Winter Weather

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

– 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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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.

VCHS Band Director Jaron Cox To Take Conductor Role In 3rd Annual Community Youth Honor Band

/by

— information courtesy of Vance County Schools and Vance-Granville Community College

More than 100 of the region’s best young musicians will show off their skills at the 3rd annual Community Youth Honor Band Concert, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 7 at the VGCC Civic Center.

The concert, which is free and open to the public. begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Campus Civic Center in Henderson. All family, friends and community members are encouraged to come support these talented students and the schools they represent.

Jaron Cox, a founding member of the honor band event, will lead the intermediate group – the Green Honor Band. Cox is the band director at Vance County High School. VGCC music instructor Brian D. Miller will lead the advanced group, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Middle and high school students representing schools throughout VGCC’s four-county service area were nominated by their respective band directors for their musical talent and passion. They will gather for the first time to rehearse on Thursday, Feb. 6, reconvene Friday morning, and present a concert that evening.

The student musicians will learn new songs especially for this event. Music selections had not yet been finalized at the time of publication, but event organizers offered a preview of what songs attendees might hear: “Ballad for Peace,” “The Barber of Seville,” “Ready the Castle” (JaRod Hall), and “Shadow Fire” (Randall D. Standridge), among others.

Cox said he is honored to lead this talented group of students. “The opportunity to conduct the Green Honor Band is a privilege,” said Cox. “This concert brings together young musicians from across the region to showcase their talents, and I look forward to helping them create a memorable performance.”

The Community Youth Honor Band includes middle and high school students from Granville, Vance, Warren and Franklin counties. It offers a special opportunity for students to collaborate with peers from other schools and perform in a large concert band. The preparation begins the day prior to the performance, with students rehearsing intensively for the big event.

Last year’s concert featured 95 students—45 from middle schools and 50 from high schools—performing before an audience of more than 300 in the VGCC Civic Center. This year promises to be another exciting display of musical growth and community spirit.

Cox also expressed gratitude for the continued support of the event by Betsy Henderson, VGCC Department Chair of Fine Arts and Humanities, Dr. Thomas Koinis, MD, FAAFP, VGCC Community Band member, and Tiffany Stone of Hill’s Music, aas well as Miller, who also is director of the Community Band.

This event was planned by a committee comprised of VGCC representatives, area band directors and school administrators, local business owners, and other community members. To learn more about the band or Fine Arts programs at Vance-Granville, contact department chair Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3371.

NC SBI

The Local Skinny! Missing Woman’s Remains Found

/by

— courtesy of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page

“The Warren County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the State Bureau of Investigations, and with the assistance of the Youngsville Rescue Dive Team, executed searches in Vance County on 1/30/2025. During the search, possible human remains were discovered. The remains were sent to the NC Medical Examiner’s Office, where they have been identified as the remains of Dana Leigh Mustian. Her disappearance and death are continuing to be investigated. No other information will be released at this time. We would like to thank Sheriff Curtis Brame and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.”

— courtesy of the NC State Bureau of Investigation

“In January 2024, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) 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, the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Youngsville Rescue and EMS Dive Team, and the SBI executed searches in Vance County. While conducting a search in a pond near Henderson, possible human remains were discovered. The remains were sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office for identification. Those remains were identified as those of Dana Leigh Mustian. Her family has been notified, and the investigation continues. No further details are available at this time.”

CLICK PLAY!

Feb. 7 Deadline For Warren Residents To Ask For Help Removing Old Mobile Homes From Property

/by

Time is winding down for Warren County residents to take advantage of a program that provides financial assistance to remove dilapidated mobile homes from their property.

The deadline to request assistance is Friday, Feb. 7 to ensure demolition can take place before the grant ends at the end of February, according to Warren County officials.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, through the State Solid Waste Trust Fund, awarded Warren County a series of grants under this program, beginning in 2010, to assist in the deconstruction of abandoned manufactured homes. The grants have helped the county enforce its abandoned manufactured home ordinance that was first adopted in 2008. During past grant cycles from 2010 to 2017, Warren County used grant funds totaling $89,500 to aid eligible property owners in the legal deconstruction and disposal of abandoned units, resulting in the removal of approximately 50 units across the county.

Eligible property owners will owe costs that are not covered by grant funds. For a singlewide unit, costs are $35.00 for the demolition permit plus $270.00 landfill tipping fees; for a doublewide unit, $35.00 demolition permit plus $540.00 landfill tipping fees. In addition, homeowners will be responsible for any demolition costs that exceed the grant maximum of $1,485.00.

Property owners seeking more information or to apply to the county program may contact Planning and Zoning Administrator Mark Bloomer at 252.257.7027 or markbloomer@warrencountync.gov. Forms can be found online at https://www.warrencountync.com/789/Forms-Applications or picked up at the Planning/Zoning and Code Enforcement Department, 542 West Ridgeway Street, Warrenton, NC 27589.

 

Alzheimer’s Association Offering Free, Virtual, Weekly Education Series in Feb. 2025

/by

The Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina and Western Carolina Chapters, in partnership with Isaac Health, a leading national provider of brain health and dementia care, are offering a free virtual weekly education series called The Empowered Caregiver to help caregivers navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia.

“Our latest Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report shows that dementia caregivers in North Carolina face significant emotional, physical and health-related challenges as a result of caregiving,” said Christine John-Fuller, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “Our goal with this collaboration with Isaac Health is to offer tools and education to help caregivers feel supported and see pathways forward.”

The Empowered Caregiver education series will be offered via live webinar each Thursday in February from 6:00-7:30 p.m.  Caregivers can register for individual courses or the entire series. Each week will cover a new topic with expert speakers:

  • Understanding Dementia and Foundations of Caregiving – February 6 

Discover the differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia, understand the evolving role of caregivers, and learn how to build a support team and manage caregiver stress. Speaker: Joel Salinas, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer, Isaac Health

  • Supporting Independence – February 13

Focuses on helping the person living with dementia take part in daily activities, providing the right amount of support and balancing safety and independence while managing expectations. Speaker: Debbie Prouty, assistant professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Wingate University

  • Communication and Behavior Changes and Strategies – February 20

Teaches how dementia affects communication, including tips for communicating well with family, friends and health care professionals. Also, common behavior changes and how they’re a form of communication, non-medical approaches to behaviors and recognizing when help is needed. Speaker: Nancy Swigert, speech-language pathologist and Alzheimer’s community educator

  • Care and Support Services – February 27

Examines how best to prepare for future care decisions and changes, including respite care, residential care and end of life care. Panelists include: David Fisher, MD, retired physician and Alzheimer’s community educator, Joel Salinas, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer, Isaac Health, Venitra White Dean, founder, Frankie Mae Foundation

There is no charge to participate, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link for the series. To sign-up, visit tinyurl.com/TheEmpoweredCaregiver  or call 800-272-3900.