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Warren County Public Utilities to Increase Water Tap Fees Beginning February 1st

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— press release courtesy of Warren County Government

Warren County, North Carolina — At their first meeting of the new year, the Warren County Board of Commissioners took action on a recommendation from Warren County Public Utilities to increase water tap fees due to the rising cost of materials. This increase will be effective February 1, 2021.

New customers to the system will be required to pay $1,200 for a ¾” tap and $1,500 for a 1” tap. Previous costs had been $950 and $1100 respectively.

Tap fees help to cover the costs of adding new customers to the countywide water system. Since April of 2020, there has been a slow but continuing cost increase on tapping materials and supplies, most likely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Macon Robertson, Warren County Public Utilities Director on an interim basis.

“We are proud of our countywide water system and the level of service we are able to provide when it comes to this enterprise,” said Tare Davis, Chairman of the Warren County Board of Commissioners. “Maintaining a high quality of service also means we have to take into account rising costs and adjust fees accordingly. The Board felt it was important that existing customers not assume the costs for new customers joining the system. We feel confident that this adjustment for new customers is reasonable and needed.”

The North Carolina Rural Water Association assisted the county in its evaluation of the current tapping fee schedule.

In North Carolina, counties and municipalities are allowed to engage in activities of a commercial nature; these activities are all public enterprises. The majority of public enterprises are self-supporting; local governments are allowed to generate income from user charges to supporting the operating and capital expenses of the service. Water supply and distribution is a public enterprise.

Questions regarding the tap fee increase should be directed to Warren County Public Utilities at 252-257-3645.

At Least There Will Be Girl Scout Cookies; Local Sales Start Jan.16

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The countdown to cookie season is almost here! In just over a week, area residents will see the colorful boxes in the hands of local Girl Scouts, many familiar types and one new variety to enjoy. Each box is $5.

Sales kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16 and conclude on March 7. In addition to the traditional door-to-door sales and tables outside big box stores and groceries, Teresa Wimbrow, local membership director for the North Carolina Coastal Pines Council, reminds anyone looking to satisfy their cookie craving can order online by visiting  https://www.nccoastalpines.org/.

She said, “Some who live in neighborhoods will be knocking on doors but that practice is being discouraged for safety reasons and because of Covid. ”

The troops are “quite competitive in normal times” and Winbrow hopes that this year’s cookie sale will be another success. “We’ve never sold cookies in a pandemic before,” she said, and expressed gratitude that Walmart is allowing the troops to set up their booths again this year. Customers can find the cookie booths outside retailers such as Walmart by Jan. 24. All the scouts and the adult volunteers will wear masks and will follow all state-directed pandemic protocols. Expect to see them in operation on Saturdays and Sundays, Winbrow added.

Winbrow oversees Girl Scout troops in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. Franklin County has 11 troops, Granville has 10, Vance has 4 and Warren has 2 troops. Anyone interested in learning more about Girl Scout membership or volunteering can contact Winbrow. “The cookie sale usually sparks some interest,” she said, adding that the troops do get some new members during and after the cookie sale.

This year’s cookie list has favorites customers have been gobbling down for years, but there is a new cookie called Toast-Yay!, a French toast-inspired flavor. Traditional favorites such as Thin Mint, Shortbread, Tag-along and Do-si-do are all available as well, Wimbrow said.

Most of the local troops will pick up their cookies at a Durham warehouse this Saturday in advance of the Jan. 16 opening day. Proceeds from the cookie sale support troop activities such as trips and other outings, but the girls also choose to support land donate to local programs in their area.

For more information about scouting, visit the North Carolina Coastal Pines website at  https://www.nccoastalpines.org/. Contact Winbrow at 252.438.8103 or twimbrow@nccoastalpines.org.

NC Dept of Agriculture

NCDA&CS warns pet owners to destroy recalled Sportmix brand pet food due to high levels of aflatoxin

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— press release courtesy of NCDA

RALEIGH –The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is issuing a warning to consumers to not purchase or let their dogs or cats consume certain lot codes and types of Sportmix brand dog and cat foods due to high levels of aflatoxin found in the products during testing. There have been reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs associated with some of the products identified in this recall. No cat or human illnesses have been reported.

The products are sold through Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. of Evansville, In. and distributed nationally.

“These products are registered for sale in North Carolina,” said Joe Reardon, assistant commissioner of consumer protection. “We know that they are available at brick-and-mortar retail locations as well as through online distributors. These products have shown high levels of aflatoxin and pet owners need to be diligent in not allowing dogs, cats or other animals, including wildlife, to consume the recalled products.”

Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus and can grow on corn and other grains that are used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets. Signs of aflatoxin poisoning in pets include sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and/or diarrhea. If a pet owner suspects aflatoxin poisoning, they need to contact their veterinarian immediately.

Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”

Recalled lot codes are as follows:

50# Sportmix Energy Plus Lots Exp 03/02/22/05/L2, 03/02/22/05/L3, 03/03/22/05/L2
44# Sportmix Energy Plus Lots 03/02/22/05/L3
50# Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
44# Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
31# Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
15# Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05/L2, 03/03/22/05/L3

Consumers should destroy the products and wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups and storage containers.

The Food and Drug Administration has more information on the recall at its website, https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-recalls-pet-food-recall-aflatoxin-health-risk?fbclid=IwAR1wEhFpZgyCZA8U9H0HnDAzNJYJ_zG2POLWGZv12zWlGi4KlNGULRm02WY.

Contact Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at 800-474-4163, ext. 455 from 7AM to 4PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at info@midwesternpetfoods.com for additional information.

Local News Audio

Noon News 12-31-20 Animal Shelter; Sewer Bypass; Livestock Webinar; Rev. Ola Thorpe Cooper

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Stories include:

– Vance Co. Animal Shelter closed due to a Covid 19 related issue

– Sewer bypass and storm water issues

– livestock emergency webinar

– City Council woman Rev. Ola Thorpe Cooper

For full details and audio click play.

 

NC Coop Extension

What Do You Do When There Is A Livestock Emergency?

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According to information obtained from Matthew Place with Warren County Cooperative Extension, there will be a webinar January 14th to address the questions of what to do when there is a livestock emergency.

Hosted by the Warren County Cooperative Extension, you’ll hear from Dr. Michelle Bouchey, DVM from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.  The “Dealing With Livestock Emergencies” webinar will take place January 14th at 1 p.m.  Zoom will be the platform.

Register for the webinar at livestockemergencies.eventbrite.com. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dealing-with-livestock-emergencies-webinar-tickets-132323913387)

And contact Matthew Place at 252 257 3640 or mbplace@ncsu.edu with questions.

Artists in Warren, Vance, Granville Awarded Funds

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— press release courtesy of the Warren County Arts Council

Warren County Arts Council Awards Funding to Regional Artists

The Warren County Arts Council has awarded $6,701 in direct funding to 7 artists in the North Carolina Arts Council’s first ever Artist Support Grant program. The Warren County Arts Council was chosen by the North Carolina Arts Council to be the lead arts council in a grants region that includes: Warren, Vance, Halifax, Northampton, Granville, and Franklin counties.

“The Artist Support Grants program responds to the impact of the pandemic by ensuring that artists and the state’s arts infrastructure have the resources needed to help our state make a strong social and economic recovery,” said Wayne Martin, executive director of the North Carolina Arts Council.

“We are honored to serve as the lead arts council in this new initiative,” said Charla Duncan, Chair of the Warren County Arts Council. “Working with our regional partners in this new consortium of rural counties gives us a chance to impact local artists in ways we haven’t been able to do before.”

Twenty-two artists from all six counties and from various disciplines applied for funding in this competitive application process, requesting a total of $25,900 in funding. Artists were not allowed to request more than $1,200 in funding. This year the grants are non-matching, but will most likely require a match in future cycles.

“Our review panel had a tough decision to make. The state only granted our region $5,000. The Warren County Arts Council chose to contribute $1,000 to increase the impact,” stated Duncan. “The Vance County, Franklin County, and Northampton County arts councils also contributed, so in total we were able to increase our region’s funding by $1,700.”

Awards went to: Senora Lynch, a potter from Warren County; Marvin Richardson and the Stoney Creek Singers, contemporary pow wow singers from Warren County; Ellen Newbauer, a woodworker from Warren County; Jereann King Johnson, a quilter from Warren County; Lydia Dudley, a singer from Warren County; Allison Darcy, a writer from Granville County; and Brandi Parker, a theatrical director from Vance County.

Funding will be used to support projects or needs that enhance the artists’ craft and careers.

The grant review panel consisted of arts professionals from across the state, and not members of any of the arts councils in the qualifying region. The panel included: Trista Porter (Executive Director, Greenville Museum of Art); Amy Grossman (President & CEO, NC Folk Festival); Hobey Ford (master puppeteer and Kennedy Center Partner in Education); Antoine Williams (mixed media artist and Guilford College professor); and Sarah Bryan (Executive Director, NC Folklife Institute).

“We were so honored to have such a thoughtful and intentional group of panelists,” said Duncan. “It was clear that they value the arts in rural communities as much as we do.”

For more information or questions please contact the Warren County Arts Council at warrencountyartscouncil@gmail.com. The Warren County Arts Council can be found online at warrencountyartsnc.org and on Facebook and Instagram at @wcartcouncil.

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About the Warren County Arts Council

The Warren County Arts Council was founded on April 20, 1999 in order to promote and increase appreciation for the arts in Warren County.

About the North Carolina Arts Council

The North Carolina Arts Council builds on our state’s longstanding love of the arts, leading the way to a more vibrant future. The Arts Council is an economic catalyst, fueling a thriving nonprofit creative sector that generates $2.12 billion in annual direct economic activity. The Arts Council also sustains diverse arts expression and traditions while investing in innovative approaches to art-making. The North Carolina Arts Council has proven to be a champion for youth by cultivating tomorrow’s creative citizens through arts education. www.NCArts.org

NCDHHS

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Application Process Begins Jan. 4

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

— press release courtesy of NCDHHS

North Carolinians Can Apply Online for Help with Energy Costs Beginning Monday

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today (12-29-20) announced beginning Jan. 4, households can apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) online at www.epass.nc.gov.

Applying for these programs online is easy and convenient, as well as safe and helps people socially distance. Applicants can also call their county department of social services to apply by phone or print a paper application from www.epass.nc.gov to mail, fax or drop off at their county department of social services.

“We know that this is going to be a challenging winter for many families because of COVID-19,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to apply for help with their heating costs this winter while staying safe and socially distant.”

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program is a seasonal program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. LIEAP applications will be accepted Jan. 4 to March 31 or until funds are exhausted. To be eligible for LIEAP, a household must:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
  • Have income equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty limit
  • Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250
  • Be responsible for their heating cost

The Crisis Intervention Program is a year-round program that assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis. A household is considered in crisis if it is currently experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life threatening or health related emergency and assistance is not available from another source. CIP applications will be accepted until June 30 or until funds are exhausted. To be eligible for CIP, a household must:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
  • Have income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level
  • Have an energy related crisis
  • Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis

For more information on these energy programs and eligibility, visit the CIP and LIEAP websites at:

NCDHHS strongly encourages families to take advantage of the new ways to apply for energy programs to help maintain social distancing and help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Governor Cooper Gives COVID-19 County Alert Update

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— press release courtesy of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and his office

Gov. Cooper Calls on North Carolinians to Stay Vigilant this Holiday Season

More than 90 percent of North Carolina counties now in the red or orange zone; Vaccines continue to be distributed to communities around the state

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and Secretary of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen shared updates on the COVID-19 County Alert System, warning that more than 90 percent of North Carolina counties are now designated as red or orange.

“North Carolina needs to drive down our numbers. To do that, we all need to change our holiday plans if you haven’t already,” Governor Cooper said. “The best and safest option is to connect virtually or by phone. But if you gather in-person, keep it small and do it outside. Get a COVID-19 test before you go. Spread out the tables and chairs. Follow the modified Stay at Home Order and be home by 10 PM. And, always, always wear a mask.”

The County Alert System uses COVID-19 case rates, the percent of tests that are positive and hospital impact within the county to categorize counties into the following tiers:

  • Yellow: Significant Community Spread
  • Orange: Substantial Community Spread
  • Red: Critical Community Spread

There are currently 65 red counties, 27 orange counties and only 8 yellow counties. Read the updated report to see where each county stands and how the alert system was designed.

“The county alert map shows how quickly things can escalate. As you think about the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays please avoid traveling and gathering. If you absolutely must, get tested ahead of time, wear a mask all the time, keep it small and keep it outdoors,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen also highlighted updates on North Carolina’s distribution of two COVID-19 vaccines. The state expects to receive approximately 60,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 176,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. The Moderna vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage and is slated to go to 59 hospitals and 97 local health department sites.

Governor Cooper and health officials warned against traveling and large gatherings ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Governor also reminded people that the statewide mask mandate and Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to be home between 10 PM and 5 AM will still be in effect through the holidays until at least January 8, 2021

Pastor Joseph Casteel from First United Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids and Reverend James White from Christ Our King Community Church in Raleigh joined today’s briefing to discuss how critical it is for communities of faith to follow the safety measures while celebrating. They stress that the most important thing people can do for their communities this Christmas is taking the steps necessary to protect their communities, even if that means pausing or adapting traditions.

“The opportunity for you and your family to remain safe, an opportunity not to put anyone else at risk and, the freedom for you to choose the time for meaningful worship that works for you. It’s a win-win. There will be a myriad of online opportunities for meaningful worship. It will be okay,” Pastor Joseph Casteel said.

“Pastors, Rabbis and other faith leaders are often expected to have words of hope. Maybe we are all appropriately lost for words. What is most needed are actions and perspectives that will lead to life now and in the future,” Rev. James White said. “Perhaps we all need to figure out how to create celebrations in the midst of limitations. This is not as impossible as it may sound.”

The CDC is encouraging people to avoid traveling for the holidays. If continuing to gather, state officials urge North Carolinians to keep get togethers small and outside with social distancing and masks. People can also get a COVID-19 test ahead of gathering.

Read the full holiday guidance from NCDHHS.

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20K In Grants From United Way of Vance County To Four Local Nonprofits

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

— press release courtesy United Way of Vance County by Terri Hedrick

The United Way of Vance County presented grant checks totaling $20,000 today (Monday) to four local nonprofit organizations to help needy families and individuals in Vance and Warren counties with assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant funding was made possible with a grant from United Way Worldwide to the local United Way unit.

Each of the four organizations received a grant of $5,000.

The organizations receiving the grants include: ACTS of Vance County Inc., Life Line Outreach, Inc., Community Partners of Hope, Inc., and Alliance Rehabilitative Care Inc.

ACTS of Vance County will use the grant funding to provide meals on weekdays to homeless citizens and those who are homebound. Life Line Outreach will continue to provide services with the grant funds to abused and homeless women and children in their facility and to provide food boxes for needy families. Community Partners of Hope will utilize the funds to support operations of the organization’s shelter for homeless men and Alliance Rehabilitative Care will use the additional funds for services provided at the local Addiction Recovery Center for Men.


Gwen Williams, president of the United Way of Vance County, center in white mask, and Tommy Haithcock, first vice president of the United Way of Vance County, center in black mask, presented checks for $5,000 each to four local nonprofit organizations to meet the basic needs of disadvantaged people in Vance and Warren counties. Those accepting the checks for their organizations included, from left on the back row, Rev. Joseph Ratliff of Community Partners of Hope, Lee Anne Peoples of ACTS of Vance County, Jeanne Harrison of Alliance Rehabilitative Care, and Steve and Lynda Dalton of Life Line Outreach. Donna Stearns, a member of the United Way of Vance County Board of Directors, standing at far left on the front row, also joined the presentation.

Accepting the grant funding for each of the organizations were Lee Anne Peoples of ACTS of Vance County; Steve and Lynda Dalton of Life Line Outreach; the Rev. Joseph Ratliff of Community Partners of Hope; and Jeanne Harrison of Alliance Rehabilitative Care.

“Our United Way Board of Directors is thrilled to be able to provide these much needed grant funds to these outstanding nonprofit organizations in our community,” said Gwen Williams, board president. “We know the needs of our community are great right now as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are confident all four organizations will use the funds to help those most in need.”

United Way of Vance County allocated over $6,000 in grants for pandemic relief in the spring. Those funds went to ACTS of Vance County and Life Line Outreach, both located in Henderson, and the Loaves & Fishes Ministry in Warrenton, to help with food insecurities of families in Vance and Warren counties.

Williams noted that the local United Way will continue to work to secure funds from various sources, including donations from industries, businesses and individuals, to support programs that assist disadvantaged families in its coverage area of Vance and Warren counties.

Anyone interested in making a donation may do so by sending it to United Way of Vance County, P.O. Box 1352, Henderson, N.C. 27536 or through the organization’s website at unitedwayvance.org.

Vance County Courthouse

Criminal District Court Will Resume Dec. 29, 2020

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The Hon. Henry L. Gupton, clerk of court in Vance County, has informed WIZS News that criminal district court will resume just after Christmas.

Gupton said, “I received a memorandum from our Chief District Court Judge John Davis on December 18th regarding the resumption of our District Courts schedule.

“As of Tuesday, December 29, 2020 our regular scheduled Criminal District Court Sessions will resume and we will continue to have Small Claims Court.

“However, we will not be conducting Civil District Court Sessions.”

Gupton said he would notify the public when all sessions resume.

He said, “This decision has been made after consultation with our County Health Director Lisa M. Harrison.  We will continue to operate under our existing COVID-19 protocols.”

(This news article was posted December 21, 2020 at 12:15 p.m.)