Home Care In Leasburg, NC

Like any pastor, LaTonya McIver Penny is busy.

But this minister’s calendar goes above and beyond busy.

In addition to leading New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Roxboro, N.C., and all that entails, Penny is a mother of two and runs a non-profit advocating for the respectful and compassionate treatment of children with disabilities in churches.

“The deficiency in many churches is they don’t know what to do with children who are different,” she said.

Penny also is a bi-vocational minister, overseeing the day-to-day operations of a local domestic violence agency and shelter.

“That also is a calling. It is a ministry,” she said.

And like other women pastors, Penny confronted her share of opposition from those who say females should not be pastors.

Penny spared a few minutes between a hastily eaten Chick-fil-A lunch and her next appointment to share her experiences with Baptist News Global.

Was church a big part of your life growing up?

Yes, very much so. I grew up in a small church, Mill Hill Baptist Church in Leasburg, N.C. It was a good old Missionary Baptist church. And it was foundational to me. I was in church every Sunday. That is part of what we did as a family.

When did you hear a calling to ministry?

I knew when I was younger, in my teen years, but it was something that I couldn’t put my finger on. … When I was 21, I realized I was called into ministry.

What kind of guidance did you get from other ministers at the time?

When I went to my particular pastor, I was directed that women just don’t preach. Others said maybe I was called into education or called to teach. I got a master’s in education because I was misdirected. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my calling. I knew it was preaching.

When were you ordained?

I was licensed in ministry in 2009. That was before ordination. …. When I was at Wake Forest [School of Divinity], I changed my membership to Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem where I got solid biblical teaching and was taught that women could be pastors. … When I sat before the ordination council in December 2014, it was a Friday. I was ordained that Saturday, and I became the pastor on Sunday at New Mount Zion, where I am now. And it was my birthday that Monday. I had quite a busy weekend.

How did you feel when you were told women couldn’t preach?

I was confused. I knew God was calling me to ministry and to preach and to teach; however, I had never witnessed a woman preach before. As I was getting my masters in teaching … I finally saw a woman preaching. She was a senior pastor, and she was amazing.

Have you experienced any pushback being a female pastor from your congregation or the local community?

For my congregation, it is a badge of honor. The church is 117 years old and in the city of Roxboro. I am the first African-American female elected pastor. For some it was a stretch of faith: “Can she lead and be biblically sound?” The more I love and teach them, the more they have come to embrace it. … In the community, nothing has ever been said to me, but it has happened to members of my congregation. Usually, a male speaking to another male, saying it’s against the Bible and “Y’all are going to hell.” My people will say, “Show me where she can’t be a preacher.”

You said you are the first elected black female pastor. Are there some who are not elected?

Yes. There have been women who have started their own churches but not elected to existing churches.

What does being a bi-vocational minister look like for you?

I am the executive director of Family Abuse Services of Alamance County, Inc. It is a domestic violence agency. We do domestic violence prevention and support for victims. We also operate a shelter. We are a nonprofit. … For me, it is a ministry. I may not be saying the word ‘God,’ but I am helping people be their best selves and to empower women and men to love themselves. It’s a ministry — you just don’t get to use the Bible.

What difficulties or blessings does being bi-vocational present to you?

I work full-time. … I may not be available for things I wish I could be available for, but it’s flexible. Because I am the executive director, I control my schedule. … I do Bible study every Wednesday night. I do hospital visits. I just carry a laptop and work from the hospital.

LEESBURG, Fla. – Electric rates keep rising in Leesburg, and some homeowners say they can’t afford any more hikes.

Some families say they are paying hundreds of dollars more than what they pay on average each month. Now, the city is considering another rate increase at the end of September.

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“Our average bill is around $350. Last month was over $600, and the most recent bill I received was over $700,” Leesburg resident Jackie Croft said.

Jackie Croft has lived in her home in Leesburg for 26 years. She said she hasn’t seen her power bill this high in a long time.

“Well, you get mad, but with everything going on, you just don’t know,” Croft said. “It’s sad because a lot of people can’t afford that.”

City Manager Al Minner said it’s frustrating for residents and the city of Leesburg.

“We understand it’s a difficult time,” Minner said. “These are circumstances that every utility faces. The electric industry is electrically complex.”

Minner said the problem is also complex. One of the main drivers is the rising cost of natural gas, which makes up nearly 80% of Florida’s generation portfolio, according to Minner.

“BTU, British thermal unit, it’s how we measure gas. So British thermal unit to natural gas is like a gallon to gasoline. So $2 to 2.50 to $3 bucks, that’s what we thought it was going to cost,” Minner said. “That number jumped off the chart, and we’re paying anywhere between $9 and $10.”

Minner said there are reasons the prices are rising. Inflation caused by federal policies and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine are part of the problem, he said.

He said the city does the best they can to keep costs low, but with the cost of natural gas going up exponentially, they can’t keep up.

Economists have pointed to pandemic-era lockdowns, federal energy policies and increased government spending as some of the factors behind this increase in energy prices.

It’s left Leesburg with a roughly $9 million deficit, Minner said. It will keep growing if they don’t raise rates.

“This is how we’re going to have to manage it,” Minner said. ‘If we do nothing and just keep the power cost adjustment where it is right now, it grows to $30 million.”

The city manager said there is no quick fix. The biggest change will come when and if the price of natural gas comes down. In the meantime, the city is looking at some options for those struggling to pay their bills.

“We will probably look at suspending late penalties if you miss a payment,” Minner said. “We will look at what some of the other utilities are going to be doing.”

Croft made improvements to her home a few years ago, upgrading windows, the air conditioning unit and more to cut her energy costs. She said even with those changes in place now, it is not helping lower her bill.

The rising rates are leaving some families in a tough spot, while they wait for relief.

“When we can give back to our customers we do, and we when we need more, we take a little more,” Minner said. “Unfortunately, you know, we’re in extraordinary times, (and) these are crazy, crazy gas prices.”

It’s likely the power bill will become even more expensive in the coming weeks. The Leesburg City Commission will consider increasing the base rate from $102 to $108 by passing a resolution later this month.

This also comes as the Orlando Utilities Commission Board of Commissioners approved an increase in electric rate charges for residential and commercial customers across Orange and Osceola counties at a meeting on Tuesday.

Experts with the American Petroleum Institute criticized current federal energy policies in a letter to the U.S. president’s office earlier this year that presented suggestions to lower nationwide energy costs.

Vicki Gunvalson is the new owner of a vacation property and rental home in Hyco Lake, North Carolina.

After confirming she was planning to buy a place close to where her daughter, Briana Culberson, lives with her family, the former Real Housewives of Orange County cast member took to her Instagram page and her Stories to reveal that she bought a lakefront house and to share a number of photos of her new space.

“It’s the year of following my heart AND my head,” Vicki wrote in the caption of a slideshow on August 28. “[Three] months ago I closed on an incredible vacation home in Puerto Vallarta and this most recent purchase in North Carolina for a vacation/rental home solidifies my goals.”

According to Vicki, she chose to purchase a home in North Carolina to allow herself to spend more time with Briana, her husband Ryan Culberson, their two sons, Troy and Owen, and the son they have on the way.

“Being near my family at a vacation/lake home to create lifelong memories makes my heart happy. Isn’t that what life is all about?” she continued. “I’ve worked HARD since I was 16. These 2 vacation homes will allow me to work remotely when I travel to them due to technology. No, I’m not moving to either one full time.”

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A post shared by Vicki Gunvalson (@vickigunvalson)

Prior to the Instagram post, Vicki took to her Stories to confirm she purchased her newest home before she actually saw it in person.

“So excited to finally see this vacation/rental lake house I bought online without seeing it. It’s everything I thought it would be,” she wrote in the caption of a photo of herself and her oldest grandson, Troy, sitting on a bench.

In another post, Vicki showed off the stunning exterior of the home.

Vicki then shared a video of herself and her grandsons, along with son-in-law Ryan, walking through the home as she revealed she would be taking measurements of each room.

“Oh, that’s cool!” Vicki exclaims as her grandson Owen points out a large window above her kitchen.

Vicki’s kitchen opens up to a large grand room.

“Ryan, I think we’ll put fresh logs in here, don’t you think?” Vicki asks as she shows off her fireplace.

“This carpet’s got to go out. We’re going to have to rip this out,” Vicki continues as she walks into what may be her new office.

As she shows off her bathrooms, one of which had a laundry room nearby, the ex-RHOC star made it clear that a lot of the space would need to be redone.

The backyard space of Vicki’s new home is absolutely stunning with plenty of mature trees and benches.

“This is really cool. [We’ve] got cute little benches everywhere,” she says.

If Vicki wants a boat in the future, she will have the perfect place to park it.

Vicki’s home purchase comes just weeks after she listed her home in Coto De Caza for $3.35 million.

Vicki quit her role on The Real Housewives of Orange County in January of this year.

Photos Credit: WENN Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo, Instagram

On Wednesday February 9, the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at a residence located in the Leasburg Township.

The following items were confiscated; 22.9 lbs of Marijuana, 24 grams of suspected Fentanyl, 513 grams of white Powder, 40 Vape cartridges, 383 units of “Dabs” (Butane Hash Oil).

In addition, a total of (9) firearms were seized: (3) rifles and (6) handguns. Two of the handguns are classified as “ghost guns.”

One individual was arrested and more arrests are will be forthcoming. This is an active investigation.

By Rachel D. Walker

Caswell Messenger News Correspondent

The Ruritan National Club is the largest community service organization in the U.S. and is commonly found in rural areas of the East Coast and Midwest. The organization is driven by the purpose of creating a better understanding among people, and through volunteer community service and better the quality of life within those communities. The club is designed to serve community people meeting community needs by founding the principles of fellowship, goodwill, and service. The Ruritan club is open to any and all members ranging from high school students to senior members of the community. There is also a chance for tweens and teens to join the RuriTEEN chapter affiliated with the Central Caswell Ruritan Club. Each chapter strives to survey the needs of the community to tailor volunteer efforts to meet the unique challenges of the area.

Caswell County is fortunate enough to have four active Ruritan Clubs located in Central Caswell (Yanceyville/ Blanch), Cherry Grove, Semora, and Southern Caswell (Anderson/ Bynes). All four clubs in Caswell County are actively seeking new members. “As the Zone Governor of the Caswell County Ruritan Clubs, I am urgently asking people of all ages to consider getting involved in the organization. We are open to regular memberships or associates, including businesses,” says Andy Turner.

The clubs congregate once a month to discuss and carry out projects in the community. Currently, the Central Caswell Chapter is most in need of volunteers.

Some of the projects taken on by every Ruritan Club chapter include

1. Volunteering for the sick, elderly, or in-need members of the community.

2. Hosting blood drives

3. Donating and providing medical equipment

4. Providing transportation to and from medical appointments.

5. Fueling anti-litter campaigns and roadside cleanups.

6. Partnering with local Boy Scouts of America troops, 4-H Clubs, and FFA.

7. Sponsoring and awarding partial college scholarships for local graduating high schoolers.

Bartlett-Yancey High School is Partnering with the Ruritan Club's Central Caswell Chapter to offer volunteer and service opportunities for college applicants beginning in January 2024. Announcements will be made pertaining to specific volunteer opportunities in the new year. When students register for membership with the Central Caswell Chapter, they will be issued volunteer credits to boost college applications. For more information on how you can get involved through the high school, please contact Kim Dail at [email protected].

If you, a student, or a business are interested in joining the Ruritan Club, please do not hesitate to reach out to Brenda Crews at (336) 503-2813. For more information on all chapters in Caswell, please contact Andy Turner, Zone Governor, by phone at, (336) 514 5134 or by email at [email protected].

Upcoming events and meetings will be held beginning January 2024. There is also a National Ruritan Convention hosted in Winston-Salem on January 11th, 2024. For more information on national events and meetings please visit the Ruritan Website at WWW.Ruritan.org.

By Rachel D. Walker

Caswell Messenger News Correspondent

Yanceyville local Harold Williamson continues to hold the record for most innings pitched in a baseball game for the NCHSAA, totaling 19 consecutive innings. The record-shattering pitch took place 53 years ago at Bartlett Yancey Senior High School’s home field against Graham High School.

Williamson was born and raised in Yanceyville, working on his family’s tobacco and dairy farm. As far as training went, he says he stayed in shape maintaining the farm by doing things like hauling hay and milking cattle. Williamson joined the Bartlett Yancey’s varsity team in 1969, his junior year, following in his brothers’ footsteps, “My older brother was someone I looked up to as far as great baseball players go, I saw how much he enjoyed it and how great he was, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do too. Darrell went on to be drafted to play professional ball after his senior year.”

Photo by Rachel D. Walker

(Left) Harold Williamson takes a playful swing at readers.

Williamson recounts the events that took place in that memorable game, “It was Graham High School’s prom night, believe it or not, and all the opposing teams’ dates were lining the fence wearing their prom dresses.”

As the women waited for their men to finish the game so they could change out of their cleats and into their dancing shoes, Williamson was busy throwing pitch after pitch unknowingly making history. Graham High School ended up winning that night beating Bartlett Yancey 6-5. The opposing team may have won, but Williamson would soon learn of his ultimate victory just weeks later.

Williamson recalls the fearless leadership of Lindsey Page throughout his baseball career. Coach Page is notorious in Yanceyville for his dedication and his contributions to Bartlett Yancey’s athletics. Williamson still can feel the somber energy from the team’s defeat that night, “We are on our way home, and we are all exhausted, and Coach Page gets on the bus and starts in about I could sue my teammates for nonsupport, only emphasizing how dedicated I was to finishing out the game.”

He went into the 19th inning with as much energy and grit as the first, “I’m country strong,” he says, “I could handle 19 innings, I would have pitched until they made me quit.”

Harold Williamson continues to hold the record for most innings pitched in a baseball for the NCHSAA since that fateful Friday night in 1970. The rules of the game have since changed, “Now you’ll only see a high school baseball game go to ten innings.”

You can still see his plaque hanging in Bartlett Yancey’s trophy case today.

Nowadays, you can find him dedicated to cultivating a community of sports enthusiasts at the Caswell County Parks and Recreation Department in Yanceyville. He plays a key role in encouraging the young people of Yanceyville to get involved in organized sports and to know what it means to be a part of a team.

A Winter Holiday Social will be held in Milton on Saturday, December 9 in Milton. All events are free of charge and open to the public.

* 10:30 AM | Line up for the Christmas Parade starting on Bridge Street

* 11 AM | Christmas Parade including Santa and Mrs. Claus!

* 3 PM | Wine & Cheese Tasting with at the Milton 66

* 4 PM | Wine Glass Painting Class at the Milton 66

* 5 PM | Christmas caroling begins at the Milton 66

* 5:30 PM | Carolers walk singing to the Town Christmas Tree

* Dusk | Christmas Tree lighting

THROUGHOUT THE DAY, ENJOY:

* Food specials at Milltown Eatery

* Food specials at Aunt Millie’s

* Hot chocolate at Samantha’s Grill

* Mulled wine at the Milton 66

* Ornament making at Milton Art Gallery

Join your friends and neighbors as we kick off Christmas in Caswell with our annual themed parade and Maker’s Market. This year, the parade will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 2nd and will be Gingerbread themed.

It will take its usual route from Bartlett Yancey High School, down Main Street, and end at the Food Lion parking lot. All are welcome! We would love to have you if you are a performing froup, walking, riding horses, in a float, or in your car!

To sign up to participate in the parade or for more information, please visit caswellchamber.org/chamber-events or call 336-694-6106.

The parade will be immediately followed by the Maker’s Market. Be sure to come out and see what your friends and neighbors across the community have been working on. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our local crafters, makers, and vendors while checking some things off your Christmas gift list!

The vendors will be ready for you to shop as soon as the parade finishes going through the square. To participate in the Maker’s Market, please reach out to Caswell Arts at caswellarts.org or 336-694-4474.

The Market will also have food trucks and live music from The Shag Doctorz. Be sure to bring a lawn chair if you’d like to sit and listen to them perform; they’ll be live on the Pavillion stage from 4-6 p.m.

Finish off the night of fun with the annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. Every year, the community gathers around the large tree set in the lawn next to the Richmond-Miles History Museum and watches it come to life with the light of the holiday season.

Before you leave, be sure to explore the many opportunities and activities of the night; including a photo with Santa, delicious food and drinks, and a large assortment of gifts and crafts! We can’t wait to see you all there!

Christmas in Historic Milton 2023 will feature “The Icons of Caswell and Danville” showings at the Thomas Day/Union Tavern Musuem in Milton on Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

Caswell Icons:

Thomas Day, Henrietta Jeffries, Maud Gatewood, N. L. Dillard, and Neal Watlington.

Danville Icons:

Camilla Williams and Sherman Saunders.

Thomas Day/Union Tavern Museum is located at 148 Broad Street, Milton.

Come and learn the legacy that these icons created. The Thomas Day Christmas Tree lighting will be held at 5 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

A month after recovering a variety of stolen equipment in Caswell County, the Person County’s Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in the case.

William Paul Stephens, 30, of Pinecrest Drive, Leasburg, has been charged with five counts of felony possession of stolen property.

30-year-old man arrested in connection to body found in East Tremont

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