Christopher Tucker, Emergency Services Director / CEM of the Warren County Emergency Services shares tips and advice on how to prepare for a winter storm.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE A WINTER STORM

2. Ensure Your Vehicle Is Ready
Top off your gas tank to prevent your fuel line from freezing and to ensure you have enough fuel during an emergency.
Check your tires for adequate tread and proper inflation. Keep tire chains in the car if needed.
Have an emergency car kit with essentials such as a shovel, blankets, snacks, water, flashlight, jumper cables, and sand or salt for traction.
Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and top off windshield washer fluid.

3. Prepare for Snow Removal
Shovel and salt: Make sure you have a snow shovel and a bag of salt or sand to use on driveways, sidewalks, and steps. Consider using a snow blower if you have one.
Clear your gutters: Remove any leaves or debris that could prevent proper drainage, which could lead to ice buildup during the storm.

4. Stay Informed
Monitor weather updates from trusted sources, such as local news, the National Weather Service, or weather apps.
Sign up for local emergency alerts to receive real-time information and warnings about the storm.

5. Ensure the Safety of Your Pets
Bring pets indoors before the storm begins. If they must stay outside, provide proper shelter with enough warmth and protection.
Stock up on pet food to ensure you have enough for the duration of the storm.

6. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors
Check on elderly or disabled neighbors to make sure they are prepared for the storm and have necessary supplies.
Offer assistance with tasks like bringing in outdoor furniture, stocking up on food, or clearing driveways if possible.

7. Prepare for Power Outages
Have alternative light sources such as flashlights and candles in case of power outages.
Unplug sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and appliances to prevent potential damage from power surges when the electricity returns.

8. Stay Off the Roads
Avoid driving during the snowstorm unless absolutely necessary. If travel is essential, take extra precautions by ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready.

9. Review Your Insurance and Property Protection
Check your insurance coverage to ensure you are protected in case of damage caused by snow and ice (e.g., roof collapse or broken pipes).
Remove or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and objects that could be blown away by strong winds.

10. Plan Your Post-Storm Recovery
Develop a plan for post-storm cleanup. Have a plan for clearing snow, checking for potential damage, and taking care of any fallen trees or branches.

Please take these actions seriously and prepare ahead of time. By planning and acting early, we can ensure our community remains safe and resilient in the face of the upcoming winter snowstorm.

Stay safe,
Warren County Emergency Services

For more information, follow the Warren County Emergency Services Facebook page.

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During a brisk Saturday afternoon, several gathered inside a well-heated tent at the Heritage Cultural Farm for their first Black History Month program. The program featured a documentary showing that reflected African American figures and stories that have yet to reach mainstream recognition. Herman and Veronica Alston, co-owners of the Heritage Cultural Farm welcomed everyone and treated the attendees with homemade chicken soup and sausage biscuits from their friend, Larry Andrews. Andrews, a Franklin County resident enlightened attentive listeners with a compilation of Dr. MLK speeches, intertwining familiar and lesser known speeches (watch below).

For those looking for a little retail therapy, the Country Store on the property was open and filled with products derived from North Carolina producers.

The next event is scheduled for Saturday, March 1st featuring the Heritage Quilters. The local artisan group will speak about the history of quilting.

The Heritage Cultural Farm is located at 102 Clint Street in Warrenton, NC.

VIDEO: Larry Andrews recites Dr. MLK speeches

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[WAKE FOREST, NC] The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce Julius Jefferson as its Interim Police Chief. Jefferson, who had served as Captain since 2020, succeeds Jeff Leonard who retired February 1.

A Warren County native and WCHS graduate (1992), Jefferson began his career with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in 1996 as a Detention Officer. In 1999 he was promoted to Detention Sergeant, a position he held until starting Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at Vance-Granvile Community College in January 2006. He graduated from BLET later that year.

In September 2006, Jefferson began working with the Wake Forest Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Since then, he has worked as a Patrol Sergeant, Impact Sergeant, Traffic Sergeant, Impact Lieutenant, and Impact Captain. He has also served on the Wake County Traffic Safety Task Force.

Jefferson earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Vance-Granville Community College in 1996 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UNC Pembroke in 2023. He attended the 69th session of the Administrative Officers Management Program through NC State in 2014, FBI-LEEDA Trilogy (Executive Leadership, Command Leadership, and Supervisor Leadership) 2020-21, FBI Command College in 2022, and Ethical Leadership and Leadership on the Line in 2023.

When he’s not working, Jefferson enjoys watching movies, carpentry, and attending car shows.

“Julius Jefferson’s experience and community knowledge make him the perfect person to succeed Chief Leonard,” said Town Manager Kip Padgett. “He is highly capable and highly respected. He has also demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his career with the Wake Forest Police Department. I am confident he is the right person to serve as our Interim Chief.”

A permanent police chief will be named later this year following a comprehensive search process.

Source: Wake Forest Police Department Facebook

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Christian Buffaloe, local Kyokushin Karate instructor in Roanoke Rapids & Arcola, has been invited by the International Kyokushin Karate Organization in Japan to compete in the “2025 Kyokushin Karate USWC Championships” in Los Angeles on February 2nd.

This tournament also serves as a qualifier for entry into the “Kyokushin Karate World Weight Category Championships” in Tokyo, Japan in April. This elite championships is held once every 4 years and features the top Kyokushin Karate fighters in the world in 4 Weight divisions. Buffaloe represent the USA, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Buffaloe is currently coached by his father/instructor, Sensei Kenny Buffaloe, the North Carolina Representative of Kyokushin Karate.

Christian Buffaloe is a two time Kyokushin Karate United States men’s champion winning in 2020 & 2023. He is a favorite in this year’s Championships in Los Angeles on February 2nd. Winning the top 3 places in LA secures entry into the “World Weight Category Championships” in April in Tokyo, Japan.

Christian Buffaloe will be featured on WITN TV 7 (an N.B.C. affliate) at the end of January on the Sports segment of the 6 and 11 o’clock news. He will do several Kyokushin Karate demonstrations and be interviewed about his upcoming participation in the “Kyokushin Karate USWC Championships” in Little Tokyo next month.

For more information on Kyokushin Karate and area training classes, call or text (252) 589-4281.

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The Warren County community is invited to listen, express their concerns, and offer solutions about Warren County Schools and public education on Tuesday, January 21st, at 6pm in the John Graham Gym.

Hosted by Voices of Warren, Warren County Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis is the invited guests and will answer questions from concerned parents, students, and the public.

Those who are unable to attend in-person can watch via Zoom:
1 (309) 205-3325
ID: 88944280198
Passcode: 1

John Graham Gym is located at 115 Wilcox Street in Warrenton, NC.

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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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NeoSoul Festival 2025 is bringing soulful vibes to Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard in Norlina, North Carolina, on Saturday, April 26th. Headlining the event is the legendary Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter, Angie Stone.

Stone rose to fame in the late 1970s with the groundbreaking hip-hop trio, The Sequence and later as part of the R&B trio, Vertical Hold. Her solo debut, Black Diamond (1999), went gold and featured the hit “No More Rain (In This Cloud).” Two years later, she followed with Mahogany Soul, which included the timeless track “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” and continued to solidify her status with albums like Stone Love (2004) and The Art of Love & War (2007), her first number-one album on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

With three Grammy nominations, two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, and the 2021 Soul Music Icon Award from the Black Music Honors, Angie Stone’s influence on neosoul is undeniable.

The festival will also feature live DJ sets, local vendors, and food trucks, promising an unforgettable day of music, culture, and community.

Tickets for NeoSoul Festival 2025 start at $45 and can be purchased at Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard’s website (https://sevenspringsvineyards.com).

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Join the Warren County Senior Center for an educational outing to Kim’s Vineyard and Winery on Thursday, January 23, 2025. This experience will include a tour of the vineyard and a lecture on the science of winemaking, as well as the challenges of maintaining a vineyard to produce the perfect grape.

The group will depart from the Senior Center at 11:00 AM and return by 2:00 PM. Best of all, the outing is completely free, including transportation and lunch.

While visiting Kim’s Vineyard and Winery, guests will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of homegrown canned vegetables and fruits at their own expense.

Kim’s Vineyard and Winery is a treasured gem in Warren County, established in 1995 by Cheryl and Walter Royster. What began as a hobby for Mr. Royster—planting a few rows of grapes to test his green thumb—has grown into a thriving operation.

By 2004, the Roysters expanded their passion project to include a winery.

Today, the vineyard spans over five acres of land, with the winery adding another two acres. This family-operated business offers a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere and boasts a selection of more than 18 different types of wine, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate.

Don’t miss this chance to explore a unique part of Warren County’s agricultural and cultural heritage. Seating for this outing is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early.

For more information or to sign up, contact the Warren County Senior Center at (252) 257-3111.

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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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