Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

‘Operation Fan Heat Relief’ Provides Fans To Eligible Elderly, Disabled

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-Information courtesy of N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging and Adult Services is partnering with the N.C. Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to distribute fans to eligible recipients through Operation Fan Heat Relief.

People over the age of 60, as well as adults with disabilities, are eligible to sign up for assistance now through the end of October at local aging agencies across the state, according to information from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

Residents in Vance, Granville, Warren, Person and Franklin counties can contact the Kerr Tar Regional COG, 1724 Graham Ave., Henderson at 252.436.2040 or visit their website https://www.kerrtarcog.org/

Since 1986, the relief program has purchased fans for older adults and adults with disabilities, providing them with a more comfortable living environment and reducing heat-related illnesses.

The program is made possible by donations from Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Dominion Resources and Valassis, and allows regional area agencies on aging and local provider agencies to purchase fans for eligible individuals. Local provider agencies can also purchase a limited number of air conditioners based on a person’s specific health conditions.

Last year, DAAS received $85,500 in donations, allowing for the distribution of 3,240 fans and 26 air conditioners.

As individuals age and develop chronic medical conditions, they are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature, and they may also be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. Operation Fan Heat Relief helps vulnerable adults at risk for heat-related illnesses stay safe during the summer.
In addition to applying for fans, people ages 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities, can take the following steps during high temperatures:

  • Increase fluid intake
  • Spend time in cool or air-conditioned environments regularly
  • Reduce strenuous activity during the afternoon
  • Speak with their physician before summer about how to stay safe while taking medication that can affect the body’s ability to cool itself (e.g., high blood pressure medications)

For more details, individuals may contact their area agency on aging or the Division of Aging and Adult Services’ housing program consultant at 919.855.3419.

More information about Operation Fan Heat Relief, including tips on preparing for extreme heat and a list of local agencies distributing fans, is available at www.ncdhhs.gov/operation-fan-and-heat-relief.

Warren Announces New Community Services Hire, Will Serve As Recreation Director

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The Warren County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the appointment of Bonnie Fitz as the new assistant director of community services.

Fitz is scheduled to begin work on May 16, 2022, according to a press release from Charla Duncan, senior assistant to County Manager Vincent Jones and the community & economic development director. Fitz’s primary role will be to serve as the county’s recreation director. Her annual salary will be $71,500.

Fitz brings more than 20 years of experience in the parks and recreation industry to her new role in Warren County. Most recently, Fitz was the parks and recreation manager for York County, Virginia. Her recreation background spans multiple local government organizations in South Carolina and Fitz has received multiple awards in her past roles, including the National Association of Counties Parks and Recreation Achievement Award in 2019 and 2020 in her role with York County.

“We are excited to diversify and grow our recreation programming,” said Commissioner Victor Hunt, who serves on the Parks and Recreation Commission. “We are confident Ms. Fitz will take us in the right direction.”

NC Dept of Agriculture

Horse Owners: Protect Your Animals From Mosquito-Borne Diseases

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Information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Agriculture

N.C. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging equine owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus.

“Mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina lasts from spring until the first frost and horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler said in a press statement issued Tuesday, May 3. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent,” he said. However, both diseases are preventable by vaccination.

Last year, 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 repellents 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 may take three to 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 the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

“It’s also a great time to make sure your animal is current on its rabies vaccination,” Troxler said. “In 2021, seven cases of livestock infected with rabies was reported to our Veterinary Division. Since January we have already had four positive cases in livestock. 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.”

The Local Skinny! Hundley Details Warren Co. Farmer’s Market Opening

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The Warren County Farmers Market kicks off its 2022 season on Saturday, April 30. Vendors will be set up at the Warren County Health Department from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and market manager Danylu Hundley invites shoppers to show up and shop local, rain or shine.

“Everything is truly local,” Hundley told John C. Rose on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny! Locally grown strawberries are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what is available at the Warren County farmers market.

In addition to seasonal vegetables, the market offers local beef, pork and chicken, as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor plants, from vegetable starts to Japanese maple trees.

Hundley said she anticipates the number of vendors will grow as the season continues. Many vendors are back this year, and there are several new ones, including Mom’s Creative Décor and More. This vendor joined for the Christmas season last year and brings her handcrafted home décor items this year as a regular vendor.

The local garden club will be on hand, selling plants to support various beautification projects in the county and recyclable tote bags will be given away on Saturday. The tote bags were purchased with microgrant money provided by Duke Energy Foundation through a partnership with Working Landscapes.

Some vendors are accepting debit and credit cards this year, Hundley noted, but cash is still king at the farmers market.

Shoppers also will find locally sourced shiitake mushrooms and baked goods like pound cakes and breakfast cookies when they visit the market.

And grits made from heritage Jimmy Red corn will be available for purchase as well.

Whether it’s a bag of heritage grits or a flat of vegetable plants, there’s something for every taste at the Warren County Farmers Market.

“We have lots planned and look forward to seeing a big turnout,” Hundley said.

The market sets up shop each week at the county health department, 544 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton.

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Equine Nutrition Workshop May 3 At Granville Livestock Arena

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Area horse owners are invited to attend a workshop next week to learn more about what equines need to eat to maintain good health.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3 at the Granville livestock arena, 4200  Cannady Mill Rd.

Topics that will be discussed include understanding hay analyses and various supplements that are on the market to improve everything from a horse’s coat to strong hooves as well as reducing stress and improving gut health.

Feeding horses is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Just like people, different types of horses require different types of nutrition. Athletic horses that compete in events may require feed that is totally different from other equines that may be used for the occasional trail ride. Learn more about equine nutrition at the workshop, hosted by the cooperative extension agencies in Warren and Granville counties.

Registration is required by Sunday, May 1.

To register, CLICK HERE.

Or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-does-your-horse-really-need-tickets-292592440867

 

Free Pop-Up Medical Clinic Coming To Henderson May 14-15

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Vance Charter School is going to be the site for an upcoming pop-up free medical clinic for residents in the Henderson and Vance County area.

The clinic is part of Remote Area Medical (RAM), an organization whose mission is to provide quality medical care by health professionals to those underserved and uninsured populations. The RAM chapter at Duke University has enlisted its members to organize and finalize plans for the weekend clinic.

Some of the procedures that will be done include general exams, women’s health exams, dental fillings, cleanings and extractions and eye exams – with eyeglasses made on site.

Doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists and other health professionals will see patients on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15, beginning at 5 a.m. each day.

Clinics have historically serviced between 200 and 2000 community members over a single weekend, according to Rishabh Jain, a Duke University senior who is one of the organizers for the local event.

Jain said RAM appreciates local collaborators Dr. Brian Mathis of Vance Charter School, Capt. Derrick Smith of the Henderson Salvation Army, and Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt of the Duke Department of Medicine to host a clinic to serve central North Carolina.

There will be extensive COVID-19 protections in place, including HEPA-filtered dental bays, hospital-grade disinfecting protocols and temperature screening and social distancing of waiting patients.

“Patients will never be asked any questions about insurance status—all are welcome,” SS said in an email to WIZS News. “We believe this will be a great initiative that brings diverse cohorts of the Henderson community together.”

Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Michele Burgess said business/professional sponsorship opportunities are available now.  “Your financial assistance is needed, and you will see a direct return on your investment to this special cause with marketing and promotional signage, social media ads, your business name on volunteer t-shirts, and in media news releases,” Burgess said in a statement to WIZS News.

The payments can be made to Vance Charter School, and funds will be used to help cover hotel rooms for four nights for more than 30 volunteers who come in early and stay late to set up the tents, medical equipment, tables/chairs, and clean to prepare for the two-day event.

“Our Chamber’s theme for 2022 is ‘A Year of Community’ and what better way to bring our community together to help provide needed medical care for our citizens,” Burgess said.

She said many local medical professionals will be assisting in the event, as well as other area non-profit groups.

Vance Charter: https://portal.icheckgateway.com/VanceCharterSchool/

There is a drop-down box that indicates whether you want to pay by check or credit card, and then just click on Henderson RAM.  If you prefer to drop off your corporate/personal check, you can do so at Vance Charter School on Ross Mill Road in Henderson.  Please indicate that it is for the Free RAM clinic.

Learn more about RAM at https://www.ramusa.org/

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Announces Second Year Of Downtown Revitalization Grant Program

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Duke Energy Foundation continues its commitment to help downtown communities across the state through a program poised to award $500,000 in downtown revitalization grants.

The application process is open now, according to Duke Energy District Manager Tanya Evans, and this grant cycle marks the second year to support local businesses through the Duke Energy Hometown Grant Revitalization Program.

In 2021, the foundation provided $1.5 million to more than 380 small businesses across the state as a way to support small business recovery since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a press statement, hometown revitalization grants will be awarded in 20 communities across the state. Each community could receive as much as $25,000, Evans said.

Small businesses will partner with a local 501c3 organization, which will create a microgrant program that small businesses will be able to access.

Microgrants may range from $500 to $2,500 per individual business, according to information from Duke Energy. The grant application is open now through May 31, 2022 and is available at duke-energy.com/2022. Grant decisions will be announced in August.

Nonprofits that participated in the 2021 program are not eligible to apply in 2022, Evans said. Working Landscapes in Warren County administered the microgrants in 2021.

“The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to small businesses, and reminded us all how important they are to creating and sustaining vibrant downtowns,” said Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. In a written press statement, De May continued by saying “Our hometown revitalization grants were very well-received across our communities last year. We hope this new wave of funding will continue to help local businesses and storefronts recover from a difficult few years and position them for a more prosperous future.”

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. Learn more at duke-energy.com/foundation.

Warren County Gets National Award For Budget Presentation

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Warren County has received the distinguished budget presentation award for its FY 2021 budget from the Government Finance Officers Association.

According to information from the Chicago-based organization, the achievement reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. Warren County officials met nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as:

  • a policy document
  • a financial plan
  • an operations guide
  • a communications device

Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

“This GFOA Budget Book award is a significant accomplishment for the county,” stat County Manager Vincent Jones. “It is a priority I identified when my tenure with the county began.”

“The Board of Commissioners has focused on making sure the county is well-run, accountable, and transparent,” continued Jones. “Developing a budget book to capture our annual spending plan could not have been accomplished without a dedicated Warren County staff and leadership team. I hope our residents will take note and are proud of this accomplishment as well.”

More than 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent budget award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA’s website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

Warren County’s FY 22 budget is available online at https://www.warrencountync.com/161/Finance.

RISE Open House Set To Gather Input On Regional Resiliency

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A regional forum about resiliency is scheduled for later this month to hear from business and civic leaders and from the community at large to collect information to be used to develop a regional vulnerability assessment.

The open house will take place on Thursday, April 28, from 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m at the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments, located at 1724 Graham Ave., Henderson.

The in-person open house will begin with a short presentation but organizers encourage anyone interested in participating to drop in any time during the 90-minute session to leave suggestions and opinions; participants may choose to join via Zoom between 10:30 a.m. and noon.

The project is called RISE – Regions Innovating for Stronger Economies and Environment – and the open house is hosted by the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency, the N.C. Rural Center, the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments and the Kleinfelder group.

RISE will collect information that it will share within the region related to climate impacts such as flooding and storms, as well as how participants define resilience in the workplace or in homes, as well as community strengths. All of the information will be used to develop a regional vulnerability assessment.

According to Michele Burgess, president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, “As Vance County business leaders, community citizens, and members of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, we are encouraging you to step up and participate” in the regional forum.

The Kerr-Tar region includes Vance, Granville, Franklin, Person and Warren counties and organizers said they are looking to hear from a diverse cross-section of the community across ages, occupations and demographics.

The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84383461025.  The meeting ID is 843 8346.

The RISE project is associated with the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments. Phone Kerr-Tar at 252.436.2040 to learn more.

TownTalk: Pink With A Passion Hosting Walk For Cancer Awareness, Survivors

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Join Pink With A Passion on Saturday, April 9 at the Warren County Recreation Complex for a walk to celebrate cancer survivors and to honor the memories of loved ones whose lives cancer has claimed.

Amena Wilson, president of Pink With A Passion, and Elaine White, vice-president, invite the public to come out to show support for all those who are battling the disease.

“We’ve been trying since 2020 to have it,” Wilson told John C. Rose on Wednesday’s Town Talk. “We are so excited to be able to bring forth this walk,” Wilson said.

The event is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and there will be food trucks, a deejay and the local high school band present to provide entertainment. “There are so many fun activities planned,” Wilson said. Bring a lawn chair and stay for a fun-filled day, she added.

In addition to the three-mile walk, there also will be a ceremony to honor cancer survivors, who also are invited to take part in a survivors’ lap and be recognized by the crowd.

The event is not a fundraiser; rather, an opportunity to give back to the community, Wilson said, and to bring awareness to cancer patients. There will be PWAP t-shirts on sale, however.

White said she and Wilson decided to continue the fundraising efforts to help those battling cancer after they had some leftover money from when Wilson went through treatment of breast cancer after a 2018 diagnosis.

They helped White’s sister when she underwent treatment and just decided to keep it going after that.

“It makes me feel awesome – great – for doing this,” White said. Sometimes, when people’s spirits are low, it’s important to get everyone together and just make them feel good, she said.

This walk and other planned activities is a way to do just that, she said. “It’s something to encourage everybody,” she said.

Future events that Pink With A Passion plans include a Rainbow Luncheon in June. This is another “give back,” Wilson said. There will be limited seating for the free luncheon, she said, which is designed to show a little love to cancer patients and a guest of their choice. “We’ll have sit-down luncheon, encourage them and lift their spirits,” White explained.

A wellness clinic scheduled for October in conjunction with another awareness dinner, will be another fundraiser event for Pink With A Passion.

Visit www.pinkwithapassion.org, call Wilson at 252.213.5735 or White at 243.983.7476 for more information.

 

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