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.

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).

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.