Warren County Sept. 9 ‘Let’s Talk’ Session Focuses On Entrepreneurs, Small Business

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Warren County residents are invited to join county staff and leaders for a “Let’s Talk” Warren County – Small Business event on Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Buck Spring Park, 217 Nathaniel Macon Drive in Littleton.

This event will give local entrepreneurs, small business owners and those considering starting a business a chance to chat with county Economic Development staff about available resources, support programs and opportunities to help their business grow and thrive.

Light refreshments will be provided, and participants can stop in at any time during the two-hour event to ask questions, share ideas, or simply learn more about doing business in Warren County.

The “Let’s Talk” Warren County series is an initiative spearheaded by the chair of the Warren County board of commissioners, aimed at increasing civic engagement and giving residents a better understanding of local government practices and resources. Each event in the series has focused on a specific topic important to the community, from County Resources to Emergency Preparedness.

“This event will be a great opportunity for our business community and future business owners to have an open conversation with county staff, get connected to resources, and share their vision for Warren County’s economic future,” said Angelena Kearney-Dunlap, chair of the board of commissioners.

For more information, contact Warren County Economic Development at 252.257.3037 or  email meganwilliams@warrencountync.gov.

 

N.C. State Fair Offers Online Discount Ticket Purchase Before Gates Open On Oct. 16

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If you’re planning a trip to the N.C. State Fair when the gates open in a couple of months, you’ll save a few bucks by purchasing discount advance tickets online now through Oct. 16.

Tickets can also be purchased daily at the Dorton Arena kiosk beginning Oct. 3 and walk-up tickets will be available at Gate 9 for the fair’s 10-day run,

Find all the latest information at 2025 N.C. State Fair.

“The fair is a great place to make cherished memories with your family and friends,” said Kent Yelverton, N.C. State Fair director. “These prices are the best ticket offers you’ll see this fair season, so be sure to buy your advance tickets today.”

The advanced ticket prices are as follows:

Adults (ages 13-64) are $10, youth (ages 6-12) and senior adult tickets are $5 and children 5 and under are free. Group tickets are also available for groups of 40 people or more with prices at $8 for adults and $4 for youth.

Advance tickets for ride ticket cards, ride wristbands, the State Fair Flyer and the State Fair SkyGazer are available through Oct. 16. These purchases do not include admission to the fair. The prices are $11 for 18 ride tickets, $31 per unlimited ride wristband, $6 one-way or $9 round-trip for the State Fair Flyer, and $6 for the State Fair SkyGazer.

It is important to note that each ride wristband will be valid for one day only during the duration of the fair. Ride ticket cards and wristbands are not valid for the State Fair Flyer or the State Fair SkyGazer.

Additionally, the State Fair offers online-only, special-themed ticket packages, including two new packages:

  • (NEW) Bright Lights and Boots Package – One gate admission and one ticket to the NCHSRA Rodeo Event held on Monday, Oct. 20 or Tuesday, Oct. 21 for $18. ($2 savings)
  • Dizzy Pass – One gate admission ticket and one unlimited ride wristband for $39 ($2 savings)
  • Kegs & Cork Pass – One gate admission ticket, one N.C. Public House Beer + Wine ticket for $18 ($2 savings)
  • (NEW) Sippin’ Spirits Package – One gate admission ticket and one Still House Cocktail ticket for $23. ($2 savings)
  • State Fair Flyer Package – Two gate admission tickets and two round-trip State Fair Flyer tickets for $34 ($4 savings)
  • State Fair SkyGazer – One gate admission ticket and one State Fair SkyGazer ticket for $14 ($2 savings)

This year the prices the consumer sees when they access the online purchase website will reflect an all-in price, which is the price with taxes and fees included. For more information on tickets, check out the “Important Information for Carnival Ticketing” section under the “Buy Tickets Now” tab on the State Fair website.

Warren County Soil And Water Conservation District Cost Share Programs Open

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The Warren Soil and Water Conservation District is taking applications for the N.C. Ag Cost Share Programs’ 2026 program year (Fall ‘25- Spring ‘26) to assist landowners and producers who have water quality and water quantity issues on agricultural lands.  This cost share assistance is available for the installation of approved best management practices. Agricultural landowners and producers should stop by the office located at 820 U.S. Highway 158 Business West, Suite 102, or call 252.257.4141, ext. 3 to discuss their water quality and water quantity concerns.  There is no charge for this service, and the staff will gladly answer your questions and assist you.

N.C. State Fair Accepting Applications For ‘Farm Family Of The Day’ Program

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Do you know a farm family deserving of recognition? The N.C. State Fair is accepting applications for the Farm Family of the Day program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.

Nominations and applications are being accepted through Sept. 5.

If you are a proud N.C. farmer who works hard to contribute to our state’s No. 1 industry, and loves both farming and the N.C. State Fair, your family could be one of the 11 lucky ones selected to represent the industry at the fair.

The Farm Family of the Day program is returning for its fifth year to recognize and celebrate more of the state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind our $111.1 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.

Families recognized as Farm Family of the Day honorees will receive an N.C. State Fair gift basket, including fair tickets to use on any day of their choice during the 2025 N.C. State Fair, ride passes and additional swag from both Tractor Supply Company and the N.C. State Fair.

Families will be chosen by both nomination and application forms. Applications can be found online at https://www.ncagr.gov/public-affairs/tractor-supply-farm-family-day-app…or nomination forms can be found online at https://www.ncagr.gov/public-affairs/tractor-supply-farm-family-day-nomination-form/download?attachment.

 

“The State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new agricultural practices and technology. Helping people make the connection between farming and the food that they enjoy is one of our top missions at the N.C. State Fair each year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Thanks to Tractor Supply Company, we can help tell the story of our farmers because they are out there every day working to grow the food, fiber and fuel that we need to survive.”

 

The 2025 N.C. State Fair will run Oct. 16-26 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights. For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org.

 

Warren County Fan Giveaway For Eligible Seniors Begins Friday, July 25

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The Warren County Senior Center’s Operation Fan Relief will soon be up and running, thanks to a contribution from Kerr-Tar Council of Governments, the Warren County Senior Center has a limited number of box fans for eligible residents.

Beginning Friday, July 25, 2025, the Warren County Senior Center will give away box fans to eligible residents. To be eligible, individuals must be county residents 60 years and older and have a home situation where a threat to health and well-being exists, i.e., no air conditioning.

Individuals who received a fan last year are not eligible. One fan per household, please.

For those meeting criteria, fans can be picked up at the Warren County Senior Center, 435 W. Franklin Street, Warrenton beginning Friday, July 25 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. while the supply lasts.

For more information, contact the Senior Center at 252.257.3111.

Warren County Code Update Committee Continues Work To Create Unified Development Regulations

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The Warren County Code Update Committee will meet Wednesday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Armory Civic Center in Warrenton.

The committee will continue to review and provide feedback on proposed revisions and updates as the county works to unify its zoning, subdivision and other local codes into a single Unified Development Ordinance that will help streamline and clarify development regulations in the county.

The meeting is open to the public.

Visit www.warrencountync.com/907/Unified-Development-Ordinance-Inj to learn more or call the Warren County Planning & Zoning Department at 252.257.1305.

Triangle North Health Care Foundation Awards Health Department $62K For GVPH’s ‘Tooth Club’

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— Information courtesy of Granville Vance Public Health

Granville Vance Public Health has received a $62,500 grant from the Triangle North Health Care Foundation to expand and strengthen its School-Based Oral Health Program, also known as the “Tooth Club.”

This marks the third consecutive year TNHF has supported the program, reflecting the foundation’s mission to improve health outcomes across Vance, Granville, Warren, and Franklin counties.

The Tooth Club brings preventive dental care directly to students in both Granville County Public Schools and Vance County Schools, as well as public charters Henderson Collegiate and Falls Lake Academy. GVPH’s Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry runs the program and focuses on serving students who may not otherwise have access to regular dental services.

“This grant is an important step forward in our mission to protect and promote health in our communities,” said Dr. Navid Nesab, CFFD lead dentist. “We’re thankful for TNHF’s continued trust and support, and for the strong partnerships we have with our schools and local families.”

The funding will allow GVPH to purchase a new portable dental unit, enabling the dental team to expand services and reach more students where they are – at school. The clinics offer preventive services such as dental cleanings, X-rays, sealants to protect teeth from cavities, fluoride treatments, oral health checkups and take-home oral health report cards for parents.

Care is provided at no cost to families. If a student is covered by Medicaid or private insurance, those plans will be billed. However, families will not be responsible for co-pays, deductibles, or any other costs for services not covered by insurance.

Parents and guardians will be notified of the program’s availability through flyers, school announcements, and email. Registration is available through the Tooth Club registration link on the GVPH dental clinic webpage: www.gvph.org/clinic/dental, as well as https://gra.identalcloud.com/GranvilleVance/Patient/_practice/2/Registration

With oral health linked closely to overall well-being, GVPH leaders say the Tooth Club is helping students stay healthy, confident, and ready to learn.

“We want every child to have a healthy smile, regardless of their family’s income or insurance status,” Nesab said. “That’s what this program is all about.”

Warren County Extends Application Period To Submit Golden LEAF Grants For Review

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The pre-application deadline for Warren County organizations to submit proposals to the Golden LEAF Community-Based Grants Initiative has been reopened and extended through July 21, 2025.

The Golden LEAF Community-Based Grants Initiative offers significant funding to support projects that strengthen rural communities through the organization’s stated priorities of job creation and economic investment, agriculture, and workforce preparedness.

“We want to give our community the time and space they need to put together strong proposals,” said County Manager, Crystal Smith. “This work is vital, and we are committed to helping our local providers access resources that can bring transformational projects to life.”

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)) or governmental entities such as county and municipal governments, as well as institutes of higher learning. The new deadline to submit an application to the County Manager’s office at 602 W Ridgeway St in Warrenton is 5 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Applications will be reviewed in early August, with top proposals forwarded to Golden LEAF for final consideration.

To view the project worksheet template and additional information, visit https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/community-based-grants/resources/  Printed copies of the project worksheet template is available at the County Manager’s office.

Warren County strongly encourages all eligible organizations to take advantage of this extended deadline.

For assistance or more information, contact Interim Community & Development Director Rose Ponton by emailing roseponton@warrencountync.gov or by calling 252.257.3037 ext. 1310 or cell 252.213.1452 .

Warren County Seeks Public Input As Part Of UDO Update

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Warren County is currently working toward a major update to its development regulations by updating its Zoning, Subdivision, and related ordinances and consolidating them into a single Unified Development Ordinance. This effort also aims to implement key recommendations from the 2022 Warren County Comprehensive Development Plan, helping to shape future growth and development in a way that reflects the community’s vision.

Community input is a vital part of this process. Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders are invited to attend a public meeting on Monday, July 8, 2025, at the Warren County Armory, located at 501 U.S. Highway 158 Business East, Warrenton. The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A presentation outlining the purpose and goals of the UDO update will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by an open-house format that will allow attendees to review draft materials, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to the project team.

This is an important opportunity for the public to help shape Warren County’s future by ensuring the updated ordinance reflects the needs and priorities of the community. “A Unified Development Ordinance will make it easier for residents, developers, and business owners to understand the rules, navigate the process, and invest in our communities with confidence,” said Mark Bloomer, Warren County Planning and Zoning Director.

For more information about the Unified Development Ordinance project and to stay up to date, visit
www.warrencountync.com/907/Unified-Development-Ordinance-Inj or reach out to the Warren County Planning & Zoning Department directly by calling 252.257.1305.

NCDMV Now Serves Walk-Ins All Day, Tweaks Check-In Process In Effort To Improve Customer Service

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— information courtesy of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is rolling out operational changes at its driver license offices to help customers stay out of long lines and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hot summer months. These changes aim to get the lines moving, streamline the check-in process, and enhance customer comfort while maintaining efficient service.

Under the new system and effective immediately, all driver license offices in the state now serve walk-in customers all day. Customers without an appointment no longer have to wait until 12 noon to be seen.

Additionally, examiners will prioritize checking in customers quickly and directing them to wait in their vehicles or at a nearby business until space is available in the office lobby. DMV staff will review customers’ documents to ensure they have everything needed for their desired service before checking in. Customers will receive a text notification when there is room in the lobby and another when it is their turn to be served.

“We’re committed to making the DMV experience as comfortable and efficient as possible, especially during these scorching summer months,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “By focusing on quick check-ins and allowing customers to wait in cooler, shaded areas, we’re reducing time spent standing in the sun while keeping our offices running smoothly.”

People may notice there are no lines outside some locations, and that’s intentional. Customers will be checked in and waiting elsewhere, ensuring a more comfortable experience. However, the NCDMV encourages customers to come prepared for the possibility of brief waits during check-in. Bringing water, snacks, necessary medications, and items like an umbrella or chair can help ensure comfort while waiting to be processed.

“We want our customers to be safe and prepared,” Tine added. “Due to the severe temperatures, we decided to implement these changes more quickly than planned. If you do not have to come into DMV in the next week as we make these changes, please don’t come in.  We should have a more comfortable and predictable experience that allows us to serve our customers better once the new system is fully in place.”

NCDMV also reminds customers to check the requirements for their specific service on the NCDMV.gov website before visiting an office to avoid delays.

The changes to the check-in process are being implemented at 82 of the 115 driver license offices around the state and reflect NCDMV’s ongoing efforts to improve customer service and adapt to seasonal challenges. The remaining 33 offices will be receiving updates that better fit their size and restrictions in the near future.

The 20 DMV offices that offer walk-in service on Saturday mornings will be closed on Saturday, July 5. Saturday service hours will resume at all locations on July 12 and will continue through Aug. 12.

All NCDMV offices will be also closed on July 4 for Independence Day.