Celebrating our fifth anniversary

 

“I think it was worth it.”

Five years after a grueling weekend of writing, designing, photography and editing produced the first issue of the Independent Register, former editor Corey Friedman expresses his lack of regret for the somewhat failed venture.

On Sept. 27, 2005, 3,000 copies of Craven County’s (albeit short-lived) alternative newspaper rolled off the presses at Carteret Publishing in Morehead City. With two color section fronts, the eight-page publication featured coverage of local festivals, sports and events. On the front page was a close-up of a bear bench at a flooded Union Point Park following Hurricane Ophelia, because “nothing says ‘New Bern’ like a big-ass bear.”

For five months, three young journalists followed a dream to provide readers with another choice besides the mainstream daily. Sports editor Eric Voliva lent his literary talents to the effort by stalking the sidelines and cranking out columns, and features editor William R. Toler snapped sharp photographs, designed eye-popping pages and covered community news and entertainment.

Johnston County pierces through teen’s religious rights

By Joanna Carter

Officials in Johnston County need a refresher course in the First Amendment.

Ariana Iacono, a 15 year old student at Clayton High School, was suspended for having a nose ring that violated the school’s dress code. When she returned to school with her nose ring still in place, she received 5 days of suspension on the second go around. If she returns to school with it yet again, she will then be written up for 10 days and have a referral to alternative school attached along with it.

Ariana has commented with “I think it’s kind of stupid for them to kick me out of school for a nose piercing. . . It’s in the First Amendment for me to have freedom of religion.” What religion exactly, you ask?

Fired for the First Amendment

By William R. Toler

Apparently, the First Amendment doesn’t exist in New Jersey. If it did, Derek Fenton would still have a job.

His 11-year career with NJTransit came to an end after he ripped and burned pages from a Koran on the 9th anniversary of the 9-11 disaster, according to the New York Daily News.A statement from the agency stated that Fenton was “dismissed” because his “public actions violated New Jersey Transit’s code of ethics.”

Fenton was detained and questioned by authorties, but later released with no charges. A police source told the Daily News, “He looked nervous, like he was starting to think it wasn’t such a good idea.” I imagine so. Most people don’t like to be arrested, especially when they are excercising their constitutionally protected rights.

Green thumb costs gardener

By William R. Toler

A Georgia man is being sued by his county. The reason: too many crops.

Landscaper Steve Miller faces $5000 in fines from Dekalb County for zoning violations on his 2-plus acre lot in Clarkston, according to WSBTV.

Miller has been growing a variety of vegetables for 15 years, ranging from broccoli to bell peppers. Miller says he gives away some of his yield to his neighbors and sells some down at the local farmers market.

Earlier this year, code enforcement officers started issuing Miller tickets for growing too many crops and having unpermitted workers on site, the station reports.

This summer, Miller put a glove on his green thumb while he fought to get his property rezoned so he could grow his garden. After the zoning greenlight, the county pressed charges on his earlier violations.

TSA: Photographers are terrorists

By William R. Toler

Photographers beware. You could be mistaken for a terrorist.

As if taking pictures of police officers (blog coming soon) and government buildings wasn’t bad enough, now if you’re caught taking pictures of airplanes you could be brought in for questioning.

The Transportation Security Adminstration has put out posters portraying shutterbugs as terrorists.

The blogosphere has been abuzz with the assinine assertion from the TSA that photographers will blow up planes. The poster contains the phrase “If you question it, report it.”

When I posted a link to the story on my Facebook page, the response I got from two photographers was simply, “WOW!”

Bev misrepresents state of emergency

By William R. Toler

Former I.R. contributer Richard Evey brings up a good point: the governor cannot override a state law by a simple announcement.

Last Thursday, as Hurricane Earl made its way toward the Tarheel State, Governor Bev Perdue declared a state of emergency. In doing so, she made it illegal for anyone to transport a firearm outside his or her residence because of a little-known statute. 　

After a flood of phone calls from concerned hunters, the governor’s office and the state Wildlife Resources Commission issued statements reassuring that the decleration would have no bearing on the upcoming dove season. The statements included the lines (from the governor’s office) “…we are pleased to inform you that the current state of emergency was written in such a way that the rights of NC gun owners are not infringed upon” and (from WRC) “The Commission’s general counsel has advised that there is no legal impediment to hunting during the current state of emergency.”

Update:Dove season safe

By William R. Toler

According to the Associated Press, the state of emergency declaration will not effect the start of dove hunting season.

NC Wildlife Resources Commission

Apparently, after a flood of phone calls from concerened citizens, the Wildlife Resources Commission said the state of emergency law prohibiting the transport of dangerous weapons did not “cite any such restrictions.”

So…that begs the question: what purpose does the law serve.

According to the law, the only exception is for law enforcement officers and military personnel in the execution of their duties.

So if hunters get a pass, why shouldn’t other legal carriers?

Second Amendment suspended as storm draws near

By William R. Toler

As the monstrous Hurricane Earl looms ever closer to the Carolina coast, gun carriers beware.

Since many counties and municipalities have declared a State of Emergency, it is now illegal to travel with a firearm outside your residence. Governor Bev. Perdue has also issued a state of emergency for the entire Tarheel State.

A little-known statute prohibits the sale and transportation of any dangerous weapon or substance during a state of emergency situation. It doesn’t matter that North Carolina is an open carry state or if you have a concealed carry permit. That also includes alcohol for your hurricane party…but could it also mean gasoline for your generators? Apparently not since the governor also signed an executive order suspending transoportation regulations.