Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

NCDHHS

New Program Can Help Eligible Households That Face Water Disconnection

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A new emergency program launched today (Dec. 1) to help low-income households afford water and wastewater services. The program, called Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is scheduled to run through September 2023 or until the funds are all used up. It is a federally funded program administered through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Households that have already had the water or wastewater services cut off or have received notice of being cut off because of past due bills may be eligible to apply for the one-time payment, which will be paid directly to the utility company, according to a press release.

Families that already receive assistance from federal programs such as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services are automatically eligible. Households that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021 also are automatically eligible. These households should contact the local Department of Social Services for more information.

There are certain eligibility criteria, according to the press release. A household must have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen and have income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, have household services that are already disconnected, in danger of disconnection or have a current outstanding bill that they are responsible for paying.

If your water has been cut off, or if you have gotten a notice of disconnection, apply online at www.epass.nc.gov, apply in person at your local department of social services or by phone. In addition, a paper application is available at the website above and can be completed and dropped off or faxed to the department of social services.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, any household needing help paying its water bill can apply for help if they meet eligibility requirements.

Visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-household-water-assistance-program-lihwap to learn more.

Michael Easley, Jr. Sworn In As U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of NC

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Michael F. Easley, Jr. is the newest U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. His nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Nov. 19, 2021 and U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III administered the oath of office last week, according to a press statement.

 “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the Eastern District of North Carolina as United States Attorney,” Easley said in the statement. “I am grateful to President Biden for this opportunity, and I want to thank Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis for their strong support through the confirmation process.”

As U.S. Attorney, Easley is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of North Carolina, which includes Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties among the 44 easternmost counties of North Carolina. He oversees a staff of 119 employees, including 58 attorneys and 61 non-attorney support personnel.  The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics.  The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Easley was a partner in McGuire Woods LLP prior to his appointment and was a litigator focused on internal investigations and trial court work in state and federal courts.  He represented businesses and individuals in civil, criminal, and regulatory matters over a wide range of topics, including criminal law, environmental, consumer protection, business torts, professional negligence, government contracting, as well as matters involving financial services and securities.

Easley also has advised clients facing inquiries by the U.S. Department of Justice, North Carolina Ethics Commission, and matters before other governmental regulatory bodies.

Born in Southport, Easley attended the University of North Carolina where he graduated with honors and distinction in political science. He later received his law degree with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

In addition to his work at McGuireWoods, Easley contributed time to various bar and community organizations.  He served as a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of North Carolina.  He was also a member of the Criminal Justice Section Council and the Integration, Equity & Equal Justice Task Force of the North Carolina Bar Association. Mr. Easley also served as a mentor in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Success in Law School Mentoring Program.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Online ‘Holiday Mini-Term’ Classes Run Nov. 29 to Dec. 24

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Vance-Granville Community College is offering more than a dozen online classes as part of its Holiday Mini-Term. The deadline to pay for the classes is Wednesday, Nov. 23 at noon.

The mini-term will be sandwiched in between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve – Nov. 29-Dec. 24, according to information from VGCC.

Current students should speak with their academic advisor to learn more about the classes; new students should contact the admissions office at 252.738.3327 to get started with the enrollment process.

Following is a list of classes that will be offered:

  • College Transfer Success (ACA 122)
  • Introduction to Business (BUS 110)
  • Introduction to Computers (CIS 110)
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice (CJC 111)
  • Law Enforcement Operations (CJC 121)
  • Corrections (CJC 141)
  • Crisis Intervention (CJC225)
  • Personal Health/Wellness (HEA 110)
  • Critical Thinking (HUM 115)
  • Music Appreciation (MUS 110)
  • American Government (POL 120
  • General Psychology (PSY 150)
  • Introduction to Sociology (SOC 210)

Visit vgcc.edu to learn more.

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is not a paid ad.)

Warren Cooperative Extension Has Portable Livestock Equipment To Lease

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The Warren County Cooperative Extension has livestock handling equipment for lease to farmers and producers who operate in the county.

According to livestock agent Matthew Place, one item that is available is a squeeze chute, built for small ruminants like sheep and goats. The chute allows for full restraint for animals for vaccinations and other work and has a tilt feature that allows for the animal to be laid on its side for hoof trimming or other types of needed treatment.

There also is a portable cattle-working facility available for lease. Place describes this as a portable corral system that has an alley and headgate built in. The whole assembly can hold up to 50 head of brood cows.

For more information about leasing these pieces of equipment, contact the Warren County Extension Office at 252.257.3640 or email Matthew Place at mbplace@ncsu.edu.

Butterfield Announces Retirement; Served 1st Congressional District For Almost 18 Years

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Congressman G.K.Butterfield, Jr. has announced that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives next year, ending almost 18 years of service in Washington, DC.

Butterfield, a Democrat, has represented North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District since 2004. Most of Vance County and all of Warren County are included in the district.

In a video address announcing his retirement, Butterfield, 74, criticized the state legislature’s newly enacted district map that he called “partisan.”

“It is time for me to retire and allow the torch to be passed to someone who shares the values of the district and can continue the work that I’ve labored so hard for the past 18 years.”

He said he is proud of his work in Congress and said that although the country faces challenges, “I am confident that our best days are yet ahead.”

 Butterfield offered thanks to his family and his “competent and loyal” staff in Washington and in North Carolina for their continued support.

“To those of you who have helped me and encouraged me, I want to take this opportunity to thank you – thank each one of you – from the bottom of my heart.”

NC Coop Extension

Tobacco Growers Vote Nov. 18 On Whether To Continue Check-off Program To Fund Research

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Update 11-19-21

Paul McKenzie, agriculture agent for Vance and Warren counties, said the results will be available the week of Nov.22.

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Area tobacco growers join others across the state this week to vote whether to continue a self-assessment of 10 cents per 100 pounds of flue-cured and burley tobacco sold to support tobacco research and education.

The vote will take place on Nov. 18, and Paul McKenzie, agriculture agent for Vance and Warren counties, said a two-thirds vote in the affirmative will mean that the check-off program will be good until 2027.

The check-off program started in 1991 and allocates more than $200,000 annually to tobacco-related research and extension projects at N.C. State University. State law requires a referendum be held every six years.

“This referendum is important to the future of tobacco production in North Carolina,” said Sonia Murphy, president of the N.C. Agricultural Foundation and state check-off coordinator. “Federal funding for tobacco research ceased in 1994, and state support has declined in recent years due to state budget reductions.

“I encourage tobacco growers to vote on this important check-off,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “A two-thirds majority of votes is needed to pass the assessment, so be sure to cast your vote.”

Funds from the check-off are allocated by the N.C. Tobacco Research Commission, whose membership includes the Commissioner of Agriculture, the N.C. Farm Bureau Federation president, the N.C. State Grange president, the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina president and the chairman of the N.C. Tobacco Foundation.

Ballots will be available for tobacco growers at county extension offices on Nov. 18.  Contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension office for specific information regarding polling locations and times.

Vance County Extension – 252.438.8188.

Granville County Extension – 919.603.1350

Warren County Extension – 252.257.3640

Franklin County Extension – 919.496.3344

The Local Skinny! Youth Interested In Showing Dairy Calves Can Attend Meeting Nov. 16 At Warren Armory

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Youngsters who want to learn more about the 2022 Dairy Calf project of the Warren County Extension 4-H program are invited to a meeting next week, according to information from Matthew Place, Warren livestock agent.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Warren Armory Civic Center. The civic center is located at 501 US Hwy. 158 Bus E, Warrenton, NC 27589.

Participants do not have to live in Warren County; Place said he welcomes youngsters and their parents to the meeting to learn details.

The eight-week project will take place next summer. The 4-Hers will work with their assigned Guernsey calf weekly to get them ready for the Central Carolina District Junior Dairy Show.

The 4-H program is for young people ages 5 to 18.

For more information, contact the Warren County office of N.C. Cooperative Extension at 252.257.3640.

 

Warren County Adds 2 To Newly Merged Community and Economic Development Dept.

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The newly formed Warren County Community and Economic Development department has added two staff members to further the mission of comprehensive and strategic development for the county.

Cynthia Jones is the assistant director of the new department, which merged with the county’s planning and zoning department over the summer. Jones replaces Ken Krulik, who retired Oct. 1 after 14 years with the county planning and zoning department. The newly formed department also is responsible for GIS and code enforcement, according to a press release from Director Charla Duncan.

Rachel Wooster started a job as a developer in mid-September.

Jones will oversee the planning, zoning, code enforcement and GIS divisions. She is a native of Nash County and has 19 years of local government experience, having previously worked in Edgecombe and Nash counties and the city of Rocky Mount. Jones is a state-certified zoning official and a member of the North Carolina Community Development Association and the state chapter of the American Planning Association.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Cynthia will be an asset to our community and economic development team,” Duncan said. “As we work toward a new vision and strategy for these department divisions, Cynthia’s talent, experience and knowledge are going to strengthen the work that we are doing for Warren County.”

County Manager Vincent Jones said Cynthia Jones brings a strong planning background to the job. “She will be instrumental in helping us modernize our operations and grow our focus on community development going forward,” he added.

Wooster is a native of Raleigh. She was recently graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in poliical science and public administration.

“Rachel has an energy and enthusiasm for development work that I believe will resonate with both our current and future residents and businesses,” Duncan stated.

“Our goal with community and economic development, especially now that we have countywide zoning, is for our planning and economic development divisions to work with each other and not in silos. As we enter into the beginning stages of our Comprehensive Development Plan update, it’s a perfect time to think about how we want to use our land, how we want to grow, and what actions we need to take to get there,” Duncan said.

Both Wooster and Jones have offices in the Warren County Health Department complex located at 542 W. Ridgeway St. in Warrenton.

Jones can be reached at cynthiajones@warrencountync.gov and Wooster can be reached at rachelwooster@warrencountync.gov.

For more information, contact Charla Duncan, Director of Warren County Community and Economic Development at charladuncan@warrencountync.gov or call 252.257.3115. Duncan’s office is located in the County Administrative Office Building at 602 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton.

Warren Senior Center Offers Sweet Thank You To Local Law Enforcement

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As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” But when the picture includes the words “Thank You,” it just adds value.

Representatives of Warren County law enforcement got some special recognition during the recent National Thank a Police Officer Day. Staff and volunteers from the Warren County Senior Center delivered cupcakes and thank you cards to local law enforcement agencies to thank them for their service to the community. Thank you cards and dozens of cupcakes were delivered to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the Warrenton Police Department, and the Norlina Police Department on Friday, Sept. 17 as an acknowledgement of appreciation.

Warrenton

Sheriff

Norlina

TownTalk: Soul City: Race, Equality And The Lost Dream Of An American Utopia

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Thomas Healy was born in 1969, the same year that Floyd McKissick launched Soul City, his dream to build a new town in Warren County that would boast 50,000 residents and pump life into a historically poor area of North Carolina.

Healy, although born and raised in North Carolina, only learned about Soul City when he was a reporter in the 1990’s at The News & Observer in Raleigh, he told Bill Harris and Mark Pace on Thursday’s Town Talk.

And now, the Seton Hall law professor has written a book about the spot where McKissick had envisioned Black people living, working and thriving. But Soul City: Race, Equality, and the Lost Dream of an American Utopia also looks examines misperceptions surrounding Soul City.

One glaring misperception is that McKissick wanted to build an all-Black city an hour north of Durham, Healy said. Then, with the backdrop of protests in Ferguson, Missouri, Healy decided to take a closer look at the story of Soul City and “to tell people about this history and, to some extent, set the record straight.”

McKissick, a Democrat, had some unlikely allies when he was trying to build Soul City, from James Holshouser, the Republican elected governor in 1972 all the way to the White House and Richard Nixon. Although initially skeptical and hostile, Healy noted, the nay-sayers realized what Soul City could do, they were on board.

But not Jesse Helms, newly elected senator from North Carolina. “Helms was hostile to Soul City from the very beginning,” Healy said. Ironically, The News & Observer, no friend of Helms ordinarily, “sort of tag-teamed with Jesse Helms in a way” in opposition to Soul City.

That combined opposition of the newpaper and Helms “was really devastating” for Soul City. Healy opined that if one or the other had not been such vocal opponents, then maybe Soul City would have had a fighting chance at survival.

Unlike suburban areas that grew up around urban areas as bedroom communities, Soul City was plopped in the middle of a rural county with little industry nearby. McKissick was trying to build a city of 50,000 people in a county that had a total population of 16,000 – he would have to clear the land, pave the roads, bring in electricity and then build homes, parks, amenities that would attract residents. And then there would need to be jobs.

It was a classic chicken-egg theory – which would come first, jobs or the city? Industry would demand a skilled workforce to draw from, and residents would have to have a way to make their livelihood in order to relocate, Healy said.

It was a strategic, yet pragmatic move that McKissick made in the summer of 1972 to switch political parties. He became a Republican and supported Nixon. Healy said he felt like this was insurance that would assure Soul City would get the federal dollars from HUD to become a reality.

Soul City got the money, but it wasn’t enough, Healy said. And that type of idealistic thought doesn’t exist today. “It was a super ambitious, audacious project,” Healy said. “If you proposed something like this now, I think people would look at you like you were crazy.”

McKissick did not see his dream come to full reality. He died in 1991, after Soul City had closed. But Healy said he felt McKissick would be heartbroken today to see that spot in Warren County where his dream began.

For complete details and audio click play.