Both laws went into effect Wednesday.
One sets tough criminal penalties for making or delivering biological, nuclear or chemical weapons — and for staging hoaxes or making false reports regarding these weapons.
Under the other law, research laboratories will keep an inventory of potentially dangerous biological agents, such as anthrax and smallpox, and report those agents to the state. This registry will help investigators pinpoint where those agents are located in case they are ever used for unlawful purposes.
SENATORS — “We have a duty to protect our state from threats and violence, especially in the wake of the horrible terrorist acts against our country,” said Sen. Howard Lee. “These laws will help provide safety and peace of mind for all North Carolinians.”
Said Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, “We have seen anthrax scares all across our country, even right here in our state. We must be sure that our state is ready to respond as quickly as possible to these threats — and that people who use such weapons to harm or frighten others face the consequences of their actions.”
Kinnaird and Lee, both Democrats from Orange County, represent Moore County in the 16th District.
ON DUTY — Paul Raaf had to take off his assistant county attorney’s hat this month and replace it with the hat of a major in the U.S. Army Reserves.
With military action engendered by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Raaf was called back into Army service.
Because of that call, Raaf has not been available to the county in November and possibly will not be in December as well.
To fill the temporary vacancy, the Moore County Board of Commissioners has approved a secondary attorney contract with Southern Pines attorney Hal Morris.
Raaf is one of three attorneys serving the county. He assists County Attorney Lesley Moxley and also acts as primary attorney for the Moore County Child Support Agency. His service in recent months has included assisting with planning board issues and representing the county in a civil action against the Humane Society of Moore County.
Under the standard contract, the county is paying Morris $75 an hour plus a travel reimbursement.
GIFT CERTIFICATES — Once again Moore County employees will receive gift certificates instead of a Christmas dinner party.
Employees are asked to fill out their gift certificate choices no later than Dec. 4.
For a number of years the county hosted a dinner party for all employees and provided compensation to those unable to attend because they had to stay on the job. Among those unable to attend were sheriff’s deputies and Emergency Medical Services personnel.
However, the size of the county staff, along with spouses, became so large that it was difficult to find a meeting place large enough to accommodate everyone. Cost was also a consideration.
