Nearly half a million dollars in federal funds are helping ready an industrial property in Lumberton for new businesses and jobs. In August, the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved a request by the City of Lumberton for economic development funds under the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. CDBG dollars have for years helped communities build infrastructure. But in this instance, the infrastructure is already in place. All that is needed is financial assistance to demolish …
VGCC History Club elects officers
Vance-Granville Community College’s History Club has elected officers for the 2015-2016 academic year. They include President Jennifer Burns of Henderson, Vice President Lucas Thompson of Wake Forest, Secretary Heather Beckum of Creedmoor and Public Information Officer Ashley McEntee of Oxford. Advisors for the club are VGCC History instructors Victoria Klesmith and Dr. Natasha Thompson. Membership in the History Club is open to all VGCC curriculum students interested in expanding their classroom knowledge of history and enjoying cultural experiences. The club …
Middle and High School News September 14-18, 2015
VANCE COUNTY SCHOOLS WEEKLY SCHOOL NEWS Volume 4, Issue 6 A Publication for Middle and High Schools September 14-18, 2015 The MISSION of Vance County Schools is to be committed to educating all students to prepare them for lifelong learning and productive citizenship. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS ? The Vance County Board of Education meets Monday at 7 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Services Center on …
Vance County Planning & Environmental Committee Meeting September 16th, 2015
Please note that the County’s Planning/Environmental Committee (Wilder, Garrison, Taylor) is scheduled to meet Wednesday, September 16 at 4:00 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. The purpose is to discuss a Neighborhood Stabilization Program matter. All commissioners are invited to attend.
A Message From Congressman G. K. Butterfield: The Summer in Rewind
Dear Friend, Sadly, the summer has come to a close leaving many hot-button issues unresolved. Over the past few months, I was busy fighting Republicans’ attempts to allow Confederate Flags in federally run cemeteries and their aggressive plans to reduce government and scale back support for Americans. While Republicans have been engaged in intra-party politics, the priorities of hard-working American families go ignored. This year alone, Congressional Republicans have refused to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, allowing its charter to expire. …
Tuesday Open Line
Today marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month — a time to recognize the contributions and cultures of the nation’s fastest-growing population group. The idea started as a special week in 1968 and was expanded to a full month 20 years later. There are 54 million Hispanics in the U.S., 17 percent of the total population, forming the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority. Over half of that population resides in California, Texas or Florida, and nearly two-thirds are …
Elementary School News September 14-18, 2015
VANCE COUNTY SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Volume 3 Issue 6 September 14-18, 2015 The MISSION of Vance County Schools is to be committed to educating all students to prepare them for lifelong learning and productive citizenship. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS The Vance County Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. on Monday in the Board Room of the Administrative Services Center. A “Teacher Talk” session …
Vance County Schools – Board Approves New Principals
The Vance County Board of Education tonight approved Dr. Brad Jones as the new principal at Eaton-Johnson Middle School and Mr. Kristian Herring as the new principal at Zeb Vance Elementary School. Jones and Herring will begin their new duties on October 1. Jones has been the principal at Cedar Grove Elementary School in Nash County since July 2012. He also served as a middle school principal at Rocky Mount Preparatory School from July 2010 to June 2012. Prior to …
City of Henderson City Council Meeting Monday September 14th, 2015
Henderson City Council Regular Meeting Monday 14 September 2015, 6:00 p.m. R. G. (Chick) Young, Jr. Council Chambers, Municipal Building 134 Rose Avenue Henderson, North Carolina Download the full agenda packet here: 20150914_coh_agenda_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 in Governanceas well as provide for good and open government, the City Council has approved Core Valuesregarding Ethical Behavior1 and Transparency in Governance2. …
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: Saying No to a Bad Deal
Photo of the Week It was great seeing old friends from the Dunn Chamber of Commerce when they were in Washington attending the North Carolina Business Summit this week. Weekly Update: This week was our first week back in session following the August District Work period and it certainly was a busy one. I started the week attending the 19th Annual N.C. Business and Economic Development Summit with fellow representatives and senators from North Carolina. This was a great …
Monday Open Line
The stubborn economic difficulties the nation is experiencing began seven years ago today, and may seem unique. But they have their antecedents in history. Most of us are familiar with the Great Depression of the 1930s. But 142 years ago, the nation was struck by the Panic of 1873, now called the Long Depression. It started because of a collapse in the demand for silver in Europe, and spread around the world. In the U.S., banks failed, railroads went bankrupt, …
Rusty McMahon: The Plain Truth
In a September 12 Letter to the Editor, County Commission Chairman Archie Taylor claimed, “Vance County government has a long tradition of superior professional management, and we want to make sure that tradition continues undiminished.” He goes on to claim, “We are fortunate to have a very professional, dedicated county staff…” Is he proud of huge failures like Zoning, Paint Reclamation International, and Semprius (three of many)? Is he proud that the US Census Bureau ranks Vance County the third …
Vance County Board of Education Meeting Monday September 14th, 2015
Vance County Board of EducationHenderson, N. C. 27536September 14, 2015 7:00 p.m.Administrative Services Center A G E N D A 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 preceding the regular Board …
Entire state now under quarantine for emerald ash borer
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler signed an emergency order today expanding the quarantine for emerald ash borer to include the entire state, following the discovery of borers in several more counties across the state. “We have surveyed the state to see if we could find evidence of this highly destructive pest in previously undetected counties,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Our staff have now turned up evidence of emerald ash borers in the central, eastern and western parts of …
Vance County Schools – More Donations from Staples
The Staples Fulfillment Center near Henderson has donated another 10 pallets of school and offices supplies, valued at over $12,000, to Vance County Schools. E.T. Newby and Silka Boone of the school system’s Purchasing and Distribution Center are shown in the accompanying photo as they sort the donated items for distribution to the 17 local schools. This most recent donation follows the donation in July of four pallets of items including mostly basic school supplies, also valued at over $12,000. …
Friday / Weekend Open Lines
Friday, September 11th. This was a day that didn’t exist in Colonial America in 1752, as the familiar calendar underwent what is called the “Gregorian correction,” switching from the ancient Julian calendar to adjust for errors accumulated over centuries. After September 2, the next day was September 14, and there was rioting by those who felt cheated and demanded the 11 days back. The British parliament’s Calendar Act of 1750 had also changed New Year’s Day from March 25 to …
North Carolina Weekend
For the week of Sept. 10 on North Carolina Weekend, take a trip to the wild side at Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville. Challenge yourself at High Gravity Adventures at Blowing Rock. Consider getting your feet wet at the Grape Stomp at Duplin Winery in Rose Hill. Enjoy the great outdoors at Mount Jefferson State Park in West Jefferson. And the “House Special” samples the fare at Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill. (Please note: listings are subject to change.) …
2015 N.C. State Fair offers new entertainment and savings
RALEIGH – The North Carolina State fairgrounds come alive every October with diverse and exciting entertainment. This year visitors to the State Fair can expect to see both their favorite entertainment and exhibits alongside new performers and competitions. New musical acts, world champion female loggers and educational agriculture shows featuring “agri-puppets” and a “moo-gician” will join popular acts such as the racing pigs, a Kenyan safari acrobat troupe, and silk aerialists. “From agricultural exhibits to live entertainment and Midway attractions, …
Vance County Commissioner Eddie Wright Passing
Vance County Board of Commissioners Commissioner Eddie Wright passed away during the night this week. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.
Thursday Open Line
Three important dates in American newspaper history occurred in September. These anniversaries span more than three centuries. On September 15, 1982, USA Today began publishing. On September 18, 1851, the New York Times issued its first edition. And in September 1690, the first newspaper in America was published in Boston. Called “Public Occurrences, Both Forreign and Domestick,” it lasted for one day in Boston before being shut down by British authorities unhappy with its content. Although the industry is struggling, …