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Public Seeks Tax Hike To Save County School

July 11, 2011 by
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Image by wcn247 via Flickr

Recipients of Cherokee County discovered that something was wrong with the funding of schools in the county when officials decided to transfer seventeen of the twenty employees of the Cherokee County Career and Technology Center. To add fuel to fire, contracts of remaining three employees were terminated. This effectively meant that the Technology Center would no longer operate in the county.

The residents of the county were unhappy at the decision. The were unhappy that children in the region would have to travel beyond the county for better educational options. Their ire was aroused primarily because the poor economic condition of the schools was never publicized. The closure served as the first notice of trouble in the system.

The state of Alabama permits county commissions to approve an increase in tax as long as it is being utilized for the school system. Increasing the tax for any other reason requires approval from higher authorities. Many persons are raising a pertinent question as to why this option was not exercised to prevent the center from closing down.

While universal support for increase in tax is absent, most individuals are prepared to face yet another financial burden as long as it helps children of the county enjoy better educational and employment chances. In public meetings, students who passed out of the technology centers described how it helped poor students enjoy an education that was beyond their reach due to their poor financial condition. It remains to be seen whether the county officials will bow to public demand.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Government, News Tagged With: , ,

Western North Carolina

March 26, 2011 by

In the western part of Cherokee County lies the Western North Carolina regions which includes various towns such as Andrews, Murphy, Peachtree, Ranger, Marble and a few others. Whats fascinating about this region is the Blue Ridge Mountain and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. The who valley is is spread on hundreds of miles. There are numerous rivers and waterways that are found in this picturesque valley that pull people again and again to this region.

The mountain range is steep and reaches to the sky which brings trekkers to this place from around the world. If someone lists top ten trekking destinations in America, this would definitely be in the list at the top five. There are no well-defined trails for trekking here, which makes it more fun. The joy of getting lost in civilization the same way that Cherokee Indians did thousands of years ago is a joy that cannot be defined in words. There are many ancient sites located in this Western North Carolina region. Most of them are found, a few are yet to be found, you could be one of the few people who actually does find a new ancient artifact. Many destinations in this region are still known by their old native tribal names that were given by the Cherokee tribes that lived here for thousands of years. This region was the last stronghold of the Cherokee tribe who protected this land as their motherland. This place is dotted with numerous waterways and districts which make this area fertile. All the waterways are still known by their tribal names. The area is marked by the Nantahala National Forest in the north and east which border this vast region.

Filed Under: News, Travel Tagged With: , ,

Ghost Town of Cherokee County

March 8, 2011 by

Ghost Towns are a part of American history with abandoned towns scattered all over America. These towns are majorly found in Texas and Atlanta. Most of these ghost towns were created after the gold rush of the eighties that brought thousands of people from around the world. These people created hundreds of new buildings and complete cities where they did not exist to use the gold as their lively hood. And since there was no other source of income for the towns, they fell as soon as the gold sources depleted. This is the reason that today most towns located far off in the woods without proper roads leading to them.

Some of the ghost towns are found in Cherokee county in the Blanche and Jamestown region that is connected to the little river area. The area is part in Atlanta and part in Cherokee County. These towns are said to contain hidden treasures worth thousands of dollars. This is one reason that these towns attract people who come with metal detectors to these places to get lucky. The towns are especially very popular among photographers who come to this place to fill their memory cards with loads and loads of memories. The towns serene atmosphere gives the feeling of being alone in a town its not a soul in sight. It a scintillating experience to say the least. The towns become completely different places at night. With the absence of light, the entire town is lit by moon light and star lights. Trekking is the best way to reach these towns because of unavailability of proper roads. Roads which once were created have been eclipsed by forest from which it had initially carved out.

Filed Under: News, Travel Tagged With: , ,

North Carolinians are Taking Their Power Back

February 18, 2011 by

In recent years, the credit crunch has forced a lot of people to take drastic measures, just to keep on living at a standard of living that resembles the one that they had before. However, as the credit crunch begins to lift, and people are less afraid of losing their jobs and being unable to get any kind of loan for anything, they are more concerned about making sure that their monthly payments are at a reasonable level. And it seems that North Carolina is leading the charge, as this conservative state takes a personal step toward throwing off the shackles that the recession placed on just about everyone.

If there is one thing that a southern state hates, it is being carpet bagged by wealthy people who may or may not be from the North. North Carolinians have recently decided to take a stand against their ridiculously high car payments, and have been some of the first in line as car loan refinance opportunities begin to poke up like the first blooms of the spring. Being able to afford their payments is only a small part of the problem, as the issue stems primarily from the desire of North Carolinians to be able to afford things in life other than the ability to keep their cars.

After all, the ability to simply maintain a lifestyle is just the bottom layer, reserved for people who are desperate and who might still give up hope at any moment. As the economy looks up, however, these intrepid individuals are taking the bull by the horns and doing everything they can to make their hard-earned money go further. After all, the people who had mediocre to bad credit a few years ago may now have decent to downright good credit now. There is no reason why a person who has good credit should have to pay the same amount per month in better times.

Filed Under: Climate, General Tagged With: , ,

Attraction of Iowa

February 4, 2011 by

Iowa is one of the few places in America where something is always going on. Throughout the year events are organized which keep tourists as well as locals involved. There is more to do and see that one person can do in one week or month here. This is the reason that thousands of new residents come to Iowa to become permanent residents of this place. There are numerous natural locations that bring nature lovers to this place. Apart from that there is the architecture that keeps people grabbed on to this place. Shopping is another top thing to do here, especially in the capital city of Iowa in Cherokee County.

There are numerous festivals that keep going on year along. In the month of February Des Moines is being organized in the capital city of Iowa that is a combination of multiple attractions, shopping and the famous culture of Iowa. The whole city is decked up for the annual festival that is organized in February. The playhouses are filled with numerous performances that bring people from all over the world. Another city of Iowa decked up in February is Ames where it is more about a family recreation instead of shopping. The University of Iowa organizes this and brings along musicals, concerts, sports. Museums and many other attractions. There are events such as the Farm Progress Show, Octagon Art Festival, Iowa Games events, VIESHEA and many others. Around valentine another famous event is organized in Preston to the delight of hundreds of couples from around America. The annual wine tasting festival brings the famous wine makers from all around America for the wine festival that brings together delicious chocolates and bakery items along with the all-time favorite wines. The Storm Lake winter festival which is popular among children’s, adults and senior citizens too. There are no ice games there are organized, but instead there are events such as snowmobile poker, broom ball, extreme bike ride and others. This place does not suffer extreme below freezing temperatures that are seen in Alaska, hence it is popular among the holiday crowd.

Filed Under: Climate, News Tagged With: , ,

North Carolina’s Historical Roots and Preservation

December 16, 2010 by
Oconaluftee river, North Carolina
Image via Wikipedia

North Carolina has a rich, varied history that stretches back to the early days of the country. With the Smoky Mountains, the Appalachian Trail and the constant push west, the state has been home to many historical events that had a huge impact on its citizens and the nation as a whole. Recently, local historical societies within the state have worked to preserve its history through the North Carolina History Project.

The program is supported by the John Locke Foundation, which supports efforts to preserve and educate the state’s residents and visitors on the history of North Carolina. The project has a lecture series that have some of the most talented and well-known historians in the United States that speak to various groups. They also provide historical tours and publish a variety of materials on state history that are both academic and for general education purposes.

Another great advantage of this project are the educational materials that can be used by teachers, parents and homeschoolers. There are numerous resources on the Civil War in the state, historical figures, politics, religion and many others. They are made for various middle to high school grades and can be accessed on the project’s website. These are perfect for field trips and class discussion.

The project’s website also features an alphabetized encyclopedia of different aspects of North Carolina’s history. Residents, visitors, educators and those just interested in history can easily peruse through the listings to find what they need. The foundation and its staff works continuously to gather and add to the record of North Carolina’s past, making it readily accessible for the general public.

The North Carolina History Project is a wonderful asset to present and future generations. By compiling the history and stories that tell how North Carolina came to this point it its history, its past will not be forgotten.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , ,

The Scottish Influence in North Carolina

December 15, 2010 by

The Highland Scottish came to North Carolina primarily in 1739, when the present royal governor of North Carolina persuaded 360 of them to immigrate to the state. These proud people left their native country for various reasons, including political freedom, religious freedom and economic. Many were forced out of their homes and couldn’t afford the extravagent rent prices their landlords were charging, forcing them to seek a new place to settle.

Many had the goal of garnering a grant to a piece of land. They settled down in areas such as Upper Cape Fear and Cross Creek. A good portion were into farming, raising crops like corn and wheat, along with raising sheep and pigs. Others chose to get employment within the naval industry. James Campbell was one of these immigrants, and became well known for helping to set up three different Presbyterian churches in the state. Their primary language at home and at church services was Gaelic, but this changed after the Civil War as the language declined to be used.

When the Revolutionary War began to stir up, many of these Scots fell in line with the Loyalist side of the coin, supporting England. Once the war was finished, those who remained loyal to England moved out of the United States to areas such as Novia Scotia and Barbados. There were many who lost their loyal leanings after the Battle of Moore’s Creek that occurred in 1776.

Those descendants still in North Carolina today continue to show off their heritage, taking part in the Highland Games that are held in July. This event started during a popular rebirth in desire to remember their past. There are other games held, such as the Loch Norman Games. The heritage that stretches back to before the Revolutionary War continues today, determined never to be forgotten.

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A Stroll Through History at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

December 13, 2010 by

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park located in Greensboro, North Carolina was the site of a Revolutionary War key battle in the southern part of the colonies. It proved to be the highest point in British activity in America during this time. Two generals squared off, Major General Nathanael Greene with the Americans and Lord Charles Cornwallis leading the British.

Greene was stationed here with 4,500 Continental soldiers and colonial milita to hold the area. Cornwallis was in charge of 1,900 seasoned British troops who were facing an enemy who had greater numbers at their disposal. Cornwallis took the day, defeating a much larger foe but paid a dear price in losing 25% of his men during the fighting. The conflict lasted for approximately two and a half hours, ending with an American retreat. Greene made a strategic move by pulling his forces back, gaining some ground in that he kept the primary fighting strength of his command.

The park visitor center is open from 8:30 AM to 5PM daily, which is the best place to begin your day. You can catch the park film, “Another Such Victory,” which will give you an excellent overview of the events that occurred. There is also a map that has an animated presentation that shows the movement of troops and key moments in the fighting. You can also see artifacts from the battle in the museum.

You can tour the battlefield itself in your car, by walking or riding your bicycle. There are eight areas where you can get insight to the battle’s events. Your tour can be highlighted by a narrated tour explanation that is sold in the visitor center gift shop. There are also two and a half miles of additional walking trails to explore. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is a beautiful site and a fascinating look into our country’s early history.

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The Nation’s Beginnings at Fort Raleigh National Historic Park

December 12, 2010 by

Fort Raleigh National Historic Park is the perfect stop on your trip to see some of the first stirrings of settlement in the New World. This area is the site of the beginning known settlements that the English set up in American in the period from 1584 to 1590. In addition, the park serves as a rememberance of the many cultures that were here before the English arrived, such as the Native Americans. The experiences and lives of African Americans who were brought here as slaves are also honored.

You can explore the area by taking the Thomas Hariot Nature Trail, which is about a 20 minute walk through a small wilderness area. By reading many of the signs that are posted along the way, you can get perspective on the experiences of the early explorers. The one and one-quarter long Freedom Trail takes you along the west side of the island where the parks is located. You will get to see what the Algonquians saw when they walked through this part of the area when they made it their home. For those with a historical taste, you can look through the earthworks that the early English colonials set up. These were overseen by Sir Walter Raleigh during the period of 1584 to 1590.

The visitor center at the park can provide you with additional information regarding trails, special events and brochures. There is a park film that highlights the major events and peoples who lived in the area during this early period. You can also check ou the outdoor program titled “The Lost Colony,” which is given from June until August. Fort Raleigh National Historic Park is a definite way to enjoy both the outdoors and to get a sense of our country’s early history.

Filed Under: General, Government Tagged With: , ,

Visiting the North Carolina Museum of History

December 7, 2010 by
The North Carolina Museum of History in downto...
Image via Wikipedia

North Carolina’s past is on display at the North Carolina Museum of History, located in Raleigh near the downtown area. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday to Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM on Sunday. This an affordable place to visit, as there is no entrance fee. If offers numerous that are designed for all ages and interests, making for a great day out with the family.

During the holidays, the museum hosts a Colonial Christmas, featuring music from the period and to take part in hands on activities related to crafts. You can also play colonail era games as well. You can also learn about various traditions for ringing in the new year during History Corner: New Year’s Traditions. This is a fun day for family activities, including crafts, storytelling and various activities. Some of the special programming may cost a small free, but most are free of charge.

The exhibits in the museum are full of past artifacts from the state’s history and will often highlight specific individuals. One, “Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon,” takes into the life of our first president. This temporary exhibit has 100 different artifacts from his life, along with various stories that give you new perspective on this famous American. “Down Home: Jewish Life in North Carolina,” highlights the Jewish culture within the state and its history. You will learn how they immigrated into the state and retain their heritage.

They also have numerous opportunities for educational programming and various special programs throughout the year. The artifact collection is amazing, offering visitors a first hand look at life during the different parts of the state’s history. When visiting, check with the museum for current programming that is occurring. The North Carolina Museum of History makes for a perfect way to spend the afternoon out with your family and children.

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