As published in the Courier-Tribune on March 25, 2012
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR — During their regular March meeting, the Candor Board of Commissioners were presented with a policy that would require all activities and events sponsored or supported by the Town of Candor to include opportunities for healthy food and beverages. Food offerings at these events will include low fat or healthy choice offerings. Water must also be available.
The policy recognizes that Candor citizens are becoming more interested in eating smart and moving more and was approved by a unanimous vote. It is effective immediately.
Also at the meeting, Mayor Richard Britt re-appointed Commissioner Layton Booker as Police Commissioner, transferring the position from himself after relieving Commissioner Wayne Holyfield of the job at a special called meeting Dec. 19, 2011.
In other business, Commissioners Booker, Holyfield, Phillip Hearne, Rob Martin and Tim Privett:
* Approved the installation of signage at the Candor Farmers Market at a cost of $7,265.
* Tabled a request by Mike Wallace for a contribution to the Candor Cowboys youth football team.
* Discussed an urgent need for carpet replacement at the Candor Library.
* Discussed the possibility of cutting the timber on town-owned property for the purpose of attracting a solar-energy project to the site.
* Approved the contract for completing the walking trail at the Candor Park.
* Approved in closed session the opportunity to purchase property at the corner of Cole Road and Vivian Street for future construction of a new fire department building.
* Agreed to close the town office on April 6 for Good Friday.
* The Peach Festival Planning Committee will meet April 13 at noon at the town hall.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
MCC trustees approve county budget request
As published in the Courier-Tribune on March 24, 2012
By Hugh Martin
TROY — Montgomery Community College trustees approved the school’s budget request for local funds for the 2012/2013 fiscal year at the regular meeting on March 14.
The request for $964,505 includes the addition of one maintenance position and one-half custodial position for the continued upkeep of the county-owned buildings. Also in the requested budget is $59,450 for equipment, $16,759 for service contracts and $1,740 for pest control.
The majority of the budget request, $905,055, is for operations, which covers everything from salaries and benefits and withholdings to supplies, vehicle expenses and utilities.
The request will go before Montgomery County commissioners for inclusion in the county budget.
In other business, trustees:
* Heard a presentation by Donna Beverly of Developmental Studies on Project SkillUp, a training program sponsored by a grant to the N.C. Community College System from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund, specifically designed to provide short-term training leading to employment to those adversely affected by the changes in the tobacco industry. A representative of the Tobacco Trust Fund presented a $10,000 check to MCC.
* Were presented with the results of a financial audit of the college. The only findings of the audit were coding errors that were corrected at the conclusion of the audit.
* Were introduced to two new employees, Jeanette McBride, accountant, and Wendy Vaugn, practical nursing instructor.
* Approved a new program evaluation policy.
* Approved a request by MCC President Dr. Mary Kirk for out-of-state travel to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) trustee orientation in Atlanta on May 7-8.
* Approved an updated mission statement.
* Approved in-kind transfers from the MCC Foundation totaling $1,468 for a CDL Rifle from Remington arms to be used for a Gunsmithing Club raffle and a Trane Seer heat pump and air handler from Saunders Heating & Cooling of Troy for use by the HVAC program.
* Heard an update on the upcoming Woodsman’s Meet, which will be televised on ESPN and the Outdoor Channel.
By Hugh Martin
TROY — Montgomery Community College trustees approved the school’s budget request for local funds for the 2012/2013 fiscal year at the regular meeting on March 14.
The request for $964,505 includes the addition of one maintenance position and one-half custodial position for the continued upkeep of the county-owned buildings. Also in the requested budget is $59,450 for equipment, $16,759 for service contracts and $1,740 for pest control.
The majority of the budget request, $905,055, is for operations, which covers everything from salaries and benefits and withholdings to supplies, vehicle expenses and utilities.
The request will go before Montgomery County commissioners for inclusion in the county budget.
In other business, trustees:
* Heard a presentation by Donna Beverly of Developmental Studies on Project SkillUp, a training program sponsored by a grant to the N.C. Community College System from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund, specifically designed to provide short-term training leading to employment to those adversely affected by the changes in the tobacco industry. A representative of the Tobacco Trust Fund presented a $10,000 check to MCC.
* Were presented with the results of a financial audit of the college. The only findings of the audit were coding errors that were corrected at the conclusion of the audit.
* Were introduced to two new employees, Jeanette McBride, accountant, and Wendy Vaugn, practical nursing instructor.
* Approved a new program evaluation policy.
* Approved a request by MCC President Dr. Mary Kirk for out-of-state travel to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) trustee orientation in Atlanta on May 7-8.
* Approved an updated mission statement.
* Approved in-kind transfers from the MCC Foundation totaling $1,468 for a CDL Rifle from Remington arms to be used for a Gunsmithing Club raffle and a Trane Seer heat pump and air handler from Saunders Heating & Cooling of Troy for use by the HVAC program.
* Heard an update on the upcoming Woodsman’s Meet, which will be televised on ESPN and the Outdoor Channel.
Peach Festival plans in full swing; growers optimistic
As published in the Courier-Tribune on March 24, 2012
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR — The 2012 North Carolina Peach Festival will be held July 21 in Candor in Montgomery County and planners are meeting regularly to get the parade, vendors and musicians lined up and ready to flow smoothly.
“We’re just keeping our fingers crossed and hoping to make it to April 10,” said Jeff Chandler, director of the NCSU Sandhills Research Station near Jackson Springs.
April 10 is the date that peach growers look to as the average date of the last frost in the area. With many of their trees now in full bloom, a hard freeze could spell disaster for a full, money-making crop for the 2012 season.
Ken Chappell, former president of the North Carolina Peach Growers Society and a Candor-area grower, has expressed concern about the warm season but according to his wife, Rhonda, the trees have received enough chilling hours to make a viable crop.
Danelle McKnight, horticulture agent for Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service, explained that chilling hours vary among different peach varieties, but that the average peach variety grown in the Sandhills region requires in the neighborhood of 750 chilling hours.
“Chilling hours are the amount of hours accumulated that range from 32 to 50 degrees with 45 degrees being the optimal temperature,” McKnight said.
Chandler said the crops hit the 750-hour mark in mid-February. The last night of freezing weather saw temperatures fall to 26 degrees on March 5.
“We didn’t see any major damage,” Chandler said. “The temperatures actually helped the farmers a bit by thinning the crop for them.”
Although the trees are blooming early, Chappell remains optimistic. “The weather is just the way we like it,” he says. “It’s been cool enough to slow things down but not hurt the peaches.”
While the farmers keep an eye on their crops, planners are working diligently to prepare for the yearly festival.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on July 21 with Grand Marshall Betty Lou Bruton leading the way. Bruton’s family has farmed in the Candor area for generations and she taught home economics in local schools her entire career.
Local favorites the Sand Band and Blue Horizon will perform Carolina beach and bluegrass music throughout the day. The Loaded Dice Band and Rocking Horse Unplugged will provide entertainment the day of the festival and during the Peachy Feet 5K race, which will be run for the second year the evening before the festival.
The NCSU Pipes & Drums are scheduled for the parade and the committee is awaiting word from Sir Purr, the mascot of the Carolina Panthers, as to his appearance schedule.
New T-shirt designs for 2012 are in the works and hand fans will be distributed to festival-goers.
A variety of vendors will line the streets and the Candor Historical Society and the Candor Fire Department will have fundraising booths.
The cooking contest is always a favorite with prizes for the best peach dishes entered. There will be kid’s games and events galore throughout the entire festival area.
Helicopter rides have become a favorite activity and a balloon artist will be roaming the festival throughout the day.
Parking areas will be located in several locations with shuttles running throughout the day to make the trip easier for those who need rides.
Festival sponsors are still being accepted with different levels of sponsorship available and naming rights to certain events being added this year. Sponsorships are available starting at $100.
Vendor spots are still available but have been going fast.
* * *
For more information on the North Carolina Peach Festival or the Peachy Feet 5K, contact Tammy Kellis at the Candor Town Hall at (910) 974-4221.
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR — The 2012 North Carolina Peach Festival will be held July 21 in Candor in Montgomery County and planners are meeting regularly to get the parade, vendors and musicians lined up and ready to flow smoothly.
“We’re just keeping our fingers crossed and hoping to make it to April 10,” said Jeff Chandler, director of the NCSU Sandhills Research Station near Jackson Springs.
April 10 is the date that peach growers look to as the average date of the last frost in the area. With many of their trees now in full bloom, a hard freeze could spell disaster for a full, money-making crop for the 2012 season.
Ken Chappell, former president of the North Carolina Peach Growers Society and a Candor-area grower, has expressed concern about the warm season but according to his wife, Rhonda, the trees have received enough chilling hours to make a viable crop.
Danelle McKnight, horticulture agent for Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service, explained that chilling hours vary among different peach varieties, but that the average peach variety grown in the Sandhills region requires in the neighborhood of 750 chilling hours.
“Chilling hours are the amount of hours accumulated that range from 32 to 50 degrees with 45 degrees being the optimal temperature,” McKnight said.
Chandler said the crops hit the 750-hour mark in mid-February. The last night of freezing weather saw temperatures fall to 26 degrees on March 5.
“We didn’t see any major damage,” Chandler said. “The temperatures actually helped the farmers a bit by thinning the crop for them.”
Although the trees are blooming early, Chappell remains optimistic. “The weather is just the way we like it,” he says. “It’s been cool enough to slow things down but not hurt the peaches.”
While the farmers keep an eye on their crops, planners are working diligently to prepare for the yearly festival.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on July 21 with Grand Marshall Betty Lou Bruton leading the way. Bruton’s family has farmed in the Candor area for generations and she taught home economics in local schools her entire career.
Local favorites the Sand Band and Blue Horizon will perform Carolina beach and bluegrass music throughout the day. The Loaded Dice Band and Rocking Horse Unplugged will provide entertainment the day of the festival and during the Peachy Feet 5K race, which will be run for the second year the evening before the festival.
The NCSU Pipes & Drums are scheduled for the parade and the committee is awaiting word from Sir Purr, the mascot of the Carolina Panthers, as to his appearance schedule.
New T-shirt designs for 2012 are in the works and hand fans will be distributed to festival-goers.
A variety of vendors will line the streets and the Candor Historical Society and the Candor Fire Department will have fundraising booths.
The cooking contest is always a favorite with prizes for the best peach dishes entered. There will be kid’s games and events galore throughout the entire festival area.
Helicopter rides have become a favorite activity and a balloon artist will be roaming the festival throughout the day.
Parking areas will be located in several locations with shuttles running throughout the day to make the trip easier for those who need rides.
Festival sponsors are still being accepted with different levels of sponsorship available and naming rights to certain events being added this year. Sponsorships are available starting at $100.
Vendor spots are still available but have been going fast.
* * *
For more information on the North Carolina Peach Festival or the Peachy Feet 5K, contact Tammy Kellis at the Candor Town Hall at (910) 974-4221.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Candor citizens still wants answers on police firings ♥
As published in the Courier-Tribune on March 22, 2012
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR — All five Candor commissioners were present at the regular meeting March 12 and the meeting room was full of citizens with questions still being asked about the mass firing of the majority of the police department at the Dec. 12 meeting.
When a motion for approval of the minutes of the February meeting was requested by Mayor Richard Britt, Commissioner Rob Martin interjected a request that the minutes be amended.
“At the last town board meeting there were some wordly (sic) items that were spoken. As a veteran of the U.S. Army, and as an American citizen, I would like for the minutes to reflect what was said. I think it was insulting to be compared to terrorist acts by someone in the open forum, and I’d like for those minutes to reflect what was said, and (to get) a copy or a copy of the recording for possible litigation,” Martin said.
Martin was referring to Candor citizen George Myers, who compared the police firings in Candor to the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center, during the public forum at the February regular meeting.
“On Sept. 11, 2001, a bunch of thugs, financed by Osama bin Laden, attacked the World Trade Center. On Dec. 12, 2011, a bunch of thugs, financed by Teresa Lamonds, attacked the Town of Candor,” Myers had said.
Many residents have expressed the belief that the police firings on Dec. 12 were the result of a warning ticket that escalated to Lamonds’ arrest in 2009. Records at the Montgomery County Board of Elections show that Lamonds and her husband were the only contributors to the 2011 campaigns of commissioners Martin and Wayne Holyfield.
Commissioners voted to table the approval of the February minutes until the April meeting.
Commissioner Phillip Hearne again addressed the status of the hiring of former Highway Patrol Trooper Erik Jackson as a Candor police officer by the majority of the board at the Dec. 12 meeting. Hearne motioned that the vote to hire Jackson be rescinded. “To resolve this issue once and for all, that’s the motion I want to make tonight,” he said.
Commissioner Layton Booker seconded and the vote was unanimous.
Jackson has since been charged with felony voter fraud for his alleged actions during the 2011 town commissioner race in Candor.
Hearne pointed out that newly-hired Police Chief Johnny Fulp would be responsible for hiring and firing officers, but Fulp is actually required to bring the names of potential hires to the board for approval.
(NOTE: The following line was added after submission and was not a part of the original text) The public forum took up the rest of the meeting.
Candor resident Bill Maher referred to the released transcript of the Dec. 12 closed session when the discussion of the firing of the police officers took place.
“The town attorney or legal advisor kept saying over and over again, you’re making a mistake, you ought to postpone this, you ought to listen to this, and no one did,” Maher said. “So, why the hell do you have a town attorney?”
Mayor Richard Britt stated that Maher was referring to Ron Niland, who serves as a management adviser to the town board and is not the town’s attorney.
Beth Maher directed her comments to Britt:
“You had two other commissioners telling you this was a bad idea and you needed to consult with the attorney. You said, ‘I am not for this,’ yet you did not take the advisement of two of your town commissioners and Mr. Niland. You completely ignored them and went ahead with what you wanted to do. Why did you not listen to counsel?”
“Anything else?” Britt replied.
“And, of course, you’re not going to answer the question, are you?” Maher said. “A question needs to be answered.”
“Anything else?” Britt repeated.
Maher told the editor of The Montgomery Herald, the local newspaper, “to stay on him until he answers the questions, along with a few others.”
Former mayor Becky Williams had some advice to the board about the ongoing controversy.
“This is a public forum. You can speak. You can have some rapport with the citizens. It’s not written in stone that you have to sit up there cold-faced and not respond to any concern that anybody may have. I think it would be in the best interest of the town to work together and move forward. Have a conversation. They (citizens) wouldn’t come out if they weren’t concerned about what is going on. You cannot sit there and continue to stare at each other and not be a willing part of the conversation. You have to have a conversation and I think that today would be a good time to do it.”
Williams waved her arm toward the full chairs in the meeting room and continued, “These are the taxpayers. They pay your expenses. They pay your salary. They have a vested interest in this town. You are there to look after the fiduciary interest for them. These folks want answers.”
Britt responded that he has answered questions since Dec. 12 the best he could and has been called names he doesn’t like.
“I’ve been up here most of that time when I’m not at work,” he said. “I’ve answered questions from every person in the country, it seems like. The people in Candor deserve answers. This is a big basketball country town. Everybody’s Duke fans, Carolina fans, that’s how we get along here, we pick at each other. But this is not a picking thing. This is a very serious thing.
“I have not run from nobody in this town. I can’t make these commissioners speak. That’s what they’re up here for. If they want to speak they can speak,” Britt said.
At the close of the meeting, Martin said, “I appreciate everybody coming and when we get past the hurdles we’re in and everybody working together, we need to work together. We need to get the town back.”
Candor resident Judy Brewer spoke from the audience. “Give us some answers and we will.”
She received no response.
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR — All five Candor commissioners were present at the regular meeting March 12 and the meeting room was full of citizens with questions still being asked about the mass firing of the majority of the police department at the Dec. 12 meeting.
When a motion for approval of the minutes of the February meeting was requested by Mayor Richard Britt, Commissioner Rob Martin interjected a request that the minutes be amended.
“At the last town board meeting there were some wordly (sic) items that were spoken. As a veteran of the U.S. Army, and as an American citizen, I would like for the minutes to reflect what was said. I think it was insulting to be compared to terrorist acts by someone in the open forum, and I’d like for those minutes to reflect what was said, and (to get) a copy or a copy of the recording for possible litigation,” Martin said.
Martin was referring to Candor citizen George Myers, who compared the police firings in Candor to the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center, during the public forum at the February regular meeting.
“On Sept. 11, 2001, a bunch of thugs, financed by Osama bin Laden, attacked the World Trade Center. On Dec. 12, 2011, a bunch of thugs, financed by Teresa Lamonds, attacked the Town of Candor,” Myers had said.
Many residents have expressed the belief that the police firings on Dec. 12 were the result of a warning ticket that escalated to Lamonds’ arrest in 2009. Records at the Montgomery County Board of Elections show that Lamonds and her husband were the only contributors to the 2011 campaigns of commissioners Martin and Wayne Holyfield.
Commissioners voted to table the approval of the February minutes until the April meeting.
Commissioner Phillip Hearne again addressed the status of the hiring of former Highway Patrol Trooper Erik Jackson as a Candor police officer by the majority of the board at the Dec. 12 meeting. Hearne motioned that the vote to hire Jackson be rescinded. “To resolve this issue once and for all, that’s the motion I want to make tonight,” he said.
Commissioner Layton Booker seconded and the vote was unanimous.
Jackson has since been charged with felony voter fraud for his alleged actions during the 2011 town commissioner race in Candor.
Hearne pointed out that newly-hired Police Chief Johnny Fulp would be responsible for hiring and firing officers, but Fulp is actually required to bring the names of potential hires to the board for approval.
(NOTE: The following line was added after submission and was not a part of the original text) The public forum took up the rest of the meeting.
Candor resident Bill Maher referred to the released transcript of the Dec. 12 closed session when the discussion of the firing of the police officers took place.
“The town attorney or legal advisor kept saying over and over again, you’re making a mistake, you ought to postpone this, you ought to listen to this, and no one did,” Maher said. “So, why the hell do you have a town attorney?”
Mayor Richard Britt stated that Maher was referring to Ron Niland, who serves as a management adviser to the town board and is not the town’s attorney.
Beth Maher directed her comments to Britt:
“You had two other commissioners telling you this was a bad idea and you needed to consult with the attorney. You said, ‘I am not for this,’ yet you did not take the advisement of two of your town commissioners and Mr. Niland. You completely ignored them and went ahead with what you wanted to do. Why did you not listen to counsel?”
“Anything else?” Britt replied.
“And, of course, you’re not going to answer the question, are you?” Maher said. “A question needs to be answered.”
“Anything else?” Britt repeated.
Maher told the editor of The Montgomery Herald, the local newspaper, “to stay on him until he answers the questions, along with a few others.”
Former mayor Becky Williams had some advice to the board about the ongoing controversy.
“This is a public forum. You can speak. You can have some rapport with the citizens. It’s not written in stone that you have to sit up there cold-faced and not respond to any concern that anybody may have. I think it would be in the best interest of the town to work together and move forward. Have a conversation. They (citizens) wouldn’t come out if they weren’t concerned about what is going on. You cannot sit there and continue to stare at each other and not be a willing part of the conversation. You have to have a conversation and I think that today would be a good time to do it.”
Williams waved her arm toward the full chairs in the meeting room and continued, “These are the taxpayers. They pay your expenses. They pay your salary. They have a vested interest in this town. You are there to look after the fiduciary interest for them. These folks want answers.”
Britt responded that he has answered questions since Dec. 12 the best he could and has been called names he doesn’t like.
“I’ve been up here most of that time when I’m not at work,” he said. “I’ve answered questions from every person in the country, it seems like. The people in Candor deserve answers. This is a big basketball country town. Everybody’s Duke fans, Carolina fans, that’s how we get along here, we pick at each other. But this is not a picking thing. This is a very serious thing.
“I have not run from nobody in this town. I can’t make these commissioners speak. That’s what they’re up here for. If they want to speak they can speak,” Britt said.
At the close of the meeting, Martin said, “I appreciate everybody coming and when we get past the hurdles we’re in and everybody working together, we need to work together. We need to get the town back.”
Candor resident Judy Brewer spoke from the audience. “Give us some answers and we will.”
She received no response.
Commissioners updated on Star park cleanup ♥
As published in the Courier-Tribune on March 21, 2012
Hugh Martin
STAR — About 75 volunteer workers showed up for a recent work day in the park, according to Star Commissioner Jennifer Fountain, who gave her report during the regular March meeting of the Star Board of Commissioners.
Fountain said that lots of work was accomplished during the cleanup by area citizens, which included members of Star Cub Scouts and Biscoe Busy Bees 4-H. The majority of the 6-acre park was raked, sticks removed and vines cut back.
The miniature golf area was cleaned, the tot lot was expanded and the volleyball court area was spruced up. The fence at the tennis court was repaired.
Fountain told the board that NCSTEP (Small Town Economic Prosperity) grant funds will go toward a fitness trail and more improvements to the tot lot and volleyball courts.
Mayor Susan Eggleston thanked the people who helped and pointed out that many of the town’s employees spent their day off to work in the park.
“That shows true pride and devotion to our town when the employees will do that,” she said. Eggleston said that additional equipment for the miniature golf course will be purchased. Equipment may also be checked out at the town hall during regular business hours.
“In the meantime, everyone feel free to bring their putters and golf balls to the park and enjoy the course.”
Fountain said that a disc golf course at the park is in the planning stages and will provide another recreation activity for the community.
In other business, Eggleston, Fountain and commissioners Steve Lassiter, Eddie Bernard and Alice Clemens:
* Heard a report on the town’s financial statements from Maxton McDowell, CPA, who told the board that the town is in good financial health.
* Welcomed Sheila Menendez, who will be working with the Pink House/Star Heritage Center until February 2013. Menendez told the board that she is working on developing business and marketing plans for the center. Mayor Eggleston said that she hopes the Heritage Center will be ready in time to host the May commissioner meeting.
* Voted to accept the offer by the airport representatives to cut the Heritage Center trees that are in the flight path and replace them with smaller trees, contingent on the offer being put in writing before any tree is cut.
*Approved a request from the Carriage House Bar & Grill for the placement of two pool tables in their establishment. The request for a license was approved on the condition that all items specified in the town’s game room ordinance are first met.
* Were informed by Mayor Eggleston that a combined meeting of the Star STEP Committee and Montgomery County Economic Development Committee will be held March 30 at noon in the town hall meeting room. The next STEP meeting will be held April 9 at 6 p.m.
* Learned that the spring fly-in planned at the airport has been postponed until fall while the facility undergoes upgrades.
* Heard an update on the Heritage Center from Commissioner Clemens, who said that the office area has been “cute-sied up” and that they have not been able to establish a Wi-Fi signal. Clemens also reported they are researching the purchase of a glass-front refrigerator unit for the farmer’s market area of the center.
* Were updated on the community kitchen project in the former emergency services building. Eggleston has written a letter to the Golden Leaf Foundation in support of the project and is waiting for a response. Plans are also being made to increase the size of the town library in that same building.
Hugh Martin
STAR — About 75 volunteer workers showed up for a recent work day in the park, according to Star Commissioner Jennifer Fountain, who gave her report during the regular March meeting of the Star Board of Commissioners.
Fountain said that lots of work was accomplished during the cleanup by area citizens, which included members of Star Cub Scouts and Biscoe Busy Bees 4-H. The majority of the 6-acre park was raked, sticks removed and vines cut back.
The miniature golf area was cleaned, the tot lot was expanded and the volleyball court area was spruced up. The fence at the tennis court was repaired.
Fountain told the board that NCSTEP (Small Town Economic Prosperity) grant funds will go toward a fitness trail and more improvements to the tot lot and volleyball courts.
Mayor Susan Eggleston thanked the people who helped and pointed out that many of the town’s employees spent their day off to work in the park.
“That shows true pride and devotion to our town when the employees will do that,” she said. Eggleston said that additional equipment for the miniature golf course will be purchased. Equipment may also be checked out at the town hall during regular business hours.
“In the meantime, everyone feel free to bring their putters and golf balls to the park and enjoy the course.”
Fountain said that a disc golf course at the park is in the planning stages and will provide another recreation activity for the community.
In other business, Eggleston, Fountain and commissioners Steve Lassiter, Eddie Bernard and Alice Clemens:
* Heard a report on the town’s financial statements from Maxton McDowell, CPA, who told the board that the town is in good financial health.
* Welcomed Sheila Menendez, who will be working with the Pink House/Star Heritage Center until February 2013. Menendez told the board that she is working on developing business and marketing plans for the center. Mayor Eggleston said that she hopes the Heritage Center will be ready in time to host the May commissioner meeting.
* Voted to accept the offer by the airport representatives to cut the Heritage Center trees that are in the flight path and replace them with smaller trees, contingent on the offer being put in writing before any tree is cut.
*Approved a request from the Carriage House Bar & Grill for the placement of two pool tables in their establishment. The request for a license was approved on the condition that all items specified in the town’s game room ordinance are first met.
* Were informed by Mayor Eggleston that a combined meeting of the Star STEP Committee and Montgomery County Economic Development Committee will be held March 30 at noon in the town hall meeting room. The next STEP meeting will be held April 9 at 6 p.m.
* Learned that the spring fly-in planned at the airport has been postponed until fall while the facility undergoes upgrades.
* Heard an update on the Heritage Center from Commissioner Clemens, who said that the office area has been “cute-sied up” and that they have not been able to establish a Wi-Fi signal. Clemens also reported they are researching the purchase of a glass-front refrigerator unit for the farmer’s market area of the center.
* Were updated on the community kitchen project in the former emergency services building. Eggleston has written a letter to the Golden Leaf Foundation in support of the project and is waiting for a response. Plans are also being made to increase the size of the town library in that same building.
Montgomery Farmers Market makes 2012 plans ♥
As submitted for publication in the Courier-Tribune on March 21, 2012
By Hugh Martin
TROY — Following a successful first year as an organized market, officials of the Montgomery County Farmers Market have been planning for a new season, but with a few changes.
Lynn Epps, association president, said the second season will be building off the first one.
“We were just operating by the seat of our pants last year,” she said. “We got a late start and a group of producers that were attending a local food conference at the Cooperative Extension Service in Troy felt that Montgomery County was in desperate need of a source for fresh, locally grown farm products.”
The first year of the market’s existence, 25 area farmers joined the association.
“That’s great for a first-time market,” said Danelle McKnight, the Horticulture agent for Montgomery County branch of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. “While all market vendors did not find success last year, many of them learned from their experience and are working off those experiences.”
McKnight said that it typically takes a minimum of seven years for a market to be successful.
“A market that is constantly changing itself year after year is not going to succeed. You need to find your niche and tweak it from season to season in order to make it a success,” she said.
Last year vendors split their week between two markets in Troy and Star. A market for Candor was attempted late in the season, but found little success.
“We went into Candor without a good plan and it didn’t work,” Epps said. “We did not have a successful way to market to the diverse population in the Candor area.”
This year, the association has a cushion to fall back on that includes a lifeline for decision-making. The association was approached last fall by a research group that is looking at rural farmers markets and how they operate. The research is being conducted through Fayetteville State University and comes with a $20,000 grant for the association to spend.
The association is developing the required business plan and budget to receive the funding.
“We have looked at our first year and surveyed the vendors, who have made numerous suggestions for improvement to the market,” Epps said. The biggest need that was identified was promotion of the market. We have to get the word out to let people know that, yes ,you can eat healthier and locally. We are working on advertisements and promotional items for our customers so they will remember our vendors and when the market is held.”
The association is in the process of designing tote bags, T-shirts, caps, bumper stickers and other ways to get the word out about the market. An arrangement has been made for Mt. Gilead Community Radio 88.1 to promote the market and plans are including other media outlets such as radio, television, Internet and newspapers.
The 2012 market will open its doors Thursday, April 5, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. The market will also host an after-hours event for members of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. Opening day will include a number of activities for children and adults.
Will McCanless, who is well-known for his pottery, is also an accomplished musician. He will be on hand from 4-6:30 p.m., performing Celtic and old time American music on banjo, mandolin, fiddle and guitar.
You will find the Montgomery County Farmers' Market at 417 North Main Street in Troy, in the parking lot with the Cash Points ATM.
For more information on the Montgomery County Farmers Market Association, including vendor information, contact Danelle McKnight at (910) 576-6011.
By Hugh Martin
TROY — Following a successful first year as an organized market, officials of the Montgomery County Farmers Market have been planning for a new season, but with a few changes.
Lynn Epps, association president, said the second season will be building off the first one.
“We were just operating by the seat of our pants last year,” she said. “We got a late start and a group of producers that were attending a local food conference at the Cooperative Extension Service in Troy felt that Montgomery County was in desperate need of a source for fresh, locally grown farm products.”
The first year of the market’s existence, 25 area farmers joined the association.
“That’s great for a first-time market,” said Danelle McKnight, the Horticulture agent for Montgomery County branch of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. “While all market vendors did not find success last year, many of them learned from their experience and are working off those experiences.”
McKnight said that it typically takes a minimum of seven years for a market to be successful.
“A market that is constantly changing itself year after year is not going to succeed. You need to find your niche and tweak it from season to season in order to make it a success,” she said.
Last year vendors split their week between two markets in Troy and Star. A market for Candor was attempted late in the season, but found little success.
“We went into Candor without a good plan and it didn’t work,” Epps said. “We did not have a successful way to market to the diverse population in the Candor area.”
This year, the association has a cushion to fall back on that includes a lifeline for decision-making. The association was approached last fall by a research group that is looking at rural farmers markets and how they operate. The research is being conducted through Fayetteville State University and comes with a $20,000 grant for the association to spend.
The association is developing the required business plan and budget to receive the funding.
“We have looked at our first year and surveyed the vendors, who have made numerous suggestions for improvement to the market,” Epps said. The biggest need that was identified was promotion of the market. We have to get the word out to let people know that, yes ,you can eat healthier and locally. We are working on advertisements and promotional items for our customers so they will remember our vendors and when the market is held.”
The association is in the process of designing tote bags, T-shirts, caps, bumper stickers and other ways to get the word out about the market. An arrangement has been made for Mt. Gilead Community Radio 88.1 to promote the market and plans are including other media outlets such as radio, television, Internet and newspapers.
The 2012 market will open its doors Thursday, April 5, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. The market will also host an after-hours event for members of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. Opening day will include a number of activities for children and adults.
Will McCanless, who is well-known for his pottery, is also an accomplished musician. He will be on hand from 4-6:30 p.m., performing Celtic and old time American music on banjo, mandolin, fiddle and guitar.
You will find the Montgomery County Farmers' Market at 417 North Main Street in Troy, in the parking lot with the Cash Points ATM.
For more information on the Montgomery County Farmers Market Association, including vendor information, contact Danelle McKnight at (910) 576-6011.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Star to seek commercial kitchen facility for seniors ♥
As published in the Courier-Tribune on March 2, 2012
By Hugh Martin
STAR — During a special called meeting Wednesday afternoon, commissioners from the Town of Star agreed to cooperate with the Montgomery County Council on Aging in transforming the former Emergency Services building to a community center that would include a certified kitchen.
The building housed the Star fire and police departments until they relocated to the new Star Municipal Building several years ago. Donna Strong, representing the rescue group that has since utilized the facility, told commissioners that the group had decided to sell their equipment, but will remain organized as a first responder group.
The absence of the rescue equipment opens the building for other uses.
Mike Rood, director of the Montgomery Council on Aging, said that the building is a perfect fit for a certified kitchen that can be used to prepare meals for senior citizens.
Rood said that there are 6,000 senior citizens in Montgomery County, of which 4,000 are undernourished. “We are only able to feed around 150 of the 4,000,” he said.
A $70,000 grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation was received last year to convert the kitchen area of the Montgomery County Agricultural Center in Troy for the same use, but county officials have balked on allowing the refurbishment. The county recently offered to sell the building to Montgomery Community College in exchange for anticipated funds from a one-quarter cent sales tax that will take effect April 1. MCC trustees rejected the offer.
Rood said that the goal would be to build the commercial kitchen in partnership with the Town of Star, which owns the building. The senior nutrition program in Montgomery County is currently spending $100,000 a year to purchase meals that are made in Fayetteville and trucked daily to sites in the county.
“A model from Cabarrus County shows that we can prepare the meals at a lower cost,” Rood told commissioners. He says that even with the addition of four new part-time employees, the council will save money.
Star Mayor Susan Eggleston said that studies had shown that every dollar spent in the county will turn over six times. “The $100,000 that is going to Fayetteville now would become $600,000 for Montgomery County if it is kept here,” she said.
Rood said supplies would be purchased from local vendors. Farmers that are certified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture’s “Good Agricultural Practices” (GAP) program would be able to sell to the council. Cooperative Extension Director Molly Alexi said that there are currently no certified farms in the county, but several are working toward certification.
Rood said the Council on Aging would fund the facility and pay the operating expenses.
“The Town of Star will not have to provide any funds for this,” he said.
The agreement to build the facility will depend on approval by the Golden Leaf Foundation. Rood said that letters of support from the Town of Star, Cooperative Extension and Montgomery County would be needed for that approval to occur. Star commissioners approved the development of a lease agreement with the Council on Aging.
“Everything sounds positive,” Rood told the board
Initial plans for the facility will include the kitchen, classroom, space for a possible Star food pantry and bulk storage for a Second Harvest Food Bank depot. The library, located in the front of the building, would have room for future expansion.
At present Second Harvest has a bulk depot in Mount Gilead, but that facility will be closing and relocating to Stanly County.
Rood said that Montgomery Cooperative Extension plans to use the facility for programming and 4-H activities. Local farmers will be able to use the kitchen afternoons and evenings to produce value-added products, such as jams, jellies and baked goods. It is hoped that Troy/Montgomery Senior Center staff will also use the facility for programming.
By Hugh Martin
STAR — During a special called meeting Wednesday afternoon, commissioners from the Town of Star agreed to cooperate with the Montgomery County Council on Aging in transforming the former Emergency Services building to a community center that would include a certified kitchen.
The building housed the Star fire and police departments until they relocated to the new Star Municipal Building several years ago. Donna Strong, representing the rescue group that has since utilized the facility, told commissioners that the group had decided to sell their equipment, but will remain organized as a first responder group.
The absence of the rescue equipment opens the building for other uses.
Mike Rood, director of the Montgomery Council on Aging, said that the building is a perfect fit for a certified kitchen that can be used to prepare meals for senior citizens.
Rood said that there are 6,000 senior citizens in Montgomery County, of which 4,000 are undernourished. “We are only able to feed around 150 of the 4,000,” he said.
A $70,000 grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation was received last year to convert the kitchen area of the Montgomery County Agricultural Center in Troy for the same use, but county officials have balked on allowing the refurbishment. The county recently offered to sell the building to Montgomery Community College in exchange for anticipated funds from a one-quarter cent sales tax that will take effect April 1. MCC trustees rejected the offer.
Rood said that the goal would be to build the commercial kitchen in partnership with the Town of Star, which owns the building. The senior nutrition program in Montgomery County is currently spending $100,000 a year to purchase meals that are made in Fayetteville and trucked daily to sites in the county.
“A model from Cabarrus County shows that we can prepare the meals at a lower cost,” Rood told commissioners. He says that even with the addition of four new part-time employees, the council will save money.
Star Mayor Susan Eggleston said that studies had shown that every dollar spent in the county will turn over six times. “The $100,000 that is going to Fayetteville now would become $600,000 for Montgomery County if it is kept here,” she said.
Rood said supplies would be purchased from local vendors. Farmers that are certified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture’s “Good Agricultural Practices” (GAP) program would be able to sell to the council. Cooperative Extension Director Molly Alexi said that there are currently no certified farms in the county, but several are working toward certification.
Rood said the Council on Aging would fund the facility and pay the operating expenses.
“The Town of Star will not have to provide any funds for this,” he said.
The agreement to build the facility will depend on approval by the Golden Leaf Foundation. Rood said that letters of support from the Town of Star, Cooperative Extension and Montgomery County would be needed for that approval to occur. Star commissioners approved the development of a lease agreement with the Council on Aging.
“Everything sounds positive,” Rood told the board
Initial plans for the facility will include the kitchen, classroom, space for a possible Star food pantry and bulk storage for a Second Harvest Food Bank depot. The library, located in the front of the building, would have room for future expansion.
At present Second Harvest has a bulk depot in Mount Gilead, but that facility will be closing and relocating to Stanly County.
Rood said that Montgomery Cooperative Extension plans to use the facility for programming and 4-H activities. Local farmers will be able to use the kitchen afternoons and evenings to produce value-added products, such as jams, jellies and baked goods. It is hoped that Troy/Montgomery Senior Center staff will also use the facility for programming.
Lake Tillery game room permit decision delayed ♥
As published in the Courier-Tribune on March 2, 2011
By Hugh Martin
TROY – Montgomery county commissioners were scheduled to revoke a conditional use permit that allowed the operation of a game room for the Uwharrie Sportsman at the intersection of NC 24/27 West and River Road.
The action was pulled from the consent agenda prior to the vote at this week’s meeting.
Members of the Montgomery County planning board recommended the revocation last month in the wake of the death of 19-year-old James Walter Freeman in a single-vehicle accident Sept. 9 on Flint Hill Road.
Bartender Julian Garrett Oldham was charged with selling malt beverages to Freeman. A passenger in Freeman’s vehicle, Jon Camden Williamson, was charged with aiding and abetting an underage person in the possession of a malt beverage, aiding and abetting impaired driving, obstruction of justice and resist, and delaying and obstructing a public officer during an investigation.
An investigation by N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement found that Freeman and Williamson were at the Uwharrie Sportsman playing pool and drinking beer prior to the accident.
During the public forum portion of the meeting, Darlene Lucas of Mount Gilead, an aunt of Freeman’s, spoke in favor of the revocation, telling commissioners that she would like to see the removal of alcohol from not only the game room, but the entire store.
Lucas contradicted statements made by Joyce Wright, owner of the Uwharrie Sportsman, during the planning board’s meeting. “She said that the store is always open when the game room is,” Lucas said. “That’s not true. The game room is open until 2:30 or 3 in the morning because my nephew had phoned his parents before to tell them that he was at the bar playing pool.”
Lucas said that Oldham would keep the bar open as long as someone was there playing pool. “The store’s not open at that time,” she said.
In other business before Commissioners Jackie Morris, Jim Matheny, Edgar Morris, Anthony Copeland and Dolon Corbett:
• Public hearings were heard on three different issues.
Following the first hearing, commissioners approved a zoning variance to allow Sabrina Shaw of Serene Lane to build a shed within 10 feet of her property line. Neighbors had no objections.
Following the second public hearing, commissioners voted for a text amendment to the Signage Section of the County Ordinance. The amendment addresses numerous sign restrictions ranging from small church signs to billboards.
The third public hearing was held to start the process for the application for Community Development Block Grant funds to be used for rehabilitation or demolition of scattered housing projects throughout the county. Funds can be applied to a number of uses, included small business expansion and low income connections to water and sewer. Commissioners approved the process and scheduled a second required hearing for March 6.
• County Manager Matthew Woodard said that funds will be available to assist citizens with connecting to the Handy Sanitary District sewer project. The funds are through the U.S. Department of Commerce. Residents that are affected can contact Handy Sanitary District or Montgomery County administration for more information.
* Woodard also informed the board that N.C. Department of Revenue officials have confirmed that the one-quarter cent sales tax that was voted in last year will go into effect April 1. Total revenue is expected to be around $300,000 per year, to be used by Montgomery County Schools and Montgomery Community College.
* Obstruction clearing is taking place around the Montgomery County Airport. Woodard reported that reimbursements for the land acquisitions for the airport had begun.
* Woodard said that the water line installations for the Poole’s Mill Road area in the southeastern part of the county were the number one priority for the system due to dry and contaminated wells. The Bernard Allen Foundation has awarded a grant of $60,000 toward the project.
* The Swift Island convenience site work has been slowed by rain, but officials hope it will be finished in about a week.
• The board approved changes in the Personnel Policy related to travel. Woodard said the changes would save money.
• Ordinance Consolidation is being reviewed for conflict with state and federal laws and will be added to the county website for easier access by the public.
By Hugh Martin
TROY – Montgomery county commissioners were scheduled to revoke a conditional use permit that allowed the operation of a game room for the Uwharrie Sportsman at the intersection of NC 24/27 West and River Road.
The action was pulled from the consent agenda prior to the vote at this week’s meeting.
Members of the Montgomery County planning board recommended the revocation last month in the wake of the death of 19-year-old James Walter Freeman in a single-vehicle accident Sept. 9 on Flint Hill Road.
Bartender Julian Garrett Oldham was charged with selling malt beverages to Freeman. A passenger in Freeman’s vehicle, Jon Camden Williamson, was charged with aiding and abetting an underage person in the possession of a malt beverage, aiding and abetting impaired driving, obstruction of justice and resist, and delaying and obstructing a public officer during an investigation.
An investigation by N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement found that Freeman and Williamson were at the Uwharrie Sportsman playing pool and drinking beer prior to the accident.
During the public forum portion of the meeting, Darlene Lucas of Mount Gilead, an aunt of Freeman’s, spoke in favor of the revocation, telling commissioners that she would like to see the removal of alcohol from not only the game room, but the entire store.
Lucas contradicted statements made by Joyce Wright, owner of the Uwharrie Sportsman, during the planning board’s meeting. “She said that the store is always open when the game room is,” Lucas said. “That’s not true. The game room is open until 2:30 or 3 in the morning because my nephew had phoned his parents before to tell them that he was at the bar playing pool.”
Lucas said that Oldham would keep the bar open as long as someone was there playing pool. “The store’s not open at that time,” she said.
In other business before Commissioners Jackie Morris, Jim Matheny, Edgar Morris, Anthony Copeland and Dolon Corbett:
• Public hearings were heard on three different issues.
Following the first hearing, commissioners approved a zoning variance to allow Sabrina Shaw of Serene Lane to build a shed within 10 feet of her property line. Neighbors had no objections.
Following the second public hearing, commissioners voted for a text amendment to the Signage Section of the County Ordinance. The amendment addresses numerous sign restrictions ranging from small church signs to billboards.
The third public hearing was held to start the process for the application for Community Development Block Grant funds to be used for rehabilitation or demolition of scattered housing projects throughout the county. Funds can be applied to a number of uses, included small business expansion and low income connections to water and sewer. Commissioners approved the process and scheduled a second required hearing for March 6.
• County Manager Matthew Woodard said that funds will be available to assist citizens with connecting to the Handy Sanitary District sewer project. The funds are through the U.S. Department of Commerce. Residents that are affected can contact Handy Sanitary District or Montgomery County administration for more information.
* Woodard also informed the board that N.C. Department of Revenue officials have confirmed that the one-quarter cent sales tax that was voted in last year will go into effect April 1. Total revenue is expected to be around $300,000 per year, to be used by Montgomery County Schools and Montgomery Community College.
* Obstruction clearing is taking place around the Montgomery County Airport. Woodard reported that reimbursements for the land acquisitions for the airport had begun.
* Woodard said that the water line installations for the Poole’s Mill Road area in the southeastern part of the county were the number one priority for the system due to dry and contaminated wells. The Bernard Allen Foundation has awarded a grant of $60,000 toward the project.
* The Swift Island convenience site work has been slowed by rain, but officials hope it will be finished in about a week.
• The board approved changes in the Personnel Policy related to travel. Woodard said the changes would save money.
• Ordinance Consolidation is being reviewed for conflict with state and federal laws and will be added to the county website for easier access by the public.
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