Artist Max Dowdle will begin installation of the new mural on the Magnolia Ernest Recreation center pool building in Soul City on June 2nd. He is inviting community members of all ages to join him in the painting process. Individuals or families can participate for a one-hour shift between 3:00pm – 5:00pm on June 2nd through June 4th.

The new mural is part of the Legacy NC Mural Project by Dowdle, NC Main Street, and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. The project aims to create a mural in each of North Carolina’s 100 counties that highlight the unique history and legacy of each county while creating a unifying thread that ties all of North Carolina’s counties together through art.

Dowdle worked with a committee of Soul City residents, community leaders, and members of the Warren County arts community to create proposed designs. These designs were then presented to the community and voted on. The winning design can be seen below (this design is still subject to minor changes from Dowdle).

Contact Hannah Jones at hannahjones@warrencountync.gov or (252) 257-3115 to sign up. To accommodate space, each shift will have no more than 10 people. No experience is necessary!

The Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park is located at 252 Duke Drive, Norlina, NC off Soul City Boulevard.

Learn more about Max Dowdle and to view his work, visit NCPublicArt.com.

For more information about the Legacy NC Mural Project, visit https://www.ncmainstreetandplanning.com/blog/categories/legacy-nc-100-murals-100-counties.

RELATED: Warren County Residents to Vote on New Mural Design for Soul City

Share

The post Paint with a Purpose: Artist Seeks Volunteers for Soul City Mural appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

The Warren Early College High School held its 2025 commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, inside the Warren County Middle School gymnasium. Assistant District Attorney and an alumna of the inaugural WECHS graduating class, Khadijah T. Howze, Esq. served as the commencement speaker for the event.

WATCH: Warren Early College High School Graduation 2025

Share

The post PHOTOS: Warren Early College High School (WECHS) Graduation 2025 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Chef Shemecka McNeil, founder of the nonprofit SLICE 325, will lead five live cooking demonstrations at the Warren County Farmers Market starting Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 8am-12pm. These engaging sessions aim to empower local families with practical skills to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients available at the market.

McNeil, a trained chef, healthcare professional, and farmer, brings over a decade of experience in health and nutrition education. Her work focuses on health equity and sustainable practices, making her a catalyst for change in community wellness. Through SLICE 325, she has led numerous cooking classes and workshops, emphasizing the importance of accessible, healthy eating habits.

As an additional incentive, children participating will earn POP (Power of Produce) bucks to spend on fruits and veggies at the market.

After this weekend’s program, she will be present on June 14, July 19, August 16, and September 20.

The events are free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged (LINK).

For more information, contact Tamara Small (Market Manager) at (252) 213-7246.

NOTE: The Warren County Farmers Market will coincide with the Warren County Annual Health Fair on Saturday, May 17, and will be located at the Warrenton Lion’s Den (429 W. Ridgeway St. Warrenton, NC).

Share

The post SLICE 325 to Host Cooking Demos at Warren County Farmers Market appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Hosted by the Warrenton Church of God, the inaugural Celebrating Warren County festival on Saturday, May 10, embraced an understanding and appreciation of fellowship and community involvement.

Emceed by Pastor Phillip Sharp, attendees gathered on the Courthouse Square, and shopped with local vendors, received helpful info from such resources as the Warren County Health Department and Trillium Health Resources, enjoyed live entertainment, and with a ticket, were given a free meal courtesy of Rachel’s Whistle Stop in Norlina.

Local resident, Alexis Henderson received special recognition as a Notable Citizen and for work as the founder of Sisterly Dreams (watch it here).

Anna Boyd (3rd grade) and Tinisha King (5th grade) were announced as the winners in the Why Do You Love Warren County contest and each received $50.

Share

The post PHOTOS: Celebrating Warren County 2025 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Under blue skies and near-perfect weather, 150 cyclists hit the road last Saturday (May 3) for the fifth annual Ride de Vine, taking in the scenic beauty of Warren County— all for a great cause.

The ride began bright and early at 8am on the Warren County Courthouse Square in downtown Warrenton. Participants—from local riders to cycling enthusiasts as far away as New York—chose from three thoughtfully designed routes: 20k, 50k, or 100k. Each offered a peaceful journey through Warren County’s winding backroads and picture-perfect scenery.

When we caught up with riders at the finish line, the reviews were glowing. Many raved about the “well mapped-out routes” and couldn’t get enough of the views. One sentiment was shared across the board: they’re already looking forward to coming back (yes, even with the hills).

We also checked in with event organizer Joshua Hughey to see if Ride de Vine would be a go for 2026.

His response? “We love Warren County,” he said. “We have no plans to move elsewhere at this time.”

Sounds like it’s time to dust off your bike and start training for next spring.

Upon their return to home base, riders enjoyed a fully-loaded protein and carb-filled meal catered by JMS Catering and shopped with local vendors, all while enjoying a fast-paced DJ set. Boots On the Ground, anyone?

Ride de Vine is a fully supported, non-competitive ride benefiting the Jack & Jill of America Foundation, blending wellness and philanthropy with a side of breathtaking views. For more information, visit their website at https://ridedevine.com/.

Share

The post PHOTOS: Ride De Vine 2025 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Sponsored locally by Warren Ministries United, National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress and held on the first Thursday of May, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”

Share

The post PHOTOS: National Day of Prayer 2025 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Hundreds flocked to the heart of downtown Warrenton for the second annual Eastern Bluebird Festival and was treated to live entertainment, great food, vendors, a mural ribbon-cutting ceremony and so much more! (April 26, 2025)

See Also: Eastern Bluebird Mural Celebrated with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Share

The post PHOTOS: Eastern Bluebird Festival 2025 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month 2025, the Warren County Health Department, Department of Social Services, and Child Fatality Team joined forces with Positive Childhood Alliance NC (PCANC) and partners statewide to amplify this year’s theme: “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.”

This important campaign highlights a collective vision: every child and family deserves to live a purposeful, joyful life—filled with opportunity and hope for the future. Prevention starts with ensuring families have access to the support, resources, and community connections they need to thrive.

Prioritizing Prevention for Stronger Families

“Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every family deserves the support to build a strong foundation for their children,” said Dr. Margaret F. Brake, Health Director for Warren County. “It takes all of us—from business leaders to educators to community advocates—to create environments where children can reach their full potential.”

Guest speaker, Jessica Fowler led the Lunch & Learn Session on “Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)” on April 4, 2025 at the Warren County Memorial Library and hosted by the Warren County Child Fatality Team. / Submitted Photo

Community Events That Brought Awareness to Action

Throughout April, Warren County led a series of events to engage residents and raise awareness about child abuse prevention:

“Go Blue” Day – April 4, 2025
Residents and local government staff wore blue, the official color of Child Abuse Prevention Month, in a show of solidarity. Photos and prevention messages flooded social media as a visible reminder of the community’s commitment to protecting children.

Lunch & Learn: Understanding ACEs
Hosted by the Warren County Child Fatality Team, a Lunch & Learn event was held at Warren County Memorial Library on April 4. Jessica Fowler, a featured guest speaker, presented on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-term impacts on health and well-being. Thirty-five attendees participated, learning how ACEs can be addressed through trauma-informed care and community support.

Pinwheel Planting
Pinwheels, a national symbol of childlike joy and safety, were planted at the entrances of the Health Department and Department of Social Services. The display served as a reminder that all children deserve to grow up in safe, nurturing environments where they can flourish.

Building a Brighter Future for Warren County’s Children

Warren County’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month is a local part of a larger movement to prevent child maltreatment, promote protective factors, and foster healthy childhoods across North Carolina.

Together, we can help families before a challenge becomes a crisis—because prevention is possible, and hope is powerful.

For more information about prevention efforts or to get involved, visit Positive Childhood Alliance NC (PCANC)

Share

The post Warren County Agencies Work Together to Raise Awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Something special is cooking in Warren County, and it’s not just what’s on the menu.

Starting this May and running through November, the Front Porch Grocery Co-Op will launch the “Sunday Supper Club” series.

Held once a month on Sunday afternoons, this new gathering promises more than just a delicious meal—it’s an invitation to connect with neighbors and build a stronger, more united community.

The Supper Club kicks off on May 18th and will take place at 307 E Macon Street in Warrenton. It includes seating at 3:00pm and 5:00pm. Local caterers and food trucks will prepare meals for up to 200 guests. Diners also have the option to take their meals to go.

Guests can purchase a punch card for $25, which covers five meals, offering an affordable way to dine while supporting local businesses. Punch card holders get priority seating, but if you don’t have one, no worries — $10 standby tickets are available at the door, with seating beginning 30 minutes after the start time (if space allows).

Organized by the Front Porch Grocery Co-Op, it is a community-led initiative working to open a member-owned grocery store in Warren County. Volunteers and board members will be present to answer questions and help guests become members.

The goal is to reach 1,200 members, a milestone to help turn the dream of a local, affordable, community-focused grocery store into a reality.

So whether you are looking to grab a good meal, meet new faces, or join a meaningful cause— the Front Porch Supper Club has a seat waiting for you.

For more information and to reserve your seat: https://warrenist.com/calendar/events/the-front-porch-sunday-supper-club-warrenton-nc-2025.

Share

The post The Front Porch Grocery Co-Op Introduces “Sunday Supper Club” Series appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Share

The post PHOTOS: Pink with a Passion – Fight Cancer in All Colors appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.