Got To Be NC Festival Set For May 20-22 At State Fairgrounds

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Planning is underway for the 2022 Got to Be NC Festival and registration is open now for commercial vendors and homegrown marketplace vendors to participate in the three-day event coming up in May.

The annual event will be held at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh from May 20-22. It will feature food, wine and beer from across the state, according to information from the N.C. Department of Agriculture.

The festival also will feature one of the largest displays of antique tractors and farm equipment in the Southeast, and organizers are looking for tractor collectors and clubs to be part of the event. Plans include a daily tractor parade through the fairgrounds for tractors in working order. Participation is free and open to individuals and clubs, but pre-registration is required. Contact Pat Short at 336.706.9796 to register or for questions. National farm broadcaster Max Armstrong will be on hand to announce the Sunday, May 22, tractor parade lineup.

Food concessionaires, commercial vendors and organizations interested in exhibiting at the festival have until March 1 to complete their application at ncstatefair.org. For more information, contact Letrice Midgett, commercial space administrator, at 919-839-4502 or email at Letrice.Midgett@ncagr.gov or phone her at 919.839.4502.

April 1 is the deadline for North Carolina-based food and beverage companies to register for the festival. Prospective vendors must be members of the Got to Be NC marketing program. Got to Be NC program members should contact Sherry Barefoot at sherry.barefoot@ncagr.gov with questions.

Registration forms and vendor applications for the Homegrown Marketplace are available at https://gottobenc.com/event/gtbnc-festival/.

High School Seniors Interested In Health Care Have Scholarship Opportunity From Triangle North Health Foundation

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Area high school seniors with an eye on college in the fall are getting their ducks in a row  – or have already gotten their ducks in a row – to be ready for their next adventure once those high school tassels have been turned in a few months.

But those students with an interest in pursuing a health or medical career have an opportunity to apply for a scholarship to offset tuition costs.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation is offering a scholarship that will be awarded to one student in each of the four counties that TNHF serves – Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin  – to the tune of $10,000.

Students should submit completed applications to their guidance counselors by March 11, 2022. Each high school in the four-county region may nominate one candidate. The scholarships will be paid directly to the schools in 2 $5,000 payments.

Winners will be announced in the spring. Funds may be used for tuition, room, board and books.

Visit www.tnhfoundation.org for details about scholarship criteria and to download an application.

Warren Residents Asked To Weigh In On Comprehensive Development Plan Update

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-Information courtesy of Warren County Community & Economic Development Director Charla Duncan

Warren County is starting a new phase in its comprehensive development plan process. These comprehensive development plan updates are a ten-month process that will result in updates to the existing 2002 plan, which was meant to run through 2022.

Public participation will play a key role through these conversations and feedback. The comprehensive development plan will help to shape the vision and priorities for the future of Warren County.

Warren County’s comprehensive development plan team is conducting a survey that will be available to through the end of March 2022. Find a link to the survey via the county’s website warrencountync.com.

The survey can also be found online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WarrenCo_CLUP_Survey.  Hard copies of the survey can also be found at the Warren County Administration Building (602 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton), Warren County Memorial Library (119 Front St., Warrenton), and the Warren County Senior Center (435 W. Franklin St., Warrenton).

Participants may fill out the survey and either scan, mail or return their responses in person to the Warren County Planning and Code Enforcement office located at 542 West Ridgeway Street in Warrenton, NC 27589. If you would like to scan the copy of a survey, please email your completed copy to compplan@warrencountync.gov.

​The comprehensive development plan will update the 2002 land development plan and address new issues and priorities that have come forward in the years since then. The plan may address several topics as determined by the community but generally a land use plan addresses land use, housing, infrastructure, transportation, economic development, agriculture, recreation, and natural resources. This is a guiding document upon which land use decisions are based.

To follow along with the comprehensive plan process, visit planwarrencountync.com. For more information, contact the Warren County comp plan team at compplan@warrencountync.gov.

 

Warren Co. Memorial Library

Warren Library Announces Events During Black History Month

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The Warren County Library is promoting several upcoming events as part of its Black History Month celebration.

On Thursday, Feb. 24, the library has scheduled  a virtual meeting featuring celebrated historian Dr. Carlton Wilson. Wilson is dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at N.C. Central University.  The event begins at 3 p.m. on Zoom. Join the live event at www.tinyurl.com/WCMLDrWilson22 or call 301.715.8592 to join by phone. The meeting ID is 834 7607 7501 and the password is 169851. The library also will air the program in its community room.

The N.C. Humanities Council will have a virtual book discussion fand interactive panel conversation on Monday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Thomas Healy’s book Soul City: Race, Equality, and the Lost Dream of an American Utopia. Participants do not need to read the book to attend. The discussion panel will explore the events surrounding Warren County’s own Soul City. This event features author Thomas Healy and Dr. Kofi Boone in a conversation moderated by North Carolina African American Heritage Commission Associate Director Adrienne Nierde. Registration is required. You can register for this virtual program at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sunAenwJTpG51JDWIOJ0Vw.

Visit the Black History Month Information Station at the library during the month of February to learn more. The informational display will provide an overview of the history behind Black History Month as well as many relevant books to choose from. Pick up a calendar at the library or visit the library’s website (www.wcmlibrary.org) for more information regarding programs and events. All library programs are free to access. Call the library for more information at 252.257.4990. The library is located at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton NC 27589.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Updated State Forest Action Plan Approved, Ready For Use

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– Story courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

North Carolina’s updated forest action plan has been approved by the USDA Forest Service and is now ready to be implemented by forestry stakeholders across the state.
The plan is a thorough review of the state’s forestland, focusing on changes and trends that have occurred since 2010. The plan not only evaluates past and current forest conditions, but also addresses factors that may impact forest health and sustainability moving forward.

Ninety-six percent of the state’s 18.75 million acres of forests is timberland, according to the plan, which classifies it as capable of commercial production and not in reserved status or unproductive. Most of the forestland in Vance County is privately owned, according to the details in the plan.

“Input from our forestry partners, along with the efforts of stakeholder working groups and our forest service staff, has paved the way for this plan,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With the continued work of our N.C. Forest Service and forestry partners across the state, this plan will serve as a roadmap for efforts on the ground to protect, conserve and enhance our forest resources and the many benefits we enjoy from them.”

Updating North Carolina’s Forest action plan was a collective effort, involving feedback from nearly 70 organizations on the conditions, needs and opportunities of North Carolina’s forests. 

Many of the recommended strategies identified in North Carolina’s initial forest action plan, which was released in 2010 as a result of the 2008 Farm Bill, have been successfully put into action. Among those accomplishments have been reforestation projects, prescribed burns and the mitigation of forest fuels to reduce wildfire risk. Longleaf restoration and the conservation of priority species and habitats have made significant gains as well.

“One trend worth noting has been the collaboration between new partners, often resulting in opportunities for private forest landowners and for land conservation that may have otherwise been unavailable,” said Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Scott Bissette. “The intent is for all forest stakeholders in North Carolina to use this plan as a guide for including applicable strategies into their organization’s efforts so we can collectively roll out this plan, keeping our woodlands healthy, resilient and productive.”

To learn more about North Carolina’s updated forest action plan, the national priorities and goals behind it and the plan’s associated Geospatial Viewer, visit https://www.ncforestactionplan.com/.

NC Homeowner Assistance Fund Open Statewide

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North Carolina Homeowners Financially Impacted by Pandemic May Be Eligible for Housing-Related Help

— press release

The NC Homeowner Assistance Fund is now accepting applications from North Carolina homeowners whose finances were impacted by the pandemic and who need assistance with housing-related expenses. Established through the 2021 American Rescue Plan to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements and foreclosures for homeowners experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Fund offers assistance of up to $40,000 for qualified homeowners as long as funding is available.

“The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt by many North Carolinians,” said Scott Farmer, executive director of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, which is administering the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund. “This program is designed to help homeowners who are experiencing pandemic-related financial hardships hold on to their homes while they get back on their feet. Ensuring that families have stable housing has always been our mission and that has become even more critical during this ongoing public health crisis.”

For qualified homeowners, the fund offers:

• Housing payment assistance for primary residence in North Carolina (for example, single-family home, townhome, condo or mobile home).

• Assistance for mortgage reinstatement to catch up on late payments (first or second mortgages) or other housing-related costs due to a period of forbearance, delinquency or default.

• Assistance covering other housing-related costs such as homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance, mortgage insurance, homeowner’s association dues/fees or delinquent property taxes to prevent foreclosure.

Homeowners may be eligible for assistance if they are experiencing financial hardship due to job loss or business closure, reduction in hours or pay, difficulty obtaining new employment, death of a spouse or co-borrower or increased expenses due to the pandemic. Increased expenses can be due to health care, the need to care for a family member, increased child care costs due to school closures or increased costs associated with quarantine. Applicants must be seeking assistance for a primary residence in North Carolina and meet income and other requirements.

Homeowners can learn more and apply for help by calling 1-855-MY-NCHAF (1-855-696-2423) or by visiting NCHomeownerAssistance.gov.

Warren Residents Have New Website To Help Track Land Use Plan Updates

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A newly launched website will allow residents to follow along as Warren County officials go through the process of updating the county’s comprehensive development plan.

The web address is planwarrencountync.com, and it serves as a resource that interested citizens can use to stay updated on the process, which is scheduled to take about 10 months, as well as participate in surveys and community meetings, according to information from Warren Community & Economic Development Director Charla Duncan.

“A Comprehensive Development Plan or Land Use Plan (LUP) is a tool used for guiding the growth, redevelopment and overall improvement of the county for next 10 to 20 years,” Duncan stated in a press release. The plan will serve as the official statement by Warren County of its vision, intentions, goals, objective and strategies for future land use development, the statement continued.

And the plan needs input from the community as well as other stakeholders such as Warren County staff and the county planning board. Selected to work with the county is an engineering, planning and design group called Stewart, which has offices in Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte.

The comprehensive development plan will update the 2002 Land Development Plan and address new issues and priorities that have come forward in the years since it was put into place. The plan may address several topics as determined by the community but generally a land use plan addresses land use, housing, infrastructure, transportation, economic development, agriculture, recreation and natural resources. This is a guiding document upon which land use decisions are based.

A land use establishes a vision, goals and priorities through many conversations and community engagement, which are then used to guide future growth and development.

“Extensive public participation is a key component of the project,” Duncan said. “The thoughts, ideas and participation of residents and business owners are vital for the success of this effort.” Over the course of the project, the county will host several public meetings where input and feedback will be collected on the plan as it is developed.

To follow along with the comprehensive plan process, visit https://www.planwarrencountync.com/

For more information, contact the Warren County planning and zoning administrator, Cynthia Jones, at cynthiajones@warrencountync.gov.

Ridgeway Opry House Plans To Re-Open In March

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The sounds of tinkling mandolins, plucking banjos, strummed guitars, thumping bass, sawing fiddles and beautiful bluegrass singing has been quiet at the Ridgeway Opry House for several months according to Frieda Harlowe. She also has plans to re-open in March. Harlowe spoke with WIZS News on Monday and said the pandemic has been the cause of disruptions to the Opry House schedule.

Bluegrass musicians from all over the area can usually be found at the Opry House located on US 158 in Ridgeway. Harlowe said that even though some of the older musicians have died there are still plenty of younger ones to get the toes tapping. Before Mandolin Orange got big a few years ago, you might would find the band’s Andrew Martin in tattered jeans on stage. So far, thanks to COVID-19 the instruments are quiet but if all goes well with the virus Harlowe expects to be up and running again in March.

Plans are to have Harlowe on an upcoming segment of the Local Skinny! to talk more about the Ridgeway Opry House. The Local Skinny! can be heard on WIZS at 11:30am Monday through Thursday.

The Local Skinny! Lickskillet Dog Grooming Keeps Your Pets Looking Great

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Doreen Hood works hard at making sure her canine clients don’t feel like they’re at the dreaded veterinarian’s office. Her Lickskillet Dog Grooming is an inviting spot where dogs come for baths and grooming. It’s like sending your pooch to a doggie day spa.

Hood said she learned all about dog grooming in New York City from a major groomer in the field. Even when she worked as a police officer, she continued to keep her dog grooming skills sharp. Taking up dog grooming as a career was “the best decision I ever made,” she told WIZS’s Trey Snide during the Business Spotlight segment of The Local Skinny! on Monday.

“Each dog is totally different,” Hood said, and she takes those different personalities into account when she works with different clients. “I get to know each dog’s personality,” she said, “what stresses them out and what doesn’t stress them out.” Music is one of the major tools she uses when grooming the dogs, and it’s not unheard of for her to sing to the dogs as she’s working.

She works by appointment only and also offers obedience training.

Hood said she stays pretty busy, and the best way to reach her is by phone at 252.213.3670.

Lickskillet Dog Grooming is located at 132 Fry Pan Lane, in the southern part of Warren County.

Warren County Distributing N95 Masks While Supply Lasts

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Warren County local government agencies will distribute N95 masks to the public beginning this week, thanks to NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Supplies are limited however, and so the masks will be distributed two at a time on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a press release from Warren County Manager.

The masks will distributed at the following locations:

  • Warren County Health Department, 544 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton
  • Warren County Department of Social Services, 307 N. Main St, Warrenton
  • Warren County Emergency Services, 890 US Hwy. 158 Bypass, Warrenton

 

Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, NC DHHS updated its guidance and is recommending that individuals “get vaccinated, and boosted when they are eligible, wear a mask, and use social distancing in public places.”

 

The department further recommends wearing “a well-fitting, high-quality mask with multiple layers: a surgical or procedure mask, a KN95, or an N95.”

 

The following is general guidance around populations who should not wear an N95 respirator or should be cautious about N95 respirator use:

  • Babies and toddlers under age 2 should never wear cloth face coverings. Children ages 2-4 are encouraged to wear a face covering with adult supervision.
  • Anyone with a disability that makes it hard for them to wear or remove a face covering.
  • Anyone who is deaf and moves their face and mouth to communicate.
  • Anyone who has been advised by a medical professional to not wear a face covering or respirator because of personal health issues.
  • Anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or unable to remove the face covering without help.

For more information, contact the Warren County Health Department at 252.257.1185, Warren County Department of Social Services at 252.257.5000, or Warren County Emergency Management at 252.257.1191.