As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 30, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
BISCOE - Quint Dunlap’s automotive program at East Montgomery High School in Biscoe has earned certification through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
According to the NATEF, their process has resulted in certified automotive training programs in all fifty states at the secondary and post-secondary levels. NATEF also evaluates the providers of in-service technician training programs under a program called Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE).
Dunlap said that there are fifty students enrolled in the class this semester. This is the sixth year that the class has been offered since it started in 2007. Dunlap has been the instructor since the first year.
“The certification will give the students at East Montgomery a chance to learn at an accredited facility,” Dunlap said. “This certification will help them to advance more quickly in the automotive field.”
Quite a few students have passed through Dunlap’s class since it has been offered. “I have had students that graduated the program and then furthered their education in the automotive field,” he said. “There have also been some that left the program then began working in the field in various businesses throughout the area.”
Dunlap expressed his appreciation for the support and help that he has received while completing the certification process.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
♥ Police discover body of missing Troy man
As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 29, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY — William Donald (Don) Morris , 75, who was reported missing in Troy on Thursday, has been located deceased in his vehicle on N.C. 134.
Troy Police Chief Kenny Allen confirmed that Morris was found about 2 p.m. on Friday in his vehicle that had run off the road. It did not appear that any other vehicle was involved. The medical examiner was called to the scene, Allen said.
Morris’ white 2003 Ford Explorer was seen by a passerby who called 911.
His last cell phone call was from the parking lot of Hobby Lobby on East Dixie Drive in Asheboro around 9:15 Thursday morning. Officers said on Thursday that Morris spoke with his wife at that time and said he would be home shortly.
The normal route that Morris would have traveled is via N.C. 134 from Asheboro to Troy.
Further details will be released by the N.C. Highway Patrol later today.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY — William Donald (Don) Morris , 75, who was reported missing in Troy on Thursday, has been located deceased in his vehicle on N.C. 134.
Morris’ white 2003 Ford Explorer was seen by a passerby who called 911.
His last cell phone call was from the parking lot of Hobby Lobby on East Dixie Drive in Asheboro around 9:15 Thursday morning. Officers said on Thursday that Morris spoke with his wife at that time and said he would be home shortly.
The normal route that Morris would have traveled is via N.C. 134 from Asheboro to Troy.
Further details will be released by the N.C. Highway Patrol later today.
Friday, September 21, 2012
♥ EMHS volleyball coach charged with indecent liberties
As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 22, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
BISCOE –A first-year head coach for the East Montgomery girls’ volleyball team was arrested Friday and charged with indecent liberties with a child.
Julius Ryan, 29, of Biscoe has been placed in the Montgomery County Jail under a $25,000 bond.
Ryan has been employed at the school as the graduation coach and in school suspension coordinator since Aug. 21 of the current school year and has been coaching the volleyball team since that time.
Ryan has previously been employed as a lifeguard at a local park.
Lieutenant Kelley Howell of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said that he received information on Tuesday that Ryan allegedly had sent text messages to a volleyball team member and had kissed her.
Ryan denied the allegations. He was asked to leave the school grounds during an investigation, which included officials from Montgomery County Schools.
Lindsay Whitley, public information officer for Montgomery County Schools said, “We are working closely with the sheriff’s office, and any inappropriate behavior will be handled according to board policy and/or applicable laws.”
Whitley said the district’s top priority is to ensure a safe environment for all students.
He also said that as a part of regular procedures, MCS conducts extensive background checks on all employees and coaches. “Additionally, employees are reminded annually of Prohibited Relationships with Students as a part of the Montgomery County Schools Employee Handbook review.”
“Montgomery County Schools will continue to cooperate with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office as it completes its investigation,” Whitley said.
The investigation by Howell, School Resources Officer Kelsey Brown and East Montgomery Principal Heather Seawell revealed that the team member alleged that Ryan had been sending her instant messages through a cell phone application that both used.
She told investigators that the messages were not sexual in nature but that she was made uncomfortable by them and that on Sept. 11 she was walking by Ryan’s classroom where he kissed her.
According to Howell, a review of the school’s video security system was “consistent with the student’s statement.”
A meeting by investigators with the entire volleyball team did not result in any further allegations against Ryan.
According to Whitley, Ryan has been suspended with pay.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
BISCOE –A first-year head coach for the East Montgomery girls’ volleyball team was arrested Friday and charged with indecent liberties with a child.
Julius Ryan, 29, of Biscoe has been placed in the Montgomery County Jail under a $25,000 bond.
Ryan has been employed at the school as the graduation coach and in school suspension coordinator since Aug. 21 of the current school year and has been coaching the volleyball team since that time.
Ryan has previously been employed as a lifeguard at a local park.
Lieutenant Kelley Howell of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said that he received information on Tuesday that Ryan allegedly had sent text messages to a volleyball team member and had kissed her.
Ryan denied the allegations. He was asked to leave the school grounds during an investigation, which included officials from Montgomery County Schools.
Lindsay Whitley, public information officer for Montgomery County Schools said, “We are working closely with the sheriff’s office, and any inappropriate behavior will be handled according to board policy and/or applicable laws.”
Whitley said the district’s top priority is to ensure a safe environment for all students.
He also said that as a part of regular procedures, MCS conducts extensive background checks on all employees and coaches. “Additionally, employees are reminded annually of Prohibited Relationships with Students as a part of the Montgomery County Schools Employee Handbook review.”
“Montgomery County Schools will continue to cooperate with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office as it completes its investigation,” Whitley said.
The investigation by Howell, School Resources Officer Kelsey Brown and East Montgomery Principal Heather Seawell revealed that the team member alleged that Ryan had been sending her instant messages through a cell phone application that both used.
She told investigators that the messages were not sexual in nature but that she was made uncomfortable by them and that on Sept. 11 she was walking by Ryan’s classroom where he kissed her.
According to Howell, a review of the school’s video security system was “consistent with the student’s statement.”
A meeting by investigators with the entire volleyball team did not result in any further allegations against Ryan.
According to Whitley, Ryan has been suspended with pay.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
♥ Biscoe traffic lights to be out Sunday
As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 19, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
BISCOE — The Biscoe Police Department wants motorists to be aware that traffic lights at the intersection of N.C. 24-27 and Montgomery Crossing (Walmart) will be out of service Sunday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. until about noon.
Biscoe Police Chief David Maness said that Biscoe police officers will conduct traffic control during this outage. He asks motorists to avoid the area if possible.
“If you must come through to shop, work or attend church services, please be prepared for possible delays at this intersection,” Maness said.
The outage is due to construction of a new street, which requires the addition of more traffic signals at the intersection. The new street on the north side of N.C. 24/27 has opened up the area, adjacent to the Biscoe Industrial Park, for new commercial development.
N.C. 24/27 is a main traffic artery between the Charlotte and Raleigh/Fayetteville metropolitan areas. Weekend recreational traffic also uses this highway to access the Uwharrie National Forest and Lake Tillery area.
Maness asks motorists to “please watch for the officers, watch other drivers and drive safely.”
.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
BISCOE — The Biscoe Police Department wants motorists to be aware that traffic lights at the intersection of N.C. 24-27 and Montgomery Crossing (Walmart) will be out of service Sunday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. until about noon.
Biscoe Police Chief David Maness said that Biscoe police officers will conduct traffic control during this outage. He asks motorists to avoid the area if possible.
“If you must come through to shop, work or attend church services, please be prepared for possible delays at this intersection,” Maness said.
The outage is due to construction of a new street, which requires the addition of more traffic signals at the intersection. The new street on the north side of N.C. 24/27 has opened up the area, adjacent to the Biscoe Industrial Park, for new commercial development.
N.C. 24/27 is a main traffic artery between the Charlotte and Raleigh/Fayetteville metropolitan areas. Weekend recreational traffic also uses this highway to access the Uwharrie National Forest and Lake Tillery area.
Maness asks motorists to “please watch for the officers, watch other drivers and drive safely.”
.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
♥ Biscoe Commissioners approve game room request
As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 16, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
BISCOE – During their regular September Board meeting, Biscoe commissioners approved a request by April and Danny Helton for a game room license at 325 East Main Street. The address is the location of the former Biz-Net Sweepstakes business that closed last month.
The Heltons lease and operated the Eldorado Country Store on NC Highway 109, north of Troy, and operate a café there. Mr. Helton also holds a valid ABC Permit for alcohol sales at the Eldorado location.
In other business, Mayor Mike Criscoe and Commissioners Gene Anderson, John Beard, Jimmy Blake, Jimmy Cagle and Jerry Smith:
• Recognized Christina Marceleno, a student at East Montgomery High School, for volunteering 1,000 hours to the community during the past year.
• Tabled a public hearing for an updated noise ordinance. The hearing on the ordinance was rescheduled for the October meeting.
• Considered the planting of trees to buffer the softball field at Deaton-Monroe Park from residences located on Craven Street. The buffer is meant to prevent balls from landing on the properties of those residences. A bid for the installation had been received for approximately $8692.00 from Greenthumb Nursery. No action was taken due to the lack of a motion.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
BISCOE – During their regular September Board meeting, Biscoe commissioners approved a request by April and Danny Helton for a game room license at 325 East Main Street. The address is the location of the former Biz-Net Sweepstakes business that closed last month.
The Heltons lease and operated the Eldorado Country Store on NC Highway 109, north of Troy, and operate a café there. Mr. Helton also holds a valid ABC Permit for alcohol sales at the Eldorado location.
In other business, Mayor Mike Criscoe and Commissioners Gene Anderson, John Beard, Jimmy Blake, Jimmy Cagle and Jerry Smith:
• Recognized Christina Marceleno, a student at East Montgomery High School, for volunteering 1,000 hours to the community during the past year.
• Tabled a public hearing for an updated noise ordinance. The hearing on the ordinance was rescheduled for the October meeting.
• Considered the planting of trees to buffer the softball field at Deaton-Monroe Park from residences located on Craven Street. The buffer is meant to prevent balls from landing on the properties of those residences. A bid for the installation had been received for approximately $8692.00 from Greenthumb Nursery. No action was taken due to the lack of a motion.
♥ Troy debates raising Senior Center fees
As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 16, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY – The Troy-Montgomery Senior Center was built for use by senior citizens on a daily basis and provides assistance for many needs of older citizens in the community. Services are provided Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
According to Troy Town Manager Greg Zephir, the building has become popular for hosting other events, many private, in the past couple of years. He and the Senior Center Director, Theresa Thomas, discussed the fee schedule with the Board of Commissioners at their September 10 meeting.
According to Zephir, the staff has been noticing an increase in the facility not being left in acceptable condition for the following day. The center is often rented multiple times over a weekend and it is difficult to determine who will receive their deposit back.
The discussion included the possibility of raising the fees in order to hire an employee to oversee the center at times that staff is ordinarily on site.
Commissioners tabled any action on the subject to a later meeting.
In other business the board:
• delayed a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant for housing until their October 1 meeting.
• Agreed to have the School of Government assist the town with preparing a package for marketing the top two floors of the historic Troy Hotel building, which is owned by the town.
• Approved the purchase of a new John Deere tractor for $19,000.00 to replace an old one that was unusable and not able to be repaired.
• Learned that the Town of Troy has once again received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.
• Received an update on the paving work underway at the fire department building.
• Learned of the renewal of a partnership with Page Street Elementary School that will bring students to board meetings to share their thoughts on civic responsibility.
• Heard a report on activity at the swimming pool complex for 2012.
• Encouraged citizens to attend an open house celebration of stores in the downtown area on September 21 starting at 5:30 pm.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY – The Troy-Montgomery Senior Center was built for use by senior citizens on a daily basis and provides assistance for many needs of older citizens in the community. Services are provided Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
According to Troy Town Manager Greg Zephir, the building has become popular for hosting other events, many private, in the past couple of years. He and the Senior Center Director, Theresa Thomas, discussed the fee schedule with the Board of Commissioners at their September 10 meeting.
According to Zephir, the staff has been noticing an increase in the facility not being left in acceptable condition for the following day. The center is often rented multiple times over a weekend and it is difficult to determine who will receive their deposit back.
The discussion included the possibility of raising the fees in order to hire an employee to oversee the center at times that staff is ordinarily on site.
Commissioners tabled any action on the subject to a later meeting.
In other business the board:
• delayed a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant for housing until their October 1 meeting.
• Agreed to have the School of Government assist the town with preparing a package for marketing the top two floors of the historic Troy Hotel building, which is owned by the town.
• Approved the purchase of a new John Deere tractor for $19,000.00 to replace an old one that was unusable and not able to be repaired.
• Learned that the Town of Troy has once again received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.
• Received an update on the paving work underway at the fire department building.
• Learned of the renewal of a partnership with Page Street Elementary School that will bring students to board meetings to share their thoughts on civic responsibility.
• Heard a report on activity at the swimming pool complex for 2012.
• Encouraged citizens to attend an open house celebration of stores in the downtown area on September 21 starting at 5:30 pm.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
♥ MCC adopts five-year strategic plan
As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 15, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY –Trustees for Montgomery Community College met Wednesday for their September meeting at the college.
Chairperson Gelynda Capel led the board through the second reading of a five-year strategic plan that was adopted.
The plan is due, in part, to the upcoming reaffirmation visit from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges (SACS). Dr. Mary Kirk informed the board that the plan was a “participatory one, involving many dedicated individuals.” Included in the plan are updated vision, mission statement, core values, college goals, planning assumptions and long-range goals.
“Without the drive and tenacity of these individuals in our college and community, this accomplishment would not have been possible,” reported Kirk. “Montgomery Community College applauds their efforts and is grateful for their wonderful spirit.”
The Trustees also approved hiring of several new staff members.
Robin Coates will assume the full-time position of Dean of Continuing Education effective October 15. Coates fills the position vacated by Gary Saunders, who accepted a similar position at Alamance Community College. Coates is already a Montgomery County resident and has most recently served as the State Director for the Human Resources Development Program at the North Carolina Community College System office.
Wanda Frick was approved for the position of Facilities Director, replacing Kevin McNeill who accepted a similar position for Montgomery County. The position is full-time. Frick previously held the Assistant Facilities Director at Stanly Community College.
Brian S. Casey was approved for a full-time Gunsmithing position. Casey has worked for Browning/Winchester Arms in Arnold, MO, teaching warranty repair to service personnel around the country. He most recently operated Greensboro Gun Works, a Gunsmithing business.
In other business the board:
• Presented a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Dale Ellis, Montgomery County Schools Superintendent, for the cooperation he and his staff have shown in implementing the Career and College Promise program at MCC.
• Approved the college budget for fiscal year 2012-2013.
• Approved an updated Board of Trustees By-Laws.
• Were introduced to new employees Catherine E. Biby, Accounts Receivable specialist; Tina K. Dunn, Custodian and Kevin Lamonds, Lead Maintenance Technician/Electrical.
• Approved an updated Employment Status policy.
• Approved out-of-state travel for Dr. Kirk to attend SACS-related events in Phenix City, Alabama and Dallas, Texas.
• Tabled a vote on a revision of the organizational chart.
• Approved an in-kind transfer of blood pressure cuffs from Sandy Ridge Nursing Home, valued at $3000.00.
• Learned that the college will be closed for Christmas Break effective 5:00 pm December 18 and will reopen January 2.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY –Trustees for Montgomery Community College met Wednesday for their September meeting at the college.
Chairperson Gelynda Capel led the board through the second reading of a five-year strategic plan that was adopted.
The plan is due, in part, to the upcoming reaffirmation visit from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges (SACS). Dr. Mary Kirk informed the board that the plan was a “participatory one, involving many dedicated individuals.” Included in the plan are updated vision, mission statement, core values, college goals, planning assumptions and long-range goals.
“Without the drive and tenacity of these individuals in our college and community, this accomplishment would not have been possible,” reported Kirk. “Montgomery Community College applauds their efforts and is grateful for their wonderful spirit.”
The Trustees also approved hiring of several new staff members.
Robin Coates will assume the full-time position of Dean of Continuing Education effective October 15. Coates fills the position vacated by Gary Saunders, who accepted a similar position at Alamance Community College. Coates is already a Montgomery County resident and has most recently served as the State Director for the Human Resources Development Program at the North Carolina Community College System office.
Wanda Frick was approved for the position of Facilities Director, replacing Kevin McNeill who accepted a similar position for Montgomery County. The position is full-time. Frick previously held the Assistant Facilities Director at Stanly Community College.
Brian S. Casey was approved for a full-time Gunsmithing position. Casey has worked for Browning/Winchester Arms in Arnold, MO, teaching warranty repair to service personnel around the country. He most recently operated Greensboro Gun Works, a Gunsmithing business.
In other business the board:
• Presented a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Dale Ellis, Montgomery County Schools Superintendent, for the cooperation he and his staff have shown in implementing the Career and College Promise program at MCC.
• Approved the college budget for fiscal year 2012-2013.
• Approved an updated Board of Trustees By-Laws.
• Were introduced to new employees Catherine E. Biby, Accounts Receivable specialist; Tina K. Dunn, Custodian and Kevin Lamonds, Lead Maintenance Technician/Electrical.
• Approved an updated Employment Status policy.
• Approved out-of-state travel for Dr. Kirk to attend SACS-related events in Phenix City, Alabama and Dallas, Texas.
• Tabled a vote on a revision of the organizational chart.
• Approved an in-kind transfer of blood pressure cuffs from Sandy Ridge Nursing Home, valued at $3000.00.
• Learned that the college will be closed for Christmas Break effective 5:00 pm December 18 and will reopen January 2.
Friday, September 14, 2012
♥ Candor to add lights to walking trail
As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 14, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
CANDOR – Candor Commissioners have approved the installation of lampposts along the walking trail that was constructed in Fitzgerald Park earlier this year. There are several areas of the trail that are too dark for safe navigation.
“The people of Candor have really been enjoying the trail,” said Mayor Richard Britt. “They had been asking for a walking trail for a long time and it is being used more than we imagined.”
The 1/5 mile paved walkway winds through the park. It was constructed with the help of a grant from FirstHealth of the Carolinas.
The lamps will be provided by Progress Energy with funds that are already included in the town’s recreation budget. Monthly electricity costs will be around $161.00.
In other business, Britt and Commissioners Layton Booker, Phillip Hearne, Rob Martin, Tim Privett and Tim Smith:
• Rescheduled the November 12 board meeting to November 19 due to the Veteran’s Day holiday.
• Declared a 1972 Chevrolet van that was used as an equipment truck by the fire department as surplus property. The town will accept sealed bids on the vehicle until October 8, 2012 at 5:00 pm.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
CANDOR – Candor Commissioners have approved the installation of lampposts along the walking trail that was constructed in Fitzgerald Park earlier this year. There are several areas of the trail that are too dark for safe navigation.
“The people of Candor have really been enjoying the trail,” said Mayor Richard Britt. “They had been asking for a walking trail for a long time and it is being used more than we imagined.”
The 1/5 mile paved walkway winds through the park. It was constructed with the help of a grant from FirstHealth of the Carolinas.
The lamps will be provided by Progress Energy with funds that are already included in the town’s recreation budget. Monthly electricity costs will be around $161.00.
In other business, Britt and Commissioners Layton Booker, Phillip Hearne, Rob Martin, Tim Privett and Tim Smith:
• Rescheduled the November 12 board meeting to November 19 due to the Veteran’s Day holiday.
• Declared a 1972 Chevrolet van that was used as an equipment truck by the fire department as surplus property. The town will accept sealed bids on the vehicle until October 8, 2012 at 5:00 pm.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
♥ Two Montgomery County dams demolished
As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 13, 2012
Denson’s Creek dam removed
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY — Two hundred miles of waterway were reconnected by the removal of two unneeded dams in Montgomery County this week, according to Lynnette Batt of the Durham office of American Rivers, a national conservation organization that works to restore rivers.
Batt and representatives from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Town of Troy gathered at the Denson’s Creek site of the old Troy Reservoir Dam No. 1 on Wednesday to celebrate the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
“Removing this dam is an opportunity to help the town of Troy further enhance Denson’s Creek’s natural aquatic community, in turn helping meet local economic and conservation goals,” U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist Laura Fogo, who has spearheaded the project, said. “The removal of Troy Reservoir Dam No. 1 is part of a larger, landscape-scale effort to restore the streams of the Little River watershed.”
Denson’s Creek flows into Little River.
The Troy dam was the second in Montgomery County to be removed by the duo, who came in from Mississippi to do the work. Another dam was removed from private lands on Little River earlier this week. That dam, Chandler’s Dynamo Dam, was constructed around 1900 to generate electricity.
Troy Mayor Roy Maness addressed the gathering to express his appreciation for the completion of the cooperative effort that had been in the planning stages for several months.
“The dam had no more use to the Town of Troy,” Maness said. “I was amazed at how quickly it came down. It only took about four hours.”
Laura Fogo, who lives in Biscoe, said that the removal took place more quickly than had been planned, even though the Troy dam turned out to be tougher than they had originally anticipated.
“We thought that it would come right out,” she said. “It wouldn’t budge, so we had to bring in a hydraulic jackhammer to break it apart.”
The Troy dam was once used for the town’s water supply. It was eventually replaced by another dam upstream.
The Troy Reservoir Dam No. 1 reached six feet high and stretched 83 feet across the stream channel. It was built more than 50 years ago to supply water for the town, though it has long since quit serving that purpose. Currently, water can flow through and beneath what remains of the dam; however, during high flow, water builds up behind the concrete and rock wall.
The removal of the dam was done in close concert with the town of Troy, which owns the 173-acre nature preserve containing the dam site. In total, the town has protected over 17 miles of stream corridor above and below the removal site, establishing public walking trails which connect to Uwharrie National Forest.
Mark Cantrell from the Asheville Fish and Wildlife office and Tripp Boltin, a fisheries expert from the Charleston office, each spoke about the importance that the dam removals are to the communities.
“Denson’s Creek and Little River are significant habitats,” Cantrell said. “Species like the American Shad, Blueback Herring and American eel travel upstream from the Atlantic Ocean every year. The American eel is already present in these streams.”
Boltin is the Fish Passage Coordinator for the Southeastern U.S. He helps remove impeding structures like dams, dikes and culverts to allow fish and mussel species the opportunity to move naturally.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the next step,” he said, referring to the future removal of the second Troy Reservoir dam, which is several hundred yards upstream from the one removed this week.
Also slated for removal is the old Smitherman Mill Dam, which is visible on Little River from the bridge on Troy-Candor Road. Fogo said that removal will take place next year.
In a press release, Cantrell said that in addition to game fish, the nearby Little River and other area streams have been documented to hold a number of rare aquatic animals, including the Atlantic pigtoe, brook floater, and Carolina creekshell mussels — all considered endangered by the state of North Carolina — and the Carolina redhorse fish, a large fish that feeds on crayfish, insects, and other animals found on the stream bottom.
Additionally, there are historical records of the American eel in the Little River. Found in streams from Canada to South America, all reproducing American eels leave their home rivers and journey to the Sargasso Sea, in the Atlantic Ocean, to reproduce. The young then return to fresh water until their time to reproduce. This long migration has become truncated as dams were built, limiting how far upstream the eels can swim. Efforts to remove decrepit dams, paired with providing eels a way around larger, functioning dams, mean these fish will be able to extend their range up into rivers, eventually approaching their historical distribution.
Denson’s Creek dam removed
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY — Two hundred miles of waterway were reconnected by the removal of two unneeded dams in Montgomery County this week, according to Lynnette Batt of the Durham office of American Rivers, a national conservation organization that works to restore rivers.
Batt and representatives from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Town of Troy gathered at the Denson’s Creek site of the old Troy Reservoir Dam No. 1 on Wednesday to celebrate the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
“Removing this dam is an opportunity to help the town of Troy further enhance Denson’s Creek’s natural aquatic community, in turn helping meet local economic and conservation goals,” U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist Laura Fogo, who has spearheaded the project, said. “The removal of Troy Reservoir Dam No. 1 is part of a larger, landscape-scale effort to restore the streams of the Little River watershed.”
Denson’s Creek flows into Little River.
The Troy dam was the second in Montgomery County to be removed by the duo, who came in from Mississippi to do the work. Another dam was removed from private lands on Little River earlier this week. That dam, Chandler’s Dynamo Dam, was constructed around 1900 to generate electricity.
Troy Mayor Roy Maness addressed the gathering to express his appreciation for the completion of the cooperative effort that had been in the planning stages for several months.
“The dam had no more use to the Town of Troy,” Maness said. “I was amazed at how quickly it came down. It only took about four hours.”
Laura Fogo, who lives in Biscoe, said that the removal took place more quickly than had been planned, even though the Troy dam turned out to be tougher than they had originally anticipated.
“We thought that it would come right out,” she said. “It wouldn’t budge, so we had to bring in a hydraulic jackhammer to break it apart.”
The Troy dam was once used for the town’s water supply. It was eventually replaced by another dam upstream.
The Troy Reservoir Dam No. 1 reached six feet high and stretched 83 feet across the stream channel. It was built more than 50 years ago to supply water for the town, though it has long since quit serving that purpose. Currently, water can flow through and beneath what remains of the dam; however, during high flow, water builds up behind the concrete and rock wall.
The removal of the dam was done in close concert with the town of Troy, which owns the 173-acre nature preserve containing the dam site. In total, the town has protected over 17 miles of stream corridor above and below the removal site, establishing public walking trails which connect to Uwharrie National Forest.
Mark Cantrell from the Asheville Fish and Wildlife office and Tripp Boltin, a fisheries expert from the Charleston office, each spoke about the importance that the dam removals are to the communities.
“Denson’s Creek and Little River are significant habitats,” Cantrell said. “Species like the American Shad, Blueback Herring and American eel travel upstream from the Atlantic Ocean every year. The American eel is already present in these streams.”
Boltin is the Fish Passage Coordinator for the Southeastern U.S. He helps remove impeding structures like dams, dikes and culverts to allow fish and mussel species the opportunity to move naturally.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the next step,” he said, referring to the future removal of the second Troy Reservoir dam, which is several hundred yards upstream from the one removed this week.
Also slated for removal is the old Smitherman Mill Dam, which is visible on Little River from the bridge on Troy-Candor Road. Fogo said that removal will take place next year.
In a press release, Cantrell said that in addition to game fish, the nearby Little River and other area streams have been documented to hold a number of rare aquatic animals, including the Atlantic pigtoe, brook floater, and Carolina creekshell mussels — all considered endangered by the state of North Carolina — and the Carolina redhorse fish, a large fish that feeds on crayfish, insects, and other animals found on the stream bottom.
Additionally, there are historical records of the American eel in the Little River. Found in streams from Canada to South America, all reproducing American eels leave their home rivers and journey to the Sargasso Sea, in the Atlantic Ocean, to reproduce. The young then return to fresh water until their time to reproduce. This long migration has become truncated as dams were built, limiting how far upstream the eels can swim. Efforts to remove decrepit dams, paired with providing eels a way around larger, functioning dams, mean these fish will be able to extend their range up into rivers, eventually approaching their historical distribution.
♥ Still waiting on LGC, Candor votes to buy land
As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 12, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
CANDOR — Another delay by the N.C. Local Government Commission (LGC) to act on the Town of Candor’s request to borrow funds from a local bank has the town’s management consultant a bit miffed, but the Board of Commissioners gave their approval to purchase land in anticipation of approval from the LGC.
In August, the board decided to pursue permission from the LGC to borrow $70,000 from low bidder BB&T Bank to purchase a tract of land on the northeast side of Cole Road and Vivian Street, just off North Main Street. The board hopes to build a new fire department complex on the site.
Management Consultant Ron Niland of All America Associates and Town Clerk Tammy Kellis met with LGC officials in June to discuss the town’s financial ability to borrow the funds. Niland said in August that LGC officials had told him that the request would be addressed at a meeting on Sept. 4.
Niland urged the commissioners to approve the request despite objections from some town citizens who raised concerns about the town’s ability to spend the money and the opinion that the location was not suitable for a fire department.
Niland told board members that the current owner of the property, Edwards Timber Co. of Marshville, had been very patient with the town. He said that Edward’s representative, Jason Lefler, had requested that the purchase be closed by Sept. 10.
Niland told the board that it would be “embarrassing” if the town were not to agree to buy the property as requested by Edwards.
“It’s time for us to either put up or tell them we’re not interested,” Niland said.
The town was notified by the LGC that the Sept. 4 meeting had been postponed until Sept. 11 due to the Labor Day observance. Niland said that LGC officials had then called at noon on Sept. 10 to request more information from the town before 5 p.m. that afternoon.
Niland said the request would probably not be acted upon by the LGC until their meeting in October, but “we can’t put this off until October.”
Niland said the he would stake his reputation on his feeling that the LGC would approve the town’s request.
Candor resident George Myers asked from the audience, “What if it (LGC) doesn’t (approve the request)?
“I know my business,” Niland answered. “I know what we’ve got.”
With the requested closing date on the property now passed, Niland expressed his frustration with the LGC.
“These questions from the LGC are just silly games,” he told the board. “They don’t know what they’re looking at.”
Niland suggested that the board approve purchasing the property with money from the town’s fund balance, of which the amount has not been clearly stated, and repay the fund balance with the money that the town hopes to borrow. He told the board that, if the loan was not approved, “the town didn’t have to have a bank loan.”
Niland also expressed his dissatisfaction with the town’s auditor, Maxton McDowell of Asheboro, for not having a clear fund balance total.
McDowell didn’t get the financial reports to the town in 2011 as he was contracted to do. Niland said he would get the fund balance total from the auditor.
The LGC requires that municipalities maintain a minimum fund balance of eight percent of their yearly revenues. Niland said that he didn’t want it to be that low.
Niland asked the board to authorize him to go ahead with the purchase from the fund balance and promised to take no action if the purchase would pull the fund balance below 35 percent. That action would allow the property to be closed on by the end of September.
Former Mayor Becky Williams stood up and told Niland that he should not have let the situation get to this point.
“It’s LGC’s fault,” Niland said. “We went to them in June.”
Commissioner Rob Martin asked if the town could sit down with the landowners and give them $5,000 in earnest money to let them know the town is serious about the purchase.
Niland said if the loan was not approved, the town would lose the $5,000.
“What’s wrong with meeting with the landowners tomorrow?” Williams said. “You can call a special meeting (to consider the LGC action) and be in better condition than just guessing at it.”
Niland said he was not going to let the town get in trouble. “Not on my watch.”
The board voted to allow Niland to take the action that he requested.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
CANDOR — Another delay by the N.C. Local Government Commission (LGC) to act on the Town of Candor’s request to borrow funds from a local bank has the town’s management consultant a bit miffed, but the Board of Commissioners gave their approval to purchase land in anticipation of approval from the LGC.
In August, the board decided to pursue permission from the LGC to borrow $70,000 from low bidder BB&T Bank to purchase a tract of land on the northeast side of Cole Road and Vivian Street, just off North Main Street. The board hopes to build a new fire department complex on the site.
Management Consultant Ron Niland of All America Associates and Town Clerk Tammy Kellis met with LGC officials in June to discuss the town’s financial ability to borrow the funds. Niland said in August that LGC officials had told him that the request would be addressed at a meeting on Sept. 4.
Niland urged the commissioners to approve the request despite objections from some town citizens who raised concerns about the town’s ability to spend the money and the opinion that the location was not suitable for a fire department.
Niland told board members that the current owner of the property, Edwards Timber Co. of Marshville, had been very patient with the town. He said that Edward’s representative, Jason Lefler, had requested that the purchase be closed by Sept. 10.
Niland told the board that it would be “embarrassing” if the town were not to agree to buy the property as requested by Edwards.
“It’s time for us to either put up or tell them we’re not interested,” Niland said.
The town was notified by the LGC that the Sept. 4 meeting had been postponed until Sept. 11 due to the Labor Day observance. Niland said that LGC officials had then called at noon on Sept. 10 to request more information from the town before 5 p.m. that afternoon.
Niland said the request would probably not be acted upon by the LGC until their meeting in October, but “we can’t put this off until October.”
Niland said the he would stake his reputation on his feeling that the LGC would approve the town’s request.
Candor resident George Myers asked from the audience, “What if it (LGC) doesn’t (approve the request)?
“I know my business,” Niland answered. “I know what we’ve got.”
With the requested closing date on the property now passed, Niland expressed his frustration with the LGC.
“These questions from the LGC are just silly games,” he told the board. “They don’t know what they’re looking at.”
Niland suggested that the board approve purchasing the property with money from the town’s fund balance, of which the amount has not been clearly stated, and repay the fund balance with the money that the town hopes to borrow. He told the board that, if the loan was not approved, “the town didn’t have to have a bank loan.”
Niland also expressed his dissatisfaction with the town’s auditor, Maxton McDowell of Asheboro, for not having a clear fund balance total.
McDowell didn’t get the financial reports to the town in 2011 as he was contracted to do. Niland said he would get the fund balance total from the auditor.
The LGC requires that municipalities maintain a minimum fund balance of eight percent of their yearly revenues. Niland said that he didn’t want it to be that low.
Niland asked the board to authorize him to go ahead with the purchase from the fund balance and promised to take no action if the purchase would pull the fund balance below 35 percent. That action would allow the property to be closed on by the end of September.
Former Mayor Becky Williams stood up and told Niland that he should not have let the situation get to this point.
“It’s LGC’s fault,” Niland said. “We went to them in June.”
Commissioner Rob Martin asked if the town could sit down with the landowners and give them $5,000 in earnest money to let them know the town is serious about the purchase.
Niland said if the loan was not approved, the town would lose the $5,000.
“What’s wrong with meeting with the landowners tomorrow?” Williams said. “You can call a special meeting (to consider the LGC action) and be in better condition than just guessing at it.”
Niland said he was not going to let the town get in trouble. “Not on my watch.”
The board voted to allow Niland to take the action that he requested.
Monday, September 10, 2012
♥ Bow hunting in Star? To what extent?
As published in the Courier-Tribune on September 11, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
STAR — A request from a town citizen on the issue of bow-hunting within the city limits has Star Commissioners looking into regulations on the practice.
Terry Parsons, a resident of Stuart Street and former town commissioner, asked the board during the public forum of the regular September meeting to investigate the safety issues related to the practice of deer hunting with bow and arrow within the town limits.
At present, there are no ordinances regulating the use of archery equipment in town.
Parsons expressed her concern that when bow hunting is taking place, there are citizens walking throughout the town and children are playing outdoors.
Jon Hancock of Star also spoke during the forum, but is in favor of being able to bow hunt.
“It’s my passion,” he told the board. “I like to be able to hunt without having to take off from work.”
Hancock’s family owns seven acres adjacent to Parsons. Both properties are within the city limits.
“I have personal reasons for hunting,” Hancock said. “I hunt to feed my family and to help people whose gardens are being eaten up by deer.”
Hancock said that he recently saw six deer cross the highway in front of the Quik Chek in Star, which is in the main business area of town.
“People who hunt must take hunter safety classes,” Hancock said. “I think people should be able to hunt on their own private land.”
“Yesterday you were on my land,” Parsons said to Hancock.
“I may have been trespassing, but I wasn’t hunting,” Hancock replied.
The board agreed to put the issue on the agenda for the October meeting. In the meantime, research will be done to regulate bow hunting to the satisfaction of all involved.
In other business, Mayor Susan Eggleston and Commissioners Eddie Bernard, Alice Clemens, Jennifer Fountain, Richard Hinson and Steve Lassiter:
* Approved a proclamation by Eggleston for a Moment of Remembrance on Sept. 11, 2012.
* Voted to mow the property at 419 Temple Terrace, which has been overgrown and abandoned for several months and efforts to contact the owner have not been successful. A tax lien will be placed on the property upon completion. No action will be taken by the town to address a swimming pool filled with stagnant water on the same property.
* Learned that a lease on the community kitchen facility in the former rescue squad building was ready to be signed. The kitchen will be used by the Montgomery County Council on Aging.
* Heard a report from Fountain on the ongoing upgrades at Star Park.
* Heard a report on activities at the Star Heritage Center from Clemens. A series of public workshops are being held at the center. Information may be found on the Star Heritage Center Facebook page.
* Learned that the Montgomery County Airport, located in Star, has set a tentative date of Oct. 20 for a Fly-in event.
* Heard that the annual Star Fire Department barbeque and auction was a success.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
STAR — A request from a town citizen on the issue of bow-hunting within the city limits has Star Commissioners looking into regulations on the practice.
Terry Parsons, a resident of Stuart Street and former town commissioner, asked the board during the public forum of the regular September meeting to investigate the safety issues related to the practice of deer hunting with bow and arrow within the town limits.
At present, there are no ordinances regulating the use of archery equipment in town.
Parsons expressed her concern that when bow hunting is taking place, there are citizens walking throughout the town and children are playing outdoors.
Jon Hancock of Star also spoke during the forum, but is in favor of being able to bow hunt.
“It’s my passion,” he told the board. “I like to be able to hunt without having to take off from work.”
Hancock’s family owns seven acres adjacent to Parsons. Both properties are within the city limits.
“I have personal reasons for hunting,” Hancock said. “I hunt to feed my family and to help people whose gardens are being eaten up by deer.”
Hancock said that he recently saw six deer cross the highway in front of the Quik Chek in Star, which is in the main business area of town.
“People who hunt must take hunter safety classes,” Hancock said. “I think people should be able to hunt on their own private land.”
“Yesterday you were on my land,” Parsons said to Hancock.
“I may have been trespassing, but I wasn’t hunting,” Hancock replied.
The board agreed to put the issue on the agenda for the October meeting. In the meantime, research will be done to regulate bow hunting to the satisfaction of all involved.
In other business, Mayor Susan Eggleston and Commissioners Eddie Bernard, Alice Clemens, Jennifer Fountain, Richard Hinson and Steve Lassiter:
* Approved a proclamation by Eggleston for a Moment of Remembrance on Sept. 11, 2012.
* Voted to mow the property at 419 Temple Terrace, which has been overgrown and abandoned for several months and efforts to contact the owner have not been successful. A tax lien will be placed on the property upon completion. No action will be taken by the town to address a swimming pool filled with stagnant water on the same property.
* Learned that a lease on the community kitchen facility in the former rescue squad building was ready to be signed. The kitchen will be used by the Montgomery County Council on Aging.
* Heard a report from Fountain on the ongoing upgrades at Star Park.
* Heard a report on activities at the Star Heritage Center from Clemens. A series of public workshops are being held at the center. Information may be found on the Star Heritage Center Facebook page.
* Learned that the Montgomery County Airport, located in Star, has set a tentative date of Oct. 20 for a Fly-in event.
* Heard that the annual Star Fire Department barbeque and auction was a success.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)