Briefly
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on May 19, 2004 1:58 PM
Bowles to speak
to farmers in Fremont
Erskine Bowles, a candidate for U.S. Senate, will be in Fremont on Saturday to discuss a federal tobacco buyout.
Hundreds of tobacco farmers from across the state are scheduled to be at the event called "Straight Talk on the Tobacco Buyout." It will be from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Jerry West's Farm at 1365 N.C. 222 East in Fremont.
Bowles will be joined by U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge as he discusses the effect a tobacco buyout will have on North Carolina's rural economy. The event is open to the public.
Confederate memorial
Re-enactors will gather at the Confederate mound in Willowdale Cemetery on Sunday for an annual memorial service.
The Thomas Ruffin Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Goldsboro Rifles Camp and the Dr. B.T. Person Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will present the program at 2 p.m.
The Person Camp will present the Sons of Confederate Veterans Medal to a World War II veteran. The dedication of the Confederate monument of May 10, 1883, will be re-enacted, and wreaths will be placed. There will also be a volley and cannon salute to the Confederate dead.
The mass grave includes 800 soldiers, both Confederates and Union soldiers, who died in fighting in Wayne County. Veterans from both sides of the conflict contributed money to build the memorial.
The public is invited, and lawn chairs are welcome.
Micro loans available
Entrepreneurs interested in starting or expanding a small business may be eligible for up to $25,000 through a Microenterprise Loan Program.
The Rebuilding Broken Places Community Development Corp. is joining with the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center to offer the loans.
Loans ranging from $1,500 to $25,000 are available to entrepreneurs who likely would not qualify for traditional bank credit. There will be an emphasis on women and minority borrowers. Preference will also be given to loans originating in rural and low-income areas.
To receive an application or to learn more about the opportunities offered by Rebuilding Broken Places, call 581-9178 or go to www.rbpcdc.org. To learn more about the Mircroenterprise Loan Program, contact the Rural Center at 1-919-250-4314 or go to www.ncruralcenter.org.
Scholarship
applicants sought
Mount Olive College is seeking applications for the Herring Scholarship.
College officials have announced a $5 million commitment to the scholarship. The first scholarships will be awarded in early June for next academic year.
Applicants should be residents of Duplin County or Mount Olive, demonstrate good character, have high moral values and maintain academic progress.
The deadline for applications is June 5. A committee consisting of a college representative, a representative from the Herring family and a representative from each of the high schools in the targeted region will select the students.
Applications can be obtained from high school guidance counselors in the targeted area or at Mount Olive College. For more information, contact Jennifer Merritt at 658-2502.