It has come to our careless attention that our recent shift from MP3s to Windows Media audio files for our sound clips has caused problems for Mac users. We will try to correct a software issue on our end to get back to a universal sound format, but for now, here’s a link to a free download from Microsoft of the Mac version of Windows Media Player. If you don’t have Mac OS X, try this link instead. Again, we …
Opinion: End the phony hiring freeze
When is a hiring freeze not a hiring freeze? When it’s operated by the Vance County government.
Junkyard ordinance sent to City Council
An ordinance targeting junkyards and auto repair shops that don’t conform with Henderson’s zoning ordinance is in the hands of the City Council now, despite an acknowledged need for changes in the draft.
Register of Deeds Office gets boost in automation
The Vance County Board of Commissioners moved the Register of Deeds Office a big step closer to the 21st century Monday night by approving nearly $50,000 in spending on automation.
City planning director resigns for job in Durham
Henderson Planning Director Grace Smith submitted her resignation Monday, effective May 20.
More from the illegal immigration front
In light of the debate over the North Carolina legislation that would allow long-term state residents who are illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at state universities, USA Today has a couple of interesting stories today. They’re not the deepest looks at the issue (no surprise there), but they offer a glimpse at the bigger picture. One is about legislation around the nation; the other is about activists on both sides of the debate over illegal immigration. In case you …
Planning Board to take up junkyard issue today
Henderson’s Planning Board has a multitude of options when it again takes up an ordinance aimed at junkyards and auto repair facilities this afternoon.
Old Townsville school torched
In case you missed John Rose’s radio news this morning, a “suspicious” fire took down most of the former Townsville High School building about 2 a.m. today. Here’s the link to the WIZS-AM (1450) report on the blaze, which we can’t improve on, so we won’t try. Owners Marjorie and Ralph Pegram have our sympathies, and we hope the responsible parties left enough evidence to be caught and convicted. On the positive side, the coverage is another reminder of how …
Community crowds into Aycock for Blackout
The Blackout Arts Collective’s D.C. chapter performs at the Aycock Recreation Complex on Saturday. The Blackout Arts Collective’s visit to Vance County drew at least 200 people to the Aycock Recreation Complex on Saturday, enough to pack the bleachers on one side of the gym.
Blackout brings home group approach to problems
The Pinkston Street Steppers wow the crowd with their opening performance Saturday. All kinds of people performed Saturday at the Aycock Recreation Complex as part of the Blackout Arts Festival.
Hendersonian delivers emotional message
Heather Kenney, left, performs in the finale of the Blackout Arts Collective’s performance Saturday at the Aycock Recreation Complex. Several of the nine Blackout Arts Collective performers at the Aycock Recreation Complex on Saturday had North Carolina ties, but only one was a Hendersonian born and bred.
Vance hunting law passes House
The state House gave final approval to a Vance County hunting law Tuesday and sent the bill to the Senate for consideration.
Housing rehab, job vacancies top county agenda
Monday’s regular meeting of the Vance County Board of Commissioners could easily be mistaken for a special joint session with the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.
Rewarding Saturday possible for youths, adults
Youths looking for something different to do and adults looking for a used car or a new house will have special opportunities Saturday in Vance County.
Low bonds for high crimes frustrate coalition, cops
Jail bonds that are too low are a threat to the community and hinder criminal investigations, members of the Vance County Coalition Against Violence said Thursday night.
National Day of Prayer comes to courthouse
Vance County residents can participate in the National Day of Prayer next Thursday by gathering on the plaza of the county courthouse at noon to pray for the community.
What’s in a color? Maybe nothing
Durham police Sgt. Howard Alexander talked a lot about gang clothes and signs during the session on Latino gangs at the Aycock Recreation Complex on Wednesday. He also put to rest a myth about colors: the meaning of the white T-shirt.
Alive After Five rolls right on
Alive After Five’s first band of the year, Right On, led by vocalist Arline Burton, performs Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” with the help of Henderson children and one man from the audience Thursday night. After all of the debate about beer sales, after an overcast sky threatened but never delivered a downpour, and after the band arrived 20 minutes late, Alive After Five came off without a problem Thursday at the Henderson Operations & Service Center.
3 additions to the Bookshelf
We’ve added reviews of three more books to the Bookshelf, the place to visit if you love books and reading. The newcomers share an atomic theme, thanks to a clever editor at USA TODAY: “American Prometheus,” an epic biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer; “The Bomb: A Life,” a seriously funny biography of the weapon that changed the world; and “The Worlds of Herman Kahn,” a befuddling look at the life and times of a man who dared to dream of …
Prayer meeting light on attendance, high on devotion
A regular anti-violence prayer meeting is under way in Vance County.