“Things to Know” about PPP Loans from SBA.gov

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The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has two loan programs open now through the end of March 2021 to help businesses keep their doors open and employee wages paid during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PPP, offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, provides loans for first-time applicants as well as employers who previously had requested and received help in 2020 as part of the federal government’s response to the pandemic, according to information on the SBA.gov website.

The First Draw PPP Loans are for first-time participants. The SBA reopened this loan program on Jan. 11, 2021 and is currently accepting applications from participating community financial institutions (CFIs) and lenders with under $1 billion in assets. This category includes approximately 5,000 institutions, including community banks, credit unions, and farm credit institutions. Lender Match can help find a participating lender. The program will be opened up to all lenders on January 19, 2021.

The Second Draw PPP loan opened on Jan. 13, 2021 and is designated for certain businesses who have already received a PPP loan. At least $25 billion is being set aside for eligible borrowers – those employers with a maximum of 10 employees or for loans of $250,000 or less to eligible borrowers in low- or moderate-income neighborhoods.

First Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll, including benefits, as well as rent and mortgage interest, utilities, and even uninsured property damage caused by vandalism or looting in 2020, among other things, according to information published on the SBA.gov site. Loan forgiveness is an option, as well, if certain criteria are met, including whether employees are still employed and compensation levels are maintained and at least 60 percent of the money is spent on payroll costs.

Generally speaking, most borrowers who received help through the First Draw PPP may apply for a second loan.

According to the website, a borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if a first loan was applied for and received; the business fewer than 300 employees and if the employer can show at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable periods of time in 2019 and 2020.

For a comprehensive look and details about the PPP loans, visit SBA.gov. Your local banker likely will have additional information about the loan program as well.

Warren Co. Ext Dir and Family Consumer Science Agent Crystal Smith Featured on Statewide Podcast

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Warren County Extension Director and Family Consumer Science Agent Crystal M. Smith was a featured guest on a statewide podcast to talk about innovative programs to combat food insecurity.

Smith appeared on CountyCast, a podcast series created by the N.C. Association of County Commissioners. She and her Pitt County counterpart Leigh Guth spoke to host Amber Harris in the first episode of Season 3 of CountyCast. One goal of the broadcast is to highlight how counties leverage available resources to solve problems and how to tailor solutions to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Smith said her job requires her to do a little bit of everything, but she most enjoys programming and youth development, as well as nutrition programs. Since the pandemic, her role has included working with a partner to lead the county food coordination effort. She and her co-facilitator were able to create a network of local farmers, businesses and restaurants to create a family meal program.

Smith said 200 families got meals through the program, which provided weekend meals when the school district’s food distribution didn’t operate. The service proved so beneficial to the community that county government decided to keep funding it when the grant period expired.

“It was a true highlight to meet those needs,” Smith said of the project. What she learned, though, was that although providing weekend meals “looked ideal on paper,” the logistics proved less than ideal. “We put it out to the community to ask for extra help,” she added, and the community came through in fine fashion. “The consistent commitment has been a real ‘feel-good,’” Smith said.

Another innovative program that has “sprouted” during the pandemic is the Backyard Ag program. Partnering with neighboring counties’ extension agents, Smith says, is a response from residents who say “Hey, we want to go back to the basics of growing our own food – how do we do it? The online class met weekly and had an average of 41 participants that learned different aspects of backyard agriculture from livestock agents, field crops agents and horticulture agents. The highest attendance was 75, Smith said. “And on Dec. 2, we started taking it to the next level,” she added, as the class continues to garner interest.

Tar River Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Meeting Jan 28th

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There will be a public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 28 to discuss updates to the Tar River Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which covers Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren counties. The virtual meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. and will discuss next steps to update the hazard mitigation plan. The plan outlines steps to prepare, respond and reduce losses in the event of floods, severe storms, wildfires, extreme winter weather and other natural hazards.

Local governments are required to develop a hazard mitigation plan as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for hazard mitigation projects, which stems from passage of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

The upcoming meeting is the part of the first of six steps that will be addressed in the update, according to information from area emergency management officials. In addition to public outreach is risk assessment, capability assessment, mitigation strategy development, plan maintenance and plan adoption. The updated plan is expected to be ready for review by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency by June 2021.

In addition to two open public meetings, residents of the four counties are invited to complete a survey. Find the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MPWRNC2 and to visit the Tar River Hazard Mitigation Planning website click on https://gis.aecomonline.net/irisk2/NCHMP.aspx?region=30.

If you would like to attend the meeting, use the following links and information:

Join on your computer or mobile app by CLICKING HERE TO JOIN THE MEETING or use this link BY CLICKING HERE.  Or call in (audio only) (877) 286-5733,,456918094#  (Toll-free) Phone Conference ID: 456 918 094#

Updates and draft documents will be available on the website during the planning process, which began in September 2020.

Granville County Emergency Management is leading this regional effort. The planning committee is made up of local officials, representatives, and key stakeholders.

To learn more about the project, contact any of the emergency management coordinators below:

Robin Edwards, Granville County

919.603.1310 / robin.edwards@granvillecounty.org

Brian Short, Vance County

252.438.8264 / bshort@vancecounty.org

Dennis Paschall, Warren County

252.257.1191 / dennispaschall@warrentcountync.gov

Christy Shearin, Franklin County

919.291.9420 / chearin@franklincountync.us

Warren Co. Flag

Warren County Launches Public WIFI at Two County Parks

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— press release

Warren County now has public WIFI at two of its parks – the Warren County Recreation Complex in Warrenton and the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park in the Soul City community.

The service at the Warren County Recreation Complex, located on the Hwy 158 Bypass, was funded directly by the county using CARES Act funding for equipment and installation; the county will cover service costs.

The WIFI zone at the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park is a part of Governor Cooper’s NC Student Connect Initiative with the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The program provides 12 months of unlimited data service for each site.

Those using the WIFI at the park in Soul City, located on Duke Drive, should park in the pull-off area in front of the pool house for the best service.

“This public WIFI initiative is especially important in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. As a rural community, these additional options are a great start until our countywide broadband efforts are realized,” said County Manager Vincent Jones.

“We appreciate the partnerships and support from Interim EDC Director, Charla Duncan, and the Governor’s Office in helping our residents.”

The NC Student Connect program is designed specifically to help students who live in areas that are inaccessible for broadband and cell service. These students, especially during the pandemic, are struggling to maintain quality education due to lack of internet. While students are the top priority, the broader communities can also benefit from the service.

The device will not be password protected; however, the WIFI is content filtered and is CIPA compliant. This means that users will not be able to access inappropriate content.

“Providing access to internet is a priority identified by the Warren County Board of Commissioners,” stated Jones.

Warren County is currently awaiting the end of the quiet period for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction from the FCC. On February 1st the county’s plan is to move forward in discussion with the winner of that federal funding for Warren County unserved census tracts.

For more information, contact the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252-257-3115 or Charla Duncan at Warren County Economic Development at 252-257-3114.

NCDHHS

Anyone 65 and Older Eligible to Sign Up for Covid Vaccine

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— news release courtesy of ncdhhs.gov

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today that vaccine providers that are ready to expand may vaccinate all health care workers and anyone 65 years and older.

“Doctors, hospitals and local health departments are working hard to get people vaccinated. There may be a wait, but when it’s your spot, take your shot to stay healthy and help us get back to being with family and friends,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, states must make vaccine available in phases.  To save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19, independent state and federal public health advisory committees recommend first protecting health care workers, people who are at the highest risk of being hospitalized or dying, and those at high risk of exposure to COVID-19.

North Carolina moves through vaccination phases by aligning to federal priorities while giving local health departments and hospitals the flexibility to move to the next priority group as they complete the previous one and have vaccines available. With today’s announcement, vaccine providers who are ready may vaccinate adults 65 years and older and health care workers, which will be followed by frontline essential workers, then adults with high risk of exposure and increased risk of serious illness, then everyone. It is the responsibility of all vaccine providers to ensure equitable access to vaccines. This will mean taking intentional actions to reach and engage historically marginalized communities.

“We know that people are doing all that they can to learn about the vaccines so they can make the best decision for themselves and their families. It can be hard to know what is true and what can be trusted. We are here to provide you with honest, factual information,” said Secretary Cohen.

As part of the ongoing effort to educate North Carolinians about the safety, benefits and importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, NCDHHS launched You have a spot. Take your shot. to provide all North Carolinians with information about COVID-19 vaccine development, testing, safety, side-effects and reactions.

A searchable list of health departments and hospitals administering the vaccination is available on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination website, yourspotyourshot.nc.gov. There is a wait time in many areas. Counties are in various stages as they deal with new COVID-19 cases and vaccinations. To support communities, NCDHHS is partnering with health systems, local health departments and community health centers across the state to host large community vaccine events for people currently eligible to be vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free of charge, regardless of whether or not people have insurance. However, most doctors cannot provide COVID-19 vaccines in their office at this time. Individuals who are currently eligible and would like to receive the vaccine must make an appointment with their local health department or hospital.

In collaboration with local and statewide media outlets, pooled video footage and photos from recent vaccination clinics, PSAs produced by NCDHHS and other resources are available for publication and broadcast use, and can be downloaded from bit.ly/3rTOcS2. 

For more information, visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov.

Vance-Granville Community College continues to “cultivate” new Agri-Tech program

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— press release

Vance-Granville Community College continues to “cultivate” new programs for the Spring semester.  The Sustainable Agri-Tech program will grow one’s knowledge in the agricultural field and prepare students for occupations in a wide variety of jobs in agriculture (both production and value-added) with a range of skills and knowledge.

The program addresses agricultural concepts, skills, and techniques that are required by the agriculture industry. Upon completion, students would have explored sustainable and organic methods, plant, soil and animal science, field management, equipment maintenance and basic computer skills and marketing techniques.

Class begins on February 22, 2021 at 6:00 PM.  Kelly Dixon will be leading this hybrid class at our Warren Campus.  The 96-hour program is made up of only 30 hours in the classroom and 66 hours online.  Cost is $188.25.  Tuition assistance is available to those who meet eligibility guidelines.  Space is limited.

For more information, please visit our webpage:   https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/agritech/

(This is not sponsored content.)

Covid Vaccine Things to Know in Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin Counties

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Area health departments continue to update the public on progress with administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Please see below for updates from the Granville Vance Public Health, the Warren County Health Department and Franklin County Health Department. Although some details differ, all health department officials stress that residents’ patience and continued vigilance in the use of the 3 W’s – Wear, Wait, Wash – are vital components to combating the pandemic.

Three counties remain in Phase 1a, but are scheduled to open up Phase 1b, Group 1 soon. Franklin County began vaccinating eligible residents in Phase 1b last week.

Granville and Vance counties

Granville and Vance counties remain in Phase 1a distribution and plan to move to Phase 1b, Group 1 (only those aged 75 and over), on Thursday, Jan. 14. Health Director Lisa Harrison hopes to complete vaccinating groups 1a and 1b by March.

Phase 1a is only for eligible health care organizations and individuals with additional instructions to sign up for the vaccination. Harrison urges all others to wait to ask for an appointment until news outlets announce or publish that the phase for which you’re eligible to receive the vaccination is underway. Residents can also visit the GVPH COVID-19 website https://gvph.org/covidvaccines/ to find updated information. More information is forthcoming about how to register in the mandatory statewide COVID Vaccine Management System (CVMS). There is a survey everyone must fill out as part of registration and the system is not accessible to individuals at this time, Harrison added.

Individuals 75 years and older may call the health department now to schedule an appointment. Phase 1b, Group 1 vaccinations are scheduled to begin Thursday, Jan. 14. Any other instructions that may help make your vaccine appointment move faster (such as forms you need to fill out ahead of your appointment) will be posted on our website.

If you are not in Phase 1a or Phase 1b Group 1, but want more information, please call the COVID Vaccine Information Hotline at 252-295-1503.

Only hospitals and health departments have the vaccine at this moment, but in the coming weeks and months, primary care offices, pharmacies, and federally qualified health centers will receive vaccine and be able to vaccinate community members as well. The health department is working with Granville Health System and Maria Parham Health to make sure that the vaccination process is working as efficiently as possible.

Warren County

The Warren County Health Department is giving COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment to all healthcare workers in Phase 1a, which includes:

  • Healthcare workers caring for and working directly with patients with COVID-19, including staff responsible for cleaning and maintenance in those areas
  • Long-term care staff and residents – people in skilled nursing facilities and in adult, family, and group homes
  • Healthcare workers administering the vaccine
  • Healthcare workers handling people who have died from COVID-19

Individuals who fall in the category of Phase 1b can begin getting the vaccine the week of January 19, 2021.

Anyone 75 years and older, regardless of health status or living situation, is eligible to get the vaccine. Call the health department at (252) 257-1185 to make an appointment.

Franklin County

Franklin County began Phase 1b, Group 1 (residents 75 and older) on Jan. 7, 2021 in a drive-through event and delivered 323 vaccinations.

Franklin County residents who think they are eligible to get the vaccine should email covidvax@franklincountync.us and will receive an automated reply with instructions about how to register for the vaccine. You may also phone the health department’s dedicated COVID-19 phone line at 919–729-0654. If you leave a message, please leave a phone number and your call will be returned.

County Health Director Scott Lavigne said that although the line was long at times during the Jan. 7 drive-through vaccination event, everyone who had signed up got their shot.

NC Tobacco Trust Fund Grants Available For Agricultural Projects

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— press release

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission is accepting applications for the 2021 grant cycle. The key objectives for 2021 are supporting the agricultural industry, impacting rural communities and stimulating economic development. Funds will be awarded in the fall of 2021 for selected innovative projects.

Applications information is now online at www.tobaccotrustfund.org for qualifying organizations. “Creating opportunities for North Carolina producers and creating jobs in current or former tobacco-dependent regions are our 2021 priorities,” said William H. “Bill” Teague, NCTTFC Chairman. “Applications will be accepted online for innovative projects within North Carolina. Selected projects should expect to start in November of 2021.”

The NCTTFC was established in 2000 by the N.C. General Assembly to help members of the tobacco community including farmers, tobacco workers and related businesses. Its original funding was established through tobacco industry annual payments as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement. Funding is now appropriated to the NCTTFC which then reviews, selects and disperses the funds to grant projects.

Past NCTTFC projects includes fair and farmers market improvements, cost-share grant programs for farmers, commodity marketing, researching alternative crops and support of agricultural education programs.

More information can be found at the NCTTFC’s website (www.tobaccotrustfund.org), or by calling Jeff Camden at 919-397-6766. The deadline for applications submission is Friday March 5, 2021.

Warren County Logo

Warren County Receives $115,000 for Waterline Extension to Manson Business

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— press release

Warren County, North Carolina- Warren County was recently awarded a $115,000 Industrial Development Fund (Utility Account) grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce to assist in extending water in support of activities by Warren County business, Heritage Mulch. The extension of the county-owned waterline from US Hwy 1 down Collins Road to the work site will allow the company to expand its mulch coloring operations and bring on six new, full-time employees.

In the award letter to the county, Assistant Secretary Kenny Flowers stated, “Everyone involved in the development of this project is to be congratulated. We commend Warren County for its economic development efforts.”

“Our industrial zoned district just three miles from I-85 has great potential and is serving our existing businesses in that area well,” said Vice-Chairman Commissioner Victor Hunt of District 3, who also serves on the Warren County Economic Development Commission Board. “This investment assistance from the state in infrastructure development will result in an existing industry’s expansion, which we know to be just as valuable to our economy as recruiting new businesses.”

The project is scheduled to go to bid in April of 2021; construction is scheduled to start in late summer of 2021.

“Warren County is appreciative of the commitment Heritage Mulch has shown to doing business in our county,” said Charla Duncan, Economic Development Director. “Pursuing an Industrial Development Fund award for the waterline extension, in an effort to see a business expand and jobs created, is indicative of the interest local leaders have for development in Warren County, and a reassurance that local and state agencies want to partner with businesses that are willing to invest in rural NC.”

The $115,000 award is a non-matching grant. A resolution of support was passed by the Board of Commissioners in October 2018 when the project was first introduced, committing matching funds if needed.

“Interim EDC Director, Ms. Duncan, should be commended for her efforts in turning this project around and bringing it to completion,” stated County Manager Vincent Jones.  “Supporting a local business that is investing in the County and creating potential job opportunities for Warren County residents is exactly the kind of economic development we need.”

For more information, contact the Warren County Economic Development office at 252-257-3114 or by emailing Charla Duncan at charladuncan@warrencountync.gov.

U.S. ATTORNEY RECOGNIZES LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS DURING LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY

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— press release

RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. recognizes the service of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which is being observed Saturday, January 9, 2021. On this date, communities across the country will show their appreciation and support for law enforcement agencies and their personnel in various ways.

“I ask every citizen of the Eastern District to join me in recognizing the tremendous service and sacrifices that our law enforcement officers have made this past year and make every day,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. “Together, with our ongoing partnerships, commitment, and dedication, we will continue to work together to ensure that our citizens, here in the Eastern District of North Carolina, are safe and secure.”

As part of this national day of recognition, citizens across the country are encouraged to share their expressions of gratitude and support for local law enforcement agencies, officers, and public safety personnel within their respective communities. Likewise, citizens and officers alike are encouraged to share their positive experiences and collaborations with each other.

The Eastern District of North Carolina serves the 44 easternmost counties of North Carolina.

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