Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

NC Coop Extension

Free Soil Samples End Nov. 26; Submit Samples Now To Avoid $4 Fee Per Sample

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The time for getting free soil samples from The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services soil testing lab is almost over – it’s about to hit its busy season, but growers and homeowners have until Tuesday, Nov. 26 to squeak in under the wire before the fee of $4 per sample begins.

“Accurate lime and fertilizer recommendations are critical to producing healthy plants and crops and to avoid unnecessary expenses and protect our natural resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Recommendations that come from soil testing lets you know exactly what you need to add for optimal production. When it comes to fertilization needs, don’t guess, test.”

Peak-season fees are implemented annually to encourage growers to submit samples early, which helps spread out the testing time frame and to invest in equipment and temporary staff to decrease turnaround times. This year, the peak laboratory season starts Nov. 27 and runs through March 31, 2025.

Samples must physically arrive on the Agronomic Services’ loading dock no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, to avoid that $4 per sample fee.

“This year the Agronomic Services Division is renewing its efforts to improve operational efficiency and optimize our customer service. To help in this mission, growers are asked to pay particular attention to the submission process,” said Dr. Don Edralin, soil testing section chief. “Small details matter when you consider that the Soil Testing Lab processes about 300,000 samples annually.”

Soil samples submitted without adequate grower, consultant, and/or sample information will not proceed through the lab but will be set aside.  This information is essential to associate samples with the correct existing client account or to establish a new unique client account. Samples will be held for at least five days, and an attempt will be made to obtain the missing information. Due to limited storage space, samples cannot be held indefinitely.

To avoid samples ending up in the “holding area,” simply follow the instructions listed below. In doing so, you will help the Soil Testing Lab be more efficient, and in turn, avoid unnecessary delays in sample processing.

  1. Only use soil sample boxes provided by NCDA&CS. Soil sample boxes and submission forms are provided at local county Cooperative Extension Centers and at the Agronomic Services Division, 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Fill the soil box to the red line found on the outside of the box. Required information on the box includes the client’s name, address and sample ID.
  2. With your samples, send a completed soil submission form. Needed information includes client’s name with their full address and a crop code which is critical for plant-specific recommendations. The list of codes is found on the second page of the sample submission form. Since soil test results are emailed to clients, it is extremely important that a valid email address is provided. Additionally, providing a current phone number is highly encouraged as it is helpful for faster contact if there is an issue with soil sample submission. For convenience, a fillable soil submission form for routine homeowner samples can be found at https://www.ncagr.gov/media/3727/open.
  3. Make sure that information listed on your soil submission form matches what is on your sample boxes.
  4. Save a copy/photo of your sample submission form for your records.
  5. Ensure that sample boxes are packed securely inside a sturdy shipper to avoid damage during transport. Do not use padded mailing envelopes. For faster delivery, private carriers such as UPS or FedEx deliver directly to the Agronomic building rather than an off-site mail center that USPS is required to use. Some Cooperative County Extension offices collect samples from homeowners for delivery to the division; clients are encouraged to make sure that delivery meets their intended expectations and needs.
  6. If you have access to a computer and printer, use the online data entry feature on PALS (www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/pals) to ensure the most accurate delivery of sample information to the lab but enclose a copy of the submission form with soil sample boxes.

Warren County Health Dept. Gets Part Of $3M Federal Grant To Combat Opioid Use Disorder

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The Warren County Health Department will get $600,000 in federal funds over the next four years to expand recovery and treatment services for people affected by substance use disorder, including opioid use.

It’s part of a $3 grant awarded to the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition, which manages  the Health Resoures and Services Administration Rural Communities Opioid Response Program in several counties, including Warren..

The health department will receive $150,000 annually over the next four years. Dr. Margaret Brake, health director and Wenona Mills, nursing director, attended a press conference in Wilson, joining partners from other counties included in the grant.

Carole Johnson, administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, made the announcement. HRSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Brake said she is excited to get the funding that will enhance local efforts to assist individuals and families experiencing substance use disorder. The health department collaborates with local behavioral health providers, law enforcement, emergency services, faith-based and community organizations to ensure that those needing assistance have access to appropriate treatment and recovery services. She said the money will help expand SUD services in the county.

 

 

Warren Mini-Grants Due To Parks And Rec By Oct. 31

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There’s still time for nonprofit organizations to submit a mini-grant application to the Warren County Parks and Recreation Department and the Parks and Recreation Commission, but the deadline is Thursday, Oct. 31.

The grant applications are for programs that facilitate the development and support recreation amenities for Warren County residents at satellite locations. Recipients must be non-profit organizations located within Warren County, according to information from the Warren County manager’s office.

The grant application is available on the Warren County Parks and Recreation website https://www.warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation or obtain a paper copy from the Parks and Recreation Department, located at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton,. All applications must be submitted and received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. Requests may not exceed $10,000.

Applications should be submitted by:

  • Email: christopherwilliams@warrencountync.gov OR
  • In person: Warren County Parks and Recreation Office at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton OR
  • Mail: Warren County Parks and Recreation, Attn: Christopher Williams, P.O. Box 835, Warrenton, NC 27589

For more information, contact Christopher Williams, Parks and Recreation Interim Director at 252-257-2272 or parksandrecreation@warrencountync.gov.

Local Cattle Owners Have Oct. 30 Referendum Vote

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On Oct. 30, local cattle producers are asked to vote on a referendum to continue the North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment to fund beef promotion in the state.

The national Beef Checkoff program collects $1 per head of cattle sold in the state, and 50 cents stays in North Carolina, explained Matthew Place, N.C. Cooperative Extension livestock agent in Warren County.

Those funds, however, can be used only within specific guidelines that involve promotion of beef.
The vote next week will be whether to continue the additional $1 assessment per head sold to support youth programs, as well as enhance the image of cattle production, research and education about N.C. cattle and beef production.

Any cattle owner over 18 can vote in the referendum. Stop by the

Warren County Cooperative Extension Office at 158 Rafters Ln., Warrenton, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Contact Matthew Place at 919.495.2230 or matthew_place@ncsu.edu to learn more.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Grant Funding Available To Preserve Farmland Through Agricultural Easements

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Landowners interested in preserving farmland through agricultural conservation easements can apply for grants through a state trust fund. The application period is open now and ends Jan. 17, 2025.

County governments and conservation nonprofit groups can apply for farmland preservation grants from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund; property owners work with county governments or land trusts to apply for the funding, according to information from the office of N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“A growing population and increased development continue to put pressure on family farms,” Troxler stated. “Agricultural conservation easements are the best tool to preserve farmland. I encourage farmers and landowners across the state to work with local partners and apply for grant funding to become North Carolina Forever Farms.”

Grants are available for agricultural conservation easements on working farms and forests; to support public-private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; to develop agricultural plans; and to create Agricultural Growth Zones that enhance local investments in farmland preservation.

If awarded a grant in which the application requests funds for the conservation easement purchase value, landowners will be compensated for the purchase of the development rights.

During the most recent grant cycle, the N.C. ADFP Trust Fund awarded $18.2 million to protect working farms and forests, support county farmland preservation efforts and promote agricultural enterprises.

Agricultural conservation easements not funded in the previous grant cycle are encouraged to reapply for funding. Reapplications must notify the Farmland Preservation Division via online form.

A new online grant portal will be used for Cycle 18 applications. Grant applications, rules and information packets are available online at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/farmland-preservation/applicants. For more information, call the Farmland Preservation office at 919.707.3074.

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.