Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

Warren Parks And Rec Mini-Grant Applications Due By April 30

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The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department and the Parks and Recreation Commission are offering a mini-grant application process to support community partners to facilitate the development and support recreation amenities for Warren County residents at satellite locations. Recipients must be non-profit organizations located within Warren County.

The grant application is available on the Warren County Parks and Recreation website or obtain a physical copy from the Parks and Recreation Department at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton, NC 27589.

All applications must be submitted and received by 5 p.m. April 30. Submitted requests may not exceed $10,000.

Applications can be submitted by email, in person or by mail.

  • Email: bonniefitz@warrencountync.gov OR
  • In person: Warren County Parks and Recreation Office at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton, NC 27589 (not a mailing address) OR
  • Mail: Warren County Parks and Recreation, Attn: Bonnie Fitz, P.O. Box 835, Warrenton, NC 27589

For more information, contact Bonnie Fitz, Parks and Recreation Director at 252.257.2272 or parksandrecreation@warrencountync.gov.

 

 

Mar. 7 Is Social Security Administration’s “Slam The Scam” Day

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Today is the fifth annual “Slam the Scam” observance to raise awareness about protecting sensitive Social Security information from fraudsters.

The Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) are partnering once again to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams.

“As public servants, we must use every tool at our disposal to raise awareness and protect the American people against Social Security imposter scams,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security. “Scammers use fear and deception to scare people out of their critical benefits. We urge everyone to protect their personal information, remain vigilant, do not give money, and report any scam attempts to oig.ssa.gov.”

Keep in mind that Social Security employees will never:

  • tell you that your Social Security number is suspended
  • contact you to demand an immediate payment
  • threaten you with arrest
  • ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone
  • request gift cards or cash
  • promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information or money

Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record, or who have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.

Social Security scams–where fraudsters mislead victims into making cash, gift card, or wire transfer payments to fix alleged Social Security number problems or to avoid arrest–are an ongoing government imposter fraud scheme. Social Security impersonation scams have been one of the most common government imposter scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Social Security continues to make concerted efforts to address this issue, through extensive outreach and investigative initiatives.

Criminals use sophisticated tactics to trick potential victims into disclosing personal and financial information. Typically, they use these P’s – Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, and Payment. For example, scammers pretend they are from Social Security in phone calls, texts, emails, and direct messages on social media, and claim there is a problem with the person’s Social Security number. The scammer’s caller ID may be spoofed to look like a legitimate government number. Scammers may also send fake documents to pressure people into complying with demands for information or money. Other common tactics include citing “badge numbers,” using fraudulent Social Security letterhead, and creating imposter social media pages to target individuals for payment or personal information.

To report a scam attempt, go to oig.ssa.gov.

“On our fifth National Slam the Scam Day, we are just as committed as we were in 2020. The scammers have not stopped, and we will not stop in our commitment to increase public awareness of these pervasive scams,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for SSA. “We are grateful for the many partnerships we have formed over the last five years in support of this initiative and the collaborative efforts that have come forth. We must continue to work together to slam the scam.”

For more information, please visit www.ssa.gov/scam and www.ssa.gov/fraud.

 

NC Forest Service

N.C. Forest Service: Safety First To Prevent Wildfires

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The N.C. Forest Service reminds everyone to use extreme caution with all outdoor fires, especially yard debris burns, as thoughts turn to spring and tidying up landscapes. And don’t forget:  You need a valid burn permit before you start a fire.

In 2023, the Forest Service responded to more than 5,300 wildfires across the state. The main culprit: Escaped burn debris, according to information from fire service officials.

“Last year, 99 percent of wildfires in our state were directly related to human activity,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This means that most of our wildfires could have been prevented. Before choosing to burn yard debris, make sure you have a valid burn permit, check the weather and avoid burning on dry, windy days. You are the first line of defense when it comes to preventing wildfires.”

Spring weather tends to draw people outdoors to work in their yards and many choose burning as a method to dispose of leaves, limbs and other yard debris.

“During the spring season, fires can spread quickly,” said State Forester David Lane. “Your N.C. Forest Service county ranger is a resource and can provide guidance about when, where and how to burn safely outdoors. Contact your local NCFS county ranger’s office before starting an outdoor fire.”

Rob Montague is the ranger for Vance and Granville counties. His email is Vance.ncfs@ncagr.gov and his phone is 919.693.3154.

Brian Champion is the ranger for Franklin County. His email is Franklin.ncfs@ncagr.gov and his phone is 919.496.3665.

Jim Short serves Warren County; reach him via Franklin.ncfs@ncar.gov or 252.257.5960.

The N.C. Forest Service also offers the following tips:

  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
  • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.

 

To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, refer to Fire Safety Outdoors. For information about creating defensible space and a fire-resistant landscape around your home and property, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.

Kerr-Tar COG Schedules Info Sessions On Local Food Systems

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What do you think about when you hear or read the phrase “food chain?”

Some folks may think back to elementary school Science lessons that talked about little fish getting gobbled up by bigger and bigger fish. But the Kerr-Tar region Council of Government is scheduling a series of meetings – one in each of the five counties it represents – for regional policymakers to hear from folks in the community about what’s working and what’s needed when it comes to our local “food chain.”

One of the outcomes of the meetings is the development of a food policy council, according to information publicizing the events.

If you think about it, we’re all part of the “food chain” whether we grow and market vegetables locally or simply prepare meals for ourselves and our families.

Everyone is welcome to share experiences, successes and challenges – from the consumer to producer, as well as food pantry partners and other agencies in the community.

The meetings begin next week in Roxboro and continue through March. Each session will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  To register for one of the meetings, email crobinette@kerrtarcog.org or phone 980.389.3446.

Here’s the list of meetings:

  • Wednesday, Mar. 6 in Roxboro, Person County Cooperative Extension Center
  • Wednesday, Mar. 13 in Louisburg, Franklin County Cooperative Extension Center
  • Tuesday, Mar. 19 in Warrenton, Warren County Library
  • Tuesday, Mar. 26 in Henderson, Vance County Regional Farmers Market
  • Wednesday, Mar. 27 in Oxford, Richard Thornton Public Library

 

 

 

New Warren Program Helps Connect Employers, Job Seekers

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-information courtesy of Crystal Smith, senior assistant to Warren County Manager Vincent Jones

 

Warren County employers and job seekers have a new tool at their fingertips to connect residents with local employment opportunities. Warren County Community and Economic Development has launched an online job board for employment and internship opportunities from Warren County employers. This service is free for both employers and job seekers.

The job board allows employers to register and post openings for jobs and internships in Warren County, according to information from Crystal Smith, senior assistant to Warren County Manager Vincent Jones.

Each posting will direct job seekers directly back to the employer to begin the application process. Warren County Community and Economic Development will continue to advertise the job board as a local and regional resource for job seekers and will also promote it in any larger state and national campaigns the department undergoes.

“One of the top challenges our employers face is recruitment; we hear it over and over again,” said Charla Duncan, director of Warren County Community and Economic Development. “When we drilled down to see how our businesses are currently advertising open positions, we found that a majority of them are advertising in limited networks.”

In a recent departmental poll of local employers, the top three employment advertising methods currently used are: word of mouth (79 percent of businesses polled), unpaid social media posts (68 percent), and placing signage at the place of business (53 percent).

“Businesses are reporting back to us that their funding is limited when it comes to paid advertising for open positions, or that the cost of marketing is too high,” Duncan said. “The Work in Warren job board is a free resource for county-based businesses that aims to give all businesses more digital exposure.”

“A few local employers helped to test the board while in development, and they all reported back that the process was easy and quick,” said Duncan, explaining that the board was designed to be a simple interface to connect employers with job seekers. County staff will follow the success of the job board and check in with employers over time to monitor any ongoing web development needs.

Duncan also stated that her department sees the Work in Warren job board as a recruitment tool for future industries and a future workforce.

“We have not had a comprehensive, streamlined reflection of the employment opportunities in our county,” stated Duncan. “If someone is looking to move to the region, we want to make sure they can envision a professional future for themselves in Warren County.”

Job seekers and employers can visit the Work in Warren job board at www.WorkInWarren.org.

Duncan encourages job seekers to regularly visit the Work in Warren job board just as they would another hiring platform such as Indeed, Monster, or LinkedIn. Job posts will remain active for 30 days before they expire, and employers have the option to extend the opening or remove the post if the position has been filled.

For more information, contact Duncan, Director of Warren County Community & Economic Development, at 252.257.3115. The Work in Warren job board can be found on the Warren County Community and Economic Development website at www.warrencountync.org.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Partners With FTCC To Give Students Access To Funeral Service Education

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– Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College is teaming up with one of its sister schools on an innovative hybrid program, paving the way for new career opportunities in its four-county service area.

VGCC has partnered with Fayetteville Technical Community College to bring FTCC’s Funeral Service Education program to students in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. FTCC runs the only funeral service program of its kind in North Carolina, which is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and led by licensed funeral professionals.

“This is extremely relevant to our area,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “We really want to open this up as a possibility.”

The agreement allows VGCC students to take general education courses close to home before applying to transfer into FTCC’s funeral service program. Much of the program’s specialized instruction is offered online and can be completed remotely. Students must complete certain practical requirements in labs at FTCC or during work-based learning at a local funeral home, and they will be required to visit FTCC in person a few times to demonstrate or learn key funeral service skills.

FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells noted that the program offers VGCC students the opportunity to accomplish much of their education without having to travel the distance to Fayetteville. “We think that’s a tremendous advantage and a way that we, as the only funeral service program in the state, can extend that service out into the rural areas and the small- to medium-sized colleges that have a lot of employment demand and need,” he said.

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon, who owns three funeral homes in Vance and Granville counties, was one of several industry professionals to attend the partnership’s signing ceremony in Henderson. “The more people locally we can get who consider going into this industry, the more likely funeral homes will stay family-owned,” Sossamon said. “I think that’s a valuable thing.”

Vance-Granville is the fifth community college in the North Carolina Community College System to partner with Fayetteville Tech’s funeral service program.

 

 

 

NCDOT

Perry Town Rd. Bridge Remains Closed Until NC DOT Replaces, Widens

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-information courtesy of Crystal Smith, Senior Assistant to Warren County Manager

 

The bridge on Perry Town Road was shut down in November 2023 after the N.C. Dept. of Transportation declared it unsafe for traffic.

Since then, NC DOT has developed a plan to replace and widen the bridge, known as Bridge 126, according to information from Warren County leaders.

However, in order to begin construction, Warren County Public Utilities will need to relocate a portion of the 8-inch water main line that runs parallel to the bridge.

Warren County advertised for bids to complete the project, which closed on Jan. 18, 2024. If the county receives sufficient bids, the awarded contractor can begin relocating the water line after Feb. 19, 2024. At this time, NC DOT has not stated how long this water line relocation and the bridge replacement will have the road closed.

Warren Co. Memorial Library

Acclaimed Children’s Book Author Plans Jan. 25 Visit To Warren Library

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The Warren County Memorial Library will host Linda Ashman, a nationally acclaimed children’s author based in Chapel Hill, for an afternoon of discussion about reading and writing books.

Join in on the fun on Thursday, Jan. 25 – Ashman will present two different programs during the afternoon – 1 p.m. for grades K-2 and 2 p.m. for grades 3-5.

Ashman is the author of more than 45 picture books for children, and she also is the author of

The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books.  Her books have been included on the “best of the year” lists of The New York Times, Kirkus Reviews, the American Library Association, the Children’s Book Council and others, and have been translated into many languages.  Several of her books will be featured on the newly opened WCML StoryWalk® at Buck Spring Park.

Learn more about the author’s work at https://lindaashman.com/. This event is open to school groups and families with children—the age ranges listed for each session are just suggestions.

For more information about the library, its programs, or to access eResources: Go to https://www.wcmlibrary.org/. All library programs are free and open to the public. Call the library for more information at 252-257-4990. The library is located at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton NC 27589.

Donate Blood In January And You May Win Tickets To Super Bowl LVIII

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 – Information courtesy of the American Red Cross of North Carolina

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.

And anyone who comes in to give blood or platelets in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII.

The Red Cross and the NFL have partnered during Januaray – designated as National Blood Donor Month – to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.

Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40 percent. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.

“Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”

Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Following is a list of upcoming blood donations in Vance, Granville and Warren counties:

Henderson

  • Friday, Jan. 19: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Maria Parham Health, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.
  • Thursday, Jan. 25: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.
  • Friday, Jan. 26: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Vance Charter School Henderson, 2090 Ross Mill Rd.

Oxford

  • Wednesday, Jan. 17: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. J.F. Webb High School, 3200 Webb School Rd.

Creedmoor

  • Friday, Jan. 26: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave.

Norlina

  • Wednesday, Jan. 24: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 438 Ridgeway Drewry Rd.

Warren Library Patrons, Be Aware Of Email Phishing Scam Asking To Pay For Card Renewal

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-information from Crystal Smith, Senior Assistant to the County Manager

Warren County Memorial Library would like its patrons to be aware of a scam circulating (no pun intended) that asks patrons to renew their library cards.

If you get an email from “Warrenton Library,” please know that this is a phishing activity. Do not click the link to pay a renewal fee.

Warren County Memorial Library issues library cards free of charge. And there is no charge associated with card renewals.

Their advice: Do NOT click the link. Do NOT pay the money.

Please contact the library at 252.257.4990 to learn more.