Under blue skies and near-perfect weather, 150 cyclists hit the road last Saturday (May 3) for the fifth annual Ride de Vine, taking in the scenic beauty of Warren County— all for a great cause.

The ride began bright and early at 8am on the Warren County Courthouse Square in downtown Warrenton. Participants—from local riders to cycling enthusiasts as far away as New York—chose from three thoughtfully designed routes: 20k, 50k, or 100k. Each offered a peaceful journey through Warren County’s winding backroads and picture-perfect scenery.

When we caught up with riders at the finish line, the reviews were glowing. Many raved about the “well mapped-out routes” and couldn’t get enough of the views. One sentiment was shared across the board: they’re already looking forward to coming back (yes, even with the hills).

We also checked in with event organizer Joshua Hughey to see if Ride de Vine would be a go for 2026.

His response? “We love Warren County,” he said. “We have no plans to move elsewhere at this time.”

Sounds like it’s time to dust off your bike and start training for next spring.

Upon their return to home base, riders enjoyed a fully-loaded protein and carb-filled meal catered by JMS Catering and shopped with local vendors, all while enjoying a fast-paced DJ set. Boots On the Ground, anyone?

Ride de Vine is a fully supported, non-competitive ride benefiting the Jack & Jill of America Foundation, blending wellness and philanthropy with a side of breathtaking views. For more information, visit their website at https://ridedevine.com/.

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Known for crafting compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, Warren County native Garrett Davis is bringing another profound stage production, Father Figure to the McGregor Hall stage on Sunday, February 2nd.

Centered around the importance of why fathers should be in the lives of their sons, Father Figure is branded as an “Edutainical(TM)” experience, which combines the emotional depth of live theatre with music and storytelling. In Father Figure, Davis highlights the impact of fatherlessness while offering hope, healing, and a path forward.

Gdavis Productions and Films, founded by Davis in 1994, is a leading theater company known for nationally touring stage plays that depict real-life situations, including Mama’s Girls and Forget Me Not.

Another Warren County native, Dartez Wright, once Davis’s student at Warren County High School and now serves as Creative Director, is also featured in the play.

Tickets for Father Figure are $20 (advance), $25 (day of show), and $15 (student), and are on sale now at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11557 or by calling the McGregor Hall office at (252) 598-0662. The box office will also open one hour before the show starts.

McGregor Hall is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, 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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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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Join the Warren County Senior Center as they thrift shop on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at InJoy Thrift Stores in Rocky Mount, NC. They will depart the Senior Center at 9:30am and return by 2:00pm. There is no cost for transportation, but reservations must be made in advance. Seniors are responsible for the cost of their purchases and lunch at Gardner’s Restaurant.

The InJoy Thrift Stores are operated on Christian principles, by Christian people, from area churches
providing great merchandise donated locally and sold at great prices. Profits support and fund Christian
based ministries in your community and throughout the world.

Limited seating. For more information, contact the Warren County Senior Center at (252) 257-3111.

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The City of Henderson is pleased to announce the appointment of Hassan T. Kingsberry, Esq. as the new City Manager, effective January 13th, 2024. A majority of the Henderson City Council chose Mr. Kingsberry to lead the city into its next chapter of growth and success.

Mr. Kingsberry brings nearly a decade of experience in municipal government and a proven track record of delivering results that benefit local governments, residents, and businesses. He also has provided legal counsel and practiced law for almost two decades as well as served as an educator in the Kerr-Tar region.

Mayor Melissa Elliott confidently welcomed Hassan Kingsberry as the new City Manager, declaring, “Exciting developments are on the horizon for the City of Henderson!”

Councilwoman Geraldine Champion expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment: “Throughout the selection process, Mr. Kingsberry’s resume was impressive, and while many other candidates were strong, his qualifications particularly aligned with what the City of Henderson needs in a city manager. We are confident in his ability to lead Henderson toward a brighter future.”

Council Members Ola Thorpe-Cooper, Michael Venable and Tami Walker emphasized the importance of collaboration under Hassan Kingsberry’s leadership: “We’re excited to work alongside Mr. Kingsberry to serve our residents and make Henderson a city where everyone can thrive.”

Hassan Kingsberry also shared his excitement about joining the Henderson team: “As one who grew up on 520 Whitten Avenue, I am honored to serve as City Manager for the City of Henderson. I look forward to collaborating with the City Council, staff, and community to achieve our shared goals and create opportunities for peace, prosperity, and progress.”

As City Manager, Hassan Kingsberry will oversee the day-to-day operations of Henderson’s government, manage its budget, and work closely with the City Council to implement strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all Henderson residents.

Prior to his recent appointment, Kingsberry stepped in as Interim City Attorney for Henderson on Dec. 5 of this year. Before, he served as the Town Attorney for Wake Forest, NC and was the County Attorney for Warren County, 2017-2022.

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Warren County Democrats and Independent voters gathered on the Courthouse Square to listen to candidates vying for their vote in November.

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Darren Fleet has come a long way from walking the halls of Warren County Schools and posting hilarious videos on YouTube. Nowadays, he’s traveling the country hitting comedy clubs, appearing on improv shows, and sharing his comedic pop culture rants to his fan base of over 2 million followers!

If you’ve been waiting for him to appear on a stage near us, you’re in luck! Fleet’s bringing his brand of standup to Goodnights Comedy in Raleigh on Wednesday, October 30.

From the website:
It doesn’t take long to fall in love with Darren Fleet’s humor. Fleet is making waves in the comedy world and if you’re smart, you’ll want to ride this one. He has performed live with the likes of Rickey Smiley, Karlous Miller, and the cast of “Wild ’N Out,” among others. Fleet has been performing comedy for 5 years now and has graced stages throughout the U.S. He has performed and headlined at several comedy clubs including The Funny Bone, The Improv, Stardome, Comedy Zone, and Punchline Comedy Lounge.

Fleet has been fortunate enough to showcase his talents at the “BET Awards,” Essence Festival, CIAA All-Star Weekend, and Bronner Bros Hair Convention. If comedy isn’t enough to keep him busy, he has thrown his hat into acting as well. This fall, he will premiere his television show, “What Behooves Me,” which will air on ICTV. Fleet has built a following of more than 2 million followers on social media alone through his Instagram and Facebook with his humorous rants on various aspects of everyday life.

Reserved tickets are $37 and general admission is $27.

For tickets to catch Darren Fleet live, visit the Goodnights website at https://www.goodnightscomedy.com/shows/278945.

Goodnights Comedy Club is located at 401 Woodburn Road in Raleigh, NC.

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This week, Governor Roy Cooper announced the 2024-2025 application period for the North Carolina Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award is underway. The award, passed by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service.

“School employees are the backbone of our education system,” says Governor Cooper. “They work tirelessly behind the scenes to support students, teachers, and families. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the unsung heroes of North Carolina schools and the crucial work that they do every day.”

For the purposes of the award, a classified school employee is defined as an employee of a state or any political subdivision of a state, or an employee of a nonprofit entity, who works in any grade from pre-kindergarten through high school in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.

Award winners demonstrate excellence in the following areas: (A) Work performance; (B) School and community involvement; (C) Leadership and commitment; (D) Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work); (E) Enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.

Public school units, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, private schools and their representatives, parents, and students may nominate by September 30.

The two winners in North Carolina will be nominated to the U.S. Department of Education by November 1st. The U.S. Secretary of Education will select a single classified school employee from among the nominees to receive the RISE Award in the spring. The Office of the Governor of North Carolina will honor nominees and finalists. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education will recognize the honoree and communicate their story in order to inspire excellence among classified school employees.

Nominate an unsung education hero for the 2024 RISE Award. Submit your nomination by September 30th at 5pm through https://forms.office.com/g/SuEnGi73qm.

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