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NC could join list of states allowing guns at fair

By WTOP Staff

JONATHAN DREW
Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina could join a small number of states that allow concealed handguns at state fairs when a judge considers a legal challenge to the ban on firearms at the annual event.

The gun-rights group Grass Roots North Carolina argues in a legal filing that a recent change in state law makes it illegal for the fair to ban concealed-carry permit holders from bringing guns, and a legal scholar agrees that they have a strong argument going into their hearing Monday. The fair starts on Thursday.

Grass Roots North Carolina claims several other states allow concealed carry permit holders to bring their handguns to state fairs, including Florida and Texas. The law enforcement agencies that oversee the Florida and Texas fairs said they know of no problems stemming from the concealed firearm rules.

“I don’t think it’s been an issue at all,” said Debbie Carter, spokeswoman for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, where a 2012 change in state law prompted the fair to allow permit holders to bring concealed handguns.

Only in recent years have state fairs begun allowing concealed handguns, said Jim Tucker, president and CEO of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.

“I think it’s a pretty small number that actually allow them to be brought onto fairgrounds that are state-owned,” he said, adding that he didn’t have a list.

He said his group doesn’t take a stance on the policy: “Our advice to our members is to follow to your state laws.”

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has said he is a gun owner and supporter of gun rights, but he believes firearms don’t mix with crowds, children and fair rides.

“The fair’s weapons policy, which has been in place for decades, also plays an important role in maintaining that safe environment,” Troxler said in response to the legal action.

Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina, argues in court papers that safety features of firearms and holsters should prevent guns from being ejected from fair rides or discharging in crowds. His group is asking the judge for an injunction preventing the fair from imposing the ban on concealed handguns.

Valone cited violence in recent years at other state fairs to argue that permit holders should be able to carry their guns. In 2011, 31 people were arrested and 11 injured in violence on the opening night of the Wisconsin State Fair, which does not allow concealed weapons.

Valone’s group argues that Troxler’s ban is illegal because of a North Carolina law passed in 2013 expanding where concealed handguns can be carried.

A legal scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill says that while the laws on the topic are nuanced, the gun-rights advocates have a strong argument.

Jeffrey B. Welty, an associate professor of Public Law and Government at UNC, noted in a legal analysis that state law bans concealed firearms in certain state buildings including the Capitol, but it doesn’t list the fairgrounds. State law allows private property owners to keep concealed weapons out, but it’s not clear if that aspect of the law strengthens the argument of those who run the fairgrounds, which are public property.

“I think that the somewhat stronger argument is that Commissioner Troxler doesn’t have the authority to ban concealed carry,” Welty said in an interview.

One of the primary sponsors of the gun law passed in 2013, Rep. George Cleveland, said he doesn’t recall any discussion for or against allowing guns at the State Fair while the bill was being crafted.

“To my knowledge, it was not discussed at all,” said the Jacksonville Republican.

“The intent of the bill was to open concealed carry in places where people gather,” he added. “The way I understand the bill, it allows concealed carry at the agricultural fair, at the State Fair. And if that’s what the bill allows, that’s what should happen.”

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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