http://www.albemarleregionnow.com Wed, 8 Feb 2012 07:44:33 EST http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/771/42/sex-offender-arrested-for-failing-to-register-new-address.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/771/42/sex-offender-arrested-for-failing-to-register-new-address.html On Sept. 13, 2010, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office received a report of a sex offender registered in Beaufort County who failed to notify the Sheriff's Office of an address change. The Sheriff's Office began an investigation and conducted several interviews.

On May 2, Lieutenant Jamie Cahoon applied for and obtained a warrant charging Clarence Kevin Thigpen, age 45, of Tranters Creek Drive in Washington, with one count of Failure to Register Change of Address as a Sex Offender.

On Saturd... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:31:07 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/770/44/how-we-fool-ourselves-so-often-because-its-just-the-way-it-s-spozed-to-be.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/770/44/how-we-fool-ourselves-so-often-because-its-just-the-way-it-s-spozed-to-be.html Back when we were in our teacher training program in college one of the assigned readings was a book entitled "The way it spozed to be." A variation was made into a movie called "Up the down staircase." The thesis of both was that schools often do things that don't make much sense but they do they because that's the way it's "always" been done.

We've said it before, but it warrants repeating here as an introduction to this article. We are absolutely confident that the day will come that in coll... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:31:00 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/769/1/happy-mother-s-day-lynn-deatherage-you-re-the-best.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/769/1/happy-mother-s-day-lynn-deatherage-you-re-the-best.html I know there are many wonderful mothers residing in this region, however, my personal best is my wife, Lynn, and for good reason.

She has raised our four children: Brandia, Meredith, Stanhope and Anna from birth, and has selflessly given much of herself to do so.

Our children will grow older and wiser with time on their side, but they will never experience anything again resembling the unconditional love that was showered upon them by both of their parents, but especially by their sweet, lov... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:30:52 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/768/1/friday-foreclosure-check-may-6-2011.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/768/1/friday-foreclosure-check-may-6-2011.html Every Friday, real-estate broker Brandia Deatherage, of Deatherage & Associates real-estate brokerage, compiles a list of the current foreclosure inventory in Beaufort County. For information on any of these properties; or for information regarding the process of buying a foreclosure, or other distressed property, please call Brandia Deatherage at 252-945-3418, or e-mail her at brandia@beaufortcountynow.com, or brandia@deatheragerealty.com.

Though Beaufort County Now attempts to be accurate in... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:30:45 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/767/45/an-open-letter-to-our-elected-officials.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/767/45/an-open-letter-to-our-elected-officials.html I recently had two experiences that have taught me a great deal. The first was covering the School Board presentation of its budget request to the County Commissioners and the other was watching the debate this week in the N. C. House on the state budget.

To understand what I'm about to say requires you to either accept that this nation, state and county are in serious financial trouble. If you do not accept that then you can stop reading this. Maybe I'm wrong but I believe most people know thi... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:30:38 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/766/25/ten-days-remain-to-submit-artistic-rebuttal.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/766/25/ten-days-remain-to-submit-artistic-rebuttal.html Artist and arts advocate Amy Scheidegger continues to enjoy overwhelming support for her Artistic Rebuttal Book Project. As of Mar. 25, Scheidegger reported that 357 people have confirmed to contribute from 83 cities across America and Canada. The finished product of the Artistic Rebuttal Book Project will be marketed to galleries, arts councils, tourist departments and libraries across the country. Scheidegger will also now be collaborating with teachers and students across the country on a chi... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:30:29 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/765/44/bccc-selects-four-students-to-be-ambassadors.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/765/44/bccc-selects-four-students-to-be-ambassadors.html Michelle Leggett
Blake Perry
Catrena Ross
Vickie Wilkinson Four students have been selected by a subcommittee of the Beaufort County Community College Foundation Board of Directors to represent BCCC as ambassadors for 2011-2012. Those selected are Michelle Leggett, Blake Perry, Catrena Ross and Vickie Wilkinson.

These four new ambassadors join five others--Kendall Hayden, of Washington; Candace Smith Howell, of Plymouth; and Kelli Lozano, Katherine Thomas and Kenneth J. Worsley; all of Washin... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:30:22 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/764/42/bath-man-accused-of-taking-indecent-liberties-with-a-child.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/764/42/bath-man-accused-of-taking-indecent-liberties-with-a-child.html On April 11, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office received a report of an alleged sexual assault against a child that occurred in October of 2010. The Sheriff's Office began an investigation and conducted interviews.

As a result of the investigation, investigator Robert Gaskins obtained a warrant charging Todd Austin Jarvis, age 27, of Elliott Road in Bath, with one count of Indecent Liberties with a Child.

Today, Jarvis was served in the Beaufort County Detention Center where he was being he... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:30:13 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/763/45/as-beaufort-considers-raising-taxes-data-show-the-county-has-been-on-a-spending-spree-for-schools.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/763/45/as-beaufort-considers-raising-taxes-data-show-the-county-has-been-on-a-spending-spree-for-schools.html Beaufort County is confronting a financial crisis much like what both the state and federal governments are facing, even if the numbers are not as large. The issue comes down to the question: Do we reduce spending or do we raise taxes?

The municipalities in the county face similar circumstances.

But the focus of this question, we predict, will center on the school system. The reason this is so is simple: The County, like the state, spends more on schools than it does on any other single functi... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:30:05 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/762/33/does-the-school-board-need-a-tax-increase-to-meet-the-needs-of-the-schools.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/762/33/does-the-school-board-need-a-tax-increase-to-meet-the-needs-of-the-schools.html The answer is clearly: NO

In the video clip below you hear Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps explain the "current expense" budget request, which is, again, for $13.4 million; $233,704 more than for this school year. He addresses what might be some cuts from the State, most notably being the Low Wealth Funding, but those final allotments from the state have not yet been determined, as he explains.

But focusing on the local current expense request he explains that the request is essentially to hold ... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:29:56 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/761/2/grandma-is-okay-with-the-tea-party.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/761/2/grandma-is-okay-with-the-tea-party.html I'm writing to address Ms. Winborne's letter, published in Greenville's Daily Reflector on April 29, which accused the Tea Party and the GOP of trying to put grandma in an early grave by seeking budget cuts. Well, that is simply outrageous and ridiculous. The fact is that our government promises too much to too many people but continues to relieve too many of them from contributing. We continue to fund lifestyles that place a huge burden on our fiscal well-being. You eventually run out of other... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:29:48 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/760/33/school-board-requests-an-increase-in-spending.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/760/33/school-board-requests-an-increase-in-spending.html At a time when most families and businesses in Beaufort County are having to cut back, Congress and the State Legislature struggle with huge budget deficits and the County has exhausted its fund balance, (reserve account) the Beaufort County School Board wants to spend more, not less. If the requests are approved, it is reported that there will be a property tax increase for next year on top of the increase this year. Indications are that some county commissioners will seek to raise the local sa... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:29:40 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/759/44/school-bus-drivers-compete-in-road-course-rodeo.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/759/44/school-bus-drivers-compete-in-road-course-rodeo.html Jimmy Ward, a 13-year veteran bus driver for Beaufort County Schools, took top honors in the 2011 Beaufort County Transportation Department's School Bus Rodeo on April 19.
The last stop on the rodeo route requires drivers to stop as close to a post as possible without touching the post. Could you do it? Some familiar faces landed in the Top 3 for the annual 2011 Beaufort County Transportation Department's School Bus Rodeo on April 19.

Jimmy Ward, a veteran driver for John Cotten Tayloe Element... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:29:31 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/758/1/friday-foreclosure-check-apr-29-2011.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/758/1/friday-foreclosure-check-apr-29-2011.html Every Friday, real-estate broker Brandia Deatherage, of Deatherage & Associates real-estate brokerage, compiles a list of the current foreclosure inventory in Beaufort County. For information on any of these properties; or for information regarding the process of buying a foreclosure, or other distressed property, please call Brandia Deatherage at 252-945-3418, or e-mail her at brandia@beaufortcountynow.com, or brandia@deatheragerealty.com.

Though Beaufort County Now attempts to be accurate in... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:29:24 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/757/44/bccc-announces-summer-hours.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/757/44/bccc-announces-summer-hours.html Beaufort County Community College has announced its operating hours for the summer.

The official daytime operating hours for the college will be 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday beginning Monday, May 16, and ending Thursday, August 4. Evening classes will operate Monday through Thursday nights. Two holidays will be observed during the summer schedule - Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, and Independence Day, Monday, July 4. The college will be closed on Fridays.

BCCC President David... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:29:16 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/756/0/beaufort-county-community-college-reaches-capacity.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/756/0/beaufort-county-community-college-reaches-capacity.html Beaufort County jobs are down, and community college enrollment is at a record high. This presents a catch-22, as community colleges are largely funded by taxpayers; yet many taxpayers are unemployed and attending community colleges.

According to figures recently released by the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, Beaufort County's jobless rate rose 0.3 percent from October to November.

As of today, 1841 students are enrolled in spring classes at BCCC, the highest number on record ... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:29:09 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/755/44/beaufort-county-community-college-seeks-community-input.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/755/44/beaufort-county-community-college-seeks-community-input.html Every three years, a Community Satisfaction Survey is mailed to the Beaufort County Community College four-county service area, including Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties. The survey asks how well BCCC is doing in meeting these communities' needs. This information is very important in assisting BCCC with its long-range planning.

This year, in an effort to save money, BCCC is posting the community survey on the Internet. The link to the online survey can be found on BCCC's Web sit... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:29:01 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/754/13/negative-effects-of-the-government-funding-of-illegal-immigrants.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/754/13/negative-effects-of-the-government-funding-of-illegal-immigrants.html The government funding of illegal immigrants, that don't claim U.S. residency nor pay taxes, is adding to the nation's debt. Millions of U.S. dollars go to help illegal immigrants pay for k-12 and secondary education (some even pay in-state tuition for college) as well as their welfare, Medicaid and other social services due to a lack of verification. Helping to finance illegal immigrants in a time of economic crisis is further putting the country in debt. Some undocumented immigrants do pay ta... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:28:53 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/753/3/beaufort-county-adds-jobs-in-march.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/753/3/beaufort-county-adds-jobs-in-march.html Unemployment figures for March 2011, released today by the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, show Beaufort County's unemployment rate improving for the second-consecutive month.

Since Beaufort County's unemployment rate peaked at 11 percent in January 2011, it has started to drop off, from 10.8 percent in February, to 10.2 percent in March.

The significance of this drop is especially poignant, in that Beaufort County is not only reporting less unemployment claims filed for the pa... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:28:46 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/752/44/is-publically-funded-pre-school-worth-more-than-the-alternatives.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/752/44/is-publically-funded-pre-school-worth-more-than-the-alternatives.html I recently wrote a Teacher's Desk piece in which I said that there is little evidence that pre-school programs have much of a lasting effect on the success of students in later years. Click here to read that piece.

The article got quite a bit of feedback, almost all from advocates of government supported daycare or pre-school operations.

In an attempt to foster more productive debate I would offer the following.

Smart Start, More At Four, Headstart and other publically supported daycare/pre-s... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:28:36 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/751/39/the-status-of-religeous-rights-in-the-public-school-system.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/751/39/the-status-of-religeous-rights-in-the-public-school-system.html Young adults often wonder what their rights are in the public school system with respect to religion. On the one hand there is the First Amendment right to religion itself (free exercise and the freedom from being forced to belong to a religion established by Congress), and then are a plurality of Supreme Court decisions which have interpreted the First Amendment, there are the views of religious groups and atheist groups, and then finally there are anti-religion "watch" groups which are ever vi... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:28:27 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/750/44/bccc-providing-new-certification-for-workers.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/750/44/bccc-providing-new-certification-for-workers.html Pictured above is Kaliff Moore, Beaufort County Community College's first General Education Development student to simultaneously earn a GED Diploma and Career Readiness Certification. He successfully completed both in February.In late February, Kaliff Moore became Beaufort County Community College's first General Education Development student to simultaneously earn both a GED Diploma and Career Readiness Certification. Moore's achievement is significant in that the CRC program is fast becoming ... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:28:19 EDT http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/749/1/april-2011-real-estate-to-deliver-swift-kick-to-wall-street.html http://www.albemarleregionnow.com/post/749/1/april-2011-real-estate-to-deliver-swift-kick-to-wall-street.html The American economy is a walking contradiction that can not endure in its current state. Today, even as the Case Shiller index reported the eighth successive month of home-price declines, the Dow is posting a multi-year high of 12,600.

Large companies, such as Caterpillar, Cisco and Microsoft, are posting huge earnings, as homeowners, the consumers, are losing equity in their homes. The fact is that, somehow, the same people who are in danger of being underwater on their mortgages are temporar... Read More]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 14:28:11 EDT