Lenoir County Commission Vice-Chairwoman Jackie Brown attended the Oct. 17 meeting of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ public education steering committee.
The committee heard a presentation on public school financing laws by Kara Millonzi of the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and NCACC Intergovernmental Relations Director Rebecca Troutman. State Rep. Bryan Holloway, R-Stokes, also provided committee members with an overview of how the General Assembly adopts its budget for the public school system.
Millonzi explained the local funding of public schools in North Carolina and address the dispute resolution process. She described where school funding comes from and what the federal, state and county governments are responsible for financially. Holloway heard from several commissioners upset by the elimination of the dedicated share of lottery proceeds to counties and said the legislature may revisit that issue next year.
The public education steering committee is headed by Stokes County Commissioner Leon Inman. The NCACC steering committees meet quarterly to study emerging county-related issues and make recommendations on specific policy areas to the NCACC Board of Directors. The seven steering committees are: agriculture, environment, health and human services, general government, justice and public safety, public education and taxation and finance.
Steering committees provide the greatest opportunity for individual county commissioners to get more involved within the association. Membership on the steering committees is open to all county commissioners as well as county staff who might have a particular interest or expertise.
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners is the official voice of all 100 counties on issues being considered by the General Assembly, Congress and federal and state agencies. Founded in 1908, the association provides expertise to counties in the area of lobbying, fiscal and legal research, communications, intergovernmental relations, information technology, field visits and risk management services.
Queen Street UMC to host ‘Night in Bethlehem’
Queen Street United Methodist Church in Kinston is hosting “A Night In Bethlehem,” an interactive family experience, on Saturday, December 7 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Come experience the sights and sounds of the first century marketplace, meet Biblical characters, create interesting crafts, enjoy delicious treats. The event is free. Queen Street UMC is located at 500 North Queen Street, beside the public library.
Church ‘coat day’ Saturday
St. Augustus AME Zion Church, 318 E. North St. will hold their first annual Coat Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Participants must be present to be fitted for a coat. Free flu shots will be offered by Kinston Community Health Clinic
Compassionate Friends annual service Monday
Compassionate Friends annual candlelight remembrance service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, at
‘The Gift’ begins Saturday
“The Gift” a drive-thru or walk-thru experience of live scenes of the life of Christ from His miraculous birth to His ultimate sacrifice will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Dec. 13, at Christian Chapel OFWB Church, 1213 Jonestown Road, Pink Hill. The inclement weather date is Dec. 14. Admission is free, call 252-670-0188 or 286-8546 for additional information.
Potter benefit Saturday
A benefit auction for Doug Potter who is in need of a liver transplant, will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at LaGrange Church of God in the fellowship hall. Proceeds will be used for medical expenses.