Warren Co COVID Testing

Warren Co. Health Dept. to Offer COVID Drive-Thru Testing

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The Warren County Health Department will hold a COVID-19 drive-thru testing event on Thursday, December 10, 2020, from 2:30 until 5:30 p.m.

No appointments are necessary. Please bring your ID and insurance card if you have one. There are no co-pays or out-of-pocket costs.

The Warren County Health Department is located at 544 West Ridgeway Street in Warrenton, NC. For more information, call (252) 517-9090 or (252) 257-1185.

NCDHHS

Winter Heating Assistance Available to Qualifying Seniors, Disabled

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-Press Release, NCDHHS

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced it will issue an automated payment to thousands of eligible households to help with winter heating expenses via the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

The automated payment will be issued beginning Dec. 1 and is designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities access winter heating assistance in a safe and socially distanced manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“More of our neighbors may be facing financial hardships because of COVID-19, and this funding can help eligible households with their heating expenses this winter,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “We want to ensure seniors and people with disabilities are healthy and safe during a difficult time of the year.”

Eligible households may qualify to receive an automated payment for the 2020-2021 LIEAP season if a member of the household 1) is age 60 or older or a person with a disability receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services, 2) currently receives Food and Nutrition Services and 3) received LIEAP during the 2019-2020 season. These households will be notified of eligibility in November and do not need to apply for this benefit.

Any household with a person age 60 or older or with a disability receiving DAAS services who does not receive notice of an automated payment is encouraged to practice social distancing and submit a paper application for LIEAP assistance through U.S. Mail or fax to their local department of social services. Applications may also be dropped off at the local DSS, and applicants may contact their local DSS for information on how to obtain a paper application.

Beginning Jan. 2, 2021, all other households may apply online through the ePASS portal at epass.nc.gov or submit a paper application through mail, fax or dropping it off at their local DSS, but they do not have to go into the agency to apply. Individuals may also contact their local DSS to apply. All household applications will be accepted from Jan. 2, 2020, to March 31, 2021, or until funds are exhausted.

To be eligible for the LIEAP program, a household must:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
  • Have income equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty limit
  • Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250
  • Be responsible for their heating cost

For more information on the program and eligibility, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/low-income-energy-assistance.

Miss NC Christmas Spectacular

McGregor Hall to Host Miss North Carolina Virtual Christmas Spectacular

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Welcome in the holiday season with McGregor Hall and the Miss North Carolina Scholarship Organization! McGregor Hall is thrilled to be the host venue and streaming sponsor for a Virtual Christmas Spectacular Show on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 7 p.m.

The show will feature the reigning Miss North Carolina, Alexandra Badgett, and Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen, Karlee Sanderford; Former Miss North Carolinas and Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teens from years past; and 10 current local Miss and Outstanding Teen candidates vying for the state crown in 2021.

Purchase a $25 ticket reservation (click here) to receive an exclusive viewing link to tune in virtually on December 12 in the comfort and safety of your home. This Christmas Spectacular will be streamed across the state (and nation) for all ages to enjoy.

The event will be pre-recorded, following all state and health protocols, at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, North Carolina. Performers will be recorded individually to ensure personal safety in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

4-H Logo

Warren Co. 4-H Seeks Volunteers for Restorative Justice Initiative

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-Information courtesy the Warren County Cooperative Extension Center

The Warren County 4-H W.A.Y. program has added a new “Sentencing Circle” component to serve youth ages 6 – 18.

Sentencing Circle is a restorative justice initiative. It aims to recognize the needs of victims, secure the participation of the community and identify the rehabilitative needs of the offender. Unlike many other restorative initiatives, it is part of and replaces sentencing in the formal justice system.

To help make the program a success, we are recruiting youth and adults to become volunteers to serve. Training will be provided!

If interested, please contact Tawanica Bullock, 4-H W.A.Y. Program Assistant, tlbullo2@ncsu.edu or Crystal M. Smith, 4-H W.A.Y. Program Manager, cmsmith2@ncsu.edu, (252) 257-3640.

Read more at https://warren.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/11/lets-make-a-difference/ 

Please RSVP by November 30, 2020.

NC State Board of Elections

State Board Certifies Results from Historic 2020 General Election

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-Press Release, NC State Board of Elections

The bipartisan State Board of Elections on Tuesday voted to certify nearly all contests in the 2020 general election, including the presidential contest.

“Canvass” means the entire process of determining that the votes have been counted and tabulated correctly, culminating in the authentication of the official election results. The State Board canvasses the votes cast in statewide, multicounty, and judicial contests and authenticates the count in every ballot item in the counties by determining that the votes have been counted and tabulated correctly.

This certification came after the 100 county boards of elections certified results at the county level and after a series of post-election audits by election officials verified the counts.

“Today, we officially recorded the voices of more than 5.5 million North Carolinians in certifying this historic election,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections.

More than 5.5 million registered voters cast ballots in the election, or 75.4 percent of registered voters.

To view the canvass documents, go here: State Board Meeting Documents 11/24/2020: Canvass.

To view the post-election audit report, go here: November 2020 Election Audit Results.

The following contests were not canvassed or authenticated due to pending election protests:

  • Chief Justice of the N.C. Supreme Court
  • District Court Judge – 10F (Wake County)
  • N.C. House District 36 (Wake County)
  • Hoke County Board of Education
  • Wayne County Register of Deeds

Tuesday’s state canvass was the culmination of an extremely busy year for election officials across North Carolina.

Election workers pulled off a successful election with the highest voter turnout in North Carolina history and a staggering increase in absentee-by-mail voting. They did so while protecting themselves and millions of voters from a deadly virus, ensuring that no COVID-19 clusters were tied to voting sites in North Carolina.

“From the Grape Creek precinct in Cherokee County to the Stumpy Point precinct in Dare County, election officials worked countless hours in 2020 so voters could cast their ballot without fear of disease,” Brinson Bell said.

Certificates of election will be issued to prevailing candidates on or about November 30, unless an election protest is pending.

Historic 2020 General Election by the Numbers

7.36 million: Registered NC voters (most in NC history)

5.55 million: Ballots cast (most in NC history)

75.35: Percent turnout of registered voters (most in modern NC history)

1 million: Absentee by-mail ballots cast (most in NC history)

471: Early voting sites (most in NC history)

77,887: Early voting hours (most in NC history)

348,000: In-person early votes cast on October 15 (most ever in a single day)

3.63 million: In-person early votes cast (most in NC history)

900,000: Approximate ballots cast on Election Day (November 3)

2,660: Precincts open on Election Day

57,017: Poll workers recruited through Democracy Heroes program

14 million: Items of personal protective equipment delivered to county boards of elections

6 million: Single-use pens delivered to county boards

0: Clusters of COVID-19 tied to voting sites in North Carolina

NC DOT

Thanksgiving Statewide ‘Click It or Ticket’ Campaign Underway

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-Press Release, NC Department of Transportation 

The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program is reminding drivers this Thanksgiving week about their responsibility to buckle up when behind the wheel.

Law enforcement will be out patrolling North Carolina roads as part of the Thanksgiving ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign, running through Sunday, November 29.

“Our goal is to save lives by increasing public awareness about the importance of seat belt use,” said Mark Ezzell, Director of the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

Despite reduced traffic volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic, roadway deaths and serious accidents have increased in North Carolina in 2020. Last year there were 434 total unbelted deaths across the state. Already in 2020, 440 people have lost their lives while not wearing a seatbelt.

“This year, we’re facing two public health crises at the same time,” Ezzell said. “One, the pandemic, is getting a lot of attention. But the other, an increase in unbelted traffic deaths, can’t be ignored. We need to stay vigilant and stay careful this holiday season to save people from losing their life to either.”

During Thanksgiving Week 2019, eight people lost their lives on North Carolina roadways while not wearing a seatbelt, and another 22 were seriously injured.

North Carolina law requires all passengers in a vehicle to be properly restrained. Violations are punishable by fines up to $179.

To help you and your loved ones stay safe this Thanksgiving holiday, GHSP recommends the following safety tips to drivers and passengers as they travel:

  • Buckle Up. Every Seat. Every Time. It’s the law.
  • Don’t drink and drive. Make sure you have a sober designated driver.
  • Obey the posted speed limit.
  • Keep a safe following distance.
  • Turn on your headlights in the rain or snow.
  • Put away all distractions including cell phones.

Social media users can show NCGHSP how they are practicing good driving behavior by buckling up. Mention @NCGHSP on Facebook or tag @NC_GHSP on Twitter and Instagram with #NCGHSP to show how you are celebrating this Thanksgiving, Click It or Ticket It.

NC Coop Extension

Register Now: ‘Backyard Ag’ Online Series for New Farmers

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

Living on a small farm is a dream shared by many, but the reality can be overwhelming. Those new to farming face the daunting tasks of building infrastructure, figuring out what to grow, negotiating tax and regulatory issues, estimating costs and much more.

Fortunately, N.C. Cooperative Extension has a seven-part online class that will put you on the path to success. This class series, called Backyard Ag: Taking it to the Next Level, is brought to you by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Centers of Person, Granville, Vance and Warren counties.

Class participants will learn about options for small acreages, government assistance programs, business planning, marketing, equipment basics and much more.

The series will begin on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 1 p.m. The class will continue on alternate Wednesdays through February 24, 2021. Each class will be held on the Zoom video conference platform, which can be accessed from any internet-connected computer, tablet or smartphone.

Presenters will include local Ag Extension Agents, as well as representatives from other ag-related agencies. Registration is required and can be completed online at http://go.ncsu.edu/backyardag201.

Warren Co. Flag

One Additional Death Reported; Increase in Spread of COVID-19 in Warren County

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County public health officials reported the latest fatality due to COVID-19 yesterday. The fatality was a 75-year-old resident. This brings the COVID-related death toll in the county to eight individuals.

At the time of this press release, the Warren County Health Department reports 558 positive cases of COVID-19 with 466 recovered cases and two individuals in the hospital. The Health Department is following 88 active cases as of 5 p.m. on November 17.

“Like other counties within the region and across the state, Warren County continues to see increases in new cases,” stated Dr. Margaret Brake, health director. “The percent of positive tests has increased from 2.5% in mid-September to 7.3%.”

On November 17, NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) launched the COVID-19 County Alert System to inform counties of their level of transmission of COVID-19 statewide. The system uses three metrics (case rate, percent of tests that are positive and hospital impact on a county) to place counties into three tiers: Yellow- Significant Community Spread; Orange-Substantial Community Spread: Red-Critical Community Spread.

According to NC DHHS officials, the system will update during the second week of the month.

Warren County is in the Orange Tier for the period of November 1, 2020 – November 14, 2020. Counties in the Orange Tier must have had at least 21 new cases in 14 days and also meet one of the following metrics: 8-10% positive cases or has a moderate impact on county hospital(s).

Warren County has 299 new cases per 100,000 population within the two-week period. This equals to 29.9 new cases per 10,000 people. Warren County cases have a moderate hospital impact. Brake shared that since Warren County does not have a hospital, the Warren County score for this metric is based on where the highest percentage of the county’s inpatient hospital admissions occurred.

The state has created a menu of actions that counties can take to slow the spread of COVID by individuals, businesses, and community organizations and public officials.

For county residents, some recommendations include wearing a mask at all times when you are not at home and maintaining physical distance from people who do not live with you; limiting the mixing of people who do not live in your household; avoiding settings where people congregate and large gatherings/celebrations; adhering to the no more than 10 people indoors for events.

Individuals who are at high risk for developing serious illness should consider staying home as much as possible and only going out for work, medical appointments or other business.

Other recommendations are that community and religious organizations should avoid any in-person indoor meetings, events, worship services, or other gatherings above the indoor mass gathering limit of 10 people.

For individuals who are caregivers, please take care to wear a mask and wash your hands when checking in on elderly parents or family members so that you do not spread the virus to them. If you are sick, please have someone else to check on your loved one.

All businesses are strongly encouraged to implement teleworking if feasible and cancel any non-essential travel. Businesses can also share messages about the importance of wearing a mask and practicing the 3Ws; post signs about the 3Ws at entrances in accordance with the executive order; provide face coverings to employees and patrons and support employees to stay home when they are sick.

Anyone who is sick or thinks he/she may have been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested for COVID-19.

For more information, please contact Public Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake at (252) 257-1185.

Duke Energy Equality

Duke Energy Awards $1 Million in Grants for Social Justice & Racial Equity

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-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy

Duke Energy is taking another positive step to advance social justice and racial equity in North Carolina. The Duke Energy Foundation announced the recipients of $1 million in grants for nonprofit organizations working for social justice and racial equity.

In July, Duke Energy committed to an annual social justice and racial equity grant cycle for at least three years in the state.

Local recipients include:

Project Momentum – Reducing disparate outcomes

“Project Momentum Inc. (PMI) is extremely appreciative to have been selected as a recipient of the Duke Energy Foundation social justice and racial equity grant. This opportunity will allow us to recreate the narrative among local community-based organizations by educating and implementing practical solutions to address equity, diversity, and inclusion in day-to-day practices,” said Mysha Wynn, founder and executive director, Project Momentum.

Region K Community Assistance Corporation – Civic engagement

“The Kerr-Tar Council of Governments/Region K Community Assistance Corporation serves a diverse group of citizens, and has for years,” said Vance County Commissioner Leo Kelly Jr., Chairman of the Board. “The funds provided by the Duke Energy Foundation will be used to train member governments’ elected, Vance Co. boards, and citizen advisory commissions in our region on social justice and racial equity, which we feel is integral to the functionality of our organization and region. By providing this type of training from a regional entity, we hope to bring about greater cultural awareness and sensitivity of diverse groups living within the Kerr-Tar region. On behalf of the Board, I’m extremely pleased that our office seeks out such grants to benefit our region.”

Freedom Organization – Reducing disparate outcomes

“On behalf of the Freedom Organization, I want to thank the Duke Energy Foundation. We are grateful for its support. We look forward to advancing efforts in social justice and racial equity within our community by creating agency for Black and POC residents in North Carolina,” said Marquetta Dickens, CEO, Freedom Organization.

In addition to these grants, employees also have the opportunity to support local organizations through the Duke Energy Foundation’s matching grant program, Dollars4Good, as well as its Hours4Good program, which enables employees to earn grants for volunteer hours logged.

Duke Energy also recognizes the incredible hardship our customers are facing during the global pandemic, and the Duke Energy Foundation has made significant grants to support our communities through hunger relief and bill assistance funding. We are proud to support organizations who are working tirelessly on the behalf of communities in our region such as:

  • County Outreach Ministry
  • Caswell Parrish
  • Backpack Buddies Person Co
  • Christian Help Center
  • ACIM
  • Vance County United Way
  • A Touch of the Fathers Love Ministry and Food Bank
  • Loaves & Fishes Ministry
  • Rachel’s Pantry – Elm City Missionary Baptist Church
  • The Caswell Fund
  • United Way of the Tar River Region
  • Warren County DSS
  • Halifax Community College – Patriot Fund
NC Governor Logo

NC’s New COVID County Alert System Codes Vance, Warren ‘Substantial’ Spread

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) announced a new COVID-19 County Alert System to pinpoint counties with the highest levels of viral spread and offer specific recommendations to bring numbers down.

This system will help give local leaders another tool to understand how their county is faring and to make decisions about actions to slow viral spread. The map will be updated every four weeks (click here).

“By pinpointing counties with high virus transmission and asking everyone in those counties to work with us and do more right now to slow the spread of the virus, we can succeed,” Governor Cooper said. “It can help bring down their case rates, keep their communities safer, save lives and keep their hospital systems working.”

“It’s going to take all of us working together to avoid tightening restrictions like so many states are now doing,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen. “The COVID-19 County Alert System gives North Carolinians an easy way to see how their county is doing and know what they can do protect their family and neighbors and slow the spread of this virus.”

The system uses metrics informed by the White House Coronavirus Task Force and North Carolina’s key metrics to categorize counties into three tiers:

Yellow: Significant Community Spread

Orange: Substantial Community Spread

Red: Critical Community Spread

Because no one metric provides a complete picture, the COVID-19 County Alert System uses a combination of three metrics: case rate, the percent of tests that are positive, and hospital impact within the county.

To be assigned to the red or orange tier, a county must meet the threshold for case rate for that tier AND the threshold for either percent positive OR hospital impact.

  • Case Rate: The number of new cases in 14 days per 100,000 people
  • Percent Positive: The percent of tests that are positive over 14 days
  • Hospital Impact: A composite score based on the impact that COVID-19 has had on hospitals including percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations, COVID-19 related visits to the Emergency Department, staffed open hospital beds, and critical staffing shortages over 14 days

Counties that do not meet the criteria for red or orange are categorized as being in the yellow tier (significant community spread) and should continue to be vigilant to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Locally, Vance and Warren counties are coded orange for substantial community spread, while Warren and Franklin counties are coded yellow for significant community spread (as of Nov. 17, 2020).

Vance County has a 9.1% 14-Day Percent Positive rate; 464.8 14-Day Case Rate Per 100,000 and a moderate hospital impact.

Granville County has a 5% 14-Day Percent Positive rate; 355.7 14-Day Case Rate Per 100,000 and a low hospital impact.

Warren County has a 7.3% 14-Day Percent Positive rate; 299 14-Day Case Rate Per 100,000 and a moderate hospital impact.

Franklin County has a 6.8% 14-Day Percent Positive rate; 302.8 14-Day Case Rate Per 100,000 and a low hospital impact.

The Alert System includes recommendations for individuals, businesses, community organizations and public officials in every county, as well as specific stepped-up recommendations for orange and red counties.

To read more and see Frequently Asked Questions, visit the alert page.