannanoa Valley Museum in Black Mountain. Lift a glass at the Grove Winery & Vineyards in Gibsonville. And enjoy a tour of Farmville. (Please note: listings are subject to change.) North Carolina Weekend is underwritten by the N.C. Division of Tourism. In addition, UNC-TV has …
Wilmington area scores three No. 1 movies in a year; N.C.-filmed We’re the Millers opens this weekend
For the first time in Hollywood East’s history, Wilmington has spawned three No. 1 hits at the box office in one year with the release of The Conjuring, Iron Man 3 and Safe Haven. Now, movie buffs and local film industry leaders look to the Port City’s latest flick, We’re the Millers, a comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis, to see if moviegoers will flock to the film. The movie opens this weekend.