Greene County Sheriff’s Office Opens New Facility
A large crowd gathered outside the courthouse Tuesday morning, but not for legal proceedings, but to celebrate the opening of a new Sheriff's Office across the street.
Good Morning, Greene County!
In the wake of a recent fire at our residence, our newsletters may be shorter than usual. This experience has been both challenging and humbling, but I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from our community and local responders.
As a firefighter, I’ve responded to countless emergencies, but facing a fire on my own property was a unique and unsettling experience. We was awakened by our puppy’s urgent barking and saw our barn fully engulfed in flames from my bedroom window. My first instinct was to suit up, and fight the fire, but I quickly realized the priority was to protect our vehicles and other exposed structures. By swiftly relocating the vehicles from the area near the barn, we were able to prevent further damage.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our local first responders for their swift and coordinated efforts. The fire department, EMS, communications team, and emergency management personnel all worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. Their professionalism and dedication were crucial in minimizing the impact of this difficult situation.
I would also like to extend a special thank you to the anonymous individual who called in the fire. Your quick action made a significant difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your vigilance.
The Weather Forecast
The weather this week includes mostly clear skies with temperatures ranging from the low 20s to the upper 50s. Expect sunny days with light to moderate winds and low chances of precipitation.
Monday, December 2, 2024: Sunny, High 44°F / Low 27°F, Light wind, Rain chance 2%.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024: Sunny, High 42°F / Low 24°F, NNW wind 5-10 mph (day), WNW light (night), Rain chance 1% (day), 3% (night).
Wednesday, December 4, 2024: Sunny, High 48°F / Low 21°F, SW wind 5-10 mph (day), SW 10-15 mph (night), Rain chance 3%.
Thursday, December 5, 2024: Mostly sunny and windy, High 58°F / Low 29°F, W wind 15-25 mph (day), NNW 10-15 mph (night), Rain chance 0%.
Friday, December 6, 2024: Mainly sunny, High 44°F / Low 23°F, NNW wind 10-15 mph (day), light (night), Rain chance 0% (day), 5% (night).
Saturday, December 7, 2024: Partly cloudy, High 46°F / Low 23°F, WSW wind 6 mph, Rain chance 4%.
Greene County Sheriff’s Office Opens New Facility
An unexpected large crowd gathered outside the courthouse Tuesday morning, but not for legal proceedings. The former elections building across the street from the courthouse had been transformed into a modern and efficient workspace for the Sheriff’s Office, and the community was there to celebrate its opening to the public.
Sheriff Matt Sasser expressed his gratitude for the community’s support and the county’s investment in the project. “Events like these can be unpredictable,” he said with a warm smile. “You never know who might show up for events like these. I’m mighty proud of my job, I’m mighty proud of the folks that work here,” he added.
“I’m certainly proud of this building right here, and I hope that this building will serve the county for the next several years to come. This office has been a project we’ve been working on for, you know, probably a little over a year now,” he noted. “It started out, it was going to be a courtroom, and then we got to talking about the efficiencies of everything else. Having inmate transports out in the open would have been an issue.”
The $835,000 facility boasts two distinct operational zones: an investigation area and a civil and patrol zone. Equipped with two modern interview rooms, updated camera systems, and designated departmental spaces, the new office is a significant upgrade from the previous location. “Interview rooms were an issue,” Sasser candidly shared. “We had one large interview room, and sometimes you obviously encounter multiple people, so we were able to add an additional interview room.”
Senator Buck Newton, who played a key role in the project’s development, emphasized the importance of efficient and safe justice administration. “Part of my job is listening and having conversations,” he explained. What started as a simple courtroom renovation discussion gradually transformed into a more strategic solution. “As the conversation progressed, it made a lot more sense, a lot more efficient move to renovate this space and move him over here to create the courtroom in his old space,” Newton recounted.
“The job of the court staff, whether it be the judges or the clerks or law enforcement personnel, efficient and safe administration of justice is very important, and it’s very dear to me,” he stated, praising the collaborative approach. He highlighted how officials “pulled together with the money, worked cooperatively, talked to each other, thought it through, and did the right things.”
Representative Chris Humphrey highlighted the community’s collective effort in bringing the project to fruition. “We’ve had some serious conversations with you and the county,” he told the assembled crowd. “This facility is the product of collaboration,” Humphrey aptly summarized. “A few months ago, we came over and took a tour of the courthouse, and we saw that the sheriff’s office was in the basement,” he recalled. “From the Board of Commissioners to the Sheriff’s staff and the construction teams, everyone played a role.” Humphrey saw the renovation as part of Greene County’s ongoing progress. “We’ve had several of these groundbreaking ceremonies here in Greene County lately,” he said. “It’s good to see Greene County is on the move. You should have a lot to be proud of.”
County Manager Kyle DeHaven praised the careful planning and strategic partnerships that made the project possible. “This is the 14th substantial renovation or facility that we’ve completed in 10 years,” he proudly declared. Impressively, this was accomplished “without a tax increase or taking any new debt.” DeHaven acknowledged the collective effort, specifically thanking local construction companies like Hillard Construction, Coastal Roofing, Harper Landscaping, Global Asphalt, and Piedmont Service Group.
In a touching moment, DeHaven recognized Joe Hilliard’s crucial last-minute assistance. “We literally couldn’t have done it without you,” he said, recounting how Hilliard had come to help resolve a last-minute issue at eight o’clock the night before the ceremony.
After the elected officials cut the ceremonial ribbon, Sheriff Sasser turned to his staff and invited them to join him on the walkway for a second, more personal ribbon-cutting moment. With evident emotion, he addressed his team, saying, “I couldn’t have done the job without y’all. Y’all are the best staff that I could ask for.”
Senator Newton perhaps best captured the ceremony’s essence: this was more than a building—it was about serving the community thoughtfully and effectively. “It was about doing the right things,” he said. “I really hope that this is going to serve the citizens of Greene County very well for decades to come,” he added, a sentiment that resonated throughout the morning.
Scuffleton Rural Fire Association Secures Class 5 ISO Rating, Potential Insurance Savings for Residents
Scuffleton Rural Fire Association has reached a significant milestone by advancing to a Class 5 ISO department, a development that offers potential insurance savings for local residents. Daryl Rayor from the Office of the State Fire Marshal announced the advancement with evident pride, stating, “They worked hard. They did it right. They got ready, and it’s paid off.”
The new rating, effective January 1, 2025, will impact homeowners within a five-mile radius of the fire station. Rayor emphasized the importance of this rating, noting that the department’s enhancements span critical areas such as training, water supply, and emergency response capabilities. Training, in particular, has been a cornerstone of their progress. “Training is the biggest thing any volunteer department can focus on,” Rayor remarked, underscoring the department’s dedication to professional development.
However, Rayor cautioned local residents about expecting immediate insurance benefits. “Don’t assume your premiums will drop automatically,” he advised. “Tell them definitely shop around if they’re having issues.” The rating could potentially lead to reduced insurance costs, but residents need to be proactive in exploring their options with insurance providers.
The department’s performance evaluation was commendable, with scores in the low 50s on the ISO assessment. Rayor expressed his satisfaction with the results while also acknowledging room for further improvement. “I was real happy when it came out to a five,” he shared. “I’d love to see you get up to about 58 points.” His enthusiasm for continuous development was evident as he introduced a specialized analytical tool that provides detailed insights into the department’s performance.
“We’ve got a really neat little tool that shows you exactly where you can improve,” Rayor explained, describing a system that allows for category-by-category examination of the department’s capabilities. This approach reflects a transparent and systematic method of ongoing improvement, a philosophy Rayor passionately supports. “There’s always room for improvement. I don’t care who you are,” he emphasized, sharing his recent experience of completing an evaluation that scored 50.5 points.
The Scuffleton Rural Fire Association leadership expressed pride in their accomplishment, recognizing the collective effort that transformed their department.
For residents within the affected area, the message is clear: contact your insurance providers to discuss potential premium reductions resulting from this improved fire protection classification.
As the department celebrates this significant achievement, it remains focused on its ultimate goal: providing the highest level of protection and service to the community it serves. Rayor’s parting words capture the essence of their success: hard work, preparation, and an unwavering commitment to improvement can indeed pay off.
The Origin of the Christmas Tree Tradition
As you drive downtown Snow Hill, the sight of Christmas trees illuminating the windows of homes is likely to catch your eye. Each tree, adorned with twinkling lights and colorful ornaments, brings warmth and festive cheer to the cold winter nights. But have you ever wondered why we decorate our homes with these beautiful evergreen trees during the Christmas season?
The tradition of the Christmas tree is rich with history and legend. One of the most enduring stories involves Martin Luther, the 16th-century theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation. Luther’s contributions to Christianity were profound, including his pivotal role in challenging the Catholic Church’s practices and translating the Bible into German. However, he is also credited with popularizing the Christmas tree in Germany.
According to legend, one snowy winter evening, Luther was walking through a forest near his home in Wittenberg, Germany. As he wandered, contemplating a sermon for his congregation, he was captivated by the sight of stars twinkling through the branches of the evergreen trees. The scene was so awe-inspiring that he felt compelled to bring this beauty into his home to share with his family. Cutting down a small fir tree, he brought it inside and decorated it with candles to mimic the starlit sky.
Gathering his family around the illuminated tree, Luther explained the symbolism: the evergreen tree represented eternal life through Christ, and the candles symbolized Jesus as the light of the world. This heartfelt act, blending natural beauty with profound spiritual symbolism, is said to have inspired others in Luther’s community to adopt the practice of bringing decorated trees into their homes during the Christmas season.
The custom of the Christmas tree quickly spread throughout Germany, becoming an integral part of holiday celebrations. By the 18th century, it had become deeply rooted in German culture. German immigrants later brought the tradition to America, where it continued to evolve and gain widespread popularity.
Today, the Christmas tree stands as a central symbol of the holiday season in many cultures around the world. As you admire the beautifully decorated trees, remember the story of Martin Luther and the starry night that inspired him. This enduring tradition, born out of a simple yet profound moment of reflection and faith, continues to bring light and joy to our homes each Christmas.
The Community Calendar
Sunday, December 1, 2024: Glow Youth “chili cook-off” fundraiser at Hull Road OFWB Church, 12:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 3, 2023: “Very Merry Christmas Party,” featuring the Senior Center Choir, Tips on Holiday & Safety, 2024 Year in Review, and a special guest at the Greene County Senior Center at 6:00 pm.
Thursday, December 5, 2024: Scuffleton Rural Fire Association annual meeting, 7:00 pm. The purpose of this meeting is to elect board members to serve a three year term on the seven member board of directors
Friday, December 6, 2024: Live Nativity Scene - Calvary Memorial United Methodist Church, Friday, 6:00-8:30 pm. Walk by or drive through.
Friday, December 6, 2024: Christmas Extravaganza in Downtown Snow Hill 6-10pm.
Saturday, December 7, 2024: Snow Hill Christmas parade.
Saturday, December 7, 2024: Kids on Stage will present their performance of Disney’s “The Jungle Book” at the Greene County Wellness Center. There will be two shows, one at 4:30 PM and another at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available at the door for $5.00 per person.
Saturday, December 7, 2024: WinterFest at The Barn at Nooherooka, 10 AM - 4 PM, 2029 Mewborn Church Rd, Snow Hill, NC. Contact: 252-714-2650.
Saturday, December 7, 2024: Holiday Biscuit Classes with Miss Lillie. Classes offered at 10 AM, 12 PM, or 2 PM. Hands-on class $60/person. Benjamin W. Best Inn, 2029 Mewborn Church Rd, Snow Hill, NC. Contact: 252-714-2650
Saturday, December 7, 2024: “Hope for America,” event 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM, at Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church, Speaker: Philip Rabon, Southeastern Free Will Baptist College. Musical Guest: Sounds of Praise Ensemble.
Celebrate the Season with Us!
As we kick off the holiday season, we invite you to share in the joy and spirit of Christmas. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to our newsletter and share it with friends and family who might enjoy it. We’d love to hear from you! Send us your most memorable Christmas memories or your favorite holiday traditions.