Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

Warren Holds Public Hearing On Grant Funding Wednesday, Oct. 16

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The second of two public hearings for the county’s application for Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization funding will be held Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Armory Civic Center in Warrenton.

The public hearing begins at 6 p.m.

Warren County Community & Economic Development received more than 40 applications from homeowners between July 22 and Aug. 20. The applications were pre-scored and those with the highest scores were contacted for a site assessment to determine overall expected repair costs.

If the county is awarded CDBG-NR funding through the N.C. Rural Economic Development Division, all project activities will serve households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the Warren County median income for appropriate household size. Funding provided through the CDBG-NR program does not require a local match. The grant application will be made to the state this month.

“From the number of applications we received, it is very apparent that housing repair is a need for county residents,” said Community Development Division Manager Rose Ponton. “Submitting this application will be one step on the path to addressing housing challenges in Warren County.”

This information is available in Spanish and any other language upon request. Please contact Rose Ponton, Community Development Division Manager, at 252-257-3115 or at 602 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton, for accommodation of this request.

Crystal Smith Named Warren County Manager

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In a unanimous vote, the Warren County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to appoint Crystal Smith as county manager.

After retiring from the N.C. Cooperative Extension service in May 2023, Smith returned to Warren County to be the senior assistant to the county manager; she was appointed interim county manager in February 2024.

Smith began her 27-plus year career with Cooperative Extension working with the 4-H program in Warren County, eventually working with 4-H in Granville and Franklin counties. She led the Hertford County Cooperative Extension before returning to Warren County as CED in 2012.

For more information, contact 252.257.3115 or visit www.warrencountync.com

Troxler: Western NC Livestock Owners Need Fencing Supplies, Feed

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As supplies for people make their way to western North Carolina following last week’s devastation by Hurricane Helene, N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler issued an urgent plea for donations of fencing supplies to assist livestock owners as they attempt to secure cows, horses and other animals in their care.

“We have seen time and time again our agriculture community support one another in times of need, and this is no different,” Troxler said in a press statement released Thursday.

Hay – especially square bales – and other livestock feed are needed, in addition to the fencing supplies. Area extension agents are good sources of information if you have questions about how to help. Granville County Livestock Extension Agent Kim Woods provided information that includes a direct link to the Disaster Hay and Livestock Assistance Portal. Visit https://go.ncsu.edu/livestockdisasterhelp, note whether you need help or want to offer help. To donate, click on the ‘Want to Help’ button, which will ask for a bit of information and items you have to donate.

“We are seeing an outpouring of support with hay, animal feed, fencing and other supplies that are going out to those needing these resources. In the days ahead, we know we are going to need even more fencing supplies, especially solar fence chargers to help livestock producers. If you have resources to donate, please go to our website to let us know.”

Various donation collection sites have been set up in and around Western North Carolina. For a list of these sites that are being continuously updated, go to: https://www.ncagr.gov/emergency-programs/disaster-information/agsupplydonation

At the present time, here is a list of items being accepted at these locations:

Corn Silage
Grain mix or pellets for cattle
Round and square hay bales
Baleage/Haylage
Mineral Supplements
Fence Supplies
Feed tubs/troughs
Water troughs
Basic animal supplies

Warren Co. Flag

Warren County Drop-Off Locations For Hurricane Relief

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Warren County residents have a number of dropoff locations to donate supplies that will be delivered to flood-ravaged areas of western North Carolina.

Monetary donations will go toward providing essential supplies such as food, water and medical supplies to those affected – even the smallest donations can have a significant difference to those impacted by this devasting storm.

A shipment is scheduled to head west on Friday, but there’s still time to donate.

Take contributions to any of the following locations:

  • Tar Heel Tire, 130 Tar Heel Ave., Warrenton, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Hardware Café, 106 S. Main St., Warrenton, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donations can be dropped off at any volunteer fire department at the below locations:

  • Norlina VFD dropoff will be located at Rachel’s Whistle Stop, Norlina, weekdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Warrenton Rural VFD, 236 S. Main St, Warrenton, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Arcola VFD, 2169 NC Hwy 43, Warrenton, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Drewry VFD, 125 Firefighter Dr., Manson,, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  •  Inez VFD will be located at EB Harris Livestock, 3200 NC Hwy 58, Warrenton, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Afton-Elberon VFD, 2350 US Hwy 401 S., Warrenton, weekdays, 8 a.m. to  5 p.m.
  • Hawtree VFD, 1720 US Hwy 1 North, Norlina, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Macon Rural VFD, 1644 US Hwy 158 East, Macon, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Ridgeway VFD will be located at Ridgeway Pawn Shop, 691 US Hwy 1 S, Ridgeway, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Roanoke-Wildwood VFD, 790 Lizard Creek Road, Littleton, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Churchill Five Forks VFD, 1168 Churchill Road, Macon, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Soul City VFD, 103 Cresent Dr., Norlina, Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Longbridge VFD, 1678 Eaton Ferry Road, Littleton, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Cokesbury VFD, 1516 S. Cokebury Road, Henderson, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Littleton VFD, 226 US 158, Littleton, Tuesday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Warren County Emergency Services, 890 US 158 Bypass, Warrenton, weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NOT accepted at this time are donations of clothing, perishable foods and chemicals.

Following is a list of needed items:

  • Baby Wipes
  • Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
  • Toiletries – shampoo, deodorant, soap
  • Toilet Paper
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Canned Food/nonperishable food items
  • Bottled Water
  • Flashlights
  • Disposable Plates, forks, spoons
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Diapers (Children & Adults) Manual Can Openers
  • Empty Gas Cans
  • First Aid Supplies
  • Trash Bags (Commercial Grade)
  • Batteries (all sizes)
  • Pet Food (Dog & Cat)
  • Feminine Hygiene Products

 

For additional information regarding donations of supplies, contact Mike Coffman at mcoffman@caststonesystems.com .

Make checks payable to Carolina Loggers Foundation, PO Box 785, Henderson, NC 27536. Credit card payments can be made by Venmo to: @carolina-loggers-foundation (For information regarding monetary donations, please contact Jonzi Guill at jguill@ncloggers.com or via phone at 252.809-3057.

Vance Commissioner Carolyn Faines Named Vice-Chair Of Kerr-Tar COG Board

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– Information courtesy of Kerr-Tar COG Administrative and Program Assistant Christa Hight

Vance County Commissioner Carolyn Faines was named vice-chair of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Government’s board of directors at the group’s annual awards banquet Thursday evening.

About 160 attended the event from across the five-county area that comprises the KTCOG. Betty Wright of the town of Louisburg was named board chair and Warren County’s John Alston will serve as treasurer, according to information from KTCOG Administrative and Program Assistant Christa Hight.

The following awards were presented:

  • Kerr-Tar Outstanding Board Member – John Alston, Warren County
  • Outstanding Municipal Elected Official – Butner Mayor Linda Jordon
  • Outstanding County Elected Official – Granville Commissioner Russ May
  • Outstanding Manager – Franklinton Town Manager Zachary Steffey
  • Outstanding Clerk to the Board, Lynda Clayton, City of Roxboro

Derrick Sims, current chair of board of directors presided over the meeting, which was held at Festival House at the Homestead Steakhouse in Timberlake.

 

American Red Cross: October Blood Drives In The Area

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According to the American Red Cross, only three out of 100 Americans donate blood. With the blood supply still at critical levels, every single donation is key to making sure all patients relying on lifesaving transfusions, including car accident victims and those living with sickle cell disease, get the care they need.

The Red Cross needs blood donations and platelet donations. Find an upcoming blood drive near you at

RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Those who come to give Oct. 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

Here’s a list of upcoming blood drives in the four-county area:

Vance County:

  • Thursday, Oct. 3 – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.
  • Monday, Oct. 21 – 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Henderson Family YMCA, 380 Ruin Creek Rd.
  • Monday, Nov. 4 – 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. – South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, 905 Americal Rd.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 12 – 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Kerr Lake Country Club, 600 Hedrick Dr. 130-6 p.m.

Granville County:

  • Saturday, Sept. 28 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., New Grassy Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 8182 Cornwall Rd., Oxford
  • Friday, Oct. 11 – 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Ernest F. Hart American Legion Post 90, 914 Williamsboro St., Oxford

Warren County:

  • Saturday, Oct. 5 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School, 130 Haliwa Saponi Trail, Warrenton

Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ to learn more.

Red Cross: September Is National Preparedness Month

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As meteorologists along the East Coast track the season’s next predicted hurricane, the American Red Cross of North Carolina reminds residents during National Preparedness Month that taking a few minutes to plan ahead can have a big impact on how you, your family and your household fare during weather events.

Whether it’s a hurricane with storm surge and flooding or wildfires and extreme heat, families across the country need to make sure they’re ready in case of an emergency.

“Disasters can happen at any time, often without warning, changing lives forever in just minutes,” said Rebecca Pittman, Regional Disaster Officer for the North Carolina Region. “As we experience more extreme weather, it’s critical to help protect your loved ones and National Preparedness Month is the ideal time to get your household ready for emergencies.”

Pittman said individuals can get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected in case family members become separated for one reason or another.

Follow these steps to prepare for emergencies:

  1. Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
  2. Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
  3. Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
  4. Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
  5. Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish. And don’t forget to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to get critical information during local emergencies.

This year, experts forecasted active wildfires and hurricanes — predictions that are proving to be true. In July, Hurricane Beryl broke records as the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded and in early August, Hurricane Debby brought widespread flooding to much of the East Coast. So far in 2024, 2.7 million more acres of land have been burned by wildfires compared to all of 2023. Plus, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record according to experts. Altogether in 2024, the U.S has experienced 19 climate disasters, each with losses of over a billion dollars — more than double the average from the last 40 years.

When these disasters happen, the Red Cross is there providing food, shelter and comfort to ensure no one faces such a difficult time alone. To help families better cope with increased extreme weather, the Red Cross is also enhancing our support for those who need it most and increasing our capacity to respond to non-stop disasters.

“The best defense during an emergency is to be prepared, and that’s true for both our individual families and our entire community,” said Pittman. “During National Preparedness Month, consider donating to help people affected by disasters big and small, or making an appointment to give blood. If you have the time, take a first aid class or put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer.”

Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.

NCDOT

Portion Of I-85 In Warren County Named In Honor Of Eva Clayton

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A section of Interstate 85 in Warren County has been named in honor of former Congresswoman Eva Clayton.

Officials from the N.C. Department of Transportation, along with friends and family, gathered this weekend to celebrate both Clayton’s birthday and the highway dedication. Signs on I-85 from Ridgeway Drewry Road (Exit 226) to the Warren-Vance County line commemorate Clayton’s legacy in North Carolina.

Clayton earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte and a master’s in biology and general science from N.C. Central University. In 1982, she was elected to the Warren County Board of Commissioners and served as the chair until 1990, before making history in 1992 as the first Black woman to represent North Carolina in Congress. She was elected to serve in Washington, D.C. and served for 10 years, during which time she advocated for the interests of North Carolina’s First Congressional District in the northeast portion of the state.

Her involvement in civic and political affairs was sparked by the civil rights movement. In 2022, Gov. Roy Cooper presented Clayton with the North Carolina Award, the state’s highest civilian honor.

Clayton continues to reside in Warren County, where she remains active in the community.

NC State Board of Elections

State Board of Elections: Sept. 20 Deadline For Counties To Send Absentee Ballots For Military, Overseas Voters

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  • Information from the N.C. State Board of Elections

All 100 county boards of elections must send absentee ballots to eligible military and overseas citizens who requested them for the 2024 general election on Friday, Sept. 20, under a new schedule released by the State Board of Elections.

The board also set Sept. 24 as the date to start sending absentee ballots to other voters who have requested ballots by mail, including those who use the Visually Impaired Portal to request and return their ballots.

This schedule ensures that North Carolina will meet the federal law requirement to distribute ballots to voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) by the 45th day before the election – Sept. 21.

County boards were prepared to send absentee ballots out on Sept. 6, the deadline for absentee ballots to be sent under state law. However, rulings by the N.C. Court of Appeals and N.C. Supreme Court required election officials to remove the We The People party line from the presidential contest on the ballot, including the party’s presidential nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and vice-presidential nominee, Nicole Shanahan.

In North Carolina, any registered voter can vote using an absentee ballot after submitting a request for the ballot. Voters can request their absentee ballot at votebymail.ncsbe.gov. The deadline for absentee requests is Oct. 29. However, election officials urge voters who wish to vote by mail to request their ballot soon, so it can be completed and returned to the voter’s county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. Election Day – Nov. 5.

Through Thursday, more than 166,000 voters – including more than 13,600 military and overseas voters – have requested ballots in North Carolina.

During the past week, State Board staff, county boards of elections staff and voting system and printing vendors have worked to code, design, proof and print new ballots without the We The People party line. Staff have worked to devise contingency plans to ensure that ballots could be delivered as soon as practicable.

Due to the timelines for the printing, delivery and assembly of all absentee ballots in every county, the State Board concluded that the only way to meet the federal deadline for military and overseas citizens was to establish separate dates for distributing absentee ballots.

Election officials will first focus on distributing the military and overseas citizen ballots, which is a smaller group of ballots. Currently, about 8 percent of 2024 absentee requests are from military and overseas citizen voters.

State Board staff have arranged for special on-demand ballot printers to be positioned around the state to fulfill any orders for military and overseas citizen ballots for counties whose orders from their print vendors will not arrive in time for those ballots to be prepared for mailing by next Friday. These special printers can print any ballot style approved for use in the state. There are nearly 2,350 different ballot styles statewide for this election.

Meanwhile, staff will work over the weekend and through next week to prepare the online portal for electronic delivery and return of ballots that is available for military and overseas citizen voters. Nearly 90 percent of military and overseas citizen voters opt for this electronic ballot delivery feature.

This plan allows time for the much larger orders of absentee ballots for all other voters to be printed and delivered to the county boards in time for counties to prepare their outgoing absentee ballot packages for mailing on Sept. 24.

“This schedule is only possible because of the hard work of elections professionals across this state that will continue throughout the next week,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “Because of them, we expect to meet the federal deadline for ballot delivery, and North Carolinians can finally start voting in this important election.”

The State Board has received many questions about the statewide cost of reprinting ballots. Preliminary estimates show the costs vary widely by county, depending on how many ballots must be reprinted and other factors. Estimates range from a few thousand dollars in some smaller counties to $18,000 in Caldwell County, $55,100 in Durham County and $300,000 in Wake County, home to the most registered voters in the state.

Here are key dates and deadlines for the 2024 general election in North Carolina:

Sept. 20: Ballots distributed to military and overseas citizen voters who have requested them.

Sept. 24: Absentee ballots distributed to all other voters who have requested them.

Oct. 11: Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.).*

Oct. 17: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration available.

Oct. 29: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.).*

Nov. 2: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.).

Nov. 5: General Election Day.

Nov. 5: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.).*

*Voter registration and absentee voting deadlines are different for military and overseas citizen voters.

Bull Breeding Soundness Clinic

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There are a few slots left for the upcoming Bull Breeding Soundness Clinic that will take place Friday, Oct. 18 at the Granville County Livestock Arena in Oxford.

Contact Kim Woods at 919.603.1350 or Matthew Place at 919.495.2230 to reserve a time slot.

The breeding soundness exam is hosted by the cooperative extension services in Granville and Warren counties.