As published in the Courier-Tribune on May 30, 2014
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY — Montgomery County commissioners are proposing no tax increase in the budget for fiscal year 2014-2015.
The rate would remain at 57 cents per $100 of property valuation, which is $570 on a property valued at $100,000.
County Manager Matthew Woodard presented the preliminary budget at the regular meeting on May 20.
In his budget message, Woodard said the General Fund Revenue projections — including the two-cent fire tax and the quarter-cent sales tax currently allocated for the public schools and community college capital funds — is $28,984,953.
Commissioners also heard a budget request of $60,775 from Victoria Whitt, chief executive officer for Sandhills Center, a provider for mental health services for Montgomery County;
Other budget proposals will be discussed at the June 17 public hearing. These include a proposal to give salaried employees of Montgomery County Schools and Montgomery Community College a pay increase, the purchase of two vehicles and several capital improvement projects.
That 6 p.m. hearing will be held in the commissioners meeting room on the third floor of the county administration building, 1102 E. Spring St., Troy.
The proposed budget is online at www.montgomerycountync.com. A copy is also available for the public to review at the county office during regular business hours.
During the May meeting, commissioners approved three budget amendments for the public library, county schools and health department, all of which were year-end changes within their respective budgets and did not require any additional funding from the county.
In other business, commissioners Jim Matheny, Tripp Myrick, Dolan Corbett, Anthony Copeland and Chairman Jackie Morris:
* Approved the appointment of C.D. Crepps as the county finance director. He comes to the job from a similar post in Cleveland County.
* Approved a contract with Martin Starnes and Associates, CPA of Hickory, to audit accounts.
* Approved the holiday schedule for 2015, which will include 12 holidays for employees.
* Gave East Coast Pyrotechnics of Catawba, S.C., approvals for fireworks displays at Troyfest on June 28 and at Woodrun on July 5.
* Heard the annual economic development report from EDC Director Ashley Sherrill Cagle.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Chesson named interim MCC president
As published in the Courier-Tribune on May 25, 2014
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY — Mary Chesson has been selected to serve as interim president of Montgomery Community College, effective July 1.
Her selection was announced during a special called meeting of the Personnel Committee of the MCC Board of Trustees. Pending approval by the state board, Chesson will fill the position until a new president is hired.
Dr. Mary Kirk, who has presided over MCC for the past 15 years, announced her June 30 retirement last month. On July 1, Kirk will begin working in Atlanta as vice president of the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
“I am so pleased with this approval as Mary knows the campus, deals fairly with high ethical and honest standards, and I think I can now leave knowing that the staff and faculty are in good hands,” Kirk said.
A native of Star, Chesson is a former vice president of Instruction at MCC. She earned her bachelor and master’s degrees in English from East Carolina University and has held administrative roles at both MCC and Randolph Community College.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY — Mary Chesson has been selected to serve as interim president of Montgomery Community College, effective July 1.
Her selection was announced during a special called meeting of the Personnel Committee of the MCC Board of Trustees. Pending approval by the state board, Chesson will fill the position until a new president is hired.
Dr. Mary Kirk, who has presided over MCC for the past 15 years, announced her June 30 retirement last month. On July 1, Kirk will begin working in Atlanta as vice president of the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
“I am so pleased with this approval as Mary knows the campus, deals fairly with high ethical and honest standards, and I think I can now leave knowing that the staff and faculty are in good hands,” Kirk said.
A native of Star, Chesson is a former vice president of Instruction at MCC. She earned her bachelor and master’s degrees in English from East Carolina University and has held administrative roles at both MCC and Randolph Community College.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
♥ Peach Festival needs sponsors
As published in the Courier-Tribune on May 15, 2014
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
CANDOR — Planning for the 2014 N.C. Peach Festival on July 19 is in full swing in Candor and the town needs sponsors.
At the planning committee meeting on May 8, Planning Director Tammy Kellis, who is also town clerk, updated the committee on the plans for this year and sent out a call for sponsors.
“Last year it cost $24,000 to hold the festival,” Kellis said. With just two months to go only $7,800 has so far been pledged by sponsors.
Sponsorships begin at $100.
Sponsors will be included on the N.C. Peach Festival web page, on festival T-shirts as well as on a banner that is displayed at the information booth.
Festivities will begin Friday evening, July 18, with the Peachy Feet 5K race and continuing the next day with the annual parade, followed by the festival, which is centered at Fitzgerald Park and overflows into several blocks surrounding the area.
Since its humble beginnings in 1997, the festival has become well-known across the state and beyond. Each year the town opens its doors to thousands of guests who descend on the little town to enjoy the festival that celebrates the juicy, fuzzy fruit.
The Saturday festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with a parade down Main Street.
There are over 100 vendor spaces with everything imaginable from food and desserts, ice cream (peach, of course), crafts, jewelry and peaches galore.
Helicopter rides, trampolines, camel rides, a petting zoo and a whole lot more have been scheduled. Perennial music favorite, the Sand Band, will perform and for the first time, The McKenzie Brothers Band will appear.
During band breaks, The Quicksilver Cloggers and the Shadows of Darkness Belly Dancers from Fayetteville will perform.
“They are classy dancers,” said committee member Sue Myers.
To make all this happen the festival needs the help of sponsors.
For information on becoming a sponsor, contact Tammy Kellis at (910) 974-4221 or email her at townofcandor@embarqmail.com.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
CANDOR — Planning for the 2014 N.C. Peach Festival on July 19 is in full swing in Candor and the town needs sponsors.
At the planning committee meeting on May 8, Planning Director Tammy Kellis, who is also town clerk, updated the committee on the plans for this year and sent out a call for sponsors.
“Last year it cost $24,000 to hold the festival,” Kellis said. With just two months to go only $7,800 has so far been pledged by sponsors.
Sponsorships begin at $100.
Sponsors will be included on the N.C. Peach Festival web page, on festival T-shirts as well as on a banner that is displayed at the information booth.
Festivities will begin Friday evening, July 18, with the Peachy Feet 5K race and continuing the next day with the annual parade, followed by the festival, which is centered at Fitzgerald Park and overflows into several blocks surrounding the area.
Since its humble beginnings in 1997, the festival has become well-known across the state and beyond. Each year the town opens its doors to thousands of guests who descend on the little town to enjoy the festival that celebrates the juicy, fuzzy fruit.
The Saturday festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with a parade down Main Street.
There are over 100 vendor spaces with everything imaginable from food and desserts, ice cream (peach, of course), crafts, jewelry and peaches galore.
Helicopter rides, trampolines, camel rides, a petting zoo and a whole lot more have been scheduled. Perennial music favorite, the Sand Band, will perform and for the first time, The McKenzie Brothers Band will appear.
During band breaks, The Quicksilver Cloggers and the Shadows of Darkness Belly Dancers from Fayetteville will perform.
“They are classy dancers,” said committee member Sue Myers.
To make all this happen the festival needs the help of sponsors.
For information on becoming a sponsor, contact Tammy Kellis at (910) 974-4221 or email her at townofcandor@embarqmail.com.
♥ Star makes plans for Heritage Day
As published in the Courier-Tribune on May 15, 2014
by Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
STAR — Star Mayor Mary O’Brien made a plea for help for the annual Heritage Day celebration during the monthly town commissioner meeting on May 12.
“We have some new events this year and we are going to need some help that day,” she told the board.
Star Heritage Day started several years ago as a class reunion and has since expanded to include the entire community. The event is held on the first Saturday in June which, this year, falls on June 7.
Some of the new events are the grand opening of the new building for the Montgomery County Community Health Center, at the corner of South Main Street and Cotton Creek Road. The center will also be offering free blood pressure screenings that day.
Other events will include an open house at the Community Kitchen, a two-hour game of Minute to Win It, the dedication of the Little Train and food and fellowship at the town hall. A complete agenda for the celebration is not final, but O’Brien promises a full slate of events.
In other business, O’Brien and commissioners Eddie Bernard, Alice Clemens, Jennifer Fountain and Mark Maynard:
* Scheduled a budget workshop for May 27 at 5 p.m.
* Will have town attorney Max Garner renegotiate a lease for the town-owned medical clinic building on Okeewemee-Star Road.
* Tabled discussion on the relocation of the town’s branch of the public library to the Star Heritage Center building, also known as “The Pink House.” The building is adjacent to the Town Hall and is owned by the town.
* Received the monthly police report from Chief Tracy Phillips. Police responded to 391 events that occurred during April.
by Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
STAR — Star Mayor Mary O’Brien made a plea for help for the annual Heritage Day celebration during the monthly town commissioner meeting on May 12.
“We have some new events this year and we are going to need some help that day,” she told the board.
Star Heritage Day started several years ago as a class reunion and has since expanded to include the entire community. The event is held on the first Saturday in June which, this year, falls on June 7.
Some of the new events are the grand opening of the new building for the Montgomery County Community Health Center, at the corner of South Main Street and Cotton Creek Road. The center will also be offering free blood pressure screenings that day.
Other events will include an open house at the Community Kitchen, a two-hour game of Minute to Win It, the dedication of the Little Train and food and fellowship at the town hall. A complete agenda for the celebration is not final, but O’Brien promises a full slate of events.
In other business, O’Brien and commissioners Eddie Bernard, Alice Clemens, Jennifer Fountain and Mark Maynard:
* Scheduled a budget workshop for May 27 at 5 p.m.
* Will have town attorney Max Garner renegotiate a lease for the town-owned medical clinic building on Okeewemee-Star Road.
* Tabled discussion on the relocation of the town’s branch of the public library to the Star Heritage Center building, also known as “The Pink House.” The building is adjacent to the Town Hall and is owned by the town.
* Received the monthly police report from Chief Tracy Phillips. Police responded to 391 events that occurred during April.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
☠ 5K to benefit East Middle School Chorus
As published in the Courier-Tribune on October 26, 2012
by Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
BISCOE – An event to raise funds for the East Middle School Chorus will be held Saturday, November 3, 2012 in Eagle Springs.
Kalawi Farm and Ben's Ice Cream is hosting a 5k run or walk beginning at 10 am at Ben's Ice Cream Shop, at 1515 NC Highway 211, Eagle Springs, between Candor and West End.
The 5K is being held to raise funds for the Chorus’ Spring 2013 Concert. The money will allow the purchase of choral dresses, and costumes for their performances.
Entry fees are $5.00 for students and $15.00 for adults. The 5K is not a sanctioned event but is an opportunity to enjoy some outdoor activities while benefitting the chorus program.
Anyone wishing to register for the 5K can call East Middle School at 910-428-3278. Entrants can pre-pay at the East Middle Office, or pay at the event when you arrive.
Laura Cosner is the director of the chorus. “These kids have worked so hard and are so talented,” she said. Chorus is an awesome outlet for many of the members and they need our support.”
The chorus has become larger and more active in recent years, offering many performances that have been well-attended by the community. “Our production of Grease the Musical last spring was an incredible accomplishment for us,” Cosner said. “We would like to put on another outstanding performance, but we need the funds to do it.”
Kalawi Farm offers several other activities at the farm, including a corn maze, hayrides and ice cream. They promise to have plenty of fun for everyone.
Cosner said that T-shirts may be purchased at the event, with proceeds benefitting the chorus.
The Treble Trot course is 3.1 miles around the farm. The first 10 entrants to go through the finish line will receive a certificate for a free cup or cone of ice cream, or a free walk through the Corn Maze.
by Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
BISCOE – An event to raise funds for the East Middle School Chorus will be held Saturday, November 3, 2012 in Eagle Springs.
Kalawi Farm and Ben's Ice Cream is hosting a 5k run or walk beginning at 10 am at Ben's Ice Cream Shop, at 1515 NC Highway 211, Eagle Springs, between Candor and West End.
The 5K is being held to raise funds for the Chorus’ Spring 2013 Concert. The money will allow the purchase of choral dresses, and costumes for their performances.
Entry fees are $5.00 for students and $15.00 for adults. The 5K is not a sanctioned event but is an opportunity to enjoy some outdoor activities while benefitting the chorus program.
Anyone wishing to register for the 5K can call East Middle School at 910-428-3278. Entrants can pre-pay at the East Middle Office, or pay at the event when you arrive.
Laura Cosner is the director of the chorus. “These kids have worked so hard and are so talented,” she said. Chorus is an awesome outlet for many of the members and they need our support.”
The chorus has become larger and more active in recent years, offering many performances that have been well-attended by the community. “Our production of Grease the Musical last spring was an incredible accomplishment for us,” Cosner said. “We would like to put on another outstanding performance, but we need the funds to do it.”
Kalawi Farm offers several other activities at the farm, including a corn maze, hayrides and ice cream. They promise to have plenty of fun for everyone.
Cosner said that T-shirts may be purchased at the event, with proceeds benefitting the chorus.
The Treble Trot course is 3.1 miles around the farm. The first 10 entrants to go through the finish line will receive a certificate for a free cup or cone of ice cream, or a free walk through the Corn Maze.
Monday, October 8, 2012
☠ Fall enrollment up at Montgomery Community College
As published in the Courier-Tribune on October 6, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY – Montgomery Community College is experiencing an increasing number of student enrollments this fall while other community colleges in North Carolina are seeing numbers remaining the same or actually falling.
“Headcount is up by roughly nine percent over fall semester 2011,” said Beth Smith, vice president of student services at MCC. Smith says the increase is due, in part, to the Career and College Promise (CCP) program which started in January, 2012.
The CCP program offers college classes to high school students at no charge to them. Through the program the students are able to earn college credits, which results in a head start when the student graduates from high school.
According to a release from the college, MCC was one of the first community colleges in the state to offer the CCP classes. Students taking a career pathway can earn a credential, certificate or diploma to prepare them for a technical career right out of high school. Students who select the college transfer pathway can earn from 32 to 44 credit hours that are fully transferable to a four-year institution.
All CCP students earn high school and college credit at the same time.
“Thanks to the partnership between MCC and Montgomery County Schools, MCC was able to start offering CCP classes as early as last spring semester,” said Smith.
Another MCC program, Mini Semester Classes, allows students to earn full-credit by taking classes that are just eight weeks in length.
Some of the Mini Semester Classes are available through CCP, making them available to high school students. Most of the Mini Semester Classes will be taught online.
Mini semester registration is going on through October 16 at the college.
Final fall enrollment figures at MCC will not be available until enrollment is completed for the Mini Semester Classes.
A full listing of the classes may be found by visiting the college’s website at www.montgomery.edu/mini-semester-courses.html or to e-mail Karen Frye at fryek@montgomery.edu for more information.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY – Montgomery Community College is experiencing an increasing number of student enrollments this fall while other community colleges in North Carolina are seeing numbers remaining the same or actually falling.
“Headcount is up by roughly nine percent over fall semester 2011,” said Beth Smith, vice president of student services at MCC. Smith says the increase is due, in part, to the Career and College Promise (CCP) program which started in January, 2012.
The CCP program offers college classes to high school students at no charge to them. Through the program the students are able to earn college credits, which results in a head start when the student graduates from high school.
According to a release from the college, MCC was one of the first community colleges in the state to offer the CCP classes. Students taking a career pathway can earn a credential, certificate or diploma to prepare them for a technical career right out of high school. Students who select the college transfer pathway can earn from 32 to 44 credit hours that are fully transferable to a four-year institution.
All CCP students earn high school and college credit at the same time.
“Thanks to the partnership between MCC and Montgomery County Schools, MCC was able to start offering CCP classes as early as last spring semester,” said Smith.
Another MCC program, Mini Semester Classes, allows students to earn full-credit by taking classes that are just eight weeks in length.
Some of the Mini Semester Classes are available through CCP, making them available to high school students. Most of the Mini Semester Classes will be taught online.
Mini semester registration is going on through October 16 at the college.
Final fall enrollment figures at MCC will not be available until enrollment is completed for the Mini Semester Classes.
A full listing of the classes may be found by visiting the college’s website at www.montgomery.edu/mini-semester-courses.html or to e-mail Karen Frye at fryek@montgomery.edu for more information.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
☠ Troy commissioners approve market study agreement
As published in the Courier-Tribune on October 4, 2012
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY — Troy’s Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with the UNC School of Government Monday evening for assistance in putting together a package to improve the marketability of the Troy Hotel development.
The action came at the board’s regular October meeting following several weeks of study since the September meeting.
Developers have shown interest in developing the top two floors of the building, which will require extensive renovation. The hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places, which would qualify developers for significant tax breaks.
According to Troy Manager Greg Zephir, there are other available credits called New Market Tax Credits.
“These kinds of credits can make a development more workable for developers,” he said.
The cost of the agreement is $24,000, but through grants and revenues received by the School of Government, the town will only have an investment of $6,000. Zephir told commissioners the money could come from the town’s economic development fund.
“If the town is successful in securing a developer for this project, the town could add these fees into the costs that the developer would have to pay the town,” he said.
Commissioners Chris Watkins and Angela Elkins agreed that it was a small investment compared to the potential impact that the project could have on the downtown area. The agreement passed unanimously.
Commissioners also took action on a problem that has been discussed previously about rental of the Troy-Montgomery Senior Center for private events. There have been instances where the building was rented several times over a weekend and had been found in disrepair on Monday morning. Since no town employees are present during these times it was difficult to determine who had left the mess, which resulted in revocation of the security deposit.
Commissioners considered raising the rental fee but opted to raise the security deposit from $100 to $150 per event. The town manager or senior center director will be responsible for monitoring events to determine if deposits are returned. If the building has not been cleaned, a renter will receive only half of the deposit back. In the case of physical damage, the entire deposit will be forfeited.
The new rates will take effect immediately. Events that have already been scheduled will not be affected.
In other business, Mayor Roy Maness and Commissioners Watkins, Elkins, Wallace Jones, James Hurley and Bruce Hamilton:
* Learned that the paving project at the fire department had gone over budget due to grading issues.
* Were reminded that the annual Small Town USA event will be Oct. 27 in the area around Montgomery Farm & Garden on North Main Street. Montgomery Farm & Garden sponsors the event.
* Were brought up to date on activities of the Public Works Department. Drainage issues and potholes are being repaired by crews in addition to their regular duties.
By Hugh Martin
biscoewriter@yahoo.com
TROY — Troy’s Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with the UNC School of Government Monday evening for assistance in putting together a package to improve the marketability of the Troy Hotel development.
The action came at the board’s regular October meeting following several weeks of study since the September meeting.
Developers have shown interest in developing the top two floors of the building, which will require extensive renovation. The hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places, which would qualify developers for significant tax breaks.
According to Troy Manager Greg Zephir, there are other available credits called New Market Tax Credits.
“These kinds of credits can make a development more workable for developers,” he said.
The cost of the agreement is $24,000, but through grants and revenues received by the School of Government, the town will only have an investment of $6,000. Zephir told commissioners the money could come from the town’s economic development fund.
“If the town is successful in securing a developer for this project, the town could add these fees into the costs that the developer would have to pay the town,” he said.
Commissioners Chris Watkins and Angela Elkins agreed that it was a small investment compared to the potential impact that the project could have on the downtown area. The agreement passed unanimously.
Commissioners also took action on a problem that has been discussed previously about rental of the Troy-Montgomery Senior Center for private events. There have been instances where the building was rented several times over a weekend and had been found in disrepair on Monday morning. Since no town employees are present during these times it was difficult to determine who had left the mess, which resulted in revocation of the security deposit.
Commissioners considered raising the rental fee but opted to raise the security deposit from $100 to $150 per event. The town manager or senior center director will be responsible for monitoring events to determine if deposits are returned. If the building has not been cleaned, a renter will receive only half of the deposit back. In the case of physical damage, the entire deposit will be forfeited.
The new rates will take effect immediately. Events that have already been scheduled will not be affected.
In other business, Mayor Roy Maness and Commissioners Watkins, Elkins, Wallace Jones, James Hurley and Bruce Hamilton:
* Learned that the paving project at the fire department had gone over budget due to grading issues.
* Were reminded that the annual Small Town USA event will be Oct. 27 in the area around Montgomery Farm & Garden on North Main Street. Montgomery Farm & Garden sponsors the event.
* Were brought up to date on activities of the Public Works Department. Drainage issues and potholes are being repaired by crews in addition to their regular duties.
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