Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

NC Coop. Extension to Offer Two-Part High Tunnel Produce Learning Opportunity

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

Raising produce in high tunnels (essentially a greenhouse heated only by the sun) offers many advantages over field production, such as extending the growing season and providing better control over growing conditions. However, it also adds to the complexity for growers. Farmers and others who would like to learn more about them are invited to a two-part learning opportunity.

Part one is an evening workshop on Thursday, September 26 at the NC Cooperative Extension office in Warrenton. The workshop starts at 4 p.m. with an outdoor demonstration showing the principles of high tunnel construction.

Following the demonstration, there will be two classroom presentations addressing high tunnel management and funding options. Our special guest presenters include Dr. Sanjun Gu, Extension Specialist from NC A&T State University and Jerome Evans of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. A catered meal will be served.

Part two is a tour of local farms that have high tunnels in use. The tour will take place on Saturday, September 28, and will feature stops at two farms (one in Franklin County, another in Vance). The tour will convene at 8 a.m. at the NC Cooperative Extension office in Warrenton, returning by 12:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided, and the first 20 registrants will have the option to ride in provided transportation.

Registration is required for these free events, and participants may register for one or both parts. Get all the details including a downloadable flyer and on-line registration form by clicking here or call 252-257-3640.

This learning opportunity is made possible thanks to the generous support of AgCarolina Farm Credit.

U.S. Department of Justice

Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Warren Co. Board of Education

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Warren County, North Carolina, Board of Education (Warren County) that resolves a federal lawsuit brought under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) on behalf of Dwayne Coffer, a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) in the Army Reserve.

In its complaint, the United States alleged that Warren County violated USERRA by eliminating Sergeant Major Coffer’s employment position while he was on active duty with the military and failed to re-employ him in a comparable position when he returned.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Warren County will reinstate Coffer to the position of Dean of Students at Warren County Middle School, and provide him with back pay and pension benefits. The reinstatement position is the one that Coffer held before his period of active duty with the Army.

“Command Sergeant Major Coffer was called upon to leave his civilian employment and serve our nation, and we are grateful for his service,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement agreement with Warren County Resolves the USERRA claims brought by the United States and serves as a reminder that our service members, like CSM Coffer, deserve fair and lawful reemployment following their returns from active military duty.”

“Members of our Reserves, like Command Sergeant Dewayne Coffer, are often called away from their civilian jobs in order to provide the security our nation depends on,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon of the Eastern District of North Carolina. “These citizen service members should never face losing their jobs or be forced to accept an inferior position when they answer that call. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects these brave men and women, and, as this lawsuit demonstrated, the Department of Justice is committed to enforcing it when it is violated.”

USERRA safeguards the rights of uniformed service members to return to their civilian employment following absences due to military service obligations and protect service members from discrimination on the basis of their military obligations. This case stems from a referral by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) following an investigation by the DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS).

After resolution failed, VETS referred the complaint to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. This lawsuit was handled by Deborah Birnbaum and Brian McEntire in the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. James in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of service members’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at https://www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section and https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers, as well as on the Department of Labor’s website at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra.

Town of Warrenton to Feature Free Movie Night Presentation of ‘Smallfoot’

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy the Warrenton Festivals Facebook page

The Town of Warrenton will hold a free family movie night on Saturday, August 10, 2019, starting at 8:45 p.m. in the Historic Courthouse Square, 109 S. Main St., Warrenton. Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Smallfoot” (rated PG) will be the featured presentation.

Enjoy a pre-movie art activity courtesy the Warren County Arts Council.

Admission is free; popcorn and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of family fun.

Town Talk (07/31/19): ‘Visit NC Farms Mobile App’ Launch Announced

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Representatives from NC A&T’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences toured several locations in Vance and Warren counties today to learn more about agricultural opportunities in the local area.

The group began the tour at the ReBuilding Communities NC Cultural Center, 117 Church Street in Henderson, where they were greeted by Executive Director Edythe Thompson, Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington and Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen.

From there, the tour continued to the Henry and Ardis Crews Micro Gardens located at 424 Hamilton Street in Henderson, where Vance Co. Cooperative Extension ANR Technician Wayne Rowland discussed the Crews’ efforts to provide sustainable and efficient gardening practices for the community.

The next stop brought the group to the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM), 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson, where they heard the history of the market and learned of its various community uses.

Turner Pride, extension director for Vance Co., also announced the official launch of the “Visit NC Farms Mobile App” for the five-county region consisting of Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren.

Developed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the app connects users to local farms, restaurants and other agriculturally-related places and events.

“With this app, you can see places that can be toured such as wineries, Farm-to-Table restaurants, individual farmers markets, and farms that are open to the public,” Pride explained.

Pride said the launch of this app is just one way that the community is sharing with both residents and visitors alike that “goodness grows in Vance.”

Diane Cox, executive director for the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) said the app was a collaboration between her agency, NC Cooperative Extension and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

After a successful soft launch in June, Cox was happy to discuss the official launch of the app during Wednesday’s tour.

“Please let Kerr-Tar COG know or let your Cooperative Extension directors know if you are having an event so we can help you market those through the Visit NC Farms App,” said Cox. “It’s a great marketing tool for farmers and it is free.”

A free download of the app is available for Apple products and Androids. Please visit https://visitncfarmstoday.com/ for more information.

NC A&T’s Chancellor Harold Lee Martin, Sr., a tour participant, spoke with WIZS on the future of NC farming and the importance of technological advances in agriculture.

“We see lots of small farmers developing, growing and returning to NC,” Martin said. “We see younger farmers using their education, their technology and science skills to do farming differently from their parents and grandparents. There are going to be more demands from the farmers of the future who are using science, technology and strategy to enhance productivity and profitability.”

Martin said this technological movement mirrors the shift officials are seeing in the state’s economy. “We are seeing movement from more of a skills economy to a knowledge-based economy. Education plays a bigger part in helping us create jobs, retain jobs and attract jobs to NC.”

After departing the VCRFM, tour participants enjoyed lunch and presentations by representatives from Warren County Schools, Warren County Cooperative Extension and Warren County Government at the Warren County Armory Civic Center.

To hear the Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Shanticia Hawkins Named New Warden at Warren Correctional Institution

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Shanticia E. Hawkins as the new warden of the Warren Correctional Institution in Manson.

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Shanticia E. Hawkins as the new warden of the Warren Correctional Institution in Manson. (Photo courtesy NC Dept. of Public Safety)

Hawkins, 45, had been the interim warden at Nash Correctional Institution in Nashville.

In her new position, Hawkins is responsible for all operations at the Warren Correctional Institution, which opened in 1997 and houses close, medium and minimum custody adult male offenders.

A veteran employee to state government, Hawkins began her career as a temporary processing assistant in 1996 at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh.

A year later, she transferred to Polk Youth Institution (which is now Polk Correctional Institution) as a permanent processing assistant working in various departments, including diagnostics and inmate records. While there, she was a member of the team that opened that facility’s first High-Security Maximum Control Unit.

In 1998, she was promoted to case manager and in 2002 was promoted to program supervisor. In 2004, she advanced to the position of classification coordinator at the facility and then became a training specialist.

In 2007, she moved to the Central Region office to be a regional training coordinator and later that year was promoted to be the region manager.

She graduated from Shaw University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a member of the North Carolina Correctional Association, the State Employee Association of North Carolina, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and Minority Pioneers.

She is a certified general instructor and is a graduate of the year-long Correctional Leadership Development Program.

Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5K & Festival Set for Sat., July 13

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Don’t miss the 6th anniversary of the Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5K Run on Saturday, July 13, 2019.

Sponsored by the Ridgeway Historical Society, the run begins at 101 Ridgeway – Drewry Road in Norlina at 8 a.m.

The rural and flat 5K route, a USAT&F certified course, starts and ends near the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department.

Late Registration and Packet Pick-up:  Tommy, the race director, will be at the race site on Friday, July 12 in the afternoon and evening so you can register in person or stop by and pick up your shirt and number. Saturday morning registration will begin by 6:30 a.m.

All runners and spectators are invited to stay after the race and enjoy the Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cantaloupe, Brunswick Stew, hot dogs, festival refreshments, historical displays, kiddie rides, horse back rides, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment and more!

For more information, visit the Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5K website by clicking here.

American Flag

List of Local Four-County Independence Day Celebrations

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

WIZS wishes everyone a fun and safe July 4th holiday weekend. To help you celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of Independence Day events planned for the local four-county area:

VANCE COUNTY:

Fireworks in the Park

Where: Fox Pond Park – 467 Vicksboro Rd in Henderson

Date: Friday, July 5, 2019

Time: Jazz in the Park festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Note: No parking will be allowed at Fox Pond Park; shuttling from nearby Aycock Recreation Center will begin at 5:30 p.m.

For additional details, click here. 

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VANCE COUNTY

Fireworks Under the Stars at Kerr Lake

Where: Kerr Lake’s Satterwhite Point

Date: Saturday, July 6, 2019

Time: Activities are planned from 3 until 10 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Note: Kid’s activities planned for this year’s celebration; no alcohol allowed.

For additional details, click here. 

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GRANVILLE COUNTY

Fireworks Display at Lake Holt

Where: Lake Holt, Old Highway 75, Butner, NC

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time: Gates open at 6 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Note: Concessions will be available; no alcohol

For additional details, click here. 

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GRANVILLE COUNTY

Creedmoor’s Fourth of July Picnic

Where: Lake Rogers Park, Shelter #1 at 1711 Lake Road in Creedmoor, NC

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Note: Event is open to the public and features music, food, beverages and a cake baking contest.

For additional details, click here. 

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WARREN COUNTY

Wise’s 19th Annual Independence Day Parade & Festival

Where: “Main Street” (US Hwy 1) of Wise, NC

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Note: Parade begins at 10 a.m.; festival will follow at Wise Baptist Church

For additional details, click here. 

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FRANKLIN COUNTY

Fireworks at Louisburg High School

Where: Louisburg High School, 201 Allen Lane, Louisburg, NC

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks go off at dark

Note: Food, music, inflatables and games; rain date is Saturday, July 6

For additional details, click here.

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VCRFM Memorial Garden

Vance/Warren Master Gardener Program to Hold Open House

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

If you have ever contemplated becoming a volunteer in the Master Gardener program, this is your chance! The Vance/Warren Master Gardener program will hold an Open House on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

The public is invited to drop by to meet members of our group and learn more about how to become a volunteer. Applications will be available and light refreshments will be served.

The biennial training class will be held on Tuesday mornings beginning in late July and ending in early November. Upon completion of training, participants are required to contribute 40 hours of service in the Master Gardener program.

Projects include publishing a newsletter, educational workshops, demonstration gardens, public speaking, youth education and more.

For more information, contact paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or call 252-438-8188 (Vance) or 252-257-3640 (Warren). A flyer with all the details and an application form are available at this link.

SUMMER EDITION OF THE GARDEN PATH NEWSLETTER

Be sure to download the summer 2019 edition of our Garden Path Newsletter. The current issue has lots of great information about rain gardens, insect pests, growing succulents, monthly tips and more! Download your copy from this link.

American Flag

Wise to Celebrate 19th Annual Independence Day Parade & Festival

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy the Wise NC Independence Day Celebration Facebook page

The small community of Wise, NC is gearing up for its 19th Annual 4th of July Parade & Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Events will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. along Wise’s “main street” – US Hwy 1. The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and seek a shady spot. Veterans will be honored at noon.

Following the parade, a festival will be held at Wise Baptist Church. Don’t miss food, fun and games for the whole family, with a special music performance by the TNT Band.

Frank Newell will serve as grand marshall for this year’s event.

Warren Coop. Extension to Offer Free Diabetes Management Class

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-Information courtesy Warren County Cooperative Extension

Free Diabetes Management Class

Do you have pre-diabetes or diabetes and want to learn from others and help others learn? Join Warren County Cooperative Extension for a six-week series which teaches in-depth information on best practices to manage pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Classes will be held once-a-week for six weeks beginning Tuesday, July 16, 2019. Classes will be held weekly on Tuesdays with the exception of one class that will be held on Monday, August 5.

Classes will be held at the Warren County Cooperative Extension Office, 158 Rafters Lane in Warrenton, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

To register, please click here for the Registration Form link, or contact Dominque Simon at 252-257-3640 or email dominque_simon@ncsu.edu.