history of rockingham county...history of rockingham county on december 29, 1785, the north carolina...

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Chapter 3: Rockingham County Profile 2012 Rockingham County

Community Health Assessment

History of Rockingham County

On December 29, 1785, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation that created Rockingham County from the northern half of Guilford County. The assembly chose to name the new county for Charles Watson-Wentworth, second Marquis of Rockingham (1730 – 1782). Rockingham was a leading Whig (one of the two political parties in Britain between the later 17th and mid-19th centuries) and was Prime Minister of Britain from 1765 to 1766 and again in 1782. His popularity in America was assured when he secured repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766 and led the ministry that initiated negotiations to terminate the Revolutionary War. From 1768 to 1781, he had been the leading Parliamentary opponent of both the government’s American policy and the war (Lewis, 2012).

Rockingham County and the Yesteryears

For more information about the history of Rockingham County, please visit Rockingham County Historical Society Museum and Archives (RCHSMA) at www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com and/or Rockingham County Historical Collection at www.rockinghamcc.edu/library/hcr.htm.

“Rockingham County offers a large selection of historical and scenic sites that

can be visited. It’s a great way to spend the day and learn about Rockingham

County’s heritage.” www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com

From top left: Dr. Samuel Buck Ellington (with nieces) – first official Health Director of Rockingham County

Employee Walter Motley operating a tag meter at the American Tobacco Company in Reidsville, NC

School days in Reidsville, NC

The women of The Moose donate a refrigerator to Tri-City Hospital (formerly in the Leaksville district of Eden).

Fishing in the “The Dan”

Washington Mill group picture

Rockingham County Courthouse

Otis Stone and Clarence Stone pose beside their automobile on the old iron bridge over the Mayo River near Stoneville, NC.

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Geography Situated in the north central area of the state, Rockingham County is just hours away from the breathtaking mountains in the west or the sandy beaches in the east. Dubbed as North Carolina’s North Star, Rockingham County is nestled at the tip of the Northern Piedmont Triad region and cradled by the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rockingham County is one of the 12 counties that make up North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region. The other counties include Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin. According to Piedmont Triad Partnership, every region is measured by what it offers its citizens and corporate partners. The Piedmont Triad is a region of rich resources and vast potential (PTP, 2012). Rockingham County is rectangular in shape, measuring approximately 29 miles east and west and 20 miles north and south. The total area is 572 square miles bordered by Virginia to the north, Caswell County to the east, Guilford County to the south, and Stokes County to the west. Located at 36’ 40” N latitude and 79’ 78” W longitude, Rockingham County has a land mass of approximately 364,000 acres. Five hundred and sixty-six (566) square miles of the county are land and six square miles are water. Elevations range from 660 feet to 841 feet above sea level. The Dan River and the Mayo River flow through the north and northwest parts of the county. The climate in Rockingham County is as follows:

Annual Average High 68°F January Average High 47°F

July Average High 87°F Annual Average Rainfall 43 inches Annual Average Snowfall 10 inches Annual Average Humidity 54%

Because of the strategic location, Rockingham County has easy access to Interstates 40 and 85, making Rockingham County a major logistical hub in the U.S. economy. Rockingham County is also traversed by a network of U.S. (220/future I-73, 158, 311, and 29/future I-785) and NC 87, 65, 68, 14, 135, 150, 700, 704, and 770 highways. A major four lane, north/south route from Washington, D.C., to Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Highway 29/future I-785 links directly to Interstates 40 and 85 in Greensboro, North Carolina (Johnson, 2011).

Though Rockingham County is mostly rural, its communities still offer small-town living balanced with 21st-century amenities. The county is divided into eleven townships: Huntsville, Leaksville, Madison, Mayodan, New Bethel (Bethany), Price, Reidsville, Ruffin, Simpsonville (Monroeton), Wentworth, and Williamsburg. Six townships are considered the municipalities which form Rockingham County. Those municipalities are Wentworth, Eden, Madison, Mayodan, Stoneville, and Reidsville.

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Rockingham County Municipalities

Wentworth

Named after the Marquis of Rockingham, Charles Watson-Wentworth, the Town of Wentworth was originally chartered in 1798. Due to a lapse of the 1798 charter and the impending annexation plans of a neighboring city, efforts to incorporate the community of Wentworth began in 1996. On November 4, 1997, voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum on the incorporation of the Town, and the

1798 Wentworth Charter was amended to allow for the incorporation of the community. On July 1, 1998, the modern-day Town of Wentworth came into being, making it the youngest town in Rockingham County.

Located in the center of the county, the Town of Wentworth, population slightly less than 3,000, is the county seat and the hub of the county’s governmental and judicial activities. In addition to being the home of the Governmental Center and the newly constructed Rockingham County Judicial Center, Town Hall and Emergency Management System facility, Wentworth is also the location of the Employment Security Commission (which in November 2012 will be known as the Division of Employment Security) and Rockingham Community College.

Wentworth is the site of a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the famous Wright Tavern, built in 1816. A rare example of the dog-run building, Wright Tavern was operated by Wrights and Reids and was the birthplace and home of Congressman, J. W. Reid (RCHS&A, 2012).

For more information about Wentworth, NC, visit www.townofwentworth.com.

Reidsville

The early roots of Reidsville, incorporated in 1873 by the state legislature, date to the early 1800’s, when William Wright of the Little Troublesome Creek area owned a tavern and store on the road connecting Danville, VA, and Salem, NC (currently Winston Salem). This outpost, called Wright’s Cross Roads, was the earliest settlement in the present-day city. In May 1814, Reuben Reid moved his family to a 700-acre farm on the ridge between Wolf Island and Little Troublesome Creek. Reuben Reid became a successful farmer, operated a store and a public inn maintained in a private home, and served the county as a constable and justice of the peace.

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When the family secured a post office in 1829, aptly named Reidsville, 16-year-old David Reid was appointed its first postmaster. He would later become a State Senator (1835 – 1842), a U.S. Congressman (1843 – 1847), Governor of North Carolina (1850), and U.S. Senator (1854). Reidsville, population of more than 14,500 people, is located near the center of Rockingham County. According to the City of Reidsville’s website, tobacco was a mainstay of the local economy for many years, with the history of the city tightly woven with that of the American Tobacco Company. With the sale of American Tobacco in 1994, city leaders have diversified the local economy and established Reidsville as a city that lives up to its motto, “Focused on a better tomorrow.” And focused, they are. In 2008, Reidsville was one of ten cities to receive the “All-America City” Award from the National Civic League. This highly prestigious award recognizes communities whose citizens work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve uncommon results. Reidsville also welcomed the newly constructed local office of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In 2009, citizens of Rockingham County celebrated the grand opening of Market Square, Reidsville’s newest outdoor venue. For more information about Reidsville, NC, visit www.ci.reidsville.nc.us.

Eden

Eden is the county’s largest city with a population of over 15,500 citizens. Eden was a 70,000-acre estate owned by William Byrd, II (a planter of Virginia and North Carolina). The estate was originally called “The Land of Eden.” In 1967, the city was incorporated through the consolidation of three separate towns: Leaksville, Spray, and Draper (USCB, 2012).

Eden’s economic progress is due in large part to water, its major resource, provided by the Dan and Smith Rivers. The Smith and Dan Rivers have their confluence on the south side of Eden. The Dan River flows along Eden’s southern border while the Smith River flows from the north, bisecting the city on its route to meet the Dan River. Therefore, Eden is also known as the “Land of Two Rivers.”

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In June 2011, Eden received the “All-America City” Award from the National Civic League. This highly prestigious award recognizes communities whose citizens’ work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve uncommon results. Reidsville was a recipient in 2008. Rockingham County is proud to have two cities recognized for their achievements. Eden offers the best of small city living with larger city amenities, proving it has something for everyone. The Eden community has the conveniences of a modern commercial, industrial, and agricultural center without the hustle and bustle of big city life. For more information about Eden, NC, visit www.ci.eden.nc.us.

Madison

The North Carolina Legislature established the town of Madison in 1815 at the junction of the Dan and Mayo Rivers. Madison was named for the fourth President of the United States, President James Madison. The town was originally incorporated in 1873. Centrally located with a population of just under 2,250, Madison is within 30 miles of Greensboro, NC; Winston-Salem, NC; Martinsville, VA; and Danville, VA. Madison is home to the corporate headquarters of Remington Arms. Remington Arms Company, Inc. was founded in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington in Ilion, New York, as Remington and Sons. It is the oldest company in the United States which still makes its original product, and is the oldest continuously operating manufacturer in North America. It is the only U.S. company which produces both firearms and ammunition domestically, and is the largest U.S. producer of shotguns and rifles. Madison is also the home of the first legal moonshine distillery in the state of North Carolina. Since 2005, Piedmont Distillers, Inc. has produced Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine and Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon (USCB, 2012).

Today, Madison boasts two historic districts: one listed on the national historic registry and the other a local historic district (the first federally certified local historic district in North Carolina). Many of its neighborhoods maintain the charm of the 1800’s – 1900’s with their historic homes. For more information about Madison, NC, visit www.townofmadison.org.

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Mayodan

It all started with a mill. A group of men from Winston, NC, inaugurated plans to build a railroad through the Mayo River Valley in 1883 from Salem, NC, to Roanoke, VA, to be known as the Roanoke and Southern Railroad. The railroad was opened January of 1892 at a cost of two million dollars, but was later sold to the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company. It was not until February 16, 1899, that Mayodan, named after the converging Mayo and Dan Rivers, was chartered as an incorporated town. Recognized by Ripley’s Believe It or Not™, Mayodan is the only town in the world with that name. With a population of approximately 2,478 people, Mayodan is nestled in a valley along the Mayo River, one of the best whitewater rafting and canoeing rivers in the Piedmont. A success story of old becoming new, Autumn Creek Vineyards is situated along the beautiful rolling hills of Mayodan. Located on a former hay, cattle, and tobacco farm more than 100 years old, Autumn Creek Vineyards currently grows red and white French varietals, as well as the North Carolina native Muscadine grape. The first planting was in 2003, consisting of one acre of Merlot and a half an acre of Chambourcin. Now with a little over 14 acres, Autumn Creek’s goal is to continue expanding the vineyards. Autumn Creek also features a tasting room and two cabins that provide relaxing, secluded getaway retreats ideal for short or long stays with picturesque views of the surrounding vineyard (ACV, 2012). For more information about Autumn Creek Vineyards, visit www.AutumnCreekVineyards.com. Mayodan has small town appeal, and residents describe Mayodan as a quiet, friendly place where everyone knows his or her neighbors. For more information about Mayodan, NC, visit www.townofmayodan.com.

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Stoneville

In the late 1850’s brothers Thomas and Pinkney Stone bought a parcel of land that was to become the town of Stoneville. On March 5, 1877, the town was officially incorporated. The NC General Statutes of 1876 – 1877, Chapter 183, Section 2 state that “the Corporate limits of said town shall include all the territory within one-half mile of P.M. Stone’s brick storehouse in said town.” In 1892, the Stone family influenced the construction of the Roanoke and Southern railway line, which brought even greater prosperity to the town. The tobacco industry also played a very important part in the development of Stoneville. With a population of approximately 1,056 and total area of 1.2 square miles (3.1km2), Stoneville is the county’s smallest town (US Census Bureau, 2012). On March 20, 1998, Stoneville was struck by a Category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado, destroying much of the business district. Two people were killed and 27 were injured. However, from the moment the debris settled, plans were made to rebuild. Nothing can replace the lives lost, or the historical buildings completely destroyed, but Stoneville united in an effort to rebuild their beloved town. Once known for its many antique stores, Stoneville is treasured by residents as a place with ideal living conditions, wonderful scenery, business opportunities, and a community where the people are considered to be “the salt of the earth.” For more information about Stoneville, NC, visit www.town.stoneville.nc.us.

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Demographics

Population

It is important for health and service organizations to gain a better understanding of the community’s population when creating services. Various community leaders, including community planners, healthcare providers, businesses, schools, and other stakeholders, will be more effective in creating community programs, activities, and services if they are knowledgeable of the community’s overall demographics.

Rockingham County is a rural county with an estimated population of 93,643 in 2010, compared to North Carolina’s estimated population of 9,535,483. According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, this reflects a 1.9% growth for Rockingham County and an 18.5% growth for North Carolina since the 2000 census period. While North Carolina’s median age is 37.4, Rockingham County’s median age is 41.7, revealing that Rockingham County’s population is older than the state average. While Table 3.1 shows a breakdown of population changes in Rockingham County from 2000-2010, Table 3.2 provides the population breakdown according to age. Charts 3.1 and 3.2 provide the racial and ethnic profile of Rockingham County.

Table 3.1 Rockingham County Population by Municipality, 2000 - 2010 Municipality 2010

Population 2006

Population 2000

Population % Change 2000-2006

% Change 2006-2010

% Change 2000-2010

Rockingham County

93,643 93,063 91,928 1.2% 0.6% 1.9%

Eden 15,527 15,643 15,908 -1.7% -0.7% -2.4% Madison 2,246 2,287 2,262 1.1% -1.8% -0.7% Mayodan 2,478 2,610 2,417 8.0% -5.3% 0.3% Reidsville 14,520 14,859 14,485 2.6% -2.3% 0.2% Stoneville 1,056 989 1,002 -1.3% 6.3% 5% Wentworth 2,807 2,786 2,779 0.3% 0.8% 1.0%

Source: USCB, 2010

In Rockingham County, the estimated median age was 39 in 2000, 42 in 2010 an estimated 43 in 2015 (rounded number of age). Additional estimated population by age is as follows:

Age Range Total Population Percentage of Population

0 – 19 22,689 24.5% 20 - 29 9,758 10.5% 30 - 39 11,745 12.7% 40 - 49 13,800 14.9% 50 - 59 14, 005 15.1% 60 + 20,561 22.2%

Source: USCB, 2010

Table 3.2 Rockingham County Population by Age, 2010

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Rockingham County

Racial and Ethnic ProfileWhite

Black

American

Indian

Hispanic

Asian

Native

Hawaiian

Other Race

65.3

21.5

8.4

2.2 1.3 0.1

73.4

18.9

5.50.5 0.4 0.1

White African American Hispanic Asian American Indian Native Hiwaiian

Population Profile

North Carolina Rockingham County

Chart 3.1 Rockingham County Population Profile by Race Compared to North Carolina, 2010

Source: OSBM, 2011

Race/Ethnicity Population Percentage

White or Caucasian 70,875 73.4%

Black or African American 17,655 18.9%

Hispanic 5,159 5.5%

Other Race 2,608 2.8%

Asian 430 0.5%

American Indian 345 0.4%

Native Hawaiian 60 0.1%

Source: OSBM, 2011

Chart 3.2 Rockingham County Racial and Ethnic Profile, 2010

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Households According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, there were 38,693 households in Rockingham County. This is an increase of 1,693 (4.4%) households since 2006. Households owned with a mortgage or loan were 16,871 (43.6%), owned free and clear 10,149 (26.2%), and renter occupied were 11,673 (30.2%). Table 3.3

Rockingham County Household Type Household Type Number Percent

Total Households 38,693 100%

Family Households [1]

26,168 67.6%

Male Householder 17,728 45.8%

Female Householder 8,440 21.8%

Nonfamily Households [2]

12,525 32.4%

Male Householder 5,652 14.6%

Living Alone 4,725 12.2%

Female Householder 6,873 17.8%

Living Alone 6,166 15.9%

Source: USCB, 2010

Income and Poverty The N.C. Department of Commerce (NCDOC) annually ranks the state’s 100 counties based on economic well-being and assigns each a tier designation. The 40 most distressed counties are designated as Tier 1, the next 40 are Tier 2 and the 20 least distressed as Tier 3. The rankings are based on an assessment of each county’s unemployment rate, median household income, population growth, and assessed property value per capita. Rockingham County continues to work towards improving its Tier 1 designation. In 2011, five counties changed their designation (Figure 3.2).

[1] A household that has at least one member of the household related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption is a “Family household.” Same-sex couple households are included in the family households category if there is at least one additional person related to the householder by birth or adoption. Same-sex couple households with no relatives of the householder present is tabulated in nonfamily households. [2] “Nonfamily households” consist of people living alone and households which do not have any members related to the householder.

Figure 3.1 North Carolina County Tier Mapping, 2011

Source: NCDOC, 2011

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Source: NCDOC, 2012

Table 3.4 provides trend data demonstrating median family, household, and disposable incomes and income per capita for Rockingham County compared to North Carolina and peer counties[1] for years 2000, 2011 and 2016 projections.

Table 3.4 Median and Household Incomes in Rockingham County Compared to the State and Peer County, 2000, 2011, and 2016

Counties

2000 Median Household Income



2000 Per Capita Income



North Carolina

$39,190 $42,941 $51,200 $20,307 $23,955 $26,700

Rockingham County

$33,915 $35,814 $42,336 $17,120 $19,939 $22,558

Burke County

$35,582 $36,883 $43,816 $17,397 $19,972 $22,227

Caldwell County

$35,724 $36,936 $44,553 $17,353 $19,632 $21,915

Lee County $39,160 $41,552 $48,031 $19,147 $21,755 $23,734 Surry County

$33,224 $35,453 $40,053 $17,722 $19,649 $21,704

Wilkes County

$34,214 $36,062 $40,927 $17,516 $19,873 $21,812

Source: NCD0C, 2012 [1] Peer counties are counties similar to yours based on population, age, race and poverty.

Findings per county show a predicted growth in median household income for Rockingham County from 2000 – 2016 of 18.2%, Burke County (18.8%), Caldwell County (20.6%), Lee County (15.6%), Surry County (13.0%), and Wilkes County (13.5%). A 23.5% growth rate is predicted for the state.

Understandably, North Carolina’s stoutest poverty challenges have been principally regarded as rural phenomena. Largely rural Tier 1 counties have experienced, and continue to experience, chronic levels of often debilitating economic distress. Per capita income is higher in urban counties. The poverty rate is higher, on average, in rural counties. The unemployment rate has historically been higher in rural counties. It is easy to conclude that North Carolina is a state of booming, relatively wealthy metropolitan cities and poor, struggling rural communities (UNC CPW&O, 2012).

Figure 3.2

Lee County

is the only

Tier 2

county. All

other peer

counties are

Tier 1.

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Table 3.5 and Charts 3.1 – 3.2 show poverty rates based on race and specific demographic populations, compared to the state and peer counties.

Locations North Carolina

Rockingham Burke Caldwell Lee Surry Wilkes

Poverty Rate (2010) 17% 19% 19% 18% 19% 19% 20%

Child Poverty Rate (2010)

25% 27% 27% 29% 28% 31% 27%

Elderly Poverty Rate (2006-2010)

11% 12% 12% 12% 11% 15% 14%

Percent Receiving Food Assistance (2010)

14% 15% 14% 17% 15% 16% 17%

12% (157,738) of white children live in poor families.

36% (182,169) of black children live in poor families.

41% (115,449) of Hispanic children live in poor families.

15% (7,277)* of Asian children live in poor families.

30% (7,014)* of American Indian children live in poor families.

Source: NCCP, 2010

26% (197,947) of children, under age six, live in poor families. 20% (296,076) of children, age six or older, live in

poor families

Source: NCCP, 2010

Chart 3.1

Chart 3.2

Source: NCRC, 2012

Table 3.5 Poverty Rates Based on Race and Populations, Compared to State and Peer Counties

* This estimate should be used with caution. It may be unreliable due to small sample size. Because of rounding, not all figures will add up to 100%.

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North Carolina County-Level Estimates of Non-Elderly Uninsured Almost one out of every five non-elderly persons in North Carolina was uninsured in 2009-2010. This is approximately the same rate as in the prior year’s report (2008-2009), but an increase of 2.4% over five years ago. Both the number of uninsured and the percentage of the population who are uninsured have increased over the last five years. Two-thirds of the uninsured live in families where there is at least one full-time worker. However, there has been a large decline in the percentage of uninsured who live in families with two or more people who are working full time (decline of 12.2 percentage points over the last five years), with a commensurate increase in the percentage of uninsured who live in a household with no workers, part-time workers, or only one full-time worker. This is likely a reflection of the poor economy over the last three years, in which many people lost jobs altogether, or moved to part-time positions. This data snapshot provides information about uninsured individuals in North Carolina by age and county of residence. The uninsured estimates are presented for 2009-2010 and were published in April 2012. This information is helpful to state and local policy makers, health care professionals, insurers, and community and others interested in the provision of health care at the local level (NCIOM, 2012). Table 3.6 outlines the estimated rates for North Carolina for children (ages 0-18), adults (ages 19-64), and total non-elderly (ages 0-64) compared to Rockingham County and its peer counties (Burke, Caldwell, Lee, Surry, and Wilkes). North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM) does not include the elderly since only about 1% of older adults are uninsured. Because these are estimates, numbers of uninsured have been rounded to the nearest thousands. NCIOM also presents the quartile of the county – “Low (L)” denotes those 25 counties with the lowest rate, “Mid-Low (ML)” the next 25 lowest rates, “Mid-High (MH)” the next 25 higher rates, and “High (H)” for the 25 highest rates. Table 3.6 Estimated Uninsured Rates for Ages (0-18, 19-64 and Total 0-64), 2009 - 2010 Children (0-18) Adult (19-64) Total (0-64)

County Number Percent Rank Number Percent Rank Number Percent Rank Burke 2,000 10.0% ML 11,000 20.8% L 13,000 17.6% L Caldwell 2,000 9.6% L 10,000 20.4 L 12,000 17.3% L Lee 2,000 12.6% H 8,000 24.6% MH 10,000 20.9% H Rockingham 2,000 9.9% ML 12,000 22.6% ML 14,000 19.0% ML Surry 2,000 11.0% H 9,000 22.1% ML 11,000 18.8% ML Wilkes 2,000 9.6% L 9,000 21.8% L 10,000 18.3% L North Carolina

252,000 10.3% -- 1,331,000 23.6% -- 1,582,000 19.6% --

Source: NCIOM, 2010

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Crime

We must recognize and understand that all forms of violence in the family and the community take a serious toll on the general health and well-being of all community members. Every organ in the body from our hearts to our lungs to our intestines to our nervous systems can be affected in harmful ways. And many of the behaviors that contribute to

poor health can be exacerbated, further affecting how we feel and function (PI, 2012). When we consider the rapidly growing cost of healthcare and the general decline in health status among Americans over the past generation, preventing violence before it occurs needs to be included in the larger plan to improve health. In addition to ensuring that violence is addressed through health and prevention planning, there is also an emerging set of strategies to simultaneously address the intersection of violence and chronic disease. Key opportunities to integrate efforts to prevent violence into healthy eating and active living strategies include creating safe spaces, promoting community development, involvement and employment, and fostering social cohesion (PI, 2012). In March 2011, Rockingham County citizens, county officials along with Governor Bev Perdue, and other distinguished guests celebrated the official dedication of the Rockingham County Judicial Center. The new Rockingham County Judicial Center includes the county’s courthouse, jail and law enforcement services in a three-story facility situated on a 38-acre site. Built to accommodate 359 employees and an eventual 300 inmates, the facility is also the first judicial center in the eastern United States to receive LEED (Leadership in Economic and Environmental Design) gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Building Rating System. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project is environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to live and/or work (Moseley Architects, 2011).

Rockingham County Judicial Center 170 N.C. Highway 65 Reidsville, NC 27320

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Crime in North Carolina

According to the Annual Summary Report of 2010 Uniform Crime Reporting Data, the rate per 100,000 people of Crime Index offenses reported to law enforcement agencies throughout North Carolina decreased 5.6% from 2009 to 2010. The rate of violent crime (which includes murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) decreased 10.2% statewide. Individually, the murder rate decreased 7.3%, the rape rate decreased 14.3%, the robbery rate decreased 19.4%, and the aggravated assault rate decreased 5.3%. The rate of property crime (which consists of burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft) decreased 5.1% across the state. The rate for burglary decreased 5.3% and larceny deceased 4.3%. The motor vehicle theft rate decreased 12.5%. A property crime not included with the other index offenses, the arson rate decreased 8.4%. For Crime Index offenses, the number of juveniles under the age of 18 arrested declined 9% in 2010, while adults arrested for Crime Index offenses decreased 1%. For violent crime, juveniles under the age of 18 arrested decreased 15%, while adult arrests decreased 3%. For property crime, the number of juveniles under 18 arrested declined 8%, while adult arrests declined 1%.

Source: NCDJ, 2012

Year

Index Crime Rate

Violent Crime Rate

Property Crime Rate

Violent Crime Rates Property Crime Rates

Murder Rape Robbery Agg. Assault

Burglary Larceny MVT Arson

2009 Rate

4,191.2 417.1 3,774.1 5.5 25.1 130.2 256.4 1,188.1 2,365.9 220.0 22.5

2010 Rate

3,955.7 374.4 3,581.4 5.1 21.5 105.0 242.7 1,125.7 2,263.2 192.5 20.6

Percent Change

-5.6% -10.2% -5.1% -7.3% -14.3%

-19.4% -5.3% -5.3% -4.3% -12.5% -8.4%

Table 3.7 Statewide Crime Index Rate per 100,000 Persons (Percent Change from 2009 – 2010)

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Crime in Rockingham County

According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, there were 155 registered sex offenders in Rockingham County in 2011 (NC-SBI, 2011).

Table 3.8 shows Rockingham County’s County Offense Rates –Ten Year Trend and Table 3.9 provides a Crime Index for each law enforcement agency in Rockingham County, 2009-2010.

Source: NC-SBI, 2011

Table 3.9 Crime Index for Rockingham County Law Enforcements, 2009 - 2010

Source: NC-SBI, 2011

Rockingham County, NC County Offense Rates – Ten Year Trend

Year Index Rate

Violent Rate

Property Rate

Murder Rate Rape Rate Robbery

Rate Assault

Rate Burglary

Rate Larceny

Rate MVT Rate Arson Rate

2001 3,562.6 292.1 3,270.5 4.4 19.8 53.8 214.2 914.8 2,220.6 135.1 16.5

2002 4,169.1 305.0 3,864.1 4.4 12.1 91.4 197.1 1,285.1 2,412.7 166.3 6.6

2003 4,418.3 306.8 4,111.5 8.7 14.2 88.4 195.4 1,096.1 2,844.0 171.4 8.7

2004 4,466.9 274.5 4,192.3 9.8 6.6 96.2 161.9 1,180.2 2,829.5 182.7 17.5

2005 4,437.6 277.6 4,160.0 4.4 16.5 68.0 188.7 1,325.6 2,640.2 194.2 20.8

2006 4,718.4 258.7 4,459.7 6.6 6.6 68.3 177.2 1,301.2 2,922.8 235.6 14.3

2007 4,388.4 343.4 4,045.0 5.5 13.2 98.0 226.7 1,196.4 2,625.1 223.4 25.3

2008 4,606.6 339.7 4,266.9 5.5 15.4 75.0 243.7 1,288.1 2,752.7 226.1 9.9

2009 4,100.7 402.4 3,698.3 2.2 16.4 74.2 309.7 1,156.1 2,379.7 162.5 19.6

2010 4,051.0 318.9 3,732.1 3.3 8.7 63.1 243.8 1,159.1 2,389.0 183.9 7.6

Agency Year

Total

Crime

Index

Murder Rape Robbery Agg.

Assault Burglary Larceny

MV

Theft

Rockingham Co. Sheriff 2009 1,480 1 2 22 83 542 754 76

Rockingham Co. Sheriff 2010 1,367 1 2 16 54 480 721 93

Eden 2009 808 1 5 27 55 204 482 34

Eden 2010 925 5 19 68 232 556 45

Madison 2009 251 1 66 40 144

Madison 2010 190 45 36 107 2

Mayodan 2009 179 0 1 21 16 138 3

Mayodan 2010 261 1 4 17 24 212 3

Reidsville 2009 994 8 16 54 242 639 35

Reidsville 2010 941 2 0 19 36 279 579 26

Stoneville 2009 48 0 1 5 16 25 1

Stoneville 2010 38 4 14 20

Offense Totals 2009 3,760 2 15 68 284 1,060 2,182 149

Offense Totals 2010 3,722 3 8 58 224 1,065 2,195 169

Table 3.8

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Government

Mission and Governing Body The mission of Rockingham County is to “Partner with our diverse community to ensure the provision of essential services equitably, efficiently, and effectively, in order to improve the quality of life for its citizens. We will promote a safe and caring environment, educational excellence, and economic opportunity to empower our citizens to pursue a high quality of life, while preserving our rural character.”

Rockingham County’s county seat is located in Wentworth, NC, and Rockingham County is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners. Commissioners are elected at-large to serve four-year terms staggered so that every two years, two to three commissioners are up for election.

The Board of Commissioners enacts policies such as establishment of the property tax rate, regulation of land use and zoning outside municipal jurisdiction, and adoption of the annual budget.

County Manager and Clerk to the Board

Under the leadership of the county manager, the commissioners’ plans and objectives are carried out. Day-to-day operation of Rockingham County government is the responsibility of the manager and his staff. The county manager has a variety of responsibilities, including the implementation of policies formed by the commissioners, the organization and administration of county departments, and the preparation of the recommended annual budget.

The Clerk to the Board is officially responsible for the County Seal, retention of official records, legal advertisements, and must be familiar with the General Statutes that deal with advertisement. One of the most important services is the assistance with preparations for meetings (RCG, 2012).

Political Climate

Every county in the state of North Carolina has a county Board of Elections. The Board of Elections is a three-member board which is appointed by the state Board of Elections. Appointments are based on nominations by the State Party Chairman. Board members are appointed for two-year terms and are appointed in June of odd-numbered years. No more

than two members of the county Board of Elections can belong to the same political party. The board employs a director and staff to manage the office and conduct elections. The board is also responsible for appointing precinct officials, setting precinct lines, conducting hearings on election protests or challenges to the qualifications of votes (RCBE, 2012).

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Table 3.9 Voter Registration for Rockingham County and North Carolina, 2011

Source: RCBE, 2011 and USCB, 2010 Table 3.10 Rockingham County Voter Registration Statistics by Precinct, 2011

Source: RCBE, 2011

Population Rockingham County

North Carolina

Registered Voters 58,706 6,207,026 Registered Democrats 27,745 2,721,026 Registered Republicans 18,430 1,950,789 Libertarian 68 12,647 Unaffiliated 12,463 1,522,564

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39%

6%24%

31%

Southern Baptist Wesleyan Church United Methodist Other

Faith and Spirituality

According to City-Data-2012, the total number of parishioners (individuals who hold a particular belief in a faith or attend a church) in Rockingham County is approximately 35,686 compared to the state total of 3,651,416. The approximate number of churches in Rockingham County is estimated at 428 compared to 11,132 in North Carolina.

Table 3.11 Religion Profile in Rockingham County, 2011

Source: City-Data, 2011

Historically, the faith community has served as a vital institutional structure in Rockingham County communities. Because leaders from faith and public health share the goal of improving and advancing community health and wholeness, the faith community is a critical partner in shifting social, behavioral, political, and economic determinants of health (Kegler, Kiser, & Hall, 2007).

Some churches have a parish nurse on staff to work with the Health Ministry Team to promote health and general wellness. The functions of the parish nurse are that of a personal health counselor, health advocate, health educator, trainer for volunteers, referral agent, and integrator of faith and health. Other churches, in collaboration with healthcare providers, employ congregational nurses to reach out to underserved populations throughout Rockingham County.

Rockingham County Department of Public Health has maintained an effective presence in the faith community. Through outreach projects such as the annual Influenza Campaign, Health Fairs, the African American Churches Eating Smart Moving More™, Faithful Families™ and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure™ health initiatives, Rockingham County Department of Public Health

recognizes the impact of sustained collaborative efforts with area churches on the health of an entire community. For more information about implementing health and wellness initiatives in your church, contact Rockingham County Department of Public Health’s Health Education Division at 336-342-8150.

Number of Parishioners

Southern Baptist 14,130 United Methodist 8,421 Wesleyan Church 2,114 Other 11,021

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Recreation

According to the Rockingham County Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development, the terrain of Rockingham County is the perfect place to experience nature’s playground and the numerous recreational activities that are found in our six municipalities. In Rockingham County, you can play a round of golf, hit the lakes, go horseback riding, paddle the rivers, stroll along greenways and trails, play in a park, visit historic sites or simply soak up the sun.

In addition to providing amenities suitable for a day of fun for you and your family, Rockingham County is equipped with facilities to host a variety of recreational and sporting events, whether that is a baseball tournament, bike tour, golf tournament, canoe race or a team-building event.

Table 3.13 provides additional information about the types of recreational facilities/opportunities available in Rockingham County.

Table 3.13 Types of Recreational Facilities/Opportunities Available in Rockingham County, 2012 Amenity Reidsville Wentworth Eden Madison Mayodan Stoneville Parks and Recreation 14 1 11 5 4 1

Walking Trails and Greenways

4 2 6 2 3 1

State Parks 0 0 0 0 1 0

Lakes and Rivers (Or Access)

2 0 4 2 2 1

Golf Courses 5 0 2 0 0 3

Equestrian Facilities 5 0 0 1 0 0 Source: RCPETD, 2012

In addition to the Rockingham County Sports and Recreation Facilities Guide, Rockingham County Healthy Carolinians Partnership has provided a Physical Activity Resource Guide for many years. This annually updated, pocket-sized resource guide provides a listing of available physical activity opportunities throughout the county.

For a copy of the Rockingham County Sports and Recreation Facilities Guide and/or the Rockingham County Healthy Carolinians’ Physical Activity Resource Guide, visit www.ncnorthstar.com and/or www.rockinghamcountypublichealth.org, respectively.

danrriverbasinadventures.blogspot.com

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References:

Autumn Creek Vineyards (ACV). ( 2012). Retrieved January 2012 from http://www.autumncreekvineyards.com City Data, 2011 (Advanmeg.Inc). Retrieved December 2011 from http://www.city-data.com Johnson, J. H., & Parnell, A. (January 2011). Rockingham County Competitive Assessment. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Urban Investment Strategies Center, Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise. Retrieved January 2012 from https://sites.google.com/site/rockinghamcountyhealthalliance/ Kegler, Michelle C; Kiser, Mimi, Hall, Sarah C, Evaluation Findings from the Institute of Public Health and Faith Collaborations. Public Health Reports, 2007; (793-802) Retrieved January 2012 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1997247 Lewis, J., A History of Rockingham County, NC Home, 2009. Retrieved February 2012 from www.carolana.com Moseley Architects. (2011). Rockingham County Judicial Center, Wentworth, NC. Enforcing Energy Efficient Stewardship. Retrieved March 2012, from moseleyarchitect.com/sustainability: http://www.moseleyarchitects.com/selectedprojects.asp?p=460000&m=civ National Center for Children in Poverty, North Carolina (NCCP). (2010). Retrieved March 2012 from http://www.nccp.org/profiles/NC_profile_7html North Carolina Department of Commerce (NCDOC). (2012). North Carolina Fact Sheet 2012. Retrieved January 2012 from http://www.thrivenc.com/accessnc North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDJ). (2010). North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Crime Statistics, 2011. Retrieved February 2012 from http://www.ncdoj.gov North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM). (2010). North Carolina County-level Estimates of the Uninsured 2009-2010. Retrieved May 2012 from http://www.nciom.org/nc-health-data/uninsured-snapshots North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad (NCPT). (2011) Piedmont Triad Region. Retrieved November 2011 from http://www.piedmonttriadnc.com North Carolina Rural Center (NCRC). (2012). Retrieved March 2012 from http://ncrc.org/databank

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Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM). (2011). North Carolina Demographics. Retrieved January, 2012 from http://osbm.state.nc.us Official Eden, NC website – http://www.ci.eden.nc.us Official Madison, NC website – http://www.townofmadison.org Official Mayodan, NC website – http://townofmayodan.com Official Reidsville, NC website – http://www.ci.reidsville.nc.us Official Stoneville, NC website – http://www.town.stoneville.nc.us Official Wentworth, NC website – http://www.townofwentworth.com Piedmont Triad Region. (PTR). (2012). Retrieved February 2012 from Piedmont Triad Partnership: http://www.piedmonttriadnc.com Prevention Institute (PI). (2010). Retrieved February 2012 from http://www.preventioninstitute.org/unity Rockingham County Board of Elections (RCBE). (2011). Retrieved January 2012 from http://www.co.rockingham.nc.us Rockingham County Department of Public Health (RCDPH). (2012). In-house Publication can be found at www.rockinghamcountypublichealth.org Rockingham Country Government (RCG). (2011. Retrieved January 2012 from http://www.co.rockingham.nc.us Rockingham County Historical Collection (RCHC). (2012). www.rockinghamcc.edu/library/hcr.htm Rockingham County Historical Society Museum and Archives (RCHSMA). (2012). www.rockinghamcountyhistory.com Rockingham County Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development (RCPETD). (2011). Retrieved February 2012 from http://www.ncnorthstar.com UNC School of law. UNC Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity (UNC-CPW&O). (2012). Documenting Poverty, Economic Distress and Challenges in North Carolina. Retrieved February 2012 from http://www.law.unc.edu/centers/poverty Uniform Crime Reporting Data. Annual Summary Report of 2010. Retrieved March 2012 from http://www.ucrdatatool.gov

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United States Census Bureau (USCB). (2010). American Fact Finder. Retrieved March 2012 from http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices United States Census Bureau (USCB). (2010). Quickfacts. Retrieved March 2012 from http://quickfacts.census.gov

history of rockingham county...history of rockingham county on december 29, 1785, the north carolina...

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