New Warren Program Helps Connect Employers, Job Seekers

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-information courtesy of Crystal Smith, senior assistant to Warren County Manager Vincent Jones

 

Warren County employers and job seekers have a new tool at their fingertips to connect residents with local employment opportunities. Warren County Community and Economic Development has launched an online job board for employment and internship opportunities from Warren County employers. This service is free for both employers and job seekers.

The job board allows employers to register and post openings for jobs and internships in Warren County, according to information from Crystal Smith, senior assistant to Warren County Manager Vincent Jones.

Each posting will direct job seekers directly back to the employer to begin the application process. Warren County Community and Economic Development will continue to advertise the job board as a local and regional resource for job seekers and will also promote it in any larger state and national campaigns the department undergoes.

“One of the top challenges our employers face is recruitment; we hear it over and over again,” said Charla Duncan, director of Warren County Community and Economic Development. “When we drilled down to see how our businesses are currently advertising open positions, we found that a majority of them are advertising in limited networks.”

In a recent departmental poll of local employers, the top three employment advertising methods currently used are: word of mouth (79 percent of businesses polled), unpaid social media posts (68 percent), and placing signage at the place of business (53 percent).

“Businesses are reporting back to us that their funding is limited when it comes to paid advertising for open positions, or that the cost of marketing is too high,” Duncan said. “The Work in Warren job board is a free resource for county-based businesses that aims to give all businesses more digital exposure.”

“A few local employers helped to test the board while in development, and they all reported back that the process was easy and quick,” said Duncan, explaining that the board was designed to be a simple interface to connect employers with job seekers. County staff will follow the success of the job board and check in with employers over time to monitor any ongoing web development needs.

Duncan also stated that her department sees the Work in Warren job board as a recruitment tool for future industries and a future workforce.

“We have not had a comprehensive, streamlined reflection of the employment opportunities in our county,” stated Duncan. “If someone is looking to move to the region, we want to make sure they can envision a professional future for themselves in Warren County.”

Job seekers and employers can visit the Work in Warren job board at www.WorkInWarren.org.

Duncan encourages job seekers to regularly visit the Work in Warren job board just as they would another hiring platform such as Indeed, Monster, or LinkedIn. Job posts will remain active for 30 days before they expire, and employers have the option to extend the opening or remove the post if the position has been filled.

For more information, contact Duncan, Director of Warren County Community & Economic Development, at 252.257.3115. The Work in Warren job board can be found on the Warren County Community and Economic Development website at www.warrencountync.org.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Partners With FTCC To Give Students Access To Funeral Service Education

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– Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College is teaming up with one of its sister schools on an innovative hybrid program, paving the way for new career opportunities in its four-county service area.

VGCC has partnered with Fayetteville Technical Community College to bring FTCC’s Funeral Service Education program to students in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. FTCC runs the only funeral service program of its kind in North Carolina, which is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and led by licensed funeral professionals.

“This is extremely relevant to our area,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “We really want to open this up as a possibility.”

The agreement allows VGCC students to take general education courses close to home before applying to transfer into FTCC’s funeral service program. Much of the program’s specialized instruction is offered online and can be completed remotely. Students must complete certain practical requirements in labs at FTCC or during work-based learning at a local funeral home, and they will be required to visit FTCC in person a few times to demonstrate or learn key funeral service skills.

FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells noted that the program offers VGCC students the opportunity to accomplish much of their education without having to travel the distance to Fayetteville. “We think that’s a tremendous advantage and a way that we, as the only funeral service program in the state, can extend that service out into the rural areas and the small- to medium-sized colleges that have a lot of employment demand and need,” he said.

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon, who owns three funeral homes in Vance and Granville counties, was one of several industry professionals to attend the partnership’s signing ceremony in Henderson. “The more people locally we can get who consider going into this industry, the more likely funeral homes will stay family-owned,” Sossamon said. “I think that’s a valuable thing.”

Vance-Granville is the fifth community college in the North Carolina Community College System to partner with Fayetteville Tech’s funeral service program.

 

 

 

NCDOT

Perry Town Rd. Bridge Remains Closed Until NC DOT Replaces, Widens

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-information courtesy of Crystal Smith, Senior Assistant to Warren County Manager

 

The bridge on Perry Town Road was shut down in November 2023 after the N.C. Dept. of Transportation declared it unsafe for traffic.

Since then, NC DOT has developed a plan to replace and widen the bridge, known as Bridge 126, according to information from Warren County leaders.

However, in order to begin construction, Warren County Public Utilities will need to relocate a portion of the 8-inch water main line that runs parallel to the bridge.

Warren County advertised for bids to complete the project, which closed on Jan. 18, 2024. If the county receives sufficient bids, the awarded contractor can begin relocating the water line after Feb. 19, 2024. At this time, NC DOT has not stated how long this water line relocation and the bridge replacement will have the road closed.

Warren Co. Memorial Library

Acclaimed Children’s Book Author Plans Jan. 25 Visit To Warren Library

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The Warren County Memorial Library will host Linda Ashman, a nationally acclaimed children’s author based in Chapel Hill, for an afternoon of discussion about reading and writing books.

Join in on the fun on Thursday, Jan. 25 – Ashman will present two different programs during the afternoon – 1 p.m. for grades K-2 and 2 p.m. for grades 3-5.

Ashman is the author of more than 45 picture books for children, and she also is the author of

The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books.  Her books have been included on the “best of the year” lists of The New York Times, Kirkus Reviews, the American Library Association, the Children’s Book Council and others, and have been translated into many languages.  Several of her books will be featured on the newly opened WCML StoryWalk® at Buck Spring Park.

Learn more about the author’s work at https://lindaashman.com/. This event is open to school groups and families with children—the age ranges listed for each session are just suggestions.

For more information about the library, its programs, or to access eResources: Go to https://www.wcmlibrary.org/. All library programs are free and open to the public. Call the library for more information at 252-257-4990. The library is located at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton NC 27589.

Donate Blood In January And You May Win Tickets To Super Bowl LVIII

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 – Information courtesy of the American Red Cross of North Carolina

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.

And anyone who comes in to give blood or platelets in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII.

The Red Cross and the NFL have partnered during Januaray – designated as National Blood Donor Month – to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.

Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40 percent. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.

“Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”

Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Following is a list of upcoming blood donations in Vance, Granville and Warren counties:

Henderson

  • Friday, Jan. 19: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Maria Parham Health, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.
  • Thursday, Jan. 25: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.
  • Friday, Jan. 26: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Vance Charter School Henderson, 2090 Ross Mill Rd.

Oxford

  • Wednesday, Jan. 17: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. J.F. Webb High School, 3200 Webb School Rd.

Creedmoor

  • Friday, Jan. 26: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave.

Norlina

  • Wednesday, Jan. 24: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 438 Ridgeway Drewry Rd.

Annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards Nominations Being Accepted Now

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UPDATED: THE VANCE COUNTY DEADLINE TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS IS FEB. 16, 2024

Do you know someone who makes a difference in the community through volunteerism? Nominations for the annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted now. Each year, the awards are presented to individuals who make significant contributions to the communities they live in through volunteer service.

An individual or group from the public, nonprofit and private sector may be nominated for this recognition award by a community member. For more information or to make a nomination online or download a nomination form, visit https://www.nc.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities/volunteernc/governors-volunteer-service-awards.  Use this site to locate your county’s contact person to whom you submit nominations. The nominations may be downloaded or completed online.

Some counties have designated specific individuals to receive the nominations from their county. According to information on the state government website, different counties may establish their own deadlines for submission. Vance County residents who wish to send in a nomination should do so by Feb. 16 via email to volunteernc@nc.gov.

Granville County nominations are due by Friday, Jan. 12 and should be submitted to kim@tnvlc.onmicrosoft.com.

In Franklin County, nominations should be submitted by Jan. 31 to Charles Mitchell charles_mitchell@ncsu.edu.

Warren County residents should send nominations by Feb. 1 to Crystal Smith at crystalsmith@warrencountync.gov.

Warren Library Patrons, Be Aware Of Email Phishing Scam Asking To Pay For Card Renewal

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-information from Crystal Smith, Senior Assistant to the County Manager

Warren County Memorial Library would like its patrons to be aware of a scam circulating (no pun intended) that asks patrons to renew their library cards.

If you get an email from “Warrenton Library,” please know that this is a phishing activity. Do not click the link to pay a renewal fee.

Warren County Memorial Library issues library cards free of charge. And there is no charge associated with card renewals.

Their advice: Do NOT click the link. Do NOT pay the money.

Please contact the library at 252.257.4990 to learn more.

 

 

Warren Residents Can Apply For Help With Heating Expenses

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For those Warren County households that received a one-time payment from LIEAP last year to help pay for heating expenses, there’s some good news: You are automatically enrolled to receive a payment this year.

Other households can apply to receive funds from the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program too, according to information from Crystal Smith.

The application period is open through Dec. 31 for households with a disabled person who is receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services and households with a person over the age of 60.

Then, beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the general public can submit applications through Mar. 31, or until funds are exhausted.

The Warren County Department of Social Services is handling the applications. The address is 307 N. Main St., Warrenton, NC 27589.

Applicants should bring the following information to determine eligibility:

  • A photo ID
  • A bill or document such as a rental agreement that shows current address
  • Information of household income (workers should bring a pay stub from the month before they come to the agency to apply and a letter from the Social Security Administration to confirm benefits (or a bank statement that shows direct deposit)
  • A recent statement for savings or checking accounts
  • Name, date of birth and Social Security cards or numbers for each household member
  • A bill from the primary source of heat- NOTE: households that heat with wood or kerosene will not have a bill to submit

Heating source bills not in the applicant’s name should be accompanied by a written statement from the person whose name is on the bill stating that the applicant is responsible for payment of the heating expense.

Anyone who is not physically able to come to the agency to apply may provide a trusted individual to represent them, provided they provide a written statement authorizing that individual to make the application on their behalf.

Contact the Warren County DSS office at 252.257.5000 to learn more.

Warren Farmers Market Gets $500,000 Grant To Build Pavilion On Former Fairground Property

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The Warren County Farmers Market is closer to becoming a reality, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Tobacco Trust Fund.

Danylu Hundley, chairperson of the Warren County Growers Association, said when the county incorporated into its strategic plan having a permanent home for the county’s only farmers market, it was a game-changer.

“I was on the committee that was formed to seek funding for a permanent structure for the farmers market,” Hundley said in a recent telephone interview.

This 20-member committee divided itself into three subcommittees, and Hundley chaired the funding subcommittee. The other subcommittees looked into finding a location for the local market, as well as types of structures that other markets use.

Warren County got $300,000 from the N.C. Department of Commerce’s distribution of American Rescue Plan funds in July 2022, which was used to purchase the Warren County Agriculture Fairgrounds.

Hundley said having a site for a farmers market made their application to the Tobacco Trust Fund more attractive. “I’ve been in touch with the Tobacco Trust Fund for years,” Hundley explained. “The sticking point was we didn’t own any property.”

This property provides plenty of space for parking and for the proposed 9,000 square foot structure, which most likely will be a pavilion-style building – open sides with a deep overhang to allow vendors protection from the elements.

According to information on the Tobacco Trust Fund website, the permanent area will also provide an office for creating a new farmers market manager.

The open-air pavilion with attached indoor space will allow for COVID-safe practices in the future.

The farmers market has been located in several different locations, including bank parking lots to, most recently, the Warren County Health Department.

Hundley said Warren County Manager Vincent Jones suggested the market set up shop at the health department. “It was the first time we ever really thought about growing,” she said. “We were able to see that with more space, we could have more vendors,” Hundley added.

Having a permanent location will help vendors and customers as well. In addition to being able to use EBT to purchase local produce, meat, eggs and more, the market facility will be used to host health education events such as cooking classes, weight management activities and gardening sessions.

“Warren County has a rich agrarian history that we are proud of,’ said Jones, adding that the farmers market “will allow small to large farmers a market for their goods and provide our residents and neighbors with locally grown, fresh food that lessens the impact of food deserts in some areas.

The county also intends to reactivate the former fairgrounds space for community use including private events, public gatherings, festivals, and other community-oriented activities.

“A well-developed market can also serve as a tourism draw, as well. The recent holiday market saw over 500 visitors to the market in the heart of the town of Warrenton. We think this only means positive things to come,” Jones said.

Paul McKenzie, interim director of the Warren County Cooperative Extension, said the committee has been working for about 18 months to make the dream a reality.

“We’ve had great support from the county manager (and) county commissioners,” McKenzie said. “We’ve had great support all along.”

For Hundley, it’s important to have a farmers market close to where the produce comes from. “We live in a farming community,” she said.

NC Forest Service

Veterans Can Get Seedlings At Discount From N.C. Forest Service

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The N.C. Forest Service is offering a 20 percent discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel during the month of November. Beginning Nov. 13, the discount applies to the first $500 of all new orders, up to a $100 discount.

“Many forestland owners in this state are veterans and current military members who choose country before self to the benefit of us all,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I am proud to offer a discount that not only shows appreciation for their brave service but that also assists them with keeping forests healthy, another act that provides us all with numerous benefits.”

To be eligible, veterans must show a valid military ID, Department of Defense Form 214/215 or National Guard Bureau Form 22/22A is acceptable. Standard shipping rates still apply. Tree seedlings may be ordered by calling 1-888-NCTREES or by visiting www.buynctrees.com.

The N.C. Forest Service Nursery and Tree Improvement program ensures that residents of North Carolina have access to the best native trees and genetics available for use on their land. Current available inventory includes southern yellow pines, native oaks and hardwoods, native understory grasses and Christmas tree species. For a complete list of available species and pricing, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/nursery/NurseryandTreeImprovement.htm.