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No COG Board Meeting in April. Next meeting
will be Thursday, May 23rd at 7:00PM at the COG Office.
·
Revolving Loan Committee Meeting will be April
18th at 9:00AM at the COG Office.
·
Regional Aging Advisory Committee Meeting will
be May 8th at 2PM at the COG Office.
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The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology
Center is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual “Keep Our Air
Clean” Student Art Contest beginning in March. Students
in grades kindergarten through college are encouraged to
submit artwork centered around actions people can take to
reduce air pollution from vehicles. The winners will have
their artwork prominently displayed on billboards across the
state.
For further information on the competition,
please visit:
https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu/2019/02/25/keep-our-air-clean-student-art-contest-launches-this-march/
The Clean Energy Technology Center is
accepting names of individuals interested in serving as
judges. If interested, please contact Alrik Lunsford at
252-436-2040 or alunsford@kerrtarcog.org
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The Town of Warrenton has developed a survey
to encourage public input for the new bicycle and
pedestrian plan. Questions are designed to generate
feedback on existing bicycling and walking behavior, as well
as identify possible barriers that may prevent or discourage
more bicycling or walking.
All survey responses will be treated
anonymously. At
the end of the survey, participants will be asked to provide
an email address or telephone number to be entered for
a chance to win a gift card. The survey is
available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WalkBikeWarrenton
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FUNDING
OPPORTUNITY
NC
Legacy Tree Fund Grant
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The NC Urban
Forest Council is now accepting applications for projects
relating to street tree planting, natural area planting,
neighborhood planting, school projects, arbor day events,
stormwater projects, or storm recovery. Submissions due by
May 31, 2019. Learn more
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NC
Hearts Gigabit Interactive
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Join NC Broadband
Matters for the second annual showcase of solutions
demonstrating why access to modern broadband matters to rural
and urban vitality, workforce development, and leadership in
technology innovation as a state. Register
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PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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2019
Tentative TCC/TAC Meeting Dates
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Meetings are held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the
Kerr-Tar COG Offices located at 1724 Graham Avenue in
Henderson
· January
2019 - No Meeting Scheduled
· April 25, 2019 CANCELLED
· July
- No Meeting Scheduled
· November
2019 - No Meeting Scheduled
· December
2019 - No Meeting Scheduled
*Please note, meeting dates are subject to
change in order to accommodate NCDOT deadlines
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Elected officials serving as members of the
KTRPO TAC are required to submit Statements of Economic
Interest (SEI) and Real-Estate Disclosure (RED) Forms
annually to the North Carolina State Ethics Commission. The
due date for 2019 will be April 15. Please schedule an
appointment with KTRPO staff to complete these necessary
forms.
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The KTRPO joint Technical Coordination
Committee (TCC) and Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)
met on Thursday, March 28th at the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of
Governments’ offices in Henderson. The Committees heard a
presentation from the North Carolina Department of
Transportation on NCMOVES2050 Plan. NCMoves 2050 will serve
as a blueprint in helping guide and shape the state’s future
transportation policies and investments over the next 30
years.
In March, Franklin County Commissioner Sidney
Dunston, a member of the KTRPO TAC and Granville County EDC
Director Mr. Harry Mills, a member of the KTRPO TCC were
nominated to serve as Community Leaders representing the
KTRPO on the NCMoves 2050 Plan.
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The NCDOT is conducting a 5 to 10-minute
citizen survey about how transportation is changing, and how
North Carolina could address the challenges and opportunities
resulting from these changes. The results of the survey will
be used to identify transportation priorities and needs for
the state. Citizens are encouraged to provide public comment
and may do so via the following: https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/Transportation/nc-2050-plan/Pages/default.aspx
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Public
Comment Opportunity for NCDOT
Division
5 Projects
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Area residents will get a chance to learn more
about the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s draft 10-Year
transportation plan for 2020-2029 at a week-long open house
in Durham next week. The department unveiled its proposed
funding and construction plan in January with more than 1,600
transportation projects across the state.
The list includes 18 new projects for Division
5, which covers Durham, Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance,
Wake and Warren counties. Projects were selected based on
technical data, as well as input from local officials and the
public. A list of the projects in the draft plan and
additional information is available on the NCDOT website.
The transportation plan is updated every two
years. Projects scheduled in the first five years are
considered committed, while projects in the final five years
of the draft 10-year plan will be re-evaluated again as part
of the development process for the 2022-2031 plan. That will
start later this year.
Each of the department’s 14 highway divisions
are hosting a week-long public comment opportunity on the
projects in the current draft plan. In Division 5, it was
held from Feb. 18-22, 2019 at the
Division office at 2612 North Duke Street, Durham, during
normal business hours.
The sessions served
as opportunities for interested
residents to review maps and handouts about the projects, ask
questions of local NCDOT staff, and submit comments.
For interested residents who can’t attend
the public comment
sessions,
there is an opportunity to submit comments
online through
April 15. The draft plan will be considered for final
approval by the Board of Transportation this summer.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services
under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled
persons who want to provide input. Anyone requiring special
services should contact David Keilson at 919-220-4600,
or dpkeilson@ncdot.gov, as early as possible so that arrangements
can be made.
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The 3rd Annual
Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference will be held August
7-8, 2019 at the Durham Convention Center. Discover the
latest and greatest in sustainable fleet technology, operations,
and implementation.
The Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference
will showcase the latest and greatest technologies in the
biofuels, electric, natural gas, and propane arenas. The
conference will also have a strong focus on data driven
decisions and technologies. With 50+ speakers and 40+
exhibitors, this event will highlight the leading edge of
sustainable fleet practices and alternative fuel
opportunities.
Register at the following: https://www.sustainablefleetexpo.com/registration/
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Visit
NC Farms Mobile App
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The Council of
Governments, in conjunction with the North Carolina
Department of Agriculture, and local
Co-Operative
Extension Offices are still accepting applications for the
Visit NC Farms Mobile App. If you are a local farmer, local
food producer, a restaurant using local foods, or sale local
goods at a Farmers Market, please contact your local Agricultural
Extension Office for details about being included in the
mobile app.
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On March 20th, the COG participated in Ag Awareness Day in
Raleigh. Attendees visited with their elected officials at
the General Assembly and attended an Agriculture Awareness
Rally at Bicentenial Plaza, where Commissioner of Argiculure
Steve Troxler and members of the North Carolina General
Assembly spoke on the importance of agriculture to the
state’s economy. Attendees had an opporunity to thank
legislators for the much needed funding farmers received
after Hurricanes Florence and Michael.
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NCDOT
Announces Spring 2019 Litter Sweep
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Each April and September, the North Carolina
Department of Transportation calls on volunteers from across
the state to assist in removing litter from roadsides.
Volunteers from local businesses, schools, non-profits,
churches and community groups play an important role in
keeping North Carolina’s roads clean. Volunteers are provided
with clean-up supplies such as reversible orange and blue
trash bags, gloves and safety vests from local NCDOT County
Maintenance Yard offices. Last year, volunteers,
Adopt-A-Highway groups and NCDOT employees removed more than
500,000 pounds of litter during the spring litter sweep. If a
member of a local community group or a local government
entity within the region interested in participating, please
visit: http://www.ncdot.gov/littersweep
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The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology
Center (NCCETC) and NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
hosted public Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Information & Input
Sessions at four locations across the state during the month
of March. These meetings coincide with Governor Cooper’s
signing of Executive Order 80, instructing state agencies to make plans to
promote clean energy. As part of this effort, the NCDOT is
creating a statewide plan to promote the use of clean
transportation technologies and is inviting the public to
participate in the NC ZEV Plan Survey, available via the
following link: https://nczevplan.metroquest.com/
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Stephanie Harmon, Regional Planner & RPO
Coordinator applied for funding through the Active Routes to
School program; a component of the North Carolina Department
of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School. If awarded, this
grant will fund non-infrastructure projects such as:
encouraging students to be more active on their way to school
and while they are at school. The KTRPO thanks our region’s
Superintendents for their letters of support in applying for
this funding.
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Welcome Nancy Francis, our new AAA Director.
Nancy comes to us with a background in Gerontology, Law and
Aging services. She is looking forward to meeting our local
providers and working with everyone to support the well-being
of the region’s older adults.
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Let the games begin!
Volunteers from all areas of the community are welcome.
Anyone interested in becoming involved in the Senior Games
program as a staff member, sponsor or volunteer, please
contact: Laura Yeatts lyeatts@kerrtarcog.org or call (252) 436-2040. For
more information visit www.ncseniorgames.org.
April Events Include:
·
4/5/19
– 9:00 A.M - Cycling, Track, Shotput, Discuss, and
Softball and Football Throw @ Warren County High School
Athletic Field, Warren County
·
4/9/19
– 9:00 A.M - Horseshoes and Tennis @ D.N Hix Complex,
Granville County
·
4/12/19
– 9:00 A.M – Pickleball @ John Graham Gymnasium
·
4/15/19
– 10:00 A.M – Bowling * Singles @ Buffaloe Lanes, Raleigh
·
4/18/19
– 9:00 A.M – Cornhole @ Aycock Recreation Complex, Vance
County
·
4/22/19
– 10:00 A.M – Bowling *Doubles and Mix Doubles @ Buffaloe
Lanes, Raleigh
·
4/26/19
– 9:00 A.M – Boccee @ Huck Sansbury Park , Person County
·
5/3/19
– 10:00 A.M - SilverArts and Awards Show @ VGCC Civic Center,
Vance County
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Caregiver
Support Groups
Caregiver support
groups are offered monthly in the following counties:
Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren. If you
are a caregiver, or know someone who is, we highly recommend
attending! Our caregiver support groups offer information,
assistance, guidance, and support for all caregivers! The
following times for support groups are listed below. For more
information regarding caregiver support groups, please
contact Harvey Holmes, Family Caregiver Specialist at hholmes@kerrtarcog.org
or call (252) 436-2040.
Franklin County Caregiver Support Group
Louisburg Senior Center
2nd Monday @ 7:00 P.M
(919) 496-1131
Granville County Caregiver Support Group
Granville Hospital Cafeteria Meeting Room
1st Wednesday @ 12:00 P.M
(919) 690-3273
Person County Caregiver Support Group
Person County Senior Center
4th Tuesday @ 6:00 P.M
(336) 599-7484
Person County Caregiver Support Group
Cambridge Hills
2nd Tuesday @ 6:30 P.M
(336) 599-7484
Vance County Caregiver Support Group
Vance County Senior Center
3rd Tuesday @ 12:00 P.M.
(252) 430-0257
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Are you having a
hard time landing a job and feel defeated or frustrated?
NCWorks Career Centers have staff that can help assist
you. If you need a little inspiration, read this success
story and how an individual who was living in a shelter and
trying to go to school has now gained employment. Click here for the entire story.
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March was a busy
month for Kerr-Tar. Five participants were sent to CNA
training at VGCC. Three of the five from our January cohort
at K’s Health Care Institute completed the course and passed
the skills test to be listed in the state registry. One participant
had to reschedule the test. Another participant completed the
class and was hired at Central Regional Hospital before
taking the skills test. She is a Health Care Technician
making $18.50 per hour! The employer will provide additional
training, and she will become certified as a CNA.
The CDLA
informational session on March 21st was attended by seventeen
participants. Two participants are currently enrolled in CDLA
school. Three have graduated this month, including two women,
who performed at the top of their class, and finished a week
before the others! One of which accepted a position with
Carolina Cargo, at the rate of .30 per mile. As she gains
experience, her earnings will increase. Another has
multiple job offers from trucking companies- we are waiting
to hear which she accepts! All participants are expected to
meet or exceed the median salary for truck drivers in this
area- $39,818.00.
Ameristaff ,
Pallet One, NC DPS and Executive Personnel Group have had job
fairs at the Centers this month. TTT Enterprises held
interviews in the Business Services Conference Room on March
21st. The
Tatums, and their partners who had flown in from Detroit,
interviewed five candidates for Chief Science Officer, and
two for Production Supervisor. These candidates were chosen
to interview from the more than twenty referred to the
employer through Business Services. At the end of the day,
they indicated that they would be making offers to three of
the candidates! One participant will be the Chief Science
Officer. He lost his previous job due to lay-offs at BASF.
Another participant who lost his job when Cormetech was
purchased and reorganized, was offered Production Supervisor.
Both will be working closely with NCWorks as they recruit for
the next positions in material handling and processing,
shipping and receiving, and laboratory technology.
Penn Pellet hired
a participant on March 20th as
Production Supervisor for their new facility in Henderson.
This individual was previously a shift supervisor at Fed Ex.
Penn Pallet plans to begin production May 1st, and had a hiring event on April 2nd. They
are hiring four pallet sorters and repairers at 12/hour, and
want to provide on-the-job training. They anticipate hiring
more when their machinery is installed in mid-April.
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PCC
NCWorks NextGen Meeting
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Piedmont Community
College held an NCWorks NextGen meeting on Friday, March 29,
2019 in Roxboro, NC. Topics included Job Soft Skill and
Financial Literacy – Basic Banking.
The session began
with Allen Hines, PCC Workforce Development Instructor,
working with students on “What Is Work Ethic?” Students
worked together and completed a puzzle answering questions
that dealt with characteristics of “Good Work
Ethic”. Then the students played a game- “ Where is the
Money”. In this game, students answered
questions about “Good Work Ethic”. If students answered
the questions correctly they got Money (fake money). The
participants really liked playing this game and had fun
competing to be the one with the most money.
Christine Howe
from BB&T also spoke about “Money” and the participants
were given workbooks in which they made notes, answered
questions, and listed any questions they had. They
talked about cashing checks, fees for cashing check – bank vs
a “check cashing store.” In addition, Ms. Howe
talked to them about checking accounts, debt cards, savings
accounts-different kinds of savings accounts and the rates
each potentially pays. Finally, she talked about
credit and building “Good Credit” in order to someday buy a
car or a house. The participants were given a chance to
ask questions throughout this presentation. Lively
discussion and questions came from the participants, thus
showing great interest in being financially
responsible.
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MISSION
STATEMENT
Kerr-Tar
Regional Council of Governments aims to
promote
regionalism that provides opportunities for
local
governments to enhance and improve the quality
of
life for our citizens through effective delivery of
services
and programs.
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Kerr-Tar Regional
Council of Governments
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Kerr-Tar Regional COG 1724 Graham AvenueHenderson, NC 27536 2524362040
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