WEEKLY
on rcuTc
Tensions rise at Council over ABC profits
a/ sumti HAKKIS
Perquimans County Schools
Superintendent Pat Harrell urged the
Hertford Town Council at their
meeting Monday night not to
illeviate the school system's
traditional share of ABC store
jrofits.
Recent state legislation passed on
>ehalf of the town allows the town
ward full control of ABC profits.
Previous laws and tradition dictated
hat SO percent of the ABC profits go
o the county Board of Education.
Harrell told the council that the
ioard of Education has gone on
ecord urging the council not to
educe the funding which at present
mounts to around $15,000 per year.
Mayor BiU Cox told Harrell. "I
lon't think that we intend to take that
money away unlets we tee that we
need it"
In hit explanation to Harrell
outlining the town's position,
Councilman Jessie Harris said, "The
town is getting squeezed," adding
that the town's people pay a
disproportionate amount (or the
county school system's operation.
"That (ABC) money should have
never gone to the Board of
Education." Harris said.
The Hertford ABC store is owned
and operated by the town as a source
of revenue. In light of these facts, the
town council felt that the town
should, by right, control the store's
profits.
"I don't think it's our desire to take
it away," Councilman Billy Winslow
said.
Councilmen Joe White and Billy
Winslow expressed a desire to ear
mark funds the town gives the Board
of Education.
Harrell thanked the council for its
past support and asked that they
continue to work with the county's
educational system.
Bids for the town's gasoline and
fuel oil were opened. Winslow Oil
Company, the low bidder, wan
awarded the contract.
Winslow Oil's price was $1,149 for
regular leaded gasoline, $1,179 for
regular unleaded gasoline and $.882
for number two fuel oil.
Other bidders were Hollowell Oil
Company and Reed Oil Company.
Councilman Billy Winslow abstained.
Cox read a letter from Hertford
Baptist Church requesting that the
town fund repairs and maintenance
on the church's parking lot.
The church asked that the town :
?grade and level the lot once per
month.
?construct a driveway and bridge
behind the medical center with a
chain and lock to be controlled by the
church.
?provide rock and other materials
needed to maintain the lot at the
church's request.
The council voted to construct the
driveway and grade the lot as
requested, but to negotiate with the
church on all major repairs when
they are needed.
Cox announced that the town's
present health insurance coverage
with The Travelers Insurance Co.
will increased 37 percent next year.
The League of Municipalities will
meet on Thursday to discuss a self
insurance plan.
Street repairs on Hiland Park,
which has recently incurred an ex
tensive sewer cave-in, were brought
to the council's attention.
Other street and sewer repairs are
underway on Edenton Road Street
and Sunset Drive.
Because of unforeseen street
repair, Town Clerk Marvin Hunter
outlined several budget amend
ments, totaling $16,500, which were
approved by the board.
Cox reported that the town's small
tractor needs a major overhaul,
which is expected to cost between
$3200 and $3500. As an alternative,
Cox is looking for a good used trac
tor.
Hertford Police Chief Marshall
Merritt presented the police
department's monthly report which
included 10 arrests and 19 reported
violations
Chief Merritt told the council that
his department is making an attempt
to wipe the overtime from the
department's books.
Cecil Winslow reported on behalf of
the ABC board that May sales were
up $121.15 from May 1982, with total
sales of $34,095.15.
An invitation was extended to the
council to attend the June 26
Volunteer Recognition Day reception
at Missing Mill Park.
With no further business, the town
adjourned into executive session to
interview a prospective police of
ficer.
A capacity crowd looked on
Qu 117 Perquimans County,
seniors were graduated
during commencement
exercises held last Wed
nesday night at the high
school athletic field. Led by
valedictorian Paige
Hollowell, the graduates
received diplomas from
Chairman of the county
Board of Education Clifford
Winslow. Dr. Parker
Chesson, president of College
of the Albemarle and also a
Perquimans High School
graduate, was the keynote
speaker. (Photo by Val
Short)
School graduates 111
? iii i
?Perquimans holds 58th commencement
By VAL SHORT
College of the Albemarle President
Dr. Parker Chesson urged the
Perquimans High School clau of 1983
during graduation last Wednesday to
strive for excellence and to get in
volved during the years to come.
Speaking to 117 graduating seniors
?aad a capacity crowd at the 58th
^Perquimans High School com
mencement exercises, Chesson said,
"Each of us will pass this way but
one time... I urge you to use your
talents."
Chesson said success is determined
by many (actors, including ? ability,
luck and especially persistence.
"The slogan 'press on' has solved
and always will solve problems," he
continued.
Chesson reflected on his own
graduation from Perquimans. He
quoted the speaker on that occasion
who said, "Look at each other. This is
probably the last time you'll all be
together." Chesson said the speaker
was correct.
Chesson told the graduates the
skills they received in high school
will not get them through a lifetime
of work or a career. "You'll have to
continue your education and you will
have to practice lifelong learning,"
he said.
Chesson said Jobs in the future will
revolve around services and in
formation, rather than industry.
"Society has changed very rapidly
and that's going to continue," he
said.
"The improvement of the quality of
life has improved dramatically."
"By the year 2003, the changes we
will see will exceed what we have
already seen," he said.
Led by class valedictorian Paige
Hollowell and salutatorian Sheila
Perry, the graduates were awarded
their diplomas by Chairman of the
Board of Education Clifford Winslow.
The Rev. W.L. Leigh gave the
invocation and benediction. Music
was presented by the Perquimans
Band and Chorus. Also on the
program were William E. Byrum,
school principal and Superintendent
PatHarreU.
County tax rate to remain the same
/^V
By VAL SHORT
There will be no tax increase for
Perquimans residents next year,
county finance officer Durwood Reed
toM the bounty commissioners last
Tuesday night.
During the public budget hearing
held at the courthouse. Reed told the
group that the tax levy would remain
the same ? at 11.20.
r \ The bearing on Um proposed SS.27
million budget and revenue sharing
flftds for 1MS-M drew a meager
e$>wd of two, due to bad weather and
conflicting meetings.
Representing the Committee of .
100, Ed Nixon met with the com
missioners to discuss the em
ployment of an industrial consultant.
Nixon said a consultant would
f>ssist in contacting and securing
Indus tries for Perquimans. Per a foe
freold wort om day per week for the
laHilii
county providing these services,
according to Nixon.
Commission chairman Joe NoweU
said he had been in favor of hiring a
county manager in the past "Instead
of spending this much oo one person
one day a week, I think we should
spend it oo someone we would have
all the time," said Nowetl.
The consultant would "put together
a package" tor potential industries
coming into the county, saM Nixon,
securing options an land and
developing brochures and maps to
encovrage industrial development.
Also at the hearing was Hertford
fireman Sid Eley, who asked If the
hoard had derided to purchase a
water tanker tar the Hertford Fire
Department V
Key told the commission the tank
the fire department currently uses is
functioning, bat U "top-heavy" and
could be haxardoua when traveling to
Area around the county.
Board member Welly White told
Elejr the county would not be able to
pruchaae a tanker at the present
time.
The commissioners opened bids (or
ground maintenance around county
buildings. Of the Ave bids submitted,
Eugene Rountree presented the low
bid of $5,500. Commissioners tabled a
decision on the contract until the next
regular meeting, June 20.
County agencies
will entertain youth
in summer program
By VAL SHORT
Fun plus education equals ad
venture for Perquimans County
youth this summer.
The Perquimans County Extension
office and the Public Library are
joining forces with the Perquimans
Parks and Recreation Department to
provide educational and entertaining
activities for children during the
summer months.
Beginning Friday, June 24, the
"Adventures A to Z" library summer
reading program will begin with
Kate Shales leading "Adventures in
Sign Language."
Films, music and handouts will
help participants learn to talk and
sing with their hands.
"You don't have to be a 4-H'er to
participate," said Juanita Bailey,
Extension 4-H agent. The 4-H ac
tivities may include anyone between
the ages of 9 and 12. Some of the
activities will require a fee.
Library events will be designed for
students in grades kindergarten
through eighth grade. However,
anyone older is welcome, according
to Teri Bossley, librarian, and
younger children must be ac
companied by an adult. Library
programs are free.
Bossley said she hopes to enroll at
least 50 to 60 participants in the
summer program. Approximately 80
participated in the summer reading
program last year, she said.
Those who complete the required
reading and who also participate in
at least three of the 4-H events will be
able to join the field trip to the
Marine Resources Center in Manteo
August S.
The first 4-H activity will be held
Monday, June 27 at the Extension
Office with a macrame class form 9
a.m. to 12 noon. Mrs. Emma Burke
and her son Damion will lead the
class.
The purpose of the combined
program is to provide opportunities
(or activities for children during the
summer and to generate interest in
the library and 4-H programs. "We
also hope to encourage the kids to
practice their reading skills," said
Bossley.
"We are really excited about this
program and want to encourage
everyone to come out and join us. We
want them to share the wide variety
of experiences that have been
planned for them at their friendly
public library," commented Bossley.
The Parks and Recreation *
Department is providing funding for t
the project through the Grassroots F
Arts program. "We want as many to >
become involved in this outreach
program as possible," commented
Recreation Director Bobbi Veon.
Planned activities will be held each
Monday, Wednesday and Friday at
several locations. They include:
?"Adventures on Hooves" ? horse
riding and demonstrations, Friday,
July 1 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the
library with Holly Green.
?Tour of Don Juan ? view the
complete garment-making process,
Wednesday, July 6 from 10 a.m. to 12.
Group will meet at the visitors en
trance.
-"?"Sweet corn ? from start to
finish" ? Tour of Tommy Harrell
farm in Bear Swamp, Thursday, July
7 from 10 a.m. to 12. Participants are
asked to meet at the farm. Harrell
and Bill Jester will lead the tour.
?"Adventures with Storytelling" ?
songs, stories, films and puppet
shows. Friday, July 8 from 10 to 11:30
a.m. at the library with Evelyn
Neptune.
?Reed baskets and placemats,
Monday, July 11 and Wednesday,
July 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 at the Ex
tension Office with Lynn Hilborn.
?"Adventures with Birds and the
Bees" ? local birdwatching and
beekeeping, Friday, July 22 from 10
a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the library with
Edward McGinnis and Sally Knight.
?Punched tin craft ? learn to make
tree ornaments and wall hangings,
Monday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 at
the Extension office with Paige
Underwood.
?"Adventures on the Potter's
Wheel" ? learn about making pots
from clay using the wheel. Friday,
July 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the
library with Sonny Fletcher.
?Miscellaneous crafts ? learn to
make felt, pom-poms and other
quickie crafts, Monday, July 18 and
Wednesday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to 12
at the Extension office with Nancy
Madre.
?Outdoor cooking ? learn to plan
and prepare foods cooked outdoor
style, Monday, August 1 from 9 a.m.
to 12 with Juanita Bailey.
?Cross stitch ? learn to make
simple cross stitch designs, Wed
lesday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
it the library with Mary Corprew.
?"Adventures with snakes and
?eptiles" ? view reptiles in person
ind in films, Friday, July 29 from 10
o 11:30 a.m. at the library with Gary
Voodyard.
Anyone interested in the program
s asked to register at the library or
he Extension office by June 23. The
irogram will offer plenty to fill the
ummer days ahead for local youth.
. I
Ward speaks on industrial development
A representative from the aUte'i
commerce office told members of the
Perquimans Committee of 100 that it
will take money aid dedication to
bring industry Mo this county .
Talking to a group of about ? at
Angler's Govt last Tuesday night,
Alva Ward, director of the Dtriaioa of
Industrial Development, shared
industrial development In North
Carolina, the northeast, in par
ticular.
Ward told the group that >40 other
organization! in the 100 countlea
ware attempting what the Committee
of 100 vat trying to accomplish ?
t Tying for the attention of industry
'and "looking lor ways to attract
Industrial development. "
"This is a very competitive
business," Ward said. "Without
Interstate (highways,) centers of
population and other such drawing
(actors, the Job is tougher," he
continued.
"Money, if handled wisely, will in
all probability bring you back into
the ana of competition," Ward said.
Trends and requirements in In
dustrial development have changed,
almost daily, according to Ward.
"No other place in the U.S. has
1
seen as much change in the last two
year* as North Carolina," he con
tinued.
Ward told the committee that in
dustries are looking tor things that
art ia the best interest of their
companies ? such as, making
money, recruiting and making
employees hsppy. He said the at
titude of government toward
business Is also a factor.
?