Montgomery schools hold graduations

As published in the Courier-Tribune on June 21, 2014

GOOD JOB! — Graduate Marco Antonio Marquez-Bello gets a congratulatory hug following the ceremony at East Montgomery High School. (Hugh Martin/The Courier-Tribune)

By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com

TROY — Montgomery County Schools held graduation exercises at the three high schools on Friday and Saturday, June 13-14, with 290 graduates receiving their diplomas.

The Montgomery Learning Academy held its ceremony Friday at the East Montgomery High School Auditorium; 29 seniors crossed the stage.

Senior Class Representative Aimee Altunar-Dominguez led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Cassidy Barnes, who shared some inspirational thoughts.

Principal John Beard welcomed those present and introduced the guest speaker, Attorney Walter “Butch” Jenkins of Biscoe.

Following the confirmation of the candidates, Ericka Shaw gave a closing prayer.

After dodging a severe thunderstorm Friday evening, West Montgomery High School awarded diplomas to 127 seniors.

Attendees were welcomed by Brad Absher. Salutatorian Kaylan Galloway and Valedictorian Lauren Morris each spoke to the Warrior Class of 2014.

Diplomas were awarded by Principal Jack Cagle, Assistant Principal Cindy Sweet, counselors Telena Gooch and Ken Neal, Montgomery County Board of Education Vice Chair Tommy Blake and Dr. Jeff James, assistant superintendent of Learning for Montgomery County Schools.

Closing words were spoken by Brandon Scott.

A warm and sunny Saturday morning greeted graduates at East Montgomery High School.

Senior Class President Madison Chappell led the 134 seniors in the Pledge of Allegiance. Meghan Johnson, Salutatorian, welcomed those in attendance, followed by the Valedictory Address by Mallory Blake.

Diplomas were awarded by Principal Heather Seawell, Assistant Principal Tim Addis, Dr. Jeff James and Montgomery County Board of Education Chair Steve DeBerry.

In closing, Marissa Alvarez wished for the graduates’ skies to “always be Eagle Blue.”

Public yard sale at Walmart to benefit Duke Children’s Hospital

As published in the Courier-Tribune on June 19, 2014

By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com

BISCOE — Ann Williams, Customer Service Manager for Walmart in Biscoe, is always looking for ideas to raise money for charities. She helps raise funds for one of her favorite local groups, Montgomery County Humane Society, and now she’s working on a community yard sale to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Walmart is the largest corporate supporter of CMN. In 1987, the late Sam Walton committed his company and its resources to raising money for children’s hospitals with the promise that “the associates will amaze you.”

Williams is one of those “amazing” associates.

“We got the idea from an event that was held at the Aberdeen Walmart,” Williams said. “We thought it would be a wonderful way for us to raise funds for CMN while also supporting the community.”

The yard sale will take place in the Biscoe Walmart parking lot on Saturday, June 21, from 7 a.m-1 p.m., rain or shine.

The cost for a seller to participate is $15 for two parking spaces. Extra spaces can be added for just $5 each. Setup time is from 6 a.m. until starting time. Spaces must be cleared by 1:30 p.m. Sellers must bring their own tables, canopies and chairs.

Sellers can keep the money they raise or they can choose to donate all or part of it. Williams said 100 percent of the fees collected will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network at Duke Children’s Hospital.

Walmart’s policy is that every child deserves the chance to live better. It has supported Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for over 25 years and has raised more than $700 million for CMN hospitals.

For more information, contact Williams at (910) 428-1851.

Montgomery County hires finance director

As published in the Courier-Tribune on June 17, 2014

By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com

TROY — C.D. “Chris” Crepps was appointed to the position of County Finance Director during the May meeting of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

Crepps grew up in the Chapel-Hill area, but Montgomery County is not new to him. “My father is from Montgomery County,” he said. “He went to West Montgomery.”

Crepps visited family here as a child and still has family living here.

Before accepting the job in Montgomery County administration, Crepps worked as Finance Director for Cleveland County, just west of Charlotte.

He is a 1989 graduate of Northwood High School in Pittsboro and received his bachelor’s degree from N.C. State University, where he majored in accounting and minored in economics.

He earned his master’s degree in accounting at the N.C. State University College of Management in 1997.

Crepps is recognized by the N.C. CPA Board as a Certified Public Accountant.

He has volunteered with the American Association of Retired Persons Tax-Aide Program, which provides free personal income tax assistance and preparation to low and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older.

Crepps served the United Way of Cleveland County as Treasurer on the agency board of directors and executive committee. He also served as the chair of the finance & audit committee, which provides oversight of all financial activities of United Way of Cleveland County.

His earlier work included assistant finance director of Cleveland County, director of finance and operations for Joint Orange/Chatham Community Action in Pittsboro and web analyst/customer service for Lockheed Martin.

Montgomery County’s population is about one-third of Cleveland County and Crepps likes that.

“This is a better fit for me,” he said. “I am working for some great people and I have very good people working for me.”

The position in Montgomery County has been vacant for over a year. County Manager Matthew Woodard took over the duties during the seach for the right candidate for the job.

Troy public hearing for rezoning for mobile home park

As published in the Courier-Tribune on June 15, 2014

By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com

TROY – Montgomery County commissioners have scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, June 17, to consider the rezoning of nearly 55 acres of property for the purpose of constructing a mobile home park.

The property is on U.S. 220 Alternate, just north of the Candor city limits. The southern border is Candor-Troy Road; Small Road borders to the north.

Earlier this month, Candor commissioners approved a resolution to relinquish ETJ zoning jurisdiction for a portion of this property to Montgomery County for the project. The land is currently zoned for industrial use.

The request to rezone the property was made by Mary H. Ballard of Pinehurst, who represents the property owners, Ewing Family LLC of Sebastian, Fla. The property was rezoned industrial in 2008 for the purpose of constructing a biofuel manufacturing and distribution operation.

The earlier rezoning was hotly contested and approved over the objections of neighboring property owners. The biofuel project never materialized.

In the application to rezone the property to Residential R-3, Ballard states, “There is a need for affordable small acreage size tracts for residential purposes in the Candor area.”

If rezoning is approved, the property would be used to locate both single- and double-wide mobile homes on individual lots. A mobile home park is located on adjacent property, across Small Road. Individual mobile homes are located on adjacent properties to the east and south.

County water is available to the site, but there is no sewer. Access to the site would be either from Small Road or Candor-Troy Road. Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railroad owns a 100-foot right-of-way along U.S. 220 Alternate.

The hearing will take place during the regular commissioners’ meeting beginning at 6 p.m. in the Board of Commissioners Assembly Room at 102 East Spring St. in Troy.

Candor 2014-15 budget contains no tax hike

As published in the Courier-Tribune on June 4, 2014

By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com

CANDOR – Candor Commissioners adopted the budget for fiscal year 2014-15 following a public hearing during the regular monthly meeting on Monday.

The $1,332,495 budget will not require a tax increase. The tax rate will remain at 62 cents per $100 of property value.

“We want to hold the tax rate the same,” said Phillip Hearne, Candor Mayor. “It’s tight across the board.”

Hearne said town employees deserve the 2 percent pay raise included in the budget.

During the public hearing, former Mayor Becky Williams questioned the board and Town Advisor Ron Niland on the proposed budget. Williams asked if the N.C. Local Government Commission had advised the town to raise the fund balance.

“Yes, for the past two years,” Niland answered.

Williams asked what percentage of the budget the fund balance covered. Niland told her that he didn’t have the exact numbers, but that it was around 18-20 percent.

Williams said that she recalled that Niland had indicated last year that the fund balance would be 35 percent and later said that the town had made two large purchases over the past two years that were not budgeted.

Williams was alluding to the purchased of an 18-acre tract of land for possible future construction of a new fire department. The purchase, approved at the August 2012 meeting, was financed by borrowing “no more than $70,000” from BB&T Bank.

The purchase of a brush truck unit for the fire department was authorized late last year. Records show that the vehicle was acquired through Homeland Security only for the cost of transporting it to the town.

“You’ve got to hold the line,” Williams told the board. “I’d like to see you take a closer look at requests that come up throughout the year.”

Commissioner Jerry Brewer asked Tammy Kellis, Town Clerk, if revenues were coming in as expected. Kellis replied that they were.

Williams asked if commissioners had read every line item of the budget that they were voting on.

Niland responded that there had been meetings to discuss the budget and the commissioners had called himself, Hearne and Kellis to ask questions.

Williams expressed her concern that the commissioners were not asking questions about the budget during the meeting. Commissioner Tim Smith said that he had asked questions and Commissioner Rob Martin made some queries during the meeting.

“I’ve had some calls on some things,” Hearne said. “We have very good communication with this board and I appreciate that.”

Hearne said that he felt good about the budget for the current year and about the 2014-15 budget.

Candor addresses abandoned property issues

As published in the Courier-Tribune on June 6, 2014

By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com

CANDOR — An ordinance governing demolition and debris within the Town of Candor is being developed.

“This is something that our town has never had. It is something that we need and it’s long overdue,” said Mayor Phillip Hearne.

A public hearing on the new ordinance will be held Monday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. during the regular meeting of the Candor Board of Commissioners.

Hearne said that there were some issues that had arisen that made the ordinance necessary.

“We have some solid waste issues and then there’s the shopping center,” he said.

The Candor Shopping Center property on North Main Street is abandoned and dilapidated. Efforts by the town to have the owner clean it up have so far been unsuccessful.

In other business at the regular meeting on June 2, Hearne and commissioners Layton Booker, Jerry Brewer, Frank Harris, Rob Martin and Tim Smith:

* Approved a resolution to relinquish ETJ Zoning jurisdiction to Montgomery County for a land development project.

* Heard a report from Ron Niland, town adviser, on the upcoming formation of a citizen’s group for downtown planning.

* Learned of an upcoming food truck festival/competition that will be held in Randleman. Niland, who is also the adviser for Randleman, plans to develop the event into a cooperative effort between the two towns.

* Authorized Brice Hollis, public works director, to develop a plan for repairs and improvements at the Candor Farmers Market.

* Heard a report on firefighter Earle Harrington, who was seriously injured while responding to a fire call several weeks ago. Harrington is improving and is able to leave the rehab facility for short visits home.

* Were informed that Police Chief Randy White has a plan in place for traffic control during the upcoming U.S. Open tournaments that will be played in Pinehurst.

* Heard a plea for the young adults of Candor to consider volunteering for the Candor Fire Department, which has openings that need to be filled.

* Read a proclamation on the occasion of the retirement of Larry Elliott, a local Physician’s Assistant.

* Adopted the budget for fiscal year 2014/2015.

Candor commissioners will not meet in July and town offices will be closed on July 4.

Star will shine on Heritage Day

As published in Get This! on June 5, 2014

By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com

STAR — The Town of Star will shine during the 16th Annual Star Heritage Day Festival slated for Saturday, June 7.

Star Mayor Mary O’Brien said the event was started 16 years ago by George Kivett, Jim King and Frank Kivett as a High School Class Reunion for all the classes that graduated from the Star High School.

“A group of citizens got together to make it an annual event that would include everyone and all the businesses in town,” O’Brien said. “George (Kivett) was the president of the group, and then the group decided to become the Star Heritage Association and elected Bill Hudson as chairman.”

One of the many activities on tap for the celebration of this historic railroad town include the dedication of the Little Train and a memorial monument for railroad workers at 11:30 a.m. at the Little Train Display in front of Star Town Hall on South Main Street.

The Star Bed and Breakfast Inn, originally built as a hotel for overnight stays for rail travelers and a rest stop for railroad workers, will hold an open house from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

The Inn, at 118 N. Main St., was purchased, renovated and elaborately furnished by Star native and international psychic, Gary Spivey.

In keeping with the original purpose of the day, a reunion for old classmates and former residents of Star to come back home, will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Star Town Hall. A special welcome ceremony will take place at noon. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be for sale with proceeds going to the Star Heritage Association.

Visitors can choose from historic places to an as-many-miles-as-you-choose bicycle ride.

The third Annual Star Trek Charity Bike Ride, which consists of 18-, 20-, 37- and 53-mile treks, starts at 9 a.m. at STARworks, 100 Russell Drive. Registration fee is $30. which includes a T-shirt, glass medallion and a snack.

Other activities include:

• A furniture sale at the Lancer Furniture Manufacturer from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Lancer is located at 135 Lancer St., off of South Main Street.

• Johnson CNC on Main Street will welcome visitors, displaying the company’s manufacturing of machinery parts. Refreshments will be served.

• ServPRO, also on Main Street, will open their doors from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to give information on their services.

• Star Elementary School will hold a gigantic yard sale to benefit Relay For Life, starting at 8 a.m. The school is at 302 S. Main St.

• The Star Library, 222 S. Main St., will have a Fossil Dig for kids from 9 a.m.-noon.

• The annual Cruise-In at BJ and Sons at 114 N. Main St. will be from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Owners Bob and Brian Jenkins will show off cars from the past.

• The Briarpatch Flower and Gift Shop, featuring items by local craftspeople, will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Minute to Win It — a game of chance to win great prizes — sponsored by Bill Hudson, will be located across from the Community Kitchen from 10 a.m.-noon.

• Lemonade and homemade cookies will be served at the Star Beer and Wine Supplies Store, 202 N. Main St., from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Owner Jerry O’Brien will conduct wine-making demonstrations.

• The Star Museum, 1661 U.S. 220 Alternate, will be open from 9-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.

• STARworks will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with glass blowing demonstrations and glass art for sale.

• The Z.T. Wright House, built in 1889 and owned by John Garrett Maynard, will be open for a walk-through tour of history. The house is located on Dover Street.

•The brand new medical clinic, Robeson Health Care Corporation, RHCC-Montgomery County Health Center, on the corner of South Main Street and Cotton Creek Road, will be open for free health screenings.

The story of the little train, and how it came to be again

As published in the Courier-Tribune on June 5, 2014

By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com

STAR — For just a nickel, the late Glenn Jenkins would take you for a ride.

Many a person took him up on that offer.

The ride was on Jenkins’ “park engine” railroad that he operated in front of the old Star High School.

A granite marker honoring railroad workers over the years was installed this week beside the train display and both will be dedicated during Saturday’s Heritage Day Festival at 11:30 a.m. at the Little Train Display in front of Star Town Hall on South Main Street.

According to information provided by Star Mayor Mary O’Brien, the little train operated from 1934 until 1947. That was the year that U.S. 220, which was the only north-south route in the area, had to be widened, and the track was on the land that was needed for the work.

“It was said that he intended to move it,” said Jim Callicutt, who is a member of the Star Heritage Committee. It was never reconstructed in Star.

The ride was so popular, travelers through the small town would pull over and pony up their nickels.

“It was rumored that during the time it was running, he took in over $5,000, a nickel at a time,” said Callicutt. “Mr. Jenkins even took the train to Raleigh for their Christmas parade.”

Memories of the little train sparked an effort to try to find the old machine and bring it back to Star.

Jim King, a native of Star who now lives in Asheboro, set out to find it. He first traced it to Midland in Stanly County. It later showed up at the Springs Mill recreation complex in Lancaster, S.C., where members of the textile company’s “25-Year Club” would take their families for an annual celebration.

After that, the train was traced to a location in South America. That’s where the trail grew cold.

In 2006, unable to find the original train, King heard of a park engine that belonged to a man in Greensboro. According to O’Brien’s information, the little train, owned by John Allen Watkins Jr. and his wife, was slated to go to either Christi’s of New York or the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer.

After meeting with King, Watkins decided that the train was going to Star.

There were a few conditions attached to the decision: It had to be removed from the property by a certain time, be restored to pristine condition in a reasonable time and it was to bear a plaque with his father’s name, Allen H. Watkins Sr.

Later that same year, Bill Bartosh, general manager of the Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway Co., made arrangements to have the little train moved to Star.

Greg Johnson of Star stored the little train while arrangements were being made to have it restored.

The community came together and raised the funds for the restoration. Work was done by many local businesses, including Ricky McBride, who sandblasted and powder coated the train. Auto Body classes at Montgomery Community College worked on the restoration while Raymond Taylor of Hamlet, who was the bodywork expert, reassembled the engine and tender.

The late Leslie Kellam, along with his son Bobby, donated their time to manufacture the tracks for the display where the engine now sits on the lawn of the municipal building.

Donald Lamonds did the fine lettering.

Callicutt had a vision for the memorial and drew the plan, which was constructed by Myrick Construction Co. Engraved bricks were sold to pave the area around the train.

John Maynard of Star has produced a video that will be available for those visiting the little train display who want to learn more about the history.