A cat in the Lincoln County animal shelter in June.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Members of the Lincoln County-based Helping Animals To Survive filled the county’s Board of Commissioners chambers Monday night, though a healthy contingent of supporters wasn’t enough to change the minds of county officials.

Tim O’Brien and Doug Woods spoke on behalf of the organization, which wanted the county to take further steps to help the county’s animal shelter reach true no-kill status, a goal achieved when a shelter consistently maintains a 90-percent live-release rate.

The county adopted a resolution with the intention of working toward that threshold in November 2013, and while kill and intake rates have since fallen, O’Brien said the shelter’s live-release rate still hovers around 78-80 percent. In addressing the crowd, commission chairman Carrol Mitchem said the board doesn’t need to take any immediate action.

“Anything that has a heart does not live forever,” Mitchem told the audience. “We’re all going to die at some point. Some get sicker, some die earlier than need be. But it happens. In the real world, that’s what happens. I think the numbers you’ve seen here tonight show we’ve made strides.”

The shelter reduced cat euthanizations from 1,611 in 2012 to 598 so far this year, according to animal services director David Workman. In the same timeframe, dog euthanizations have fallen from 879 to 97 and intake rates for both animals have fallen.

Still, HATS feels more can be done to reduce the amount of animals that are put down or die in cages. O’Brien, a HATS board member, said actions could be taken to help ensure Workman’s employees adopt the same philosophies he does.

O’Brien believes, in certain cases, sick animals have been placed into cages with healthy animals instead of being separated from the rest.

“If there’s an animal that may be sick, you quarantine that animal,” O’Brien said. “Currently I don’t think that’s happening. If it gets put into a cage with other animals, such as cats, it could be a virus such as a cold, for example, and the proper vet care may not be administered. Then you have an unadoptable animal.”

Overcrowding has hindered the shelter’s ability to quarantine all sick animals, according to Workman. The county does not turn away those who bring large quantities of animals to the shelter, though Workman said he is considering implementing a process to help make sure people don’t return animals they’ve already adopted.

Speaking to the audience, Commissioner Bill Beam said animal control exists for a singular reason, and “that’s the prevention of rabies to humans.” He and Mitchem were two of the voices against a proposed animal ordinance back in April that would’ve forced pet owners to maintain direct control of their animals.

That proposal was scrapped and played a role in the county replacing Ron Rombs as animal services director.

Commissioner Alex Patton, the lone proponent of April’s ordinance and an owner of two rescue dogs himself, said the best way to meet the no-kill threshold is to enact laws that reduce owners’ abilities to have or abandon unwanted pets.

“I’m for a leash law and mandatory spay and neuter,” Patton said. “We can build a shelter as big as Wal-Mart and in a year it’s going to be full. We’re trying to solve one thing with this and not doing anything about the rest of the equation, to ultimately reduce the animals we put in the shelter.”

The difficulty in putting such laws in place, Patton said, comes in finding two other commissioners to come on board.

Even with no changes in the law, it’s still feasible for the shelter to reach a 90-percent live release rate within a few months, O’Brien said. Polk County is the state’s only no-kill county.

Patton and Mitchem said they were encouraged with the progress animal services has made the past two years.

“We’re headed in that direction,” Mitchem said. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

In other matters, the county approved four planning board recommendations. They also granted local landmark designation to the Carrie L. Hopkins House, the Reinhardt Building and the Robert F. Hoke Cottage.

The post No-kill supporters can’t gain traction at commission meeting appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Guest speaker Ray Evernham addresses the room at the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce 2013 annual banquet.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

The Lincolnton-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet Thursday evening at The Laboratory Mill in Lincolnton.

The proceedings begin at 7 p.m. and will include the presentation of various awards, including industry, volunteer, new member, ambassador and man and woman of the year.

Matt Fore, a Tennessee magician, will serve as the night’s entertainment.

“It’s a good way to celebrate a good, prosperous year and yet another way to see some good entertainment,” Chamber President Ken Kindley said. “It’s a way that we recognize those that put time into putting in work for the Chamber and improving the community. It’s an upbeat type of banquet, just to celebrate a very active year.”

Kindley expects between 250-300 in attendance for the program, which will also include the installation of new Board of Directors members.

Current board chair Chris Rhyne will name Keith Gaskill to take his place. Sam Houser, Jamie Houser, Jeremy Love, Lou Ann Cain and John Gilleland will become board members for the first time, while Mark Ingle, Rich Lyon, Tim Gause and David Boyles will step away and receive a service plaque.

Gilleland, the owner of Gilleland Realty and the outgoing mayor of Lincolnton, said serving on the chamber board will allow him to make a difference in his community while being a lot less burdensome on his time.

“I had to decide what I wanted to stay involved with,” Gilleland said. “I was certain that I needed to slow down. I needed to stop going 100 miles per hour, but I needed to stay involved and I am going to stay involved.”

Gilleland has experience in business big and small. He referred to small business as “the heartbeat of America” and said he believes his new role will allow him to focus more on his real estate company and less on making the appearances required of a town mayor.

He will formally relinquish his mayor’s seat on Dec. 3.

“I have very strong interest in making Lincolnton successful,” Gilleland said. “I believe (the Chamber of Commerce) can make a difference and make it appealing, make people want to relocate to Lincolnton.”

The Lincoln Economic Development Association will present the county’s Industry of the Year honors. Aptar of Lincolnton received the award a year ago.

The Lincolnton Business & Professional Women’s Organization will name a successor to Rosalind Welder as Woman of the Year. The Lincoln County Rotary will pick Rick Ramseur’s replacement as Man of the Year.

The banquet also serves as the chamber’s annual membership meeting. In addition to celebrating the past year, the group will ponder ways to improve going forward, Kindley said.

“We’re going to keep a lot of the same things,” he said. “We will continue to promote businesses coming in here…Any way that we can help promote the economy and also provide our members with ways to promote business through functions like this we will continue to do.”

The Chamber of Commerce will accept reservations through Wednesday afternoon. The Laboratory Mill is located at 848 Southfork Road in Lincolnton.

The post Chamber banquet set for Thursday appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Charles Mize affixes a purple Alzheimer’s awareness ribbon to the Healing Tree.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Thirty or so people gathered together Monday morning, encircling a tree while carrying tokens of painful memories.

They were gathered to commemorate Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the “Healing Tree” served as the mechanism to do so. Many had miniature purple ribbons to affix to the tree, which was already home to a scarf and other ribbons with names of afflicted loved ones. A photograph hung to commemorate someone with the debilitating disease that currently ails more than five million Americans.

Walt Windley, chaplain of Hospice and Palliative Care Lincoln County, opened the dialogue with a story of his grandmother, whose funeral was the first he attended out of seminary school.

Others followed suit, listing the adjectives and qualities they associate with late and living friends and family members. This included a widow, who recalled her late husband’s positive attitude even when as knew his days were probably numbered.

“We’re really bad in our culture today about ever slowing down and carving out space to just simply be still and that’s what events like this do,” Windley said. “They remind us to simply be still, be silent, remember, reflect.”

The tree dedication was part of a larger celebration, held annually, to honor the community’s caregivers. A few such caregivers were present at the Lincoln County Senior Services event.

Local officials, including Lincoln County Commissioner Bill Beam and Lincolnton Mayor John Gilleland, made appearances and delivered speeches.

“I did a lot of things in law enforcement that a lot of people can’t do in their daily lives,” Beam said. “They do a job that even I couldn’t do. There’s a use and a need for everybody and caregivers are terribly overlooked.”

Programming and services manager Becky Putnam gave out door prizes, which included a scarf and hat knitted by former Blair Goodson Award winner and current senior services employee Fran Senters.

“(Caregivers) are probably not appreciated like they should be because a lot of times the people that they’re taking care of may not even be able to tell them how much they’re appreciated,” said Gilleland, who presented a proclamation on behalf of the event.

Gilleland became intimately familiar with the concept of caregiving when he had to take care of both his mother and father during the elderly years, he said.

“If it had been entirely up to me, I wouldn’t have gotten through it,” he said. “We had wonderful people help us.”

After the event, Senters presented a bowl of purple ribbons for people who wished to attach them to the Healing Tree. About 15 people took one, placing it on the tree as they shared the impact Alzheimer’s has had upon their lives.

The post Healing Tree hopes to comfort families affected by Alzheimer’s appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Local events happening around town for Wednesday, November 18, 2015 through Thursday, November 20, 2015

WEDNESDAY

Community meeting
The city of Lincolnton will host a community meeting regarding the new First Federal Park on from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. in the Lentz Center in Betty Ross Park. For anyone who is unable to attend, their input is encouraged by email to Richard Haynes at rhaynes@lincolntonnc.org or by calling (704) 735-2671.

THURSDAY　

Meeting
Lake Norman Covekeepers will meet at 7 p.m. at the East Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department, located at 406 South Pilot Knob Rd. in Stanley. Guest speakers will be Tom Dyson of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service and Rick Ross or Organic Footprint Lawn and Garden Center. For more information call Ben Benoit at (704) 489-6249.

Meeting
Local AARP 3682 will meet in the Senior Center’s multi-purpose room at the Gaston College Lincoln Campus, located at 511 S. Aspen St in Lincolnton on at 10:30 a.m. Bring a covered dish and join us for great fellowship. New members are welcome. Call (704) 276-2153 for more information.

The post Around Town — 11-18-15 appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

(L-R) Meghan Cochrane, Jamie Richard, Brandon Shronce.

Staff report

Three people were arrested by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday for their alleged involvement with a meth lab.

Detectives went to a residence near the 3100 block of Loomis Street in Lincolnton to investigate a complaint about drug activity, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office. One of the subjects answered the door and officers could smell a strong chemical odor coming from inside. The detectives were given consent to enter the residence and, once inside, saw what appeared to be a “one pot” meth lab.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office meth lab certified narcotics detectives arrived at the scene and confirmed the items located inside were a meth lab. The residence was made secure and officers contained the crime scene until agents from the SBI arrived to assist in the clean up and evidence collection.

Arrested were Brandon Stewart Shronce, 31, of Hollow Road in Lincolnton, Meghan Elizabeth Cochrane, 32, of Lincolnton, and Jamie Shane Richard, 39, of Ivey Church Road in Iron Station. All three were charged with manufacture a controlled substance schedule II, possess and distribute meth precursors and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Cochrane was also served a warrant for failure to appear. Cochrane was issued a $140,000 secured bond and bond for Shronce and Richard was set at $100,000 secured.

The post Three arrested for Lincolnton meth lab appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Pumpkin Center Intermediate students Alexis Grant (left) and Ellery Edwards load Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

This week, students at Pumpkin Center Intermediate School could measure their success by the car load.

The school’s drive to collect supplies yielded 122 shoeboxes full of goodies for Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan’s Purse project. Since 1993, OCC has collected 124 million gift-filled boxes for children in 150 countries and territories across the world.

The organization, aiming for another 11 million boxes this year, got a boost from PCIS’s efforts.

“It wasn’t for them. They’re doing it for other boys and girls,” said Kelly Withrow, the school’s assistant principal. “(They) just seemed as happy as can be. It makes me take a step back and think, what am I doing to help others at my age.”

Spearheaded by instructor Cathy Ballard and her 33 students in the Academically and Intellectually Gifted program, the school broke its record for production. Students spent their Tuesday transferring piles of hard candy, toys, shoes, hygienic products and classroom supplies into boxes further segregated by gender and various age ranges. By the time the group finished its sorting, the boxes had exhausted available table space and spilled out into neat piles along a classroom floor.

AIG calls for its classes to carry out at least one service-learning project. OCC is something most kids could get behind because they don’t want others to go without on Christmas, Ballard said.

Carter Black went to the local Dollar Tree on the first day of the drive, picking up toothpaste, toothbrushes, pencils and toys for the less fortunate. His desire was far from unique, if a bit early.

“For a long stretch, nobody brought in anything,” said Black, a fifth grader. “I thought we weren’t going to get anything. It was mainly the last day that they brought a lot of stuff in.”

On Monday, the class wasn’t sure it’d have enough to fill more than 60 or so boxes. By Tuesday afternoon, the last of a 15-day collection period, there were enough materials to accomplish something unprecedented by previous classes.

Wednesday’s final task was to load the boxes into Ballard’s van. From there, the AIG instructor will drive the materials to Boger City Baptist Church, the local OCC drop-off point. She will purchase a couple of $7 Follow-Your-Box tracking labels, enabling her to track the boxes’ journey.

“I think the kids are more world-aware now, more globally aware of things than they were in the past,” Ballard said. “This is one way they can help.”

The school typically collects enough supplies to fill around 100 boxes. The increase this year comes as a result of AIG students coordinating their efforts with the rest of the school and the adjoining Pumpkin Center Primary School, Ballard said.

Students went door to door, making their presence felt and pressing upon their peers the importance of giving. They also made mini-skits for the morning news, broadcast to each class daily through a SMART board.

Withrow, a first-year administrator and last year’s Lincoln County Teacher of the Year while at Kiser Intermediate School, credited Ballard with the project’s success.

“I give Miss Ballard all the credit,” she said. “She organized everything, got the kids on board, generated excitement and created the videos. She’s a fabulous AIG teacher, especially when it comes to pushing the limits and getting the AIG kids excited.”

At Boger City Baptist Church, volunteers have come to expect Ballard’s donations. She’ll bring more materials later, courtesy of Catawba Springs Elementary School, where she also works.

“They planned for my arrival because they know they need extra help to unload my van,” she said. “When I show up with 122 they know they’ll need extra help.”

Boger City Baptist Church, one of 4,000 OCC dropoff sites nationwide, will accept shoebox donations through Monday.

The post Students load shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

PHIL PERRY
Senior Writer

If you were to subtract the city officials, employees, First Federal Savings CEO Wayne Hoyle, members of the press and the architect that was present to answer questions regarding the proposed First Federal Park, there were perhaps 10 Lincolnton citizens present to ask questions and learn more about the city’s newest park. All in all, 31 heads were counted in the Lentz Center at Betty Ross Park on Wednesday evening.

Wirth & Associates landscape architect Gary Wirth was on hand and addressed the room regarding the park and answered many questions, with the help of city officials, regarding security, maintenance, liability, water usage and even the chosen location.

It was determined that the park would have set hours that it could be occupied and Parks and Recreation Director Richie Haynes, who has directed most of the planning for the project, assured attendees that his department would be overseeing the park and keeping it clean and operable. Mayor John Gilleland noted that during operating season, the splash pad would only cost the city $1 per day in water usage. The park is designed to facilitate 17-20 children, according to Wirth.

“We are dealing with budget and space constraints,” Wirth told attendees. “This isn’t a large piece of land.”

Liability for the park would not differ from liability insurance that the city carries for any other public park.

Including the $120,000 purchase price of the plot, there is a $400,000 budget for the project, with the Lincolnton Tourism Development Authority making a $220,000 donation via the city’s occupancy tax. First Federal Savings Bank in Lincolnton purchased naming rights for the park in June for $75,000.

Hoyle was proud that First Federal jumped into the project early, which isn’t always the case with funding.

“We wanted to help the city,” he said. “We’ve been here, we built our building here and this community has been great to us. We are here to support it tonight and we want to see it through. It is very exciting and we are proud to be associated with the park. If the public says that they don’t want it, we will back out but we believe that it is the right thing.”

The bank owns the naming rights for 10 years. Without committing, Hoyle said that furthering that agreement down the road is something that could come to pass.

“We want to, but it is hard to say where both sides will be in 10, 20 years,” Hoyle said. “On the flip side of that, we may decide to extend it in five years. We’ll just have to wait and see where we all are.”

Hoyle, 57, is a Lincolnton native and now resides in eastern Lincoln County. He said that this doesn’t change his passion for the city of Lincolnton.

“We are only located in Lincoln County and our money is in Lincoln County so we make an effort to give back throughout the county,” he said. “We always say schools first, charities second and everything else follows.”

The Lincolnton High School graduate believes that the park will help revitalize downtown and serve multiple purposes for the community.

Some citizens believe that there should have been more of an effort made to preserve the old Carolina and North Western Railroad Freight Depot that the city inherited with the land purchase. A caboose that rests on the land has been a hot topic. The city sold the caboose over the summer via the online auction site govdeals.com for $8,400 when it met the reserve price of $8,000, but legally pulled out of the deal when the City Council voted to keep it and research the cost of making it a part of the park or the city landscape. The city is waiting on an evaluation of restoring the exterior of the caboose but city officials have said that the cost will exceed $20,000 and, perhaps, their budget.

The post Community meeting for First Federal Park sparsely attended appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Firm Foundation, pictured above, will perform at a concert to benefit Toys for Tots on Saturday in Lincolnton.

PHIL PERRY
Senior Writer

A gospel concert has been scheduled to benefit the Lincoln County Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive for the 2015 holiday season. Toys for Tots coordinator Sherry Trevino is appreciative of the efforts of the four musical groups who are donating their talent for the event and attendees who will facilitate another successful year of assuring that every child in Lincoln County has something to open on Christmas morning.

“I believe that the community understands what an event like this means,” Trevino said. “It really makes a positive impact on what we do each year.”

Last year, Trevino led a group of volunteers that distributed five toys each to more than 1,800 children. The last concert that was held to raise money and toys for the non-profit was in 2013.

This year’s concert will feature local gospel acts Mercy Heart, Firm Foundation, 3:16 and Fifth Dimension.

Raymond Reynolds, the keyboardist and lead singer of Firm Foundation, said that he relishes the opportunity to participate in the concert.

“I grew up poor,” Reynolds said. “I don’t like using that word because it sounds degrading and that isn’t how I mean it. I understand how these kids feel because I can remember growing up and not having much and I remember the dreams and wishes I had around the holidays so it is special for me to be a part of something like this.”

The Lincolnton-based contemporary rock/gospel group will have their latest CD, titled “My God is Real,” on hand at the show. The group has been together for a dozen years and travels the east coast playing their brand of rock music.

For the youngsters in attendance, Santa Claus will be on hand. The James W. Warren Citizens Center in downtown Lincolnton has donated the stage and space for the event.

The concert runs from 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 21. Earlier that day, a motorcycle run that will launch at Staples in Lincolnton at noon will ride through the city. Admission to the two-wheeled convoy will be an unwrapped child’s gift.

For Trevino and the volunteers that include her husband, Ray, the process begins in early November when they begin planning and signing up volunteers for organization and distribution of the toys. The concert will serve as a kick-off for their 2015 efforts.

“We are expecting another successful year,” Trevino said. “We are excited to be putting on the concert, once again.”

Admission to the show will be $5 or an unwrapped gift. For more information, contact Sherry Trevino at (704) 747-8557.

The post Weekend concert will benefit Toys for Tots appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

North Carolina’s state auditor identified two deficiencies in a Nov. 10 audit report of the Lincoln County Superior Court.

State auditor Beth Wood determined that the Clerk of Court’s office featured improper system access that put it at risk for undetected errors and fraud. Additionally, she found that the office did not “compel the timely filing of estate inventories in accordance with state law, resulting in a delay and potential loss in the collection of fees.”

The audit reported zero instances of fraud.

Clerk of Court Fred Hatley said this was the first time an audit rose to the point of an actual write up, but that an insufficient separation of duties is the unfortunate result of a small staff. Hatley has 20 employees, including a full-time and part-time cashier.

The state determines the size of a court’s staff based on its county population.

“The biggest thing, the (Administrative Office of the Courts) says we can’t do certain jobs like take money, you can’t work over in the criminal office and close out cases over there because in some areas of the state, there have been people that have done that, closed out and kept the money,” Hatley said. “We have no…choice because we only have 20 people who work here.”

The clerk’s office handled nearly $9.8 million in cash from July 1, 2014 until March 31. According to the audit report, staff within the court’s office had the ability to change and delete information in multiple systems. The report also found that four former employees still had update access within the Criminal Court Information System and one had access to the Financial Management System despite no longer being employed at the courthouse.

In his response to the auditor, Hatley said he had since revoked access privileges from those former employees.

Employees from the child support and civil office also serve as back-up cashiers, a problem Hatley said he can’t really do much about. He did admit, though, that steps could be made to take care of the second violation, regarding the timely filing of estate inventories.

In the past, the clerk’s office has not always enforced deadlines because “we’re a small town and we know everybody.”

“It comes in at different times,” Hatley said. “The money comes in at different times. The state people, they think that everything has to be done right on the button. Sixty days you have to file a report, 90 days you have to file a report and then a yearly report. We’re small, we’re more flexible. We don’t push the people like they think we should.”

As part of the audit, 30 of the 72 estates requiring inventories were examined. The auditor found that the clerk’s office did not collect $2,275 in fees when the inventory was filed in eight of the 30 estates. The report also said the untimely filing of inventories “could delay the family of the deceased from finalizing the estate and could allow unauthorized transactions from the estate not being detected.”

That lax nature came to a head during the Peter Capece case. Capece, a now-disbarred attorney from the Jonas Law Firm, is currently facing 11 felony embezzlement charges stemming from a trust he managed. He racked up more than $4,000 in unpaid court costs.

“Maybe we could’ve been more diligent about them and about pushing (him) and getting them in here,” said Hatley. “But we had no reason to suspect him being a crook.”

Since the audit report, the estate office has transferred in an additional employee from the criminal office to assist with estates. That employee helps make sure the office is using state-available estate tracking software to keep up to date with deadlines.

As a result of the write-ups, the Superior Court is a likely target for future audits, Hatley said. The clerk stood by his office and his employees, restating that much of the audit’s findings are the consequences of employing a small staff.

“There’s nothing illegal about what we’ve done,” Hatley said. “They can’t prove that we’ve done anything illegal other than time restraining the money and separation of duties because we are a small office and we have to get people to cover the offices.”

The post State audit finds minor issues at Clerk of Court office appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests:

• Nicholas Andrew Tompkins, 19, of 2549 Tin Mine Rd. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 12 with one count each of communicating threats and first degree trespassing.
• Brian Scott Smith, 20, of 3021 Heavners Farm Ct. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 12 with one count each of hit and run property damage and careless and reckless driving.
• Jason Alexander Hinton, 31, of 1203 Caldwell St. in Lenoir was charged Nov. 12 with one count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
• Chandler Brad Harrison, 21, of 306 Alf Hoover Rd. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 12 with one count each of driving while impaired, unsafe movement by starting, stopping or turning, maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for controlled substance, sell/deliver within 1000 ft. of school property, possession of drug paraphernalia, sell or deliver a schedule VI controlled substance and two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule VI controlled substance. A $1,000 bond was set.
• Jerome Maurice Rogers, 27, of 206 Wedgewod Dr. in Gastonia was charged Nov. 13 with one count of failure to appear.
• Preston Aamos Bull, 30, homeless, of Vale was charged Nov. 13 with one count of probation violation.
• Christopher Godfrey, 31, of 1861 Leonhardt Rd in Cherryville was charged Nov. 13 with one count of failure to appear.
• Dustin Wayne Freeman, 30, of 4470 Bouy Ln. in Denver was charged Nov. 13 with one count of financial transaction card takes or obtaining, and two counts of obtaining of property by false pretenses.
• Curtis Ryan McGuire, 29, of 1198 S. NC 16 Business Hwy. in Stanley was charged Nov. 13 with one count each of sell or deliver a schedule VI controlled substance, maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for a controlled substance, concealing weapons, driving while impaired and possession of drug paraphernalia. A $6,000 secured bond was set.
• Steven Anthony Owens, 48, of 7125 Forney Hill Rd. in Denver was charged Nov. 14 with one count each of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana up to ½ oz. and possession of drug paraphernalia. A $5,000 secured bond was set.
• Rebekah Paris, 32, of 1425 Highland Bluff Ct. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 14 with one count of failure to appear.
• Jeffery Miles Thomas, 33, of 2705 N. Center St. in Hickory was charged Nov. 14 with one count of worthless check. A $6,000 secured bond was set.
• Cody Samuel Ray Blaire, 22, of 6515 Denver Heights Cir. in Denver was charged Nov. 14 with one count of failure to appear.
• Ashley Nicole Hunsucker, 29, of 5719 Country Ln. in Stanley was charged Nov. 14 with one count of failure to appear. A $2,000 secured bond was set.
• Joshua Ryan Baker, 20, of 612 E. 11^th St. in Newton was charged Nov. 14 with one count of resist, delay or obstruction of a public officer. A $1,000 secured bond was set.
• Reggie Joe Beal, 46, of 2994 East Maiden Hwy. in Maiden was charged Nov. 14 with one count of non-support of family. A $750 bond was set.
• Dustin Thomas Rhodes, 31, of 3464 Dave Heafner Rd. in Crouse was charged Nov. 14 with one count each of larceny and first degree trespassing. A $4,000 secured bond was set.
• Carol Robinson Rose, 61, 1912 Withers Rd. in Maiden was charged Nov. 15 of one count of worthless check.
• Cody Lane Hester, 22, of 478 Henley Rd. in Maiden was charged Nov. 15 with one count each of possession of a schedule VI controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. A $500 secured bond was set.
• Elizabeth Patricia Montoya, 24, of 2781 Saint James Church Rd. in Denver was charged Nov. 15 with one count of possession of marijuana up to ½ oz. and possession of drug paraphernalia. A $300 secured bond was set.
• David Nathaniel Neal, 33, of 1037 Highland Bluff Ct. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 15 with one count each of possession of schedule II controlled substance and possessing controlled drugs, equipment or paraphernalia. A $5,500 secured bond was set.
• Michael Alan Foster, 24, of 402 3^rd St. Pl. SW in Hickory was charged Nov. 16 with one count of failure to appear.
• Timothy Dravon Burris, 42, of 1406 Meandering Ln. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 16 with one count of civil order for arrest of child support.
• Willie Horton, 22, of 2140 Mineral Spring Rd. in Franklin was charged Nov. 16 with one count of assault on a female.
• Heather Nichole Meeks, 37, of 3210 Loop Rd. in Lincolnyon was charged Nov. 16 with compulsory attendance law violation.
• Richard Eugene Hollar, 37, of 608 Blossom Hill Rd. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 16 with one count of civil order for arrest of child support. A $750 cash bond was set.
• James Satiro, 49, of 4881 Sagittarius Cir. in Denver was charged Nov. 16 with one count communicating threats.
• Justin Dru Bragg, 28, 3125 Bittersweet Tr. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 16 with one count of failure to appear. A $500 secured bond was set.
• Jenson Scott Payseur, 31, of 2740 Southside Rd. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 16 with one count each of felony breaking and entering a building, larceny after breaking and entering and possessing stolen goods. A $15,000 bond was set.
• Carroll Paul Richard, Jr., 43, of 217 Moriah School Rd. in Casar was charged Nov. 16 with one count of no financial responsibility, improper turn, driving while license revoked, displaying fictitious registration plate.
• James Keever, 77, of 1722 Maple Ln. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 16 with one count of failure to comply.
• David William Johnson, 34, of 7494 Timber Ridge Tr. in Denver was charged Nov. 16 with one count of misdemeanor larceny.
• Katherine Taylor Kelly, 17, of 7191 Grist Mill Ct. in Denver was charged Nov. 17 with one count each of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear and two counts of possession of a schedule IV controlled substance. A $5,000 secured bond was set.

The post Criminal Charges — 11-20-15 appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

FRIDAY

Yard sale
Salem Baptist Church, located at 1982 Salem Church Rd. in Lincolnton will host a yard sale from 7 a.m.-4p.m. in the fellowship hall behind the main church building. Hot dogs will be available. Proceeds go to missions.

Meeting
The Lincoln County Public Education Foundation Board of Director’s will meet at noon in the Executive Conference Room at the Board of Education Administrative Offices, located at 353 North Generals Blvd., in Lincolnton.

Handmade for the holidays
The Lincoln Cultural Center, located at 403 E. Main St. in Lincolnton will host handmade for the holidays from 5p.m.-9p.m. Bring your gift list and shop for one of a kind gifts for everyone. No admission fee.

SATURDAY　

Yard sale
Salem Baptist Church, located at 1982 Salem Church Rd. in Lincolnton will host a yard sale from 7 a.m.-1p.m. in the fellowship hall behind the main church building. Hot dogs will be available. Proceeds go to missions.

Craft fair
North Brook Baptist Church, located at 7421 Flay Rd. in Cherryville will host a craft fair from 9a.m.-2p.m. Jewelry, pottery, salsa, jellies, baked goods, crochet items and Christmas décor will be available for purchase. The youth will be serving breakfast and lunch. Everyone is welcome and admission is free.

Handmade for the holidays
The Lincoln Cultural Center, located at 403 E. Main St. in Lincolnton will host handmade for the holidays from 9a.m.-2p.m. Bring your gift list and shop for one of a kind gifts for everyone. No admission fee.

Craft show
Holy Spirit Catholic Church, located at 537 N. Hwy. 16 Business in Denver will host a craft show and bake sale in the Parish Activity Center from 9a.m.-2p.m. Admission is free. Lunch and drinks will also be available. Admission is free.

Oyster stew fundraiser
Bethel United Methodist Church, located at 7284 Campground Rd. in Denver is hosting an oyster stew fundraiser beginning at noon. All you can eat oyster stew, vegetable soup, potato soup, or taco soup with drinks and desserts. Free hotdogs will be available for children. Eat-in or take out available.

Ribeye steak dinner
The Catawba Volunteer Fire Department, located at 108 N. Main St. in Catawba will host a ribeye steak dinner beginning at 4p.m. The meal includes baked potato or fries, salad, dessert and tea or coffee. All steaks are grilled to order. Cost will be $13 for adults and all take-out orders, $6 for children under the age of 10. For take-out orders or delivery options please call (828) 241-4955.

Meeting
The Lincoln County Singing Convention will meet from 5p.m.-7p.m. at Hull’s Grove Baptist Church, West Campus, located at 6670 W. Hwy. NC 27 in Vale. Everyone is invited.  For more information call (704) 276-1529.

Dinner and dance
The Widowed Group of the Greater Gaston Area will host a Thanksgiving dinner and dance at the Gaston County Resource Center, located at 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy. in Dallas. Doors will open at 6p.m. Admission is $10. The band Crimson Rose will play from 7 p.m.-10p.m.Everyone is invited. For more information call (704) 865-5663 or (704) 517-5273.

The post Around Town — 11-20-15 appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Joey Lister Jones

Staff report

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a fourth person in connection with a meth lab discovered on Tuesday on Loomis Street in Lincolnton.

Joey Lister Jones, 41, of 313 West First Street in Cherryville, was arrested on Saturday and charged with one felony count each of manufacturing a controlled substance schedule II, possess or distribute meth precursors and conspiracy.

Deputies have accused Jones of purchasing items needed to cook methamphetamine.

Brandon Stewart Shronce, Meghan Elizabeth Cochrane and Jamie Shane Richard were arrested by the Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday after deputies discovered a “one-pot” meth lab in a Lincolnton home. They were charged with manufacturing a schedule II controlled substance, possess and distribute meth precursors and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

The post Fourth person arrested in connection with meth lab appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

You must currently be registered with NC Works to be referred on any of our jobs. Go to www.ncworks.gov to register or update an existing registration. Job listings for all of North Carolina may also be accessed. Call NC Works Career Center, Lincolnton, 704.735.8035, or come to NC Works Career Center-Lincoln County, 529 N Aspen St., Lincolnton.

FULL TIME FOOD SERVICE AIDE — JOB NUMBER 10443677
Assists the Dietary Manager and cook in the preparation and service of food to patients/ residents. Assists in assembly of meal trays following the planned menus of physicians’ diet orders. Completes ware washing and trash disposal. Maintains food service equipment and work spaces in a clean and safe condition. May occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. HS diploma/GED preferred.

LOCAL ROUTE DRIVERS — JOB NUMBER 10443686
Seeking Class A & B CDL drivers for a busy sanitation company. Class A or B CDL with at least 1 year driving experience. Requires tanker endorsement and clean MVR. Dependable, must have transportation.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN — JOB NUMBER 10444274
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders. Prefer someone who is certified. Will have one year to become certified. HS diploma/GED required.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN — JOB NUMBER 10444345
Maintains lawns: mows, edges, trims weeds, mulches. Applies fertilizer and irrigates lawns and plants; aerates soil, seeds lawns; prunes shrubs and trees. Removes leaves from parking lots, lawns, and walkways. Removes ice, snow, leaves, trash, and debris from sidewalks. Operates equipment such as chainsaw, riding mowers, bush hog, and backhoe. Requires a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. NC Pesticide license helpful. Requires 1-2 years’ experience.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR — JOB NUMBER 10443238
Experience a must. References required. Self-motivated, energetic and aggressive with 5 years of experience and knowledge in laying pipe, clearing, fine grading.

CLASS A CDL DUMP TRUCK DRIVER — JOB NUMBER 10443244
Must have valid CDL and medical card. Requires 3-5 years dump truck experience, clean MVR, construction material industry knowledge, pre-employment drug and background screening. Knowledge of Charlotte and surrounding areas helpful. Need some mechanical experience.

MACHINE OPERATOR/LINE LEADER — JOB NUMBER 10440105
Will oversee 5-8 employees. Responsible for daily production output, final product quality and daily production reporting. Mechanical/troubleshooting abilities a plus. Will train at the Lincolnton plant and then transfer to Commerce, California plant.

MIG WELDER — JOB NUMBER 10434654
Looking for experienced welders with 2 years in automotive or heavy equipment. Must pass a welding test including all positions. Welds metal parts as specified by layout, welding diagram, or work order. HS diploma/GED; or 1-2 related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

VARIOUS POSITIONS — Various positions are available with local school system including Title I tutors, teachers, custodians, and others.

METALLURGIST — JOB NUMBER 10439713
Provide quality and technical assistance to ensure metallurgical integrity of existing, new, and prototype products. Interpret physical testing results, microstructures, and other metallurgical characteristics to improve first time quality and efficiency of the heat treat process. Requires 10 years’ experience.

The post NC Works Job Listings — 11-23-15 appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Dutchess Lattimore.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Though she grew up a small-town girl, Crystana Lattimore has long held big-world aspirations.

After graduating from Lincolnton High School in 2002, Lattimore moved to Greensboro, where she later earned a master’s degree from North Carolina A&T. It was there that she first learned tattoo artistry, knowledge that ultimately allowed her to move up north and find reality television notoriety.

Since then, Lattimore — nicknamed “Dutchess” by her grandmother — has blossomed into perhaps Lincolnton’s biggest celebrity.

In Harlem, New York, a series of fortunate events led Lattimore to employment at a prestigious tattoo parlor and a slot on a popular VH1 reality show. That show led to a spin-off of its own and helped give Lattimore the confidence to open her own store in Charlotte last Saturday.

“When I went away for college, I went away knowing I wanted to see the world with no limitations,” Lattimore said. “Anything that could show me the world, I did. I did some study abroad. It allowed me to see some things outside of Lincolnton. I have had experiences from the best of both worlds. To have an understanding of both lifestyles, it lets you be a lot more open.”

Lattimore’s appearance on VH1’s “Black Ink Crew,” a show centered on the daily operations of Harlem-based Black Ink Tattoo Studio, wasn’t something she had expected, but it has helped propel her forward. And her experience outside of Lincoln County allowed her to at least somewhat prepare for it.

Her Twitter account boasts more than 100,000 followers, and the opening of Pretty-N-Ink on Charlotte’s South Tryon Street was a red-carpet event.

“You have to think there’s nothing that could stop your dreams no matter what you come from,” she said. “Just because you are from a small town doesn’t mean you have small dreams.”

Lattimore earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s in business administration and entrepreneurship from North Carolina A&T. Being able to run a business is something she was prepared for, even if she hadn’t anticipated running a tattoo parlor.

“I thought I would always be in corporate America,” she said. “I was an intern in NASCAR. It showed me a way that I could create my concept, my own brand.”

Her reality show, which touches on her relationship with shop owner and fiance Caesar Emanuel, has aired since 2013. It inspired a spin-off show, “Black Ink Crew: Chicago,” that debuted in October.

In 2013, Lattimore and sister Zandrea established a scholarship fund as a way to give back to the community. Starting a tattoo shop here, though, is unlikely, and not just because of the small market.

The City of Lincolnton prohibits such parlors and none exist elsewhere in Lincoln County.

“The political aspects of Lincolnton are very much controlling when it comes to the tattoo industry,” she said. “It was very hard for Lincolnton to get liquor by the drink. I would be surprised if they let a tattoo shop be there, but we are considering doing a boutique.”

Lattimore is aware that small businesses tend to fail in large numbers, though she hopes her experience in the tattoo industry and her reality television popularity will help allow this one to succeed. Either way, she believes her Lincolnton childhood taught her to never doubt herself.

“I was a cheerleader,” she said. “I was captain of the basketball team. I ran track. I was in the National Honor Society, Beta Club. My senior superlative was most daring. To see that this is my career choice, I kind of get it.”

The post Reality TV show leads to opening of tattoo parlor for ‘Dutchess’ appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests:

• Alton Leroy McBride, Jr., 47, of 7844 Deer Track Dr., 117, in Randleman was charged Nov. 17 with one count each of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of possession of a schedule IV controlled substance.
• Alton Leroy McBride, 18, of 7844 Deer Track Dr., in Denver was charged Nov. 17 with one count each of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and possession of a schedule VI controlled substance.
• Tiffany Maynor Goins, 35, of 1200 Betterbrook Ln. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 17 with one count of failure to appear. A $500 secured bond was set.
• Carroll Joshua Brown, 29, of 3448 E. NC Hwy. 27 in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 17 with one count of obtaining advances under promise to work.
• David Kern Griffith, 58, of Hudson Rd. in Catawba was charged Nov. 17 with one count each of misdemeanor breaking and entering a building and injury to personal property.
• Nicole Danielle Hester, 23, of 133 Barb Branch Ln. in Vale was charged Nov. 17 with one count each of injury to personal property and communicating threats.
• Matthew Tyler Straughan, 26, of 133 Barb Branch Ln. in Vale was charged Nov. 17 with one count each of assault on a female by a male over 18 years of age, injury to personal property and two counts of communicating threats.
• Jerome Patrick Lozaw, 51, of 721 Northbrook Dr. in Raleigh was charged Nov. 17 with one count of driving while impaired.
• Whitney Doral Sain, 26, of 3377 Trinity Church Rd. in Vale was charged Nov. 17 with one count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance. A $2,500 unsecured bond was set.
• Robert Brandon Simmons, 30, of 117 Westview Dr. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 17 with one count of non-support of family.
• David Lee Kinman, 43, of 5690 Coot Williams Rd. in Cherryville was charged Nov. 17 with one count of domestic violence order violation.
• Jeffery Allen Bortz, 32, of 212 Polk St. in Taylorsville was charged Nov. 17 with one count of second degree trespassing, larceny, and felony larceny and two counts of driving while license revoked, probation violation, possession of a firearm weapon by a felon, possession of stolen goods, conspiracy, and failure to appear.
• Holly Danielle Scronce, 27, of 212 Polk St. in Taylorsville was charged Nov. 17 with one count of probation violation, larceny by servants and other employees, conspiracy, felony larceny, possession of stolen goods and possession of a firearm weapon by a felon. A $10,000 secured bond was set.
• Brandon Stewart Shronce, 31, of 1439 Hollow Rd. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 17 with one count of manufacturing a schedule Ii controlled substance, conspiracy and possession and distribution of a meth precursor.
• Jamie Shane Richard, 39, of 834 Ivey Church Rd. in Iron Station was charged Nov. 17 with one count of manufacturing a schedule II controlled substance, conspiracy and possession or distribution of a meth precursor.
• Meghan Elizabeth Cochrane, 32, of General Deliver in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 17 with one count each of manufacturing a schedule II controlled substance, conspiracy and possession or distribution of a meth precursor.
• Stephen Dwayne Gavin, 31, of 395 Narrow Ln. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 18 with one count of failure to appear. A $2,000 secured bond was set.
• Jessica Nicole Neill, 24, of 7555 Palm Tree Dr. in Vale was charged Nov. 18 with one count of first degree trespassing. A $500 secured bond was set.
• Meghan Elizabeth Cochrane, 32, of General Delivery in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 18 with one count of failure to appear. A $40,000 secured bond was set.
• Austin Lee Turner, 17, of 220 Hilltop Rd. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 19 with one count each of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute a schedule II controlled substance and possession of a schedule II controlled substance. A $3,000 secured bond was set.
• Tracy McAllister, 37, of 327 Grandview Ln. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 19 with one count of compulsory attendance law violation.
• Dianna Christine Williams, 49, of 452 Rhyne Rd. in Charlotte was charged Nov. 19 with one count each of misdemeanor larceny, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, financial identity fraud and obtaining property by false pretenses. A $10,000 bond was set.
• Kimberly Lee Davis, 38, of 713 Hares Way in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 19 with one count of worthless check.
• Chadwick Allen Bean, 40, of 488 Beth Haven Church Rd. in Denver was charged Nov. 19 with two counts of failure to appear. A $1,000 secured bond was set.
• Justin Marshall Byrd, 24, of 1152 Camp Creek Rd. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 19 with one count of failure to appear. A $45,000 secured bond was set.
• Kristy Elizabeth Comstock, 26, of 850 Howard Hill Rd. in Newark Valley, NY was charged Nov. 19 with two counts of failure to appear.
• Larry Dean Ballard, 47, of 1362 Crows Rd. in Lawndale was charged Nov. 19 with one count of failure to appear. A $1,000 secured bond was set.

The post Criminal Charges — 11-23-15 appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Comedian Ashley Strand.

PHIL PERRY
Senior Writer

When comedians Ashley Strand and Krish Mohan bring their “Tall & Lanky Comedy Tour” to The Nest at Songbird Studios in Gastonia, they will offer contrasting styles to the stage but, in the case of Strand, a more physical routine loaded with disjointed facial expressions and animated arm motions help to express his social commentary.

“In my mind, I was going to be a Shakespearean actor,” said Strand by phone from Maine, where he was between dates on his solo tour. “I have a master’s degree in classical theater. As it turns out, I didn’t play well with others. I was in a lot of plays in New York that I wasn’t enjoying. I was doing a ton of showcases at the time and I finally decided that I was going to go to law school or something. If I was going to be miserable, I could at least make some money.”

Strand grew up listening to comedy legend Richard Pryor. He had always wanted to try stand up.

“I just decided that before I went to live the straight life, I was going to give this a try,” he said.

In 2005, the budding comedian landed a hosting job at an open mic for a New York comedy club and began honing his chops on that stage for a year, developing his style and finding out what worked and what didn’t work.

“It was good in one sense because I didn’t know what other comedians were doing and I wasn’t trying to emulate anyone or any one style,” Strand said. “Much of the stuff I got from acting I applied to my comedy. When I started doing other rooms and branching out, what I was doing was a bit different and it made me stand out, I think.”

Strand’s facial expressions on stage take on a stoic charm, unlike Jim Carey, who pushes the envelope into unchartered territory in a cartoonish style, Strand embraces silence from the audience and patiently and effortlessly eases into character, giving his jokes a slow roll into collective laughter from attendees. His social commentary is intelligent and carefully irreverent at times, but ultimately thought provoking and funny.

“It has taken me a while to integrate the two different styles,” he said. “People always tell me that they appreciate what I do because I’m not just telling jokes up there. Somehow it seems to work for me. I consistently try to bring something fresh and new with me when I go on stage.”

Comedian and actor Rick Shapiro of HBO’s “Lucky Louie” fame, gave Strand some professional advice that has stuck with him throughout his career.

“He told me that I needed to trust my facial expressions because they communicate what is inside of you,” he said. “Thanks to his encouragement and advice, I became more comfortable with silences on stage. Often when an audience is quiet, they are actually listening. They can be engaged without making any noise. That is an important lesson for any comedian.”

The comedian won the 2009 Hong Kong Comedy Festival, he has appeared on SpikeTV, the Travel Channel, and the Biography Channel. He has worked alongside talents as diverse as Doug Stanhope, Mick Foley, George the Animal

Steele and Kelly McGillis.

The recent transplant from New York to Florida would welcome the opportunity to take his act to television or the big screen as many comedians have successfully done. In the end, he is content to continue developing his act and reaching more people through relentless touring.

“I’m really focused on my career and doing what I do better than the last show every time I go on stage,” he said. “This life isn’t for everyone, but I’m making a living doing what I love to do.”

The Dec. 15 show begins at 8 p.m. The Nest at Songbird Studios is located at 245 W. Garrison Boulevard. Tickets are $5 and $7. Visit ashleystrand.com for more information.

The post Comedian Ashley Strand brings touring act to Gastonia appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Staff report

State Rep. Jason Saine was appointed to leadership positions on three Joint Legislative Oversight Committees on Friday.

Speaker Tim Moore tabbed Saine, Lincoln County’s delegate in the House of Representatives, as chairman of the Information Technology and North Carolina State Lottery committees and co-chair of the Revenue Laws Study Committee.

He was appointed as a member of the Legislative Research Commission and an advisory member for the Joint Legislative Emergency Management Oversight Committee.

“I am honored by these appointments and I look forward to serving with my colleagues on each of these committees to continue the great work we accomplished in the legislature during the 2015 long session,” Saine said in a statement.

Saine, who was already chairman of the Appropriations, Information Technology standing committee, has served Lincoln County in Raleigh since 2011.

In his leadership roles, Saine will be tasked with reviewing current technology and its impact on public policy, studying revenue laws and determining the need for clarifications or amendments, and examining the operations of the North Carolina State Lottery.

The post Rep. Jason Saine receives committee appointments appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

The Reinhardt Building in downtown Lincolnton in the early 1900’s.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Nobody spoke during a series of public hearings, and commissioners presented little debate Monday before approving local historic landmark designation to three Lincoln County properties.

But the process for achieving that status, Lincoln County Historical Association director Jason Harpe said, was much lengthier than a routine Board of Commissioners meeting.

First, the owners of the three properties — the Carrie L. Hopkins House, the Reinhardt Building and the Robert F. Hoke Cottage — had to approach Harpe with the idea. Then, Harpe took the request to the Lincoln County Historical Properties Commission, which ultimately gave the go-ahead to write a report and submit it to the state. Finally, county commissioners granted approval of the designation at Monday’s meeting.

“Owners of these houses have a good working knowledge of what we do,” Harpe said. “They find me out and hear me talking about what it’s like to be a historic landmark. If you’re an owner of a historic house and you want to get your house or building designated as a local historic landmark, there’s not just an application, there’s a report.”

That report is compiled only after thorough research is completed. That includes looking through deeds and proving items of significance. Properties must be at least 50 years old and considered architecturally significant to qualify for landmark designation.

Once designated, properties are eligible for a 50-percent property tax exemption.

“There is an incentive, but it’s also a way the Historic Properties Commission can work to save significant buildings,” Harpe said.

But owners seeking to alter or add onto any portion of the property, or even demolish the property entirely, must first overcome obstacles to do so.

“What they would have to do is go to the planning department and get a demolition permit,” Harpe said. “The planning department would make the Historic Properties Commission aware that they’ve made a permit to get it demolished. The Historic Properties Commission would be able to hold up the demolition for a certain amount of time to try to mitigate and not to demolish it.”

The Hopkins House, located at 208 North Oak Street in Lincolnton, is named after the homeowner who built the property in 1923. According to its report, the 1,350-square-foot building is an example of an “Arts and Crafts bungalow” for Lincolnton and Lincoln County.

“That doesn’t have to be the best example of an Arts and Crafts-style bungalow to be significant,” Harpe said. “It can be a representable sample and be significant.”

The Hoke Cottage at 1200 General Hoke Drive is the summer vacation cottage built by Confederate Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hoke. Meanwhile, the Reinhardt Building at 101 West Court Square is considered a stylistically significant building in the Lincolnton Commercial District.

The three additions add to what are now about 26 total locally historic properties in Lincoln County, according to Harpe. Harpe believes there’s a certain amount of importance associated with the designation.

“It’s important for everyone to try to save and protect as many of these important buildings in the county as we can,” Harpe said. “Once they’ve lost their integrity, you can’t get them back. Once they’re torn down, once they’re gone, they’re gone. It’s important for these counties to have these properties saved.”

The designation doesn’t prohibit property owners from selling property, though the designation transfers over in the event of a sale. The three designations are one shy of the record for most designations in a year.

Harpe said no more requests will be presented to commissioners until 2016, at the earliest.

The post Lincolnton properties get historic landmark designation appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Jeremy Love, with First Citizens Bank in Denver, received the Chamber’s New Member of the Year Award at the Chamber’s annual banquet on Thursday.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Chamber of Commerce President Ken Kindley called Thursday’s banquet, the third one held at The Laboratory Mill, a success.

More than 250 people were on hand for the yearly ceremony. Seven community members and two industries were presented with awards before Tennessee magician Matt Fore closed the banquet with a 40-minute performance.

“I thought it went very well,” Kindley said. “It’s annual event and it’s time to give credit to the people who put volunteerism into our community. Staff can’t do it alone, and the volunteers can’t really do it alone. We put it together.”

Lincoln Country Club owner and Piedmont Companies president Willie Heafner was named Man of the Year. Lincoln Cultural Center director Cathy Davis presented Jill Eaddy with the Woman of the Year trophy. Eaddy, a former city councilwoman and educator, is a guardian ad litem and was nominated by one of the foster children she worked with.

Christian Ministry employee John Hall was tabbed the first Duke Energy Citizenship and Service award winner, and United Technologies Corporation and American Tire Distributors were each named Industry of the Year.

Karen Miller, the owner of the Lincolnton Animal Hospital, was named Small Business Person of the Year. Jeremy Love, Jamie Houser and Eddie Sigmon also received various accolades.

“It was an amazing event,” said Chris Rhyne, chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “This is one of my last duties and it was an amazing event, with great entertainment. Just a great event.”

One of Rhyne’s final responsibilities as chair was installing his replacement. Keith Gaskill will be chair in 2016 while Rhyne continues on the board as immediate past chair.

Rhyne personally chose Love, Houser and Sigmon as New Member, Volunteer and Ambassador of the Year, respectively. He picked Fore to serve as the night’s entertainment after seeing him perform three times at his church.

It was the third consecutive year that the event was held at The Laboratory Mill, following 27 years at the James W. Warren Citizens Center. Kindley said he anticipates The Laboratory Mill being a longtime host.

“We’ll probably just continue to do it here because of the space that we have,” Kindley said. “People like the fact that we can have a reception. For 27 years, we did the banquet over at the Citizens Center. At a county-owned building you can’t have alcohol. People like coming here and having a glass of wine.”

The post Chamber of Commerce holds annual banquet appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

First nine weeks – A Honor Roll

9^th Grade

Atkinson, Emily Grace

Bolling, Samuel Charles

Cady, Kevin Brett

Colannino, Nicholas Michael

Combs, Mary Elisabeth

Crates, Taylor Bethann

DeMauro, William

Duggins, Alexis Nicole

Duncan, John Gabriel

Forlidas, Nick John

Glezen, Jacob Neil

Golightly, Jack Hamilton

Groft, Avonlea Noel

Guffey, Emily Mae

Hafley, Autumn Grace

Hall, Ahmad Demetrius

Harmon, Addie Lee

Hartness, Dawson Lee

Holmes, Emma Kathleen

Horne, Allden Lear

Jacques, Brittany Elizabeth

Land, Jenna Elizabeth

Loendorf, Joseph Todd

Marino, Mackenzie

Mccall, Trace Floyd

Mehta, Abhishek Rattan

Mills, Parker Dean

Mizzell, Brianna Lea

Mott, Jacob Wesley

Naramore, Cameron

Owens, Bethany Tiahna

Perdue, Kristyn Ashley

Perrin, Alexander Luc

Pesavento, Peyton John

Quigley, Breanna Christine

Reames, Haylee Denise

Reel, Judson Edward

Reiter, Joel Christopher

Riggan, Alyssa Nicole

Russell, Hannah Marie

Santos, Nelly Jazmin

Shanklin, Ryan William

Silva, Acacio Joseph

Smith, Hunter Alexander

Solorzano, Giovanna Cristina

Soung, Hnubci Jazmin

Spain, Tucker Alan

Thompson, Sierra Nicole

Thress, Jarrett Tyler

Towson, Miller Grant

Tucker, Gabriel Lee

Walker, Bryston Ryan

Webb, Brianna Danielle

White, Emma Austin

Wong, Lydia Claire

Zirkle, Benjamin James

10^th Grade

Bartlein, Samantha Anne

Begley, Tressa Antonia

Berry, Amanda Lee

Bishop, Amanda Nicole

Borman, Celeste

Brewster, Tempestt Marie

Brown, Aspen Shea

Campbell, Abigail Faision

Carpenter, Crosby Kaylin

Classey, Beck

Collichio, Caela Ann

Dillingham, Taylor Michelle

Garcia-Morales, Frida Mayte

Gilley, Sierra

Goodman, Stephen Gregory

Hines, Chase Weston

Holmes, Albert Thomas

Hurst, Parker

Johnson, Destiny Danee

Kinsch, Grace

Kluttz, Anessa Skyler

Littleton, Leila Joy

Lovingood, Jacob Andrew

Matz, Ryan Kristian

McMehan, Adam Alston

Moody, Alwyn Otho

Napier, Trinidy Kaylin

Peyton, Savannah Renee

Pless, Kayleigh Dawn

Sisk, Stonewall Thomas

Smith, Ashley

Stolzenbach, Emily Ann

Willis, Bailey

11^th Grade

Anderson, Brittani

Anderson, Dakota Dylan

Biagi, Zachary

Blalock, Allison Lee

Burke, Delanghy C

Burleson, Alec Michael

Centers, Chloe Alexandra

Colannino, Danielle Diane

Croat, Ryan Francis

Dallin, Jacob Wilson

Davis, Kaitlyn Nicole

Dellinger, Jonathan Hunter

DeMauro, Cheyanne Darlene

Dixon, Sally Erin

Elliott, MacKinsey Kathryn

Greene, Kelsy Paige

Henning, Katelyn Jane

Hill, Reagann Marie

Hybarger, Harleigh Jessica

Jenkins, Noah Scott

Johnson, Brianna Leigh

Kelly, McKenzie Amelia

Koehler, Autumn Zahra

Krehnbrink, Kali Elizabeth

Larson, Trenton Cade

Little, Krystal Chantel

Lockman, Mikayla Dane

Luckman, Shannon Colleen

Martinez, Maria Fernanda

Mason, Caitlin Breanna

Mozina, Samantha Elizabeth

Northmore, Ansley

Osburn, Shannon Ashley

Parra, Sky Ann

Quickel, Cooper Boggs

Reel, Kaley Marie

Reilly, Christa Lynne

Saine, Marsha Anne

Smith, Jared Eugene

Steiger, Joseph

Stockfish, Shaelyn Danae

Surratt, Sage Branson

Thao, Concepcion

Tinsley, Eboni Myniah

Unrath, Molly Michelle

Vargas, Jaquelin Lemus

Wade, Kayla Danielle

Weeber, Susana Rueda

Williams, Kendra Giovannee

Wilson, Jenna Leanne

Zirkle, Luke Andrew

12^th Grade

Alley, Kasen Wayne

Avery, Mackenzie Leann

Barry, Lea Lynn

Bennett, John Allen

Braswell, Taylor Booth

Burgin, Candace Amber

Campbell, Aaron Michael

Cardwell, Audrey

Carter, Dallas Logan

Carver, Tyler Nicole

Clark, Zackery Zane

Clohesy, Mollie Rae Irene

Cooper, Alexander James

Crocker, Mackenzie Olivia

Dellinger, Zackary Ray

Dowdy, Sydney Kay

Duggins, Hayden Chadwick

Edwards, Kaelyn Elizabeth

Escanuela, Khrysalene

Floberg, Jaxson Dane

Geerken, Madison Leigh

Gibson, Kelsey

Gibson, Madison

Glenn, Chrissah Elisabeth

Golightly, Caroline Rachel

Graham, Mariah Dominique

Green, Lauren Aileen

Hanna, Hope

Henderson, Kristle Danyelle

Holder, Zachary Warren

Holt, Autumn

Howard, Alix

Huffman, Kassi

Hush, Jalasia Mone

Johnston, Macey Lynne

Knox, Asia Monique

Kosmala, Daniel Joseph

Lindsay, Rachael Elizabeth

Lofton, Jharett Kross

Luna, Dillon Andrew

Luther, David Lee

Madison, Donald T

Mancebo, Isabella Delia

Manhollan, Jessica Susanne

Marcinko, Lucas Christopher

Martin, Lydia Dane

McClure, Destiny Brooke

Mehta, Priya Lindsay

Michael, Emily

Nguyen, Cindy Dang

Overcash, Julia Rose

Quigley, Nicholas Scott

Robinson, Raymond Albert

Rowles, Madison Leah

Schneider, David Caleb

Scholz, Anne Marie

Scott, Jaylen Devon

Shacklette, Kaitlin Michelle

Shanklin, Brett

Skerlak, Carly

Smith, Andrew Kendrick

Smith, Kelsey Leigh

Sowards, Jessica

Sparks, Brock Ryan

Strupp, Blake Russell

Surratt, Chazz Jamahl

Thompson, Sarah Anastasia

Thrall, Mallory Elisabeth

VanHee, Lauren Ashlee

Villarreal, Gabrielle Alaniz

Von Dohlen, Christopher Joseph

Warwick, Shelby Leigh

Woodie, Madeline Elise

Worth, Joseph Antony

Wyles, Kelci Elizabeth

Zavala Lemus, Jose

First nine weeks —  A/B honor roll

9^th Grade

Adams, David Joshua

Akins, Alysse Nicole

Bass, Mason Layne

Bennett, Abigail Katherine

Brown, Macy Elizabeth

Buchanan, Hailey Taylor

Burleson, Bradley Jacob

Butler, Ethan Michael

Byrd, Heather Lynn

Canady, Bailey Nicole

Christian, Sierra Ann

Clanton, Jeffrey Hunter

Clay, Joshua Phillip

Cogan, Sean Thomas

Costner, Ryan Michael

Davis, Victoria M

DeMattia, Michael James

Denis, Tyler Jason

Dennis, Christopher Taylor

Dillingham, Harley Mae

Dills, Emily Renee

Edwards, Morgan Elayne

Foster, Christian Alexander

Frazier, Jalen Micah

Goldberg, Samson Asher

Graham, Marcus Dante

Grant, John Robert

Hatfield, Alexis Taylor

Jackson, Kayla Marie

Johnston, Cole Patrick

Kelly, Kayla Elizabeth

Kinsch, Evelyn Mae

Lakey, Bailey Lane

Lange, Kaila Ann

Laurenson, Georgianna Grace

Marsh, Savannah Marie

Merritt, Addison Layne

Mosteller, Abigail Faith

Myers, Brianna Danielle

Nguyen, Alec Dang

Pesina Alvarado, Salma Aldret

Ream, Adrianna Marie

Rowe, Lance Norwood

Rowlette, Sidney Caitlin

Saunders, Dylan Michael

Seifert, Samantha Paulette

Selph, Julie Nicole

Shelton, Trent Thomas

Shope, Blake Patrick

Sims, Blake Richard

Smith, Dalton Mark

Smith, Michael Aaron

Spann, Brandon Matthew

Stewart, Madison Jean

Sullivan, Haidyn Mae

Thomas, Amber Lynn

Thomas, Kobe Isaiah

Updegraff, Payton Leigh

Vargas, Audriel

Weeber, Samuel Rueda

White, Gavan Keith

Williamson, Carter Glen

Wilson, Dylan Andrew

Wimberly, Rebecca Weathers

Wolfe, Joshua Cody

Wong, Eric Jack

Wood, Trenton James

10^th Grade

Barbagli, Annina

Behner, Taylor Anne

Bennett, Justin Ryan

Bove, Anthony John

Chambers, Grace Anastasia

Collins, John

Combs, David Michael

Crunden, Nicholas

Cunningham, Sebastian Michael

Dechico, Vincent Charles

Dellinger, Riley

Drum, Cynthia Taylor

Dukats, Ryan

Elliott, Bradley Aaron

Ellis, Leanna

Gemberling, Annika Evans

Gilbert, Ryan Scott

Guerra, Kaylee Louise

Harrison, Ashley Nicole

Herrick, Jillian

Holcomb, Amber Lynn

Horne, Hayley Nicole

Johnson, Madison Jean

Jones, Chandler Gene

Kamanns, Kierstin Iris

Leon, Alejandro Joel

Lockman, Jensen Cecelia

Lorezca, Maria Danielle

Luna, Austin James

Lykins, Jedi Hunter

Mackey, Jada Faith

Martinez, Alicia Sanaz

Martinez-Jaime, Ramiro

McConnell, Logan Renee

McCorkle, Asja Lamarria

Mcgirt, Hannah Marie

Michael, Sarah

Minton, Anna Blume

Morris, Grace Kathleen

Nixon, Claudia

Parsons, Katherine Judith

Patterson, Cierra Jillian

Philemon, Stephen Logan

Phillips, Madison Taylor

Pike, Johnny Newton

Rende, Hannah Nicole

Rhoney, William Tucker

Riddle, Johnny Lee

Rigdon, Devan Blake

Rogers, Brittni Marie

Ross, Madison Blake

Rowe, Paden Daniel

Runyan, Ethan Marshall

Russell, Lauren Danielle

Schmidt, Haley Ann

Singletary, Zachary Melvin

Small, Celeste

Smith, Dalton Ryan

Smith, Gillian Rae

Smith, Grace Mary

Sparks, Bryant Tyler

Stone, Richard Peyton

Sullivan, Kimberly Paige

Summerville, Heather Michelle

Sykes, Selena Elena

Taylor, Jesse Nathanael

Tieber, Julia Rose

Tierney, Dylan Mitchell

Tomberlin, Mary Elizabeth

Tucker, Lucas James

Von Dohlen, Emily Rose

Watkins, Riley

Williams, Beth Helen

Wise, Morgan Elizabeth

Wright, Makenzie Lee

Yantz, Jericho Bryce

Yates, Maddison Rose

Zammiello, Austin Michael

Zimmerman, Joseph Vito

11^th Grade

Anderson, Connor James

Anderson, Jadarius A

Auvil, Shelby Lee

Ballard, Hoke Bynum

Banks, Carson Jesse

Barnett, Joe Alan

Barrineau, Evan Lee

Biagi, Johnathon Taylor

Birmingham, Kassi Lee

Blackwell, Ashley Brooke

Branch, Nicholas

Bringhurst, Bethany Joy

Brook, Abigail Blair

Brown, Jacob Tyler

Brown, Sadie Diane

Byus, Savannah Dawn

Campbell, Zachary Hunter

Carver, Zackery Mot

Childers, Trevor Dean

Clark, Keshaun Nicholas

Cox, Madison Bergin

Cribb, Kevin Lee

Cristino, MacKenzie Patricia

Dale, Alyssa Ann

DeMao, Savannah Noelle

Fillenwarth, Hannah Aricka Renee

Gilliland, Bryan Wayne

Greene, Joshua Paul

Griffin, Alexis Brooke

Hall, Emily Nicole

Hallman, Hannah Dianne

Harmon, Carrie Ann

Harris-Pitton, Katherine Elizabeth

Hatfield, Madison Claire

Hatfield, Sydney Brooke

Helms, Steven Andrew

Helton, Jordan McDowell

Higgins, Emily Ashley

Horne, Dawson Parker

Hoyle, Jonathan Ballard George

Johnson, Joshua Randall

Johnson, Telejakalia Quienteria

Johnson, Tyler Wayne

Jones, Caleb Lee

Keziah, Mason Orion

Kotlinski, Anna Kristine

Lambeck, Emma Joy

Mashburn, Joshua Steven

Massey, Jacob Rucker

Massey, Malinda Brown

Mateka, Chandler Thomas

McEneany, Alix Kate

Mercer, William Graham

Michel, Taylor Michael

Mocilan, Logan Hunter

Monge, Donna M

Moore, Austin Cole

Moyer, Nickolas Ryan

Overton, Jerome Ellis

Paul, Shania Lynn

Richards, Connor Burke

Salerno, Dalton Edward

Silva, Jason Dillin

Silva, Luis Rafael

Smith, McKayla Louise

Smith, Ricky Elijah

Spicola, Jordan Tyler

Tadlock, Brian Michael

Thomas, Jeffrey Scott

Thomas, Savanna Marie

Turner, Brianna Danielle

Tyner, Tori Nicolette

Vanderbilt, Katarina Gabriel

Waldrop, Jesse Paul

Warlick, Seth Alexander

White, Kendal Paige

Wilson, Brendan James

Wilson, Mary Hannah Borden

Windell, Lexie Suzanne

12^th Grade

Anderson, Travis Lee

Antonio-Serrano, Elizabeth

Atkinson, Erin Nicole

Banks, Coleton Russell

Bennett, Savannah Eve

Birmingham, Cort Samuel

Bolen, Eden Rebecka

Boone, Brandon Tyler

Bowman, Travis Lee

Butler, Daniel Everett

Byrd, Katelyn Elizabeth

Christian, Seth Lee

Clow, Robert Christopher

Cox, Christopher Neil

Dellinger, Clinton Scott Allen

Dileo, Annaleigh Nicole

Eliason, Jessica

Freeman, Kathryn Cheryl

Fuller, Alyssa Maria

Gallagher, Brendan Jacob

Gibson, Destaney

Gibson, Weston Montgomery

Gilbreath, Gabrielle Aleece

Godfrey, Brittany Rebecca

Gunnels, Savannah Lynn

Hedger, Susan Nicole

Herman, Madison Paige

Huggins, Destin

Huntley, Omarias Malik

Hyatt, Tyler Dwayne

Johnson, Madison Heather

Johnson, Tamara Lashekia

Jones, James Hamilton

Kelly, Alyssa Lynn

Kirtley, Maxwell Honor

Lambeck, Lucas Gerard

Lambert, Dustin

LeRoy, Jordan

Linkous, Austin

Lowry, Forest Alta

Manlove, Carly Elizabeth

Martinez-Jaime, Cecilia

McCorkle, Raven Camille

McElroy, Chase Christian

Meadows, Rebekah

Mills, Payton Elizabeth

Moody, Ashlyn Christine

Palmer, Nicole Christine

Parker, Heidi Nakayla

Patterson, Jacob Ryan

Pike, Tristan Hunter

Rhoney, Katherine Joanne

Riddle, Spencer Phillip

Rogers, Luke Douglas

Rohr, Frank

Rowles, Meagan Lynn

Sawyers, Ethan Andrew

Semple, Austin Richard

Shipp, Morgan

Smith, Karilynn Joy

Smith, Keesha Lacy

Smith, Lydia Elizabeth

Solorzano, Aylin

Spingola, Gianna Catherine

Talbert, Malasia Najah

Taylor, Christopher John

Thompson, Darian

Thompson, Lea Elizabeth

Thompson, Madison Marie

Tinajero, Juan De

Turner, Colby

Vanderwerken, Bradley Eric

Vandiver, Harrison Doyle

VanHee, Jared Hillaire

Vinson, Tyler Clark

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