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

[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

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.