Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

NC State Board of Elections

Specifics On New Voter Photo ID Rules

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In response to the state’s new voter ID law, the state board of elections has issued information that may be helpful for citizens to keep in mind before their next trip to the polls.

Voters will be asked to show a photo ID, starting with the 2023 municipal elections. A driver’s license or other photo ID will be accepted.

Those without a photo ID can get a No Fee ID Card from NCDMV and soon, it is expected that a free ID will be available from your local board of elections office.

When a voter checks in to a polling place, poll workers will ask for an ID, and they are supposed to look to make sure the photo reasonably resembles the voter; the address doesn’t have to match the voter registration records

It is important to note that all voters will be allowed to vote with or without a photo ID. Those without an ID will use the ID exception form and a provisional ballot.

For complete details, visit ncsbe.gov/voter-ID and “FAQ: Voter ID” to learn more.

Warren Parks and Rec Summer Sports Camps

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Warren County Parks and Recreation is offering multiple sports camps this summer.

Fees below are the regular registration fees.

Summer sports camp offerings include:

  • Girls Basketball Camp ($25): June 26-29, Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; ages 8-14

(Registration deadline is June 10)

  • Co-Ed Volleyball Camp ($25): June 26-29, Monday-Thursday; 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; ages 8-14

(Registration deadline is June 10)

  • Football Camp ($15): July 5-7, Wednesday-Friday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.; ages 6-13

(Registration Deadline is July 1)

  • Boys Basketball Camp ($20): July 10-12, Monday-Wednesday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; ages 8-14

(Registration deadline is July 3)

  • Girls’ Softball Camp ($15): July 24-26, Monday-Wednesday 9 a.m. -12 noon; ages 8-18

(Registration deadline is July 10)

 

All camps will be held at Warren County High School except for the football camp, which will be held at the Warren County Recreation Complex. Space is limited, so if you haven’t already signed up, please do so soon.

Interested parents and children are encouraged to visit the parks and rec website or Facebook page for information about new sports camps that may be added. And prospective instructors should email parksandrecreation@warrencountync.gov for information about how to become an instructor.

Registration can be completed online at www.warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation or in person at the parks and rec office, 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information or register, please visit the website or call the office at 252-257-2272.

Warren County Parks and Recreation continually accepts interest in volunteering for this and other programs. Submit volunteer application and background check online at www.warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation

FarmsSHARE Program Connects Small Farmers, Local Residents With Fresh, Healthy Foods

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FarmsSHARE is a program that was started in 2020 by Carolina Farm Stewardship Association as a response to COVID-19. And now, almost three years later, federal and state agriculture officials have funded the program to keep it going – and even expanding its reach to help underserved communities increase its access to fresh, local-grown foods.

Working Landscapes, a Warren County non-profit agency, is one of FarmsSHARE’s  hub partners that provides fresh, locally grown produce to three locations in Vance and Warren counties.

FarmsSHARE began as a way to help connect people with healthy food, but it also was a way to provide financial support to small businesses during the pandemic shutdown.

State agriculture officials have gotten $7.6 million to keep the program up and running, working with 15 hub partners and more than 200 community-based organizations across the state to obtain and distribute 133,000 boxes of local food. The farms and food hubs also receive assistance to enter new markets for local food.

Working Landscapes works with local partners Turning Point CDC in Henderson, as well as the H.O.P.E. Regional Medical Clinic and Loaves & Fishes Ministries, both in Warren County.

ByWay Foods Hub is one aspect of the Working Landscapes operation, works out of two downtown Warrenton locations. The primary location is on Franklin Street, on a repurposed historic site that once housed a cotton gin and flour mill.  That’s where the fresh-cut vegetable operation is based. It’s also where the team manages the CSA-style program provides fresh, healthy foods to community residents.

“Creating more opportunities for North Carolinians to source local products from North Carolina farmers is beneficial all around, for consumers, farmers, and our local food supply long term,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Expanding FarmsSHARE…is expected to strengthen and expand our efforts and allow food hubs to connect and develop relationships with socially disadvantaged farmers, small farmers, and small businesses to the benefit of local farmers and communities.”

Funding for the program comes from the American Rescue Plan. Questions regarding how to participate as either a farmer or distribution site should be sent to Kana Miller, Local Food Distribution Coordinator, kana@carolinafarmstewards.org and 919.542.2402 ext. 831.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Foundation Scholarship Priority Deadline May 31

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Scholarships offered through the Vance-Granville Community College Foundation for the 2023 Fall Academic Year are open for applicants. The priority deadline for full scholarship consideration for Fall 2023 is May 31, according to VGCC officials.

“We know our students are often already working, raising families, and going to college in their spare time,” VGCCF Executive Director Tanya Weary stated. “At VGCC, we work to help them graduate with as little debt as possible.”

The VGCC Foundation has more than 300 endowed scholarships based on a variety of factors – merit, financial need, degree choice and more. Scholarships are awarded individually to curriculum students based on criteria outlined for each award. Selection will be based on an overall assessment of academic performance, leadership skills, character and community service, according to a press statement from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Scholarship funding is limited, and completion of the application does not guarantee an award. All applicants must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to be considered for a VGCC Foundation scholarship; many scholarships require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarship recipients are selected by a scholarship selection committee unless otherwise stipulated in the criteria of the scholarship.

The scholarships are made possible through the generous support of private citizens, organizations and businesses. To apply for VGCCF scholarships, visit www.vgcc.edu/fao/scholarships. For additional questions, contact foundation@vgcc.edu.

 

Kerr-Tar COG Gets $200,000 To Promote Safety, Reduce Traffic And More Around School Areas

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-information courtesy of Kerr-Tar COG and NC DOT

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is among a dozen recipients who will share $3 million in grant funding for educational programs as part of the Safe Routes to School program. KTCOG will get $160,000 in federal funds, with an additional $40,000 in local matches for a total of $200,000, according to Kenia Gomez-Jimenez, KTCOG’s communications & administrative coordinator and SRTS coordinator.  Funding is for two years of Safe Routes to School program implementation and operates on a reimbursement basis, which means that once the funds are spent, NCDOT can reimburse the participating organization.

The grant funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration and the money will be used to develop creative and educational programs to teach community members about safe driving, walking and biking practices near schools.

Safe Routes to School promotes healthy and active lifestyles by encouraging children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bike to school. Also, the program facilitates the planning, development and implementation of projects and activities that improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution near schools.

“This is an important way to improve child safety and promote the healthy benefits of walking and biking,” said Ryan Brumfield, director of the Integrated Mobility Division.The local SRTS program began in 2019, when the organization was first awarded funds for this project. The Kerr-Tar COG will use funds from the new 2023 SRTS grant cycle to continue the programs endeavors within the region for K-12 students.  The project evaluates public, private and charter schools within the five-county region to address how SRTS programs could be implemented or improved.

Recommendations for education, activities and future infrastructure improvements will enhance walking and biking activities around the region, Gomez- Jimenez stated. The intent of these activities will be to make biking and walking fun for students and adults, encouraging healthy behaviors for a lifetime. The target audience for this project will include the following: School Personnel, Students and Parents, Law Enforcement, City/County Employees, Individuals who volunteer and otherwise assist with school activities.

The Kerr-Tar COG’s SRTS program is especially committed to ensuring that its initiatives are benefitting all demographic groups, with particular attention to ensuring safe, healthy and fair outcomes for low-income students, students of color, students of  all genders, students with disabilities, and others.

Collaborative partners for the Kerr-Tar COG’s 2023 SRTS grant application include: Franklin County Schools, Granville County Public Schools, Person County Schools, Vance County Schools, Warren County Schools, Henderson-Family YMCA, City of Oxford Parks & Recreation Department, 4-H Vance County, Turning Point Community Development Corporation & NCDOT Division 5 Office.

For more information, visit NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division’s Safe Routes to School.

3 Warren Leaders Complete Rural Center’s “Homegrown” Program

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Three Warren County leaders – Demetrius Hunter, Crystal Smith, and Rose Ponton – all recently graduated from the N.C. Rural Center’s Homegrown Leaders program. This three-day regional leadership and economic development program develops and supports highly motivated local leaders committed to regional collaboration.

“This experience has really underscored the importance of authentic storytelling and engaged listening in addressing community challenges,” said Ponton, who is Warren County’s Community and Economic Developer – and also a Warrenton resident. “It was so valuable to meet other regional leaders and learn how we are all addressing similar issues.”

Smith, director of Warren County Cooperative Extension, stated, “I highly recommend Homegrown Leaders. The content is relevant to creating a thriving community.”

From his perspective as a local entrepreneur, Hunter said today’s leaders need to understand equity and inclusion. He is the owner of the Soul City Event Center. As well as Peanut and Zelb’s Produce that recently opened in Norlina.

“Leaders need to act on policy change and not be afraid,” Hunter stated. “Equity is not an invested dollar; it is a debt owed to my ancestors. Therefore, I am the recipient.”

The training, held in Pittsboro from April 18-20, attracted existing and emerging leaders from a 13-county region that includes the four counties in the WIZS listening area – Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin – as well as Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person and Wake.

“Our Homegrown Leaders curriculum showcases the critical importance of innovation in leadership development and regional collaboration,” said Rural Center Senior Director of Leadership and Engagement Bronwyn Lucas. “It is vital to lift up our rural leaders and the critical work they do to enhance their communities. We are thrilled these talented graduates will now be joining the Rural Center’s leadership alumni network of more than 1,400 rural leaders across the state.”

Graduation certificates were presented to the program’s 33 participants upon completion of the training.

“Leadership development is at the core of the Rural Center’s work, and now more than ever it is important that our leaders are equipped with the skills and tools to foster growth and innovation,” said Rural Center President Patrick Woodie. “We’re excited to see the impact our Homegrown Leaders graduates will have in their communities and regions to create a thriving future for generations of residents.”

Class participants included economic development and health professionals, educators, and civic and nonprofit leaders.

To learn more, visit https://www.ncruralcenter.org/leadership/.

The Rural Center was established in 1987 and serves the state’s 78 rural counties with a special focus on people with low-to-moderate incomes and communities with limited resources. To learn more about how the NC Rural Center is developing and supporting rural leaders across the state, visit ncruralcenter.org.

Warren Library Has Inflatable Planetarium On Site For Kids Of All Ages To Enjoy

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-Information courtesy of Warren County

Warren County Memorial Library is hosting the StarLab mobile planetarium during the months of May and June.

StarLab is an inflatable, portable planetarium that uses a projector to display images on the inside of the dome. It is used as an interactive tool geared towards astronomy and produces a real-life experience for all ages. Children can engage in mathematics, science, and technology that will spark their curiosity about our universe.

“The library staff is excited about bringing this program to our community. StarLab will serve as a way to bring space right up close and personal,” said Christy Bondy, library director for the Warren County Memorial Library. “This is a unique and exciting opportunity for all ages to learn about the moon, planets, stars, and other constellations.”

All ages can visit and experience the portable StarLab planetarium. StarLab has a limited seating capacity, and 30-minute sessions will take place from 12 noon to 4 p.m. throughout the day at the Armory Civic Center on May 4, 11 and 15. No registration is required, but seating is first come, first served. The StarLab is available until June 20. Local educators can contact the library if they are interested in bringing the portable planetarium to their school.

StarLab is provided by the State Library of North Carolina with funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

For more information on StarLab visit www.starlab.com.

 

The Warren County Memorial Library is located at 119 S. Front St. in Warrenton.

Springtime Vaccines Protect Equines From Deadly Diseases

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-information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Agriculture

If you’re a horse owner, listen up: It’s time to protect your equines against a couple of serious ailments.

N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler encourages equine owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus, two diseases with high mortality rates. Both, however, are preventable with a simple vaccination.

“Mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina lasts from spring until the first frost and horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler said. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent.”

Last year, there were no recorded cases of EEE and one case of WNV. In 2021, there were three recorded cases of EEE and two cases of WNV.

State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from mosquito-borne diseases. The combination vaccination initially requires multiple injections for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans, and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it could take between 3 and 10 days for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, head pressing, seizures and aimless wandering.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying these diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

Equine care also includes keeping up-to-date on equine infectious anemia (EIA) testing, commonly referred to as the Coggins test. “Since January there have been 20 cases of EIA in North Carolina. There is no vaccine and no cure for this disease so testing annually is important,” Troxler added.

“It’s also a great time to make sure your animal is current on its rabies vaccination,” Troxler said. “In 2022, seven cases of livestock infected with rabies were reported to our Veterinary Division. Since January, we have had two positive cases in livestock. Historically, most of the cases have been in cows but all livestock are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line.”

VGCC Logo

VGCC Adds NC Wesleyan As Transfer Option To Complete 4-Year Degree

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Students who complete their two-year degree have another option when choosing where to continue on the path to a four-year university degree: North Carolina Wesleyan University. The two schools recently entered into an agreement that will allow VGCC students to participate in Wesley Works, a transfer program that offers benefits to students who want to obtain a college diploma.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais shared optimism about the partnership. “By this new agreement with NC Wesleyan University, I am pleased that VGCC graduates will have more options than ever to continue their path to a four-year degree,” Demarais stated in a press release.

The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering VGCC graduates access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising, generous transfer credit, and a clear definition of the transfer of courses from VGCC to NC Wesleyan. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allows VGCC Associate in Applied Science students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.

“We’re proud to add Vance-Granville Community College to our array of partners we have transfer agreements with. They join over 40 other colleges and community colleges with seamless transfer pathways to NC Wesleyan University following completion of a two-year degree,” stated NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “Through our Wesleyan Works program, all AA/AS/AAS community college graduates gain automatic acceptance to NCWU with no application fee and the ability to transfer in up to 75 credit hours. This smooth transfer process allows community college graduates a simple path to making their education attainable in order to accomplish their goals in life.”

Students who graduate from VGCC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or may transfer to the college’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement brings NC Wesleyan within the reach of VGCC students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the college.

Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NC Wesleyan. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan, as well as access to events on the college’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs.

North Carolina Wesleyan University, a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NC Wesleyan University provides a highly personalized education in a dynamic and challenging environment. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, NC Wesleyan is a small college with a big taste for cultural diversity. To learn more about either school, visit www.vgcc.edu or www.ncwc.edu.

Warren April 13 Open House To Discuss Revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps

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-Information courtesy of Charla Duncan, Warren County government

The NC Department of Public Safety and Warren County will host a public open house on April 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to provide an opportunity for citizens and other stakeholders to see the result of the revised flood insurance rate maps.

The meeting will be held at the Warren County Armory Civic Center, 501 US Highway 158 Business East, Warrenton.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to review new flood hazard areas, ask questions about the revised studies and understand the requirements for submitting appeals or comments to the revised studies.

County and municipal employees will be on hand to help residents locate their properties from the flood hazard data and determine their level of flood risk. Representatives from the N.C. Floodplain Mapping Program will be available to answer questions about the hazard data update process, flood insurance coverage and floodplain management.

Impacted residents will be receiving mailed notifications from the Warren County Planning & Zoning Department.

For more information about the flood map changes, contact NCFMP Outreach Planner Milton Carpenter at 919.825.2302.