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Halifax County Government Third Quarter 2021

Working Together Works Spirit of Independence

Halifax County Departments Recognized as Bridge Builders by HCC

Shown here (l-r) are Health Director Bruce Robistow, Administrative Assistant II Tina Davis, Emergency Services Director Phil Ricks, Chief Deputy Scott Hall, Deputy County Manager Dia Denton and County Manager Tony Brown, as they celebrate together with their Bridge Builder awards after the Halifax Community College Progressive Community Awards ceremony.

Halifax Community College honored those in our communities who worked tirelessly to reduce the impact of COVID-19 and to protect the life and health of Halifax and Northampton County citizens during a Progressive Community Awards ceremony held on March 30. HCC presented several organizations and individuals with Bridge Builder Awards. HCC President Michael Elam noted that the purpose of these awards is to recognize those who deliver acts of kindness and services to help build a positive relationship with the community. Several HCC staffers were presented with awards for their assistance with the COVID-19 vaccination clinics held on campus. Halifax County establishment honorees included Halifax County Emergency Services, Halifax County Health Department, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, and Halifax County Government. Recognition was also given to Northampton County Health Department and Northampton County Government, as well as several other community partners in Halifax and Northampton counties who aided in the COVID-19 battle.

Interesting Independence Day Info The Declaration of Independence was announced on July 4th, but the formal signing didn’t occur until August 2nd.

Three American presidents have died on July 4th—Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe.

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The Department of Social Services honors

the following employees: April Employee of the Month

Wendy Woodruff (FNS)

May Employee of the Month Kisha Forbes (APS)

June Employee of the Month Beverly Twisdale (Medicaid)

New Employees! Upcoming Events

Sunday, July 4

Independence Day

Monday, July 5

HOLIDAY

Monday, September 6

Labor Day HOLIDAY

Sunday,

September 12

Wednesday, September 22

First Day of Fall

Join us in congratulating the following employees on their retirements!

Patricia Whalen—Income Maintenance Supervisor II, DSS (retired 6/1/21)

Kevin Sorgi—Paramedic (PT), EMS Christopher Broadwell—EMT (PT), EMS Damien Norfleet—Detention Officer I, Detention Center Shayvonna Woodley—Social Work Supervisor III, DSS Debra Taylor—Office Assistant IV, DSS Amy Grissom—Office Assistant (PT), Cooperative Extension Priscilla Whitaker—Custodian (PT), Operations Alan Clary—EMT, EMS Brian Norwood—Paramedic, EMS Cody Cooke—Paramedic (PT), EMS Cory Edmonds—Computing Support Technician II, DSS Taylor Mori—EMT (PT), EMS Ashley Bowen—Public Health Educator II, Health Pamela Green—Income Maintenance Caseworker II, DSS Jasmine Jones—Income Maintenance Caseworker II, DSS

Welcome! As a new employee of Halifax County local government, I invite you to join a workforce wellness program called W.O.W. (Working on Wellness). W.O.W. provides quality health/wellness programs, incentives and services at no cost to you! The registration process is simple. You may call or email me to get signed up. Why not get started today? Have a happy and healthy day! Denise Norman, Wellness Coordinator (252) 583-5021 ext. 6290 wellness@halifaxnc.com

Register for Halifax County Working on Wellness

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Our recommended reading book this month is aimed at parents and adults who are “young-at-heart. This story is just one of author Laura Numeroff’s “If You Give a…” series, which follows a circular pattern of starting and ending in the same location. In “If You Give a Cat a Cupcake,” the reader starts with a silly cat getting a cupcake, which makes him ask for sprinkles that he spills on the floor. This action leads to his going on a journey to

the beach, the gym and other fun places but ultimately ends him right back to cupcakes at home. Numeroff is the Halifax County Library’s AUTHOR THEME WEEK pick for June. Every month we record videos of staff reading the chosen author for one whole week and post them on the Halifax County Library Facebook page. If you are interested in reading this book, you can check it out yourself at the library or catch it on Facebook!

Turning the Page: Recommended Reading

Welcome back HRM Director Renee Perry July 1 Halifax County Manager Tony Brown announced June 1 the appointment of the new Human Resources Management Director. Renee Perry was selected from a qualified pool of applicants and emerged as the top candidate after a rigorous interview and selection process. Perry was previously employed with Halifax County as HRM Director from October 2018 to March 2020. She most recently served as the Human Resources Director for Rockingham County, where she moved to be closer to family. Perry obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Human Resources from UNC-G and Master’s Degrees in Human Resources and Public Administration from Capella University. County Manager Brown expressed his satisfaction with the selection of Perry, stating, “I am looking forward to Mrs. Perry’s return to re-join our Halifax County team. Her extensive background in county government, specifically human resources, makes her a great fit for the County’s needs.” Perry’s first day with Halifax County is July 1st.

The Halifax County Health Department utilized CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) grant funds to serve a total of 4,699 students in pre-k, elementary and middle schools at Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, Halifax County Schools, Weldon City Schools, and KIPP Schools. Each student enrolled at the schools received an age-appropriate ball to take home to encourage physical activity while away from school. In addition to the individual balls, each school was donated a CATCH equipment set that consists of various physical education items (assorted balls, jump ropes, and hula hoops). These sets will provide students the opportunity to practice and participate in physical education at their schools. CATCH is an evidence-based, coordinated school and after-school health program that promotes physical activity, healthy food choices, and tobacco avoidance for children in pre-K—8th grade. Health Department staff, along with the National Guardsmen who were assigned to our agency, worked diligently to get this project completed. A special thank you to staff members Johnny Taylor and Teresa Jarrell (photo) for going above and beyond the call of duty!

CATCH Funds Provide Play Equipment to Students in Halifax County

See CATCH photos, page 7

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We wish our employees a very Happy Birthday!

July

August

September

See BIRTHDAYS, Page 5

LESLIE DEW 1

AMBER KEETER 1

JAMES MEDLIN 1

SKYLAR MILES 1

WARNER FERGUSON 2

DANA SOUTHARD 2

LINDA BREWER 3

BRIDGETTE PARROTT 3

SARAH STRICKLAND 3

RYAN ELLIOTT 4

LOUIS WILLIAMS 5

CLARENCE CARMON 6

LISA GARRIS 6

AMANDA LYNN 6

STACEY MALONE 6

ELVERT CLOPTON 7

ERMA GARNER 7

HANNAH TEMPLE 8

WILLIAM THOMPSON 8

JORDAN WILLIAMS 8

CECELIA LOCKHART 9

SHELIA BUCKNER 10

KATHERINE MCKENZIE 10

TRAVIS SHOULARS 10

AMANDA BELL 11

ELESE FREDRICK 11

PATRICIA TANN 11

LORI MEDLIN 12

LINDSAY ARRINGTON 13

FLORA BUTTS 14

CATINA CLARK 14

BERNICE BAILEY 15

JOYCE WRENN 15

ANTHONY CASH 16

TEKISHA LASHLEY 17

YVONNE VAUGHAN 17

DONNA BOLIO 19

ETHAN JOHNSON 19

PHYLLIS CAINE 20

KIMBERLY MILAN 21

COREY TELLIER 21

PATRICIA WHALEN 21

PERRY MYRICK 22

TONIKA EDMONDS 23

TIMOTHY CARROLL 25

LYNNE SIMEON 25

STEPHANIE BOTTOMS 26

LYDIA CIRINO-DAVIS 1

CARLTON LYNCH 1

CHRISTOPHER JACOBS 2

ERYKAH TAYLOR 2

ALEX WOOD 2

SHARON SEUIS 3

KAITLIN BARKLEY 5

PHILLIP RACKLEY 6

AMBER TATE 8

JESSICA LYLES 9

BETTY REESE 9

MISTY ROWLAND 10

CHRISTINA WELLS 10

LESLIE RIGSBY 11

BENJAMIN SLEDGE 11

GAIL GARNER 12

PRECIOUS PERSON 12

WANDA EDWARDS 13

TRACEY MADRON-BOSEMAN 14

SHAKEIA NORTHINGTON 14

HEATHER PLEASANT 14

STEPHEN PORTER 14

JOSEPH D'ARCO 15

BONTHIER FRANCIS 15

NATASHJA HUNTER 15

REBECCA RIGHTMEYER 15

DEBRA TAYLOR 15

ROBERT SMITH 16

SHEENA BROWN 17

KENTRICE RAGLAND 17

SANDRA PITTMAN 18

CASEY SHERROD 18

TERRY GREENE 19

APRIL KING 19

TRACY SPAIN 1

MAHMOUD ZUGHBI 1

SONNARA BAKER 3

VIOLA HUGHES 3

IONA LEE 3

ALEA O'NEAL 4

KEVIN SPAIN 5

GREGORY GRIFFIN 6

CHRISTY SUMMERLIN 7

DONALD BENNETT 9

PHILLIP MOYER 9

JEFFERY BARRIGER 10

CORA GORDON 10

TERESA PETERSON 10

CASEY MASSEY 11

LISA COLLIER 11

CHERYL MOSS 19

ROBERT WOODARD 19

AMOS SILVER 21

JOYCE FITTS 22

ROBERT BOONE 23

MICHELE BRASWELL 23

MARION HAWKINS 23

CHARLES OLIVER 23

MICHAEL PITTMAN 23

SHARON POWELL 25

STEVEN SALMON 25

SONYA STRUM 26

TAMMY WHITE 26

MICHAEL CASEY 27

AARON SILVER 27

NATASHA SLEDGE 28

BEVERLY TWISDALE 28

JACQUELINE FOWLER 29

JULIE LYNCH 29

THOMAS MASSEY 29

ALLISON RINEER 29

BRENTON ASKEW 30

SAMANTHA DEATON 30

TIFFANY EDWARDS 30

TIMOTHY HALL 30

DANIEL JONES 30

BELINDA WILLIAMS 30

KATHRYN BRIGGS 26

DAVID KILLETTE 26

TERI KIMBALL 27

RICHARD BROWN 28

CHRISTOPHER BYRUM 28

JANSEY JONES 28

SARAH ALSTON 29

HALEY FISHER 30

DEVONA PETERSON 30

DAVID TAYLOR 30

ALAN CLARY 31

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BIRTHDAYS, continued from Page 4

KRISTIN SCOTT 11

JACYLN MCELWEE 12

PATRICIA MOSELEY 12

DEBORAH ALLEN 13

LAVITA BAKER 14

JANE MEDLIN 14

YULANDA HEDGEPETH 15

KACI SPILLANE 15

MARY ANDERSON-FAISON 16

VERNON BRYANT 16

DAVID KEETER 16

KIMBLEY ARNOLD 17

CHRISTOPHER BROADWELL17

JOSEPH BYRUM 17

TERRILL CARTER 17

KADESIA ELLIS 17

TIMOTHY HUX 17

CLARENCE PENDER 17

RENEA JOHNSON 18

JORDAN LUTZ 18

VICKIE FOSTER 19

LEE PEOPLES 19

DENNIS BALMER 20

ELIZABETH BUFFALOE 20

BETTY MACON 20

AMELIA ALLEN 21

JAMES ELLEN 22

STANLY RODWELL 22

KEISHA SMITH 23

CHRISTINA BRANCH 24

JONATHAN PARKER 24

BRUCE ROBISTOW 24

LOUIS RODRIGUEZ 24

JOSEPH SEALEY 24

SHELLY STRICKLAND 24

ALEXIS UMPHLETT 24

STEPHON VERMON JONES 25

EDWARD WHEELESS 25

MICHAEL CLEMENTS 26

KEVIN SORGI 26

KATHY JOHNSON 27

KRISTIN SHOTWELL 28

JANE WATSON 28

MICHELLE JACKSON 29

KRISTEN COKER 30

ASHLEY HULL 30

RALPH KNOWLES 30

Halifax County Celebrated National Telecommunicators Week in April

County Management delivered pizzas to Halifax County telecommunicators to express appreciation for their public service in times of dire need. Pictured here (l-r) are Assistant A Squad Supervisor Haley Fishe, Telecommunicator Allison Rineer, County Manager Tony Brown, Telecommunicator Alyssa Moseley, Deputy County Manager Dia Denton, and Dia’s son Noah.

Planning & Development, which includes Building Inspections (including Fire Marshal) and Planning / Zoning (Central Permitting & Inspections), is housed in the same office space as Environmental Health (including Animal Control). Planning & Development consists of seven employees: Code Enforcement officers, Fire Marshal, County Planner (part-time zoning enforcement), Planning Technician (maintains 911 database & data input into permitting program for zoning), Administrative Assistant II (handles majority of permitting & financials), and Planning Director. Our department reviews and/or handles the following: setbacks, permitted uses in the zoning districts and board requests for Conditional Use Permit to operate businesses, rezoning requests,

Department Spotlight: Planning & Development

Shown here are (l-r) Kathy Johnson, Marvin Wheeler, Leon Allen, Chris Rountree, Roland Tellier, and Kay Matthews. Not pictured is Lee Myrick.

See PLANNING,,Page 8

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Our wonderful Finance Department adopted a group of elder DSS clients at Christmas and enjoyed it so much that they decided to do a little something for the other holidays throughout the year. Pictured are the decorations they put together for Easter. According to Donna Bolio, “We put some sugar-free candy in the Easter bags with colorful Easter grass and a handmade bunny in each one. We put bow ties on the bunnies for the men and bows on the ears for the women. We created and sent 30 holiday bags to the DSS clients that reside in the group homes. “So far we have adopted them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter. The next planned one will be a summertime-themed one. Everyone in Finance chips in to help with the costs and also help to put the bags together. “Although we won’t ever meet our adopted friends, it warms our hearts to let them know that there are people out there that are thinking of them! “

Our Finance Department Is Egg-straordinary!

Wellness Coordinator Denise Norman would personally like to thank all of you who came out and supported the County-sponsored blood drive which was held on Thursday, April 8, 2021. Our goal was set at 26 pints. We had a wonderful turn out for our County drive! Our team registered 37 total donors. Thanks to everyone, we reached our goal! We collected a total of 27 productive pints, which will be used to help save that many more lives. Jessica Watson-Brown from DSS was our lucky winner for the two additional hours of leave. Again, the American Red Cross truly appreciates all of you who came out to donate, attempted to donate and volunteered. This drive was truly a success thanks to you!

Halifax County Supports the American Red Cross during April Drive

Pictured above is blood donor Angela Newell from the Department of Social Services. Pictured right are donors Keisha Smith, Ashley Bobbitt, and Amanda Bell, all representing DSS. Kudos, ladies!

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On Wednesday and Thursday, April 12 & 13, the Unity & Success Team, led by co-chairs Christie Avens, Register of Deeds, and Denise Norman, Health Department, worked hard stuffing goody bags for each County employee. Bags were delivered by Friday, April 14. The stuffing of the bags was the end of a months-long process of meeting, planning, ordering special items, getting donations from local businesses and organizations, purchasing snacks, and much more. Please be certain to thank our dedicated Unity & Success Team for all of their hard work: Christie Avens, Denise Norman, Sarah Alston, Sonnara Baker, Donald Bennett, Tammie Bennett, Ashley Bobbitt, Pattie Dickens, Vonda Gibson, Kim Gray, Marie Johnston, Frankie King, Chris Rountree, Johnny Taylor, and Christina Wells. Special thanks to Mary Anderson-Faison for pitching in to help put together goody bags!

Unity & Success Team Shows Employee Appreciation during County Government Month in April

Students at both Aurelian Springs Elementary School (left) and Clara Hearne (right) loved the colorful playground balls that were provided to them through the CATCH grant program. These balls will encourage and enable the students to continue to be physically active at home. CATCH encourages health and well-being for youngsters ages pre-K—8th grade.

CATCH photos, continued from page 3

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Halifax County Government

www.halifaxnc.com

Newsletter Committee: Christie Avens, Donna Bolio, Krystal Debro, Cheryl Dickens,

Laura Ellis, Sierra Thomas, and Christina Wells

Department Spotlight: Tax Administration The Tax Administration Department’s mission is to offer citizens a professional tax office and staff, which accurately assesses all property and uses all legal means to collect taxes to the maximum extent possible. In order to meet that mission, our staff works diligently to ensure that all records are current and as accurate as possible to minimize confusion for prompt research and payment of taxes. The Tax Department operates as one single department; although, the department technically consists of the two offices of the Tax Assessor and the Tax Collector. By working together, the staff of both the Assessor and the Coordinator/Collector operate more efficiently to serve the public and fulfill the statutory requirements for the proper listing, appraising and assessing of both real and personal property and the subsequent billing and collecting of the applicable taxes due. Tax Department staff are also responsible for creating and maintaining the

County's Geographic Information Systems' various map layers. The Tax Department's staff includes 23 employees. Doris Hawkins is the Coordinator/Collector, and Shane Lynch is the Assessor, both of whom are appointed by the Halifax County Commissioners to fulfill their statutory duties. The Tax Department is located on the ground floor of the Court Services Building.

variance requests, major subdivision plat approval, text amendments and appeals; junk vehicles, abandoned/dilapidated mobile homes, condemnation of dwellings, minimum housing violations; E911 addressing of dwellings, businesses, fire hydrants, billboards, DOT video cameras, etc.; permitting and inspections (building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and insulation permits). The #1 complaint or infraction that our department has to address is individuals working without permits – adding on to the house, building a garage, a deck, etc., which has increased since the downturn in the economy. Planning & Development’s short-term goals are to expand on the computerized building permits and inspections program, update the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, and update the Halifax-Northampton Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (updated every five years). The department’s long-term goal is to update the Halifax County Comprehensive Development Plan, which will include identifying areas prime for economic development and pursuing infrastructure expansion to facilitate the development of Halifax County’s economic base.

Shown above are (top-down, l-r) the Real Property Assessing staff—Steve Porter, Lynne Simeon, Sara Williams, Becky Davis, Erin Dunlow, Nancy Carroll, Grace Crowell, Shane Lynch, and Kristen Coker. Not pictured are Danny Carpenter and Robert Morris. Shown below are (top-down, l-r) Personal Property Assessing staff—Ross McKinney, Vonda Gibson, Kristen Reeves, and Shane Lynch. Not pictured is Angela Green.

Shown above are (top-down, l-r) the Collections staff—Doris Hawkins, Jackie Fowler, Ashley Hull, Shirlean Hardy, Laura Hutchinson, and Cheryl Moss. Not pictured is Greg Richardson.

PLANNING, continued from Page 5

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Halifax County Dedicates Charters of Freedom Time Capsule

On Saturday, April 10, Halifax County and Foundation Forward hosted a small gathering to dedicate the time capsule in the Charters of Freedom display. The time capsule is to be opened on the 300th Anniversary of the US Constitution—Constitution Day, September 17, 2087. The time capsule includes several letters from local leaders about what our nation’s founding documents mean to them. There are also items that are representative of the County and of the times in which we are currently living, such as popular music. The North Carolina Sons of the American Revolution offered a beautiful and moving color guard presentation (left-hand photo). Sons of the American Revolution representative Ken Wilson (center, left) and Vice-Chairman J. Rives Manning, Jr. (center, right) were presented with certificates and awards of recognition for their leadership in bringing the Charters of Freedom to life in Halifax County. Also pictured are County Manager Tony N. Brown (left) and David Streater of Foundation Forward (right).

Flag Retirement Ceremony Held A flag retirement ceremony was held at The American Legion, conducted by Commander Dave Sammons and other officers with the American Legion Shaw-May Post 38. The purpose of the ceremony is to honor the flag. It is a way of showing love and respect for one's country. When the United States flag (Old Glory) becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag. The old flag should be “retired” with dignity and respect befitting our nation’s flag. "This flag has served its nation well and long. It has worn to a condition in which it should no longer be used to represent the nation. This flag represents all of the flags collected and being retired from service today. The honor we show here for this one flag, we are showing for all of the flags, even those not physically here."

Article & Photos provided by Veterans Service Officer Shelly Whitton

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