Local
Are You Ready for a Winter Storm?
Tips and advice on how to prepare for a winter storm

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
1. Prepare Your Home and Family
Check your heating system to ensure it is functioning properly. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, make sure you have enough fuel.
Inspect your windows and doors for any drafts. Seal any gaps to keep the cold air out.
Stock up on essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, and batteries. Aim for at least a 72-hour supply.
Charge all electronic devices (phones, tablets, flashlights, etc.) to ensure they are ready in case of power outages.
Prepare an emergency kit with blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, candles, and extra warm clothing.
Know your local emergency shelters and how to reach them in case you need to evacuate or seek refuge.
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.
Local
Warren County Hires First Tourism Manager
Cherie Nielsen began in the tourism manager position on the Warren County Community and Economic Development team on March 4, 2025.

The Warren County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) in partnership with Warren County Community and Economic Development have hired the Countyโs first tourism manager.
Cherie Nielsen began in the tourism manager position on the Warren County Community and Economic Development team on March 4, 2025. Nielsen has an extensive background in economic development, business promotion, and community engagement, and she brings a wealth of experience that will help enhance and expand tourism initiatives across the county.
โOn behalf of the Warren County TDA and its members, it is my pleasure to welcome Cherie Nielsen as our new Tourism Manager,โ stated Michael Hawkins, chair of the Warren County TDA board. โI am confident that her expertise and competencies can enable us to reach new heights with tourism in the county. I look forward to the changes or developments that she intends to bring about.โ
The tourism manager position is fully funded through the newly enacted occupancy tax, which went into effect on July 1, 2024. This funding allows for expanded tourism development efforts, marketing campaigns, and infrastructure improvements that will enhance visitor experiences and drive economic impact for the county. Occupancy taxes are levied on short-term lodging and related rentals and are paid by the visitor, not the property owner.
โTourism has been a function of Warren County economic development for decades, but we have never had dedicated staff and dedicated funding to apply towards tourism initiatives,โ stated Charla Duncan, Director of the Countyโs Community and Economic Development department. โFor the past decade, weโve seen year-over-year growth in travel-related expenditures in Warren County. With dedicated tourism resources, we look forward to bringing in more revenue to the county and to local businesses.โ
Nielsen has a strong history of driving economic growth through strategic planning, marketing, and business development. Most recently, she served as the Project Associate Director for the Industrial Development Authority of Brunswick County, VA, where she played a pivotal role in securing funding, managing large-scale projects, and fostering partnerships to revitalize the local economy. Her leadership contributed to business retention and expansion efforts, community development, and the promotion of regional assets to attract investment.
Prior to that, Nielsen spent five years with the North Carolina Department of Commerce as the Welcome Center Manager in Warren County, where she led efforts to promote tourism across all 100 counties in North Carolina, connecting travelers with local attractions, businesses, and cultural experiences. She also has experience in outdoor recreation and trail development, having served as the Trail Coordinator for the nonprofit Tobacco Heritage Trail before joining the Department of Commerce. These roles deepened her understanding of regional tourism, economic development, and the importance of strategic partnerships in enhancing visitor engagement.
With a passion for rural economic development, Nielsen has also worked extensively in grant writing, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy.
Nielsen states, โTourism is a key economic driver, and I am committed to leveraging Warren Countyโs rich history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities to attract visitors and support local businesses.โ
As Tourism Manager, Nielsen will focus on increasing Warren Countyโs visibility as a travel destination while ensuring that tourism growth benefits the entire community, including rural residents and businesses. She aims to strengthen connections between tourism and the greater community, recognizing the role of agritourism, local artisans, and small businesses in driving sustainable economic growth. Through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing, she will promote Warren Countyโs unique assets while creating opportunities for residents to engage in and benefit from tourism initiatives.
For more information on the Warren County occupancy tax, visit https://www.warrencountync.com/876/Occupancy-Tax-5.
For information on the Warren County Tourism Development Authority, visit https://warrencountync.com/902/Tourism-Development-Authority.
To contact Cherie Nielsen, email cherienielsen@warrencountync.gov.
Entertainment
Leela James Announced as New NeoSoul Festival Headliner
The vocal powerhouse will be performing in Norlina in April.

On Friday, March 7th at 8pm sharp, Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard announced via social media, singer Leela James will be taking the musical helm at their NeoSoul Festival on Saturday, April 26th.
From Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard: We are beyond excited to announce that the incomparable Leela James will be the featured artist at the 2025 Neo Soul Festival on Saturday, April 26th at Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard!
With her powerhouse vocals and soul-stirring hits like Fall for You, Complicated, Say That, and Music, Leela James brings the raw emotion that makes Neo-Soul so special.
Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of incredible music.
Tickets available at www.sevenspringsvineyards.com. We canโt wait to see you there!
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Leela James will be replacing the previously announced performer, Angie Stone, who tragically passed away earlier this month.
Entertainment
Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard Releases Statement About the Passing of NeoSoul Artist, Angie Stone
Singer/songwriter Angie Stone was set to headline their NeoSoul Festival in April.

Shortly after the tragic passing of legendary singer/songwriter Angie Stone who was set to headline their NeoSoul Festival in April, Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard released a statement on social media.
We are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Angie Stone and others from a tragic accident. Her vibrant life ended far too soon, but her impact will continue to inspire us.
Our prayers and condolences are with all families during this time of grief.
Seven Springs has been in communication with Angie Stone’s management, and we will provide additional details this coming week regarding tickets.
We thank you for your patience.
At press time, Seven Springs has not stated what their next action will be for the NeoSoul Festival.
Angie Stone passed away in car accident in Alabama on Saturday, March 1st while en route to Baltimore, MD.
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