Water Treatment Plant Project May See $3.5 M In Federal Funds

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The regional water plant improvement project continues to move forward, but so far, it’s more like a steady trickle than a blast from a firehose. Rep. David Price visited the water treatment plant last week and met with officials from the area to share that there likely will be $3.5 million in federal funds appropriated for the project, which has an estimated price tag of $66 million.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington said Price toured the Flemingtown Road facility and spoke with the tri-county delegation about the project, which will double the daily treatment capacity when it’s completed.

The KLRWS serves Henderson, Oxford and Warren County; Henderson is the managing partner at 60 percent and the City of Oxford and Warren County each have a 20 percent stake.

Ellington told WIZS News Tuesday that the visit  gave Price a chance to meet with mayors and managers to see first-hand how federal funding would be used.

“As the demand for water from our neighboring counties, new customers, as well as the growth we are experiencing, this is vital to our future,” Ellington said in an email. “I spoke with Rep. Price as he was leaving and he assured me he’s confident that this would make it through Congress for this fiscal year.”
Others on hand for the visit in addition to Ellington were KLRWS Chief Operator Steve Gupton, Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon, Oxford City Manager Alan Thornton, Warren County Manager Vincent Jones, Oxford Mayor Jackie Sergent and others, according to Ellington.

The city of Oxford is in Price’s district and he received a request for funding from city government officials; Warren County and Henderson are in G.K. Butterfield’s district and Henderson city officials requested funding on behalf of those entities. City Manager Blackmon said each congressional district was given the opportunity to submit the 10 best projects to be considered to receive federal funds in the 2022 Interior Appropriations Bill. This project represents a collaborative effort from both congressional districts, Blackmon said.

“This appropriation is only a small part of the total funding for the expansion project,” Blackmon said. The current funding commitment from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality SRF Program for the expansion project is more than $45 million, leaving a gap of about $20 million. The $3.5 million appropriation will assist in filling the funding gap for this project, he added.

Price issued a press statement in June about his efforts to fund projects in his home district. “Clean water is not a luxury – it’s fundamental to the health and safety of our communities, but our aging water infrastructure urgently needs funding,” Price stated. “I’m pleased that the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee included these critical projects in their annual funding bill, bringing them one step closer to reality with the passage of the House bill in Subcommittee.”

In addition to making repairs and forming expansion plans, the overall price tag is heftier because costs simply have gone up. The funding gap is preventing the project from getting underway.

One option would be to raise water rates slightly to cover the increased project cost.

In January 2021, the Henderson City Council approved a revised project cost of $57 million for upgrades to the regional water system, which serves 15 municipalities in three counties. At that time, Council member Garry Daeke, who also serves as the KLWRS advisory board chair, told WIZS that council’s action would allow the project to continue, but if additional grants or other funding streams couldn’t be secured, it could mean a rise in water rates.

Since talk of the project first began several years ago, there have been several challenges to overcome, including purchase of a new pump and rising construction costs. The original price was estimated at close to $40 million, but by the fall of 2020, the cost had risen considerably.

Warren County Appearance Assessment Rates Community For Litter, Clutter

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Results from a recent assessment in Warren County about overall community appearance have been released and local officials are using the information to help with the Fall Litter Sweep, which takes place during the month of September.

The Keep Warren County Beautiful Committee used the Community Appearance Index, a tool  designed by the national Keep America Beautiful organization. The local committee is a committee within the public works department. The assessment was conducted between May and mid-June, and visually assessed the overall presence of litter, illegal signs, graffiti, abandoned or junk vehicles and outside storage, according to a press release from county officials.

Supplies for community members are now available at the Warren County Board of Elections office at 309 N. Main St., Warrenton in the John Graham Annex building.

A team of community, business, and government representatives conducted the visual analysis using a scoring system ranging from 1 to 4, where 1 is minimal to no litter and 4 is extremely littered.

“We are thankful for the efforts of dedicated community members like our Keep Warren County Beautiful committee, and those that have participated in litter cleanup efforts in the past,” stated Warren County Manager Vincent Jones. “Our county’s roads are not simply thoroughfares; they are gateways to our community for visitors and businesses. Our roadsides are a big part of our landscape. Keeping them litter-free reflects on us all.”

Here is a breakdown of each district’s score:

  • District I (East and West Warrenton precinct including Axtell and outlying communities from Warrenton) at a 1.91.
  • District II (Sixpound precinct including Macon, Vaughan, Church Hill and Lake Gaston including Roanoke and River Precincts) came in at 3.10.
  • District III (Smith Creek precinct and Nutbush including Soul City, Wise and Oine communities) measured a 2.16.
  • District IV (Sandy Creek precinct including the Afton community) measured a 1.65.
  • District V (Fishing Creek precinct including the Hollister, Arcola, and Inez communities) measured a 2.73.

“Involving community representatives in the process is important to achieve partnership solutions and to promote individual responsibility, ownership, and pride in results,” said Warren County Committee Chair, Debbie Formyduval.

Warren County government has partnered with NCDOT to conduct countywide litter sweeps in the spring and fall since 2017; staff and volunteers also provide resources for trash collection year-round, and promote continued awareness through local radio, newspaper, and social media about the efforts of Keep Warren County Beautiful.

The Keep Warren County Beautiful Committee was established in 2020 when citizens shared concerns with the Warren County Board of Commissioners. Members of the Keep Warren County Beautiful Committee are: Marshall Brothers, Debbie Formyduval, Paula Pulley, Laura Tucker, April Moss, Angela Hyson, Alaina Pulley, and Austin Brothers.

For more information about the Keep Warren County Beautiful committee, contact Marshall Brothers, the Director of Warren County Public Works, at marshallbrothers@warrnecountync.gov.

For more information about the September Litter Sweep, contact Debbie Formyduval at 252.257.2114.

Volunteer Fire Depts in Warren/Franklin Counties Receive Funds

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Volunteer fire departments in Warren County received $213,576.50 and Franklin County departments were awarded $73,454.55, according to the complete listing from N.C. Department of Insurance.

The Volunteer Fire Department Fund was created to assist North Carolina’s volunteer fire departments with purchasing equipment and making capital expenditures. It is administered through the N.C. Department of Insurance/Office of the State Fire Marshal. Eligible volunteer fire departments must be rated/certified by the N.C. Department of Insurance.

Here’s a breakdown for Warren and Franklin County, by department:

Warren County:

  • Afton-Elberon Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $7,400
  • Arcola Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $10,950
  • Churchill-Five Forks Volunteer Fire Department Inc. – $30,000
  • Hawtree Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $22,717.50
  • Lake Gaston Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $25,010
  • Long Bridge Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $9,918.50
  • Macon Rural Fire Department, Inc. – $5,315
  • Norlina Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $28,272.50
  • Palmer Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $30,000
  • Ridgeway Volunteer Rural Fire Association – $9,992
  • Soul City Volunteer Rural Fire Association – $8,560

Franklin County:

  • Gold Sand Rural Fire Department, Inc. – $23,495.50
  • Justice Rural Volunteer Fire Association, Inc. – $29,463.00
  • White Level Rural Fire Department, Inc. – $9,367.93

NC Arts Council Grant Application Open To Support Local Artists

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Listen up, local artists! The Artist Support Grant is open now for Region 4, which includes Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.

Applications and more details are available at www.warrencountyartsnc.org. The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 30, 2021, according to information on the Warren County Arts Council website.

Whether it’s to create or update a website, attend a special training or to pay for studio recording time, this grant opportunity supports artists as they create and share their talents for others to enjoy.

Maximum grant request is $1,000.

Warren County Board Chair Elected to NCACC As Second Vice-President

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— Warren County Press Release

Warren County, North Carolina- Warren County is pleased to announce that Warren County Board of Commissioners Chairman, Tare “T” Davis, was elected as Second Vice President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners during the 114th Annual Conference on Saturday, August 14, 2021.

This is a great accomplishment for Commissioner Davis and Warren County, as it relates to Warren County being represented in the organization that develops policy and directly advocates on behalf of the 100 counties of North Carolina and its residents.

When speaking about the accomplishment, Commissioner Davis stated that he is “very humbled” by the opportunity to serve as Second Vice President of the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).

“This opportunity is not about me as an individual, but it has everything to do with the work that the Board of Commissioners is doing and the feedback we receive from our residents,” stated Davis. “Warren County being represented in this organization is important, so that Warren County has a seat at the table when statewide policies impacting counties are being developed.”

“We are continuously working to improve the quality of life for Warren County from recent economic development project announcements, such as Glen Raven, and new residential development, to this opportunity with NCACC,” said Davis. “These accomplishments are all results of different tools in the tool box that we are using to change conditions for the better here in Warren County.”

Additionally, with Davis in this position, it is likely that this will serve as a pathway for Warren County to be represented in the role of NCACC President in the coming years.

NCACC is the official voice of all 100 counties on issues considered by the NC General Assembly, NC Congress, and federal and state agencies. The Association provides expertise to counties in the areas of advocacy, research, risk management, and education and leadership training.

Warren County is an NCACC member and benefits from participation in the organization in areas including: advocacy, education and conferences, risk management programs, research and data on policy issues, legal consultation and communication tools to help share the stories of North Carolina’s 100 counties.

Warren County Veterans Services Relocates to Warren County Armory

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— Warren County Government Public Information Release

Warren County, North Carolina – Warren County Veterans Services has relocated to the Warren County Armory from its previous location at the Warren County Courthouse Complex. The Armory is located at 501 US Hwy 158 Bus E, Warrenton, NC.

In addition to the larger office spaces, the new location will have a waiting and learning space for veterans. The Warren County Veteran’s Dayroom provides the opportunity for veterans get education on setting up their e-benefits, health-e-vet, ID.ME, and other programs available for Veterans.

“I am very pleased that our County staff were able to make this move happen,” stated Warren County Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Tare “T” Davis. “This is an idea that Commissioners have discussed for some time. As a Veteran myself, I know the Board of Commissioners felt it was important that we serve our veterans in a location that provided more privacy when discussing sensitive issues or benefits, better accessibility options, and a location separate from our court services. I am sure Veterans Services staff and our veterans seeking assistance will enjoy the space as well.”

For more information, contact Warren County Veterans Services at 252-257-3385.

Warren County announces key staffing hires in Emergency Services and Public Utilities

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— press release courtesy of Warren County

Warren County, North Carolina – Effective September 1, 2021, Warren County will name Joel Bartholomew of Warrenton as the new Emergency Services Director. Bartholomew joins Warren County from the City of Henderson, with over 15 years of experience; six (6) years were served as a Battalion Chief.

Bartholomew is excited to serve Warren County in this new role as he begins a new era of his career in public safety as Emergency Services Director.  Commissioners Bertadean Baker and Commissioner Walter Powell, who both served on the interview panel along with County administrative staff, are both pleased with Bartholomew’s appointment.

“I am pleased that he will be joining us,” stated Commissioner Baker. “He’s from Warren County; he knows the people in the community, and with his experience and certifications he will be a great addition for us.”

Commissioner Walter Powell, a long-term volunteer firefighter in Warren County, added, “I have known Mr. Bartholomew for years.  He will be very good for our EMS Department.  He knows how to talk to the community and if there is something he doesn’t know, he will work hard to make sure he learns whatever is needed of him.”

Bartholomew comes on board after the retirement of Dennis Paschall in April of 2021; Paschall had 44 years of service.

Additionally, long term Emergency Medical Services Captain, Christopher Pegram, who has over 16 years with the department, will assume the role of Division Chief effective August 16, 2021.

County Manager Vincent Jones thanks EMS staff, Captain Pegram, and Captain Chris Tucker for serving in their interim roles of Director and Division Chief, respectively, and ensuring the health and safety of Warren County residents during the staffing transition.

Warren County Public Utilities is pleased to announce long-term County employee, Eric St. Sing, will take over the Public Utilities Director position. As a Warren County employee of over 17 years, St. Sing has taken the initiative to earn all certifications needed for the position. St. Sing assumes the Director and Operator Responsible Charge (ORC) roles having earned his final Distribution Certification in March of 2021.

Warren County also announces the following promotions in Public Utilities: Claude “Scooter” Edwards from Crew Leader to Superintendent; Robert Abbott from Utility Technician to Crew Leader.

St. Sing, assumes the director role after the retirement of Macon Robertson in December of 2018; Robertson retired after 21 years of service.

For more information, contact the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252-257-3115.

VGCC CDL Class Cranking Out Graduates For Truck-Driving Industry

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In its short time at Vance-Granville Community College, the Truck Driver Training program continues to put the pedal to the metal by graduating its fourth class of drivers eligible to obtain their Class A commercial driver’s licenses.

A fifth class began Aug. 9 and the next is set to crank up on October 11. The nine-week program includes a combination of classroom instruction, range driving and road driving. When the students successfully complete the class they are eligible for the CDL and therefore fully employable as truck drivers..

“This is the fourth graduating class of CDL-A since we started the program back in February of 2020,” said Kyle Burwell, director of occupational extension for VGCC. “This group has endured many days of high heat and humidity, as they worked to learn all the truck driving skills needed to obtain their CDL-A license.”

Burwell said a variety of employers visited the students to discuss employment opportunities over the nine weeks that class was in session. CDL truck driver training continues to be a very popular program, and early registration is highly encouraged for those who want to participate in future classes, he said.

Back Row L-R: Sean Manning, Tyquan Elam, Jalon Alston
Middle Row: Wyticia Estes, Ryan Williams, Janika Williams, Lead instructor – Jim Womack, Asst. Instructor- Eric Burchette, Asst. Instructor- James Jones
Front Row: Phillip Terry, Robin Smith, Avanti Brodie, Zavian Evans, Toney Fields, Adam Richardson, Cristina Hernandez (not pictured- Bobby Gillis)

Cristina Hernández of Kittrell is a new graduate. “Participating in the CDL Truck Driver Training class at VGCC has made me very proud and given me the tools I need to succeed in the workforce,” Hernández said. “I am especially grateful for my awesome instructors, my wonderful family, and all of those that supported me through this class. I am excited for my future!” Hernández is also a graduate of Vance County Early College High School, a partnership of VGCC and Vance County Schools.

The October class has a mandatory orientation session on Monday, Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. The class runs from Oct. 11 through Dec. 16.

To enroll in the program, students must be at least 18 years old, have a valid North Carolina driver’s license, and be able to read and speak English well enough to take instructions from highway signs, to converse with officials, and to complete the required reports.

For those who qualify, there are opportunities for scholarships to partially defray the costs of tuition and fees.

The program, certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), is considered essential to meeting the needs of many companies who need drivers to move goods across the country. Local employers have shown strong support for VGCC’s program and have spoken to students about job opportunities. The college offers the program in collaboration with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI).

For more information on the Truck Driver Training Program, please visit www.vgcc.edu/cdl/ or contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at 252.738.3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

CDC Moratorium Temporarily Halts Residential Evictions Until Oct 3

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CDC issues new temporary moratorium to halt residential evictions through Oct. 3

HOPE Program still accepting applications for emergency rental assistance

— press release courtesy of the N.C. Department of Public Safety —

RALEIGH—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new residential eviction moratorium that will offer protection from eviction for most renters in North Carolina. The moratorium, which will remain in effect through Oct. 3, 2021, applies in U.S. counties experiencing substantial and high levels of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggers COVID-19. The CDC has found that evictions of tenants for failure to pay rent could be detrimental to public health measures designed to slow the spread of the virus. Most North Carolina renters would be eligible for protection from eviction under the order, with some important exceptions.

As of today, only four North Carolina counties do not meet the new eviction moratorium criteria, including Bertie, Hertford, Hyde and Warren counties. The status of these and other counties could change in the future depending on COVID-19 transmission levels.

Renters throughout the rest of the state who currently meet the eligibility criteria may present a declaration form to their landlord and receive protection from eviction. Renters can also find additional resources online through NC 211 and the HUD Rental Housing Counseling and Eviction Prevention Program, which includes contact information for local housing counselors.

Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance

The N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program (HOPE) continues to provide rent and utility assistance to low-income renters in 88 counties that are experiencing financial hardship due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. Since opening last fall, HOPE has awarded more than $328 million to ​North Carolina households, with ​$245 million already paid to landlords and utility companies statewide.

Information about the HOPE Program, including eligibility requirements, program benefits and an online application, is available at www.HOPE.NC.gov. Applicants who cannot access the website should call 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467) for help with the application process. The HOPE Call Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both English- and Spanish-speaking representatives are available to assist callers.

As of last week, the HOPE Program is also accepting landlord referrals of tenants who are struggling to pay rent due to the pandemic. Landlords can submit tenant names and contact information through the HOPE Program website or by contacting the HOPE Call Center at 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467). A program specialist will then follow up with the tenant to help start the application process.

In addition to the HOPE Program, 12 counties and five Native American tribes received direct federal funding to manage local emergency rental assistance programs. More information about the areas served by HOPE and local programs is available at the HOPE Interactive Map.

The HOPE Program is managed by the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a division of the Department of Public Safety. To learn more about the HOPE Program, visit www.HOPE.NC.gov

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Warren County Seeks New Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization

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– press release –

Warren County is now included in the group of counties that have made a decision to move to a new Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO).   These organizations are responsible for providing behavioral healthcare services in North Carolina.  Warren County is currently served in the Cardinal Innovations Healthcare catchment area, which extends from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to the Virginia border at Warren County.

Effective August 3rd, Warren County will provide notice to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Cohen of the County’s intent to disengage from the Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization, Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, and realign with Eastpointe.

The Warren County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution and disengagement plan and will be seeking stakeholder and citizen feedback.

For more information, contact the County Manager, Vincent Jones, at the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252-257-3115.

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– Additional information provided by Warren County:

WARREN COUNTY PLAN TO DISENGAGE FROM CARDINAL INNOVATIONS AND JOIN EASTPOINTE LME/MCO.

On August 2nd, 2021, the Warren County Board of Commissioners voted to seek permission from the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) to disengage from Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, a Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO) managing mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use services. North Carolina statute 122C-115(a3) permits a county to request disengagement from a LME/MCO and to join another LME/MCO. In light of the impending merger between Cardinal Innovations Healthcare and Vaya Health, Warren County has chosen to join Eastpointe LME/MCO. The Board of Eastpoint voted to accept Warren County as a member.

We do not know how quickly this change will occur. Warren County and Eastpointe LME/MCO have requested an effective date of October 1, 2021, subject to the approval of DHHS.

  • Actions Taken in Conjunction with Resolution: The Warren County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution to disengage from Cardinal Innovations and join Eastpointe. A letter making the request was sent to Secretary Cohen of DHHS on August 3rd, 2021.
  • The Eastpointe Board voted to accept Warren County as a member on August 3rd, 2021 and sent a letter to Dr. Cohen that same day.
  • Warren County has notified the other counties served by Cardinal and the Co-Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee of the North Carolina Assembly of our decision.
  • Warren County and Eastpointe have jointly developed this plan to ensure a smooth transition for Warren County residents and providers which will ensure the continuity of service as the county transitions to Eastpointe.
  • Warren County affirms that it has no outstanding financial liabilities to Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.
  • Warren County affirms that there is no real property impacted by this proposed change.
  • Warren County will remain a member of Cardinal until the effective date of its realignment with Eastpointe, thereby ensuring no loss of services to residents.
  • Warren County has determined that Eastpointe meets the population requirements for a LME/MCO outlined in NC Statute and that its disengagement from Cardinal will not cause Cardinal nor Vaya to fall below those requirements.

Actions to be taken immediately:

  • Warren County and Eastpointe will publish this plan on their respective websites.
  • Warren County will issue a press release and post to its website and Facebook page a notification of its plan to disengage from Cardinal and join Eastpointe and will solicit public comment on the plan for sixty (60) days. Warren County will post the public comments on its website for thirty (30) days following the end of the public comment period.
  • Warren County will specifically request public comment from providers, consumers, advocated, self-advocates and the State and Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committees.
  • This same press release will serve as written notification to all Warren County providers of this proposed change.

Actions to be Taken Upon Approval by DHHS:

  • Eastpointe will hold Provider Fairs to enter into contracts with all providers in good standing currently serving Warren County residents. Eastpointe plans to contract with all current providers.
  • Eastpointe and Warren County will hold public meetings at least one of which will be in the evening to introduce Eastpointe to consumers, families and stakeholders and answer any questions about Eastpointe and this change.
  • Eastpointe and Warren County will hold at least one public meeting targeted to other public agencies in Warren County, such as schools, Department of Social Services, Law Enforcement, Courts, Public Health etc. to discuss the change and answer any questions.
  • Eastpointe will assess the current gaps in service in Warren County and recruit providers to address any identified gaps.