Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

TownTalk: Lakeland Cultural Arts Center Livens up Littleton

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Littleton, situated on the Warren-Halifax county line, has long been known to those travel there to enjoy second homes or to vacation on nearby Lake Gaston. But Lakeland Cultural Arts Center, looking especially spiffy after a recent renovation, is looking to attract more people to visit, shop and enjoy this little corner of the world.

Lakeland’s Executive Director Peter Holloway and Artistic Director John DuVall agree that, while the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to have shows, it allowed for a renovation that is nothing short of spectacular. Holloway said the pandemic afforded them the opportunity to do more planning, which resulted in more of a multipurpose facility. There’s a smaller performance space in the rear of the arts center, which gets a lot of use from students at Littleton Academy, right next door.

Lakeland Cultural Arts Center first opened in 1978, but a recent gala to celebrate the completed renovation served to mark its reopening.

Littleton native Ed Fitts and wife Deb have played a significant role in revitalizing the town of 520. “They’ve injected so much life and enthusiasm into the town,” Holloway told WIZS’s Bill Harris on Thursday’s TownTalk.

The center is actually attached to the former high school, but a brand-new lobby and art gallery provides a cohesive look to the facility.

“It’s kind of mind-blowing that it’s sitting in a town like Littleton,” Holloway said of the center, which boasts a 300-seat auditorium where patrons can enjoy concerts, stage productions and even watching films.

DuVall said volunteers drive much of the work that is done, both on stage and behind the stage.

“We need volunteers every day,” Holloway agreed.

DuVall said in his role as artistic director, he seeks to offer a well-rounded season with a variety of programming. He seeks to balance the familiar with other performances that people may not be as familiar with.

“Tuesdays With Morrie” is scheduled for two performances tonight and Saturday afternoon. The play is based on Mitch Albom’s bestseller of the same name.

Then the new hit movie “Elvis” will be shown at 7 p.m. on Oct. 8. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Visit https://www.lakelandcac.org/ to see the full schedule of events or phone 252.586.3124.

“We’re working really hard to choose folks who’ve got an educational component,”

Holloway explained.

There often is a matinee performance that gives students the chance to experience the arts live, he added.

On Oct. 28, Mike Wiley will perform “Breach of Peace,” based on true accounts of the Freedom Rides in the early days of the civil rights movement.

The Neil Simon classic “Odd Couple” comes to the main stage in November and then pianist Robin Spielberg will perform in early December. Later that month, Holloway said the familiar “A Christmas Carol” will take the stage, but it will have a unique twist. With a nod to the radio plays of the 1940’s, a small group of actors will perform a radio play of the Dickens classic, complete with the Foley artist, whose job is to create the play’s sound effects.

“It’s a very endearing, fun, and exciting performance – a great way to see an old classic,” Holloway said.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

NCDOT

Henderson Gets $463K in Powell Bill Funds From NCDOT

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Henderson is the big winner among area municipalities in the recent $154.8 million Powell Bill allotment announced by the N.C. Department of Transportation for street improvements.

City Manager Terrell Blackmon told WIZS Wednesday that he and the City Council will be working to help prioritize where and how to use the $463,634.73 allotment, about half of which has been distributed.  The remaining amount to be paid by Jan. 1, 2023, according to a press statement from NCDOT.

Officially called the State Street Aid to Municipalities, the program also is known as Powell Bill funds. This year, a total of 508 municipalities statewide benefitted from the allocation.

The Powell Bill funds are used primarily to resurface municipal streets but also may be used to maintain, repair, construct, or widen streets, bridges, and drainage areas. Municipalities can also use Powell Bill funds to plan, construct and maintain bike paths, greenways or sidewalks.

The amount each municipality receives is based on a formula established by state law, with 75 percent of the funds based on population and 25 percent based on the number of municipality-maintained street miles.  The annual population figures are provided by the Office of State Budget and Management.

“Powell Bill funding allows us to complete a lot of transportation projects important to North Carolina communities from Murphy to Manteo,” said State Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette.  “Municipalities can use these funds on projects that make our state a wonderful place to live, work and play.”

The fund is named for Junius K. Powell, a former state senator and mayor of Whiteville. Powell was the primary sponsor of the 1951 bill to help the state’s cities with urban road problems. The first allocation of Powell Bill funds was for $4.5 million and was distributed to 386 cities and towns.

Here’s what other area municipalities received through the Powell Bill:

  • Oxford – $255,752.37
  • Butner – $211,071.63
  • Creedmoor – $136,485.84
  • Louisburg – $95,153.03
  • Franklinton – $81,171.29
  • Youngsville – $61, 422.29
  • Norlina – $36,146.25
  • Stem – $29,567.39
  • Warrenton – $29,013.37
  • Stovall – $12,849.72
  • Middleburg – $6,201.01
  • Kittrell – $5,248.47

Register For SBA Webinar Friday At 2 PM To Learn Funding Options For Small Businesses

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The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a webinar Friday afternoon to discuss funding options that are available to small businesses, including new and existing resources to contend with inflation.

The webinar is part of “The Bottom Line” series, hosted by the SBA and Small Business Majority

Register here for the webinar, which begins at 2 p.m.

“Understanding how to deal with the impact of inflation as a result of the pandemic and other global factors, and knowing where to look for an navigate available resources to tackle it can sometimes be daunting,” according to information from the USBA. Speakers during tomorrow’s webinar include USBA Senior Advisor, Office of Capital Access Veronica Pugin; Gary Cunningham, president and CEO, Prosperity Now, Stephanie DeVane, vice president of the National Urban League’s entrepreneurship & business development and Mark Madrid, USBA associate administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development.

Click this link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Wur853uISLmA7Oh-Lfm3Pw?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

State Highway Patrol

Booze It & Lose It Campaign Aimed At Reducing Alcohol-Related Car Crashes

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State and local officials have a simple message – never drink and drive.

Doing so over the long holiday weekend could mean a trip to jail rather than to the beach or pool.

Through Sept. 11, law enforcement statewide will be stepping up patrols to stop impaired drivers during the annual Labor Day Booze It & Lose It campaign.

Driving while impaired is against the law and could be deadly, not to mention expensive. People charged with DWI can lose their license and pay thousands of dollars in court fees.

“By finding a sober ride home, you can prevent a fun summer night from turning tragic,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “More than 400 North Carolina families lost loved ones last year in alcohol-related crashes, and if we can stop even one family from experiencing this kind of loss, it will have been worth it.”

In 2021, 423 people died on North Carolina roads due to alcohol-related crashes, including 15 during the Labor Day Booze It & Lose It enforcement campaign period.

Increased enforcement during specific campaign periods year-round is a key part of making North Carolina roads safer. That’s especially important this year, as officials seek to reduce the number of traffic fatalities, which in 2021 marked the most traffic deaths in North Carolina since 1973.

Schools Still Looking For Teachers To Fill Vacancies

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As students return to classrooms for a new school year, many are finding understaffed schools. Schools across Vance, Granville and Warren counties also are experiencing vacancies.

There simply are not enough teachers to fill openings, and Rep. Terry Garrison cited recently released statistics that underscore the challenge that schools face.

Garrison said in an email dated Aug. 31 that Vance County Schools have 26 vacancies, Warren County Schools have five vacancies and Granville County Public Schools has 56 vacancies.

Zooming out to school districts across the state, Garrison’s office cited a recent survey from the North Carolina School Superintendents Association which counted at least 11,297 teacher and staff vacancies in North Carolina, including:

  • 3,619 K-12 teachers
  • 1,342 bus drivers
  • 850 special education teachers
  • 354 counselors, social workers and psychologists
  • 70 assistant principals
  • 698 central office employees
  • And more than 4,362 other support staff

Those numbers are low estimates, since only 98 of 115 school districts responded, according to Garrison’s press statement.

“The General Assembly needs to act quickly to ensure that students have teachers in their classrooms,” Garrison said. “There are solutions available to us. We could revisit the policy used during the pandemic of allowing retired teachers to come back, for example. Our state also has billions of dollars in reserves that could help recruit more teachers in districts that are understaffed.”

Contact Garrison by phone at 919.733.5824 or by email at terry.garrison@ncleg.gov.

September Is National Preparedness Month – Be Ready For Emergencies

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-Information courtesy of American Red Cross, Eastern North Carolina Region

People everywhere are feeling the impacts of climate change with more frequent and intense weather events threatening our communities. September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina Region urges everyone to get ready for these emergencies now.

In 2021 more than 40 percent of Americans — some 130 million people — were living in a county struck by a climate disaster. Recent deadly flooding in Kentucky and Missouri, fast-moving wildfires in California and multiple heat waves nationwide are clear examples of how more intense climate-related disasters are happening more often and devastating communities. You can get prepared by visiting redcross.org/prepare.

The Red Cross suggests three steps to keep your family safe during disasters: 1- Get a Kit, 2- Make a Plan and 3- Be Informed.

  1. Build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items. And don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
  2. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.
  3. Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work and go to school, how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Include your pets in your emergency plans. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. It’s important to plan in advance to know which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency situation.

Take any special considerations into account as part of your emergency planning. Older adults or people with mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities may need to create a support network of people that can help during an emergency. Create a plan that takes into account your capabilities, any help you may need and who can provide it, especially if you need to evacuate or if the power goes out for several days.

You can help ensure your community is ready for an emergency by volunteering, donating blood or learning lifesaving skills. Visit redcross.org to learn more.

Red Cross volunteers play critical roles in their local communities, including helping families affected by home fires and other disasters get back on their feet. Join us as a Disaster Action Team volunteer to help make sure that families don’t have to face tough times alone.

Learn lifesaving skills so you can help people in a crisis until medical professionals arrive. Sign up for first aid, CPR or other classes available online or in-person.

A strong blood supply is key to preparedness for disasters and medical emergencies, and donors can ensure blood is on the shelves the moment it’s needed. As a thank-you, all who come to give Sept. 1-18 will get a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Plus, those who race to give Sept. 1-30 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR experience, including two tickets to a 2023 race, and will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, all thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts.* Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you are unable to give blood you can volunteer to support blood collections. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.

Warren County Tourism Dollars Up From 2021

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Visitors to Warren County spent $63.01 million in 2021, an increase of 27 percent from 2020. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

In 2021, visitor spending in Warren County grew 68 percent from spend pre-pandemic spending levels; prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the county saw $31 million spent in 2019, when Warren County had the highest growth from pre-pandemic levels than any other county in the state.

Visitor spending includes lodging (including second home spending), food and beverage, recreation, retail, and transport.

“Our residents and businesses know that Warren County is a special place; visitors have recognized this for years as well,” said Charla Duncan, director of Warren County Community & Economic Development. “Warren County’s travel and visitor industry has been able to demonstrate continued resilience, and even come out in a better position than we were before our COVID challenges.”

Duncan said Warren County’s natural and cultural assets continue to draw visitors to the county. They are a “stable, safe and desirable resource for visitors,” she added.

In both 2019 and 2020, Warren County was recognized for topping the state in visitor spending growth from the previous years.

Visitor impact highlights for 2021

  • The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 232 people in Warren County.
  • Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Warren County was $10.8 million.
  • Visitor spending totals $3.5 million to the tax base in Warren County.

“Our existing businesses are continuing to see a positive impact from our tourism draw, and we hope that potential businesses can look at this growth and see the value of operating in Warren County as well,” Duncan noted.

These statistics come from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2021,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics in collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association.

Statewide, visitor spending in 2021 rebounded by 44.9 percent to reach $28.9 billion. Following the devastating pandemic-related losses of the 2020, the total fell just short of the record $29.22 spent in 2019. Direct tourism employment increased 10.5 percent to 197,500.

“These findings are something that everyone in North Carolina can celebrate,” said Visit NC Director Wit Tuttell. “They’re a testament to the resilience of our businesses and our residents, and to the enduring appeal of destinations that include everything a traveler might want. The economic well-being of the state and all its communities rises with the pleasures travelers find in the natural beauty of our public spaces, our culinary traditions and innovation, our remarkable towns and our spirited cities. North Carolina can claim it all.”

Area Unemployment Rates Fall Slightly In July 2022, Follow State Trends

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Vance County’s unemployment rate stands at 6.4 percent for July 2022, slightly lower than the rate so far for 2022, which is 6.8 percent. However, these rates remain well below the state averages of 3.7 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively.

According to data released yesterday by the N.C. Department of Commerce, Vance joins the other 99 counties in the state which experienced a decrease in the unemployment rate.

In Granville County for July, the rate is 3.2 percent. In Warren County, the number is 6.6 percent and in Franklin County the rate is 3.6 percent.

August figures are scheduled to be released in mid-September.

Henderson and Oxford are categorized as “micropolitan statistical areas,” a term coined in the 1990’s to describe growing population centers that are not near larger cities, and that draw workers and shoppers from a wide local area.

Henderson’s unemployment rates dropped 2 full percentage points from July 2021 to July 22 – from 8.4 percent to 6.4 percent, according to the data. Oxford also saw its unemployment rate drop over the same period, from 4.3 percent to 3.2 percent.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in July to 4,966,822 – up by 31,277 – according to the data and unemployed individuals decreased by 18,851 to 190,340. Since July 2021, the number of workers employed statewide increased by 214,946, while those unemployed decreased by 65,092.

Vance and Warren counties are among 14 counties with unemployment rates between 5 percent and 10 percent; Granville joins 85 other counties with rates 5 percent or lower. None of the state’s 100 counties has a rate that exceeds 10 percent.

According to data from the Commerce Department, Franklin County has the largest labor force – or number of employed individuals – with 33,966. There are 1,218 who are unemployed for a rate of 3.6 percent.

Granville County follows with 30,571 people in the labor force. There are 991 unemployed for a rate of 3.2 percent. Vance has a labor force of 16,770, with 1,069 unemployed, which makes a 6.4 percent unemployment rate. And Warren County has the smallest labor force – 6,558 – with 436 unemployed for a rate of 6.6 percent.

2022-23 Theater Season Kicks Off Sept. 3 At Lakeland Cultural Arts Center In Littleton

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The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC) in Littleton will host a Welcome Back Open House on Saturday, Sept. 3 to kick off the 2022-23 Main Stage Series. The theater is located at 411 Mosby Ave.

Visitors to the theater, which has undergone a recent renovation and expansion, can take a tour of the facility between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the open house event. Then, at 7 p.m., LCAC will show the movie “Grease,” complete with free popcorn and soft drinks. Beer and wine will be available for purchase as well.Local supporters Deb and Ed Fitts, through the Ed Fitts Charitable Foundation, have contributed mightily to ensure that the small town’s theater continues to survive and thrive after more than 40 years in operation.

Adult tickets for the 2022-23 shows are $20, tickets for seniors (62+) are $17, and tickets for children (under 13) are $13. For more information and to purchase tickets to any of LCAC’s Main Stage Series shows, click here. Stay tuned for the announcement of more shows coming soon.

The season kicks off with Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” in November, followed by “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens in mid-December. Then January 2023 kicks off with the production of “The Marvelous Wonderettes” by Roger Bean, followed by
Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club” by Jeffrey Hatcher in mid-March and

“The Drowsy Chaperone” by Bob Martin and Don McKellar in May. “Crowns” by Regina Taylor

rounds out the performances, and dates will be announced later.

Dates and times are listed below:

“The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon

Nov. 11-12 at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.

Nov. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m.

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens

Dec. 9-10 at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

Dec. 15-17 at 7:30 p.m.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” by Roger Bean

Jan. 20-21 at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.

Jan. 26-28 at 7:30 p.m.

“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club” by Jeffrey Hatcher

Mar. 24-25 at 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 26 at 2 p.m.

Mar. 30 – Apr. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” by Bob Martin and Don McKellar

May 12 – 13 at 7:30 p.m.

May 14 at 2 p.m

May 18 – 20 at 7:30 p.m.

“Crowns” by Regina Taylor – dates and times to be announced

 

Attention, Farm Families! Apply For A Chance To Be Featured During 2022 N.C. State Fair

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– Information courtesy of N.C. State Press Office

 

Has your farm family got what it takes to be one of the 11 families recognized this year at the N.C. State Fair as a Farm Family of the Day?

If you are proud to be an N.C. farmer, work hard to contribute to the state’s No. 1 industry and love both farming and the N.C. State Fair, you could be one of the lucky ones selected.

The “Farm Family of the Day” program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, is returning for its second year to recognize and celebrate more of our state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind our $92.9 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.

Applications can be found at https://ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions/FarmFamilyOfTheDay.htm The deadline to apply is Sept. 16.

“The State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new agricultural practices and technology. Helping people make the connection between farming and the food they enjoy is one of our top missions at the NCDA&CS each year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“Thanks to Tractor Supply Company, this program can help tell the story of and celebrate our farm families. Farmers are out there every day working to grow the food, fiber and fuel that we need to survive.”

Families recognized as Farm Family of the Day honorees will be awarded an N.C. State Fair gift basket including fair tickets to use on any day of their choice during the 2022 N.C. State Fair, ride passes and additional swag from Tractor Supply Company and the N.C. State Fair. Families will be chosen by both nomination and application.

The 2022 N.C. State Fair is set for Oct. 13-23 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights. For more information, visit https://www.ncstatefair.org/2022/index.htm.