TownTalk: Warren Farmers Market Opening Day Saturday, Apr. 26

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The Warren County Farmers Market opens Saturday, Apr. 26 and judging from the volume of phone calls Tamara Small has been getting from curious customers, it won’t be a moment too soon.

People are looking forward to starting their Saturday mornings at the farmers market, Small said. She said it’s a great atmosphere, with vendors’ produce and other goods under pop-up tents dotting the parking lot of the Warren County Health Department on Ridgeway Street.

Small said the farmers market folks are fortunate and grateful to have had that central location to set up shop, but next year the market will be located at its new permanent location just a block or two up the road.

The engineering firm that’s been working on the project expects the new farmers market to be ready in March 2026. Passersby can expect to see some groundbreaking and construction work as early as June or July, she said.

Until the new market is ready, Small said residents can stop by the health department parking lot on Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 12 noon to pick up local produce and other products like eggs, honey, local beef and pork and so much more.

“Everything comes together beautifully,” Small said. “It is hard work, don’t get me wrong…

but it always ends up being beautiful.” She recalls only one rainy market day last season, and she hopes fair weather prevails this season, too.

Many vendors are returning from last year, but there will be some new faces in the mix, too.

And thanks to a $10,000 grant from Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, senior adults can take advantage of Double Up Food Bucks again this year.

Visit the market manager’s info table on market day to get signed up for the program.

“We’re putting more food on people’s plates” and increasing access to healthy, nutritious local food, Small said.

You’ll find Small on market days taking photos to post on the market’s social media platform as one way to get younger people’s attention.

“Hey, we’re here and we’re a great place to shop,” she said. “I want to show people this is the place to be,” Small said. Vendors interact with customers and answer their questions, which builds community and strengthens relationships, she added.

In addition to familiar vendors, customers can look for new vendors that include Happy Chaos Homestead and Coley’s Vegan Treats, among others.

Special Opening Day activities include live music a 10 a.m. butterfly release to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and there will be a special stationary exercise bike with a paint attachment for people to “pedal paint” butterfly pictures.

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TownTalk: Pink with a Passion on April 12th in Warrenton

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Look for the rainbow at the 4th annual Pink With A Passion event Saturday, April 12 at the Warren County Recreational Complex.

The theme for this year’s walk is “Walk With Strength: Fight Cancer In All Colors,” making reference to the distinct color assigned to particular cancers – pink represents breast cancer, for example.

As a breast cancer survivor herself, organizer Amena Wilson may be decked out in pink for the day’s activities, but she hopes to see a rainbow of colors represented.

Registration for the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m, Wilson said.

The official part of the day will take place at 11 a.m., and participants can witness the Tree of Hope ceremony that Wilson says will be a unique experience.

The Tree of Hope, with its twinkling lights, will be a way to remember those who have lost their lives to cancer, as well as a way to offer hope to those facing health challenges. But, Wilson said, it’s also a joyous time to celebrate all those who have overcome challenges and are now in recovery following cancer diagnoses.

It’s a somber occasion, but it’s also going to be a lot of fun for the whole family. Last year’s event brought out about 400 people; this year, Wilson is expecting an even bigger crowd.

A mobile mammogram service is offering 25 free mammograms. Call 877.318.1349 to schedule an appointment or visit https://appointments.invisiondiagnostics.com/appoinment/

to reserve a spot.

“We’ll have a lot going on,” Wilson said. There will be a band and a dj providing musical entertainment, as well as a time to hear testimonies from cancer survivors and take part in a balloon release.

For the kids, there will be plenty of activities, including a bouncy house, face painting and a fire truck with a Smokey Bear character on board.

And let’s not forget the food trucks – Wilson said there will be everything from vegan on up to Southern Soul food on site for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s going to be a day full of joy, a day of celebration,” she said. “We’re so geared up and pumped up and ready to go!”

Bring a lawn chair and expect to have a great time, she added.

To learn more about Pink With A Passion, visit: www.pinkwithapassion.org

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The Local Skinny! Warren Correctional Institution Recommended For ACA Accreditation

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The Warren Correctional Institution has been recommended for accreditation following a recent audit by American Correctional Association auditors.

Warren Correctional is the 49th N.C. Department of Adult Correction facility that has either been recommended for accreditation or been awarded ACA accreditation.

It is the goal of the NCDAC to have 100 percent of its facilities and operations pursue this distinction.

Following the Mar. 17-19 audit, ACA auditors found that Warren Correctional met 100 percent of mandatory practices and 98.7 percent of non-mandatory practices, according to information from NCDAC.

The ACA Commission on Accreditation for Corrections will vote to formally grant accreditation at a future meeting.

“The staff of Warren Correctional Institution is dedicated every day, but they worked especially hard for us to meet this goal. I am extremely proud of them,” said Warden Kevin Barnes. “I also want to thank our department and Central Region leadership, as well as DAC’s accreditation and compliance specialists, for all the support and guidance they’ve provided throughout this process.”

Located in Manson, the facility houses approximately 670 men in minimum and medium custody levels. Opportunities for rehabilitative educational and vocational programs range from high school equivalency to the Correction Enterprises Janitorial Products Plant. Warren Correctional is also a site that hosts an ABEL (At Both Ends of the Leash) dog-training program.

ACA audits of performance-based standards evaluate fundamental correctional practices that

  • ensure staff and offender safety and security
  • enhance staff morale
  • improve record maintenance and data management capabilities
  • and improve the function of the facility.

As part of the accreditation process, ACA auditors spent three days conducting visual inspections, reviewing policies and procedures, and evaluating the work being done to ensure best practices are met at the prison.

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41st Annual VGCC Golf Tournament Set To Tee Off May 5,6

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The 41st annual Vance-Granville Community College Foundation’s Golf Tournament for Scholarships is set for Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6 at the Henderson Country Club.

The four-member team Super Ball tournament begins with lunch and registration at 11:30 a.m. and shotgun start at 1 p.m., according to information from Sheri Jones, The VGCC Foundation’s associate director.

Find registration forms and sponsorship information here:

The VGCC Foundation Golf Tournament – Vance Granville Community College.

The golf tournament is one of VGCC’S primary fundraisers for The Foundation. Money raised will be used for scholarships to help eligible students with the cost of tuition and books, as well as emergency grants.

The golf tournament provides resources for the College to remove barriers in order to enhance and expand its efforts to address need-based aid for students and promote equitable outcomes for all learners.

Sponsors, please note that payment must be received to guarantee your sponsorship. Please make checks payable to The VGCC Foundation. Online payments can be made at The VGCC Foundation Online Gifts Page.

For more information, contact foundation@vgcc.edu.

NC Forest Service

N.C. Forest Service: Statewide Open Burning Ban In Effect Until Further Notice

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A statewide open burning ban is currently in effect, and the N.C. Forest Service has cancelled all burning permits until further notice because of the increased risk of wildfires.

The ban prohibits all open burning in all 100 counties, even if a permit previously had been issued. New permits will not be granted until the ban is lifted. Anyone who violates the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs and anyone responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire, according to information from the N.C. Forest Service.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

Although the burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, local fire marshals have the authority to suspend permits for those fires as well. Earlier Friday, WIZS News received information from Warren County Fire Marshal Greg Henry and Franklin County Fire Marshal Trey Evans stating that all burn permits issued for open burns within 100 feet of a residence also are suspended for as long as the state burning ban is in effect.

“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state. It is imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.”

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions.

Contact your county’s fire marshal or N.C. Forest Service ranger for more information

 

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is open burning? 

A: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.

Q: May I still use my grill or barbecue? 

A: Yes, if no other local ordinances prohibit their use.

Q: How should I report a wildfire? 

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire? 

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: My local fire marshal has also issued a burn ban for my county. What does this mean?

A: The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Q: Are there other instances which impact open burning?

A: Local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning. For instance, outdoor burning is prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts. Learn more about air quality forecasts at https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-qualityoutreach-education/air-quality-forecasts.

Q: Can I have a campfire when I go camping? 

A: Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.

Q: What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?

A: Learn about wildfire risk assessments and preparedness and prevention plans on the N.C. Forest Service website at https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_wui.htm or https://www.resistwildfirenc.org/.

Warren County Site Of Kickoff Event To Mark ‘Small Farms Week’ Mar. 24-28

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The N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Small Farms Week begins Monday, Mar. 24 in Warren County, home of last year’s Small Farmer of the Year Patrick Brown of Brown Family Farms.

The kickoff event begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Warren County Armory Civic Center and includes a catered lunch, panel discussion and will culminate with a tour of Brown Family Farms.

Registration is required.

Small Farms Week is N.C. A&T State University’s annual tribute to small-scale agriculture. It will be held the week of March 24-28. The theme, “Next Gen Agriculture” will highlight the evolving farming practices and new technologies designed for environmental sustainability and resilience in this era of climate change. General registration for the luncheon is $35 and can be paid online through the registration link.

 

Small Farms Week was launched in 1987 by Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T as a way to connect with small-scale farmers and those in limited-resource communities to ensure they receive the latest research-based information on farming techniques, new tools and technologies. It also gives the public a chance to meet their agricultural neighbors and learn about farm operations and food production.

 

To view the full schedule for Small Farms Week and register for events, including the kickoff, please visit: https://whova.com/portal/registration/3mr@v3iUCbUuwA9gCESQ/

The Local Skinny! VGCC Foundation Fundraiser Saturday, April 5 At HighRock Farms

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Join The VGCC Foundation at the second annual wine tasting gala and silent auction fundraiser on Saturday, April 5, from 6 – 9 p.m. to help support students facing unforeseen financial crises.

The event’s theme is  “Unlocking Possibilities: You Are Key,” and will take place at HighRock Farms in Granville County.

Unexpected burdens can easily derail some students. Through initiatives like a food pantry, emergency assistance, transportation vouchers and career closet, The VGCC Foundation steps in to meet students’ basic needs when the unexpected gets in the way of their academic progress, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Now in its second year, the wine tasting gala and silent auction features an array of wineries showcasing their signature wines including reds, whites, bubbly and more. Guests will enjoy a buffet of foods including chicken, beef, and more (as well as tea and water), while The Hub will offer a variety of beer and wine for purchase by the glass.

Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass and have the option to purchase their favorite finds. In addition, a variety of silent auction items will be on display for bidding throughout the evening. Also added this year is a Wine Pull and various raffle opportunities. A short program showcasing students who have benefited from donor contributions will open the evening, and local students will provide the event’s entertainment.

HighRock Farms, located at 2317 Enon Road outside Oxford, is owned by Beth and Dave Hollister.

Dress for the evening is business attire.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased through The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation office. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so be sure to get yours early! To purchase tickets online, visit www.vgcc.edu/the-vgcc-foundation-online-gifts and enter “Gala” in the Designation box. To purchase tickets using any other method, please email foundation@vgcc.edu or call 252.738.3264.

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Warren County Hires First Tourism Manager; Position Funded Through Occupancy Tax Revenues

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— information courtesy of Warren County government

Warren County has its first tourism manager. Cherie Nielsen began in the new role on Tuesday, Mar. 4, which was created through a partnership with the county’s Tourism Development Authority and Community and Economic Development.

Nielsen brings a wealth of experience to the job that will help to enhance and expand tourism initiatives across the county, according to a press statement issued Friday.

“On behalf of the Warren County TDA and its members, it is my pleasure to welcome Cherie Nielsen as our new Tourism Manager,” stated Michael Hawkins, chair of the Warren County TDA board. “I am confident that her expertise and competencies can enable us to reach new heights with tourism in the county. I look forward to the changes or developments that she intends to bring about.”

As Tourism Manager, Nielsen said she will focus on increasing Warren County’s visibility as a travel destination while ensuring that tourism growth benefits the entire community, including rural residents and businesses.

“Tourism is a key economic driver, and I am committed to leveraging Warren County’s rich history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities to attract visitors and support local businesses,” she stated.

Another goal is to strengthen connections between tourism and the larger community, recognizing the role of agritourism, local artisans and small businesses in driving sustainable economic growth.

Through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing, she plans to promote Warren County’s unique assets while creating opportunities for residents to engage in and benefit from tourism initiatives.

The tourism manager position is fully funded through the newly enacted occupancy tax, which went into effect on July 1, 2024. This funding allows for expanded tourism development efforts, marketing campaigns, and infrastructure improvements that will enhance visitor experiences and drive economic impact for the county. Occupancy taxes are levied on short-term lodging and related rentals and are paid by the visitor, not the property owner.

“Tourism has been a function of Warren County economic development for decades, but we have never had dedicated staff and dedicated funding to apply towards tourism initiatives,” said Charla Duncan, director of the County’s Community and Economic Development department. “For the past decade, we’ve seen year-over-year growth in travel-related expenditures in Warren County. With dedicated tourism resources, we look forward to bringing in more revenue to the county and to local businesses.”

Nielsen has experience with strategic planning, marketing and business development. Most recently, she served as the Project Associate Director for the Industrial Development Authority of Brunswick County, VA, where she played a pivotal role in securing funding, managing large-scale projects and fostering partnerships to revitalize the local economy. Her leadership contributed to business retention and expansion efforts, community development and the promotion of regional assets to attract investment.

Prior to that, Nielsen spent five years with the N.C. Department of Commerce as the Welcome Center manager in Warren County, where she led efforts to promote tourism across all 100 counties in North Carolina, connecting travelers with local attractions, businesses and cultural experiences. She also has experience in outdoor recreation and trail development, having served as the Trail Coordinator for the nonprofit Tobacco Heritage Trail before joining the Department of Commerce.

With a passion for rural economic development, Nielsen has also worked extensively in grant writing, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy.

For more information on the Warren County occupancy tax, visit https://www.warrencountync.com/876/Occupancy-Tax-5.

For information on the Warren County Tourism Development Authority, visit https://warrencountync.com/902/Tourism-Development-Authority.

To contact Cherie Nielsen, email cherienielsen@warrencountync.gov.

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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