“Sy Buff” On Vacation Holton New Head Coach David Quinton Holton, Jr., a native of Edenton and 1965 graduate of Holmes High School, has returned to assume the position of head football coach. Prior to moving to Edenton he was employed as an account manager for Agency Records Control in Durham. As a student, Holton played quarterback for the Edenton Aces under Coach Jerry McGee. He served as head football and baseball coach at North Hamptoh High School from 1969-71. For two years after that he was assistant football coach at J. H. Rose High School in Greenville. Holton accepted an assistant coaches’ position at Duke University in 1973, and remained there for one year. The Edenton-Chowan Board of Education accepted his application Monday night at the regular board meeting. Recent action in the N. C. General Assembly will provide state alloted kindergarten teachers, the board was told. The existing program under ESEA Title I will be phased out. The number of kindergarten teachers provided by state funds will be determined according to 85 per cent of this year's enrollment, and the remaining 15 per cent will be computed after the first five days of school, according to actual need. Initially, the Edenton-Chowan School will receive six state alloted teachers for an anticipated enrollment of 175 students, at the maximum 28 students per class. Unless eight more kindergarten students register for the program, a seventh teacher will have to be provided from other sources of revenue. The importance of kindergarten pre-registration was emphasized as it will affect plans for the up coming program this fall. The board was officially notified that the ESAA Basic Project has lieen funded at a level of $215,000 and that $173,903 can be expected for the ESAA pilot project. Including those figures, federal funds in the school system will total more than a half-million dollars. Cecil W. Fry was designated associate superintendent. He had been serving as assistant superintendent since January 1971, and actually accepted the responsibilities as associate in 1974. Robert Harrell, representing the Holmes High School Band Parents Association, requested the board to consider a contribution for a “Peanut Festival” in the fall. The funds would be used as seed money for what the association hopes will become an annual fund raising affair, supporting the band and other school activities. Summer school has been scheduled from June 21 to August 2, offering enrichment and remedial courses. The program is funded by student tuition. One-half of the people seem to think they have been commissioned to tell the other half what they can do. 4 , A happy spirit is the greatest possession that comes to man, regardless of his wealth or lack of it. Thursday, June 10, 1976 The Chowan Herald Box 207, EDENTON, N. C. 27032 Published every Thursday at Edenton by The Chowan Herald, Inc , L. F. Amburn, Jr., president and general manager, 421-425 South Broad Street, Edenton, North Carolina 27932. Entered as second-class matter August 30, 1934, at the Post-Office at Edenton, North Carolina, under act of March 3, 1870. L. F. Amburn, Jr., President-Gen. Mgr. J. Edwin Bufftap Editor E. N. Manning Production Supt. Subscription Ratos One Year (outside NX. > 57.00 One Yeer (inN. C.) J $*.24 Six Months (outside N. C.) $8.50 Six Months (in N. C.) (3.30 Continued From Page I The rise of the commission on the horizon along the Public Parade and the other nine counties in the Albemarle, along with the development and delivery of human resources programs, is an almost modern phenomenon. From a dream it has grown to the place where more than $7-million in funds flow through the regional organization and a $1.3-million payroll exists. This region has always been able to point with pride to the small percentage of administrative costs included in programs. Programs where more than 90 per cent of the budget goes in service to the clients are doing something worthwhile for any area. The history of ARPDC and the now defunct Albemarle Human Resources Development System is interesting, but complicated. ARPDC took over AHRDS program management nearly 18 months ago and things haven't worked smoothly since. Staff has left, programs have faltered and now a financial crisis has put a cloud of suspicion over the entire regional concept. It was late in 1974 that a crack in the dike became so obvious that a team of disinterested consultants were brought in. The team conducted a management review of ARPDC and AHRDS. Certain problems were documented and certain recommendations were made on December 6, 1974. A special committee of the two organizations generally agreed to implement the recommendations. Between presentation and implementation someone gummed up the works. Although the consultants found "several conditions. . . which demand immediate corrective measures" ARPDC moved to destory AHRDS rather than functionally align the two “so as to carry out its complex responsibiilities in the most efficient and effective manner.” This is all history. The state of the region today is a mess but through strong, dedicated leadership the ship can be put on course. And it is worth the time and effort. It will be a long time before funding agencies think of the Albemarle as a testing ground for innovative programs. It will be a long time before we regain the confidence of those who can provide the resources which will be the most beneficial to the most people in our region. What has happened to the region is almost criminal in nature. Innocent people are now being deprived of the services they are entitled to, innocent employees are having to go without pay. There has to be an element for selfishness and greed in this entire matter. This is what makes it so painful for those who have neglected their own private affairs to work on boards and committees. Also, it is alien to any and all concepts developed over the years, concepts which made our star shine just a little brighter than that of the other multi-county regions. While it is late, it is not too late to pick up the pieces. It is not too late of pick up ARPDC-AHRDS Management Review, dust it off and move forward with a structure which will restore the Albemarle to its rightful place in the scheme of things. It cannot be done tomorrow or the next day, next week or next month. But if a move is not made today to fuel the ship that will return us to orbit, the struggle will become more difficult day, every week and every month that passes. Two. wrongs don’t ever make a right, it is said. But enough rights have away of allowing people a vehicle to use in forgetting the wrongs. Bond Sales Sales of Series E and H Savings Bonds in Chowan County during the first quarter of 1976 were $26,674. This represents 13,8 per cent of the county’s goal of $193,680, according to Graham White, county volunteer chairman. (Hr HhEk " ■ jpg- .. JKm— m gH ”5 VISITORS FROM BRAZlL—Serrino Joaquim and Jose Cavagnae from Brazil are shown with J. Gilliam Wood at Hayes Farm and Soil Conservation Service leaders during their recent visit to the area. Others pictured are Jesse L. Hicks', SCS state conservationist; L. C. Bunch, chairman, Albemarle District; Albert Moore, district conservationist; and Mitch Clary, assistant SCS state conservationist. Brazilians Visit Edenton Two members with an Agricultural Agency of Brazil paid a recent visit to the Albemarle District. Serrino Joaquim and Jose Cavagnae toured Northeastern North Carolina with members of the State Soil Conservation Service staff looking at various conservation practices. They visited Hayes farm in Chowan County as part of their planned tour. According to Joaquim, the Brazilian government is interested in setting up an agency similar to our Soil Conservation Service in Brazil. Their state in Brazil is somewhat larger than North Carolina but its climate, growing seasons, crops, topography and problems relating to conservation are very much alike our Coastal Area. Both men were real interested in seeing conservation measures applied to the land as well as the overall makeup of the Soil Conservation Districts, the Soil Conservation Service and local farmer relationship with these agencies. Tax Rate Continued From Page 1 He argued against the recreation program, saying it could best be handled by volunteers. “We shouldn’t have to pay playmakers,” he said. Commissioner Bateman also charged his colleagues with not being realistic with regards to values. He said it is easy to approve everything put before the board because the taxpayers must pay the bill. His fellow Finance Committee member, George, said: “This is the time for the county to get out of it (the recreation program). The program is not what it ought to be and we are not getting our money’s worth. It is in the wrong hands and should be in the hands of professionals.” Mrs. Pansy A. Elliott, county finance director, attempted to explain the fund balance. Commissioner Elmore asked if it was not a figure selected to balance the budget at a certain tax rate, and the finance director agreed that it was. However, under questioning, she was unable to explain to the obvious satisfaction of the board members how much they would reasonably expect to include in the budget. Commissioner Bateman said the Finance Committee’s intent was not to short-change the hospital for services rendered to charity patients. He explained that it was the understanding that money would be available from other sources but he understood the county must pick up the balance. “We have a good hospital and I want the county to give 100 per cent support,” he added. FOR OUT OF THIS WORLD >4 Inflation Hits Cost Os Court RALEIGH—To bring court costs paid by losing parties more in line with the expense of running the North Carolina court system, the General Assembly recently increased the rates, effective July 1. This means that people whose court cases are handled after July 1 will pay an additional $2 in costs in the District Court criminal division bringing the charge to $27. Superior Court criminal costs will rise from the present S4O to S4B. Civil costs will rise also, from sl6 to $24 on the District Court level, and from $26 to $34 in Superior Court civil cases. “The general public will be most concerned about the increase in District Court traffic cases from $25 to $27,” said Bert Montague, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts. “Anyone who has been cited for a traffic offense and intends to waive his appearance by paying costs must do so on or before June 30 to get advantage of the current lower rates,” Montague said. “Whether the payment is mailed - in or hand-delivered, it must get to the clerk’s office before July 1 to qualify for the present $25 rate.” Anyone who delivers a waiver to the court on or after July 1 and includes payment at the old rate will be asked for additional money. For those defendants cited now who appear for trial in July or later, their costs of court will be determined as of their trial date. For instance, a person cited June 1 and appears in court July 7 would pay costs of $27, which will be the rate in effect on the trial date. To assist the public in coping with the change in rates, law enforcement officers are being requested to jot the change in court costs on the back of the citations they hand out, until new citation books can be printed. One of the reasons for the rise in court costs is the enormous increase in paperwork in court clerks’ offices, brought about by the revised Code of Criminal Proce'dure. To handle the paperwork, the General Assembly approved the hiring of 155 additional employees for clerks’ offices across the state. Dead Suspect Continued From Page 1 Upon further investigation officers found a suitcase belonging to Hamilton. I contained a sawed off shotgun and a new 9mm revolver, along with shells. All of the weapons are believed to have been stolen. Officers have determined that Hamilton was an escapee from a Georgia prison where he was serving a sentence for armed .robbery. He is also believed to have been wanted in connection with other robberies. A bus ticket indicated that he boarded a Trailways coach in Ft. Myers, Fla., May 30 and arrived in Edenton on May 31, the day before the robbery. Holden told officers he had known Hamilton for about a year, having met him in New Yoifc. Cpl. Spruill, who had bullet wounds in both legs, was. released from Chowan Hospital Saturday morning. He is reported to be making satisfactory progress in his recovery. . Hospital Plan Is Endorsed Construction of a $167,000 addition to Chowan Hospital with hopes of expanding the emergency room , gained endorsement Monday of the county commissioners. The board members heard Dr. Richard Hardin, chief of staff, explain that no local money is being requested at this time. He said construction of an education annex will be financed through a grant from Eastern Area Health Education Commission. Thomas M. Surratt, president of the local medical facility, is seeking grants from foundations to hopefully expand the emergency room at the same time, according to Dr. Hardin. The board was told that bids would be taken later this month and the money must be “tied down” by June 30 or it will revert to EAHEC. Dr. Hardin also lauded the hospital’s new emergency room coverage. It includes physician assistants, provides better coverage at a reduced cost to the patient. He added that medical students and student PAs are also being trained at the local facility. T.B.H. Wood was reappointed to the Chowan County ABC Board of Commissioner Alton Elmore suggested that the officials of the county take a look at the structure of all boards in the county. “We would be better off to have some fresh faces now and then,” he said. The commissioners agreed to cooperate with Perquimans County in putting down a water ARPDC Continued From Page 1 wages,” he said, “Let’s get that done first. These people need the money and let’s concentrate on getting them paid.” C. A. Phillips of Edenton also called for any suggestions for a way to “bail ourselves out of the situation.” However, he added: “We can’t go in and start making the payroll until we know where we are and what our responsibility and liability is/’ ■ Herbert Mullen of Elizabeth City, attorney for ARPDC, said in his opinion the board could further complicate the situation by making any payments for anything until the audit is completed. W. B. Gardner, former ARPDC chairman, said the group should not overlook the good that has been done over the past five years. “Unless we keep people working we are taking one step forward and two backwards.” he added. By a 9-4 vote the board members defeated a motion to meet the payroll. The problem was called “big and bad” by Ray McCleese of* Tyrrell county and Alphonsa Nixon of Pasquotank County said ARPDC is the only “outfit I have ever been associated with that I am ashamed of.” Meanwhile, ARPDC board members and officials are asking employees to “have just a little bit more faith.” Manager Named The appointment of Peter M. Curtice as Social Security branch manager in Elizabeth City has been announced by Cyrus S. Adcock, Social Security district manager in Greenville. He replaces Robert W. Alford who has transferred to the position of administrative assistant in the Social Security Office in Raleigh. Curtice is a native of Petersburg, Va. Two File Continued From Page I 17. Copeland, 33, is now fanning with his father after nine years with Wachovia Bank and Trust Company in Greenville, and Williamston, where he was an assistant vice president. - He is a 1961 graduate of Chowan High School and 1967 graduate of East Carolina University in Greenville. He is a member of Ballard’s Bridge Baptist Church and a past president (1973-74) of Williamston Kiwanis Club. Copeland is married to the former Connie Boyce and they have two sons, Kenny and Chad. line to serve neighboring people. When the Perquimans plan is finalized the local board will be repaid for the cost of the line. Dallas Jehtro, Jr., county, coordinator, reported that Bryant, Utilities had returned to complete putting in water lines and meters. James A. Pruitt of Creswell was awarded the contract to paint the trim on the County Office Building. Mrs. Catherine Hendren of New Bern appeared at the request of Chairman C. A. Phillips to further explain a Youth Services program which has twice been voted down by the commissioners. • Mrs. Hendren apologized for the manner in which the matter has been handled, saying Chowan County was unjustly put in a bad light through news releases coming from the Department of Human Resources. She said, however, the county might benefit in years to come by establishing a Task Force to recommend youth programs to prevent children from getting into trouble. Commissioners said they would consider recommendations from county agencies. Dr. J. H. Horton was reappointed to the Albemarle Regional Planning & Development Commission and Chairman Phillips described as “terrible” the situation where staff members are being asked to work without pay while the commission awaits a full audit. Commissioner N. J. George said he would be willing for Chowan County to put up its share of the money so staff members could be paid. He did not get any support on the suggestion. Mrs. Luella Sellers questioned the commissioners about the placing of priority on a courthouse-jail complex rather than adequate funds for schools. Commissioner George said he felt the questions were out of order. “It is out of order to cross examine the commissioners, and I resent it,” he added. Mrs. Sellers charged that the board had not adequately faced educational problems ( while moving ahead with the courthouse and jail. Chairman Phillips said many problems in the county have been studied and the number one priority remains. He added that the county is under a mandate from the state to provide better jail facilities. Robert Harrell appeared to for support of a proposed Peanut Festival and Alton Clark, Jaycee president, pledged support of that organization in any project in which the members could be helpful. Die county agreed to provide space for Judd Little, planner. The Elizabeth City field office of the Department of Natural and Economic Resources is being closed. Road Projects Are Approved RALEIGH—The N. C. Board of Transportation approved Friday two separate highway improvement projects for Edenton at an estimated cost of $25,500. Approval of Edenton projects came at the board’s monthly meeting held in Plymouth. These projects are part of the Department of Transportation’s Small Urban Project Program and are financed entirely with state funds. Members of the Board of Transportation instituted this program to take care of a need not previously handled by the Highway Improvement Program. : In its April meeting the Board approved the use of a total of $6,000,000 in Statewide Urban funds for new small urban projects. Die Edenton projects include: reconstruction of a short section of ' curb and gutter and storm drainage on US 17 at Filbert’s ’ Creek; and widening and f resurfacing with sand asphalt Paradise Road (SR 1319) from U. t S. 17 to Edenton by-pass. % ■ The curb and gutter project tin 5 US 17 will cost an estimated SIO,OOO while Paradise Rond project costs is estimated At $15,500.