BP EXCLUSIVE

From John Turpin, chairman of the Stokes County Board of Commissioners:

Andy, please post the following. Here is the scoop you will be days
ahead of the newspaper.

At the regular board meeting on Dec. 12, 2005,
Mr Rick Morris asked the board to accept his resignation as Stokes
County Manager. The reason provided by Mr. Morris for his resignation was
to pursue an employment opportunity in the private sector. Mr Morris
thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as County Manager and
wished them success in acquiring a new manager. Mr Morris also thanked
the Department Heads and other County Employees for their support and
professionalism during his tenure as County Manager. Mr. Morris requested
an effective date of January 3, 2006 for his resignation, which
provides for the required three weeks notice to the board.

The board accepted his resignation. Now We have to start to the
search.

JT