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As of 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, coverage inside this post has concluded, and there are no announcements to list at this time.
Sincerely,
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— From the N.C. State Board of Elections
Friday, Feb. 6 is the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming March 3 primary election.
Officials from the N.C. State Board of Elections state that eligible voters may still register and vote during the early voting period at any early voting site in their county. The early voting period is from Feb. 12-Feb. 28.
These “same-day registrants” must attest to their eligibility, provide proof of where they live, and show an acceptable form of photo ID. For more information, see Register in Person During Early Voting.
Early voting schedules are available at the Early Voting Sites Search.
Voter registration is prohibited on Election Day, unless an individual becomes eligible after the deadline by becoming a U.S. citizen or having their rights restored following a felony conviction.
“Eligible North Carolinians still have time to register to vote in these important primaries that will determine which candidates from each political party move on to the November election,” said State Board Executive Director Sam Hayes.
To check your voter registration information at any time, use the Voter Search tool.
Individuals with a North Carolina driver’s license or other NCDMV identification may submit a voter registration application online. Learn more at Complete Your Registration Online Through the DMV. Eligible individuals may also register in person at NCDMV offices.
Eligible residents may complete a Voter Registration Application in English or Spanish on paper and return it to their county board of elections by 5 p.m. the day of the deadline:
NC Voter Registration Application in English (fillable PDF)
NC Voter Registration Application in Spanish (fillable PDF)
Eligible individuals may also register to vote when applying for services at certain state agencies. Learn more at National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).
If an application is received after the deadline, it will be timely if postmarked on or before the deadline. If using the paper application and registering for the first time in your county, you must mail or deliver a signed application to your county board of elections.
The United States Postal Service recently clarified that postmarks are applied when the mail is processed at a processing facility, and this may not necessarily match the date on which the mail was collected by a letter carrier or dropped off at a post office. If an individual is mailing a voter registration form close to or on the deadline, they can ensure the postmark is applied the day they put their form in the mail. To do so, the individual should follow the USPS recommendation to request a manual postmark at the retail counter at the post office when dropping off their mail.
To register to vote, a person must:
To update a voter registration, voters may use the NCDMV online service or a North Carolina voter registration application. Registered voters may also update their registration, except for their party affiliation, at an early voting site.
Voters with a North Carolina driver’s license or other NCDMV ID may update their address and party affiliation through the NCDMV online service. They may not change their name through that service.
If using the paper application to update a registration, it must be signed and mailed to the voter’s county board of elections by Feb. 6. Updates to name, address (if within the county), and party affiliation must be signed, but can be provided by fax or email to the voter’s county board of elections.
For more information on registering to vote in North Carolina, visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering.
The NE Piedmont Grain Production Meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. at the Vance Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson.
Supper is included.
Registration is required and can be completed at go.ncsu.edu/nepiedmont2026.
Participants also will have the chance to earn a 2-hour N,O,D,X pesticide credit.
For more information, contact Matthew Place, Warren County Cooperative Extension Agriculture Agent for more information at 919.496.3344 or via email at matthew_place@ncsu.edu.
— From Duke Energy
Duke Energy is preparing for a weekend of expected snow and gusty winds accompanied by ongoing frigid temperatures.
The company is urging customers to take steps now to stay safe as conditions worsen.
While dry, powdery snow is less likely to impact power equipment, strong wind gusts can still bring down trees and trigger outages. For safety, Duke Energy crews cannot perform elevated work in bucket trucks when wind speeds reach 30 mph or higher.
What customers should do now:
Triangle North Healthcare Foundation has announced the launch of its 2026 grant cycle and is accepting Letters of Interest through March 31, 2026.
The Foundation seeks programs and projects that will provide positive impact in one or more of the five focus areas:
Nonprofit organizations, government agencies and schools serving individuals in Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren counties are eligible to apply.
The link to the Foundation’s online grant portal is available at: http://www.tnhfoundation.org
The Foundation’s mission– to encourage, support and invest in quality efforts that measurably improve health in the Triangle North area– is achieved through funding programming and organizations that focus on improving health.
Since beginning its grantmaking in 2013, the Foundation has invested more than $6.7 million in programs that serve the four counties in the region: Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren. The Foundation Board’s hope is that through grantee organizations and the people they serve, the Board’s vision for the future of our region will be realized… “to live in a healthy community.”
The Foundation’s grants coordinator, Elise Frederick, is available to discuss ideas for grant projects or to assist with grant writing. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation prior to submitting a Letter of Interest. Call 252.430.8532 to schedule an appointment. Information about current and previously funded programs and projects is also available on the website.
Senior athletes in the Kerr-Tar Region, it’s time to start thinking about which games you’d like to enter in the Senior Games 2026, which begin later this spring.
Early bird registration runs Feb. 2 through Feb. 16 and is $15; the registration goes up to $20 after Feb. 16. The registration deadline is Mar. 2, according to information from Michael Patterson, with the Kerr-Tar COG’s Family Caregiver Specialist.
The dates for the games are Mar. 20 – May 15, 2026. The Silver Arts date is scheduled for May 15, 2026.
The games include:
badminton, basketball, billiards, bocce, bowling, cornhole, croquet, cycling, disc golf, discus, running and standing long jumps, football throw, golf, horseshoes, mini golf pickleball, shuffleboard, softball throw, swimming, table tennis, tennis and track events.
Individuals compete for awards in their own gender and age category with 5-year increments.
50-54, 55-59, 60-64, etc.
There are additional fees for bowling ($5), mini golf ($3) and golf ($40)
Register at your local senior center or visit https://torch.ncseniorgames.org.
For more information, contact Michael Patterson at 252.436.2040 ext. 6072 or Crystal Allen at 252.436.2040 ext. 2036.
Find more information at www.kerrtarcog.org or www.facebook.com/KerrTarAAA/
— Information courtesy of Warren County
Warren County Emergency Services has activated the county’s emergency operations plan, in preparation for the winter storm expected to impact the area this weekend.
To support residents who may be affected by power outages or unsafe living conditions, Warren County will open a Central Emergency Shelter at the following location:
John Graham Gym
113 Wilcox Street
Warrenton, NC 27589
The shelter is scheduled to open on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and will be open to the public. This shelter is intended for emergency situations only, including residents who lose power, lack adequate heating, or do not have a safe place to stay during the storm. Space will be limited, and residents are encouraged to seek shelter early if conditions worsen.
Individuals utilizing the shelter will be provided with a cot, a blanket, and nutritious meals, as available, based on current conditions and supply capabilities.
Residents should bring essential personal items such as medications, identification, and any special medical supplies they may require. While every effort will be made to accommodate needs, the shelter environment is designed for short-term emergency use.
Warren County Emergency Services will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates as necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official county communication channels, Warren County Facebook, Warren County Emergency Service Facebook page and to limit travel during hazardous weather conditions.
For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency information, residents may contact Warren County Emergency Services at 252.257.1191.
— Information courtesy of the AAA
The area dodged last weekend’s “wintry mix,” but if forecasters are on target, this weekend is going to be different.
Folks no doubt will be heading to the grocery store for staples and more in advance of the weather system that is supposed to bring sleet, freezing rain and maybe a little snow beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing Sunday into Monday.
A winter storm watch is in effect for Vance and much of the state, beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing through Monday afternoon.
If you’re getting to the grocery store in your personal vehicle, now’s the perfect time to review AAA’s winter vehicle maintenance checklist to make sure your travels are safe travels all winter long, not just in snowy or icy conditions.
Tires: Check pressure weekly.
Battery:Test regularly; cold weather reduces power.
Fluids: Use winter-grade washer fluid; check antifreeze; change oil for winter viscosity.
Wipers & Defroster: Replace blades; ensure heater works.
Brakes & Lights:Inspect brakes; clean and check all lights.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, 1,300 people are killed and 116,000 people are injured in crashes on snowy or icy pavement.
“Winter driving hazards such as slick ice, snow-covered roads, and reduced traction make braking and steering treacherous,’ said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Speeding, tailgating, and poorly maintained vehicles amplify the danger, so prepping your car with a strong battery and proper fluid levels is essential for safety.”
AAA lists the top reasons motorists call for roadside assistance in cold weather: dead batteries, tire issues, crashes or sliding off icy roads, running out of fuel and frozen locks.
Give your car’s battery the best chance to stay charged by parking it in a garage or sheltered area if possible, and make sure all the lights, seat warmers and other accessories are turned off before shutting off the engine.
If your car is slow to crank, it could be telling you that your battery is failing. It’s never too soon to have your battery tested, especially if it’s more than three years old.
Wright offered some reminders about staying safe if your car breaks down in traffic. “If your car stalls in traffic, act fast: turn on hazard lights, set the emergency brake, stay inside with doors locked, and call for roadside assistance immediately.” If staying in your vehicle puts you at risk – like if you’re stranded in heavy traffic or in a blind curve on a road, then move to a safe location and then call for help.
For those with electric vehicles, cold weather can slash EV range by up to 40 percent and slow charging. To conserve the battery:
Precondition Your Battery: Warm up the battery before driving by using the preconditioning feature while the car is still plugged in. This helps maintain range and efficiency.
Keep It Plugged In: Whenever possible, leave your EV plugged in overnight. This keeps the battery warm and prevents deep discharge in freezing temperatures.
Manage Charging:Charge more frequently in winter since range can drop significantly in cold weather – between 20 percent and 40 percent. Use Level 2 charging for faster replenishment and better battery health.
Optimize Cabin Heating: Use heated seats and steering wheel instead of blasting cabin heat—they consume less energy. Preheat the cabin while plugged in to avoid draining the battery on the road.
— Information courtesy of the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant proposal applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Nonprofits, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, colleges and universities wishing to apply have until March 10 at 5 p.m.
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is managed by the department and is subject to funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Traditionally, the program has received about $1.2 million to fund proposals.
A list of eligible crops can be found at What is a Specialty Crop? | Agricultural Marketing Service (https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop )
“We are fortunate in North Carolina that our farmers can grow just about any crop, which means specialty crops are a significant part of North Carolina’s $100 billion farm economy and one that we want to continue to see grow,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We are looking for strong proposals that focus on boosting specialty crop production.”
The department will accept grant requests of up to $200,000 from the eligible groups listed above. Grants are not available for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual. Applicants can submit a draft application by Wednesday, Jan. 28, for review and feedback. Reviews offer no guarantee of funding and may be limited due to time and the number of requests.
For grant guidelines and an application, go to www.ncspecialtycrops.com/apply/ For questions, contact Jenni Keith at 919.707.3158 or by email at jenni.keith@ncagr.gov.
The local Guardian ad Litem program is a statewide program designed to place trained volunteers to serve as advocates for neglected or abused children going through the court system.
The next six-week training session begins on Jan. 13, 2026. Area Supervisor Samantha Branch, who serves the five-county region that includes Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person counties, is seeking additional volunteers who want to become advocates for this very important program.
Formed in 1983, the Guardian ad Litem program serves in all 100 counties in North Carolina and is a division of the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts.
According to information on its website, when a petition alleging abuse or neglect of a juvenile is filed in district court, the judge appoints a volunteer GAL advocate and an attorney advocate to provide team representation to the child.
Program staff in each county work with the GAL child to provide support – legal and advocacy – to children as they go through the court process.
Advocates protect and promote the best interests of juveniles in abuse and neglect court proceedings, as well as report the child’s wishes to the court. They also could contribute to independent investigations to determine the facts, the needs of the child and identify resources appropriate to each case.
Learn more about the program at https://www.nccourts.gov/programs/guardian-ad-litem.
If you think you’d like to become a trained Guardian ad Litem advocate, call 252.430.5121 or visit volunteerforgal.org.
(Information above originally posted Dec. 17, 2025)
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