During the regular meeting of the Moore County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, those responsible received an update on a planned entrepreneurship hub planned for the old buggy building in downtown Carthage. According to Pat Corso, Executive Director of Partners in Progress, the vision is to renovate the building to accommodate startups and boost the economy in northern Moore County.
Crystal Morphis of Creative Economic Development Consulting, the company hired to conduct a feasibility study, told commissioners that Moore County doesn’t have as many traditional economic development opportunities as other counties, but it does have job creation through entrepreneurship in Carthage is possible.
The next step in this process is to apply for an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to offset the estimated $ 675,000 cost of renovating the building. EDA grants are designed to help communities in need by promoting job creation and regional innovation.
On other matters, Moore County’s health director Robert Wittmann announced to commissioners that the already-ongoing COVID-19 vaccination program will be expanded to include those 65 and over. Long-term care residents, healthcare workers, and those aged 75 and over were some of the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Robert Wittmann, Moore County’s health director, speaks to the Board of Commissioners Tuesday.
On Wednesday morning, the health department will start registering people aged 65 and over. Registration is possible at https://www.moorecountync.gov/shot or by calling 910-947-shot (7468). As soon as sufficient supplies become available, those in that next group will be notified and given the time and place to receive the vaccine. The phone lines are open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“The health department will pre-register people between the ages of 65 and 74,” said Wittmann. “This will ensure an adequate list of authorized people who can schedule an appointment once vaccines are available. This should ensure a seamless flow of appointments for eligible patients. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are currently being administered. Both have been shown to be safe and over 94% effective in adults. “
~ Articles and photos by Sandhill’s Sentinel reporter John Patota.
