Public Notices

RALEIGH: North Carolina has won $18.5 million to hire North Carolinians from areas hit hard by Hurricane Florence to work on recovery efforts, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.

The funds come from a grant requested by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions and awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“Hurricane Florence has devastated communities and hurt livelihoods,” Gov. Cooper said. “Putting people to work on recovery efforts can help North Carolinians get back on their feet while we work together to recover.”

Through the Disaster Dislocated Worker Grant, residents of counties declared national disaster areas will be employed in jobs that support either clean-up and recovery from the storm’s devastation or humanitarian assistance to residents of the affected areas. Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Dislocated Worker Grants fund temporary jobs in response to large, unexpected events that cause significant job losses.

The 28 counties currently included in the program are: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Lee, Lenoir, Jones, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Wayne and Wilson counties.

“This grant is welcome news for communities that have been devastated by this deadly storm, and we will use these resources to put people back to work and help rebuild the in a smart, comprehensive way,” said Anthony M. Copeland, Secretary of the NC Department of Commerce.

These counties were declared eligible for certain types of assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If additional counties are declared eligible by FEMA, they will be added to the project.

Participants in the grant would be employed by nonprofits and government agencies for up to 12 months. Worksites must generally be on either public property or land owned by not-for-profit agencies.

Workers may be eligible for jobs under the grant by being temporarily or permanently laid off as a consequence of the hurricane, or by meeting certain other criteria.

The Commerce Department’s Workforce Solutions division has recent experience administering a federal grant of this type, in partnership with local workforce development boards. A grant approved in response to Hurricane Matthew in 2016 is set to expire on Sept. 30 and has provided temporary employment to 668 people.

To apply for the Hurricane Florence temporary employment program, residents should visit their local NCWorks Career Center, which can be found by visiting ncworks.gov.

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PENDER COUNTY – The Pender County Department of Health and Human Services announced that residents in Pender County will be able to apply for help buying food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or “D-SNAP,” beginning Friday, Sept. 28.

“Residents can begin signing up for assistance starting this week,” said Carolyn Moser, Pender County Health and Human Services director. “The sign up will take place in the Pender County Agricultural Building, 801 S. Walker St. in Burgaw. Because we know this could be a travel hardship for residents, we are offering a shuttle from the Hampstead Annex to Burgaw and back.”

The bus schedule for Sept. 28, 29, and Oct. 1-6 is as follows:

Depart Hampstead Annex                           Depart Ag. Building

7 a.m.                                                             8 a.m.

9 a.m.                                                            10 a.m.

11 a.m.                                                          12 p.m.

1 p.m.                                                             2 p.m.

4 p.m. if needed.

Eligible households will receive a one-time benefit on a special debit card (called an EBT card) to help buy food. The exact amount will depend on household size, but a family of one would receive $192, a family of four would receive $640 and larger families would receive more.

Residents already receiving food assistance will automatically receive food replacement money on their cards.

For more information call the Pender County Department of Health and Human Services at 910-259-1240.

-END-

BURGAW –  Governor Roy Cooper announced that residents in Pender County will be able to apply for help buying food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or “D-SNAP,” beginning Friday.

“Residents can begin signing up for assistance starting this week,” said Carolyn Moser, Pender County Health and Human Services director.

Eligible households will receive a one-time benefit on a special debit card (called an EBT card) to help buy food. The exact amount will depend on household size, but a family of one would receive $192, a family of four would receive $640 and larger families would receive more.

To be eligible, a person must:

• Live in one of 27 counties: Bladen, Beaufort, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Wayne, and Wilson.
• Have suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Florence, such as damage to property, loss of income or food loss.
• Have proof of identity and proof of residency (if available).
• Have income and resources below certain levels.
• Not currently be receiving help buying food through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program. People receiving FNS can also get extra help buying food, but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application. They can get more information about how to get the extra help here.

Pender County residents who want to apply for help buying food related to Hurricane Florence can only do so in person at Pender County’s designated application site:

Pender County Department of Social Services will accept applications on the following dates at the Pender County Agricultural Building, 801 S. Walker St. in Burgaw:

• Friday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 29 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 1 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 2 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 3 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 4 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 5 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 6 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

While Pender County residents are encouraged to apply at the application site listed above, they can also apply in person in any of the 27 eligible counties. As all application sites are finalized, DHHS will post information on locations and hours of the sites in each county on its website, pendercountync.gov. People can also dial 2-1-1 for information on application sites in their county.

The state Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging people to complete their application ahead of time and bring it with them by downloading the form in English HERE or in Spanish HERE.

People who may have a disability or are physically unable to go in-person to apply for help can complete this form and send an authorized representative in their place.

Wait times should be anticipated due to the volume of people expected to apply. County officials will do everything they can to process applications as quickly as possible.

D-SNAP FAQ (9-26-18)_vFINAL_FOR WEB

-END-

PENDER COUNTY – The Department of Insurance will conduct a Victims Assistance Center (VAC) open to the public on Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Historic Train Depot, 115 S. Dickerson Street in Burgaw. Doors will open beginning 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The VAC will have a team of experts from the Department of Insurance present to help consumers with their insurance issues.

The Department of Insurance will host an Insurance Camp where citizens of Pender County can come to get information, file claims, and ask questions of insurance carriers in the wake of Hurricane Florence. The Camp will be located at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, 106 Wilkes Lane E, Hampstead, on Thursday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Numerous insurance companies as well as the Department of Insurance will be on hand to assist.

For additional information call Marcia Kelly at 919-219-2998.

-END-

BURGAW –  The Pender County Department of Social Services will begin accepting applications for the Disaster Food Stamp program on Friday, Sept. 28. Applications will be accepted at the Pender County Agricultural Building, 801 S. Walker St. in Burgaw.

Pender County Department of Social Services will accept applications on the following dates:

• Friday, Sept. 28,                                                                                   8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 29                                                                               8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 1                                                                                    8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 2                                                                                    8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 3                                                                              8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 4                                                                                  8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 5                                                                                        8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 6                                                                                   8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

All current Food Stamp recipients do not need to apply, replacement benefits of 60% and supplements will be placed automatically on your EBT card. Replacement of FNS benefits will be placed on current recipients EBT card Thursday, Sept. 27.

-END-

Below is the agenda for the press conference. Pender County will host the press conference at the Pender County Emergency Management Office, 805 Ridgewood Rd. in Burgaw.

PRESS CONFERENCE

George Brown, Chairman of the Pender County Board of Commissioner

Welcome

Overview of State of Pender County

Tom Collins, Pender County Emergency Manager

Pender County response to Hurricane Florence

Woody Sullivan, Pender County EMS & Fire director

Collaboration with other agencies

Rescues and Triage

Carson Smith, Pender County Sheriff

Curfew

Response to Hurricane Florence

Dr. Steven Hill, Superintendent of Pender County Schools

   State of the schools

The district’s collaboration with the Pender County Health and Human Services and Red Cross

Kenny Keel, Pender County Utilities Director

Water usage

Pender County Utilities

Jerry Miller, Duke Energy, Government & Community Relations

Power restoration

Jimmy Smith, Four County Electric

Power restoration

Statement from Topsail Beach and Surf City

Time for Q&A

BURGAW — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced two new flexibilities for people and families in the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program to help those affected by Hurricane Florence. These temporary flexibilities will apply to all 100 counties and the more than 600,000 households enrolled in the FNS program.

“We are doing everything we can to help people impacted by Hurricane Florence,” said DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D., “Many families will feel the effects of this disaster long after the storm has passed, and we will continue to support them in any way possible in the weeks and months ahead.”

“When the aftermath of Hurricane Florence allows our county offices to open and roads are safe, we will aid our residents,” said Wesley Stewart, director of Pender County Department of Social Services.

Beginning Sept. 17, North Carolinians in the FNS program will be able to purchase hot food, including food prepared for immediate consumption, from authorized Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) retailers using their EBT card. All authorized EBT vendors in the state have been notified about this change, which is effective until Oct. 31. This will ensure families who are not able to prepare food at home due to displacement or power outages still have access to warm meals. Customers should inquire first with the store to see if they can process hot food purchases. It is important to note this is for authorized retailers, not restaurants.

Also beginning Sept. 17, families who have a loss of food purchased with their September FNS benefits will have longer than the normal 10 days to report the loss to receive replacement benefits. Families will have until Oct. 15 to request a replacement. This will provide additional time for families who cannot report a food loss to their local Department of Social Services office due to displacement, transportation issues or other storm-related hardships.

A Disaster Food and Nutrition Services Program has not yet been approved at this time for North Carolina. DHHS is actively working with USDA to receive federal authority to operate this program. Once the department has approval, this information will be communicated.

For more information regarding Hurricane Florence, please visit www.ncdps.gov/florence and www.ncdhhs.gov/hurricane-florence. Those with non-emergency questions or concerns related to the hurricane should call 2-1-1 or visit www.nc211.org. Call the Pender County Department of Social Services at 910-259-1240, when county offices are restored to full function.

-END-

Urges North Carolinians: “Get ready now.”

RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper today asked for a federal disaster declaration on behalf of North Carolina to ensure the state can get federal aid as soon as possible.

In a letter sent this morning to President Donald Trump, Gov. Cooper made the request for federal help due to Hurricane Florence which is forecast to hit the state as an unprecedented hurricane later this week.

With the latest forecast showing Florence bearing down on North Carolina and intensifying in strength, Governor Cooper today urged North Carolina residents, businesses and visitors to take the threat posed by Hurricane Florence seriously, plan accordingly and get ready now.

“The forecast places North Carolina in the bull’s eye of Hurricane Florence, and the storm is rapidly getting stronger,” Governor Cooper said. “When weather forecasters tell us “life threatening,” we know it’s serious. We are bracing for a hard hit.”

As the forecast becomes clearer, Florence poses three challenges: coastal storm surge, strong winds and inland flooding that inundates rivers and low-lying ground, Cooper said.

Florence is a rapidly strengthening hurricane that may make landfall between Southport and Wilmington as early as sometime Friday morning. Tropical storm level winds may be felt as early as Wednesday. The forecast shows the potential for very heavy rainfall across much of North Carolina.

“Florence is a threat well beyond the coast, so inland counties need to be ready as well,” Gov. Cooper said.

State officials continue to prepare for potential impacts from a major hurricane later this week:

• North Carolina remains under a State of Emergency, declared by Gov. Cooper Friday. The governor also temporarily waived certain restrictions for trucks and heavy vehicles to help farmers harvest and move crops and livestock ahead of the storm and help utilities and other equipment be ready to respond if needed.
• North Carolina Emergency Management experts are working today to place resources ahead of the storm. The State Emergency Operations Center was activated Monday at 1:00 PM, and NCEM is coordinating with the counties, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and key partners in the State Emergency Response Team which includes all state agencies plus utility representatives, private sector partners and volunteer agencies active during disasters.
• Preparations are underway by N.C. Department of Transportation crews in all 100 counties in the state. The department has 2,166 employees ready for what Florence may bring and for the cleanup afterward. Those workers have 1,284 trucks, 1,086 chain saws, 147 front loaders, 219 motor graders, and 202 backhoes at their disposal. In anticipation of likely road closings from floodwater, downed trees and other debris, DOT has 2,877 barricades, 1,488 road closed signs and 2,853 high water signs available.

“We are working closely with the National Hurricane Center and FEMA and our other partners and leveraging that wealth of experience to ensure we can respond to any need,” state Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry said. “We are also working closely with our county and SERT partners to ensure all resource requests are met. We ask the public to stay tuned to local forecasts and follow instructions from your local emergency officials and to have a plan for yourself and your family members, including your pets.”

North Carolinians are urged to use the next couple of days to get ready for the storm, including reviewing emergency plans and gathering supplies.
Tips for Emergency Plans and Supplies Kit:

• Gather your emergency supply kits with enough bottled water and non-perishable food to sustain each family member for three to seven days. Include a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, toiletries, change of clothes, blankets or sleeping bag, rain gear and appropriate footwear. Also include cell phone charger, prescription medicines, copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.
• Know your evacuation route, and find out where friends and loved ones will be and how to get in touch with them.
• Plan for your pets. Gather supplies for your pets and put them in an easily-accessible container.
• Prepare your home. Clean out gutters and clear property of debris that could damage buildings in strong winds.
• Stay tuned to local news for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center (NHC), as well as state and local emergency management officials.

Download the Ready NC app or follow NC Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter for weather updates and to learn how you can prepare for the storm.