Published in the Courier-Tribune on August 31, 2011
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR — The new Candor Downtown Growers’ Market will open on Friday, Sept. 16.
Following several months of meetings and negotiations with the mayor and commissioners of the Town of Candor, the Montgomery County Farmers’ Market Association announced the grand opening.
Hours will be 2:30-6 p.m. each Friday. The market will continue to operate weekly through Nov. 18.
After considering several locations in the downtown area, organizers decided the market will be located on the green space beside the gazebo at the corner of South Main Street and Currie Road. Candor officials had initially wanted the group to locate at the Candor Farmers’ Market facility about a mile from downtown, on the opposite side of the interstate.
“We have wanted to have a market in Candor since the association formed earlier this year,” said Sheila Menendez, manager of the three markets that the group currently operates in Montgomery County.
“Part of our mission as a local market is to make the products of our area farmers easily accessible to the people that live in the communities we serve. This includes those that may not have the transportation to go to a market or grocery store that may be located too far from their homes.”
The markets operated by the association allow only products that are produced in Montgomery and adjoining counties.
“By keeping the products local, consumers may actually meet the people that are working to produce what they are buying,” Menendez said. “The money they spend is also kept in the local economy.”
Officers of the market association recently toured the downtown area with Candor Mayor Richard Britt and Commissioners Leslie Thomas and Tim Smith to evaluate the location. All agreed that it would be the best place for the new market.
“The market will allow the citizens of Candor and surrounding areas easy access to local foods, crafts and entertainment,” Menendez said. “The gazebo offers a place for demonstrations and performers to gather.”
The gazebo and landscaping of downtown Candor were projects of the Candor Small Town Economic Prosperity Demonstration Program. Although not a project of the Candor STEP Committee, the growers’ market will help to achieve that committee’s goal of bringing people to the downtown area.
The market will also bring back the tradition of the local farmers curb market that once operated on the opposite end of the same block. People who remember that market have fond memories of the line of farmers who came to town to sell their produce. That tradition ended with the construction of the Candor Farmers’ Market, which is located east of town beside the US 220/Interstate 73-74 highway. That market will not be affected by the new growers’ market and continues to operate as usual.
The Candor Downtown Growers’ Market opening day will feature local farmers, bakers and crafters. There will be a cooking demonstration by the staff of the Montgomery County office of the N.C. Cooperative Extension. Music will also be provided.
Producers interested in participating in the Candor market, as well as the Troy and Star markets, may contact Menendez at (910) 439-4854 for more information.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Montgomery Schools ready for new course in Bible History ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on August 18, 2011
by Hugh Martin
TROY – Dr. Bruce K. Lax has been hired by the Montgomery County School System to teach the newly created Bible History curriculum at both East and West Montgomery High Schools. The classes will align with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction standards and should align to the Social Studies (Bible History) curriculum.
Dr. Dale Ellis, Superintendent of Montgomery County Schools, said, “We are very excited about this new program. We have received tremendous community support for offering Bible History instruction in our high schools.”
The funding for Dr. Lax’s salary is provided by the Montgomery County Bible Association, and the matching benefits will be paid by the school system.
“After collaborating with the Montgomery County Bible Association, a wise decision was made to hire Dr. Lax. We look forward to working with him as we strive to grow and expand this exciting program in the years to come,” Ellis said.
Students were surveyed last year and the results showed an overwhelming interest in taking the Bible History course. West Montgomery High School had 215 students to show interest in the classes and East Montgomery High School had 240 students show interest.
Lax will teach the first semester of the 2011/2012 school year at West Montgomery and the second semester at East Montgomery. As funding increases, the school system hopes to grow the program and possibly have a teacher at both high schools.
Lax is originally from Paducah, Kentucky. He received his Doctorate in Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and has served as pastor at several churches in North Carolina.
Dr. Lax and his wife, Mona own a boutique in Asheville, NC called 2 on Crescent. Their daughter, Rachel, is a rising sophomore at Appalachian State University.
Dr. Lax will reside in Biscoe.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Candor board approves personnel policy ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on August 11, 2011
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR — After more than a year in the making, the Candor Board of Commissioners approved a personnel policy that will be retroactive to Aug. 1.
Management Advisor John Gowan walked the commissioners through the policy at their regular August meeting Monday. Commissioners had the opportunity to ask questions and make adjustments to the policy before voting.
One issue that came up was Gowan’s definition of full-time employment, setting it at 35 hours per week. Commissioner Tim Privett questioned why workers would be paid for a 40-hour week.
“I wish I could just work 35 hours and get paid for 40,” Privett said. “In my business you can’t do that.”
Gowan explained that it was just an average number of hours and the commissioners could change it if they wished.
After a lengthy discussion, the commissioners chose to change the figure to 40 hours.
“I’m just trying to look after the taxpayer’s money,” Privett said.
After making several other adjustments the policy was unanimously approved.
Commissioners also approved a policy for use of the new marketplace structure, to be called The Peach Exchange. The policy calls for a $50 rental fee plus a $50 refundable deposit. There will be no fee charged for use of the facility by churches, civic groups, governmental agencies or schools.
Citizens of Candor using the facility would receive $75 of the deposit and rental fee back if all stipulations of the agreement are met.
Mayor Richard Britt stated that Assistant Town Clerk Mechelle Smith had already been busy booking events for the Exchange. A Back to School Bash is scheduled for Aug. 27 from 2-5 p.m. The event will also serve as the grand opening and will include music, events and prizes. The Candor Lions Club will operate a concession stand. There is no entry charge for those attending.
In other business, Commissioners Privett, Leslie Thomas, Layton Booker and Tim Smith:
• Thanked all town employees, police and fire departments and volunteers for their hard work on the annual Peach Festival and Peachy Feet 5K, described as the biggest festival ever.
• Expressed their appreciation for the donation of sod for use around the Exchange building by Sandhill Turf.
• Voted to prohibit smoking in the Exchange building and allow the purchase of garbage cans for use there.
•Looked at concept drawings for signage at the Exchange building.
• Thanked Gowan for his two years of work with the town. He will be leaving his position at the end of August.
by Hugh Martin
CANDOR — After more than a year in the making, the Candor Board of Commissioners approved a personnel policy that will be retroactive to Aug. 1.
Management Advisor John Gowan walked the commissioners through the policy at their regular August meeting Monday. Commissioners had the opportunity to ask questions and make adjustments to the policy before voting.
One issue that came up was Gowan’s definition of full-time employment, setting it at 35 hours per week. Commissioner Tim Privett questioned why workers would be paid for a 40-hour week.
“I wish I could just work 35 hours and get paid for 40,” Privett said. “In my business you can’t do that.”
Gowan explained that it was just an average number of hours and the commissioners could change it if they wished.
After a lengthy discussion, the commissioners chose to change the figure to 40 hours.
“I’m just trying to look after the taxpayer’s money,” Privett said.
After making several other adjustments the policy was unanimously approved.
Commissioners also approved a policy for use of the new marketplace structure, to be called The Peach Exchange. The policy calls for a $50 rental fee plus a $50 refundable deposit. There will be no fee charged for use of the facility by churches, civic groups, governmental agencies or schools.
Citizens of Candor using the facility would receive $75 of the deposit and rental fee back if all stipulations of the agreement are met.
Mayor Richard Britt stated that Assistant Town Clerk Mechelle Smith had already been busy booking events for the Exchange. A Back to School Bash is scheduled for Aug. 27 from 2-5 p.m. The event will also serve as the grand opening and will include music, events and prizes. The Candor Lions Club will operate a concession stand. There is no entry charge for those attending.
In other business, Commissioners Privett, Leslie Thomas, Layton Booker and Tim Smith:
• Thanked all town employees, police and fire departments and volunteers for their hard work on the annual Peach Festival and Peachy Feet 5K, described as the biggest festival ever.
• Expressed their appreciation for the donation of sod for use around the Exchange building by Sandhill Turf.
• Voted to prohibit smoking in the Exchange building and allow the purchase of garbage cans for use there.
•Looked at concept drawings for signage at the Exchange building.
• Thanked Gowan for his two years of work with the town. He will be leaving his position at the end of August.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Star on fast track for sewer extension ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on August 10, 2011
by Hugh Martin
STAR — With the receipt of a $10,000 Golden Leaf matching grant assured, Star is set to begin work on a sewer extension to Carolina Growler in the Ether community.
During the August board of commissioners meeting, Mayor Susan Eggleston announced the receipt of the grant, which will go toward administrative work for the project. Another grant of $500,000 was previously received for the project.
The board approved the signing of the $12,500 contract with Hobbs, Upchurch of Southern Pines for the engineering work.
Tim Carpenter, representing Hobbs, Upchurch, said in ideal conditions, the 14,000 feet of forced pressure sewer line could be installed in as little as 45 days, but realistically the time frame would be more like four months. That’s because a pump station and easement acquisition are included in the project.
Carpenter said that work could begin immediately upon completion of the contract. The engineering phase could be completed in 60 days.
Growler handles contracts for the U.S. Department of Defense. Most recently, the facility had just been awarded a large contract to build munitions vehicles, commissioners also learned.
In other business, Commissioner Richard Hinson reported he had received a complaint from a citizen about phone calls not being answered after hours and the inability to leave a message at town hall.
Public Works Director Wesley Brown said that they could not install an answering service on the town’s current phone system.
“You can’t just go down to Walmart and pick up a machine,” Brown said. “The system is more complicated than that.”
Town Clerk Robin Hussey said the office is vacant only when she goes to the bank or the post office. When the office is going to be vacant for longer periods the system would forward calls to his or Hussey’s cell phone, Brown said.
Commissioner Alice Clemens and Mayor Eggleston both said that they had received similar complaints.
“With today’s technology people want to leave a message, not just hear a phone ringing,” Hinson said.
When asked why an answering service could not be installed by the telephone company Brown replied that the system belongs to the town, not the phone company.
“We could spend all the money we want on it and have one installed,” he said.
“If it continues to be a problem, we’ll take a look at it,” Eggleston said.
In other business, commissioners Clemens, Hinson, Jennifer Fountain, George Kivett and James Parker:
•Learned of the delivery of a new fire truck, owned by Montgomery County, that will be stationed at the Star Fire Department.
• Approved the use of a town street the morning of the annual Christmas parade for use by area Cub Scouts for a Cubmobile race, similar to a soap box derby. The race is currently held in Troy during Troyfest, but organizers want to move it to cooler weather.
•Learned Star had received a Governor’s Innovative Small Business Award that had been sought by STARworks.
• Were reminded of the monthly STEP meeting on Aug. 16 at 6 p.m.
• Were urged to support the Star Farmers’ Market, which is held Tuesdays from 2:30-6 p.m. at the Heritage Center, next door to the town hall.
•Were reminded of a called meeting Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. for opening bids on the sale of the town-owned medical building. Bids will be accepted until the meeting begins.
• Heard an announcement by Eggleston that, in honor of Management Advisor John Gowan, whose two-year tenure ends Aug. 31, the town will purchase a brick with his name engraved upon it, for use in the construction of the exhibit for the miniature train. The exhibit is under construction on the lawn in front of town hall.
by Hugh Martin
STAR — With the receipt of a $10,000 Golden Leaf matching grant assured, Star is set to begin work on a sewer extension to Carolina Growler in the Ether community.
During the August board of commissioners meeting, Mayor Susan Eggleston announced the receipt of the grant, which will go toward administrative work for the project. Another grant of $500,000 was previously received for the project.
The board approved the signing of the $12,500 contract with Hobbs, Upchurch of Southern Pines for the engineering work.
Tim Carpenter, representing Hobbs, Upchurch, said in ideal conditions, the 14,000 feet of forced pressure sewer line could be installed in as little as 45 days, but realistically the time frame would be more like four months. That’s because a pump station and easement acquisition are included in the project.
Carpenter said that work could begin immediately upon completion of the contract. The engineering phase could be completed in 60 days.
Growler handles contracts for the U.S. Department of Defense. Most recently, the facility had just been awarded a large contract to build munitions vehicles, commissioners also learned.
In other business, Commissioner Richard Hinson reported he had received a complaint from a citizen about phone calls not being answered after hours and the inability to leave a message at town hall.
Public Works Director Wesley Brown said that they could not install an answering service on the town’s current phone system.
“You can’t just go down to Walmart and pick up a machine,” Brown said. “The system is more complicated than that.”
Town Clerk Robin Hussey said the office is vacant only when she goes to the bank or the post office. When the office is going to be vacant for longer periods the system would forward calls to his or Hussey’s cell phone, Brown said.
Commissioner Alice Clemens and Mayor Eggleston both said that they had received similar complaints.
“With today’s technology people want to leave a message, not just hear a phone ringing,” Hinson said.
When asked why an answering service could not be installed by the telephone company Brown replied that the system belongs to the town, not the phone company.
“We could spend all the money we want on it and have one installed,” he said.
“If it continues to be a problem, we’ll take a look at it,” Eggleston said.
In other business, commissioners Clemens, Hinson, Jennifer Fountain, George Kivett and James Parker:
•Learned of the delivery of a new fire truck, owned by Montgomery County, that will be stationed at the Star Fire Department.
• Approved the use of a town street the morning of the annual Christmas parade for use by area Cub Scouts for a Cubmobile race, similar to a soap box derby. The race is currently held in Troy during Troyfest, but organizers want to move it to cooler weather.
•Learned Star had received a Governor’s Innovative Small Business Award that had been sought by STARworks.
• Were reminded of the monthly STEP meeting on Aug. 16 at 6 p.m.
• Were urged to support the Star Farmers’ Market, which is held Tuesdays from 2:30-6 p.m. at the Heritage Center, next door to the town hall.
•Were reminded of a called meeting Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. for opening bids on the sale of the town-owned medical building. Bids will be accepted until the meeting begins.
• Heard an announcement by Eggleston that, in honor of Management Advisor John Gowan, whose two-year tenure ends Aug. 31, the town will purchase a brick with his name engraved upon it, for use in the construction of the exhibit for the miniature train. The exhibit is under construction on the lawn in front of town hall.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Troy updates ETJ boundaries ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on August 6, 2011
by Hugh Martin
TROY — Commissioners for the Town of Troy heard a presentation from Montgomery County Planning Director Scott Carpenter concerning the town’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) map during a public hearing held Monday.
Carpenter explained that the previous map had split properties in some cases, which resulted in some parcels having two different zoning classifications. Property owners that were affected had been contacted, with some opting to not be included in the ETJ. The updated map was presented to the board.
There were no citizen comments during the hearing and board members Bruce Hamilton, James Hurley and Wallace Jones approved the new map.
A second public hearing was held in regards to a Community Development Block Grant that the town received on behalf of Pro Pallet South. The grant will be used for the company’s expansion project which will create a number of new jobs. A project ordinance was approved in order for the grant award to move forward.
No town monies are involved in the grant since the company will provide all necessary matching funds.
The board approved a $12,500 bid by All American Associates to administer the administrative services for the grant project.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a proposal from Davenport Lawrence for a one-year contract to assist the town in identifying revenue sources that are owed to the town. Davenport Lawrence will retain 50 percent of the recovered funds as its fee.
• Approved a resolution to remain in the Main Street program for downtown revitalization efforts.
• Approved a one-year agreement with Parrott Beach Restaurant to operate the grill at the Denson’s Creek Golf Club. The grill will operate only when other facilities at the club are open.
• Heard a report from Town Manager Greg Zephir on the success of the swimming lessons program at the newly-opened town pool.
• Was made aware of a problem with tree harvesters taking advantage of senior and low-income citizens by cutting trees and leaving a large mess for the homeowners to deal with. An ordinance to address the problem is being written.
• Was updated on events that have recently been held in the downtown area. Movies are being held monthly and plans are under way for the annual Veterans Day Parade and the holiday Tree Lighting.
• Learned that two locations are being considered for the construction of a pavilion/stage complex to host concerts and other events.
• Congratulated the Troy All Star baseball team for representing the town in recent play.
• Bid farewell to this year’s management interns, Kara English and Joseph Shook.
by Hugh Martin
TROY — Commissioners for the Town of Troy heard a presentation from Montgomery County Planning Director Scott Carpenter concerning the town’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) map during a public hearing held Monday.
Carpenter explained that the previous map had split properties in some cases, which resulted in some parcels having two different zoning classifications. Property owners that were affected had been contacted, with some opting to not be included in the ETJ. The updated map was presented to the board.
There were no citizen comments during the hearing and board members Bruce Hamilton, James Hurley and Wallace Jones approved the new map.
A second public hearing was held in regards to a Community Development Block Grant that the town received on behalf of Pro Pallet South. The grant will be used for the company’s expansion project which will create a number of new jobs. A project ordinance was approved in order for the grant award to move forward.
No town monies are involved in the grant since the company will provide all necessary matching funds.
The board approved a $12,500 bid by All American Associates to administer the administrative services for the grant project.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a proposal from Davenport Lawrence for a one-year contract to assist the town in identifying revenue sources that are owed to the town. Davenport Lawrence will retain 50 percent of the recovered funds as its fee.
• Approved a resolution to remain in the Main Street program for downtown revitalization efforts.
• Approved a one-year agreement with Parrott Beach Restaurant to operate the grill at the Denson’s Creek Golf Club. The grill will operate only when other facilities at the club are open.
• Heard a report from Town Manager Greg Zephir on the success of the swimming lessons program at the newly-opened town pool.
• Was made aware of a problem with tree harvesters taking advantage of senior and low-income citizens by cutting trees and leaving a large mess for the homeowners to deal with. An ordinance to address the problem is being written.
• Was updated on events that have recently been held in the downtown area. Movies are being held monthly and plans are under way for the annual Veterans Day Parade and the holiday Tree Lighting.
• Learned that two locations are being considered for the construction of a pavilion/stage complex to host concerts and other events.
• Congratulated the Troy All Star baseball team for representing the town in recent play.
• Bid farewell to this year’s management interns, Kara English and Joseph Shook.
Montgomery CIS faces a challenging year ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on August 6, 2011
by Hugh Martin
TROY — As a result of major funding cuts from the N.C. Legislature, Communities in Schools of Montgomery County (CISMC) is doing all it can with what it has to work with.
Board of Directors Chair Jimmy Preslar and Executive Director Ashley Sherrill brought the Montgomery County Board of Education up to date on what the organization is doing during the regular meeting Monday.
Preslar told the board that for three years the program had $150,000 available to the program, but that funding ran out in July of this year.
“We had to let five employees go,” Preslar said. “We only have one employee on the payroll now.”
That one employee is Sherrill.
“We are still actively seeking grants, but funds are tight,” he added. “We hope to be able to keep the program going through community efforts.”
Those efforts include contributions from individuals and businesses. Other sources for funding come from the annual Dancing With the Stars event and the golf tournament held annually at Uwharrie Point. The 2011 tournament is scheduled for Aug. 29.
“Communities in Schools is important to Montgomery County,” Preslar said. “Especially the kids of Montgomery County.”
CISMC has organized and operated a mentoring program for students in the school system. Other programs include Backpack Pals, which provides food to students to take home on weekends when they may not have other food to eat; and the STARS program, which is aimed at assisting ninth-graders to move on to the 10th grade, then to graduation from high school.
Sherrill told the board that, even with the diminished funding, CISMC was still able to send 31 children to summer camp. An eight-week summer mentoring program allows children to participate in a different sport each week.
“The summer mentoring program is administered with little or no cost,” Sherrill said. “We have a lot of volunteers that have come out to work with the kids this year.”
Sherrill said that the next school year will be a challenge.
“We have had to decide what programs we will be able to continue,” she said. “We will keep the Backpack Pals program and we are meeting with the principals of the schools to establish what programming is needed. We are assessing the needs of each school.”
Sherrill also said that she is working to improve communication between CISMC and the central office.
In other business, board members Tommy Blake, Ann Long, Sandra Miller, Bryan Dozier and Shirley Threadgill:
• Approved an Exceptional Children Contract that shall not exceed $61,920 for the 180-day school year with Health & Home Service of Hickory.
• Were presented the 2010-2011 Preliminary ABC and AYP results.
• Heard an explanation of the 10-month employee pay issue from Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dale Ellis. Beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, employees will not be paid salaries in advance of the work period. The first pay check of the year will not be made in August, but in September. Pay checks that have previously been made in May will come in June. This is a result of a mandate by the N.C. Legislature.
• Heard a report on the N.C. School Board Association Southern Regional Conference from board member Ann Long, who attended with board member Jesse Hill.
• Heard comments from Ellis on his first year as superintendent, including the budget issues.
• Recognized First Bank with a Community Partnership award.
•Recognized Page Elementary School students Austin McLendon and Tommy Douangkham for having their art work chosen to appear in the Farm to School Calendar.
• Adopted a resolution of esteem for the late Pauline McDuffie Jackson.
by Hugh Martin
TROY — As a result of major funding cuts from the N.C. Legislature, Communities in Schools of Montgomery County (CISMC) is doing all it can with what it has to work with.
Board of Directors Chair Jimmy Preslar and Executive Director Ashley Sherrill brought the Montgomery County Board of Education up to date on what the organization is doing during the regular meeting Monday.
Preslar told the board that for three years the program had $150,000 available to the program, but that funding ran out in July of this year.
“We had to let five employees go,” Preslar said. “We only have one employee on the payroll now.”
That one employee is Sherrill.
“We are still actively seeking grants, but funds are tight,” he added. “We hope to be able to keep the program going through community efforts.”
Those efforts include contributions from individuals and businesses. Other sources for funding come from the annual Dancing With the Stars event and the golf tournament held annually at Uwharrie Point. The 2011 tournament is scheduled for Aug. 29.
“Communities in Schools is important to Montgomery County,” Preslar said. “Especially the kids of Montgomery County.”
CISMC has organized and operated a mentoring program for students in the school system. Other programs include Backpack Pals, which provides food to students to take home on weekends when they may not have other food to eat; and the STARS program, which is aimed at assisting ninth-graders to move on to the 10th grade, then to graduation from high school.
Sherrill told the board that, even with the diminished funding, CISMC was still able to send 31 children to summer camp. An eight-week summer mentoring program allows children to participate in a different sport each week.
“The summer mentoring program is administered with little or no cost,” Sherrill said. “We have a lot of volunteers that have come out to work with the kids this year.”
Sherrill said that the next school year will be a challenge.
“We have had to decide what programs we will be able to continue,” she said. “We will keep the Backpack Pals program and we are meeting with the principals of the schools to establish what programming is needed. We are assessing the needs of each school.”
Sherrill also said that she is working to improve communication between CISMC and the central office.
In other business, board members Tommy Blake, Ann Long, Sandra Miller, Bryan Dozier and Shirley Threadgill:
• Approved an Exceptional Children Contract that shall not exceed $61,920 for the 180-day school year with Health & Home Service of Hickory.
• Were presented the 2010-2011 Preliminary ABC and AYP results.
• Heard an explanation of the 10-month employee pay issue from Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dale Ellis. Beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, employees will not be paid salaries in advance of the work period. The first pay check of the year will not be made in August, but in September. Pay checks that have previously been made in May will come in June. This is a result of a mandate by the N.C. Legislature.
• Heard a report on the N.C. School Board Association Southern Regional Conference from board member Ann Long, who attended with board member Jesse Hill.
• Heard comments from Ellis on his first year as superintendent, including the budget issues.
• Recognized First Bank with a Community Partnership award.
•Recognized Page Elementary School students Austin McLendon and Tommy Douangkham for having their art work chosen to appear in the Farm to School Calendar.
• Adopted a resolution of esteem for the late Pauline McDuffie Jackson.
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