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Friday's Internet Edition, 6:58 PM, May 9, 2008.


McCain campaign comes to Triad


Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak - WINSTON-SALEM — On the same day when the Democratic presidential candidates were vying for 115 North Carolina delegates, John McCain’s “straight-talk express” rolled into Wake Forest University Tuesday morning. Speaking to a crowd of a wide array of ages at Wait Chapel, the likely Republican nominee gave a speech on judicial philosophy. With Sen. Richard Burr, R-NC, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, Ted Olson, a former solicitor general and conservative lawyer, and wife Cindy sitting behind him, McCain’s speech went flawlessly, except for one part. The senator from Arizona slipped up when thanking Wake Forest University for hosting his speech. “We appreciate the hospitality of the students and faculty of West Virginia — of this great, great Wake Forest University,” said McCain, which ignited a chuckle from the crowd. “I’m catching up with my speech.” McCain, 72, maintained his composure by saying to the students in attendance, “I know exam week involves some tough moments, like when you’re up at 3 a.m. and have to choose between studying and watching one of Fred [Thompson’s] old movies.” All joking aside, McCain talked heavily on the Constitution. “For decades now, some federal judges have taken it upon themselves to pronounce and rule . . . [Click for Full story]
INSIDE NEWS STORIES
Dunn earns most votes for county board seat
To the surprise of many, even herself, political newcomer Cathy Dunn pulled off a huge victory in Tuesday’s primary election. Not only did she secure the Republican nomination for Davidson County Commissioners, Dunn, 58, received the most votes with 5,475 (20.19 percent) of the six candidates running for three seats. . . . [ Full story ]

Area police searching for kidnapping victim
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department is still searching for a pregnant woman who was kidnapped by her estranged husband Tuesday. Miranda Teague, who is eight-and-a-half months pregnant, was taken hostage by her husband Charles Teague, 32, after he broke into the residence at 7050 Sink Farm Road in Thomasville where . . . [ Full story ]

'Maintenance Evangelist' calls on Washington to support cause
GREENSBORO — Davidson County native Joel Leonard, known as the Maintenance Evangelist, continues to get his message out — both nationally and internationally — that the country and world are both facing a crisis. The executive at MPACT Learning Center has written many articles published in national trade magazines, launched . . . [ Full story ]

Program to address mental disorders in children
To help parents identify the signs of many disorders common in young children, Fairgrove Family Resource Center will welcome a representative from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 7 p.m. today at Fair Grove United Methodist Church, located at 204 Cedar Lodge Road. Guest speaker Jennifer Rothman, Young . . . [ Full story ]

N.C. primary could decide presidential candidate
With today being primary election day, those wanting to have a say in who will be representing their political party come November will have a chance to cast their ballots. For the first time in decades, all eyes will be on North Carolinians as the Tar Heel state could play . . . [ Full story ]
SPORTS PAGE

Central takes CCC once more
WALLBURG — Comforting a team after a heart-breaking defeat is one of hardest things a head coach can do. Ledford’s Charlie Brown should find that job a lot easier following . . . . [ Full story ]

Last second goal ousts Ledford
WALLBURG — Ledford is going to be hurting from Wednesday’s game for quite some time. Tied 2-2 with visiting South Iredell in the first round of the 2-A state playoffs, . . . . [ Full story ]
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Standard mode of dress approved by school board

Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak Thomasville City Schools’ Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a standard mode of dress (SMOD) for the 2008-09 school year at Thomasville Middle School.
Tabled twice by the school board for more parent feedback, the school board was pleased with the positive response.
“I think we have had adequate parent feedback,” said Dr. Daniel Cockman, TCS superintendent. “I know there are some people who are not in total support of SMOD, but I think it is time to move ahead with it.”
For students in grades fifth through eighth, 755 parent surveys were distributed, and 607 of the surveys was returned. Nearly half of the surveys returned indicated parents were in support of SMOD, while 113 indicated they had no opinion in regard to SMOD, and 110 indicated they were opposed to SMOD.
The dress policy is being implemented in efforts to improve safety and discipline, as well as allowing students to be on an even playing field economically.
Under SMOD, as a representation of the school’s colors, students would only be allowed to wear khaki colored pants, skirts, shorts or capris, and shirts would have to be red, black, or white. In addition, only collared polo-style shirts, turtlenecks or button downs would be considered acceptable. Students would have to keep shirts tucked in at all times, unless there are some special circumstances.
The dress policy would also include specifications for shoes, accessories, belts, hair and makeup. Students would be able to layer and mix-and-match colors to help maintain their individually.
Cockman said parents are required to supply their children with appropriate SMOD attire.
Jeff Kirkland, a TCS board member, wasn’t in attendance, but a prepared statement concerning SMOD was read to the public on his behalf.
“I would like to express my support for SMOD,” Kirkland wrote. “There has been a lot of effort since our last board meeting on behalf of Thomasville Middle School and their staff to ensure we have received enough sufficient feedback from the community.”
In other business:
• The school board accepted the system’s budget request of $4.7 million. The school system’s budget will be placed on the May 18 meeting agenda for the Thomasville City Council, asking for almost $1.3 million. The request is $53,862 more than last year. Davidson County Commissioners will also have to approve a TCS budget request of $2.6 million.
• Due to an increase of more than $6,000 for auditing services with Dixon Hughes CPA firm, the school board discussed the possibility of having a new contract with Rives & Associates.
• The school board agreed to adopt a four-day work week for school employees between June 23 and Aug. 11 in hopes to save money on its utility costs during the summer. Assistant Superintendent Keith Tobin said other area school systems have similar work weeks in the summer.

Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.

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