TownTalk: Guardian ad Litem Program Provides Advocates To Children In Court System

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Eight hours a month doesn’t sound like much, but it could make all the difference in the life of a child.

Eight hours is what most Guardian ad Litem volunteers can expect to spend in their advocacy role for young people who are involved in the court system because of abuse or neglect.

Ruth Griffin, recruitment and retention lead for the statewide GAL program based in Raleigh, said there are roughly 3,200 volunteers in North Carolina, but there’s always a need for more.

In Vance County, for example, there are 77 children in care, but 21 do not have an advocate, Griffin said on Wednesday’s TownTalk.

Of 23 in Granville County, three are without advocates at this time.

“We have some awesome, awesome volunteers who are active in other cases,” Griffin said, “but we want more folks from the community to step up and to speak up for these kids in court – our goal being that every child should have an advocate.”

There is some training involved with becoming a guardian ad litem volunteer, and the winter training sessions begin Tuesday, Jan. 21. The virtual sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Feb. 25. Apply at volunteerforgal.org.

As Griffin explained, it is a district court judge who begins the process of involving the Guardian ad Litem program when there’s a case of abuse or neglect of a child. A local advocate will be assigned and that person begins gathering information from adults in the child’s life – parents, teachers, physicians, etc. With support from an attorney and from GAL staff, the advocate creates a report with recommendations for what’s best for the child going forward.

For some children, their GAL advocate is the only constant in their lives. Social workers change, foster homes change, but a GAL advocate can remain with a child to provide emotional support as the case moves through the courts.

Advocates can visit with the children in familiar settings like their foster home or school, said Sarah Sattelberg, an advocacy specialist who works in the Raleigh office. “You’re never meeting them alone,” Sattelberg said.

Griffin said most of the cases that are referred to GAL involve neglect, but every case and every child is different. Some could be “situations that the average person just can’t imagine,” she said. “Oftentimes, we are meeting these kids at their worst moment.” The goal is to advocate for the best interests of the child as he or she moves through the court system.

Aside from the specific training that all advocates must complete, there’s no special background or expertise needed to become an advocate.

“You just have to have a heart to care,” Griffin said. “If you have that, you can begin to change a child’s life.”

Samantha Branch is the local contact for the Judicial District 11, which includes, Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person counties. Below are the addresses and phone numbers for the offices in the WIZS listening area:

Vance County
156 Church St., Henderson, NC 27536
252.430.5121

Granville County
147 Williamsboro St., Oxford, NC 27565
919.690.4921

Warren County
113 S. Main St., Louisburg, NC 27549
919.497.4244

Franklin County
113 S. Main St., Louisburg, NC 27549
919.497.4244

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Warren County Selected To Take Part In UNC Initiative To Understand Housing Issues

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Warren County is one of 14 teams across the state to participate in an initiative to understand challenges communities and residents face when it comes to access to affordable housing.

The “Our State, Our Homes” project is the fifth and final project of the Carolina Across 100 Initiative through the University of North Carolina and NC Impact, according to information from Warren County.

Participating communities will emerge from the 18-month program with a data-driven understanding of housing issues in their local contexts, high-impact tools to facilitate community conversations around housing needs, detailed understanding of local partners and assets, and increased knowledge and capacity to implement innovative strategies for improving housing affordability, county leaders say.

In addition, teams will receive coaching, technical assistance with innovation projects and opportunities to build relationships with peer communities as well as national, state and campus-based housing experts across the state.

The county’s lead for the project is Rose Ponton, community development manager with Warren County Community and Economic Development.

“Affordable and workforce housing are critical to the future of  Warren County,” Ponton said in a written statement. “By collaborating with UNC’s Carolina Across 100 Initiative and leveraging our local partnerships, we are taking proactive steps to address these challenges and build a stronger community.”

In 2024, the North Carolina Housing Coalition reports that 32 percent of Warren County households are considered cost-burdened by housing costs (2,248 households in the county). Warren County ranks 42nd in the state for numbers of housing evictions. The coalition reports that 24 percent of homeowners and 54 percent of renters had difficulty affording their homes in 2024.

“Warren County Community and Economic Development has launched a new focus on housing for the county organization in the last year,” stated Community and Economic Development Director Charla Duncan. “Selection for the Our State, Our Homes initiative is our second win in this recent focus, coming on the heels of being awarded a $950,000 CDBG grant for housing renovations.”

“These initiatives aren’t going to be magic wands for us and our housing challenges, but we are eager to start laying some important foundations for the future of our existing and future residents,” Duncan said.

Warren County is partnering with local organizations Working Landscapes and Warren Ministries United to drive this initiative forward. This core working group will attend several in-person forums over the next year and a half to strengthen efforts by integrating local expertise, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and implementing innovative housing strategies to provide accessible housing options, enhance quality of life, and support economic growth. All associated costs are covered by the initiative.

In addition to work done directly with the Carolina Across 100 staff and other working groups selected from across the state, Warren County will engage stakeholders from across the community to identify priorities, explore innovative solutions, and work to develop actionable strategies. Residents, community leaders, and organizations with a vested interest in affordable and workforce housing in the county are encouraged to get involved.

To learn more about the Our State, Our Homes project, visit https://carolinaacross100.unc.edu/program5/.

Warren County Senior Center Plans Jan. 23 Field Trip To Local Vineyard, Winery

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Join the Warren County Senior Center for a tour and lecture at Kim’s Vineyard and Winery on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. The lecture will focus on the science behind wine making, and the challenges to maintain a vineyard to produce the perfect grape. The group will depart the Senior Center at 11 a.m. and return by 2 p.m. There outing is free and lunch will be provided. Kim’s Vineyard and Winery offers a variety of homegrown canned vegetables and fruits for purchase at your own expense.

Kim’s Vineyard was started in Warren County by Cheryl and Walter Royster in 1995. It began as a hobby of planting a few rows of grapes by Royster to test out his “green thumb.” Over the years, more rows were planted which grew into Kim’s Vineyard. In 2004 Kim’s Vineyard expanded by adding a winery. The grape vineyard itself covers more than five acres of land and the winery sits on two acres. This is a “mom and pop” operated business that caters to everyone. Although the vineyard is seasonal, Kim’s Vineyard and Winery is open all year long. Kim’s Vineyard provides more than 18 different types of wine.

Call the Warren County Senior Center at 252.257.3111 to reserve your spot. Seating is limited.

Warren County Senior Center Schedules Thrift Shop Trip Jan. 16 – Reserve Your Spot Early!

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It’s Thrift Shop Thursday next week for the Warren County Senior Center, which is sponsoring a day trip for folks who want to shop for some bargains or just enjoy window shopping at InJoy Thrift Stores in Rocky Mount.

There’s no cost to participate in the Jan. 16 excursion – just pay for the treasures you may find while shopping and for lunch at Gardner’s Restaurant.

The group will depart the Warren County Senior Center at 9:30 a.m. and will return by about 2 p.m. If you’d like to go, you’ll need to reserve your spot in advance. Seating is limited, so call the senior center at 252.257.3111 to get a spot saved for you.

The InJoy Thrift Stores are operated on Christian principles, by Christian people, from area churches providing great merchandise donated locally and sold at great prices. Profits support and fund Christian based ministries in the community and throughout the world.

Kerr-Tar COG Seeks Sponsors For 2025 N.C. Senior Games

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Local businesses and individuals still have time to become sponsors for the 2025 Kerr-Tar Regional Senior Games, held each spring across the five counties that comprise the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.

Sponsorship levels include:

Gold – $1,500

Silver – $1,000

Bronze – $500

Family – $250

Friend – $100

Sponsors can choose to provide regionwide support or a specific county, according to information from KTCOG officials. Make checks payable to Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments to provide regionwide support or to your local Senior Center to support a particular county.

The Senior Games holds events in all five counties and involves adults 50 years and older in a variety of athletic events, as well as Silver Arts, which includes creative and performing arts.

In 2024, more than 223 local athletes participated in more than 50 sporting events and Silver Arts categories. Even more participants are expected for the 2025 games. First- and second-place winners qualify for the state finals, and state finals winners advance to the National Senior Games, held every two years.

For more information, contact local coordinator Michael Patterson or local co-coordinator Crystal Allen at 252.436.2040 or by email at mpatterson@kerrtarcog.org or callen@kerrtarcog.org.

IRS Reminder About Deadlines For RMDs From Certain Retirement Accounts

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If you’re 73 years or older, the Internal Revenue Service reminds you of important deadlines regarding required minimum distributions for those with certain retirement accounts.

An RMD is an amount that an account owner must withdraw annually. The withdrawals are considered taxable income and may incur penalties if they aren’t taken on time, according to information from IRS officials.

The IRS.gov Retirement Plan and IRA Required Minimum Distributions FAQs webpage provides detailed information regarding the new provisions in the law.

If you turned 73 in 2024:

  • Your first RMD is due by April 1, 2025, based on your account balance on Dec. 31, 2023, and
  • Your second RMD is due by Dec. 31, 2025, based on your account balance on Dec. 31, 2024.

 

A new law called the Secure 2.0 Act raised the age that account owners must begin taking RMDs, while eliminating RMDs for Designated Roth accounts in 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans.

The minimum distribution rules generally apply to original account holders and their beneficiaries in these types of plans:

 

  • IRAs: IRA withdrawals from traditional IRAs and IRA-based plans occur every year once people reach age 73, even if they’re still employed.
  • Retirement plans:The RMD rules apply to employer-sponsored plans, with delays allowed until retirement unless the participants own more than 5% of the sponsoring business.
  • Roth IRAs:Roth IRA owners are not required to take withdrawals during their lifetime, however beneficiaries are subject to the RMD rules after the account owner’s death.

 

Designated Roth accounts in a 401(k) or 403(b) plan will not be subject to the RMD rules while the account owner is still alive for 2024. The RMD Comparison Chart outlines key RMD rules for IRAs and defined contribution plans.

 

Taxpayers can find easy-to-use tools such as forms, instructions and publications at IRS.gov.

Warren County Gets $950,000 In CDBG Funding To Help Rehab, Repair Homes

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— information courtesy of Warren County Community and Economic Development

Warren County has received a $950,000 award from the N.C. Dept. of Commerce Rural Economic Development Division for the Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization program. Funding does not require a local match.

“We are excited to bring CDBG funds back into the county organization, and I am proud of the work Rose Ponton, our Community Development manager, has been doing to grow our focus in this area,” said Charla Duncan, director of Warren County Community and Economic Development.

“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, and this is a big step in realizing that goal,” said Duncan.

These funds benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Activities include housing rehabilitation and emergency repairs with the possibility of relocation and reconstruction in severe circumstances. These funds are managed as a 0 percent interest, forgivable loan with a term of up to eight years.

Warren County worked with a Wilmington firm that specializes in CDBG programming; recipients of CDBG funds were identified as a part of the county’s application.

Applicants must own and live in their home and be able to document that they are not delinquent on any property taxes to date, with a clear title to the property. This program is designed to address housing needs that include severe structural deficiencies or severe water and/or sewer needs.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Community Band Winter Concert Dec. 16

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–information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

The holiday season has officially begun, and the VGCC Community Band is back in action this month to present its annual Holiday Concert.

This year’s event will occur on Monday, Dec. 16, at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will last about an hour. Admission is free to the public.

“Nothing is better than a big old-timey band concert,” said band director Brian Miller, “and the Vance-Granville Band is delighted to present to you our Winter Concert in the heart of historic downtown Henderson. We invite everyone to this free event featuring Christmas music, band classics, popular music, and classical music!”

Concertgoers can expect to hear festive favorites like “Feliz Navidad” and “Good King Wenceslas” alongside music from blockbuster soundtrack composer Michael Giacchino.

Some songs will be performed by the entire 39-piece band, while others will feature smaller groups.

Betsy Henderson, department chair of Fine Arts at the College, echoes Brian Miller’s invitation to the community. “This concert always kicks off my holiday season; it’s a lovely way to spend an evening. I urge you to come get into the holiday spirit with me!”

The VGCC Community Band contains both VGCC students and non-student adult community members with a wide range of abilities and experience. Participants represent the College’s four-county service area and beyond, some traveling from as far away as Virginia. The VGCC Community Band rehearses every Monday evening at the College’s Main Campus Civic Center in Henderson, and there is no membership fee for participating.

To learn more about the band, contact Director Miller at bmiller9302@vgcc.edu.

(This story was originally posted Dec. 6, 2024.)

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Customers Will See Slight Drop In Rate Prices

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The North Carolina Utilities Commission approved the Duke Energy Progress request to lower customer rates by 4.5 percent.

The lower rates begin this month.  In a message to WIZS, Duke Energy’s Local Government and Community Relations Manager Beth Townsend said, “It’s important to note that with the cold snap we’re having right now, most customers are using more energy compared to last month – we had a very warm fall. If you’re running your heat around the clock, your next bill will be higher of course – but it will be 4.5 percent lower than what it would have been under the old rates.”

In a press release from Townsend, it’s indicated that Duke Energy Progress residential customer rates in North Carolina will decrease 4.5 percent as part of an annual adjustment for the cost of fuel used to generate electricity at the utility’s power plants.

The release said, “A typical residential customer in North Carolina using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month will see an overall decrease of $7.34, or about 4.5 percent lower than prior rates… That is 11 percent below the national average of $174.21 – a difference of approximately $235 per year.”

Commercial customers will benefit too, from an average decrease of about 6.3 percent, while industrial customers will see an average decrease of less than 0.1 percent.

Duke Energy Progress serves about 1.5 million customers in central and eastern North Carolina, including Raleigh, as well as the Asheville region.

Warren County Planning For ‘America 250’ Celebration

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In 2026, the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has created America 250 NC to guide the commemoration in the state.

Whether you call it the semiquincentennial, bisesquicentennial, the sestercentennial or the Quarter Millennial, – all of which refer to the 250th anniversary of something – there are grants available to help fund projects, events and programs to celebrate this momentous occasion. The multi-year commemoration will span from now until 2033, with a special focus on 2026.

America 250 NC is providing several rounds of grants for county committees and community programs, and a Warren County committee has been formed to encourage local nonprofits and government entities to apply.

This round of grants is due Dec. 16. Maximum grant award is $30,000.

These grants will support activities and projects related to the commemorative themes: Visions of Freedom, Gathering of Voices, and Common Ground.

The county committee is seeking grant funding to provide strategic planning around the theme “A Patchwork of Progress,” designed to the many different groups and individuals who have contributed to Warren County’s history.

Visit www.america250.nc.gov/grants to learn more. Warren County government may be able to provide technical assistance to applicants. Please contact Grants and Contracts Administrator Connie Calloway to request help.