Red Cross: September Is National Preparedness Month

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As meteorologists along the East Coast track the season’s next predicted hurricane, the American Red Cross of North Carolina reminds residents during National Preparedness Month that taking a few minutes to plan ahead can have a big impact on how you, your family and your household fare during weather events.

Whether it’s a hurricane with storm surge and flooding or wildfires and extreme heat, families across the country need to make sure they’re ready in case of an emergency.

“Disasters can happen at any time, often without warning, changing lives forever in just minutes,” said Rebecca Pittman, Regional Disaster Officer for the North Carolina Region. “As we experience more extreme weather, it’s critical to help protect your loved ones and National Preparedness Month is the ideal time to get your household ready for emergencies.”

Pittman said individuals can get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected in case family members become separated for one reason or another.

Follow these steps to prepare for emergencies:

  1. Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
  2. Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
  3. Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
  4. Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
  5. Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish. And don’t forget to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to get critical information during local emergencies.

This year, experts forecasted active wildfires and hurricanes — predictions that are proving to be true. In July, Hurricane Beryl broke records as the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded and in early August, Hurricane Debby brought widespread flooding to much of the East Coast. So far in 2024, 2.7 million more acres of land have been burned by wildfires compared to all of 2023. Plus, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record according to experts. Altogether in 2024, the U.S has experienced 19 climate disasters, each with losses of over a billion dollars — more than double the average from the last 40 years.

When these disasters happen, the Red Cross is there providing food, shelter and comfort to ensure no one faces such a difficult time alone. To help families better cope with increased extreme weather, the Red Cross is also enhancing our support for those who need it most and increasing our capacity to respond to non-stop disasters.

“The best defense during an emergency is to be prepared, and that’s true for both our individual families and our entire community,” said Pittman. “During National Preparedness Month, consider donating to help people affected by disasters big and small, or making an appointment to give blood. If you have the time, take a first aid class or put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer.”

Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.

Warren County to Hold Community Input Event for Future Community Center

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Warren County will hold a public engagement event on Friday, September 13th, from 6-8 pm on the Warren County Courthouse Square in downtown Warrenton. The goal of this event is to seek input on what residents would like to see in a future community center. This floating event will take place during the 2024 Warren County High School homecoming meet-and-greet.

In 2023, Warren County purchased forty acres on US Hwy 158 Business between Warrenton and Norlina as the future site of a community center and civic complex. The county recently launched its feasibility and initial design work on the project.

For more information about this event, please contact Warren County administration office at 252-257-3115 or email Charla Duncan at charladuncan@warrencountync.gov.

— press release courtesy of Charla Duncan, Director Warren County Community & Economic Development

September Is Emergency Preparedness Month

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September is National Preparedness Month and Gov. Roy Cooper along with state emergency management officials are urging North Carolinians to review and update their emergency plans and supply kits.

“Recent events like Tropical Storm Debby that caused damage in our state highlight the importance of being prepared,” said Cooper. “It’s not a matter of if, but when North Carolina will face a significant storm or other disruptive events. We must be proactive and prepared.”

National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, encourages all Americans to prepare for various types of emergencies. For resources on family disaster preparedness, visit ReadyNC.gov, which offers information on traffic, power outages, and shelters.

North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray highlighted the state’s comprehensive approach to preparedness: “In this all-hazards threat environment, we plan and train for a range of emergencies, including tropical and winter weather, critical infrastructure failure, cybersecurity incidents,and more. It’s crucial for North Carolinians to have an emergency plan and practice it, communicate it to family or friends, and maintain a well-stocked emergency supply kit with provisions for at least three to seven days.”

North Carolinians can check with their local emergency management offices to find out what local alerting resources are available in their community. Residents should enable emergency alerts on their mobile device to stay informed. Additionally, North Carolina’s Know Your Zone initiative helps eastern North Carolina residents and visitors understand evacuation procedures in coastal areas vulnerable to hurricanes and other hazards. Learn more about your evacuation zone and how to prepare by visiting KnowYourZone.nc.gov.

CERT programs play a crucial role in community resilience, providing support in disaster aftermath and contributing to preparedness and response efforts.

Stay informed and prepared by following @NCEmergency on Twitter and Facebook throughout September for daily preparedness tips.

 

NC Dept of Agriculture

Certified Organic Producers Eligible For Cost-Share Program Up To $750

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– information courtesy of the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Growers certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, can apply for assistance through the program, according to information from the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the cost of organic certification per category,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and I would encourage growers and handlers to submit their applications early.”

Under the grant, operations can be certified and reimbursed in four separate categories: crops, livestock, wild crop and handler/processor. The maximum reimbursement per category is $750.

The program is for the 2023-24 season and is funded through a $135,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 31.

To apply, growers must provide a completed application, along with detailed invoices/statements from the certifying agency listing all National Organic Program certified costs, proof of payment, a substitute W-9 form and a copy of your certificate or letter from your certifier if this is a new certification. All charges must be for USDA organic certification. The application can be downloaded at

https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing/marketing-grading-services. Growers can also apply through their local Farm Service Agency office.

Application and required documents can be mailed, faxed or emailed to the NCDA&CS Organic Certification Cost Share Program, Attn. Heather Lifsey. For questions, contact Lifsey at 919.749.3337.

Visitor Spending In Warren Totals $73M In 2023 – Up 10.8 % From 2022

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-information courtesy of Warren County Government

 

Visitor spending in Warren County reached an impressive $73 million in 2023, marking a notable 10.8% increase from the previous year. This exceptional growth rate not only highlights the county’s rising popularity but also positions Warren County as a leader in the state for visitor spending growth.

These statistics come from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2023,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics.

North Carolina as a whole saw total visitor spending of $35.6 billion, underscoring the significant role that Warren County plays within the state’s tourism industry. Warren County’s impressive double-digit increase in visitor spending outpaced the state’s growth percentage, highlighting the county’s successful tourism strategies and its burgeoning status as a sought-after destination.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact it has on our community,” said Jennifer Pierce, chair of the Warren County Board of Commissioners. “The increase in visitor spending not only boosts our local economy but also creates jobs and enhances the quality of life for our residents.”

The economic impact of this surge is far-reaching. Visitor spending has created 251 jobs within the community, generating $11.4 million in labor income. Additionally, the local tax base benefited substantially, receiving $3.6 million, which translates into a savings of $293.22 per resident.

According to the impact report, the breakdown of visitor expenditures for 2023 in Warren County includes:

– Lodging: $18.54 million

– Food and Beverage: $21.28 million

– Recreation: $10 million

– Retail: $5.96 million

– Transportation: $16.83 million

 

“We look forward to growing our tourism economy and marketing efforts in Warren County, including launching our Tourism Development Authority and getting our occupancy tax off the ground,” stated Charla Duncan, director of Warren County Community and Economic Development. “Our small business community, including short-term lodging hosts, should be commending for their contribution to these numbers. Their investment is paving the way for future commitment to our county.”

 

To learn more, visit https://www.warrencountync.org/ or  contact Charla Duncan, Warren County Community and Economic Development at 252.257.3115.

Pet Owners: B&B Food Products Could Pose Contamination Risk, Recent Investigation Reveals

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-information courtesy of the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is cautioning pet owners not to feed B&B brand pet foods, made by B&B of New Jersey, after an investigation conducted by the department’s Food and Drug Protection Division determined these raw meat-based products were manufactured and distributed without the required regulatory oversight.

During a routine inspection at Proformance Pet Supply in Greensboro, seven different B&B products were identified as missing significant portions of the product label as required under the N.C. Commercial Feed Law as well as the Federal Fair Labeling and Protection Act.

“Significant information was missing from the product label and because the pet food products contain ingredients with a potential risk of pathogen contamination, they could put your pets at risk,” Troxler said. “If you have purchased this product and still have it, please do not feed it to your pets.” Among the important missing information were the guaranteed analysis, proper feeding guidelines, quantity statement (net weight), guarantor information and intended species. In addition, these products are not registered for sale as animal food in North Carolina and it was subsequently determined that they are not manufactured under inspection by the New Jersey state regulatory agency to ensure the safety of the products, Troxler said.

These products include the following:

  • B&B Hi-Pro
  • B&B Nutro
  • B&B Special Order
  • B&B Premium
  • B&B Super
  • B&B Super Treats
  • B&B X-Factor

The products are sold frozen in a silver foil stand-up pouch with resealable closure and a white with black ink printed label attached. None of the packages are further identified by a lot code

“With a potential risk of pathogen contamination, it is important to be able to verify the products were manufactured under inspection to determine compliance with good manufacturing practices or preventive controls,” said George Ferguson, NCDA&CS animal feed program administrator. Additionally, these products lack sufficient labeling to indicate their appropriateness as a pet food and directions to ensure proper feeding which could lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Additional investigation found these products may have been distributed throughout the state and could still be available for purchase despite actions by Food and Drug inspectors to remove them from sale. “We encourage consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers and discard any of these products,” Ferguson said. “If you have any of the B&B pet food products, stop feeding it to your pets and throw it away in a secure container where other animals, including wildlife, cannot access it.”

Consumers who have had this product in their homes should clean refrigerators/freezers where the product was stored and clean and disinfect all bowls, utensils, food prep surfaces, pet bedding, litter boxes, toys, floors, and any other surfaces that the food or pet may have had contact with. Clean up the pet’s feces in places where people or other animals may become exposed. Consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after handling the product or cleaning up potentially contaminated items and surfaces.

People who think their pets have become ill after consuming contaminated pet food should first contact their veterinarians.

The NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division encourages consumers to report complaints about pet food products by calling the Animal Feed Program Office at 984-236-4820 or by emailing complaint details to the N.C. Animal Feed Program at NCFeed.Complaint@ncagr.gov.

Kerr-Tar COG Hosts Cultivate 2024 Sept. 12 At Louisburg College

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The Kerr-Tar Council of Governments is hosting this year’s Cultivate 2024 regional economic development summit at Louisburg College on Thursday, Sept. 12.

The summit will be held at the Jones Performing Arts Center on the college’s campus and begins at 8:30 a.m., according to information from local Chamber president Sandra Wilkerson.

Business leaders, elected officials and others interested in economic development across the Kerr-Tar region can register HERE; although there is no fee associated with the event, registration is required.

Keynote speaker is Jennifer Pharr Davis, an author and small business owner. Other speakers include Ryan Combs, executive director of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership and Scott Peacock, director of Tourism, Marketing & Communication for Visit NC.

In addition to the speakers, participants will have the chance to visit a trade show and hear panel discussions. The summit will discuss how rural communities can foster innovation to create thriving futures.

Jones Performing Arts Center is located at 501 N. Main St., Louisburg.

Visit  https://www.kerrtarcog.org/ to learn more about KTCOG and the programs it offers in its service area that includes Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties.

Kevin Barnes Returns As Warden Of Warren Correctional Institution

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– information courtesy of N.C. Dept. of Adult Correction

Secretary of Adult Correction Todd Ishee has named Kevin Barnes as warden of Warren Correctional Institution.

Barnes previously served as warden of Warren Correctional before retiring in 2018.

“Warden Barnes has agreed to come out of retirement and resume his old position, which we greatly appreciate,” Ishee said. “He has more than 30 years of experience as a corrections professional, already proving to be an excellent warden, with high but fair expectations, and I’m sure he will continue to do so.”

As warden, Barnes is responsible for all operations at the Manson facility, which houses approximately 800 male offenders in medium- and minimum-custody housing units. Warren Correctional offers a variety of rehabilitative educational programs, from high-school equivalency courses to At Both Ends of the Leash (ABEL), in which offenders train dogs to assist people with disabilities. Vocational opportunities include a Correction Enterprises plant that manufactures janitorial products.

Barnes began his career in 1987 as a correctional officer at Polk Youth Center. He earned promotions to sergeant in 1992 at Nash Correctional, lieutenant in 1995 at Pasquotank and Craven, captain in 1999 at Pamlico and Franklin, associate warden in 2010 at Wayne and Nash and warden from 2016 to 2018 at Warren. Following retirement, he worked for private security firms and as an administrator of the Nash County Detention Center.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology and religious studies from N.C. Wesleyan College, where he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice. He holds an Advanced Corrections Certificate from the N.C. Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission and has completed the NCDAC Correctional Leadership Development Program. He served on the Prison Emergency Response Team (PERT) for 12 years in roles from squad leader to hostage negotiator to the unit’s assistant commander.

NC Governor Logo

Warren County Site Of Upcoming Forum To Discuss Environmental Justice

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People can soon comment on an environmental justice initiative outlined in Gov. Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 292. Warren County has been selected as one of three sites across the state to hold a forum to hear comments from the public about environmental issues.

The order reestablished an Environmental Justice Advisory Council and calls on state agencies to develop and track goals to improve environmental justice in North Carolina.

The Advancing Environmental Justice initiative aims to ensure that everyone, no matter their race, income, or location, has access to clean air, water, and soil, according to information at https://publicinput.com/NCEJ. The program focuses on helping communities that are most affected by pollution and climate change, such as communities of color, low-income neighborhoods and indigenous groups.

“Environmental justice means equal access to a healthy environment for all,” said Dr. Virginia Guidry, the council co-chair and Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch head at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. “Equal access requires meaningful involvement in decision making that affects our health, well-being and environment.”

The order called for the creation of a mapping tool to provide information about environmental justice issues and help the public identify areas that need attention. People can explore the interactive map, which includes climate, demographic, environmental, transportation and health data and more.

The order also encouraged public participation, giving everyone a chance to voice their concerns and contribute to the decision-making process regarding environmental issues. Several opportunities are on the horizon.

A statewide virtual meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1 via GoToWebinar. This initial meeting will serve as the public launch of the initiative, providing an overview of the goals and objectives and giving communities the chance to offer input.

Warren County will be one of three sites to host in-person forums during August. Warren County’s is Aug. 15; the other forums will be held in Asheville on Aug. 8 and Duplin County on Aug. 22. An in-person Environmental Justice Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24 in Halifax County. Specific locations for these meetings will be posted on the public input page once determined, according to a press release from NCDOT.

“The Governor’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council, pursuit to Executive Order 292, is committed to helping state agencies leverage spatial analytic tools and data-driven strategies and tactics to reduce exposures to life-threatening environmental contaminants and the over-concentration of noxious facilities and locally unwanted land-uses in the state’s historically marginalized communities,” said Dr. Jim Johnson, the council co-chair and the William R. Kenan Jr. distinguished professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, and director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center.

More information on the environmental justice initiative in North Carolina can be found on the governor’s webpage.

Warren County Homeowners Can Apply For Help With Home Rehab, Emergency Repairs

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Warren County homeowners can apply for funding to help with needed home improvements through Aug. 20.

The application period, which opened Monday, allows low- and moderate-income residents to get assistance with home rehab projects and emergency repairs with Community Development Blcok Grant money through the N.C. Rural Economic Development Division. The funding does not require a local match and will be available in the fall of 2024.

The applications will be evaluated and scored to determine eligibility. Applicants must own and live in their home and be able to document that they are not delinquent on any property taxes to date and hold a clear title to the property.

“Applying for CDBG housing repair funds has been a goal of this department as a part of our transition from economic development to community and economic development,” stated Community & Economic Director Charla Duncan. “We are excited to now be in a position to have staff lead these efforts and begin addressing housing needs in our community.”

This program is designed to address housing needs that include severe structural deficiencies or severe water and/or sewer needs. Minor structural cosmetic improvements will not be considered. To be considered for this program, manufactured housing must have been converted into real property before applying. For questions about manufactured housing as real property, residents should contact the Tax Administrator’s office.

Two informational and technical assistance sessions will be held during the application period: Thursday Aug. 1 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Warren County Memorial Library and Monday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Warren County Senior Center.

For more information applying or the CDBG program and the application process, contact Rose Ponton, Community Development Division Manager with the Warren County Community & Economic Development Office, by email at roseponton@warrencountync.gov or by calling 252.257.3115.