AccessOn Networks announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the company a $17.5 million dollar grant which will allow the Holly Springs-based company to bring high-speed internet access to more than 2,500 addresses, 100 businesses, 76 farms and 22 educational facilities in rural Warren and Halifax counties.

“People living in rural towns across the nation need high-speed internet to run their businesses, go to school and connect with their loved ones,” commented USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA partners with small towns, local utilities and cooperatives, and private companies to increase access to high-speed internet so people in rural America have the opportunity to build brighter futures. Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is committed to making sure that people, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed internet.”

Warren County Manager Vincent Jones, Commissioner Walter Powell, Community & Economic Development Director Charla Duncan, Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack, Haliwa-Saponi Chief Brucie Ogletree Richardson, Senior Advisor to President Biden Mitch Landrieu / Photo Credit: Warren County Government

“AccessOn Networks is thankful for the opportunity to receive this funding from the USDA,” said Steve Ledford, AccessOn Networks CEO. “This grant will allow us to help residents and businesses in Warren and Halifax counties that desperately need access to reliable high-speed internet. We would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration, the USDA, Governor Cooper and NCDIT, Congressman Butterfield, Congresswoman Ross, the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, Warren County Manager Vincent Jones and Halifax County Manager Dia Denton, county commissioners from both counties, and all of the residents, business owners and community leaders who supported this application. Their support was vital in helping us win this grant funding.”

Governor Roy Cooper / Photo Credit: Warren County Governor

There is no timeline for when this initiative will begin.

Read more: AccessOn Networks Awarded USDA ReConnect Grant to Bring High-Speed Internet to Rural Areas of Warren and Halifax Counties

Share

The post AccessOn Networks Awarded USDA ReConnect Grant to Bring High-Speed Internet to Rural Areas of Warren and Halifax Counties appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

If you have perused the local newspapers, chances are, you have come across Ivan Richardson‘s photography work.

Photographer Ivan Richardson (submitted photo)

With his Nikon in tow, the Fotoworkz: Photography by Ivan owner has captured winning shots at high school games, adorable candids at community festivals, and most notably, his breathtaking and vivid portraits of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe.

A member of the tribe himself, through his use of angles, lights, and shadows, his creative brand stands out as his work focuses on his community. Much of his artistry highlights the Native American tribe donning traditional regalia during annual Powwows and other regional cultural events as well as everyday life.

For a closer look, visit The Mims Art Gallery at North Carolina Wesleyan College, which has his work adorning their walls until Feb 28. A reception in his honor will be this Thursday, Feb 17 from 5-7pm in the gallery. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Richardson and other members of the Haliwa Saponi tribe.

This will be the second time Richardson’s photography has been on exhibit at The Mims.

Recently, he announced via social media that one of his images will be featured in an upcoming textbook.

North Carolina Wesleyan College is located at 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd in Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Ivan Richardson is a freelance photographer and the owner of Fotoworkz: Photography by Ivan. He can be reached at (919) 497-6684.

Share

The post Local Photographer Work Featured in Art Gallery appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

To celebrate the love + support I’ve received from you all with the launch of The Warrenist, I want to give one (1) lucky winner TWO (2) VIP tickets to see Brooke Simpson LIVE in concert THIS Saturday (12/11) at the Rocky Mount Event Center!

TO ENTER:
Follow The Warrenist on Facebook
Follow The Warrenist on Instagram
Subscribe to The Warrenist newsletter (It’s free!)
Tag @ someone you would take with you to the show (under the Facebook or Instagram posts)

GIVEAWAY RULES
– Must be at least 18 years old
– Must provide your own transportation to and from the concert
– This giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by Instagram

The lucky winner will be chosen randomly and notified by Thursday, Dec. 9th at 5pm.

Good luck!!!

Share

The post CLOSED: Enter to Win VIP Tickets to see BROOKE SIMPSON in Concert!! 🎤 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Immediately after her top five finish on America’s Got Talent, Brooke Simpson released not one, but two new singles: You Only Had One Job and Haliwa.

In You Only Had One Job, which Brooke revealed is her favorite song off her anticipated debut album, is a metaphoric spin on the popular meme and a catchy breakup tune (If I was your boss, you’d be unemployed).

Simpson honors her Indigenous roots and her hometown in Haliwa. A member of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe centered in Hollister, NC, Brooke mellows out her powerhouse vocal range in this beautiful ode (I get it from my mama/And she get it from hers/Passing down the mantle/Put the flame to the candle of them redbone girls).

Simpson has yet to announce when her album will be released, but until then, she will be keeping busy. Most recently and in honor of Native American Heritage Month, she appeared in the See Me See Us campaign for Nike N7. Next year, Brooke will be making her Broadway debut in the Diane Paulus revival of the Tony Award-winning musical, 1776.

Fans will be able to see her in concert soon, the first since AGT, where she will be bringing her star power to the North Carolina Holiday Makers Market at the Rocky Mount Events Center on Saturday, December 11th. Tickets are available here.

Check out You Only Had One Job and Haliwa below:

YOU ONLY HAD ONE JOB (Download)

HALIWA (Download)

Share

The post NEW MUSIC: Brooke Simpson “You Only Had One Job” + “Haliwa” 🎵 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.