Maintenance At Dozens Of CSX RR Crossings In March; Drivers, Expect Detours

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Drivers in Vance County who typically cross the CSX railroad tracks, the one that goes right through downtown Henderson, may encounter a detour or two starting March 3 and continuing until March 28th.

Perhaps you’ve already seen the piles of crossties along the line. Maintenance work is scheduled, with some closures lasting from 2-to-5 days. Major crossings like those at Warrenton Road, Andrews Avenue, Chavasse Avenue and Bearpond Road are expected to be completed on the same day.

New railroad ties will be installed on the track from Manson almost as far south as Franklinton.  Work is scheduled to begin in Warren County, continue through Vance County and end in Franklin County.

Initial projections have the work at Warrenton Road being done March 10 with the work going through Henderson that week and reaching Bearpond Road on March 17.

Southern Commercial Development is the traffic control contractor coordinating the project for CSX and will be in charge of creating detours during the various road closures.

There are 32 crossings in Vance County that will see work, as well as two each in Warren and Franklin counties. Eleven of the 32 involve either private roads or one-way access roads and work crews will try to complete those projects within 24 hours.

According to the Director of Media Relations Austin Staton of CSX, the project is estimated to take four weeks and should be wrapped up by Mar. 28.

The length of time the railroad crossings are closed will be dictated by the type of maintenance they are set to receive, but crossings will not be closed for the duration of the project.

To see which crossings are scheduled for maintenance, click on the link below, which lists each crossing and the estimated dates the maintenance should occur:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1IX49r53Iuc2CC94RdcjTDQzuWHiclT0&usp=sharing

S-Line Rail Corridor

TownTalk: NCDOT, Warren County Leaders Plan Feb. 25 Open House To Discuss Norlina’s Future S-Line’s Mobility Hub

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The community is invited to come out next week to hear about the progress being made on a mobility hub that is scheduled to be built in Norlina as part of a multi-million dollar project that will bring passenger rail service to the area.

The N.C. Department of Transportation and Warren County will host a community meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25 for the proposed Norlina Mobility Hub. The hub would allow people to access different modes of transportation from a central location.

“We’re excited to be working closely with Warren County residents to share information about the mobility hub project and hear how we can work together to get the community ready for rail and bring additional economic activity to the county,” said Brennon Fuqua, director of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division.

The open house will last from 5-8 p.m. and will be held at the Warren County Armory, 501 U.S. Hwy 158 Bus E. in Warrenton. People may drop in at any time to hear updates and learn about next steps.

The NCDOT Rail and Integrated Mobility Divisions will update the public about the status of the S-Line program, the work done to date on the Mobility Hub Study and seek feedback. The S-Line Raleigh to Richmond Passenger Rail Project is a partnership between the NCDOT and the Virginia Rail Passenger Authority to develop an abandoned freight corridor into a future highly efficient passenger rail service. It will connect communities between Raleigh and Richmond.

As part of the S-Line rail project, NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division is studying design options for mobility hubs in several communities, including Norlina, in Warren County.

A mobility hub is a public facility that brings together a rail station with “last-mile” transportation options, such as ride sharing, regional transportation, community amenities and other services. These hubs offer safe solutions to get off the train and use a bike, shuttle, ride sharing service or other mode to finish their trip.

To learn more about IMD and the mobility hub projects, visit NCDOT.gov. Follow Integrated Mobility on Twitter/X @NCDOT_IMD and LinkedIn at NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division.

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NC SBI

TownTalk: SBI Reports Arrest In Connection With Warren County Woman’s Body Found In Vance County Pond

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— Information from N.C. State Bureau of Investigation website

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) received information regarding the location of a suspect in a missing person case from Warren County, NC. As a result, 37-year-old Bryan David Griffin Jr. was located at a hotel on Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach, SC. He has been taken into custody by personnel from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The SBI would also like to thank the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating Griffin.

In January 2024, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office requested the SBI’s assistance regarding a missing person case from 2023. Dana Leigh Mustian was last seen on November 30, 2023, on Dorothy Drive in Warrenton, NC. On January 30, 2025, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Youngsville Rescue and EMS Dive Team, and the SBI, conducted searches in Vance County. While searching a pond near Henderson, possible human remains were discovered. These remains were sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office for identification and were confirmed to be those of Dana Leigh Mustian. Her family has been informed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Griffin has been charged with concealment of a death and is currently awaiting an extradition hearing at a Myrtle Beach Detention Facility.  No further information is available at this time.

This morning, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) received information regarding the location of a suspect in a missing person case from Warren County, NC. As a result, 37-year-old Bryan David Griffin Jr. was located at a hotel on Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach, SC. He has been taken into custody by personnel from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The SBI would also like to thank the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating Griffin.

In January 2024, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office requested the SBI’s assistance regarding a missing person case from 2023. Dana Leigh Mustian was last seen on November 30, 2023, on Dorothy Drive in Warrenton, NC. On January 30, 2025, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Youngsville Rescue and EMS Dive Team, and the SBI, conducted searches in Vance County. While searching a pond near Henderson, possible human remains were discovered. These remains were sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office for identification and were confirmed to be those of Dana Leigh Mustian. Her family has been informed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Griffin has been charged with concealment of a death and is currently awaiting an extradition hearing at a Myrtle Beach Detention Facility.  No further information is available at this time.

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4-H Dairy Youth Program Interest Meeting Re-Scheduled To Tuesday, Feb. 25

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Youth in Warren and Franklin counties interested in showing dairy calves are invited to a 4-H Dairy Youth Program interest meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25 in Louisburg. This meeting was originally scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20, but has been re-scheduled because of the winter storm.

The Feb. 25 meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Annex in Louisburg.

During the 8-week program, youth will learn about dairy calves and preparing them for a local show. In addition to learning more about handling livestock, participants will gain knowledge about communication, public speaking, record-keeping, teamwork and problem solving.

Bi-weekly practices will begin on Monday, April 7.

Register online at go.ncsu.edu/franklin2025dairymeeting

For more information, please contact the office at 919.496.3344,

Contact your local livestock agent to learn more:

Winter Weather

Bread, Check! Milk, Check! Prepare For Winter Weather

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Southerners have long been the butt of jokes about preparing for winter weather: We flock to grocery stores and hit the milk and bread sections, leaving behind empty, bare shelves in our wake.

But there are plenty of other suggestions that people here in the South – and elsewhere – should keep in mind when the threat of snow, sleet and ice is in the forecast, and Chris Tucker and the folks at Warren County Emergency Services have issued a comprehensive checklist to review – just in case the forecasters are correct about Wednesday and Thursday’s inclement weather.

  1. Prepare Your Home and Family
  • Check your heating system to ensure it is functioning properly. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, make sure you have enough fuel.
  • Inspect your windows and doors for any drafts. Seal any gaps to keep the cold air out.
  • Stock up on essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, and batteries. Aim for at least a 72-hour supply.
  • Charge all electronic devices (phones, tablets, flashlights, etc.) to ensure they are ready in case of power outages.
  • Prepare an emergency kit with blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, candles, and extra warm clothing.
  • Know your local emergency shelters and how to reach them in case you need to evacuate or seek refuge.
  1. Ensure Your Vehicle Is Ready
  • Top off your gas tank to prevent your fuel line from freezing and to ensure you have enough fuel during an emergency.
  • Check your tires for adequate tread and proper inflation. Keep tire chains in the car if needed.
  • Have an emergency car kit with essentials such as a shovel, blankets, snacks, water, flashlight, jumper cables, and sand or salt for traction.
  • Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and top off windshield washer fluid.
  1. Prepare for Snow Removal
  • Shovel and salt: Make sure you have a snow shovel and a bag of salt or sand to use on driveways, sidewalks, and steps. Consider using a snow blower if you have one.
  • Clear your gutters: Remove any leaves or debris that could prevent proper drainage, which could lead to ice buildup during the storm.
  1. Stay Informed
  • Monitor weather updates from trusted sources, such as local news, the National Weather Service, or weather apps.
  • Sign up for local emergency alerts to receive real-time information and warnings about the storm.
  1. Ensure the Safety of Your Pets
  • Bring pets indoors before the storm begins. If they must stay outside, provide proper shelter with enough warmth and protection.
  • Stock up on pet food to ensure you have enough for the duration of the storm.
  1. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors
  • Check on elderly or disabled neighbors to make sure they are prepared for the storm and have necessary supplies.
  • Offer assistance with tasks like bringing in outdoor furniture, stocking up on food, or clearing driveways if possible.
  1. Prepare for Power Outages
  • Have alternative light sources such as flashlights and candles in case of power outages.
  • Unplug sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and appliances to prevent potential damage from power surges when the electricity returns.
  1. Stay Off the Roads
  • Avoid driving during the snowstorm unless absolutely necessary. If travel is essential, take extra precautions by ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready.
  1. Review Your Insurance and Property Protection
  • Check your insurance coverage to ensure you are protected in case of damage caused by snow and ice (e.g., roof collapse or broken pipes).
  • Remove or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and objects that could be blown away by strong winds.
  1. Plan Your Post-Storm Recovery
  • Develop a plan for post-storm cleanup. Have a plan for clearing snow, checking for potential damage, and taking care of any fallen trees or branches.

Warren County Film About Toxic Landfill Protest

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Area residents who may have missed an earlier screening of a documentary film about events that happened 40 years ago in Warren County have another opportunity to see it next week.

The film, “Our Movement Starts Here,” chronicles protests against the state of North Carolina’s plan to build a toxic waste landfill in the county, which inspired an international movement for environmental justice.

Head over to the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center on Monday, Feb. 24 for a 5:30 p.m. screening. The doors open at 5 for this free event, presented by VGCC as part of the college’s annual Black History Month observance. Filmmaker John Rash will be on hand, along with a panel of original protesters, for a question-and-answer session at the conclusion of the film.

Through contemporary interviews with the original protesters who inspired the environmental justice movement in 1982, this feature documentary tells the story of a rural community fighting the state of North Carolina’s plan to construct a toxic landfill near their homes.

The film was already shown Tuesday, Feb. 18 at the Warren County Senior Center.

Warren County Health Dept. Hosts “Healthy Hearts” Workshop At Perfecting Praise Ministries Saturday, Feb. 22

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– information courtesy of Warren County government

The Warren County Health Department will host a second workshop in celebration of February Heart Health Month. The agency will partner with Perfecting Praise Ministries to conduct a “Healthy Hearts” Community Event on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the church located at 1216 US Highway 158 Business West, Norlina (Food Lion Shopping Center). The guest speaker will be Dr. Phil Mendys. Registration begins at 9:30 am. The workshop is from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Register by Thursday, Feb. 20 by calling 252.257.6017 or 252.257.6012. The health department will offer free health screenings. A light lunch will be provided.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The health department joins the American Heart Association in raising awareness about cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease. The three-pronged focus is to 1) educate communities about heart disease and stroke; 2) share effective strategies to enhance heart health; and 3) learn steps that you can take to save lives such as Hands-Only CPR from Warren County EMS.

In addition, participants will also get information on other services and community resources.

Did you know?

  • Infants and children need CPR including breaths.

 

  • More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year. 40 percent are related to sports. Nearly 20 percent are infants.

 

Join the community of lifesavers and be ready to step up for a loved one, a neighbor, friend or co-worker.

Thinking Of Planting A Specialty Crop? N.C. Ag Dept. Accepting Grant Applications

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The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Nonprofits and government agencies have until 5 p.m. on Mar 10 to submit applications.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is managed by the department, through anticipated funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Eligible projects must involve fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, nursery, floriculture or horticulture crops.

“We are fortunate in North Carolina that our farmers can grow just about any crop, which means the production of specialty crops continues to grow and add to the state’s $111 billion ag industry,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This $1.2 million in grants helps support and grow specialty crop production.”

The department will accept grant requests of up to $200,000 from nonprofit organizations, academia, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, and colleges and universities. Grants are not available for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual.

See https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop for a comprehensive listing of qualifying specialty crops. For grant guidelines and an application, go to www.ncspecialtycrops.com/apply. For questions, contact Jenni Keith at 919.707.3158 or by email at jenni.keith@ncagr.gov.

Warren County Health Dept. Hosts Women’s Heart Health Lunch And Learn Feb. 13

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Today is National Wear Red Day! The Warren County Health Department invites member of the community to join the national movement by not only wearing red today, but by sharing photos on Facebook and tagging the health department in the posts.

Not into Facebook? Send photos to tanishalyons@warrencountync.gov and we can post the pictures on the event page. This will create a vibrant display of unity and commitment to this important cause.

The health department continues its observance of Heart Health Month with a Women’s Heart Health Lunch and Learn session on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Warren County Memorial Library.

Participants will hear an informative discussion about the effects of heart disease on women and also will learn some strategies to improve women’s heart health. A light lunch will be provided. RSVP to this program at 252.257.6037.

Some startling statistics about women’s heart health:

  • Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, and yet only 44 percent of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.

 

  • Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and accounts for more than one-third of maternal deaths. Black women have some of the highest maternal mortality rates.

 

  • Between 10 percent and 20 percent of women will have a health issue during pregnancy, and high blood pressure, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes during pregnancy greatly increase a woman’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life.

 

 

NC Community Foundation Scholarship Info

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The North Carolina Community Foundation administers nearly 140 college scholarships totaling close to $1.8 million. Most of the applications are open until Mar. 3 for students looking for ways to help pay for college.

There is no cost to apply and students can apply online using NCCF’s Universal Scholarships Application, which matches student information with criteria for about 130 scholarships for which they may be eligible.

There are a dozen or so other NCCF scholarships that have separate applications with different due dates. Students should review the criteria for those and follow instructions on how to apply.

All scholarships are established through endowment funds at NCCF with criteria determined by the donor. In 2024, NCCF awarded almost $1.5 million in scholarships to 360 students.

Visit nccommunityfoundation.org/Scholarships for detailed application instructions.