Warren County has unveiled an exciting new initiative to help residents understand and engage with local government: The Peoples Academy.

The Peoples Academy is a new and exciting citizen education program designed to provide residents and business owners in Warren County with an in-depth understanding of how local government works and how they can get involved in their community.

The free, 8-week academy offers a series of interactive sessions, guided tours, and discussions that will cover a wide range of topics, including local government structure, public safety, recreation, economic development, and much more. You’ll have the chance to meet local officials, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the important decisions being made in your own backyard.

Why Join Peoples Academy?

* Gain Valuable Knowledge: Learn how local government operates and understand how decisions impact your community.
* Get Involved: Become a more informed and active participant in shaping the future of Warren County.
* Build Connections: Network with fellow citizens and public officials who share a passion for positive change.
* Hands-On Experience: Attend behind-the-scenes tours and see the systems in action.

How It Works: The Peoples Academy is a free program, open to all who live or work in Warren County. Upon completion, graduates will receive a certificate and be encouraged to stay involved through various volunteer opportunities and leadership roles within the community.

Sign up now for the upcoming session and become a part of Warren County’s first-ever Peoples Academy!

Register here for Peoples Academy.

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Warren County has been selected as one of fourteen teams in the state to participate in “Our State, Our Homes”, the fifth and final project of the Carolina Across 100 Initiative through the University of North Carolina and NC Impact.

Participating communities will emerge from the eighteen-month program with a data-driven understanding of housing issues in their local contexts, high-impact tools to facilitate community conversations around housing needs, detailed understanding of local partners and assets, and increased knowledge and capacity to implement innovative strategies for improving housing affordability. In addition, teams will receive coaching, technical assistance with innovation projects and opportunities to build relationships with peer communities as well as national, state, and campus-based housing experts across the state.

Rose Ponton, Community Development Manager with Warren County Community and Economic Development, will serve as county staff lead on the initiative.

“Affordable and workforce housing are critical to the future of Warren County,” said Rose Ponton, Community Development Manager for Warren County. “By collaborating with UNC’s Carolina Across 100 Initiative and leveraging our local partnerships, we are taking proactive steps to address these challenges and build a stronger community.”

In 2024, the North Carolina Housing Coalition reports that 32% of Warren County households are considered cost-burdened by housing costs (2,248 households in the county). Warren County ranks #42 in the state in housing evictions (with #1 being the highest). The coalition reports that 24% of homeowners and 54% of renters had difficulty affording their homes in 2024.

“Warren County Community and Economic Development has launched a new focus on housing for the county organization in the last year,” stated Community and Economic Development Director, Charla Duncan.

“Selection for the Our State, Our Homes initiative is our second win in this recent focus, coming on the heels of being awarded a $950,000 CDBG grant for housing renovations.”

“These initiatives aren’t going to be magic wands for us and our housing challenges, but we are eager to start laying some important foundations for the future of our existing and future residents,” stated Duncan.

Warren County is partnering with local organizations Working Landscapes and Warren Ministries United to drive this initiative forward. This core working group will attend several in-person forums over the next year and a half to strengthen efforts by integrating local expertise, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and implementing innovative housing strategies to provide accessible housing options, enhance quality of life, and support economic growth. All associated costs are covered by the initiative.

In addition to work done directly with the Carolina Across 100 staff and other working groups selected from across the state, Warren County will engage stakeholders from across the community to identify priorities, explore innovative solutions, and work to develop actionable strategies. Residents, community leaders, and organizations with a vested interest in affordable and workforce housing in the county are encouraged to get involved.

To learn more about the Our State, Our Homes project, visit https://carolinaacross100.unc.edu/program5/.

To stay informed about upcoming stakeholder engagement events or to share your insights, please contact Rose Ponton with Community and Economic Development by sending an email to roseponton@warrencountync.gov.

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The City of Henderson is pleased to announce the appointment of Hassan T. Kingsberry, Esq. as the new City Manager, effective January 13th, 2024. A majority of the Henderson City Council chose Mr. Kingsberry to lead the city into its next chapter of growth and success.

Mr. Kingsberry brings nearly a decade of experience in municipal government and a proven track record of delivering results that benefit local governments, residents, and businesses. He also has provided legal counsel and practiced law for almost two decades as well as served as an educator in the Kerr-Tar region.

Mayor Melissa Elliott confidently welcomed Hassan Kingsberry as the new City Manager, declaring, “Exciting developments are on the horizon for the City of Henderson!”

Councilwoman Geraldine Champion expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment: “Throughout the selection process, Mr. Kingsberry’s resume was impressive, and while many other candidates were strong, his qualifications particularly aligned with what the City of Henderson needs in a city manager. We are confident in his ability to lead Henderson toward a brighter future.”

Council Members Ola Thorpe-Cooper, Michael Venable and Tami Walker emphasized the importance of collaboration under Hassan Kingsberry’s leadership: “We’re excited to work alongside Mr. Kingsberry to serve our residents and make Henderson a city where everyone can thrive.”

Hassan Kingsberry also shared his excitement about joining the Henderson team: “As one who grew up on 520 Whitten Avenue, I am honored to serve as City Manager for the City of Henderson. I look forward to collaborating with the City Council, staff, and community to achieve our shared goals and create opportunities for peace, prosperity, and progress.”

As City Manager, Hassan Kingsberry will oversee the day-to-day operations of Henderson’s government, manage its budget, and work closely with the City Council to implement strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all Henderson residents.

Prior to his recent appointment, Kingsberry stepped in as Interim City Attorney for Henderson on Dec. 5 of this year. Before, he served as the Town Attorney for Wake Forest, NC and was the County Attorney for Warren County, 2017-2022.

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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
https://www.warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation or physical copy from the Parks and Recreation
Department at 113 Wilcox Street, Warrenton, NC 27589.

All applications must be submitted and received by 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2025. Submitted 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 Street, Warrenton, NC
27589 (not a mailing address) OR
* Mail: Warren County Parks and Recreation, Attn: Christopher Williams, PO Box 835, Warrenton,
NC 27589

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

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Warren County will hold a public engagement event on Friday, September 13th, from 6-8 pm on the Warren County Courthouse Square in downtown Warrenton. The goal of this event is to seek input on what residents would like to see in a future community center. This floating event will take place during the 2024 Warren County High School homecoming meet-and-greet.

In 2023, Warren County purchased forty acres on US Hwy 158 Business between Warrenton and Norlina as the future site of a community center and civic complex. The county recently launched its feasibility and initial design work on the project.

For more information about this event, please contact Warren County administration office at 252-257-3115 or email Charla Duncan at charladuncan@warrencountync.gov.

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The NC Rural Center has opened the application period for its Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), the organization’s flagship leadership development program. Current and emerging leaders across the state are invited to apply.

Since its founding in 1990, the three-month intensive training program has helped nearly 1,200 people develop skills and increase their knowledge of economic and community development strategies, equipping them with the tools they need to tackle challenges in their rural communities.

“Rural communities need strong leadership to thrive,” said Olaunda Green, director of leadership training at the Rural Center. “We’re proud to provide training opportunities that not only equip established leaders but also emerging leaders who will greatly impact the future of rural North Carolina.”

Each year REDI welcomes local, state, and federal government staff, nonprofit and faith-based leaders, business owners, elected officials, economic development professionals, and other community-minded people for nine days of intensive rural community economic development training. Graduates of REDI join an extensive alumni network that spans all of North Carolina’s 100 counties and includes graduates from the Rural Center’s other leadership training program, Homegrown Leaders. Many of the Center’s leadership alumni are active in state and local government, and in philanthropic, nonprofit, and small-business sectors, as well as in faith and community-based organizations.

Applications will be available on the REDI webpage and accepted through September 15.

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Congressman Don Davis is scheduled to appear for a Meet and Greet in Warren County on Friday, August 16th.

Those who are interested in attending the Meet and Greet must register (LINK).

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It’s Election Day!

Have you voted yet?

If not, we have you covered!

Here’s some links and additional info to help you out as you cast your vote!

WHERE DO I GO TO VOTE?
Find your polling place here: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/pplkup

WHO’S RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
Check out a sample ballot here: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup

I WENT TO VOTE AND I HAD AN ISSUE. WHO DO I CONTACT?
Call Warren County Board of Elections at (252) 257-2114 or report any problems and concerns to: 866-OUR-VOTE / 866-687-8683 | Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA /888-839-8682

WHEN DOES THE POLLING PLACES CLOSE?
Polling places close at 7:30pm.

DID THE CANDIDATE I VOTE FOR WIN?
Find election results tonight here: Warren County | North Carolina

WHEN DO THE ELECTION ADS STOP?
Soon. Very soon.

One more thing: You are allowed to have your phone with you, but it cannot be used to take photos or videos. It’s illegal. [SOURCE]

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Warren County Government is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from local non-profit and faith-based organizations to provide local community support services for those residents in need of temporary or emergency assistance due to housing instability or homelessness.

Since there is not currently a permanent facility in the county offering sheltering services and other supports, this Housing Instability Small Grants Pilot Program will allow local organizations to provide some basic services to help those that are in need. Warren County grant funds through Eastpointe LME/MCO will be used to offer some additional support services to combat housing instability or homelessness.

The following entities may submit a proposal for consideration:
Well-established community & faith-based organizations defined as being in operation for a minimum of three (3) years and qualifying for exemption under Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) of the IRS code.
Partnerships with local churches, non-profits or other community-based organizations are encouraged. Such collaborations shall be given high priority for funding.

The timeline for the Request for Proposals is as follows:
October 24, 2022: Opening date to receive requests
October 31, 2022: Deadline to submit questions
November 18, 2022: Deadline to submit proposals by 5:00 pm
November 28, 2022: Funds awarded for approved requests

The RFP packet will be released on October 24th and can be retrieved online at www.warrencountync.com or picked up from the Warren County Government Administrative Office located at 602 W. Ridgeway Street, Warrenton, NC 27589. Clarification questions may be submitted via email to PaulaPulley@warrencountync.gov.

For more information, contact Vincent Jones, County Manager at (252) 257-3115, or Public Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake at 252-257-1185.

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Paula Pulley, of Warren County, was presented the Outstanding City or County Clerk Award by Warren County Commissioner Tare Davis at the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Sept. 22nd.

Pulley’s wealth of knowledge earned from 23 years of working in town and county government is truly an asset to the commissioners, staff and residents of Warren County.

She capably assisted the Board with navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and her efforts during this difficult led to a wider constituent base reach.

Pulley is innovative, dedicated, and always willing to help, making her incredibly deserving of this award.

Congratulations!

Source: Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

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