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1. How do I sign-up to speak at a Board of Commissioners' Meeting?

There are public comment sign-up sheets available at each meeting. Complete the form and submit it to the Clerk prior to the beginning of the meeting. 

2. How can I contact a commissioner?

Each of the commissioners has an email link listed under their photo on the Board of Commissioners page. Additionally, you can call 828-757-1301 to speak with the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. 

3. What time does the meeting start?

All regular meetings begin at 6:00 PM. Special called meetings may begin at an alternate time. 

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1. Does a pet fit into your budget?

Food and accessories for a small dog or cat average $150 per year; for a medium dog $300; for a large dog $450. Veterinary care fees range from $100 to $300 per year for the first 5 years for cats and dogs and can increase substantially in the later years of life. Grooming and boarding fees are an additional $125 to $200 per year.

2. Do you have adequate time to spend with a pet?

Pets need love and attention. Dogs require far more time and effort than cats. Cats are wonderful for people who like companionship but don't have time to walk a dog every day or let it out to do its "business". Puppies need additional time devoted to shaping their behavior and training. Dogs need adequate room to play and exercise and should be walked often. It is strongly encouraged to enroll your adopted animal in an obedience class. These classes help by teaching the adopter how to train their new pet so they can avoid many of the behavior problems that may develop without training.

3. Where do you live?

If you rent or live in restricted neighborhoods keep in mind that there are places that do not allow pets at all, while others allow only small dogs or cats. There may also be restrictions on the number of pets you may have. If you rent, Caldwell County Animal Control requires a letter from your landlord at the time of adoption specifying that the animal you are wishing to adopt is allowed at your residence.

4. How much are adoption fees?

They are $75.

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1. What is domestic violence?

Domestic Violence is defined as a pattern of physical, sexual, or emotionally abusive behaviors used by one individual to assert power or maintain control over another individual in the context of an intimate or family relationship.

Four Forms of Family Violence

• Physical Battering
• Sexual Battering
• Psychological Battering
• Destruction of Property or Pets

2. How do I get help?

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, make someone aware of it. Get help by any means. If you are in immediate danger, dial 911. Someone will come to your home as quickly and safely as possible to assist you in getting out. If you can leave, then do so. Get to a neighbor's home, or somewhere safe, inside your car, in another room, etc. Take your phone with you. It may be your only means of summoning help.

Once you are out, steps can be taken to get you to a safe place including a shelter or a friend's or relative's home. We want to help you help yourself. It is our goal to put an end to your abusive relationship.

3. Are there resources available to me?

Yes, the Caldwell County Department of Social Services, Family Resource Center, Shelter Home of Caldwell County, and others have resources to assist victims of domestic violence in getting out and getting over.

4. How do I get a Protective (Restraining) Order?

To obtain a protective order, a person goes to the Clerk of Court's Office in the Courthouse, and sees a civil clerk. Tell the clerk you are there to obtain a Protective Order, properly called a Domestic Violence Ex-Parte Order. Once you have that paperwork, fill out the forms in their entirety. Put as much information on them as possible. Be very specific about any acts and the dates that they occurred. Be sure to put any assaults that may have happened, and why you are in fear of the person on whom you are getting the order. Once you have done this, take the paperwork back to the Clerk's Office and the Clerk will have you swear or affirm to the information you are giving. Then they will send you to the courtroom, or by some other means, get you in front of a judge. You will testify to a Judge, sometimes in front of others in open court, why you are in fear or what the abuser has done to hurt you or make you scared. Once the judge gives his ruling, they will send you back to the Clerk's Office to complete the paperwork. When the paperwork is completed, you will bring the copies to the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office for service of the person.

5. How much does a Protective Order Cost?

As of October 1, 2002, there is no charge for a Protective Order.  There are also no fees associated with the service of the order.

6. What do I do if someone violates my order?

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Apart from that, there are several steps in handling a violation. If an officer responds to you and finds that probable cause exists, he can arrest the suspect for the violation without a warrant. The officer can also leave the scene and attempt to locate the suspect and place him under arrest. The officer can also obtain a warrant for the suspect and arrest him later. The victim can also go get a warrant for the violation, or the victim can obtain a show cause for the violation from the clerk's office.

7. How do I get a warrant if my abuser hits me?

If your spouse, partner, child, boyfriend, girlfriend has pushed, hit, slapped, held you down, pinched, kicked, or choked you, then an assault has occurred under the law.  That person should not be allowed to get away with that kind of destructive behavior.  If you choose, go to the Magistrate’s Office, swear to a warrant for that person’s arrest, and if the Magistrate finds probable cause exists and issues a warrant, the defendant / suspect will be arrested.  You will then have a court date to appear and tell exactly what happened.

8. How do I get notified if my abuser is getting out of jail?

You can contact the Caldwell Detention Facility at 828-759-1510 and advise the supervisor on duty that you want to be notified of a defendant's release to prevent the likelihood of further acts of violence. A more failsafe means of notification is SA.V.A.N., or the Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification program. A person can register to be notified by computer if their abuser is released from custody anywhere in North Carolina by calling 877-627-2826. Prompts will guide you on how to register. This system is updated every 15 minutes and it is free of charge.

9. What is the 48 Hour Hold?

There is a great deal of misconceptions concerning this portion of the Domestic Violence Laws.  NC General Statutes state that the only person who can set a bond in a domestic violence case is a judge.  It also says that if a judge is available, then a bond must be set.  If a judge is not available, then the defendant will be held for 48 hours following arrest.  Once that time expires, the Magistrate is authorized by law to set bond.  In Caldwell County, there is usually some form of court going on every day, Monday through Friday.  In that case, if a person is arrested while court is going on, the defendant will be taken before a judge for the purpose of a bond hearing.  If a judge is not available and the defendant cannot contact one, then he/she will be held until the next time a judge is available which is usually the next morning or until the 48-hour period expires, whichever comes first.

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1. What information will I need to complete an application?

The application should contain the following information and forms:

• College transcript or certificate from an EMT-Basic or Paramedic program
• Certification and / or Registry number(s) and expiration date(s)
• Ancillary documents supporting information provided on the application, i.e. specialty certifications, advanced education documents, etc.

2. What happens after my application is on file?

All the information provided by you is officially verified. This verification includes, but is not limited to, confirming your prior work and education history, reviewing your driving history, and conducting a complete criminal background check. Applications remain active for a term of one year (365 Days).

3. What should I wear when I come to participate in the pre-employment hiring process?

Business Casual is appropriate for the interview and patient care scenario.

4. If I am made a job offer, what will be my starting salary?

The Chief of the department or designee will make you a job offer and inform you of your starting salary. This will be contingent upon your prior education and work history.

5. Is my starting salary negotiable?

The Chief does have some latitude on the starting salary.

6. Do you offer relocation (i.e. moving expenses) assistance?

At this time, Caldwell County does not provide monetary relocation assistance. The department and its staff will be more than happy to provide you with information relating to the County and surrounding area in an attempt to make the transition to employment with Caldwell County a seamless one.

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1. Do you provide Dental Services for Adults?

No, we see only children from birth until age 19 with Medicaid or North Carolina Health Choice coverage in our Dental Clinic.

2. Do I need to show proof of income when I visit the clinic?

Yes, beginning September 1st, 2015 Caldwell County Health Department will require all clients presenting for service to provide proof of income. Income will be assessed annually unless there is a change in financial status. Clients will be asked at each visit if there has been a change in financial status/number in the household.

Clients who have met the income criteria for the following programs (i.e., Medicaid, WIC, Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Program (Food Stamps), and / or the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program) will only be required to show documentation of current eligibility and no additional income screening will be necessary.

No client will be refused services when presenting for care based on lack of documentation, however, each client will be billed at 100% until proof of income and family size is provided to the agency.

3. Does the Health Department Provide Services to those without Insurance?

We do see individuals with no Medicaid or insurance. Those individuals are placed on a sliding fee scale based on our fees. Those fees can be found on our Administration Page. The sliding fee scale means that, based on the person's income and family size, they may be responsible for anywhere between 100% to 0% of their bill. We would recommend those with no insurance or Medicaid to also look into the free clinic, Helping Hands. Depending on your healthcare needs, they may be a better option.

4. When is pregnancy testing offered?

Pregnancy tests are offered every day of the week by appointment only. Call 828-426-8400 to schedule an appointment.

5. Can I be seen for a pregnancy test without insurance?

Yes, you will be placed on a sliding fee scale if the test comes back negative. If you have a positive pregnancy test, a pregnancy care manager can assist you with a temporary Medicaid and help you apply for Medicaid.

6. Are there walk-in / same day services?

There are limited same-day appointments available. Please call 828-426-8400 for details.

7. How do I obtain a copy of my immunization record?

Please call our Immunization Coordinator for more information at 828-426-8486 or visit our Immunizations Page.

8. Can grandparents or friends bring children in for services?

A child can be seen without a legal guardian present if a written letter with specifics (who is bringing the child in, for what, and how they are associated with the child) included is signed and dated by a legal guardian is presented at the time of visit. Some teen services are excluded from this requirement.

The Dental Clinic has its own policy regarding who can bring children for appointments. Please contact the Dental Clinic for more information.

9. Does the Health Department provide free birth control?

• Condoms are provided at no charge and may be obtained in our clinic. A short visit with a nurse is required before obtaining the condoms.
• Birth control pills are provided in conjunction with a Family Planning clinical visit. If you have insurance, your insurance will be billed for the visit and a prescription for BC pills will be sent to a local pharmacy. Those without insurance, the birth control pills will be provided for free through our 340B program and the visit will be charged to the patient on a sliding fee scale.
• Other birth control methods (depo), are provided in conjunction with a Family Planning clinical visit. Insurance will be billed for the visit and the BC method. If no insurance is available, service will be placed on a sliding fee scale.

10. Does the Health Department offer Childbirth classes?

Yes, our maternal health clinic provides childbirth classes quarterly. Please check the Women's Health Page for more information or call our women's health clinic at 828-426-8488. It is ideal to complete classes around 26 weeks gestation.

11. Can I receive services other than well care?

Yes, CCHD provides primary care. We accept most health insurances including Medicare and Medicaid. If you do not have health insurance, there may be a charge for your service.

12. Does the Health Department Clinic see children?

We only see children over the age of 18 months old in our clinic. There are other child health services we offer that include those under 18 months old. Find out more information on our Child Health Page.

13. Why is Dino so bossy?

We have no idea

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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1. Who is eligible?

If you are a landowner or renter of an existing agricultural operation that has been operating for more than three years, you are eligible to participate in the North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program.

2. How?

The North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program is successful because of the grassroots efforts of your local soil and water conservation district. Your district works with agricultural landowners and renters to:

• Develop and approve individual conservation plans
• Identify the best management practices (BMPs) best suited for your particular operation
• Design BMPs and help ensure their longevity
• Acquire preliminary approval of a Cost Share contract

The division provides administrative and technical assistance to districts. The division gives final approval to cost share contracts and processes requests for payments to farmers participating in the program.

3. How does the program work?

Submit an application to your local soil and water conservation district. The applications are ranked based on resource concerns identified in the county. Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75% of a predetermined average cost for each BMP installed. The applicant is responsible for 25% of the costs. This may include the use of existing material and labor.

There are some cost share and acreage restrictions depending on the BMPs used, the type of operation involved, or policy set by the local soil and water conservation district or the NC. Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Cost share incentive payments are also available to encourage the use of certain agronomic management practices.

Applications for the NC Community Conservation Assistance Program are accepted year-round. Applications are ranked twice a year based on natural resource concerns. To apply for assistance please fill out the application (PDF) and return it in person or by mail to:

Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District Office
120 Hospital Avenue Suite 2
Lenoir, NC 28645

Phone: 828-758-1111

Cost Share Programs - CCAP

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1. Why does Caldwell County charge ambulance fees?

To reduce the tax cost of emergency medical services (EMS) for county residents; without ambulance fees, the cost of providing emergency medical care would fall completely on the residents of Caldwell County. Caldwell County EMS Division has charged ambulance fees for more than thirty-five years. The Caldwell County Commissioners authorized such fees to offset the tax cost of providing EMS to residents and visitors. While taxes provide the majority of operational funding, ambulance fees collected from EMS Billing, assist Caldwell County in providing the highest level of care to the citizens and visitors of our County.

2. What types of fees are charged and how much does an ambulance ride cost?

The EMS Billing Department follows the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) "Fee Schedule for Payment of Ambulance Services" as described in Volume 67, Number 39 of the Federal Register. The new fees are approved annually during the budget process, and enacted by the Caldwell County Commissioners after being recommended by the Chief of EMS and Emergency Services Director. These fees include the following:

• BLS Non-Emergency Transport: $455 is charged to patients receiving "basic life support" (BLS) level care. Basic life support (BLS) is transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of medically necessary supplies and services, including BLS ambulance services as defined by the State. The ambulance must be staffed by an individual who is qualified in accordance with State and local laws as an emergency medical technician-basic (EMT-Basic). These laws may vary from State to State or within a State. For example, only in some jurisdictions is an EMT-Basic permitted to operate limited equipment onboard the vehicle, assist more qualified personnel in performing assessments and interventions, and establish a peripheral intravenous (IV) line.
• BLS Emergency Transport: $567.89 is charged to patients receiving "basic life support" (BLS) level care. When medically necessary, the provision of BLS services, as specified above, in the context of an emergency response. An emergency response is one that, at the time the ambulance provider or supplier is called, it responds immediately. An immediate response is one in which the ambulance provider/supplier begins as quickly as possible to take the steps necessary to respond to the call.
• ALS Non-Emergency Transport: $475 is charged to patients receiving "advanced life support" (ALS) level care. Advanced life support, level 1 (ALS1) is the transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of medically necessary supplies and services including the provision of an ALS assessment or at least one ALS intervention.
• ALS Emergency Transport: $674.36 is charged to patients receiving "advanced life support" (ALS) level care who are in need of immediate, emergent transport. When medically necessary, the provision of ALS1 services, as specified above, in the context of an emergency response. An emergency response is one that, at the time the ambulance provider or supplier is called, it responds immediately. An immediate response is one in which the ambulance provider/supplier begins as quickly as possible to take the steps necessary to respond to the call.
• ALS-2 Transport: $976.05 is charged to patients receiving extended "advanced life support" (ALS) level care. Advanced life support, level 2 (ALS2) is the transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of medically necessary supplies and services including (1) at least three separate administrations of one or more medications by intravenous push/bolus or by continuous infusion (excluding crystalloid fluids) or (2) ground ambulance transport, medically necessary supplies and services, and the provision of at least one of the ALS2 procedures
• Specialty Care Transport (SCT): $1,153.52 - SCT is the interfacility transportation of a critically injured or ill beneficiary by a ground ambulance vehicle, including the provision of medically necessary supplies and services, at a level of service beyond the scope of the EMT-Paramedic. SCT is necessary when a beneficiary's condition requires ongoing care that must be furnished by one or more health professionals in an appropriate specialty area, for example, emergency or critical care nursing, emergency medicine, respiratory care, cardiovascular care, or a paramedic with additional training.
• Treat No Transport: BLS $150.00 ALS $245.00
• Mileage: $13.20 per loaded mile is charged to all patients transported by ambulance. Transport mileage is measured from the incident location to the receiving hospital.

Please call our Department at 828-757-1279  for additional information.

3. A fire truck came with the ambulance. Do I get charged for that too?

No. The Caldwell County EMS Billing only charges fees for treatment and/or ambulance transport. Fire trucks can respond to 911 calls faster than ambulances, meaning emergency personnel get to you quicker. No fees are charged for this service by our agency.

4. Why did the ambulance crew ask me for my personal information?

To verify your identity and prevent fraud. Because the Department charges fees for service, ambulance crews are instructed to verify patient identity including name, social security number, birth date, home address and telephone number. They also may ask for health insurance, automobile insurance or employment information, depending on the situation. Our Department requires identity verification to protect patients from fraud and to assure, if possible, you are covered by healthcare or other insurance.

5. Will my health insurance pay my ambulance bill?

In most cases, if the incident is classified as an emergency situation, yes. Patients who are covered by Medicaid or Medicare programs generally will have no out-of-pocket expenses related to ambulance bills. Patients who are covered by private healthcare insurance may be required to pay a co-pay or deductible expense, and/or the difference in coverage. This is entirely dependent on your insurance coverage and agency.

• More information relating to Medicare
• More information relating to Medicaid

6. What happens if I don’t have healthcare insurance?

We can help you! If you are transported by our agency without healthcare insurance, and you are not eligible for Medicaid, please call 828-757-1424 and ask to speak with a billing specialist. Our billing office staff will provide you with information on setting up a payment plan and any other options available.

7. What is the telephone number for ambulance billing questions?

For all questions related to ambulance billing including insurance, payment and hardship assistance, please call 828-757-1279 Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm EST.

8. What is the payment mailing address and contact information for ambulance billing?

Please mail all correspondence concerning ambulance billing, including payments, forms, letters and other correspondence to:

Caldwell County Ambulance
P.O. Box 2200
Lenoir, NC 28645

Make checks payable to Caldwell County Ambulance

Main Phone: 1-877-200-9364
Medical Records Information: 828-757-1279
HIPAA Information: 828-757-1279

9. How can I find out more about HIPAA and Privacy?

Caldwell County EMS and Caldwell County EMS Billing may use your protected health information (PHI) for purposes of securing payment of ambulance charges. This may include submitting insurance claims, submitting claims to other third parties identified as responsible for payment of charges, or mailing you an invoice requesting payment. Claims for payment of charges may be submitted directly or through the use of a third-party billing company and/or clearing house. Follow-up use of PHI for payment purposes may include management of billed claims for services rendered, medical necessity determinations and reviews, insurance company appeals, utilization review, and collection of outstanding accounts. Designated agency personnel, including contractual personnel, may review and use PHI to verify your eligibility for certain services including eligibility for "hardship" classification, medical assistance programs, or other special designations.

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1. How do I apply for a Handgun Permit?

Handgun Permits: Only a County Sheriff is authorized under G.S. 14-402 to issue a permit to receive or purchase a handgun or crossbow when an application is submitted by a resident of his particular county. Prior to issuing a permit, the Sheriff must fully satisfy himself by affidavits, oral evidence or otherwise, that the applicant is of good moral character and that the person, firm, or corporation wants to possess the weapon for one of the following purposes:

• Protection of home, business, person, family, or property
• Target shooting
• Collection
• Hunting

The applicant need only come by the Sheriff's Office, Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4 pm, and complete an application. There is a 3 (Business) Day Waiting Period. The cost is $5. You must provide the following information:

• A valid NC Driver's License or Identification Card with the correct Caldwell County address.
• Proof of Caldwell County residency for the last 6 months,
• Your INS Number if applicable

You can also apply online.

2. How do I apply for a Concealed Carry Weapons Permit?

In order to acquire such a permit, an individual must apply to the Sheriff's Office in the county in which he resides. As a part of the application, the person must submit several items. They must complete an application, under oath, on a form provided by the Sheriff's Office. They must pay a non-refundable fee of $90.

New Concealed Carry Applicants may apply Tuesday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm by coming by the Sheriff's Office. Renewal Applicants may apply Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm by coming by the Sheriff's Office.

The applicant must provide an original certificate of completion of an approved handgun safety course. The applicant must also provide a release that authorizes and requires disclosure to the Sheriff of any records concerning the mental health or capacity of the applicant.

You can also apply online.

The Sheriff has 90 days from the time all of the application materials are received to either issue or deny a permit. In order for the applicant to be approved, they must:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Have been a resident of the state for no less than 30 days immediately preceding the filing of the application
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Not suffer from any physical or mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun
• Have successfully completed an approved firearms training course
• Provide a copy of a valid North Carolina Issued Identification or North Carolina Driver's License

3. What are the fees for...?

Payments are accepted in form of cash, check, Visa or Mastercard.

• Civil Fee $30 per person served
• Gun Permit $5 per permit applied for
• Concealed Carry Permit $90 (Tuesday through Thursday 9 am to 4 pm)
• Concealed Carry Renewal $75 (Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm)
• Concealed Carry Duplicate $15 (Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm)
• Arrest Report Copies $4 per copy
• Incident Report Copies $4 per copy
• Attorney Check Fees $4
• Calls For Service/CAD Report $4 per copy
• DVO Storage Fee $1 per day per gun up to 4, then $.65 per day per gun thereafter
• In County Fingerprints $7 (Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm)
• Out of County Fingerprints $15 (Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm)
• Notary Service Fee $5
• Audio Recording Fee $10
• Trespass Signs $2 per sign
• Return Check Fee $35 per check

4. Can I speak directly to the Sheriff?

Yes, The Sheriff's Office is always open for you to come in and speak with him.

Because of his commitment to Caldwell County, he may not always be in the office so it is best to call for an appointment. If you call by phone and he is not in the office, you can leave your telephone number, and he will return your call.

The telephone number for Sheriff's office is 828-754-1518.

You are encouraged to come by the Sheriff's Office at any time to look at your Sheriff's Office and Detention Center. We will be happy to take you through the building and answer any questions you may have. (Covid Restrictions may apply)

5. What are the hours of operation for the Sheriff's Office?

There is someone available 24 hours per day at the Sheriffs office; however, specific divisions have their own hours.

Administration: Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm 
Phone 828-754-1518

Civil Division: Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm 
Phone 828-754-0576

Detective Division: Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm
 Phone 828-759-1554

Detention Center: 24 hours a day. 
Phone 828-759-1510

Communications: 24 hours a day. 
Phone 828-758-2324 or 911 for emergencies.

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1. Who is eligible?

Eligible landowners may include homeowners, businesses, schools, parks and publicly owned lands.

2. Why is this program important?

How rapid urbanization affects water quality becomes important as North Carolina's land use continues to change. CCAP can help educate landowners on water quality, stormwater management and retrofit practices to treat stormwater runoff.

3. How does CCAP work?

Interested landowners may apply to their local soil and water conservation district for financial and technical assistance for the installation of BMPs to protect water quality. Applications are ranked based on local water quality priorities and, if eligible, a conservation plan is prepared. Landowners may receive financial assistance of up to 75% of the pre-established average cost of the BMP.

Applications for the NC Community Conservation Assistance Program are accepted year-round. Applications are ranked twice a year based on natural resource concerns. To apply for assistance please fill out the application (PDF) and return it in person or by mail to:

Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District Office
120 Hospital Avenue Suite 2
Lenoir, NC 28645

Phone: 828-758-1111

Cost Share Programs - CCAP

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1. Where do I get a soil test box?

Soil test boxes are available at the Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District, at the NC Cooperative Extension Service office and at many farm supply stores in Caldwell County.

A soil test report gives you precise nutrient requirements for the soil type and plant type in your situation. Think of the money you'll save by only adding the fertilizer you really need!

2. How is soil tested?

The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is a state agency that tests soils free or at a minimal cost depending on the time of year. From April to November there is no cost; from December to March the cost is $4 per soil sample. 

• More information about the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomy Services
• Access Soil Testing Reports
  

Cardboard sampling boxes are available at Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District office. You fill the box ¾ full with soil and send it to the testing facility in Raleigh. Sample three to four months before fertilizer applications to ensure there is enough time to get the report back.

There are also soil test kits for sale at local garden centers. These range from $3 to $7.

Equipment Needed

• Bucket
• Small Garden Trowel

Be sure that all equipment is clean of dirt and fertilizer or any other debris. Equipment should be made of stainless steel or plastic. That way you avoid contaminating your sample with trace metals.

Procedure

At approximately 5 to 10 locations within your property, take soil samples to a depth of 4 inches (lawn) or 8 inches (garden). Samples only need to be a spoonful or less. Each of the samples should come from the same soil type. Any soil that is very different in color or texture, should be tested separately. So avoid small areas where conditions are very different. Examples include wet spots, natural areas, landscaped areas, etc. Mix all of the samples together thoroughly in the bucket. This will give you a composite sample to test.

Testing gives you precise information regarding the condition of your soil. With that information, you are able to:

• Save money by purchasing only the fertilizer you need
• Ensure that you are giving your lawn enough fertilizer to thrive
• Protect nearby ponds and creeks from excess nutrients

Request a soil test kit by emailing Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District or call 828-758-1111, or come by the Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District and pick one up!

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1. I can't find my DD-214, what should I do?

The first thing you do is contact the Register of Deeds in the county that you lived in when you were discharged from the service. They may have a copy on file there. You can also order a copy online.

2. I am in need of medical care and prescriptions. Can the VA supply this for me?

Each case is a little different when applying for healthcare. A 10-10EZ form must be filled out with a copy of the DD-214. Income questions are asked on this form and if your income is over the VA threshold you may not be eligible. 

If you have a service-connected disability, purple heart recipient, POW, in-country Vietnam Veteran, or if you can meet other certain special criteria you would be eligible to enroll.

3. Once I file a claim for healthcare disability benefits how long do I have to wait to hear from the VA?

Healthcare claims are usually processed within 30 to 60 days. Any disability claims, including pension and compensation, can take approximately 8 to 10 months.

4. How do I get the VA to pay for disabilities?

VA Compensation Benefits may be paid to an eligible veteran who has a disabling physical or mental condition that was incurred or aggravated during military service. The degrees of disability is determined by the VA and represent, as far as can practicably be determined, the average loss in wages resulting from such diseases and injuries and their complications in civil occupations. Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses. You should contact your County Veterans Services Office.

5. How do I apply for a VA Loan Guarantee?

Bring your discharge papers (DD Form 214) to your County Veterans Service Office. They will complete a form and send it to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) office to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. You will present the Certificate of Eligibility to your lender when applying for a home loan. It is important to compare rates, fees, and programs offered by your lender. 

6. Do I need to make and appointment to see the Veterans Services officer?

It is preferred that you schedule an appointment if possible due to the high volume of veteran client contacts and the time allowed for each person served. Please call 828-757-1345 or 828-757-8694.