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.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
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.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
☠ East Montgomery auto class receives certification
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.
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.
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.”
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