Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

NC Forest Service

NC Celebrates Arbor Day Friday, Mar. 21

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— courtesy of N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Sciences

North Carolina will observe Arbor Day Friday, March 21, to commemorate the annual tree-planting holiday.

“Planting trees is important because they clean the air we breathe and the water we drink. Trees increase our property values, lower our energy consumption and costs, help control stormwater, and substantially benefit wildlife and human health,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Trees are a good investment of public dollars, and planting trees is a simple, responsible and natural solution to many challenges that we face each day in North Carolina. Communities across the state are holding Arbor Day celebrations, and I encourage everyone to contact your local municipality to be part of their event.”

Once deemed “the treeless plain,” Nebraska was home to the inaugural Arbor Day celebration in 1872 with the planting of more than a million trees. North Carolina observes Arbor Day the first Friday following March 15, while National Arbor Day is held the last Friday in April each year.

The N.C. Forest Service offers a variety of state forestry programs that grow and strengthen our forest resources by supporting landowners and communities with tree planting, site preparation and forest improvement practices. Planting trees and responsible urban forest management at the local level such as community involvement and participation in urban forestry recognition programs are critical to sustaining healthy forest resources throughout North Carolina.

N.C. Forest Service staff are available to help landowners manage their woods and communities manage their urban forest. NCFS staff are also available to assist with developing Arbor Day celebrations and presenting Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education and Tree Line USA awards during community celebrations.

Warren County Site Of Kickoff Event To Mark ‘Small Farms Week’ Mar. 24-28

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The N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Small Farms Week begins Monday, Mar. 24 in Warren County, home of last year’s Small Farmer of the Year Patrick Brown of Brown Family Farms.

The kickoff event begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Warren County Armory Civic Center and includes a catered lunch, panel discussion and will culminate with a tour of Brown Family Farms.

Registration is required.

Small Farms Week is N.C. A&T State University’s annual tribute to small-scale agriculture. It will be held the week of March 24-28. The theme, “Next Gen Agriculture” will highlight the evolving farming practices and new technologies designed for environmental sustainability and resilience in this era of climate change. General registration for the luncheon is $35 and can be paid online through the registration link.

 

Small Farms Week was launched in 1987 by Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T as a way to connect with small-scale farmers and those in limited-resource communities to ensure they receive the latest research-based information on farming techniques, new tools and technologies. It also gives the public a chance to meet their agricultural neighbors and learn about farm operations and food production.

 

To view the full schedule for Small Farms Week and register for events, including the kickoff, please visit: https://whova.com/portal/registration/3mr@v3iUCbUuwA9gCESQ/

The Local Skinny! VGCC Foundation Fundraiser Saturday, April 5 At HighRock Farms

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Join The VGCC Foundation at the second annual wine tasting gala and silent auction fundraiser on Saturday, April 5, from 6 – 9 p.m. to help support students facing unforeseen financial crises.

The event’s theme is  “Unlocking Possibilities: You Are Key,” and will take place at HighRock Farms in Granville County.

Unexpected burdens can easily derail some students. Through initiatives like a food pantry, emergency assistance, transportation vouchers and career closet, The VGCC Foundation steps in to meet students’ basic needs when the unexpected gets in the way of their academic progress, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Now in its second year, the wine tasting gala and silent auction features an array of wineries showcasing their signature wines including reds, whites, bubbly and more. Guests will enjoy a buffet of foods including chicken, beef, and more (as well as tea and water), while The Hub will offer a variety of beer and wine for purchase by the glass.

Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass and have the option to purchase their favorite finds. In addition, a variety of silent auction items will be on display for bidding throughout the evening. Also added this year is a Wine Pull and various raffle opportunities. A short program showcasing students who have benefited from donor contributions will open the evening, and local students will provide the event’s entertainment.

HighRock Farms, located at 2317 Enon Road outside Oxford, is owned by Beth and Dave Hollister.

Dress for the evening is business attire.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased through The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation office. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so be sure to get yours early! To purchase tickets online, visit www.vgcc.edu/the-vgcc-foundation-online-gifts and enter “Gala” in the Designation box. To purchase tickets using any other method, please email foundation@vgcc.edu or call 252.738.3264.

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Warren County Hires First Tourism Manager; Position Funded Through Occupancy Tax Revenues

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— information courtesy of Warren County government

Warren County has its first tourism manager. Cherie Nielsen began in the new role on Tuesday, Mar. 4, which was created through a partnership with the county’s Tourism Development Authority and Community and Economic Development.

Nielsen brings a wealth of experience to the job that will help to enhance and expand tourism initiatives across the county, according to a press statement issued Friday.

“On behalf of the Warren County TDA and its members, it is my pleasure to welcome Cherie Nielsen as our new Tourism Manager,” stated Michael Hawkins, chair of the Warren County TDA board. “I am confident that her expertise and competencies can enable us to reach new heights with tourism in the county. I look forward to the changes or developments that she intends to bring about.”

As Tourism Manager, Nielsen said she will focus on increasing Warren County’s visibility as a travel destination while ensuring that tourism growth benefits the entire community, including rural residents and businesses.

“Tourism is a key economic driver, and I am committed to leveraging Warren County’s rich history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities to attract visitors and support local businesses,” she stated.

Another goal is to strengthen connections between tourism and the larger community, recognizing the role of agritourism, local artisans and small businesses in driving sustainable economic growth.

Through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing, she plans to promote Warren County’s unique assets while creating opportunities for residents to engage in and benefit from tourism initiatives.

The tourism manager position is fully funded through the newly enacted occupancy tax, which went into effect on July 1, 2024. This funding allows for expanded tourism development efforts, marketing campaigns, and infrastructure improvements that will enhance visitor experiences and drive economic impact for the county. Occupancy taxes are levied on short-term lodging and related rentals and are paid by the visitor, not the property owner.

“Tourism has been a function of Warren County economic development for decades, but we have never had dedicated staff and dedicated funding to apply towards tourism initiatives,” said Charla Duncan, director of the County’s Community and Economic Development department. “For the past decade, we’ve seen year-over-year growth in travel-related expenditures in Warren County. With dedicated tourism resources, we look forward to bringing in more revenue to the county and to local businesses.”

Nielsen has experience with strategic planning, marketing and business development. Most recently, she served as the Project Associate Director for the Industrial Development Authority of Brunswick County, VA, where she played a pivotal role in securing funding, managing large-scale projects and fostering partnerships to revitalize the local economy. Her leadership contributed to business retention and expansion efforts, community development and the promotion of regional assets to attract investment.

Prior to that, Nielsen spent five years with the N.C. Department of Commerce as the Welcome Center manager in Warren County, where she led efforts to promote tourism across all 100 counties in North Carolina, connecting travelers with local attractions, businesses and cultural experiences. She also has experience in outdoor recreation and trail development, having served as the Trail Coordinator for the nonprofit Tobacco Heritage Trail before joining the Department of Commerce.

With a passion for rural economic development, Nielsen has also worked extensively in grant writing, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy.

For more information on the Warren County occupancy tax, visit https://www.warrencountync.com/876/Occupancy-Tax-5.

For information on the Warren County Tourism Development Authority, visit https://warrencountync.com/902/Tourism-Development-Authority.

To contact Cherie Nielsen, email cherienielsen@warrencountync.gov.

S-Line Rail Corridor

TownTalk: NCDOT, Warren County Leaders Plan Feb. 25 Open House To Discuss Norlina’s Future S-Line’s Mobility Hub

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The community is invited to come out next week to hear about the progress being made on a mobility hub that is scheduled to be built in Norlina as part of a multi-million dollar project that will bring passenger rail service to the area.

The N.C. Department of Transportation and Warren County will host a community meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25 for the proposed Norlina Mobility Hub. The hub would allow people to access different modes of transportation from a central location.

“We’re excited to be working closely with Warren County residents to share information about the mobility hub project and hear how we can work together to get the community ready for rail and bring additional economic activity to the county,” said Brennon Fuqua, director of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division.

The open house will last from 5-8 p.m. and will be held at the Warren County Armory, 501 U.S. Hwy 158 Bus E. in Warrenton. People may drop in at any time to hear updates and learn about next steps.

The NCDOT Rail and Integrated Mobility Divisions will update the public about the status of the S-Line program, the work done to date on the Mobility Hub Study and seek feedback. The S-Line Raleigh to Richmond Passenger Rail Project is a partnership between the NCDOT and the Virginia Rail Passenger Authority to develop an abandoned freight corridor into a future highly efficient passenger rail service. It will connect communities between Raleigh and Richmond.

As part of the S-Line rail project, NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division is studying design options for mobility hubs in several communities, including Norlina, in Warren County.

A mobility hub is a public facility that brings together a rail station with “last-mile” transportation options, such as ride sharing, regional transportation, community amenities and other services. These hubs offer safe solutions to get off the train and use a bike, shuttle, ride sharing service or other mode to finish their trip.

To learn more about IMD and the mobility hub projects, visit NCDOT.gov. Follow Integrated Mobility on Twitter/X @NCDOT_IMD and LinkedIn at NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division.

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NC SBI

TownTalk: SBI Reports Arrest In Connection With Warren County Woman’s Body Found In Vance County Pond

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— Information from N.C. State Bureau of Investigation website

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) received information regarding the location of a suspect in a missing person case from Warren County, NC. As a result, 37-year-old Bryan David Griffin Jr. was located at a hotel on Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach, SC. He has been taken into custody by personnel from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The SBI would also like to thank the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating Griffin.

In January 2024, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office requested the SBI’s assistance regarding a missing person case from 2023. Dana Leigh Mustian was last seen on November 30, 2023, on Dorothy Drive in Warrenton, NC. On January 30, 2025, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Youngsville Rescue and EMS Dive Team, and the SBI, conducted searches in Vance County. While searching a pond near Henderson, possible human remains were discovered. These remains were sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office for identification and were confirmed to be those of Dana Leigh Mustian. Her family has been informed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Griffin has been charged with concealment of a death and is currently awaiting an extradition hearing at a Myrtle Beach Detention Facility.  No further information is available at this time.

This morning, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) received information regarding the location of a suspect in a missing person case from Warren County, NC. As a result, 37-year-old Bryan David Griffin Jr. was located at a hotel on Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach, SC. He has been taken into custody by personnel from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The SBI would also like to thank the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating Griffin.

In January 2024, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office requested the SBI’s assistance regarding a missing person case from 2023. Dana Leigh Mustian was last seen on November 30, 2023, on Dorothy Drive in Warrenton, NC. On January 30, 2025, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Youngsville Rescue and EMS Dive Team, and the SBI, conducted searches in Vance County. While searching a pond near Henderson, possible human remains were discovered. These remains were sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office for identification and were confirmed to be those of Dana Leigh Mustian. Her family has been informed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Griffin has been charged with concealment of a death and is currently awaiting an extradition hearing at a Myrtle Beach Detention Facility.  No further information is available at this time.

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4-H Dairy Youth Program Interest Meeting Re-Scheduled To Tuesday, Feb. 25

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Youth in Warren and Franklin counties interested in showing dairy calves are invited to a 4-H Dairy Youth Program interest meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25 in Louisburg. This meeting was originally scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20, but has been re-scheduled because of the winter storm.

The Feb. 25 meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Annex in Louisburg.

During the 8-week program, youth will learn about dairy calves and preparing them for a local show. In addition to learning more about handling livestock, participants will gain knowledge about communication, public speaking, record-keeping, teamwork and problem solving.

Bi-weekly practices will begin on Monday, April 7.

Register online at go.ncsu.edu/franklin2025dairymeeting

For more information, please contact the office at 919.496.3344,

Contact your local livestock agent to learn more:

Winter Weather

Bread, Check! Milk, Check! Prepare For Winter Weather

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Southerners have long been the butt of jokes about preparing for winter weather: We flock to grocery stores and hit the milk and bread sections, leaving behind empty, bare shelves in our wake.

But there are plenty of other suggestions that people here in the South – and elsewhere – should keep in mind when the threat of snow, sleet and ice is in the forecast, and Chris Tucker and the folks at Warren County Emergency Services have issued a comprehensive checklist to review – just in case the forecasters are correct about Wednesday and Thursday’s inclement weather.

  1. Prepare Your Home and Family
  • Check your heating system to ensure it is functioning properly. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, make sure you have enough fuel.
  • Inspect your windows and doors for any drafts. Seal any gaps to keep the cold air out.
  • Stock up on essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, and batteries. Aim for at least a 72-hour supply.
  • Charge all electronic devices (phones, tablets, flashlights, etc.) to ensure they are ready in case of power outages.
  • Prepare an emergency kit with blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, candles, and extra warm clothing.
  • Know your local emergency shelters and how to reach them in case you need to evacuate or seek refuge.
  1. Ensure Your Vehicle Is Ready
  • Top off your gas tank to prevent your fuel line from freezing and to ensure you have enough fuel during an emergency.
  • Check your tires for adequate tread and proper inflation. Keep tire chains in the car if needed.
  • Have an emergency car kit with essentials such as a shovel, blankets, snacks, water, flashlight, jumper cables, and sand or salt for traction.
  • Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and top off windshield washer fluid.
  1. Prepare for Snow Removal
  • Shovel and salt: Make sure you have a snow shovel and a bag of salt or sand to use on driveways, sidewalks, and steps. Consider using a snow blower if you have one.
  • Clear your gutters: Remove any leaves or debris that could prevent proper drainage, which could lead to ice buildup during the storm.
  1. Stay Informed
  • Monitor weather updates from trusted sources, such as local news, the National Weather Service, or weather apps.
  • Sign up for local emergency alerts to receive real-time information and warnings about the storm.
  1. Ensure the Safety of Your Pets
  • Bring pets indoors before the storm begins. If they must stay outside, provide proper shelter with enough warmth and protection.
  • Stock up on pet food to ensure you have enough for the duration of the storm.
  1. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors
  • Check on elderly or disabled neighbors to make sure they are prepared for the storm and have necessary supplies.
  • Offer assistance with tasks like bringing in outdoor furniture, stocking up on food, or clearing driveways if possible.
  1. Prepare for Power Outages
  • Have alternative light sources such as flashlights and candles in case of power outages.
  • Unplug sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and appliances to prevent potential damage from power surges when the electricity returns.
  1. Stay Off the Roads
  • Avoid driving during the snowstorm unless absolutely necessary. If travel is essential, take extra precautions by ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready.
  1. Review Your Insurance and Property Protection
  • Check your insurance coverage to ensure you are protected in case of damage caused by snow and ice (e.g., roof collapse or broken pipes).
  • Remove or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and objects that could be blown away by strong winds.
  1. Plan Your Post-Storm Recovery
  • Develop a plan for post-storm cleanup. Have a plan for clearing snow, checking for potential damage, and taking care of any fallen trees or branches.

Warren County Film About Toxic Landfill Protest

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Area residents who may have missed an earlier screening of a documentary film about events that happened 40 years ago in Warren County have another opportunity to see it next week.

The film, “Our Movement Starts Here,” chronicles protests against the state of North Carolina’s plan to build a toxic waste landfill in the county, which inspired an international movement for environmental justice.

Head over to the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center on Monday, Feb. 24 for a 5:30 p.m. screening. The doors open at 5 for this free event, presented by VGCC as part of the college’s annual Black History Month observance. Filmmaker John Rash will be on hand, along with a panel of original protesters, for a question-and-answer session at the conclusion of the film.

Through contemporary interviews with the original protesters who inspired the environmental justice movement in 1982, this feature documentary tells the story of a rural community fighting the state of North Carolina’s plan to construct a toxic landfill near their homes.

The film was already shown Tuesday, Feb. 18 at the Warren County Senior Center.

Warren County Health Dept. Hosts “Healthy Hearts” Workshop At Perfecting Praise Ministries Saturday, Feb. 22

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– information courtesy of Warren County government

The Warren County Health Department will host a second workshop in celebration of February Heart Health Month. The agency will partner with Perfecting Praise Ministries to conduct a “Healthy Hearts” Community Event on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the church located at 1216 US Highway 158 Business West, Norlina (Food Lion Shopping Center). The guest speaker will be Dr. Phil Mendys. Registration begins at 9:30 am. The workshop is from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Register by Thursday, Feb. 20 by calling 252.257.6017 or 252.257.6012. The health department will offer free health screenings. A light lunch will be provided.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The health department joins the American Heart Association in raising awareness about cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease. The three-pronged focus is to 1) educate communities about heart disease and stroke; 2) share effective strategies to enhance heart health; and 3) learn steps that you can take to save lives such as Hands-Only CPR from Warren County EMS.

In addition, participants will also get information on other services and community resources.

Did you know?

  • Infants and children need CPR including breaths.

 

  • More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year. 40 percent are related to sports. Nearly 20 percent are infants.

 

Join the community of lifesavers and be ready to step up for a loved one, a neighbor, friend or co-worker.