Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

TownTalk: St. Paul’s Lutheran Plans Food Ministry

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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ridgeway is launching a food ministry to try to help residents in Vance and Warren counties who find themselves struggling with having enough food for themselves and their families.

The food ministry, modeled after the story in the Bible of feeding 5,000 with two fish and five loaves of bread, will have its first event on Saturday, Jan. 28 and will be held on the last Saturday of each month thereafter, said Corey Brooks, pastor at St. Paul’s.

The church fellowship hall will host the first several months, but as the weather warms, Brooks said the hope is to travel into different areas of the county to provide food.

Brooks spoke with John C. Rose on Wednesday’s TownTalk about how the idea for a food ministry got started.

“We still have a few minor details (to work out), but we’re excited to be kicking this off,” Brooks said. “It’s easy to say ‘let someone else take care of them,’” Brooks said, but added that we’re called to love all of God’s children.

Providing a hot meal through the food ministry is a way to show that love for one another.

There also will be a “blessing box” located near the Norlina post office that people can visit, whether it’s to take food or to donate non-perishable items.

The box will have food to nourish the body and plenty of Bibles to nourish the soul.

“Take what you need and leave what you can,” Brooks said.

The blessing box is a place where folks struggling with food insecurity can go in the time between the last Saturdays of the month, he said.

St. Paul’s belongs to the southeastern district of the Lutheran Church’s Missouri Synod, and pastors like Brooks receive mission insight reports that provide information about the area, from income levels to people’s beliefs about God. Through his service as a chaplain for first responders, he said he’s seen the need himself.

But food insecurity rose to the top as a concern in the area, so the church is trying to do something about it.

Brooks invites other churches to help out, too.

“It’s not just our church,” he said. “It’s a time for us all to come together as brothers and sisters in Christ to provide” for others in the community.

He acknowledged that transportation could be a challenge, so help in that area would be most helpful.

But most of all, Brooks said he wants to let folks know that regardless of their struggles, their walk in life that they are children of God. “We want to walk with you and help you carry your burden as best we can.”

 

 

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IRS Reminder: Dec. 31 Deadline For Certain Taxpayers Who Deferred In 2020

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If you’re an employer or self-employed and you chose to defer paying part of your 2020 Social Security tax liability, you have until the end of the month to make your second annual installment of the deferred amount, the Internal Revenue Service reminds.

As part of the COVID relief provided during 2020, employers could choose to put off paying the employer’s share of their Social Security tax liability, which is 6.2 percent of wages. Self-employed individuals also could choose to defer a similar amount of their self-employment tax. Generally, half of that deferral was due on Dec. 31, 2021. The other half is due on Dec. 31, 2022.

Earlier this fall, the IRS sent reminder notices to affected employers and self-employed individuals. The agency noted, however, that those affected are still required to make the payment on time, even if they did not receive a notice.

Employers and individuals have several options for making this payment. Deferral payments can made through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), Direct Pay, by debit card, credit card or digital wallet, or with a check or money order. No matter which payment option is chosen, it must be made separately from other tax payments and deposits. This will ensure that it is credited properly and will help avoid follow-up bills or notices.

Employers and individuals can make the deferral payments through enrollment in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, a free service available from the Treasury Department. On the Tax Type Selection screen, choose Deferred Social Security Tax and then change the date to the applicable tax period (the calendar quarter in 2020 for which tax was deferred). Visit EFTPS.gov, or call 800-555-4477 or 800-733-4829 for details.

Alternatively, self-employed individual taxpayers can choose Direct Pay to pay directly from a checking or savings account. This service is available free only on IRS.gov/payments/direct-pay. Select the “Balance Due” reason for payment and apply the payment to the 2020 tax year where the payment was deferred. Direct Pay is not available to pay employment taxes.

If paying with a credit card, debit card or digital wallet, select “installment agreement.” Apply the payment to the 2020 tax year where the payment was deferred. Note that the IRS does not charge a fee for this service, but the authorized third-party payment processors do. Visit IRS.gov/Payments for details.

Make any check or money order payable to United States Treasury, not IRS. For more information on where to mail payments see Instructions for Form 941.

Bill Stanley Moves Into Lead Superintendent Role At Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

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Bill Stanley has been named lead superintendent at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Vance and Warren counties, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. He has served as a superintendent I at Kerr Lake since 2018.

A state park superintendent manages the operations and administration of a park and has responsibilities that include staffing, planning, environmental education, natural resources management, law enforcement and visitor services.

Originally from Ramseur, N.C., Stanley has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Stanley’s years at Kerr Lake have inspired a number of goals for his first year as superintendent.

“I want to improve community engagement and complete projects that improve visitor experiences at the park,” he said. “I want Kerr Lake to embody our mission of conservation, recreation and education.”

Stanley began his career in state parks in 2010 as a seasonal employee at Raven Rock in Harnett County and then worked as an AmeriCorps educator at Carvers Creek in Cumberland County. He took a park ranger position at Dismal Swamp State Park in Camden County before moving to Kerr Lake State Recreation Area.

North District Superintendent Kristen Woodruff said she looks forward to Stanley’s leadership to direct the park through growth and change.

“Bill’s familiarity with both the challenges and opportunities at Kerr Lake provide a foundation for excellent leadership as the park continues to grow and change. He is setting a new standard for the visitor experience at Kerr Lake,” she said.

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of eight access areas around the shoreline of the 50,000-acre reservoir built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Seven campgrounds with hundreds of campsites allow visitors lakeside camping, and numerous shelters and community buildings provide popular venues for local gatherings.

All eight recreation accesses provide boat access to one of the best fishing lakes in the eastern United States.
North Carolina State Parks manages more than 258,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 22.7 million visitors annually.

Warren County Selected for Golden LEAF Program

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Warren County has been selected to participate in a Golden LEAF program that helps communities  identify potential sites for industrial development.

It was the only community selected during this cycle of SITE Program Identification, according to information from the office of Warren County Manager Vincent Jones.

“I am appreciative that Golden LEAF has recognized the potential and value that we see here in Warren County,” Jones said in a press statement.

“Our inclusion in this program will provide us with yet another tool that will help Warren County strategically prepare for the kind of growth and development that is appropriate for Warren County.”

The SITE Program offers a three-phase approach to help communities identify potential sites for economic development, provide funding to complete due diligence on publicly controlled sites, and provide funding to extend public utilities to publicly controlled sites or to conduct clearing and rough grading of publicly owned sites.

“Participation in the SITE Program – Identification phase will allow us to further understand where we should be targeting our work and investments for marketable and attractive sites for the type of growth we aim to see,” said Charla Duncan, Warren County’s community & economic development director.

“As we look to prioritize infrastructure expansion, pursue development agreements with landowners, and support landowners in marketing their land,” continued Duncan, “we need a better understanding of competitive sites and where to strategically invest our resources.”

The Golden LEAF Foundation was established in 1999 to administer a portion of the tobacco settlement agreement monies back into North Carolina’s rural and economically distressed communities. Its mission is to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation and stewardship.

To learn more about Golden LEAF, visit  www.goldenleaf.org.

Warren Parks And Rec Offers “Holiday Hoopla Camp” For Kids 8-12

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Warren County youth can register for a “Holiday Hoopla Camp” offered by Warren County Parks and Recreation at John Graham Gym in Warrenton later this month. The two-day program is for children ages 8-12 who live in Warren County, and parents can sign up for one or both days, according to information from the parks and rec department.

The dates are Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Thursday, Dec. 22 and the camp runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the gym, located at 113 Wilcox St. in Warrenton.

Wednesday’s program is $10 and includes lunch and a field trip; Thursday’s program is $5 and includes an opportunity to enjoy a “jump castle” bouncy house.

Participants will enjoy organized games, crafts and more throughout the day. Families needing transportation to the camp should indicate this on the registration form. Space is limited, so register early.

Registration must be completed by Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Register online at https://www.warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation.

Registration can also be done in-person Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the parks and recreation office located at 113 Wilcox Street, Warrenton, NC

For more information or register, please visit the Warren County website at www.warrencountync.com or call the parks and recreation office at 252.257.2272.

“American Pickers” Returning To NC, Looking For Local Collectors

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The TV show “American Pickers” is planning a return trip to North Carolina early next year and producers are already putting out feelers in hopes of turning up some unique finds to feature on the show.

Crews are planning to film episodes of the show in February 2023, according to information from Meredith Ball, one of the show’s producers. The show, which airs on The History Channel, is a documentary series that explores the world of antiques “picking.” Crews film “pickers” as they hunt for valuable antiques across the country.

“The way we find people and collections for our show is through spreading the word far and wide so that people know we’re coming to town,” Ball stated.

“…the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics,” she continued. “Along the way, they want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items (with the) hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.”
One important note to consider is that the show only chooses individual collectors and do not consider stores, flea markets, museums, auctions or other retail outlets open to the public.

Private collectors or others with an “accumulation of antiques” should contact show representatives at americanpickers@cineflix.com and make sure to include your full name, city/state, contact information and a brief description of items in your collection.

Phone 646.493.2184 or click here to find them on Facebook.

S-Line Rail Corridor

Upcoming S-Line Rail Project Updates Set For Henderson, Norlina

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Area residents have a couple of opportunities this week to hear updates about the planned S-Line rail project that includes stops in Henderson and Norlina as part of a 95-mile stretch of rail that that ultimately will connect Richmond and Tampa.

If you’re planning to attend the Henderson Christmas parade Saturday afternoon, then Sadie’s Coffee Corner is the place where a community “pop-up” event will be held.

Stop by anytime between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the 324 S. Garnett St. location to learn the latest about the S-Line and transit-oriented development.

A second opportunity takes place Friday, Dec. 2 outside Rachel’s Whistle Stop in Norlina. There will be an information table set up for interested individuals to stop by any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., according to information from Warren County Director of Community and Economic Development Charla Duncan.

Rachel’s Whistle Stop is located at 123 Hyco St. in Norlina.

Consultants working with the NC DOT Rail Division will provide updates at each event.

The State of North Carolina’s S-Line project includes six other communities in the region that fall along a 95-mile-long section of the S-Line rail corridor including Apex, Franklinton, Henderson, Raleigh, Sanford, Wake Forest, and Youngsville.

Transit-oriented development has a goal to connect communities and public spaces by increasing accessibility without having to rely on a personal vehicle.

Learn more at https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/rail/s-line-study.

Boys and Girls Clubs

Put Donation To BGCNCNC On Your “To-Do” List

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The Thanksgiving holiday kicks off in earnest a season of giving, and there are several different ways to make donations that will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina in the coming days and weeks.

Of course, a check mailed to BGCNCNC, P.O. Box 176, Oxford, NC 27565 is always welcome, said CEO Donyell “DJ” Jones, and something for individuals to consider on Giving Tuesday, coming up next week.

Jones said a link will go live on BGCNCNC’s Facebook page Wednesday to make a donation quick and easy.

There are two toy drives underway as well – one in Oxford by Will Jakes, whose Edward Jones office collects new, unwrapped gifts for club members in Granville County.

Jones said the Zeta Alpha chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity is sponsoring toy drives across the counties that have clubs as well. “They are really committed about spreading the love and supporting the counties,” Jones said.

Following is a list of collection locations and deadlines:

  • Vance County – Beckford Medical Center, 176 S. Beckford Drive, Henderson. Deadline is Dec. 16.
  • Granville County – Bobo’s Menswear, 216 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd, Oxford. Deadline is Dec. 20.
  • Warren County – Henderson and Henderson Dentistry, LLC, 516 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton. Deadline is Dec. 19.
  • Franklin County – Franklinton Town Hall, 101 N. Main St., Franklinton. Deadline is Dec. 15.

Through generous donations from the community last year, Jones said every club member received a gift for Christmas.

He said he hopes that financial contributions come in between now and the end of the year to help “give us a leg up in 2023.”

Whether it’s a check in the mail, a click on the Facebook page or a gift for a child, Jones said efforts from a caring community “truly make a difference for our young people.”

Warren Residents Can Apply For Help Paying Heating Bills

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Eligible Warren County residents can apply to get help with heating bills again this winter from a state assistance program. Applicants who received a payment last year are automatically entered into this year’s round of disbursements, according to information from the Warren County manager’s office.

Families that applied for and received a one-time payment from the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) to help with heating costs last year don’t have to re-apply for the same help this year – those recipients should receive notices this month which asks for any relevant changes to the household. Changes may be submitted to the local Department of Social Services, but if everything is the same as last year, no action is required, Duncan noted.

The recipient will be informed that an automated LIEAP payment has been made, according to was given to them.

Households not included in the target population will be able to apply following the regular LIEAP application policy that runs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, and is designated for disabled individuals who receive services through the

Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) OR for households with a person age 60 and above.

These households are eligible in the month of December or until funds are exhausted. Applications for general public will be taken from January 1, 2023 through March 31 or until funds are used up.

Applicants must provide certain information to determine eligibility, including a photo ID and household financial information. Find the complete list of documents at wizs.com.

Please bring the following information to determine eligibility:

 

  • Photo Identification
  • Mail or document showing current address (rental agreement, utility bill, etc.)
  • Information about your household’s income. If anyone works, bring wage stubs for the month prior to the month you visit the agency. Bring letter from Social Security Administration to confirm benefits or a statement that shows direct deposit.
  • Recent statement for savings or checking accounts.
  • Name, date of birth & social security card or numbers for each household member.
  • A bill from your primary source of heat (used the MOST, to heat your home). Households that heat with wood/kerosene, will not have a bill to submit. Heating source bill-If the bill is not in applicant’s name, the applicant must provide a written statement from the person whose name the bill is in (must be 18 & older), stating that the applicant is responsible for payment of the heating expense.

 

 

If you or someone you know is not physically able to come to the agency to apply, that person may provide a trusted individual (representative) with a written statement authorizing that representative to apply for LIEAP on their behalf. A contact number for the applicant must be provided and all necessary documentation must be provided.

The program is being administered by Warren County DSS, located at 307 N. Main Street

Warrenton, NC 27589.

Call the Warren County DSS office at 252.257.5000 to learn more.

Meat Conference Dec. 6 In Rocky Mount

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The Northeast District Local Meats Conference will be held in Rocky Mount, NC on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The conference is designed for individuals interesting in creating or expanding a local meat marketing business.

The conference will begin at 9 a.m. at the East Carolina Livestock Arena, located at 1175 Kingsboro Rd. in Rocky Mount.

Some of the topics that will be discussed include N.C. Department of Agriculture meat handlers’ licensing, as well as rules and regulations, labeling claims and laws about meat sales.

In addition, there will be information about carcass evaluation, and planning, marketing and pricing.

Lunch will be included. Pre-register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northeast-district-local-meats-conference-tickets-419613434077