NC Dept of Agriculture

Applications Being Accepted for Hurricane Florence Reforestation Fund

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-Information courtesy NCDA&CS

Woodland owners in 52 counties impacted by Hurricane Florence and recognized as federally-declared disaster areas can now apply for cost-share funding for reforestation efforts. The North Carolina General Assembly approved $2.5 million in time-limited funding for reforestation efforts that will be administered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the N.C. Forest Service.

“Hurricane Florence not only devastated agricultural crops, but the storm also caused considerable damage to our valuable forestlands. The Florence Reforestation Fund will help owners rebuild these natural resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.  “I am grateful to legislators for providing funding that will help keep North Carolina green and growing.”

Qualifying property in designated counties will be eligible to apply for the program funding. However, funding requests should be for “shovel-ready” projects and practices that can be completed within short time periods. Funds will be administered similar to other NCFS cost-share programs such as the Timber Restoration Fund that was offered following Hurricane Matthew.

Approved practices include site preparation and tree planting as recommended in the applicant’s management plan. Afforestation of open fields or pastureland is also eligible, however, funding for forest stand improvement practices is not available through this program. To receive reimbursement, at least 4.5 acres of approved, completed work must be documented. The maximum funding allocation will be 100 acres per landowner per fiscal year.

Applications need to be submitted to the landowner’s local N.C. Forest Service office for initial review before they are sent to the NCFS Central Office for final approval. Applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds have been allocated. Projects should be completed by May 1, 2020.

To learn more about the Florence Reforestation Fund, landowners should call their local county ranger’s office.

NC Coop Extension

NC Coop. Extension to Hold Blueberry Workshop for New & Seasoned Growers Alike

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties, NC Cooperative Extension

NC Cooperative Extension is conducting a blueberry workshop on Saturday, February 16, 2019, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 2292 US 158, Oxford, NC (watch for signs). This workshop will cover topics such as site analysis and soil preparation, variety selection, proper pruning techniques and other cultural practices used to grow blueberries.

You will have the opportunity to practice your blueberry pruning techniques, so bring your pruners. Bill Cline, NCSU Blueberry Specialist, will present the program and be available to answer any questions you have about blueberry production.

If you have any interest in growing this wonderful fruit in your home garden, do not miss this opportunity to learn how to get started correctly. If you already have blueberry plants, learn how to get the best fruit production. To register or for more information, please contact Johnny Coley (919) 603-1350 or Paul McKenzie (252) 438-8188.

NC Dept of Agriculture

First Round of State’s Agriculture Disaster Checks Headed to Farmers

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced today that the first round of checks from the state’s $240 million Agricultural Disaster Relief Program of 2018 have been sent to farmers.

“More than $15.2 million in payments were mailed today, and a second batch will go out Friday, Feb. 1,” Troxler said. “By week’s end, we anticipate having around 2,000 applications processed.”

Nearly 7,000 applications for assistance were submitted to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as part of the program. The N.C. General Assembly unanimously approved funding in response to more than $1.2 billion in estimated agricultural losses from Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Michael. Gov. Roy Cooper signed the legislation into law.

The applications are being processed randomly and are not being done on a county-by-county basis. Complete applications, not missing any information or documentation, are being processed first. Applications missing information will require follow-up calls in order to be verified and approved.

“This is the most important thing I have worked on since becoming Ag Commissioner,” Troxler said. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and it was absolutely pummeled in 2018. Many farmers are hurting and may not be able to secure funding to start the 2019 growing season. While this money does not come close to making whole the crop losses, I hope it will help farmers get financing for the coming year and help jump-start the economies of rural North Carolina.”

A total of 70 of the state’s 100 counties received a presidential or secretarial disaster declaration, qualifying farmers for the program.

The federal government shutdown created some delays in getting applications processed, but work is continuing to verify and approve the remaining applications.

Applicants had to submit the Farm Service Agency form 578 with their applications, which includes acreage being grown.

Other information considered in determining payments includes the five-year average price for commodities, the county average yield and the county estimated losses, which were determined by an ad-hoc committee made up of county FSA officials, cooperative extension agents, forest service staff and soil and water conservation district staff.

Checks will continue to be processed weekly as they are verified and approved.

Warren Co. to Hold High School Registration Meeting for 8th Graders & Parents

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-Information courtesy the Warren County Schools Facebook Page

ATTENTION 8th GRADE WARREN CO. PARENTS:

There will be a high school registration meeting for parents on Thursday, February 7, 2019. The meeting will be held at Warren County Middle School at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide information on each of Warren County’s High Schools and explain the process of selecting the high school that their students would like to attend as 9th graders.

Warren County School’s Central Office staff, high school principals and counselors will be present to provide information and answer questions. This meeting is designed to help parents and students obtain as much information as possible and fully understand their options before making their high school selection.

If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to call Ernie Conner at the Warren County Schools Central Office at 252-257-3184.

Two Wanted for Vehicle Breaking & Entering at Norlina Speedway

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-Information and photos courtesy the Norlina Police Department’s Facebook page 

The Norlina Police Department needs help identifying the male and female pictured below. Both subjects were at Speedway in Norlina on Sunday, January 27, 2019, in the silver vehicle pictured. Both are suspected of a vehicle breaking and entering and felonious larceny occurring in the Speedway parking lot.

If you have any information, please call the police department at (252) 456-3401 or email police@townofnorlina.com. The source of all information provided will be confidential.

PLEASE SHARE AND HELP US IDENTIFY THESE TWO INDIVIDUALS.

 

5th Dimension to Perform ‘Let the Sun Shine In,’ Other Classics at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center’s website

“Classy” is the word used over and over to describe 5th Dimension, the group performing at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at 8 p.m.

With over 20 million records sold worldwide, 22 Top 40 Hits, five No. 1 hits and six Grammys, the legendary 5th Dimension continues to awe sold-out audiences with their amazing harmonies, immaculate showmanship and exciting energy wherever they perform.

Their classic songs include “Up, Up, and Away, “One Less Bell to Answer,” “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep At All,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and the iconic “Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In.”

Purchase tickets here: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2678124/the-fifth-dimension-in-concert-henderson-mcgregor-hall-performing-arts-center

(This is not a paid advertisement)

5th Dimension will perform at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at 8 p.m. (Photo courtesy McGregor Hall)

NC Coop Extension

‘Know It, Control It’ to Help Warren Residents Manage Blood Pressure

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-Information courtesy the NC Cooperative Extension – Warren County Center

NC Cooperative Extension-Warren County is offering a new high blood pressure management program for adults created by the Community and Clinical Connections for Prevention and Health Branch of the North Carolina Division of Public Health. “Know It, Control It” is a community-based blood pressure management program designed to help participants self-monitor their blood pressure and make healthy lifestyle changes to control high blood pressure. Trained blood pressure coaches teach this program using evidence-based strategies to manage cardiovascular disease.

“High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease in the United States,” said the American Heart Association (AHA). “Knowing your blood pressure numbers can help you take action NOW to prevent or delay the development of more serious complications.”

Almost one out of every three adults in the United States – 29% or about 75 million people – has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Among adults 65 years and older, two out of three have high blood pressure and half of them do not have it under control. “All adults should consult with a health care provider, learn their blood pressure numbers, learn to self-monitor their blood pressure and take steps to get healthy,” spoken on behalf of the AHA.

“Know It, Control It” classes are open to people who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. During each class, blood pressure coaches will lead a discussion on a healthy habit that will help participants control their blood pressure. On class days, the blood pressure coach will also assist each participant with measuring and logging his/her blood pressure with the goal of having them become proficient at tracking and measuring their blood pressure on their own.

For available class dates and registration information, please click here or call 252-257-3640.

Mark Your Calendar: Free OTC Medicine Giveaway at Warrenton Armory

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-Information courtesy the Norlina Police Department’s Facebook Page

A free over the counter medicine giveaway will be held Thursday, February 21, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Warrenton Armory located at 501 US 158 Business East in Warrenton.

Items include cold, cough and flu medicine, pain and allergy relief, vitamins and children’s medicine. Items will be given away for free while supplies last.

No ID is required, but you must be 18 or older to participate.

This program is made possible by NC Med Assist, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation and the Warren County Health Department. For more information, visit www.medassist.org.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Terry Garrison

Terry Garrison, NC House Rep. & Local Business Owner, Talks MLK Legacy

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District 32 NC House representative and local businessman Terry Garrison was on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the day’s remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Observed the third Monday of January each year since 1986, the federal holiday honors King near his actual birthday of January 15. Many churches and community organizations in the local area held celebrations and events in remembrance both today and over the weekend.

Garrison, who attended both the Granville County Human Relations Annual Fellowship at Oxford Baptist Church and an MLK remembrance celebration at Spring St. Missionary Baptist Church in Henderson early Monday morning said the messages were very similar – keeping the dream alive.

“The message focused on the efforts we need to put forward to help fulfill the dream,” said Garrison.

Garrison said he personally became aware of King around 1955 during the events of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama. “King was an icon, a prophet, a Moses of the 20th century,” explained Garrison. “He is, what I consider, to be the father of the civil rights movement.”

In addition to being perhaps the most famous figure in the movement, Garrison reminded listeners that King was also a minister who preached a message of “justice, equality, peace and love.”

“King was a minister of the gospel and preached about loving God and loving your fellow man. There’s only one supreme being. There’s no man who is a supreme being, only God. Mankind was made from one clay; we all have the same blood. Once we embrace and begin to love and respect each other, we can get a lot of things done and put favoritism aside,” stated Garrison.

To do his part to help fulfill King’s dream, Garrison said he serves in leadership roles with several organizations that assist the African-American community, including the Henderson-Vance Black Leadership Caucus, where he serves as president.

“The Black Leadership Caucus focuses on helping blacks and persons of color get elected to office who are focused on helping improve the quality of life for all citizens, particularly the African-American community,” said Garrison “I take a lot of pride in working with that organization.”

Garrison also works with the NAACP and other community organizations to “to help people register to vote, feed the hungry and help those with housing issues.”

For more information on these organizations, Garrison invites you to contact him by phone at (252) 432-3577 or (252) 438-6363.

To hear the interview with Terry Garrison in its entirety, please click here. Garrison’s portion of the Town Talk segment begins at the 11:05 mark.

Warren County High School Students Visit DOT Project Site

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-Press Release, NCDOT

A group of seniors in Warren County High School’s Engineering and Construction Technology Academy visited an N.C. Department of Transportation bridge replacement project today to get a closer look at the work underway.

As part of NCDOT’s Engineering Technician I Trainee Program for private engineering firms, the students are receiving instruction and support from several Summit Design and Engineering Services engineers. The program is designed to quickly prepare individuals for entry-level engineering technician positions through in-class instruction, field trips to job sites, job shadowing and on-the-job training.

The students had the chance this afternoon to observe work done by crews replacing the Lickskillet Road bridge extending over Shocco Creek in Warren County.

When not out on field experiences or training, students also get classroom instruction and support from a dedicated Warren County High School construction technology teacher Monday thru Thursday, and weekly visits from Summit engineers and designers who travel to the high school every Friday during the semester.

“The program is a true partnership between the school district and industry,” said Ernie Conner, Warren County High School’s Director of Technology/Career and Technical Education, “Our students respond well when we can link what they are learning in school to real-world applications and job opportunities. Summit Engineering has been instrumental in helping us provide a clear career pathway from school to work.”

The students can participate in this program because they are enrolled in the advanced studies course offered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Career and Technical Education Program. They receive instruction, complete research, design a project, and deliver a presentation as part of the course.

To learn more about Warren County High School’s Engineering and Construction Technology Academy and other career and technical education programs, visit the school’s academies website.