A bill filed in the state House of Representatives calls for North Carolina to establish a firm policy on bullying in schools. State Rep. Jamie Boles of Moore County is among about 60 co-sponsors of the bill that has been referred to the Committee on Education.

House Bill 776 does not specify sanctions but would require school districts to adopt a policy defining "consequences and appropriate remedial action." Lawmakers appear generally supportive of the concept but do not agree on the extent to which school districts should apply punishment in such cases. Nor do they all agree on a definition of what constitutes bullying.

If the education panel approves the measure, it will be referred to Judiciary 1 Committee. Rep. Paul Stam, a Wake County Republican, is one of four primary sponsors of the bill. Stam is minority leader in the House.

EMPTY STOCKING -- The Empty Stocking Fund provided Christmas gifts and food vouchers valued at $225,000 to more than 3,100 individuals in some 1,100 households during the 2008 Christmas season.

A resolution adopted by the Moore County Board of Commissioners notes that 89 volunteers participated in the 2008 effort and donated almost 2,000 hours to the program, now sponsored by the Sandhills Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America in cooperation with the Moore County Department of Social Services.

"The Empty Stocking Fund has recruited and matched over 130 Moore County individuals, families, churches and business organizations to act as 'sponsors' and 'willing hands' to purchase, wrap, and deliver Christmas gifts and food vouchers to thousands of less fortunate households in Moore County over the past 10 years," the proclamation says.

Board Chairman Nick Picerno read the proclamation during the board's March 16 meeting.

COBLE -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has presented its Spirit of Enterprise Award to Congressman Howard Coble in recognition of his support for pro-growth legislation during the second session of the 110th Congress.

"Last year in particular, Con-gress had to make some tough choices, and Rep. Coble clearly demonstrated his commitment to the economy and keeping America competitive in an ever-changing global market," said Thomas J. Donahue, president of the U.S. Chamber.

Eligibility is based on votes on key business issues supported by the Chamber. Coble maintained an 89 percent rating with the Chamber and cumulatively holds an 88 percent ranking during his long tenure in Congress.

Coble returned to the 6th District Thursday to participate in a fundraising dinner as a member of the waitstaff at Communities in Schools in Thomasville.

On Friday, the Greensboro Republican held a news conference to announce a HUD grant for the Millis Regional Health Education Center in High Point. He also spoke to a fifth-grade class at Nathanael Greene Elementary School in Liberty and met with constituents in his Greensboro office.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.