Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
Two-Spotted spider mites can invade landscape plants quickly in hot dry conditions.
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The pre-application deadline for Warren County organizations to submit proposals to the Golden LEAF Community-Based Grants Initiative has been reopened and extended through July 21, 2025.
The Golden LEAF Community-Based Grants Initiative offers significant funding to support projects that strengthen rural communities through the organization’s stated priorities of job creation and economic investment, agriculture, and workforce preparedness.
“We want to give our community the time and space they need to put together strong proposals,” said County Manager, Crystal Smith. “This work is vital, and we are committed to helping our local providers access resources that can bring transformational projects to life.”
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)) or governmental entities such as county and municipal governments, as well as institutes of higher learning. The new deadline to submit an application to the County Manager’s office at 602 W Ridgeway St in Warrenton is 5 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Applications will be reviewed in early August, with top proposals forwarded to Golden LEAF for final consideration.
To view the project worksheet template and additional information, visit https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/community-based-grants/resources/ Printed copies of the project worksheet template is available at the County Manager’s office.
Warren County strongly encourages all eligible organizations to take advantage of this extended deadline.
For assistance or more information, contact Interim Community & Development Director Rose Ponton by emailing roseponton@warrencountync.gov or by calling 252.257.3037 ext. 1310 or cell 252.213.1452 .
UPDATE July 2, 7:25 PM
The Vance County Department of Social Services Board of Directors has voted to dismiss DSS Director Sandy Weaver.
Weaver was appointed to the role on Oct. 1, 2024. County Attorney Jonathan Care confirmed the board’s decision took place on Wednesday, June 18 in an interview with WIZS News Tuesday.
“The county’s official statement is ‘This is a DSS personnel matter,’” Care said, adding that the DSS board is the hiring authority of the director.
“She was within her nine-month probationary period, and they voted before the expiration of that probationary period not to continue her employment,” Care said.
But DSS Board Chair Leonard Frieson said, “Because of pending matters, I can’t say anything. You need to contact the county attorney or the county manager – they will speak for me.”
The newly adopted county budget for 2025-26 includes $10,225,717 for administrative costs at DSS, according to County Manager C. Renee Perry. Perry told WIZS News Wednesday that Cassandra Hart is the interim director.
Perry referred other questions to the DSS Board Chair. WIZS reached out to Frieson Wednesday for comment. “Due to pending legal action I cannot comment at this time,” Frieson stated.
In May 2025, the state notified the county that it would be taking over part of the DSS child welfare services, citing numerous safety violations and social work practices that didn’t align with law, rule or policy – despite having been under a correction action plan since June 2024.
Then last week, a cybersecurity breach occurred at Vance County DSS that is currently under investigation.
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UPDATE July 1, 4:56 PM
The Vance County Department of Social Services Board of Directors has voted to dismiss DSS Director Sandy Weaver.
Weaver was appointed to the role on Oct. 1, 2024. County Attorney Jonathan Care confirmed the board’s decision took place on Wednesday, June 18 in an interview with WIZS News Tuesday.
“The county’s official statement is ‘This is a DSS personnel matter,’” Care said, adding that the DSS board is the hiring authority of the director.
“She was within her nine-month probationary period, and they voted before the expiration of that probationary period not to continue her employment,” Care said.
But DSS Board Chair Leonard Frieson said, “Because of pending matters, I can’t say anything. You need to contact the county attorney or the county manager – they will speak for me.”
In May 2025, the state notified the county that it would be taking over part of the DSS child welfare services, citing numerous safety violations and social work practices that didn’t align with law, rule or policy – despite having been under a correction action plan since June 2024.
A cybersecurity breach occurred last week at Vance County DSS that is under investigation by state and federal authorities.
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Warren County is currently working toward a major update to its development regulations by updating its Zoning, Subdivision, and related ordinances and consolidating them into a single Unified Development Ordinance. This effort also aims to implement key recommendations from the 2022 Warren County Comprehensive Development Plan, helping to shape future growth and development in a way that reflects the community’s vision.
Community input is a vital part of this process. Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders are invited to attend a public meeting on Monday, July 8, 2025, at the Warren County Armory, located at 501 U.S. Highway 158 Business East, Warrenton. The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A presentation outlining the purpose and goals of the UDO update will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by an open-house format that will allow attendees to review draft materials, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to the project team.
This is an important opportunity for the public to help shape Warren County’s future by ensuring the updated ordinance reflects the needs and priorities of the community. “A Unified Development Ordinance will make it easier for residents, developers, and business owners to understand the rules, navigate the process, and invest in our communities with confidence,” said Mark Bloomer, Warren County Planning and Zoning Director.
For more information about the Unified Development Ordinance project and to stay up to date, visit
www.warrencountync.com/907/Unified-Development-Ordinance-Inj or reach out to the Warren County Planning & Zoning Department directly by calling 252.257.1305.
There’s an upside to the recent stretch of really hot weather that sent sweltering North Carolinians seeking air-conditioned spaces – the peach crop is early, and state officials are calling it a bumper crop.
It’s usually mid-July before local peaches are harvested, but lovers of the juicy, fuzz-covered fruit have reason to celebrate, despite the hot start to summer.
“This run of hot days means peaches are ripening ahead of schedule, and we’re seeing a strong, sweet crop,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The early varieties are coming in with excellent color, size and sweetness, and consumers can expect a strong, extended season if conditions remain stable.”
The main reason peaches are ahead of schedule this year is because of spring’s short bloom season.
“Bloom season on any average year can be from mid-late February or early March into April before we approach shuck-off (shedding of the blooms and the emerging of young fruit). This past spring, we had maybe 10 days of bloom before shuck-off happened,” said Christine Parsons, vice president of the N.C. Peach Growers Society. “Peaches should be available through Labor Day weekend this year. Some seasons will go into the later part of September, but not all growers have later-season peaches.”
Peaches are typically in peak supply during July, but several farms and markets are now offering early-season varieties, with more to follow in the coming weeks.
“The peach season is well underway, and we have a full crop. It’s been a great year so far,” said Jan Williams of Kalawi Farm. “The heat does cause peaches to ripen faster, so if people want these juicy, sweet peaches, don’t wait. Visit your local N.C. peach growers soon.”
The early arrival is expected to boost customer turnout at roadside stands, pick-your-own orchards and farmers markets statewide.
In addition to fresh peaches, many markets will feature a variety of peach-inspired offerings, including baked goods, preserves, salsas and beverages. The early season is also anticipated to provide a boost to agritourism and community-based food systems.
Consumers are encouraged to:
“We are proud to support N.C. growers and help connect consumers with the freshest, most flavorful peaches possible,” added Khaila Daye, NCDA&CS peach marketing specialist. “This early harvest is a welcome surprise and a great reason to shop local this summer.”
For more information on peach season availability, events and where to buy N.C. peaches, please visit http://www.ncpeachgrowers.com.
— information courtesy of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is rolling out operational changes at its driver license offices to help customers stay out of long lines and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hot summer months. These changes aim to get the lines moving, streamline the check-in process, and enhance customer comfort while maintaining efficient service.
Under the new system and effective immediately, all driver license offices in the state now serve walk-in customers all day. Customers without an appointment no longer have to wait until 12 noon to be seen.
Additionally, examiners will prioritize checking in customers quickly and directing them to wait in their vehicles or at a nearby business until space is available in the office lobby. DMV staff will review customers’ documents to ensure they have everything needed for their desired service before checking in. Customers will receive a text notification when there is room in the lobby and another when it is their turn to be served.
“We’re committed to making the DMV experience as comfortable and efficient as possible, especially during these scorching summer months,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “By focusing on quick check-ins and allowing customers to wait in cooler, shaded areas, we’re reducing time spent standing in the sun while keeping our offices running smoothly.”
People may notice there are no lines outside some locations, and that’s intentional. Customers will be checked in and waiting elsewhere, ensuring a more comfortable experience. However, the NCDMV encourages customers to come prepared for the possibility of brief waits during check-in. Bringing water, snacks, necessary medications, and items like an umbrella or chair can help ensure comfort while waiting to be processed.
“We want our customers to be safe and prepared,” Tine added. “Due to the severe temperatures, we decided to implement these changes more quickly than planned. If you do not have to come into DMV in the next week as we make these changes, please don’t come in. We should have a more comfortable and predictable experience that allows us to serve our customers better once the new system is fully in place.”
NCDMV also reminds customers to check the requirements for their specific service on the NCDMV.gov website before visiting an office to avoid delays.
The changes to the check-in process are being implemented at 82 of the 115 driver license offices around the state and reflect NCDMV’s ongoing efforts to improve customer service and adapt to seasonal challenges. The remaining 33 offices will be receiving updates that better fit their size and restrictions in the near future.
The 20 DMV offices that offer walk-in service on Saturday mornings will be closed on Saturday, July 5. Saturday service hours will resume at all locations on July 12 and will continue through Aug. 12.
All NCDMV offices will be also closed on July 4 for Independence Day.
Kids can beat the heat on Tuesday mornings in July by ducking into Perry Memorial Library and catching a movie. And parents, you can’t beat the price: it’s FREE!
The movie series kicked off today with the popular Dog Man on the big screen. The movies begin at 11 a.m., and Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters said next up is Mufasa on July 8, followed by Sonic 3 on July 22.
Tuesday afternoons heat up with a string of “Color My World” activities, the Summer Reading Program theme.
On Tuesday, July 8 at 4 p.m., it’s “Color My World With Fossils” when Coleman Davis with the N.C. Fossil Club brings his collection to the library.
Peters said the club, founded through the N.C. Museum of History, sends representatives to places like Perry Library to do outreach activities.
“It’s quite something,” Peters said of Davis’s collection. “I learned so much last year.”
But Tuesdays don’t get all the fun stuff during the summer – Thursdays are filled with activities for all ages of young people all day long.
There’s Mother Goose Story Time at 11 on Thursdays, where children 0-5 (and their siblings, too) can gather to enjoy stories and songs with a summer theme.
Then, on Thursday afternoons, a shorter version of the story time kicks off at 3:30 p.m. “It’s designed for families on the go,” Peters said. A quick story followed by those ever-popular bubbles for children from PK through elementary school.
Kids can stay for LEGO Club or STEAM Club, which start at 4 p.m. for the younger crowd, or stick around for Teen Time in the Maker Space, which will be stocked with snacks and arts and crafts activities.
Peters said the summer reading program is off to a good start, and she is pleased to see that entire families are participating.
“I love the response we’re getting,” she said. “We’ve got families reading together,” she said, filling out very simple reading logs and then coming in and choosing their prizes.
It’s a great way for parents to get involved with their kids’ activities, she said.
Check out www.perrylibrary.org to view the complete schedule of events and activities.
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