Today is the signature American holiday, celebrating the date in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Ours was the first successful colonial independence movement against a European power. Recognition of our nationhood came with the Peace Treaty of 1783. From sea to shining sea, there will be parades, concerts, barbecues, and, of course, fireworks. Among the famous celebrations is the Boston Pops fireworks spectacular, featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” Right around 1812, the median age of …
Marijuana Growing Operation Raided
On Tuesday, June 30, 2015, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Unit, N. C. State Bureau of Investigation, N. C. Alcohol Law Enforcement Agency, and the Vance County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at 239 Country Acres Drive in Henderson. Officers dismantled a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation. Growing marijuana, grow lights, electrical equipment, fans and other items were seized during the search. Manuel Queirous, 29, 180 Country Acres Drive, Henderson was charged with maintaining a dwelling …
Keep your Independence Day celebration safe with these fire safety tips
RALEIGH – Officials with the N.C. Forest Service encourage people to celebrate Independence Day by viewing public fireworks displays rather than risk starting fires by setting off their own fireworks. “Many wildfires that occur during this time of the year start due to the careless use of Class C fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices and trick noisemakers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With many free fireworks shows planned across the state, there are a lot of …
North Carolina Weekend
For the week of July 2 on North Carolina Weekend, take in one of the performances during the Lees-McRae College Summer theatre in Banner Elk. Marvel at the lorikeets at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher in Kure Beach. Tempt your taste buds at Queen’s Feast during Charlotte Restaurant Week. Enjoy the variety of performances during the Appalachian Summer Festival in Boone. And the “House Special” samples brunch at the Thomasville Woman’s Club. (Please note: listings are subject to change.) …
Thursday Open Line
Hmmm, they never posted the news item for Wednesday, and it’s not up there yet for Thursday… Maybe they’re on vacation? In the meantime, what are your plans to celebrate July 4th in the area?
Franklin and Wake counties join quarantine area for emerald ash borer
RALEIGH – Franklin and Wake counties are the latest to come under quarantine rules restricting the movement of hardwood firewood, ash nursery stock and other ash materials after emerald ash borers were confirmed in both counties. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler signed an emergency quarantine order allowing the expansion. An emerald ash borer was found via the capture of a cerceris wasp in Franklin County. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Plant Industry Division had been monitoring sites in …
Supreme Court Housing Case- AG Loretta Lynch’s Statement/Policy Watch Investigates Senate Budget/Senate Week In Review June 22-26
Alert from the Office of Senator Angela Bryant Supreme Court Housing Case – AG Loretta Lynch’s Statement Policy Watch Investigates: Senate Budget Also Took Aim at Anti-Discrimination Law – Repeal of State Fair Housing & Human Relations Commission Senate Week In Review 6/22 – 26 2015 1. ATTORNEY GENERAL LORETTA E. LYNCH STATEMENT ON THE U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING IN TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS V. INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES PROJECT INC. WASHINGTON – Attorney …
Detours on Rolesville Bypass Project will now start Monday, July 6
Raleigh— Closures that were planned to start this past weekend on the U.S. 401/ Rolesville bypass project will now begin on Monday, July 6, instead, weather permitting. They were originally postponed until July 11, but will begin five days earlier to expedite the work and give drivers access to the bypass earlier. Contractors plan to close a section of U.S. 401 between just north of Louisbury Road and Forestville Road for eight hours, from 9 p.m. on Monday until 5 …
Wednesday Open Line
Today’s usual news from the Census Bureau has not been posted as of this writing. Will update this Wednesday when we get the info.
Michael Bobbitt: Notes From The Peanut Gallery (VC BoC Planning Environment and Water Planning)
Our Board of Commissioners has divided their collective responsibilities into committees, each committee headed by an active commissioner. Logically the reason for the committees system is simple. Each commissioner is dependent on the integrity and honesty of fellow commissioners when learning of the voters desires, needs, and wants before making a decision that will affect the whole community. Last week two important committees met to find consensus among the committee members on their respective issue of zoning or the water …
Senator Richard Burr: Highway Bill, Veterans Waiting for Care, Medicare
This past week, the Senate Environment and Public Works committee included two pieces of my legislation in the highway bill, which will improve and expand North Carolina’s infrastructure on I-44 and US 70. Not only is this a boon to the North Carolinians living along the corridors, but also for all of those who will have better access to our state, whether it’s to do business or to visit our scenic treasures. You can read the text of the legislation here. …
City of Henderson Meeting with USDA/Rural Development State Director
The Henderson City Council has been invited to attend a meeting on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 3:00 p.m with USDA/Rural Development State Director Randy Gore regarding housing issues. The meeting will be held at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue. It is possible a quorum of City Council may attend; however, no action by Council will be taken.
Master Gardener Volunteer Training Begins Late July
Cooperative Extension in Vance and Warren Counties announces that the biennial Master Gardener Training Class will begin on July 28th. Participants will learn all they need to know to join this pre-eminent volunteer program. Prospective volunteers will receive 40 hours of instruction in all aspects of horticulture, including trees, lawns, flowers, vegetables, fruits, pest management and much more. Upon successful completion, participants are then required to provide 40 hours of volunteer service on community projects. Past projects have included demonstration …
Vance County Board of Commissioners Meetings July 6th, 2015
Please note that the July 6th meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. The reason is to enter into closed session to discuss economic development matters that will be addressed in two public hearings later in the meeting. The HR Committee will meet at 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday Open Line
The first electric power company in America, and perhaps the world, was formed on this date in 1879 in San Francisco. This was nearly four months before Thomas Edison successfully tested his practical incandescent light bulb, but there was no lack of customers, as the power supplied by the California Electric Light Company illuminated some three dozen arc lamps in downtown hotels and businesses. This electric supplier was the predecessor to the current Pacific Gas and Electric company. Today in …
From the Rolling Stones to the Beach
Raleigh – Two big summer events this week – The Rolling Stones concert and Fourth of July – will mean more drivers on area roadways, including the Fortify I-40/I-440 work zone in Raleigh where crews are shifting lanes in advance of construction on an 8.5-mile stretch of I-40. Nearly 40,000 fans will converge on Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh on Wednesday, July 1, to see the iconic rock band. To help drivers know before they go, the North Carolina Department of Transportation …
Newsletter from the Office of Senator Angela R. Bryant
Halifax, Nash, Vance, Warren and Wilson Counties District – 4 Senator Angela R. Bryant Volume 11, Issue XIV Friday, June 26, 2015 To unsubscribe to this newsletter, please click here NEWS FROM RALEIGH… I always welcome your comments, project updates, suggestions, and visits. My office door and electronic door are always open to you! You are also invited to attend any and all Sessions and Committees. Visit the website for Session and Committee meeting …
Wake County Resident Arrested on Heroin Charges
On Tuesday, June 23, 2015, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Unit arrested a Wake County resident on heroin related charges. John Gregory Smith, 23, 488 Horace Baker Road, Zebulon was charged with one count of possession of heroin. Smith was placed in the Vance County Jail after failing to post a 20,000.00 secured bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled in Vance County District Court on July 2, 2015.
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: Continuing to Fight Obamacare
Photo of the Week: On Saturday I hosted a reception for an incredible group of young men and women from the Second District who were accepted to attend U.S.Military Service Academies. It was truly an honor to meet these bright students and their families and to congratulate them on their accomplishments. Thank you for your commitment to our great country! Weekly Update: Upon arriving in Washington in 2010, I have worked tirelessly to repeal Obamacare and find a patient-centered …
White House Weekly Address: The Affordable Care Act Is Here to Stay
In this week’s address, the President called the Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Care Act a victory for hardworking Americans across the country, whose lives are more secure because of this law. The Affordable Care Act is working, and it is here to stay. So far more than 16 million uninsured Americans have gained coverage. Nearly one in three Americans who was uninsured a few years ago is insured today. The uninsured rate in America is the lowest since …