By Maurice Emery
Editor

Emergency Management personal in Halifax are preparing for the possibility of dealing with Tropical Storm Hanna and possibly Tropical Storm Ike and Josephine.  As of press time, the National Weather Service showed that the probable center track of Tropical Storm Hanna would be at  of Myrtle Beach SC at a 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. 

Gov. Mike Easley urged North Carolina residents to take Tropical Storm Hanna seriously during a news conference on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008.  Most of the models agree that Hanna will form into a hurricane on Thursday and make landfall on Saturday.   They are anticipating winds of at least 70 mph if it enters the coast in SC instead of NC.

The state emergency response team was activated on Wednesday morning.  Rainfall is expected to be about 11 inches.  Flood prone areas should be especially watchful.  The last hurricane of this size to come through this area was Fran in 1996.  Fran took several hours to go through the area, Hanna is not expected to take that long.  After Hanna hits Ike could be just a few days behind it.  

The Governor is also concerned about Tropical Storms  Ike and Josephine. Both of them seem to be following the same path as Hanna. He said you should be getting your emergency kits ready. 

 Halifax County Emergency Management Coordinator Tina Hinton and her staff have been working on the preparation for the possible impact of Tropical Storm Hanna since last Friday.  They are in the process of pre-positioning the items they will need in case the storm(s) visit out area.  

According to Hinton all emergency management personnel have been put on emergency standby.  Halifax county has to prepare for both a direct hit from the storm(s) and also the possibility that if the Carolina coast is in the path of the storms the county is set up to handle any coastal evacuations. 

Locally emergency shelters will be open, if needed, at Kirkwood Adams Community Center, W. R. Davy Middle School, Enfield Middle School, Hollister Elementary and SE High School.  Our local radio stations will have the times and other pertinent information if needed. 

Now is the time that you should be preparing for an emergency.  It is recommended that you get your emergency kit ready (See page 7), put loose items up and get your important documents on hand in case they are needed. Make sure you have some cash on hand.  If the electricity goes out ATM machines and credit card machines will not be working.  The Governor mentioned that you might like to have your photo albums with you because they cannot be replaced

Progress energy has issued a statement that advises people of what to do to prepare for the storm.  The company said they will not be sending crews to help with Gustav until they are sure they will not be needed in this area. 

The company’s storm plan includes mobilizing employees to handle increased customer calls, to quickly evaluate storm damage, to coordinate line crew and equipment mobilization, to coordinate materials required for repairs, and to arrange meals and lodging for out-of-town workers.

Customers and media can find outage information on Progress Energy’s Web site 24 hours a day at www.progress-energy.com/outagemap. During major events such as storms, the map will be updated several times a day.

The quickest way to report an outage during a storm is to call the automated outage-reporting system at 1-800-419-6356. For the latest information, visit Progress Energy’s storm site online at www.progress-energy.com/storm.

If you haven’t already done so the NC Department of Insurance’s Consumer Services Division recommends that you make a list of your belongings and take pictures or videotape them. Include a close-up shot of the day’s newspaper to provide the date. Keep your inventory list along with purchase receipts, pictures and your insurance policy in a safe-deposit box or other safe place away from your home. If you are forced to evacuate, take a copy of your policy with you.

The Halifax County Board of Commissioners has decided to look into its’ options concerning Window Fashion Resource (WFR).  On Tuesday, at the counties monthly meeting, the board went into closed session and WFR was discussed. 

According to County Manager Tony Brown the board has decided to explore its options with WFR.  They will be looking into their options especially in the areas of performance.  They will be looking into both aspects involved, if WFR performs or does not perform what options do they have.  The county will be seeking guidance from the County Attorney and the Economic Development People.  They hope to have a report for the board of commissioners on the second meeting of the month, September 16.  According to Brown once they get all the options laid out they will decide where to go from there. 

During a Economic Development presentation at the open meeting Cathy A. Scott of Progressive Resources and Opportunities referred to the WFR building as the Littleton Industrial Complex.  The new terminology surprised several people at the meeting because they had never the building referred to in that manner.  During a slide show presentation of the facility she highlighted the features of the completely renovated building.  One comment she made was hat it is ready for occupancy and can be sold or leased to interested parties. 

In the original award from the Golden Leaf Foundation from 2003 the Project title was, Littleton Job Creation Project (Window Fashion Resource).  There was no mention of Littleton Industrial Building.

During Scott’s presentation she acknowledged that the Board has authorized advertisement for Ron Baker’s Economic Development Position.  Baker will be retiring due to health reasons.

By Maurice Emery
Editor

The Littleton Observer has learned that time may be running out for Window Fashion Resource (WFR).  Halifax County Manager Tony Brown confirmed that WFR has not been able to complete the financing package they need to be able to operate their planned plant in Littleton.  Don Yauger, owner of WFR, has had over a month to secure financing for start-up and operating funds.

Halifax County Commissioners approved the final contract for the Yauger’s to sign on July 14. The contract has now been in Yauger’s hands for six weeks and there is no indication that financing has been secured. It is not clear whether the present credit problems in the general market place are part of the problem.  Brown was not sure of the amount of money Yauger was trying to get financed and attempts to get a hold of Yauger were unsuccessful.  

“I’m very disappointed that they have waited this late to look for financing,” Halifax County Commissioner Rives Manning stated in a telephone interview.   Generally financial packages are done prior to this point.

When asked if there are any deadlines that have been missed so far, Brown said that WFR has not missed any.  It is really up to Yauger at this time, the county has done everything they need to do Brown said.  Manning said the county commissioners are looking into what will happen if WFR does decide to drop out of the deal.  “We are trying to protect the county and the county investment,” Manning stated.

Manning said he was frustrated over the WFR deal.  He feels the county has bent over backwards and doesn’t feel they have been met halfway. 

When asked what the next step will be Manning replied that it will probably be discussed at the next County Commissioners Meeting in September.  One option that will probably be on the table is setting a timeline when Yauger will have to respond. 

If the deal does fall through the county will market the building someplace else.  “We will not let it deteriorate,” Manning added.  The county feels the building is an asset for the county and the town of Littleton. It is now completely ready to move into, so it may make it easier for the county to find a new tenant.  

Former Eaton Ferry Marina owner Ronald Duane White was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U. S. District Judge James C. Dever III of the US District Court Eastern District of North Carolina in Raleigh according to a press release from the Department of Justice. White had pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud earlier this year.

The courts found that White had pledged the same collateral to GE Capital and BB&T Bank.  The problem arose when he reached an agreement with BB&T to extend Eaton Ferry’s line of credit from $6.7 million to $8.5 million.

Acting United States Attorney John S. Bruce stated: “This type of fraudulent behavior puts the financial institutions and lending markets that so many of our citizens depend on at risk, and it is imperative that this type of criminal conduct be deterred.”

In a telephone interview with Betsy Medlin, Whites mother-in-law, it was learned that there were roughly 100 letters sent to Judge Dever on behalf of White.  The letters talked about all the good he has done and his years of good citizenship in the community.

The governments sentencing memorandum for White lays out the reasons why he feels his sentenced should fall under a different category for sentencing and lead to a lighter sentence.  In the memorandum the government in a small way makes the case that Whites mother-in-law, Betsy Medlin expressed to the Observer in a recent phone conversation.  She talked about what a good man he is and that he just made a mistake.  White did agree to continue to manage Eaton Ferry Marina even after BB&T Bank, the holder of the loan that led to the charges in this case, took the property back.  He did not have to make that agreement.  

Medlin commented that what seems to have gone by the wayside in all of what has happened is that White took a piece of property with only a small trailer on it and turned it into a multi-million dollar business. “He had fifteen years of good business,” Medlin stated.  Over the years he has employed many people and built the business into what became one of largest tax bases in Warren County. 

When asked where she hoped White would be sent to serve his sentence Medlin replied, “Butner.”  Butner is a low security complex located near Research Triangle Park.  It had been rumored that White would go to a place to deal with his bi-polar disorder that was brought up during the sentencing procedure as a possible extenuating cause to be considered in keeping his sentence as short as possible.

Robert Trumbo, Resident Agent in Charge of the Raleigh Resident Office of the United States Secret Service noted: “Regardless of how elaborate a scheme, the United States Secret Service will continue to aggressively pursue those who prey on financial institutions and ultimately the public’s trust.”

At this time there has been no indication where he will serve his sentence.   White is now free until the U. S. Bureau of Prisons decides where he will serve his sentence.  In addition to the prison sentence White has agreed to forfeit, his assets on Bald Head Island, North Carolina and any equity interest in a membership at The Bald Head Island Club and/or Bald Head Island Yacht Club (including any interest in any boat slips on Bald Head Island) plus the real property and at Lot 9 of Osprey Pointe on Lake Gaston in Littleton, North Carolina. He also agreed to allow other assets to be subject forfeiture as determined by the Court.

By Maurice Emery
Editor

State Senator Edward (Ed) Jones attended the monthly Littleton Town Meeting and provided an update on recent state short session legislation. When Mayor Mason Hawfield introduced Jones he said, “I’m very honored to have State Senator Ed Jones with us.”

Jones provided a background of himself and his feelings on what his job is. His background includes being Mayor of Enfield, a NC State Trooper.  His district covers seven counties and takes over two hours travel from one end to the other. He commented that he doesn’t use his title because it is not about the titles it is about the jobs we do. 

Throughout his presentation he commented that he is always accessible, “You can always contact me,” he said several times.  Even as he left the meeting he told the Observer, call me anytime.  The feeling from several people at the meeting was he means just that, he is accessible. 

As Jones explained it every odd year the state legislature meets in a long session and among other things they pass a two year budget.  The short session is designed to update the budget.

“Mental health is a huge problem,” Jones told the meeting.  He said we need a mental health system where you can get help anytime including the evenings.  The present system has normal business ours, but is virtually inaccessible any other time.  Now individuals who should be in the mental health system end up in jail until they can get help.  

One thing he learned when he went to the state legislature that, “No issue is a simple issue.”  He mentioned that issue of teachers having to pay $50 if they were out and a substitute was needed.  This legislation session did away with that requirement. 

When asked about gang violence programs Jones said the funding would be by formula.  He said that a small gang in a small town is just as intrusive as larger gangs in places like Raleigh.

Jones said this session they put most of the money into education. When asked why teachers salaries were always the first place where the state looks to cut if any shortages in available funds.  He replied that they really didn’t take any money away from the teachers.  He revealed that he felt teachers should be paid on performance. 

One of the final comments he made was that democracy is about the back rooms, we all don’t have the big chairs you see Raleigh.  His back room comment was in reference to the place where the town board meets.  The statement had a little more meaning to those at the meeting because prior to the start of the meeting Commissioner Patrick MacRae had to install a new fluorescent light to provide enough light for the meeting.

Cathy Scott of Progressive Resources and Opportunities then presented the USDA Grant application for the new Town Hall.  Mayor Hawfield told the Observer previously that without this federal grant the town could not afford a much needed new town hall. Scott verbally walked the board through the packet of information she provided them in applying for the grant and loan. The town will be applying for $207,781.00 for the renovation of the old Owen Electric building on Main Street. 

Among other things the renovation proposal from Vance Construction in Henderson, calls for the installation of two air condition units and bullet resistant glass. If approved, the town will have 40 years to repay the money with very low interest rates.

The citizen’s concerns portion of the meeting was dominated by a discussion regarding the necessity of having a Privilege License, at a cost of $25 per year.  The discussion got heated at times as to why a license was needed if the owner of the land they were selling from was already licensed. According to the town a license is needed if you don’t already have one for any location where you are selling something and making money.  The only exclusions are non-profit organizations and churches.  One citizen wanted the town to put up a sign advising people that a license was needed.   The Mayor agreed to consider it if the board wanted to bring it up.

Police Sgt. Jenkins let it be known that he will continue to be checking for licenses and if the seller does not have a license they will be asked to leave.

During the commissioners reports Commissioner Willis stated, “Anyone steeling water will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”  This was brought on by her report that there was slightly more than one million gallons of water unaccounted for from Jun to Jul.

After a report from Willis the board passed a motion that will require the Post Office pay for the 44,000 gallons of water that Postmaster Sally Smith asked the board to forgive.  Willis said, “If it goes down the drain and you can’t prove it went into the ground - you pay for it.”  The board agreed unanimously. 

The board agreed that next months meeting will be on September 2 at 7:30 p.m. due to the Labor Day Holiday.