LRCOG News & Updates
Our Mission
"In its dedication to regional excellence, the Lumber River Council of Governments is
proactive in identifying local and regional needs and the resources to address
those needs in an effective and fair manner."
Area Agency on Aging
Nutrition Program

Region N Nutrition Providers continue to serve the older adults in our region during this unprecedented time.
Bladen Division on Aging
LRCOG Area Agency on Aging
(Serving Robeson & Scotland Counties)
Richmond County Aging Services
Senior Services of Hoke County
Announcements
Governor Cooper Extends Modified Stay At Home Order Amid Rising Case Counts
Modified Stay At Home Order extended as numbers continue to increase at alarming pace; 96 counties now designated as “red” or “orange”; North Carolina National Guard mobilized, other efforts underway to support vaccine distribution

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to people 75 and older:

Because vaccine supplies are still limited, those 75 and over may have to wait, but they have one of the first spots to take their shot. If you are 75 or over—or assisting someone who is—here is how to take your shot against COVID-19:

  • Supplies are very limited. Right now, very few vaccine doses are available.
  • You will likely need an appointment to get vaccinated. You may have to wait to schedule your appointment to get your vaccine.
  • Your local health department or hospital can help you get your shot. Because supplies are very limited right now, most doctors cannot provide vaccinations in their offices.
  • Find your local health department or hospital. Because vaccine supplies are very limited, providers may have very little to no vaccine doses available when you contact them.
  • You can also call the COVID-19 Line 1-877-490-6642. It’s a free call.
Training Available

NCRWA is offering FREE virtual training to educate water systems on the requirements, and to assist with compliance, of the following two rules:
 
AWIA Section 2013: Risk Resilience and Emergency Response Plan and,
 NC Rule 15 NCAC 18C.1305 - Source Water Protection Planning Rule
 
Which systems need to comply with these rules?
  • AWIA Section 2013 - Any community water system serving a population of 3,301 or more (calculated in accordance with this rule)
  • NC Rule 15 NCAC 18C.1305 - Any public water supply system that treats and supplies water from surface water sources (lakes, rivers, streams, etc.)

Training Dates: Jan 22nd, Jan 28th, Feb 11th, Feb 23rd


If you are a system that prefers this training onsite and are willing to host an onsite training event, please contact Alicia Melton directly at 919-812-2008 or aliciamelton@ncrwa.org. No onsite training classes for this particular training have been scheduled at this time.
Free Webinar
How to Be A Better Grant Writer
1-21-2021
10:00 to 11:00 am

Grant funding can advance institutions, evolve towns, and make lasting changes to an organization. Grant applications, however, can prove far less exciting. Rather, it can often be a daunting and confusing process.

“How to Be a Better Grant Writer” will feature seasoned panelists from across the professional spectrum, who have prepared, reviewed, written and awarded grants on the local, state, federal and foundation levels. These experts will share best practices for every step of the process.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Website
North Carolina COVID-19 Information Hub
North Carolina’s First Cybercrime Hotline

United Way of North Carolina and the Cybercrime Support Network (CSN) announce the launch of North Carolina’s first cybercrime support and recovery hotline. The new system allows North Carolina residents to dial 2-1-1 to report and find resources to recover from identity theft, financial fraud, cyberstalking, cyberbullying and other cybercrimes. This initiative was made possible through a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant that was awarded by The North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission. Additional support for the project has been provided by the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT).
Resources
Announcing Carolina Tracker:
A website with economic, transport, and social indicators for NC

COVID-19 has created enormous challenges for communities, households, workers, and businesses in North Carolina. Our research team has launched a website called Carolina Tracker: A Resource for Recovery, which includes a dashboard to track indicators for all 100 NC counties during 2020 and beyond. This website assembles datasets from public and private sources to track over 30 indicators ranging from housing market performance to economic vitality to travel patterns.
Funding Opportunities
Apply NOW for the next round of LISC Rural Relief Small Business Grants

As part of a continuing commitment to elevate our impact in rural America, OneLISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe's Rural Relief Small Business Grants program. 

To find out more about who is eligible, to sign up for updates, and to apply, please visit the LISC website


Deadlines: December 29, 2020 - January 5, 2021; and January 26 - February 2, 2021.
2021 NC GreenPower Solar+ Schools application is open now!


NC GreenPower plans to award 15 North Carolina schools each with a grant for the installation of an educational solar photovoltaic (PV) array. Each school will also receive approximately $14,000 in related benefits that include donated SunPower solar modules, a STEM curriculum and teacher training.

Questions should be emailed to solarschools@ncgreenpower.org. Submitted questions and answers regarding our Solar+ Schools program can be found here in our FAQ section. Need help convincing your school? Download this “Why your school should apply” document for some great reasons.


Application will be available through February 28, 2021.
The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
Grant Applications For 2021 Now Available

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission is accepting applications for the 2021 grant cycle. The key objectives for 2021 are; supporting the agricultural industry, impacting rural communities and stimulating economic development. Funds will be awarded in the fall of 2021 for selected innovative projects.

The deadline for applications submission is Friday March 5, 2021.
South Art Scholarships Available

South Arts is offering scholarship opportunities to attend the Creative Placemaking Leadership Summit, February 23-24, 2021. This virtual summit is presented by The National Consortium for Creative Placemaking in partnership with South Arts.

A limited number of scholarships to cover the registration fee are offered to individuals in rural and small communities* in the South Arts region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). South Arts encourages community teams of two or more to attend the conference, including artists, representatives of arts and cultural organizations, local government, Main Street organizations, community planning & development agencies, higher education, and others who may be likely partners in creative placemaking efforts.

Deadline: Complete the online application by 5:00 p.m. EST on January 15, 2021. South Arts intends to notify applicants of their status by February 1, 2021.
Suggested Reads
Coates' Canons:
May a Public Employer Require Vaccination Against COVID-19?
by Diane Juffras
Every year many employers choose to require employees to undergo vaccination against seasonal influenza (flu). This year, however, a different decision will confront employers: whether to require employees to undergo vaccination against COVID-19.

The flu vaccine has been around for a long time and its side effects and efficacy are well understood. The COVID-19 vaccines—two already in use, others on the way—are new. Several of them use new methods. Government employers and employees want to know: may a public employer require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
Laurinburg Exchange
NC Can’t Wait for Broadband Solutions
Paul Meyer, Executive Director
North Carolina League of Municipalities
CONTACT US

Lumber River Council of Governments | Phone: 910-618-5533 | Fax: 910-521-7556