Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments Receives $1.2 Million CARES Act Grant

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-Information courtesy U.S. Department of Commerce press release

On Friday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $8.4 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to capitalize and administer Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) that will provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs in North Carolina that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“These investments come at a crucial time to help North Carolina’s and our nation’s economy come roaring back and provide hard-working Americans with new opportunities,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and EDA is pleased to invest these CARES Act funds to help North Carolina businesses with their capital needs as they respond to coronavirus.”

Locally, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, Henderson, North Carolina, will receive a $1.2 million EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to assist small businesses by providing much-needed capital through a RLF that will serve coronavirus impacted businesses in Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance, and Warren counties.

The CARES Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump, provides EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

On May 7, Secretary Ross announced that EDA is accepting applications for CARES Act Recovery Assistance funding opportunities.

EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, provides a wide range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

For complete information, please visit EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance page.

Andrea Harris Task Force

Governor Cooper Names Members of Andrea Harris Task Force

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Earlier this week, Governor Roy Cooper named the members of the Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force.

The Task Force, established by the Governor’s Executive Order 143, will address the social, environmental, economic, and health disparities in communities of color that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first meeting is anticipated in early August.

“Inequities in North Carolina are not new, but COVID-19 is shining a bright light on disparities that have gone unchecked in our health care and economic institutions for communities of color,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “This task force is the right way to address these inequities as we recover from the pandemic so that as we come back from this, we improve access to affordable healthcare and quality economic opportunities.”

“Health inequities are the result of more than individual choice or random occurrence — they are the result of the historic and ongoing interplay of inequitable structures, policies, and norms that shape lives,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders. “I am deeply honored to carry Andrea Harris’ torch on this new task force, as we grapple with these complex and critical issues for North Carolina.”

To read the full press release, including the list of individuals named to the task force, click here.

NC Governor Logo

Governor Announces Public Schools to Open Under Plan B; Phase 2 Extended

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen were joined today by education and health leaders to announce health and safety plans for K-12 public schools for the new school year. Schools will open for in-person instruction under an updated Plan B that requires face coverings for all K-12 students, fewer children in the classroom, measures to ensure social distancing for everyone in the building, and other safety protocols.

“The most important opening is that of our classroom doors. Our schools provide more than academics; they are vital to our children’s’ health, safety and emotional development,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a difficult time for families with hard choices on every side. I am committed to working together to ensure our students and educators are as safe as possible and that children have opportunities to learn in the way that is best for them and their families.”

The Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit outlines the updated requirements for Plan B. Districts may choose to operate under Plan C, which calls for remote learning only, and health leaders recommend schools allow families to opt in to all-remote learning. Modifications have been made to Plan B since it was released in June to make it more protective of public health.

“After looking at the current scientific evidence and weighing the risks and benefits, we have decided to move forward with today’s balanced, flexible approach which allows for in-person instruction as long as key safety requirements are in place in addition to remote learning options,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD. “We will continue to follow the science and data and update recommendations as needed. We ask every North Carolinian to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and follow the three W’s: Wear a face covering when in public, Wait 6 feet apart, Wash your hands.”

Governor Cooper also announced that the state will provide at least five reusable face coverings for every student, teacher and school staff member in public schools. In June, the state provided packs of personal protective equipment to schools that included a two-month supply of thermometers, surgical masks, face shields and gowns for school nurses and delegated staff who provide health care to students.

“Educators and stakeholders across our state have worked tirelessly to reopen our school buildings safely for our students, teachers and staff. Today, we take another critical step towards that goal. We also know families need to choose the option that is best for their children, so all school districts will provide remote learning options,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.

“In-person education is important for children, and it happens in the context of a community. This plan strikes the right balance between health and safety and the benefits of having children learn in the classroom. We must all continue with proven measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission like wearing a face covering, keeping distance between people, and frequent hand and surface cleanings so we can move closer to safely re-opening public schools,” said Dr. Theresa Flynn, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, a practicing pediatrician who serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Pediatric Society and joined today’s announcement.

Under Plan B, schools are required to follow key safety measures that include:

  • Require face coverings for all teachers and students K-12
  • Limit the total number of students, staff and visitors within a school building to the extent necessary to ensure 6 feet distance can be maintained when students/staff will be stationary
  • Conduct symptom screening, including temperature checks
  • Establish a process and dedicated space for people who are ill to isolate and have transportation plans for ill students
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in the school and transportation vehicles regularly
  • Require frequent hand washing throughout the school day and provide hand sanitizer at entrances and in every classroom
  • Discontinue activities that bring together large groups
  • Limit nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups
  • Discontinue use of self-service food or beverage distribution

In addition, schools are strongly recommended to follow additional safety measures that include:

  • Designate hallways and entrance/exit doors as one-way
  • Keep students and teachers in small groups that stay together as much as possible
  • Have meals delivered to the classroom or have students bring food back to the classroom if social distancing is not possible in the cafeteria
  • Discontinue activities that bring together large groups
  • Place physical barriers such as plexiglass at reception desks and similar areas

More details can be found in the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit. Read the Screening Reference Guide for schools and the Infection Control and PPE Guidance.

In addition to the announcement about school plans, Governor Cooper shared that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 after the current Executive Order expires on Friday, July 17.

“As we continue to see rising case numbers and hospitalizations, we will stay in Safer At Home Phase 2 for three more weeks,” said Governor Cooper. “Our re-opening priority is the school building doors, and in order for that to happen we have to work to stabilize our virus trends.”

School Groups on Today’s Public School Announcement:

“While all school re-entry plans have their challenges during this pandemic, our superintendents, principals, and other school leaders will continue to prioritize student and staff safety in reopening schools under the cautious parameters outlined today by the Governor,” said North Carolina Association of School Administrators Executive Director Katherine Joyce. “We look forward to continuing work with the Governor, the General Assembly, and other state leaders to ensure our schools have the support needed to get student learning back on track in the safest manner possible in each local district.”

“I recognize Governor Cooper faced a very difficult decision. The good news is that local school boards can now begin to officially put their school reopening plans in motion,” said Brenda Stephens, President of the North Carolina School Board Association. “While the current situation may not be ideal for all, I’m confident North Carolina’s educators will continue to provide students with the best education possible.

NCWorks

NCWorks Hosting Virtual Hiring Events for Mako Medical, Nugget Children’s Furniture

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-Information courtesy NCWorks Career Center

Mako Medical

NCWorks Career Center will host two Virtual Hiring Events per week over the next several weeks for Mako Medical starting Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 11 a.m. The Virtual Hiring event schedule will be the same every week with sessions at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 11 a.m. on Thursdays.

The Virtual Hiring Event will include a brief company overview, information about available positions, skills related to the positions and the application process. Strong applicants can view the available positions and apply directly to Mako Medical at www.makomedical.com/careers, but anyone that would like more information or has questions is encouraged to join the Virtual Hiring Event sessions.

Nugget

NCWorks also hosted a Virtual Open House for Nugget at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14. There will be more events in the coming weeks as well.

Nugget is a manufacturer of children’s furniture which currently operates in Hillsborough and is relocating to Butner. They are seeking 30 new team members to begin on September 1 at the Butner facility, with training starting the last week in August. They are a living wage employer paying $15/hour and provide 100% health insurance. These are team assembly positions. Heavy lifting is not required.

Please visit https://nuggetcomfort.com/ [nuggetcomfort.com] for information on the employer, but please be aware that NCWorks has been asked to prescreen all applicants. If an applicant reaches out directly to the company, they will receive the link to the event. The employer requests no phone calls, and there is no number provided on the website.

With questions on these events, including how to join the upcoming virtual sessions, please contact NCWorks Career Center Business Services team members Lonnda Brothers or Joe Jung at (919) 693-2686 or by email at joseph.jung@ncworks.gov or lonnda.brothers@ncworks.gov.

IRS

Tax Filing, Payment Deadline July 15; Tax, COVID-19 Scams Increase

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-Press Release, Internal Revenue Service

The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina reminded taxpayers of the July 15 filing and payment deadline and warned against an increase in tax and COVID-19 scams. 

Due to COVID-19, the original filing deadline and tax payment due date for 2019 was postponed from April 15 to July 15. Taxpayers filing Form 1040 series returns must file Form 4868 by July 15 to obtain the automatic extension to Oct. 15. 

“Although the extension provides additional time to file the tax return – it is not an extension to pay any taxes due,” said Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. “For people facing hardships who cannot pay in full, including those affected by COVID- 19, the IRS has several options available to help. The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov as soon as possible to explore these options and avoid accruing interest and penalties after the July 15 deadline.” 

As the filing deadline approaches, taxpayers should beware of tax and COVID-19 related scams. “Criminals use the tax filing deadline as an opportunity to steal personal and financial information,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “Taxpayers should remain vigilant and know that the IRS will not initiate contact with them via phone, email or social media to request personal or financial information.” 

In the last few months, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division (CI) has continued to see a tremendous increase in a variety of Economic Impact Payment scams and other financial schemes. CI continues to work with its law enforcement partners to put a stop to these schemes and bring criminals to justice. 

Taxpayers can report COVID-19 scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Unsolicited (phishing) emails that appear to be from the IRS should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov. 

For the most up-to-date information about the tax filing deadline and IRS impersonation scams, taxpayers can visit IRS.gov.

Warren Co. Arts Council

Grant Application Process to Support Local Artists Now Open

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-Press Release, Warren County Arts Council

Artists in all disciplines are eligible to apply for grants to support their professional and artistic development through a partnership of the North Carolina Arts Council and the Warren County Arts Council, Vance County Arts Council, Halifax County Arts Council, and Franklin County Arts Council.

Artist Support Grants will be distributed to eligible applicants by the Warren County Arts Council in the following counties: Warren, Vance, Halifax, Northampton, Granville, and Franklin Counties.

Applications for the grants are available at www.ncarts.org/artist-support-grant or at www.warrencountyartsnc.org. The deadline is October 1, 2020. Grant awards will not exceed $1,200. Artists may only submit one application.

A virtual workshop discussing the grant guidelines will be held at a future date. Please follow the Warren County Arts Council website and Facebook page for that information. Guidelines for grant applications can also be found at www.ncarts.org/artist-support-grant.

Emerging or established artists are encouraged to apply to support a range of professional and artistic development including the creation of work, improvement of business operations, or expanding capacity to bring work to new audiences. Artist fees are also allowable expenses.

Artists in all disciplines are eligible to apply. To learn more about the Artist Support Grants visit www.ncarts.org/artist-support-grant.

“The Artist Support Grants program responds to the impact of the pandemic by ensuring that artists and the state’s arts infrastructure have the resources needed to help our state make a strong social and economic recovery,” said Wayne Martin, executive director of the North Carolina Arts Council.  

“We are honored to serve as the lead arts council in this new initiative,” said Charla Duncan, Chair of the Warren County Arts Council. “Working with our regional partners in this new consortium of rural counties gives us a chance to impact local artists in ways we haven’t been able to do before.”

For more information or questions, please contact the Warren County Arts Council at warrencountyartscouncil@gmail.com or by calling Charla Duncan, Chair of the Warren County Arts Council, at 336-686-2676. The Warren County Arts Council can be found online at warrencountyartsnc.org and on Facebook and Instagram at @wcartcouncil.

U.S. Department of Justice

Dept. of Justice Issues Warning on Fraudulent Mask Exemption Documents

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. advised the public today that cards and other documents bearing the U.S. Department of Justice seal and claiming that individuals are exempt from mask requirements are fraudulent.

There have been reports of individuals in North Carolina and other parts of the country creating cards or other documents claiming that the bearer of the card is exempt from mask requirements. Some versions of these cards threaten businesses or organizations with fines if they take steps to require patrons to wear masks.

In an effort to make the cards or documents appear legitimate, fraudsters may include the U.S. Department of Justice’s seal or include other threatening language. The Department of Justice is also aware of efforts by some to sell these fake cards to members of the public.

The public should take note that the Department did not issue these documents, and the Department does not endorse them. Furthermore, the Department has not granted permission for the use of its seal for this purpose, and misusing the Department seal is a federal crime.

“During this pandemic, false information—and fake cards like these—do a grave disservice to us all as we try to understand and follow the public-health measures our governments have ordered,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon. “The public should be aware that these cards are fake and rest assured that we will investigate those who are knowingly creating or peddling these fraudulent cards to the unsuspecting public.”

COVID-19 Scam Alert

Notice to Public: Beware of Scams Involving COVID-19 Contact Tracing

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-Information courtesy the NCDHHS 

The public is asked to be aware that scams involving COVID-19 contact tracing are being used to gain financial and sensitive information.

According to the NCDHHS, legitimate contact tracers from the COVID-19 Community Team will contact those who have tested positive or those who have been near someone with COVID-19 by text from the number 45394 or email from NC-ARIAS-NoReply@dhhs.nc.gov. Avoid responding to unknown calls or emails.

If the Community Team reaches out with a phone call, either NC OUTREACH or the local health department’s number will appear on their phone.

If a member of the Team calls and doesn’t get an answer, they will leave a voicemail. To protect your privacy, the voicemail will not say that the call is about COVID-19.

The NCDHHS website explains that callers will know it is a member of the Community Team calling because they will do the following when leaving a voicemail:

  • Identify themselves with their first name and the local health department they are calling from.
  • Say “We are contacting you about an urgent public health matter. We would like to speak with you to provide further information and share guidance.”
  • Request that you call your local health department at your earliest convenience and will tell you the local health department’s phone number.
  • Tell you the local health department’s website in case you would like to go to the website to verify the phone number.

Additionally, if you are ever in doubt about how to contact your local health department, please use this website for local health department contact information (click here).

Four-County Health Departments:

Vance: 115 Charles Rollins Rd, Henderson, NC 27536; (252) 492-7915

Granville: 101 Hunt Dr, Oxford, NC 27565; (919) 693-2141

Franklin: 107 Industrial Dr, Louisburg, NC 27549; (919) 496-2533

Warren: 544 West Ridgeway St, Warrenton, NC 27589; (252) 257-1185

Warren County Logo

Warren County Board Opens FY 21 Non-Profit Grant Funding Cycle

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County is now accepting applications for its FY 21 non-profit grand funding cycle. The FY 21 budget allocates $40,000 for this program. The grant program accepts applications on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Interested organizations are encouraged to apply early. 

“I am excited that the Board of Commissioners has chosen to fund non-profits in our annual budget,” stated Vincent Jones, County Manager. “It allows the County to reach different segments of our community that may not be reached by our government services. That can run the gamut from recreation to arts to social services, and that’s a win for the County.”

Warren County adopted its current funding for local non-profit agencies policy in 2014. Funded services through this program must be equally available to all residents. 

For more information, contact the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252-257-3115 or visit the website at http://warrencountync.com/776/County-Non-Profit-Grant-Fun

4-H Logo

Warren Co. 4-H Palooza Offering Summer Fun to Local Youth

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-Information courtesy Warren County 4-H

The Warren County 4-H Summer Palooza 2o2o program will offer eight different classes to local youth. A few will be offered via ZOOM, and others will be offered offline.

Kits will be provided and can be picked up from the Warren County Cooperative Extension office at 158 Rafters Lane in Warrenton. Please call before arriving – (252) 257-3640.

Families must register and pay through Eventbrite. If not enrolled in 4-H in 2020, families must also sign-up through 4-H Online. If you need assistance, please contact us at (252) 257-3640 or email cmsmith2@ncsu.edu.

Click here to view 4-H Summer Palooza brochure

Upcoming Summer Palooza Classes:

Take it Outside Tuesday

Ms. Tawanica Bullock will facilitate a great program to allow youth to explore the beauty around them through the lens of a camera. Classes will be held July 14 – August 4, 2020. The deadline to register is July 6, 2020! Fee: $7

Click here to learn more

4-H Pen Buddy Project

Who remembers Pen Pals? This year, Warren County 4-H will implement 4-H Pen Buddy where local 4-H’ers will connect with Warren County Senior Citizens or seasoned adults! All participants will receive essential items to make this new project a hit!

Click here to learn more

Read! Lead! Succeed! 4-H Ambassadors

Teens, are you bored? Are you looking for something meaningful to do? Do you need service hours before graduating? We would love for you to sign up to be a 4-H Ambassador! Teens must be responsible, excited and willing to read to younger youth virtually! Must attend training/orientation to participate!

Click here to learn more

Read! Lead! Succeed! Youth Participants! 

Read! Lead! Succeed! is a virtual book club led by trained teenagers and will meet every Thursday, July 16 – August 13, 2020! Youth participants will be engaged through books and magazines! Space is limited. Fee: $15 Ages: 5 -10

Click here to learn more

DIY 4-H Cool Crafts Camp 

This three-day (July 15, 16, 17) virtual DIY 4-H Cool Crafts Camp is designed for youth ages 5 – 9 only! Youth participants will pick up a 4-H Cool Crafts Kit filled with craft materials to create and design their own creation! Space is limited to 12 youth! Deadline to register: July 8. Fee: $7

Click here for more details