NC Dept of Agriculture

NC Dept. of Agriculture Issues Notice for Essential Food and Agriculture Employees

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences is taking preventative measures to help farmers, agribusinesses, and food workers in the event that the state of North Carolina issues a shelter-in-place order. At this time, the state of North Carolina does not have a shelter-in-place order in effect, although several North Carolina counties are issuing their own local orders.

Steve Troxler, NC Commissioner of Agriculture, is providing a notice to be used by employees performing essential job functions in the area of food preparation and distribution and agriculture. The purpose is to ensure that workers in agriculture and food systems are not impeded as more COVID-19 response restrictions are adopted. It is vital, in this time of emergency, to allow our agricultural-related industries to move freely to keep our food system functioning.

“Many agriculture-related companies in Warren County, from farmers and timber companies to food packaging manufacturers, will be able to continue operations as more COVID-19 restrictions are adopted,” advised Stacy Woodhouse, Director of Warren County EDC.

The notice identifies individuals as being employed in one of the US Department of Homeland Security’s 16 critical industries for national security.

The Department of Homeland Security defines food and agriculture workers as:

  • Workers supporting groceries, pharmacies and other retail that sells food and beverage products
  • Restaurant carry-out and quick-serve food operations – Carry-out and delivery food employees
  • Food manufacturer employees and their supplier employees—to include those employed in food processing (packers, meat processing, cheese plants, milk plants, produce, etc.) facilities; livestock, poultry, seafood slaughter facilities; pet and animal feed processing facilities; human food facilities producing by-products for animal food; beverage production facilities; and the production of food packaging
  • Farm workers to include those employed in animal food, feed, and ingredient production, packaging, and distribution; manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of veterinary drugs; truck delivery and transport; farm and fishery labor needed to produce our food supply domestically
  • Farm workers and support service workers to include those who field crops; commodity inspection; fuel ethanol facilities; storage facilities; and other agricultural inputs
  • Employees and firms supporting food, feed, and beverage distribution, including warehouse workers, vendor-managed inventory controllers and blockchain managers
  • Workers supporting the sanitation of all food manufacturing processes and operation from wholesale to retail
  • Company cafeterias – in-plant cafeterias used to feed employees
  • Workers in food testing labs in private industries and in institutions of higher education
  • Workers essential for assistance programs and government payments
  • Employees of companies engaged in the production of chemicals, medicines, vaccines, and other substances used by the food and agricultural industry, including pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, minerals, enrichments, and other agricultural production aids
  • Animal agriculture workers to include those employed in veterinary health; manufacturing and distribution of animal medical materials, animal vaccines, animal drugs, feed ingredients, feed, and bedding, etc.; transportation of live animals, animal medical materials; transportation of deceased animals for disposal; raising of animals for food; animal production operations; slaughter and packing plants and associated regulatory and government workforce
  • Workers who support the manufacture and distribution of forest products, including, but not limited to timber, paper and other wood products
  • Employees engaged in the manufacture and maintenance of equipment and other infrastructure necessary to agricultural production and distribution
  • Agricultural workers supporting the green industry to include nursery operations, garden centers, landscape companies critical to the environmental and physical living conditions necessary in our communities. (NCDA&CS addition)

Commissioner Troxler is encouraging workers to keep a copy of the notice with them as they travel. “As our local farming community continues to work in the new norm, your local Cooperative Extension is available to assist with educational assistance, resources, and information,” stated Crystal M. Smith, County Extension Director.

The notice can be obtained by contacting the Warren County Economic Development office at 252-257-3114 or by email at StacyWoodhouse@WarrenCountyNC.gov.

The notice can also be obtained by contacting Warren County Cooperative Extension at 252-257-3640. This notice is also available at https://www.warrencountync.com/736/Business-Community-Resources.

For more information, you may also contact Tim Ivey, Agribusiness Developer, of the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, at 919-707-3117 or email tim.ivey@ncagr.gov.

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Creates $1 Million COVID-19 Relief Fund

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-Information courtesy Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

COVID-19 Relief Fund

In this time of unprecedented crisis, Cardinal Innovations is committed to our members’ needs and those that care for them. The social and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are real, and we are committed more than ever to ensuring that services and supports are available to those in need.

As part of our ongoing philosophy of community reinvestment, Cardinal Innovations has created the COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local responsiveness in a way that impacts the health, wellness and stability of vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19, particularly individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders. We are placing a particular emphasis on initiatives that will make an immediate impact on the availability of social services and increase the community’s overall ability to serve those who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Cardinal Innovations is committing an initial total fund amount of $1,000,000 to provide assistance where it is most needed. Requests for grants up to $20,000 will be accepted, with award amounts to be aligned with the number of people reached and overall impact.

In order to facilitate responsiveness to immediate needs, Cardinal Innovations will accept applications on an ongoing basis throughout the pandemic. We will deploy an expedited review process and make determinations as quickly as possible following grant submissions. Please contact Allison Stewart at allison.stewart@cardinalinnovations.org with any questions. Together we will continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Request for Grant Process Requirements and Guidelines:

  • Submissions can be completed online in the form below, or by sending this document (click here) by email to Allison.Stewart@cardinalinnovations.org.
  • The area of need should be explained, including how the investment will provide additional services and/or supports within the community, and how your proposal aligns with the mission of Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.
  • Proposals from the following 20 counties will be considered, and our goal is to distribute them as equitably as possible:
    • Alamance, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Orange, Person, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Vance and Warren
  • The following entities may submit a proposal for consideration:
    • Counties
    • Local Public School Systems/Districts and/or Higher Education Institutions
    • Municipalities
    • Non-profit community-based organizations
    • Healthcare providers who are implementing new programs currently not available for members (Cardinal Innovations is working closely with providers and DHHS to bolster existing programs through enhanced rates, expanded service arrays, etc.)
  • Grant requests are limited to one page. Supplemental brochures and/or letters of support are not necessary but can be submitted as supporting material via email at Allison.Stewart@cardinalinnovations.org.
  • A budget form must be submitted with your proposal. (download a budget form) This form should itemize expenses and justify how final dollar amounts were determined. Requests for grants up to $20,000 will be accepted.
  • We will consider one request per entity per quarter. Please contact us directly if you are experiencing extenuating circumstances.
  • A report detailing how the funds were utilized and impactful in the community must be submitted to Cardinal Innovations Healthcare by June 30, 2020.
  • Clarification questions may be asked at any time by submitting questions via email to Allison Stewart at allison.stewart@cardinalinnovations.org.

To learn more or to apply, visit www.cardinalinnovations.org/covid19-relief-fund.

VGCC Small Business Center Offering Free ‘Coronavirus Business Ready’ Webinars

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-Information courtesy Sheri Jones, Director, VGCC Small Business Center

In an effort to support our local businesses and offer encouragement and help where we can, the Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a 7-part series of free, live webinars entitled “Coronavirus Business Ready – Protecting Your Small Business.”

Each part addresses various areas of concern that all businesses are currently facing, including:

Prepare Your Business to Borrow Money Before Negative Economic Shifts –

March 31, 9:30 – 11 a.m. (Register)

Keeping Customers & Employees Safe During Unsettling Times –

April 2, 2 – 3 p.m. (Register)

Promoting Your Business & Products During a Crisis –

April 4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Ideas to Keep Cash Flowing During a Pandemic Shutdown –

April 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

How to Manage Employees as Coronavirus Spreads –

April 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Business Planning & Strategizing as a Coronavirus Antidote –

April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Communicating With Customers & Employees in Light of COVID-19 –

April 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Participants must register at least two days prior to each session with a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent approximately 24 hours before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately an hour prior to the start time.

Please know that your VGCC Small Business Center is here to support you during this challenging time! We can be contacted via email at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.

United Way of Vance County Opens 2020 Grant Application Process

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-Press Release, United Way of Vance County

The United Way of Vance County grant application process for 2020 is now open.

We are accepting grant applications now through May 15, 2020, from local nonprofit agencies that seek to provide assistance to disadvantaged citizens in Vance and Warren counties in the areas of basic needs, health and education.

For those nonprofit agencies seeking to apply for funding, you may obtain an application from our website at www.unitedwayvance.org or by e-mail at unitedwayofvance@gmail.com.

If your agency plans to apply for grant allocations, we ask that you complete the application in its entirety. Any application that is not complete will not be accepted for consideration for grant funding. The completed application also must be received in our United Way of Vance County office no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020.

Properly completed and signed grant applications can be provided to us through regular mail or by e-mail. For regular mail, send the application to United Way of Vance County, P.O. Box 1352, Henderson, N.C. 27536. For e-mail, send the application to unitedwayofvance@gmail.com.

Once applications are received, we will be contacting those agencies that apply on the status of their application and plans for presentations to our Funds Allocations Panel at a location and time to be determined.

Any questions about our grant application process can be sent to our United Way by email at the address above or by calling Terri Hedrick, treasurer/secretary, at (919) 702-4329.

NC Governor Logo

North Carolina Reports First COVID-19 Associated Deaths

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths.

A person from Cabarrus County died on March 24 from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their late seventies and had several underlying medical conditions. A second person in their sixties, from Virginia who was traveling through North Carolina, also died from COVID-19 complications. To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about these patients will be released.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones. This is a stark warning that for some people COVID-19 is a serious illness. All of us must do our part to stop the spread by staying at home as much as possible and practicing social distancing,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 stay at home to the extent possible to decrease the chance of infection. On March 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated who is at high risk for severe illness. People at high risk include anyone who:

  • Is 65 years of age or older
  • Lives in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • Has a high-risk condition that includes:
  • chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • heart disease with complications
  • compromised immune system
  • severe obesity – body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
  • other underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as diabetes, renal failure or liver disease

In addition, pregnant women should be monitored closely since they are known to be at risk for severe viral illness. However, data so far on COVID-19 has not shown an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness in pregnant women.

While children are generally at lower risk for severe infection, some studies indicate a higher risk among infants.

Governor Cooper has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15, banning gatherings of more than 50 people, limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service, restricting visitors to long-term care facilities, and promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, and several others.

For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus [click.icptrack.com] and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus [click.icptrack.com].

Warren County Animal Control Awarded $3K Grant for Spay and Neuter Program

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

The Warren County Animal Control is pleased to announce that the department has been awarded a grant from the Petco Foundation in the amount of $3,000 for the Spay and Neuter Program.

This grant will be used for the following:

  • Any Warren County resident who surrenders a litter of puppies or kittens can have the mother of that litter spayed for free;
  • Free spay or neuter for lost animals reclaimed from the shelter in lieu of fees associated with redemption;
  • Free spay or neuter for trap-neuter-release of feral and unowned cats

These funds will help to reduce the number of unwanted animals in Warren County and to reduce the number of animals impounded at the Animal Ark.

For more information, contact Warren County Animal Control at 252-257-6137.

Warren County Logo

Warren Co. Urges Businesses to Research COVID-19 Assistance Resources

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Many businesses across Warren County, the state, and the country have been affected by the regulations and preventative measures surrounding the COVID-19 virus. It is important for businesses to take advantage of the resources being made available by the state and federal government, as well as other organizations in a timely manner.

If you require assistance, Warren County Economic Development can help. For more information, contact Stacy Woodhouse, Economic Development Commission Director, at 252-257-3114 or by emailing StacyWoodhouse@WarrenCountync.gov.

The following are some of the assistance programs available to businesses:

SBA Disaster Assistance Loan (SBA)

Loans up to $25,000 do not require collateral. Note that the SBA website is crashing regularly during business hours due to increased traffic; businesses are encouraged to apply from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. during off-peak hours. https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/Index

N.C. Division of Employment Security

If you have lost your job or been laid off, file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. New changes to the state’s unemployment system have occurred due to the current impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus in North Carolina. COVID-19 specific information can be found at https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information. This website has information for both employers and people seeking unemployment benefits. The NC Division of Employment Security can also be reached at 888.737.0259.

Facebook Small Business Grants

Facebook has a small business grants program. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants.

NC Rapid Recovery Loans

The North Carolina COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Lending program supports North Carolina small businesses and family farms as they recover from the economic impact of COVID-19. This loan helps small businesses bridge the gap between when crisis strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover. These funds are provided by the Golden Leaf Foundation. For more information, visit https://ncrapidrecovery.org/.

Federal Income Tax Extension

The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service have announced that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations, and other non-corporate tax filers, as well as those who pay self-employment tax. For more information, visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus.

NC Income Tax Filing

The deadline for filing NC Income Tax has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. For more information, visit https://www.ncdor.gov/home/ncdor-actions-covid-19.

NC Governor Logo

Governor Extends School Closure Date To May; Orders Group Limit To 50 People

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

On March 23, Governor Roy Cooper ordered tighter limits on gatherings and extended school closures statewide to May 15, 2020. The order also closed some businesses that require close social interaction and limited visitors to long-term care centers.

The Executive Order’s effective date will be Wednesday, March 25.

“Each and every choice we are making is intended to flatten the curve and provide our health care system the ability to treat the sickest patients in the coming months. This is what we need to do to slow the spread of this illness and protect the health and safety of North Carolinians,” Governor Cooper said.

Also Monday, the Governor’s request for a major disaster declaration for North Carolina was received by FEMA. This specifically requested Individual Assistance, Crisis Counseling Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance and more.

50-PLUS MEMBER GATHERINGS BANNED; CLOSE-CONTACT BUSINESSES CLOSED

Monday’s announcement prioritized social distancing by lowering the threshold on large gatherings to ban crowds of more than 50 people. To stay consistent with this number, it will require certain businesses to close, including:

  • Bingo Parlors, including Bingo sites operated by charitable organizations
  • Bowling Alleys
  • Indoor Exercise Facilities (e.g. gyms, yoga studios, martial arts facilities, indoor trampoline and rock-climbing facilities)
  • Health Clubs
  • Indoor Pools
  • Live Performance Venues
  • Movie Theaters
  • Skating Rinks
  • Spas
  • Sweepstakes Lounges
  • Video game arcades
  • Barber Shops
  • Beauty Salons (including waxing and hair removal centers)
  • Hair Salons
  • Nail Salons/Manicure/Pedicure Providers
  • Massage Parlors
  • Tattoo Parlors

Grocery stores and restaurants providing takeout and delivery will remain open. Additionally, Governor Cooper reminded North Carolinians to show restraint in buying groceries and supplies.

“I know today’s orders cause hardship for a lot of people. I do not treat these decisions lightly,” added Governor Cooper. “We have made them in the interest of health and safety.”

SCHOOL DEADLINE EXTENDED, EDUCATION LEADERSHIP TO BUILD PLAN FOR EDUCATION

The May 15 school closure date is based on current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the situation in North Carolina evolves, more may be needed. Governor Cooper has asked the State Board to collaborate with the Department of Public Instruction and legislators to:

  • develop a plan to ensure access to a quality education for students through the remainder of the school year.
  • provide students with remote learning while school buildings are closed.
  • ensure that all school employees – including janitors, bus drivers, teaching assistants and cafeteria workers — will work in safe environments and be paid.

MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS, SUPPLIES NEEDED

Also Monday, Cooper highlighted the need for medical and health care workers and urged qualified, available professionals to volunteer by signing up at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. Already more than 300 people have volunteered.

Specifically, the Governor highlighted the need for doctors and nurses, pharmacy, imaging and respiratory care, and facility maintenance and administrative support workers.

Critical supplies and equipment like masks, gloves, and gowns are low. Governor Cooper is convening North Carolina’s top manufacturers to explore transitioning production lines to start making these critical supplies.

The full order is available HERE.

Warren County Logo

Warren County Operations Updates 3/23/2020

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Warren County Updates Announced to County Operations; Announcement of NC Executive Order No. 120

— from the Warren County Manager’s Office

As of March 23, 2020 at 5:00 pm, all Warren County, Warren County Schools, Town of Norlina, and Town of Macon playgrounds, basketball courts, and pickleball courts are closed to the public. Team sports are also prohibited at these facilities as well.

Effective March 23rd, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office will be closed to the public until further notice. Please call 252-257-3364 with business-related questions and concerns. Anyone needing to enter the Sheriff’s Office will be screened. If information is being requested after 5:00 pm, weekends, or holidays the contact number is 252-257-3456. No finger printing will be done until further notice. There will be no more than two occupants in the waiting area at one time.

Additionally, Governor Roy Cooper has issued an Executive Order closing an additional set of businesses beginning 5 pm on March 25th. This Executive Order will impact many local businesses in Warren County, including (but not limited to): gyms, barber shops, hair and beauty salons, gaming establishments (sweepstakes lounges), bingo halls, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy.

The Executive Order also limits mass gatherings to 50 attendees or less. This order also extends school closure to May 15th and extends additional restrictions for long-term care facilities. Executive Orders can be found at  https://governor.nc.gov/news/executive-orders.

For more information, contact the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252-257-3115 Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm or visit www.warrencountync.com.

NC Governor Logo

Governor Orders Increased Access to Childcare, DMV Clarifications

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper has waived restrictions to increase access to caregivers to provide flexible child care and elder care during the coronavirus emergency. The Order provides flexibility to local health departments working to adapt to the increased need for their resources.

Additionally, it provides for ways for Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices to enact social distancing protections and waives some registration requirements to ensure resources can be delivered by truck throughout the state.

“Doctors, nurses, first responders and other critical personnel need to know their children are safe so they can continue to respond during this time of crisis,” said Governor Cooper. “And we’re loosening trucking requirements so important medicine and equipment can get quickly to the people in all 100 counties that need it.”

The Order provides for the following provisions:

  • Improve access to safe, flexible child care for first responders, emergency personnel, food preparers and others;
  • Transfer authority to local health departments to be more flexible with mandates during the crisis, so they can prioritize the most needed services;
  • Lifts some restrictions so that volunteers and other caregivers may care for children and elders during the crisis.

The transportation waiver includes provisions to:

  • Allow DMV offices to ensure appropriate social distancing including requiring appointments and making sure offices have enough space for DMV customers;
  • Postpone DMV hearings that can reasonably be delayed during the crisis response;
  • Offers clarity around regulations so that critical supplies can get where they are needed throughout the state;
  • Waive Commercial Driver’s License requirements to ensure school buses can be utilized in responding to the crisis.

The North Carolina Council of State concurred with the order Friday. The full order is available here.

For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which includes daily updates on positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.