The Alexander County Center is now open to the public. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health of county employees, citizens who are sick or running a fever should not visit these facilities. Citizens who do visit are encouraged to wear a cloth face covering and maintain social distance of at least six feet. The county still encourages business to be conducted via phone or email when possible, but realizes that in-person interaction is necessary in some cases. Agents are still available, so please call them at 828-632-4451 or email. For a list of email addresses click the following link: https://alexander.ces.ncsu.edu/people/
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County Extension Director Bids Farewell....
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I've spent over 34 years working for NC State University and NC Cooperative Extension. My first two years out of graduate school, I taught several classes at NC State University and also worked as an Extension Research Associate helping with vegetable budgets used across the state. I then took my first NC Cooperative Extension position serving as an Area Farm Management Agent in seven western NC counties (Henderson up to Watauga). After two years of that, I was promoted to the Western North Carolina Tennessee Valley Authority Program Coordinator for the 13 most western counties. Then, I worked out of the WNC Extension and Research Center adjacent to the Asheville Airport for five years. I got to work with many neat farms and projects all over Western NC during that spell. Next, due to the opening of the Alexander Extension Director position, came the beckoning call to come back home. I applied, was successful, and began my career here as of January 1, 1995. I've now been the County Extension Director here in Alexander County for over 25 years. But now, it's time to give somebody else the opportunity.
To read the full article click the following link:
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Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 Application Deadline
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Are you a farmer or rancher whose operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. Earlier this year Phase 1 of this program was made available and many Alexander County growers took advantage, this program covers a different time period. If you did not apply in Phase 1 you are still eligible for Phase 2. The Farm Service Agency will be accepting applications until December 11, 2020. For more information click the following link: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap
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Fire Ants are Here
There have been multiple reports of fire ants in Alexander County in the southern and eastern portion of the counties. Fire ants are native of southern Brazil. Not only are the mounds unsightly, but the stings from a disturbed fire ant mound are painful. Until recently, Alexander County was one of the few counties considered to be fire ant free. The majority of NC counties are quarantined for fire ants. Thus NCDA regulates the movement of certain items that might carry ant infestations to other non-infested parts of the state and country.
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Fire ants prefer oily, greasy food. Homeowners can prevent fire ants from looking for food on their property by keeping trash emptied regularly. There are two basic approaches to chemical fire ant control: broadcast over a wide area infested with fire ants or individual mound control. Either way treatment is recommended to prevent new mounds and an increase in the population of fire ants. Individual mounds may be treated with a liquid or dust insecticide formulation or with an insecticidal bait. Liquid treatments may be done by rodding the chemical deep into the mound or by drenching the mound. For more information about treatment options please contact Alexander County Cooperative Extension Center at 632-4451.
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It's not to late to LIFT!
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Check out why you should join LIFT (Lift long Improvement through Fitness Together). You can still join us from October 1st through November 24th, every Tuesday & Thursday at 9am. If you can't make it to all the sessions, you can still catch up with the recording. Participants must register to receive recorded materials by visting http://go.ncsu.edu/lift2020.
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October is National Apple Month!
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Did you know that Apples were brought to North Carolina in the 1700's. Apples are great because they're naturally sweet, comes in a variety of colors, perfect for cooking, and make a quick and healthy snack. We will be partnering with Alexander County Head Start and Early Head Start to join the state of North Carolina in celebrating National Farm to School Month by crunching into a locally grown apple on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at noon via facebook. Participants of all ages are invited to crunch! Want to know more about apples? Check out this amazing video on Apple Production in Alexander County!
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| | Apple Production in Alexander County, NC |
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National 4-H Week- October 5-9, 2020
We are looking forward to celebrating National 4-H Week in Alexander County. Throughout the county signs have been placed so if you see one stop and get a photo with it and use the #Opportunity4All to celebrate with us.
Also, there are several virtual events that will be taking place:
- Monday, October 5 - Opening Ceremonies
- Wednesday, October 7 - NC 4-H Showcase of Talent
- Thursday, October 8 - NC 4-H Awards
- Friday, October 9 - Closing Campfire at 7:00 p.m.
If you would like to participate please click the following link to register: National 4-H Week
For more information please contact DJ Salyer at 828-632-3125 or by email at [email protected]. |
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sexual identity (including pregnancy) and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
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