FSA offering additional assistance for contract growers
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP2), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities. Producers who are now eligible should contact the Chatham County FSA Office before Feb. 26 in order to apply for the program.
Contract producers of swine, broilers, laying hens, chicken eggs and turkeys who suffered a drop in revenue in 2020 as compared to their 2019 revenue because of the pandemic now are eligible for assistance. Producers could receive up to 80% of their revenue loss, subject to the availability of funds. Producers of pullets and turfgrass sod also now are eligible for CFAP payments. The commodities were not explicitly included in the initial CFAP 2 rule.
Newly eligible producers can submit a new CFAP 2 application and must do so by Feb. 26, 2021. Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification will be requested. There may be other eligibility forms required if you have not applied for any previous FSA program. For existing FSA customers, many documents are likely already on file. The Chatham County FSA Office remains open for business, however public access remains limited. We are happy to continue to serve our customers by phone, email, drop box, or regular mail. If you have any questions or would like to apply for the CFAP 2 additional assistance, please call or email the county office. Our phone number is 919-542-2244 ext. 2. If we do not answer, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we can.
Gov. Cooper honors North Carolina’s black health leaders during Black History Month
Gov. Roy Cooper recognized and honored North Carolina’s African American leaders and organizations in health and medicine for their contributions to heal and care for their communities.
“I am grateful for all of the African American leaders who have served our state through their efforts in health and medicine,” said Governor Cooper. “As we celebrate their achievements, we must acknowledge that North Carolina still has work to do to ensure equitable health systems for all North Carolinians.”
Governor Cooper proclaimed February as Black History Month in North Carolina at the beginning of this month.
In June 2020, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 143 which established the Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force. This Task Force is working to address the disparities in our health care and economic institutions for communities of color that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout the pandemic, Governor Cooper and top health officials have made equity a top priority. North Carolina has been recognized nationally for state efforts to track data about race and ethnicity in vaccinations and COVID-19 cases. North Carolina continues to reach out to communities of color with focused outreach and ensuring a portion of vaccines every week go to underserved communities.
Among the honorees is the late Maude Lee Bryant of Chatham County, recognized as a midwife whose birthing practices were known statewide. She also served as an instructor on traditional birthing to UNC Medical School students.
Chatham man appointed to state board
Gov. Roy Cooper announced new appointments to state boards and commissions Tuesday.
He appointed Ronnie Dunn of Siler City as an at-large public member to the North Carolina Board of Electrolysis Examiners.
Dunn works as a cosmetologist and has been a part of the cosmetology industry for nine years.
— CN+R staff reports
Chatham County Democratic Party announces 2021 precinct meetings
The 2021 Chatham County Democratic Party annual organizational precinct meetings will be held between March 6 and March 20.
Because of COVID-19, all meetings will be virtual via Zoom. While precincts may meet at other times during the year, this is the meeting where precinct leadership is elected, precinct delegates to the County Convention are elected and resolutions from precinct members are considered and voted on. Resolutions may eventually become part of the NCDP or DNC platforms.
All Democrats living in a precinct may attend and vote on business before the meeting. Interested individuals will be able to stream the precinct meeting.
Details on the date and time of each meeting are available at https://www.chathamdemsnc.net/2021_precinct_meetings. Anyone interested in running for precinct leadership, becoming a county convention delegate or submitting a resolution should contact their precinct chair. A list of precinct chairs may be found at https://www.chathamdemsnc.net/precinct_officers.
— CN+R staff reports
Siler City Parks and Rec to host Easter Egg ‘Roll-Thru’ event
SILER CITY — Hop out to Bray Park for the 2021 Easter Egg “Roll-Thru” in Siler City, where fun family memories are sure to be made at this spring event.
The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 27. While seeking to provide an exceptional experience for families and children to enjoy, the Town of Siler City Parks and Recreation Department is offering the annual Easter Eggstravaganza event as a Drive-Thru Easter Egg “Roll-Thru” to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and to practice social distancing as the safety of community members is a top priority.
The community is invited to “roll-thru” Bray Park with their windows rolled down and Easter baskets ready to collect FREE treat-filled Easter eggs. Siler City Parks and Recreation, various organizations and the Easter Bunny will be located along the route distributing Easter eggs to children. Upon arriving to the event, town staff will direct traffic through the park. Bray Park is located at 200 Bray Park Complex Drive in Siler City.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants are asked to wear a mask or face covering and remain in their vehicles at all times to practice safe social distancing. Easter Eggs distributed at the event are pre-filled eggs and will be handed out by staff and volunteers. Don’t forget to bring your Easter baskets. This is a free event.
For more information, please contact the Siler City Parks and Recreation Department at (919) 742-2699, email recreation@silercity.org or visit us online at www.silercity.org.
NCDMV License and Theft Bureau kicks off centennial celebration
RALEIGH — To celebrate 100 years of service to the citizens of North Carolina, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles License and Theft Bureau kicked off a yearlong series of events.
The event was a virtual presentation, honoring the 250 members of the agency with a challenge coin and a commemorative badge to be worn by sworn members for the duration of the centennial year. These items are also available for purchase by retired members to honor their years of service to the agency.
The License and Theft Bureau is dedicated to enforcing all state and federal laws which regulate motor vehicle operations, motor vehicle dealerships and safety and emission inspection stations. The bureau also conducts criminal investigations involving auto theft, driver license and ID fraud, as well as other crimes related to the DMV.
“It is my honor and privilege to recognize the centennial celebration of the division’s License and Theft Bureau, North Carolina’s first law enforcement agency,” said DMV Commissioner Torre Jessup. “With over nine million registered vehicles and seven million licensed drivers in our state, the 250 employees of the License and Theft Bureau are committed to ensuring the safety of North Carolina citizens and enforcing motor vehicle laws while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.”
Since its establishment in December 1921, originally with only six members, the agency has seen much growth in its staff and its duties. It has also adapted to various changes and endured tragedies, and had multiple achievements including:
Combatting increased theft and fraud threats with technological solutions;
Enhancing transportation safety by identifying the growth and impact of transportation-related businesses and enacting/enforcing laws and regulations associated with those businesses;
Recovering over 1,200 vehicles and property valued at over $13 million in 2019; and Overseeing the program that licenses and enforces regulations governing state inspection stations to protect our state and nations’ air quality.
Several other events to showcase the history of the agency and celebrate its achievements over the last century are planned throughout the year. People may visit the agency’s 100th Anniversary webpage to see pictures and read articles about its history.
Hispanic Liaison raises over $20,000 in Valentine’s Day fundraiser
Siler City’s Hispanic Liaison raised nearly $20,300 in two weeks to continue supporting the Hispanic community across Chatham, Alamance, Randolph and Lee counties.
“Thank you to the 152 donors who Showed Their Love!” staff members wrote on the Liaison’s Facebook page Monday. “Thanks to them we were able to reach our goal and more!!!!”
The fundraiser began Feb. 1 and ended Sunday, Valentine’s Day. Originally, the Liaison had aimed to raise $14,000 by Feb. 14. Among the donors was Weaver Street Realty, which had promised to donate $1,000 if donors contributed as much by Feb. 13.
“Our Latinx community has been severely affected by COVID-19,” according to the Hispanic Liaison’s press release about the fundraiser. “Many families have lost work, are facing food insecurity, prolonged illness, and are having a hard time making ends meet. The Hispanic Liaison is here to offer solace amid grief and help in times of adversity.”
Among other programs and operations, the funds raised will help the Liaison defend immigrant workers’ rights, fund the opening of the nonprofit’s first satellite office in Sanford and support the Liaison’s youth program, Orgullo Latinx Pride (OLP).
The Sanford office will open this spring; their first program, called “Community Support for Latinx Families,” will offer case management, information, and referrals to other agencies, among other things.
Last month, the Liaison hired Hannia Benitez to lead the Sanford office as deputy director. Benitez is working to find office space and cultivate relationships with Lee County nonprofits and Latinx leaders. Grants from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and the N.C. Healthcare Foundation also will also help fund the expansion.
CCCC 8-week classes begin March 8
SANFORD — Whether you are looking for flexible course choices to meet your personal schedule or starting a new program of study, Central Carolina Community College’s eight-week term allows you to find courses that fit your academic and career goals.
The next eight-week classes begin March 8.
To register for courses, contact your advisor or the Admissions office at 919-718-7300 (Lee Main Campus), 919-545-8025 (Chatham Main Campus) and 910-814-8827 or 910-814-8867 (Harnett Main Campus).
Connect with an Admissions Specialist virtually at www.cccc.edu/admissions/contacts/.
See www.cccc.edu/12and8 for a list of classes.
New, accelerated Fast Track options are now available to prepare you for faster entry into the workforce or for transfer to a four-year college. See www.cccc.edu/fast/ for more information.
For more information on Central Carolina Community College – which is dedicated to providing pathways to achievable dreams, visit www.cccc.edu.