WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for taking steps today to reform and improve the Lifeline program, which ensures the availability of affordable telephone and communication services to low-income Americans. Some of the changes the FCC announced include making broadband services available to all low-income Americans and increasing digital literacy at libraries and schools. “In November alone, more than 500,000 North Carolinians used Lifeline’s telephone service to communicate with family, receive help …
House Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Members Send Letter to Senate Leadership Urging Confirmation of Consumer Product Safety Commission Nominee
WASHINGTON, DC – Representative G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Ranking Member of the House Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, and his subcommittee colleagues Representatives Henry Waxman, John Dingell, Edolphus Towns, Bobby Rush, and Charles Gonzalez today sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urging the confirmation of Marietta S. Robison. Last week, President Obama nominated Ms. Robison to serve as Commissioner on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Members wrote, “…since October …
Wednesday Open Line
Former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory kicked off his gubernatorial campaign at a Guilford County meeting hall Tuesday with a plea to North Carolina voters to work against the state’s “good old boys and girls network.” (read more) Mitt Romney won Florida’s primary, with a wide margin over Newt Gingrich. “I stand ready to lead this party and to lead our nation,” Romney told cheering supporters in Tampa after his victory became clear. (read more) Discuss and more on the …
Northern Vance High School Yearbooks Now On Sale
NVHS Yearboks are on sale for $55.00 until February 1, 2012. After that, they will increase to $60.00 Interested parties should see Carolyn Powell in NVHS Counseling department to reserve their copies. You may contact Carolyn Powell at cpowell@vcs.k12.nc.us
Pedestrians Struck By Motor Vehicle
On Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 4:26 P.M., officers of the Henderson Police Department responded to the 800 block of Vaughan Street in Henderson. Officers were responding reference two pedestrians having been struck by a motor vehicle. Officer S. B. Simmons indicated upon his arrival, he found Tyson Durham, 30, of 419 John Street, Henderson and Lavar Burton, 33, of 325 Pearl Street, Henderson suffering from injuries received from the crash. Witness reported that Durham and Burton were walking …
Labor Department Urges Businesses to Apply for Safety Awards
Raleigh—The N.C. Department of Labor is now accepting applications from businesses that qualify for a workplace safety award. Safety awards are given to companies that have above-average worker safety and health programs. “A safety award shows employees and the community that you are committed to a safe work environment,” state Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. “A good safety record is something to be proud of, and businesses deserve to be recognized for their efforts.” Businesses that qualify for the award …
Action for Children North Carolina 2012 Legislative Agenda for Children
North Carolinians have long recognized that children are one of our state’s most valuable resources and their success is our success. Investing in the health, safety, education and financial security of our children are among the most important duties of our society. As the recession continues to stress North Carolinians, it is critical that policymakers focus on preserving services for children and families. Further large cuts to child and family services would undermine the health and safety of our children, …
Tuesday Open Line
Coming in from the cold and wind that now grip much of the nation, something warm to drink can be very welcome. Many will make themselves a cup of tea, helping to celebrate National Hot Tea Month. Not only is tea relaxing, but studies have shown it to help ward off cardiovascular disease. Tea is the only beverage commonly served either hot or iced and in any season. While drinking tea has been around for thousands of years, Americans made …
Obama Seeks Input From Public Monday Afternoon
Good afternoon, Today, I was in Michigan. Yesterday, it was Colorado and Nevada. Before that, it was Iowa and Arizona. The day after I delivered my State of the Union Address to Congress, I took off to connect with ordinary Americans around the country, talk more about our Blueprint for an America Built to Last, and get some feedback. That’s why I’m writing you. On Monday we’re going to do something a little different. At 5:30 p.m. ET, I’ll walk …
Richard Brand: A Must
Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson were appointed co-chairs of a committee to examine the national debt and to make recommendations for solving that massive problem. The Commission has made its report. There are 67 pages of report and recommendations. Not long ago on N.C. Public Television the Bowles and Simpson’s visit to Duke Univeristy was broadcast. The presentation is available on the internet now. The message is a brutal message. It steps on all the toes. It has bi-partisan support. …
VGCC South Campus Schedules Variety of Classes
Several courses are scheduled to begin in February at Vance-Granville Community College’s South Campus, offering all area residents opportunities to gain skills for use on the job or in their personal lives. South Campus is located on N.C. 56 between Creedmoor and Butner. First, South Campus will hold a two-night course for people who want to obtain a North Carolina commission as a Notary Public. The class will be conducted from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6 …
N.C. Utility Savings Initiative Saves Taxpayers $82.8 Million Last Year
RALEIGH –North Carolina’s Utility Savings Initiative saved the state’s taxpayers more than $82.8 million in utility costs in the last fiscal year and avoided emitting more than 250,779 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, according to a report released today by the North Carolina Energy Office. Since the Utility Savings Initiative was launched in 2003, the state has avoided more than $417 million while investing $11.5 million into utility savings improvements in North Carolina government and university facilities. …
Vance County Educator Effectiveness Report Released
Download the report here. The page for the full reports from all counties and more information is here. North Carolina is reporting on the effectiveness of teachers and administrators across the State. The reports show ratings of the performance of all teachers who were evaluated in the 2010-11 school year. This group includes mostly new teachers and some veteran teachers. Data for all principals and assistant principals also are reported. The following pages provide data on educator effectiveness in this …
Vance County Public Safety Committee to discuss Animal Shelter and Backup 911
Please be informed that the County’s Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday, January 31 at 4:00 p.m. in the County Manager’s Office. The Committee will discuss the animal shelter and the back-up 911 center.
Hatteras Yachts Exports First Boat to China
Deal Was Discussed During Recent Asian Economic Development Mission RALEIGH— Gov. Bev Perdue announced Friday that Hatteras Yachts will be exporting its first ever yacht to China. The boat, a 60-foot motor yacht, was sold to a group of business executives that met with Gov. Perdue and N.C. Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco during the economic development mission to Asia last fall. “Exporting products made in North Carolina is a critical piece of our state’s economy,” said Gov. Perdue. “Our boat …
Indianapolis Hotels Skyrocket Up to 1700% for Super Bowl
INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Patriots and Giants fans who are planning a spur-of-the-moment last-minute trip to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl are going to be paying big bucks (upwards of $2000 according to ticket brokers) for not just tickets. A survey from Cheaphotels . org has revealed that they’ll also be spending major money for a hotel room unless they are willing to endure a long drive home after the game. In center city Indianapolis where the football …
Monday Open Line
Weekly Address: President’s Blueprint Includes Renewal of American Values. In his weekly address, President Obama discusses the blueprint he put forward this week in the State of the Union Address for creating an economy built to last. After focusing on American manufacturing, American energy, and skills for American workers during each of the last three days, he used his weekly address to highlight his commitment to a renewal of American values. The President is challenging leaders in Washington, DC to …
Vance County Schools Finance Committee Meeting Cancelled
The Vance County Schools Finance Committee Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 1, 2012, has been cancelled.
2011 Main Street Awards Winners Announced
CLAYTON – Commerce Secretary J. Keith Crisco presented 21 awards to participants in the N.C. Main Street Program. Award winners were recognized for excellence in downtown revitalization efforts in categories such as promotion, organization, design and economic restructuring. “Our successful Main Street programs have proven that revitalizing our downtown areas can help grow local small businesses, attract new investments and create jobs,” said Sec. Crisco. “Congratulations to this year’s winners for their efforts to improve communities across North Carolina.” The …
Henderson Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charges
WILMINGTON – United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court on January 17, 2012, SHAWN D. STAMPER, 25, pled guilty before Senior United States District Judge James C. Fox to possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. On September 20, 2011, a Federal Grand Jury returned a Superseding Criminal Indictment. According to the investigation, on January 29, 2011, …