Qualified Warren Residents Can Apply For Help With Winter Heating Costs

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The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time annual vendor payment to help eligible families pay for their heating expense.

The good news is, if you received a LIEAP payment last year, there’s no need to re-apply; an automatic payment will be generated to that same account this fiscal year, according to information from Warren County Department of Social Services.

The state mails notices in November to each family from the 2023-2024 pre-populated application information, complete with instructions on how to report any household changes. Recipients can contact or return the notice with changes to their local DSS office within 10 business days. If the recipient does not contact or report any changes to DSS, the information from the 2023-2024 LIEAP application will be used to approve the household for 2024-2025 benefits. The recipient will be informed that an automated LIEAP payment was made.

Households not included in the target population will be able to apply following regular LIEAP application policy. Regular application policy is as follows:

·      Application period begins Dec. 1 for households with a disabled person who receives services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services. Households with individuals age 60 or older are potentially eligible during the month of December or until funds are exhausted.

·      Applications from the general public will be taken from Jan. 1 through March 31 or until funds are exhausted.

This program is being administered by:

Warren County Department of Social Services

307 N. Main Street

Warrenton, NC 27589

252.257.5000

Please bring the following information to determine eligibility:

1.         Photo Identification

2.         Mail or document showing current address (rental agreement, utility bill, etc.)

3.         Information about your household’s income. If anyone works, bring wage stubs for the month prior to the month you visit the agency. Bring letter from Social                Security Administration to confirm benefits or a statement that shows direct deposit.

4.         Recent statement for savings or checking accounts.

5.         Name, date of birth & social security card or numbers for each household member.

6.          A bill from your primary source of heat (used the MOST, to heat your home). Households that heat with wood/kerosene, will not have a bill to submit.

 

Heating source bill-If the bill is not in applicant’s name, applicant must provide a written statement from the person whose name the bill is in (must be 18 & older), stating that applicant is responsible for payment of the heating expense.

Applicants who are not physically able to come to the agency to apply may provide a trusted individual (representative) with a written statement authorizing them to apply for LIEAP on their behalf; must include a contact number. Please bring all information listed above in 1-6.

NC Coop Extension

Equine Nutritionist To Present Program About Care For Horses In Winter Dec. 3

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Horse owners have the opportunity to hear from an equine nutrition expert about proper care during the winter months on Tuesday, Dec. 3 in Littleton.

Dr. Paul Siciliano, equine extension specialist with N.C. State University, is scheduled to present “Preparing Your Horses for Winter,” to walk horse owners through a list of feeding and management strategies to consider as cold weather approaches.

The program will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Buck Springs 4-H Center, 217 Nathaniel Macon Dr. in Littleton.

A catered dinner will be served. Cost is $10 and participants can register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/warrenhalifax-winter-horse-meeting-tickets-1043071634337?aff=oddtdtcreator.

To learn more, contact Warren County livestock agent Matthew Place at 252.257.3640.

NC Coop Extension

Free Soil Samples End Nov. 26; Submit Samples Now To Avoid $4 Fee Per Sample

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The time for getting free soil samples from The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services soil testing lab is almost over – it’s about to hit its busy season, but growers and homeowners have until Tuesday, Nov. 26 to squeak in under the wire before the fee of $4 per sample begins.

“Accurate lime and fertilizer recommendations are critical to producing healthy plants and crops and to avoid unnecessary expenses and protect our natural resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Recommendations that come from soil testing lets you know exactly what you need to add for optimal production. When it comes to fertilization needs, don’t guess, test.”

Peak-season fees are implemented annually to encourage growers to submit samples early, which helps spread out the testing time frame and to invest in equipment and temporary staff to decrease turnaround times. This year, the peak laboratory season starts Nov. 27 and runs through March 31, 2025.

Samples must physically arrive on the Agronomic Services’ loading dock no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, to avoid that $4 per sample fee.

“This year the Agronomic Services Division is renewing its efforts to improve operational efficiency and optimize our customer service. To help in this mission, growers are asked to pay particular attention to the submission process,” said Dr. Don Edralin, soil testing section chief. “Small details matter when you consider that the Soil Testing Lab processes about 300,000 samples annually.”

Soil samples submitted without adequate grower, consultant, and/or sample information will not proceed through the lab but will be set aside.  This information is essential to associate samples with the correct existing client account or to establish a new unique client account. Samples will be held for at least five days, and an attempt will be made to obtain the missing information. Due to limited storage space, samples cannot be held indefinitely.

To avoid samples ending up in the “holding area,” simply follow the instructions listed below. In doing so, you will help the Soil Testing Lab be more efficient, and in turn, avoid unnecessary delays in sample processing.

  1. Only use soil sample boxes provided by NCDA&CS. Soil sample boxes and submission forms are provided at local county Cooperative Extension Centers and at the Agronomic Services Division, 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Fill the soil box to the red line found on the outside of the box. Required information on the box includes the client’s name, address and sample ID.
  2. With your samples, send a completed soil submission form. Needed information includes client’s name with their full address and a crop code which is critical for plant-specific recommendations. The list of codes is found on the second page of the sample submission form. Since soil test results are emailed to clients, it is extremely important that a valid email address is provided. Additionally, providing a current phone number is highly encouraged as it is helpful for faster contact if there is an issue with soil sample submission. For convenience, a fillable soil submission form for routine homeowner samples can be found at https://www.ncagr.gov/media/3727/open.
  3. Make sure that information listed on your soil submission form matches what is on your sample boxes.
  4. Save a copy/photo of your sample submission form for your records.
  5. Ensure that sample boxes are packed securely inside a sturdy shipper to avoid damage during transport. Do not use padded mailing envelopes. For faster delivery, private carriers such as UPS or FedEx deliver directly to the Agronomic building rather than an off-site mail center that USPS is required to use. Some Cooperative County Extension offices collect samples from homeowners for delivery to the division; clients are encouraged to make sure that delivery meets their intended expectations and needs.
  6. If you have access to a computer and printer, use the online data entry feature on PALS (www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/pals) to ensure the most accurate delivery of sample information to the lab but enclose a copy of the submission form with soil sample boxes.

Warren County Health Dept. Gets Part Of $3M Federal Grant To Combat Opioid Use Disorder

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The Warren County Health Department will get $600,000 in federal funds over the next four years to expand recovery and treatment services for people affected by substance use disorder, including opioid use.

It’s part of a $3 grant awarded to the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition, which manages  the Health Resoures and Services Administration Rural Communities Opioid Response Program in several counties, including Warren..

The health department will receive $150,000 annually over the next four years. Dr. Margaret Brake, health director and Wenona Mills, nursing director, attended a press conference in Wilson, joining partners from other counties included in the grant.

Carole Johnson, administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, made the announcement. HRSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Brake said she is excited to get the funding that will enhance local efforts to assist individuals and families experiencing substance use disorder. The health department collaborates with local behavioral health providers, law enforcement, emergency services, faith-based and community organizations to ensure that those needing assistance have access to appropriate treatment and recovery services. She said the money will help expand SUD services in the county.

 

 

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension “Winter Webinar” Series Discusses Small Ruminants

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If you’ve always wanted to learn about goats and sheep and what kind of care they need, join the N.C. Cooperative Extension for its “Winter Webinar” series.

There are five different webinars that will take place via Zoom, and each one discusses different aspects of the care and management of small ruminants.

The first webinar is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7; webinars will be held monthly through March. Each session has a unique registration link.

Register here: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/categories/agriculture-food/animal-agriculture/

The sessions are listed below:

  • Nov. 7 – Goats 101 covers basic nutrition, health and management
  • Dec. 5 – Hoof health, prevention and treatment of common hoof issues
  • Jan. 9 – Opportunities with sheep and solar farms
  • Feb. 6 – Livestock guardian animals – considerations and challenges
  • Mar. 6 – Pasture management for small ruminants

Contact your local extension agent to learn more.

  • Vance County: 252.438.8188
  • Granville County: 919.603.1350
  • Warren County: 252.257.3640
  • Franklin County: 919.496.3344

The Local Skinny! Morse Clinic Ribbon Cutting

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Vance Recovery’s new 7,000 square-foot facility on West Andrews Avenue was officially welcomed Monday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local business leaders and county and municipal officials. But for now, the clinic will continue to provide services at its 510 Dabney Drive location.

Clinic owner Dr. Eric Morse and Program Director John Mattocks look forward to being able to welcome patients to the more spacious clinic by mid- to late November.

Morse’s MOUD approach – Medications to treat Opioid Use Disorder – helps individuals overcome addictions to street drugs like heroin and Fentanyl.

Mattocks told WIZS back in September he would love for people plagued by addiction to be encouraged and celebrated for choosing the MOUD approach instead of coming to the clinic as a last resort.

Vance Recovery is one of nine – soon to be 11 – clinics owned and operated by Morse, a nationally acclaimed leader in the field of opioid treatment and recovery programs. He said at the ribbon-cutting that Vance Recovery was the second of the clinics to open – in 2013 – and will be the largest once it occupies its new space at 932 W. Andrews Ave.

“We’re really excited about being able to treat even more people,” he said. “The Fentanyl epidemic is killing a lot of people.” He said he appreciates the local partnerships that Vance Recovery enjoys, from the City of Henderson to Maria Parham Health, Granville Vance Public Health, Daymark and others.

Although Vance Recovery currently is fully staffed, there are plans to add staff and be able to serve more clients.  During a walking tour of the new clinic, Morse said, “Because we have more space, we’ll be able to have more counselors and grow. So that’s a really important thing.”

Vance Recovery staffs a medical provider, at least one, Monday through Friday.  Morse said, “We don’t like for anybody to have to wait to see the doctor. If you need to be seen that day, you should be seen that day. And if we need to increase our doctor time, we’ve got other doctors who can give more.”

Also, Morse said there are usually at least four nurses working.

Morse now owns the clinic’s physical space and will be leasing to providers who are like-minded so there will be co-location to help more people.  Morse said, “So any of our patients that need that higher level of care, they don’t have to go anywhere else, they’re going to be here anyway to dose but they can also get more intensive counseling.”

Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott said, “We already know the challenges we have in our community,” adding that patients who come to Vance Recovery also “get that hope and stay alive.”

Margier White, a member of the H-V Chamber board, said Vance County is fortunate to have the clinic in the community, which provides support not only to the addicted individual, but also to family members. White said she has had family members who have died from addiction, so having a clinic like Vance Recovery in the local area is “near and dear to my heart.”

Dr. Shauna Guthrie, GVPH medical director and chief medical officer at Maria Parham Health, said, “Vance Recovery has been an excellent partner for the hospital, for the health department,” and other agencies who provide services to patients with addiction.

Guthrie said people with opioid use disorder “often feel forgotten, neglected, ignored.” Having a shiny new clinic shows them, she said, that they are NOT forgotten, neglected or ignored because they have “a really nice place to go for care.”

CLICK PLAY!

Warren Mini-Grants Due To Parks And Rec By Oct. 31

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There’s still time for nonprofit organizations to submit a mini-grant application to the Warren County Parks and Recreation Department and the Parks and Recreation Commission, but the deadline is Thursday, Oct. 31.

The grant applications are for programs that facilitate the development and support recreation amenities for Warren County residents at satellite locations. Recipients must be non-profit organizations located within Warren County, according to information from the Warren County manager’s office.

The grant application is available on the Warren County Parks and Recreation website https://www.warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation or obtain a paper copy from the Parks and Recreation Department, located at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton,. All applications must be submitted and received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. Requests may not exceed $10,000.

Applications should be submitted by:

  • Email: christopherwilliams@warrencountync.gov OR
  • In person: Warren County Parks and Recreation Office at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton OR
  • Mail: Warren County Parks and Recreation, Attn: Christopher Williams, P.O. Box 835, Warrenton, NC 27589

For more information, contact Christopher Williams, Parks and Recreation Interim Director at 252-257-2272 or parksandrecreation@warrencountync.gov.

Local Cattle Owners Have Oct. 30 Referendum Vote

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On Oct. 30, local cattle producers are asked to vote on a referendum to continue the North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment to fund beef promotion in the state.

The national Beef Checkoff program collects $1 per head of cattle sold in the state, and 50 cents stays in North Carolina, explained Matthew Place, N.C. Cooperative Extension livestock agent in Warren County.

Those funds, however, can be used only within specific guidelines that involve promotion of beef.
The vote next week will be whether to continue the additional $1 assessment per head sold to support youth programs, as well as enhance the image of cattle production, research and education about N.C. cattle and beef production.

Any cattle owner over 18 can vote in the referendum. Stop by the

Warren County Cooperative Extension Office at 158 Rafters Ln., Warrenton, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Contact Matthew Place at 919.495.2230 or matthew_place@ncsu.edu to learn more.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Grant Funding Available To Preserve Farmland Through Agricultural Easements

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Landowners interested in preserving farmland through agricultural conservation easements can apply for grants through a state trust fund. The application period is open now and ends Jan. 17, 2025.

County governments and conservation nonprofit groups can apply for farmland preservation grants from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund; property owners work with county governments or land trusts to apply for the funding, according to information from the office of N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“A growing population and increased development continue to put pressure on family farms,” Troxler stated. “Agricultural conservation easements are the best tool to preserve farmland. I encourage farmers and landowners across the state to work with local partners and apply for grant funding to become North Carolina Forever Farms.”

Grants are available for agricultural conservation easements on working farms and forests; to support public-private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; to develop agricultural plans; and to create Agricultural Growth Zones that enhance local investments in farmland preservation.

If awarded a grant in which the application requests funds for the conservation easement purchase value, landowners will be compensated for the purchase of the development rights.

During the most recent grant cycle, the N.C. ADFP Trust Fund awarded $18.2 million to protect working farms and forests, support county farmland preservation efforts and promote agricultural enterprises.

Agricultural conservation easements not funded in the previous grant cycle are encouraged to reapply for funding. Reapplications must notify the Farmland Preservation Division via online form.

A new online grant portal will be used for Cycle 18 applications. Grant applications, rules and information packets are available online at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/farmland-preservation/applicants. For more information, call the Farmland Preservation office at 919.707.3074.

Warren Holds Public Hearing On Grant Funding Wednesday, Oct. 16

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The second of two public hearings for the county’s application for Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization funding will be held Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Armory Civic Center in Warrenton.

The public hearing begins at 6 p.m.

Warren County Community & Economic Development received more than 40 applications from homeowners between July 22 and Aug. 20. The applications were pre-scored and those with the highest scores were contacted for a site assessment to determine overall expected repair costs.

If the county is awarded CDBG-NR funding through the N.C. Rural Economic Development Division, all project activities will serve households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the Warren County median income for appropriate household size. Funding provided through the CDBG-NR program does not require a local match. The grant application will be made to the state this month.

“From the number of applications we received, it is very apparent that housing repair is a need for county residents,” said Community Development Division Manager Rose Ponton. “Submitting this application will be one step on the path to addressing housing challenges in Warren County.”

This information is available in Spanish and any other language upon request. Please contact Rose Ponton, Community Development Division Manager, at 252-257-3115 or at 602 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton, for accommodation of this request.