In this week’s address, the President spoke about his upcoming trip to Alaska, during which he will view the effects of climate change firsthand. Alaskans are already living with the impact of climate change, with glaciers melting faster, and temperatures projected to rise between 6 and 12 degrees by the end of the century. In his address, the President spoke to ways in which we can address these challenges, including the transition away from fossil fuels to more renewable energy …
Monday Open Line
The 1950s may be recalled for many now-quaint things, but it was also a decade with antecedents for our current technological pursuits. On this date in 1955, William G. Cobb of the General Motors Corporation demonstrated the world’s first solar-powered car. This vehicle didn’t take the world by storm because it was a model a mere 15 inches long. The first solar powered car that could actually be driven was unveiled in 1962; a 1912 Baker electric car was fitted …
N.C. Mountain State Fair offers ‘Mountain Fun’ for the whole family
FLETCHER – Fun-filled attractions, uplifting mountain music and deep-fried delicacies are all part of the entertainment planned for this year’s N.C. Mountain State Fair, which runs Sept. 11-20 at the WNC Agricultural Center. For some down-on-the-farm fun, visitors can enjoy the expanded Farmer Bill’s Ag-Ventures exhibit located near the main entrance. “This year, children will be able to drive sit-and-scoot tractors around a farm track, pick apples while learning about the region’s apple industry, and milk a cow,” said Agriculture …
Vance County Schools Principals Serve on State Committee
Dr. Michael Putney, principal at Dabney Elementary School, and Dr. Larry Webb, principal at Northern Vance High School serve on the State Superintendent’s Principals’ Advisory Committee. Dr. Putney, seated at far right, and Dr. Webb, standing at far right, are shown with members of the committee during their meeting held in late July. Additional members include, seated from left, Amy Richardson; Steve Lassiter, who is the N.C. Principal of the Year; Robin Hamilton and Christopher Poston. Others shown are, standing …
N.C. Forest Service sends crews, fire engines to assist with wildfires in Western U.S.
RALEIGH – More than 70 N.C. Forest Service personnel are currently helping fight fires in the Western United States. And for the first time in its 100-year history, the agency sent fire engines out West, too. The three engines are former military trucks that have been converted into fire trucks capable of carrying 600 to 800 gallons of water. Two of the trucks are going to Idaho, and the third is going to Oregon. The trucks, which left last weekend, …
Friday / Weekend Open Lines
Friday, August 28th. What is believed to be the nation’s first radio commercial was broadcast on the new medium on this date 93 years ago. Station WEAF in New York City carried that first ad — not for soap or automobiles — but for a group of apartment buildings in Queens. The cost was $100 for a 10-minute sales pitch. At the time, there were just 30 stations in the whole country, and only 60,000 households had receivers. By 1929, …
Luncheon Celebration for E.O. Young Jr. Elementary
All staff members at E.O. Young Jr. Elementary School were the special guests during a community appreciation luncheon held in their honor in the fellowship hall of Middleburg Baptist Church on August 20. School staff members enjoyed great food and fellowship with representatives from several churches and the town of Middleburg. The luncheon’s theme was “The Middleburg Diner Presents the Great Showcase Showdown.” Staff members were given door prizes and school supplies for students. They also played games including Password …
Summer Reading at E.O. Young Jr. Elementary
Volunteer Gary Tillotson, shown in photo at right, was one of about 20 church members who tutored students at E.O. Young Jr. Elementary School during a summer reading program led by members of Flat Rock United Methodist Church. Approximately 24 rising second and third-grade students received tutoring each week in the school’s media center from June 23 through August 6. The church provided transportation for the students and also lunch each day they were tutored.
High School students explore health and science at two VGCC campuses
This summer, high school students from across the region attended “Mini-Medical School” camps organized by the Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College. The camp was held in June at VGCC’s South Campus, located between Butner and Creedmoor, and in July at the college’s Franklin County Campus, just outside Louisburg. Between the two locations, 35 students completed the program. This was the college’s second summer partnering with Wake AHEC’s Mini-Medical School, which is an intensive, …
VGCC recognizes 15 Medical Assisting students at Pinning
Vance-Granville Community College held a pinning ceremony for its 2015 Medical Assisting program graduates on Aug. 7 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 15 graduates being honored included Courtney Pearce of Clayton; Tabitha Winstead of Creedmoor; Morgan Hudgins of Franklinton; Kourtney Cockrell, Jennifer Crews, Joyce …
Butterfield Marks Women’s Equality Day
WASHINGTON, DC – Wednesday, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) released the following statement recognizing the 95th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which guarantees a woman’s right to vote: “Today, on Women’s Equality Day, we mark the progress and applaud the achievements women have made since gaining the right to vote 95 years ago. Although women now graduate from college in higher numbers than men, make up nearly half of the workforce, and serve in senior government and private industry positions, …
North Carolina Weekend
For the week of Aug. 27 on North Carolina Weekend, wonder at the wind beneath the wings at the Winston-Salem Air Show. Get out to the great outdoors at New River State Park in Laurel Springs. Check out what’s happening at North87South Music Venue in Saxapahaw. Take in the “From the Master’s Hands” exhibit on woodwright Eddie Hamrick at the Hickory Museum of Art. And the “House Special” samples the fare at Neomonde Cafe and Bakery in Raleigh. (Please note: …
Thursday Open Line
The U.S. petroleum industry got its start on this date in 1859. That’s when blacksmith William Smith saw a dark film floating on the surface of the water in a hole he was boring near Titusville, Pennsylvania. Rising from a depth of just 69 feet, it was the oil he was seeking for his employer, Edwin Drake. Soon, the nation’s first commercial oil well was pumping out crude oil. Western Pennsylvania was the center of the infant industry, as new …
VGCC to host Afternoon Tea class
Vance-Granville Community College will offer a course on “afternoon tea,” the tradition that is enjoying a renaissance as fine hotels, inns and tea rooms across the country give guests an opportunity to retreat from the hurried pace of their lives. The course, called “Let’s Have an Afternoon Tea,” will meet on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 until 4 p.m., starting Sept. 29. The final class and “graduation” ceremony is an actual afternoon tea …
Local Community Groups and Parents Sue Halifax County Board of Commissioners Over Blocked Access to Sound Basic Education
HALIFAX, NC – Today, as children in Halifax County begin a new school year, the Coalition for Education and Economic Security (CEES), the Halifax County Branch of the NAACP, and three parents and guardians of children attending public schools in Halifax County filed suit against the Halifax County Board of Commissioners to vindicate the North Carolina constitutional right of Halifax County’s schoolchildren to the opportunity for a quality basic education. Under North Carolina’s state constitution, and as affirmed by the …
Operation Medicine Drop – Dispose of Your Unused, Expired Prescriptions September 26th, 2015
Unintentional poisoning from prescription medications is on the rise in North Carolina – Since 1999, approximately 6,900 people have died from prescription poisonings. Operation Medicine Drop offers the public a free and convenient option for disposing of their prescription and over the counter medications to protect their families and the environment. Prescription drug take-back event where the public can dispose of expired, unused prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications and keep them out of the wrong hands. Operation Medicine Drop cannot …
Meet Me In The Street Thursday August 27th, 2015
Come on out join the Chamber and The Konnection Band as they play all the songs that you love to hear. There will be vendor booths, food and free entertainment for your enjoyment along Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The weather is looking good and it’s going to be a shaggin’ good time, so make your plans now for Thursday, August 27th starting at 5:30 until 8:30 PM! Sponsors for this year’s concert series are: Presenting Sponsor, CenturyLink; Gold Sponsors, …
Avian influenza informational meetings to be held for backyard poultry owners
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is holding five regional meetings to inform backyard poultry owners about the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that is expected to be introduced in the state this fall. Veterinarians with NCDA&CS and the N.C. State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will give an overview of the U.S. outbreak and how North Carolina is planning to protect commercial poultry and small flocks. They will also answer questions about the …
Henderson Family YMCA Golf Tournament September 22, 2015
Please join us for the 2nd annual Dr. Bev Tucker Memorial – Henderson Family YMCA Golf Tournament to be held at the Henderson Country Club on September 22, 2015. Dr. Tucker, or Dr. Bev as he is affectionately known, was instrumental in the establishment of our YMCA, the construction of its facilities, participated as an active member from our inception, and served for many years on the Y’s board of directors. As part of the YMCA’s annual campaign, we honor …
Wednesday Open Line
It is said that “every dog has its day,” and according to an animal welfare activist in the Pacific Northwest, today is the day for every dog. Now in its 11th year, this is National Dog Day, about five months after National Puppy Day. The occasion has two goals. One is to honor dogs, which serve humanity as companions, watchdogs, herders, and Seeing Eye dogs. They also aid in search and rescue, and in sniffing out explosives and drugs. The …