Ed Hatley and Roby Jetton

PHIL PERRY
Senior Writer

Newly elected Democratic Mayor Ed Hatley and Ward 4 Republican Councilman Roby Jetton will take their seats on city government for the first time at the City Council’s regular session on Thursday evening. Ward 2 Councilman John “Les” Cloninger will resume his presence at a familiar seat after being re-elected in November. He has served on the council for 16 years.

City Clerk Donna Flowers will administer oaths of office to the trio while outgoing Mayor John O. Gilleand and Ward 4 Councilman Larry Mac Hovis will be honored with a presentation by Hatley for their combined 26 years of service to Lincolnton city government. Hatley’s appointments will be made as will City Council’s appointment for city attorney and nominations and election for mayor pro tempore.

Lincolnton Police Chief Rodney Jordan will approach the council with a presentation regarding recent advanced certifications by two of his officers. Dennis Harris received his Criminal Investigations Certificate from the North Carolina Justice Academy and David Mocanu has received his Advanced Law Enforcement Certification from the North Carolina Training and Standards Division.

City Manager Jeff Emory will approach council with a proposal for pay adjustment for city employees,

Other agenda items include:

Council will consider a contract between the city and Loudermilk, Church and Co., L.L.P. to perform the 2015-16 audit ($35,300)

Resolution of support to allow the Lincolnton Police Department to apply for a technology grant through the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission for $200,000 to North Carolina Law Enforcement (no match required).

Reappointments and new appointments for various city-related boards.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at city hall, located at 114 West Sycamore Street in Lincolnton.

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ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Peter Capece, the disbarred Denver attorney accused of misappropriating a $1.5 million trust fund, will make his first court appearance today.

Capece was indicted on Nov. 9 and charged with 11 felony counts of embezzlement. He was sent to jail under a $200,000 bond and ordered to not leave the state, but posted bail soon after arrival.

The former attorney at the Lincolnton-based Jonas Law Firm’s Denver office relinquished his law license back in May, and admitted to mishandling the late Fritz Detmers’ trust. Capece is facing more than 30 years in prison collectively from all the charges.

The State Bureau of Investigation believes Capece is responsible for $800,000 in total loss in that trust, according to SBI financial crimes unit head Chris Cardwell. In civil court filings, a report commissioned by new administrator of the Detmers’ estate Michael Allen shows how Capece may have spent that money.

According to the report, Capece paid himself $10,000 from the trust in 2010, another $51,000 the following year, $138,000 in 2012, $26,000 in 2013, $8,700 this year and more than $5,700 this year.

Detmers’ son Tols Detmers was supposed to get the bulk of the trust, but court documents say $507,000 went to Charlinette Detmers, Fritz’s widow. Charlinette Detmers faces one charge of obtaining property by false pretense.

Capece’s wife Kellee Ledan Capece, is not facing charges at this point. According to court documents, she was the beneficiary of a $15,520 business investment made by her now-husband, while working at the firm as his secretary.

Capece used $9,223 from the trust on a diamond engagement ring from Diamonds Direct and another $5,000 to get married at a Hilton Head, South Carolina resort, court documents show.

He spent more than $203,000 from the trust paying off credit card debt during the past five years, according to court documents. When he and his wife filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in August, big-box stores Lowe’s and Best Buy were listed as creditors, as were Rooms To Go, Gap and Kohl’s. Capece also owes court costs and attorney’s fees associated with the civil case.

At the time, Capece listed between $500,001-$1 million in liabilities and less than $50,001 in assets.

As a condition of his May disbarment, Capece is not allowed to apply for bar recertification for the next five years.

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Republicans Anita McCall (left), Richard Permenter (center) and Carrol Mitchem have filed to run for the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Undeterred by elections past, two challengers have entered the race to fill one of three soon-to-be-open county commission seats, and a third candidate said he is also contemplating a run.

Republicans Anita McCall and Richard Permenter filed Tuesday, the first day candidates could formalize their intent to seek local office. They’ll aim for one of the seats currently occupied by commission chairman Carrol Mitchem and commissioners Alex Patton and Cecelia Martin, Republicans whose terms expire next December.

Patton announced in September that he will not seek a fourth term. Martin could not be reached by press time and Mitchem, currently finishing out a second consecutive and third total term in office, filed for re-election on Tuesday.

“I feel like we got a lot going on in Lincoln County and there’s some projects I’d like to see complete before I’m not serving people in Lincoln County any more,” Mitchem said. “I think that with my record that I’ve had over the years, which will be a total of 12, I feel confident enough that I think people will re-elect me in one of those seats.”

A potential fifth candidate, former Board of Education member Bob Silver, said he is contemplating a run but is still researching the matter before he makes a final decision.

Neither McCall or Permenter is a stranger to the election process. Each ran for seats in 2014 and narrowly lost primaries to eventual winners Martin Oakes and Bill Beam.

McCall, Lincolnton’s planning board chair and a member of the city’s Board of Adjustment, barely lost a 2012 Board of Education run against current Lincolnton mayor-elect Ed Hatley. After her 2014 defeat, McCall took a class at Raleigh’s Institute of Public Trust, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that aims to “find, recruit and train new leaders to come out of the private sector to run for public office,” according to the organization’s website.

“I’m expecting to win,” McCall said. “I’m expecting that the people of Lincoln County can see that I’m serious about my candidacy and that I don’t give up and I put forth effort to even learn more. I’m working with the county and the city over here already. I’m writing proposals for downtown Lincolnton. I’m already doing a whole lot that folks don’t know for the city, but I would like to do more for the county.”

McCall, a Stanley native and Lincolnton resident, comes from an engineering background, though she has more or less retired from that field. She founded Lincoln Lovely Ladies, a volunteer group aimed at completing community projects, and spends much of her time volunteering for other organizations, as well.

In 2011, McCall, a former member of the Lincoln County YMCA’s Board of Directors, was named the local American Red Cross Health and Safety Volunteer of the Year. She said that some commissioner rulings could’ve been handled differently, including the one to move county offices from the court square to the old hospital site on Gamble Drive in Lincolnton.

After approving a plan to move in January and then backing out to consider other options, commissioners finally settled on a move in April despite objections from city officials.

“One of the decisions that has been made that should’ve had more forethought was when they decided to move to the hospital all the county offices,” McCall said. “They should have looked at that in a different way, just decided if they wanted to move just the courts, or is this something that we even want at all. They made the decision to move and then had to back up and punt when the (Downtown Development Association) said they didn’t want them to move.”

Permenter, who did not return a call prior to press time, is a Denver resident and former chair of the Lake Norman Marine Commission.

Each candidate will appear on the March 15 primary ballot, where Republican and independent voters will be allowed to choose up to three names. The top three vote-getters will advance to November’s general election, when they’ll run against any Democrat or third-party contenders.

With Patton backing out, there is guaranteed to be at least one new face on the board. Mitchem, who will not campaign for any candidate to fill that seat, said he plans on continuing to serve the county in the manner that’s led to him winning three different elections.

“I’ll put my record against anybody’s,” he said. “I think I’ve been a voice for the citizens of Lincoln County and will continue to be that. I’m not a yes man and I call it like I see it and I’ll continue to do that.”

Lincoln County Republican State Sen. David Curtis also filed for re-election Tuesday. He will battle Mooresville challenger Chris Carney, a Republican, for the right to continue serving North Carolina’s 44th state senate district.

Lincolnton Republican Rep. Jason Saine was out of town Tuesday and did not file for re-election to the state House of Representatives. He said he plans on doing so next week, after he returns to town and well before the Dec. 21 filing deadline.

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Jason Isbell performs at The Orange Peel in Asheville in 2014.

Where: DPAC Performing Arts Center, Durham, NC

When: Nov. 19

PHIL PERRY
Senior Writer

When Jason Isbell and his band, “The 400 Unit” hit the stage in Durham on Nov. 19 in Durham, it was immediately apparent that the packed house knew what was in store for them, right out of the gate.

As the band opened with a deep cut from Isbell’s latest release, “Something More Than Free,” attendees mouthed the words to Palmetto Rose back to the performer without missing a word of the mid-tempo rocker with the undeniable guitar hook.

The former Drive By Truckers guitarist, who became a household name with the success of his 2013 release, “Southeastern” has seen a slow and steady climb to international fame. His songs are blue-collar laden creations with poetic laments about heartbreak, the American family dynamic and perseverance. With equal parts John Prine and the Rolling Stones, Isbell weaved his way through a catalog of whiskey soaked rockers and tender ballads to the delight of his audience, which ranged from teenaged hipsters to 60-something music lovers.

Isbell and band hit fifth gear in the searing rocker Flying Over Water, where the vocalist displayed his powerful vocal range and the ability of the band to break down to a whisper before standing on the gas in the outro of the tune.

Isbell, an Alabama native and Nashville resident, has been widely regarded as a “triple threat” in industry circles as a singer/songwriter/guitarist. His guitar prowess is sometimes overshadowed by his impeccable songwriting but it would not be denied on this night. Isbell’s slide guitar offerings howled throughout the theater on the haunting Children of Children.

While the band was tight and crisp, Isbell shined on solo acoustic numbers that included alternate arrangements that primarily included percussion and tasteful use of electric guitar melodies.

Cover Me Up, which has become a signature tune for Isbell since its release in 2013, served as a crescendo for the performance. The artist penned the tune for his wife Amanda Shires who tours and records with her husband. The couple had the first child, a daughter, in September. Shires, a singer/songwriter who plays fiddle and guitar was not on stage at the Durham show.

Cover Me Up is  powerful love song that boasts lines like, “Girl leave your boots by the bed we ain’t leaving this room, until someone needs medical help or the magnolias bloom.”
Isbell’s banter with the audience was genuine and unrehearsed. He eluded to his recent sobriety when he thanked opening act Anderson East for participating in the tour when he said, “If you see those guys tonight buy them a beer, they can still have one.”

Isbell’s encore included the powerful acoustic number Elephant, which deals with cancer from the perspective of a supportive friend. The song’s powerful message left the audience mesmerized, perhaps through personal experience and undeniable empathy towards the songwriter’s message

While Isbell is a musician’s musician, his ability to capture a room with words serves him best. His lyrical offerings cut through the mix of a full band with ease and his ability to annunciate without lazily slurring a single line throughout the night showed a concerted effort on his part to put the songs first, above everything else.

This alone is why Jason Isbell is America’s finest song crafter working today.

Jason Isbell returns North Carolina when he plays Charlotte’s Ovens Auditorium on March 4.

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Johnathan Leonard McCorkle

Staff report

A Charlotte man has been accused of assaulting several Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detention officers during an altercation at the county jail on Monday.

Detention officers learned that Johnathan Leonard McCorkle, 41, of the 7400 block of Icon Way, who was being held on a writ to appear in court, was making threats to kill himself, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office. Officers went to McCorkle’s cell to relocate him to a more secure cell, which deputies said is standard procedure when an inmate is potentially suicidal.

As officers were attempting to move McCorkle, a struggle ensued and McCorkle bit a detention officer on the right forearm and then spit blood on that officer and two other officers.

McCorkle was charged with two counts of felonious malicious conduct by a prisoner and one count of felonious assault on a detention officer. He was issued a $100,000 secured bond.

McCorkle has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon in Mecklenburg County in 1992 and carrying a concealed weapon in Mecklenburg County in 1993, according to a North Carolina Department of Public Safety records search.

The post Charlotte man accused of assaulting detention officer appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Members of Lincoln County’s Board of Education agreed upon a process to replace Lincolnton mayor-elect Ed Hatley at Tuesday’s committee meetings.

Hatley, who served the board for seven years, formally resigned. He will take his place as Lincolnton’s mayor on Thursday.

His replacement, required by statute to live within his district, would inherit a term that expires in less than a year. The short turnaround could present an obstacle in luring a candidate, but it could also be a positive for whoever gets the position, Hatley said.

“It will really give, if someone steps up and wants it, they will really have an advantage with the general election because they’ll be the incumbent,” Hatley said. “It’s an advantage if they look at it that way.”

The board decided to go to a letter of interest system in which interested parties approach the board themselves. A second step is still to be determined.

“Once we get the names, then we’ll discuss them further,” school board chairman Mark Mullen said. “That way we’ll see how many candidates we get. If we get a ton of candidates we don’t want to spend our time interviewing 60 people.”

Those interested in taking Hatley’s spot would first be required to call the Board of Elections to verify that they reside in the proper voting district.

The committee recommended naming two Lincolnton High School facilities after a pair of former coaches. The track would be named after former track coach Dr. Clyde Smith, while the field house would honor former football coach Scott Cloninger.

The board will also discuss the committee’s decision to recommend approving a contract for the New Hope Foundation to install wireless network equipment in each school classroom.

The project would cost $1.7 million, and would include wireless access points that allow each room to connect up to 30 devices. While expensive, Mullen said the project’s price tag is inevitable to stay current with the times.

“There are some classrooms that you couldn’t have the full class all on a device at one time because the system went down,” Mullen said. “Then there’s some schools that didn’t have the wireless access points so they couldn’t. Unless they were physically plugging into a router, they didn’t have Internet access in certain parts of the school.”

Mullen said the price, about $150 per student, is a good deal when considering the scope of how many schools would be connected.

“We’re just going to have to have the capacity because as technology gets cheaper more and more people are going to have it in their hands.”

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The Angel Tree at the United Way office on Water Street in Lincolnton.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Emily is a Lincoln County teenager with an interest in dolphins, a love for earrings and a fascination with Paris. Another girl, unnamed, is enamored with the things many 14-year-old Americans covet, namely makeup and jewelry.

Like any student their age, these two go to county schools, interact with their fellow classmates and discuss topical pop culture. They anticipate the holiday season, a time of year often associated with candy canes, Christmas trees and a much-needed break from classes.

But these two, and 26 just like them across the county whose names adorn a small, lit-up tree in the local United Way office, face some atypical hurdles. Many of them are foster children, all face financial difficulties and each is assisted in part by the Lincoln County Department of Social Services.

For nine years, though, a group of teenage volunteers has aimed to forge a common bond with their less fortunate peers by tending to the nonprofit’s Angel Tree.  The tradition continued last night when United Way Teen Board members set out to local retail stores to help fulfill 28 Christmas wish lists.

“I think it makes their Christmas,” United Way executive director Kathy Vinzant said. “These are teenagers who are receiving gifts themselves. This gives them an opportunity to help others, and I think that’s Christmas. It’s not about what we get but about what we give.”

They were only able to give because of their work fundraising at September’s Apple Festival. Competing against several for-profit vendors, the group collected hundreds of dollars, money it used for Tuesday night’s shopping spree.

The students, working as group, had checklists prepared for each child. But rather than just sticking to those requests and picking up the most cost-efficient things they could find, the teens did what any teen would do when given the opportunity.

They carefully browsed the shelves and selected items they themselves would enjoy. This means color-coordinating gifts and making sure their recipients would be as overjoyed as possible come Christmas Day. In a past year, for instance, Teen Board members made sure to couple a comforter with matching lamp and fixtures.

“You try to go through what color they like, and what their interest is in,” Teen Board representative Jaycie Beam said Monday. “We try to fulfill their desires.”

Beam, a junior at West Lincoln High School, didn’t get to participate in the tradition last year. DSS found enough individual donors to make a United Way Angel Tree unnecessary, so the Teen Board changed course. Its members carved pumpkins at Amy’s House — the local battered women’s shelter — and bought gifts for a family devastated by a house fire.

The Teen Board was honored to help, but it wasn’t the same, adult United Way volunteer Kelly Gates said.

“I think it was a little bit disappointing,” Gates said. “They were thinking they would get to buy things and they didn’t get any names. Well, this (family) had nothing. Everything was burnt up. We were like ‘We need to do this.'”

No such disappointment arose this year. The United Way will drop the gifts off at DSS, where they’ll ultimately be dispersed to their recipients.

“I’m really proud of them,” Vinzant said. “They take the names very seriously.”

Community members can still adopt angels from the tree by visiting the United Way’s office at 211 W. Water Street in Lincolnton. Gifts must be purchased and dropped off by Dec. 10.

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Neil Underwood in 2014 directing the North Lincoln High School band.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

A pair of former Lincoln County Schools employees announced their intentions to seek public office Wednesday by filing to run for one of the three soon-to-be-vacant Lincoln County commissioner seats.

Neil Underwood, who for 32 years directed the band programs at East Lincoln High School and then at North Lincoln High School, was the first Democrat to enter the race. He was followed shortly thereafter by Democrat Elaine Jenkins, a former associate superintendent of curriculum who served two stints as interim superintendent and enjoyed a 30-plus-year educational career.

Republican challengers Anita McCall and Richard Permenter filed Tuesday, as did current board chairman Carrol Mitchem.

Reached Wednesday, incumbent Cecelia Martin said she intends to file for re-election to her seat by next week. Commissioner Alex Patton announced in September that he will not seek a fourth term in office.

Currently the associate director of bands and director of athletic bands at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Underwood was approached by members within the Democratic Party who encouraged him to make a run. The father of two obliged, saying his longtime interest in politics would be put to best use by getting involved in the process.

“After I retired I was looking for another way to serve,” Underwood said. “I feel this is another way I can give back to the community and give back to Lincoln County at large.”

As band director, Underwood oversaw a group that routinely raked in state and national accolades. Twice his bands have performed at Carnegie Hall and on three occasions they’ve played in America Grand National competitions. Several of his students, including his daughter, Molly, were named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl band.

Underwood and Joanna, his wife of 31 years, retired from the Lincoln County school system together in June.

Jenkins, who lives with her husband, Bill, in the eastern end of the county, started her career as a teacher in the Gaston County school system before moving to Lincoln County and taking a position as the county’s high school director. In 2001, she was promoted to associate superintendent of curriculum.

Six years later, Jenkins delayed retirement plans to serve as interim superintendent for two months until David Martin could fulfill the role on a permanent basis. In 2010, Jenkins again took an interim role, this time waiting for Sherry Hoyle to take the job the following July.

After being approached by several members of the Democratic Party, Jenkins knew a couple of weeks ago that she would be mking a run.

“It’s exciting when someone wants you to be involved in a more formal way,” said Jenkins, who boasts experience teaching collegiate classes at Gardner-Webb University, Wingate University and UNC-Charlotte. “That’s an exciting invitation. It’s an honor to think someone else thinks you can handle that.”

Jenkins acknowledged that campaigning will probably mean less road trips with her husband. She has already started preparing her platform, but said it’s early enough in the process that she still needs to conduct a lot more research.

“I am in the process of doing intensive study on the issues,” she said. “I have called some folks and I have a long list of people I want to speak with. I think there are people I want to speak to that aren’t even on the list yet.”

If no other Democrats file prior to the Dec. 21 deadline, the two would advance past a March 15 primary into November’s election against the top Republican candidates.

Each party is eligible to send three candidates to the general election.

If elected, either Democratic candidate would present a massive change to the commission’s current ideology. The five-member board has long been an all-Republican body.

“I’m a Democrat because that’s the way I’ve been raised and been taught,” Underwood said. “That’s what I’ve always been, but I’m not so much one who would vote or who would look into everything along direct party lines. I believe in voting for what I think is best for the people and voting my conscience.”

Lincoln County Democratic Party chairman Tommy Huskey said he believes the two candidates possess the attributes needed to seize one or two of the open seats. He is hopeful that a committee the party formed will be able to lure a third candidate into the race.

Huskey claims that running candidates with educational experience wasn’t the group’s intended strategy, but that it could prove to be an effective one come November.

“It kind of worked out that way,” Huskey said. “We wanted someone known countywide, not just a business in the east or a business in the west. Being in the county school system and working in administration, you’re in touch with every part of Lincoln County. I feel like both of those people are known of as well in the west as they are in the east.”

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Samuel Bivens, Macy Gilroy and Lance Hamm practice dialogue at Lincolnton High School in preparation for Saturday’s dessert theater at the Citizens Center.

ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Guests are encouraged to bring an empty stomach and an attentive mind to the Lincolnton High School drama club’s annual dessert theater Saturday night.

The 7:30 p.m. production of “Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine” centers on the death of wealthy theatre supporter Eleanor Van Heusen and the mission to discover who killed her. The 11-man cast will present the evidence to the audience, whose job it is to solve the mystery.

“If they pay attention it’ll not be a shock,” said LHS senior Ellen Carpenter, who portrays Van Heusen’s secretary. “If they don’t pay attention, it’s going to be a shock.”

Tickets to the production cost $10 and come with the choice of a dessert and unlimited beverages. Ballots are available for $1 and serve as the only official way to register a guess.

At the conclusion of the show, winning ballots are placed into a drawing and a random student, faculty member and community citizen will win their ticket money back. The rest of the money serves as a fundraiser for the spring musical, the title of which will be announced after the show.

“We try to raise at least $1,000,” drama director Shane Stephens said. “Last year, we had more than 150 people (in attendance). By the time we pay the Citizens Center fees, there’s a little bit of cost. When I say $1,000, I’d say that’s $1,000 net. It’s just off ticket sales, and we try to sell about 150 tickets.”

Stephens hopes they’ll raise enough to at least pay the royalties for the musical, which can run hundreds of dollars per performance.

Auditions were held in October, and cast members have practiced for at least two hours after school in the LHS choir room ever since.

The show will lead with the dessert portion. Patrons will be able to consume a piece of either chocolate cake or cheesecake and drink tea or coffee while they are presented with the first bits of evidence. After the initial act, the audience will sequester individual cast members and ask questions about the case at hand.

Though they’ve been preparing with questions an audience may ask, they can’t prevent the occasional curveball. Improvisation is an important art for this type of performance, drama club president Elijah Smith said.

“In these shows, improv’s a big deal,” said Smith, who will play Inspector Dirk Bungler. “Typically with the dessert theatres, there’s a lot of interaction with the crowd just out of nowhere. When it’s scripted we talk with each other, but when we go out in the crowd, they can say anything. They can ask us anything.”

At last year’s production of “Her Lips Are Sealed,” about half the audience was able to successfully solve the mystery, according to Smith. Senior Lance Hamm said he is optimistic this play’s plot twist will trick many.

The show serves as a preview for the musical, which has longer preparation and a lengthier performance. The goal of the dessert theatre, though, isn’t to skimp out on material. Rather, Smith said, it serves as an opportunity to draw guests to future performances.

Past musicals have included “Godspell,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Aida.”

“When you invite people, you want to put on the best show you can,” Smith said. “Because if they come to this show and they see it’s done well, then they’re going to think the musical’s 10 times better.”

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Ted Freeman Butler

Staff report

A South Carolina man is being held in the Mecklenburg County jail on charges including a break-in and larceny at a Killian Farm Road home in Stanley.

Ted Freeman Butler, 49, of Hoyt Street in Pelzer, South Carolina is being held under a $96,000 bond in Charlotte.

On Oct. 26, deputies responded to an alarm call at the residence in the 1400 block of Killian Farm Road. When a deputy arrived he discovered that the house had been broken into.

Detectives received information on Nov. 12 from the Rock Hill, South Carolina police department that an individual had sold a large amount of property that appeared to be stolen. A detective with the Rock Hill Police Department provided photos of the stolen items to detectives in North Carolina and South Carolina. The victim in Lincoln County identified four items in the photos that were stolen from the Killian Farm Road residence but a number of other items reported stolen have not been recovered.

Butler was charged in Lincoln County with one felony count each of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen property. Butler was arrested by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and placed in the Mecklenburg County jail under a $96,000 secured bond. He has similar charges pending in South Carolina and Mecklenburg County, Gaston County, Cabarrus County and Rowan County.

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Criminal charges December 2, 2015.

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

• Jamison Bromell, 25, of 1561 Depot St. in Iron Station was charged Nov. 27 with one count each of communicating threats and injury to personal property.
• Curtis Ryan McGuire, 29, of 1198 S. NC 16 Bus. Hwy. in Stanley was charged Nov. 28 with one count of second degree trespassing. A $1,000 secured bond was set.
• Crystal Marcelle Gaines, 35, of 719 Bryant St. in Raleigh was charged Nov. 28 with two counts of failure to appear.
• Robert David Cooke, 34, of 5594 Daybrook Ct. in Stanley was charged Nov. 28 with one count of resist, delay and obstruction of a public officer. A $2,000 secured bond was set.
• Sandy Janette Charles, 50, of 976 Horseshoe Lake Rd. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 28 with one count communicating threats.
• Michael Wayne Matney, 21, of 765 Saddlebrook Ln. in Cherryville was charged Nov. 28 with one count each of possession of drug paraphernalia, assault on female, possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, assault inflicting serious injury, two counts each of probation violation and assault of female and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. A $2,000 secured bond was set.
• Katlyn McKenzie Robert, 20, of 511 Ellenwood Dr. in Kings Mountain was charged Nov. 29 with one count each of simple assault and battery or affray, injury to personal property and injury to real property.
• Teresa Dellinger, 45, of 1043 Cedar Grove Church Rd. in Vale was charged Nov. 29 with one count of worthless check.
• Lakesha Marjorie Doll, 35, of 411 S. Broad St. in Gastonia was charged Nov. 30 with one count each of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute a schedule II controlled substance and sell or deliver a schedule II controlled substance. A $10,000 secured bond was set.
• Kendell Kay Armstrong, 33, of 110 S. Pink St. in Cherryville was charged Nov. 30 with one count of cyberstalking. A $500 unsecured bond was set.
• Reginald Wayne Hall, 34, of 364 Del-mar Rd. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 30 with two counts of failure to appear. A $500 secured bond was set.
• Matthew Ryan Patton, 26, of 4555 Eagles Nest Ln. in Granite Falls was charged Nov. 30 with two counts each of larceny and second degree trespassing.
• Alton Leroy McBride, Jr., 47, of 9089 Old Salisbury Rd., 117, in Linwood was charged Nov. 30 with one count of civil order for arrest of child support.
• William Perry Walton, 33, of 1014 E. Catawba St. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 30 with one count each of injury to personal property and communicating threats.
• Michael Samuel Still, 29, of 114 Tripple H Ln. in Lincolnton was charged Nov. 30 with one count of misdemeanor larceny. A $500 secured bond was set.
• Jonathan Leonard McCorkle, 41, of 7409 Icon Way in Charlotte was charged Nov. 30 with one count of assault on law enforcement officer and two counts of malicious conduct by a prisoner.
• Damon Lee Garris, 19, of 7712 Laveau Dr. in Jacksonville, Fla, was charged Nov. 30 with one count each of resist, delay or obstruction of public officer and contributing to the delinquency and neglect by parent or other person.
• Russell Holman, 44, of 8809 Laurel Run Dr. in Charlotte was charged Nov. 30 with one count of simple assault and battery or affray.

The post Criminal Charges — 12-2-15 appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

Around town for December 2, 2015.

TODAY

Blood drive
Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will host a blood drive at the Denver Fire Dept., located at 3956 North Hwy. 16 in Denver from 4p.m.-7p.m.

FRIDAY

Adult painting class
The Arts Council of Lincoln County will offer an adult acrylic painting class from 6p.m.-9p.m. at the Lincoln Cultural Center, located at 403 E. Main St. in Lincolnton. Class fee is $10 per person. For more information call (704) 732-9044.

Blood drive
The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 11a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Lincoln Charter School, located at 133 Eagle Nest Rd. in Lincolnton.

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Staff report

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating several vehicle break-ins of unlocked and locked vehicles in a development off Optimist Club Road in Denver.

Residents began reporting the break-ins on Thanksgiving Day to vehicles parked at homes on Kenyon Drive, West Berkeley Road, East Berkeley Road, Woods Lane and Caley Street. Items stolen in the break-ins included firearms, a billfold containing currency, credit cards and identification and a purse containing debit cards, money and vehicle keys.

A total of 12 vehicle break-ins were reported. Ten of the break-ins were to unlocked vehicles while two break-ins involved breaking out a window of locked vehicles. It appeared the thief or thieves went from street to street in the neighborhood to make entry into the vehicles.

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Detention Officer Donna Beal (right) and Lincoln County Sheriff David Carpenter.

Deputy Todd Briggs (right) and Lincoln County Sheriff David Carpenter.

Staff report

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement officers of the year awards were presented Wednesday night to a veteran detention officer and a dedicated civil officer.

The fifth annual “Sergeant John H. Howell III Memorial Deputy Sheriff of the Year” award was presented to Deputy Todd Briggs. Briggs grew up in Gaston County, graduated from East Gaston High School and received an associate’s degree in criminal justice in 1992 from Gaston College.

Briggs began his law enforcement career in 1995 with the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, moved to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office in 2000 and came to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in 2007. Briggs currently works as a warrant officer for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and so far this year has made nearly 200 arrests despite being out of work for several months due to surgery. He also handles a lot of mental patient transports and other duties that take away from his warrant duties.

“Deputy Briggs is a loyal and dedicated employee who always takes pride in what he is doing and rarely gets the credit he deserves for a job well done,” Sheriff David Carpenter said, according to a press release. “We congratulate Deputy Todd Briggs on being named Deputy of the Year for 2015.”

The fifth annual “Thomas R. Taylor Detention Officer of the Year” award was presented to veteran Detention Officer Donna Beal. Beal also grew up in Gaston County and graduated from East Gaston High School. She attended Gaston College and came to work as a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detention officer in 2003. Beal has served in many positions in the detention center including intake officer, senior detention officer and is currently the classification officer. “Officer Beal is very knowledgeable of her job and the great responsibility that goes with being a Classification Officer for over 160 inmates at any given time and over 4,000 inmates that pass through the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center each year,” Carpenter said. “We congratulate Officer Donna Beal on being named Detention Officer of the Year for 2015.”

The officers of the year awards are presented for outstanding achievement that brings credit to the Sheriff’s Office and involves performance well above that which is required by the officer’s normal assignment.

Permanent plaques are on display in the lobby of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office showing each annual recipient of the awards.

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Lincolnton Mayor Ed Hatley (left) with outgoing Mayor John Gilleland.

PHIL PERRY
Senior Writer

Newly elected Lincolnton Mayor Ed Hatley was forced to break two ties on Thursday night, just minutes after taking his seat as the leader of the city. With Republican Councilman Devin Rhyne and Democratic Councilman Dr. Martin Eaddy nominated for mayor pro tem and a deadlocked vote by council, Hatley broke the tie and named fellow Democrat Eaddy with the honor. T.J. Wilson was again named the city’s attorney.

Prior to the regular session, the city presented exiting Mayor John O. Gilleland with two plaques for his service and exiting Councilman Larry Mac Hovis was also honored for his 20 years of service to the city. City Clerk Donna Flowers administered oaths of office for Hatley and Ward 4 councilman Roby Jetton. Both city officials were joined by their families.

Police Chief Rodney Jordan addressed council with two presentations regarding the advanced certifications earned by two of his officers. Dennis Harris achieved his Criminal Investigations Certificate from the North Carolina Justice Academy, which makes him only the third officer from LPD to do so.  David Mocanu earned his Advanced Law Enforcement Certification from the North Carolina Training and Standards Division.

Hatley made the following appointments:

• ABC Board – Councilman John “Les” Cloninger
• Centralina Housing Authority – Hatley
• Historic Properties Commission –Jetton
• Lincolnton-Lincoln County Airport Authority – Eaddy
• Library Board – Cloninger
• Lincoln Cultural Center – Rhyne
• Recreation Commission – Rhyne
• North Carolina Municipal Power Agency – Public Works and Utilies Director Steve Peeler
• DDA Appointment – Jetton
• Lincoln Economic Development Association –Hatley
• Chamber of Commerce board member – Hatley
• Transportation Advisory Committee – Eaddy

City Manager Jeff Emory approached the council regarding a mid-year salary adjustment for city employees.

“We have identified about $350,000 in the general fund,” Emory said. He also mention the over $400,000 in savings by the city tapping into the state health care plan in 2016 but stated that the raises would not come from those savings.

Emory recommended a 1.5 percent cost of living increase for every employees and a bump at the five-year and a 2.5 percent “step interval” at the 30-35 year intervals.

Council unanimously voted to adopt the cost of living increase that would be applied in the first pay period of January. Council unanimously voted to approve the step interval.

The council voted into a deadlock regarding a 1.5 percent increase for Emory, whose employment is based on a renewable contract. Hatley broke the tie and Emory was awarded a raise.
March 4 was named as the target for the city’s planning retreat. Hatley noted that he thought that the future of the city’s event “Hog Hapenin’” should be on the docket.
“I question anything that loses money,” Hatley said to the council.

Emory addressed council regarding the city’s healthcare options for 2016. House Bill 154 was passed by the General Assembly in June, which allows municipalities with less than 1,000 employees to participate in the State of North Carolina’s health care plan.
Emory noted that the State of North Carolina has approved the city’s participation and it will be begin on Feb. 1. Emory said that employees will now have options for spousal coverage. Emory asked the council to approve that the city cover employees’ spousal premiums for the month of January when it was previously made public that the city would discontinue spousal coverage on Jan. 1. Council unanimously approved the motion by Rhyne to cover that 30-day gap for employees.

Lincolnton’s City Council will hold its next regular session on Jan. 7.

The post Hatley breaks ties in first council meeting as mayor appeared first on Lincoln Times-News.

PHIL PERRY
ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writers

An analysis of public records has shown that there are vast differences between the way city and county officials utilize their public email addresses.

The records request made by the Lincoln Times-News, an attempt at quantifying the level of public email use government officials engage in, yielded nearly nothing from City of Lincolnton offices and a cardboard box full of hundreds of documents from Lincoln County commissioners.

Some city officials have adopted the practice of using personal email accounts to conduct official business. While state law does not prohibit the practice, records request laws do apply to those accounts and it is the responsibility of the owner of the email address to determine what is public and what is of a private nature in the event that a request is made.

Chapter 132 (132-1) of the North Carolina public records law applies to records made or received in connection with the transaction of public business by a public agency.

According to state law, “public record” or “public records” “shall mean all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions. Agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions shall mean and include every public office, public officer or official (State or local, elected or appointed), institution, board, commission, bureau, council, department, authority or other unit of government of the State or of any county, unit, special district or other political subdivision of government.”

Lincolnton Ward 1 Councilman Devin Rhyne said that the city set up the process of forwarding his emails to his personal address when he took office about six years ago.

“I was asked how I wanted my email set up,” Rhyne said. “I have all of my emails forwarded from the city account to my personal Gmail account. I have never been directed to handle emails in any specific way.”

The email request by the Lincoln Times-News for records from May through October 2015 showed very little activity within city government email outside of inter-office/-department communications, based on what was provided by the city.

Per North Carolina public records laws, A person who has physical custody of a public record has two obligations in relation to the public records law — they are required to retain records according to records retention schedules and to provide access to the record in the event of a public records request.

According to a blog posted in March by the University of North Carolina professor of Law and Government Frayda S. Bluestein, there are no laws that require surrendering a device or granting full access to a personal email account per inspection by a unit of government.

Lincolnton City Manager Jeff Emory said that city government officials are left to make their own decisions on how to conduct their email for city business.

“We leave it up to them,” he said. “Some council members don’t want to use their private account. Some use both and it varies on that. They are definitely briefed on how their new account is going to work. We try to remind anyone that anything pertaining in any way to city business is public record. They are told that as part of the orientation process.”

Newly elected Ward 4 Councilman Roby Jetton confirmed that he had not yet been issued an email address by the city and that he would be participating in an orientation.

For Lincoln County, Amy Atkins, the board’s clerk, said that the matter is the responsibility of commissioners.

“We try to tell them to use their county email address,” she said. “Whether they do or not is another issue.”

Commissioner Alex Patton, who wraps up his third consecutive term next December, said using a private email address is best for archival purposes, especially considering the long work hours he accrues as the manager of a Cornelius Harris Teeter grocery store.
“I have every email that comes to my county address sent to my personal email as well,” Patton said via email. “That way I can archive it easier. I have every email I have sent for 11 years stored on flash drives and an external hard drive. I have all the ones I have received with the exception of incidentals such as an email reminding me of a meeting. I have always been very open and usually the first to respond to any email request. I work 55 to 70 hours a week. When I get home I check my email and respond as needed. Yes, sometimes it is from my account. I do believe in accountability and certainly I have nothing to hide.  It is just much easier if they all are in one place. I can file them in the category they go in and when it is full I put it on the external.  I have responded to many requests over the years and have never had anyone question this or my openness in providing them.”

Commissioner Cecilia Martin believes that transparency is important.

“I know I expected it when I ran,” she said. “Every politician in the world talks about it. We are spending the taxpayers’ money. We are spending the public’s money. I use (my email) to respond to questions that I get from anybody who’s asking them and as far as I know they fall within the guidelines. I don’t get a lot of private inquiries from private citizens. We get a lot of emails from webinar, people wanting us to watch webinars. That’s basically how we use our email. I get most of our inquiries from citizens on the street or they call me on the phone.”

Martin said that her conversations regarding the county are public record.

“I know emails are a matter of public record,​”​she said. “I don’t have any secret conversations with anybody regarding the county. I think we may have had a little bit of it in training. I just remember, from years working in crime control. I just think I know how to talk to somebody.”

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ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

The United States Senate unanimously passed legislation this week that will help ensure victims of forced sterilization aren’t restricted from receiving federal benefits based on their enrollment in state eugenics compensation programs.

Cornelius Republican Sen. Thom Tillis introduced the legislation alongside North Carolina Republican Sen. Richard Burr, Virginia Democrats Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner and Delaware Democrat Sen. Tom Carper.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Tillis said the inspiration for sponsoring such a bill originated from a 2007 presentation made by Wake County Democrat Larry Womble, when Tillis was a member of the North Carolina General Assembly.

“Even with him being a part of the Democratic caucus, nobody would be willing to take it up,” Tillis said. “Finally when we got into the majority, I told Rep. Womble we were going to get it done.”

Tillis introduced legislation at the state level that, two years ago, made North Carolina the first state to compensate the living victims of state-run forced sterilization programs that victimized more than 60,000 American in 33 states from the 1920s to 1970s.

Last year, 200 living victims across the state were awarded payments of about $20,000 each. In November, they received their second payments, in the amount of $15,000.

“I think when you sit down and talk with people about the program, I think one of the first reactions is ‘I had no idea this was ever done,'” Tillis said. “They used the right instincts and asked the right kinds of questions. When they saw it, we took a lot of time to get the details right so that we could send a very positive message.”

Similar legislation was introduced months ago in the House by Denver Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry. Through a spokesperson, McHenry said the Senate vote is a step in the right direction.

“Congressman McHenry is encouraged to see Senator Tillis’ bill clear the Senate,” McHenry press secretary Jeff Butler said. “The Congressman is continuing to work with Chairman (of the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee Jason) Chaffetz as the House advances via regular order. We look forward to seeing the legislation passed out of the Oversight Committee and brought to the House floor soon.”

The legislation excludes victims receiving compensation from having those payments used in determining eligibility and the amount of money received for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income and SSI-Disabled.

As of now, the bill impacts just two states: North Carolina and Virginia, which became the second state to pass compensation legislation last year.

“I hope it increases awareness,” Tillis said. “I hope it provides a road map to successful implementation on the state level.”

In a statement, Burr said the bill helps the country move forward from a dark place that victimized Americans still living today.

“The victims of these eugenics and sterilization programs were often subjected to procedures without their knowledge or consent,” Burr said. “This bipartisan legislation will provide assistance to those who suffered as a result of horrific decisions made by our government.”

“This shameful period in Virginia’s history is thankfully in the past, but there are still living victims who are suffering from its legacy,” Warner said in a statement. “Receiving just compensation for this horrible injustice should not unintentionally prevent victims from receiving federal assistance they’re entitled to. I’m pleased that this bill has passed the Senate and encourage the House to right this wrong by doing the same.”

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ADAM LAWSON
Staff Writer

Thanks to a surprise donation last month, 63 students at Battleground Elementary School won’t go cold this winter.

The 63-coat giveaway came from the Lincolnton Professional Fire Fighter’s Association. Jeffrey Hurt, then the president of the Local 4866 chapter of LPFFA and an ambassador with Operation Warm, helped facilitate the donation with the help of Lincoln County Schools superintendent Sherry Hoyle.

“A lot of the other local (organizations) throughout the state have been doing the campaign for a couple of years now,” Hurt said. “We just had the opportunity to. (Hoyle) jumped on board with it.”

For Battleground second-year principal Scott Carpenter, the donation of the coats represents the latest example of community outreach for a school that has received lots of it.

Battleground, whose students are on 100-percent free lunch due to high poverty levels, doesn’t want for school supplies thanks to the support of several churches and small businesses that have “adopted” the school. Still, some students had a real need for coats, and Carpenter was pleased the LPFFA chose his school to help.

“I was grateful,” Carpenter said. “I told (Hurt) that he had come to the right place. The kids really needed the clothing and the coats. One thing I can say about the students here is that they’re very appreciative. They’re very kind and they’re very smart. The kids here, they’re just great and appreciative and just a good group of kids.”

On a mid-November day, firefighters set up in the school’s lunchroom. One at a time, students identified as in need were called in. There, they picked a coat in their size and thanked the men in the room.

“They were tickled to death,” Carpenter said. “It was a warm day and even the next day I think the temperature was 71 degrees. The students wore the coats to school.”

Hoyle, the school system’s superintendent since 2011, said the donation was in the making for a couple of months. LPFFA and Operation Warm was looking for a school to support, and Hoyle helped coordinate the event with Battleground’s administration.

“To me, I think it’s just something the community has embraced,” Hoyle said. “They see where there’s a need. You have students who for whatever reason may need coats or food to help…They’ve been willing to step in with things and help fill the gap.”

To make sure the right students got the coats, guidance counselor Kennan Eaddy communicated with teachers, who gave their recommendations to who was in the most need.

Those selected were called in privately so as not to ostracize them from their peers.

“I didn’t want these kids at this school to feel like they were getting a handout or anything like that,” Carpenter said. “When they come to Battleground I want them to be treated like kings and queens.”

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Around town for December 4, 2015.

TODAY

Craft fair
New Vision Ministries, located at 661 Clarks Creek Rd. in Lincolnton will host a craft fair from 4p.m.-8p.m. 25 crafters and artisans along with door prizes and refreshments will be available.

Adult painting class
The Arts Council of Lincoln County will offer an adult acrylic painting class from 6p.m.-9p.m. at the Lincoln Cultural Center, located at 403 E. Main St. in Lincolnton. Class fee is $10 per person. For more information call (704) 732-9044.

Toy consignment and craft sale
Messiah United Methodist Church, located at 4102 Hwy. 27 W. in Lincolnton will host a toy consignment and craft sale from 6p.m.-9p.m. Jewelry, bows, wreaths, crocheted and hand-made items, tutus, Mary Kay cosmetics, woodwork and metal art work will be available. For questions call Brandi at (704) 530-5520.

SATURDAY

Christmas bazaar
Zion Hill Baptist Church, located at 8173 Old NC 18 Hwy. in Lawndale will host a Christmas bazaar from 7a.m.-noon. Items include breakfast, crafts, quilts, baked and canned goods. For more information call Joie Lovelace at (704) 538-9224.

Christmas crafts and more
Crouse United Methodist Church, located at 3311 Crouse School Rd. in Crouse will a Christmas craft and more sale from 8a.m.-2p.m. Vendors with gifts, jewelry, handmade crafts and stocking stuffers will be available along with baked goods, sausage biscuits, hot dogs and drinks. Proceeds from food items will support the Lincoln County Prison Ministry and Hesed House of Hope Homeless Shelter. For more information call the church office at (704) 735-2443.

Craft fair
New Vision Ministries, located at 661 Clarks Creek Rd. in Lincolnton will host a craft fair from 9a.m.-2p.m. 25 crafters and artisans along with door prizes and refreshments will be available.

Toy consignment and craft sale
Messiah United Methodist Church, located at 4102 Hwy. 27 W. in Lincolnton will host a toy consignment and craft sale from 9a.m.-1p.m. Jewelry, bows, wreaths, crocheted and hand-made items, tutus, Mary Kay cosmetics, woodwork and metal art work will be available. For questions call Brandi at (704) 530-5520.

Adult painting class
The Arts Council of Lincoln County will offer an adult acrylic painting class from 10a.m.-1p.m. at the Lincoln Cultural Center, located at 403 E. Main St. in Lincolnton. Class fee is $10 per person. For more information call (704) 732-9044.

Toys for Tots
Carillon Assisted Living of Lincolnton, located at 440 Salem Church Rd. in Lincolnton will be collecting monetary donations or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots from 2 p.m.-4p.m. Seasons Best Carolers will be performing. Refreshments will be served. For more information call (704) 732-0029.

Christmas open house
Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, located at 618 S. Grove St. in Lincolnton will host a drop-in Christmas open house from 4p.m.-6p.m. Refreshments, music, children’s activities, fellowship and holiday décor will be available. For more information call (704) 735-8057.

Gospel concert
Living Word Ministries, located at 1062 South Hwy. 16 in Lowesville will host the Lowesville Christmas Concert featuring the Bledsoes of Dobson along with 2 Determined at 6p.m. Event is free with a freewill offering being received. For more information call Carroll Cooke at (704) 618-9762.

SUNDAY　

Brian Burchfield
Long Shoals Baptist Church, located at 2988 Long Shoals Rd. in Lincolnton will host Brian Burchfield from Surgoinsville, Tenn. at the 11 a.m. worship service. For more information call (704) 735-9454.

Luncheon
McKendree United Methodist Church, located at 3537 Maiden Hwy. in Lincolnton will host a chicken pie and ham luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit local missions.

Movie
First Baptist Church of High Shoals, located at 600 Lincoln St. in High Shoals will show the movie “The Nativity” at 6 p.m.

Singing service
Laurel Hill United Methodist Church, located at 731 N. Hwy. 18 in Vale will host “Songs of Christmas” at 6p.m.

MONDAY

Observance
The WWII Veterans will hold “The Pearl Harbor Day Observance” at 11 a.m. on the East side of the courthouse.  The public and all Veterans are invited to attend.

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Job listings for December 4, 2015.

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.

INCOME MAINTENANCE CASEWORKER I — Job Number 10447124
Responsible for the determination of client eligibility for various income maintenance programs associated with long-term care in Adult Medicaid. Interviews clients to obtain information pertinent to the application process. Prepares and maintains documentation. Requires good interpersonal skills. Requires HS diploma/GED and 2 years’ experience as an Investigator or Caseworker in an Income Maintenance Program or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Requires a valid NC driver’s license and a safe driving record.

LOCAL ROUTE DRIVERS — Job Number 10443686
Seeking Class A & B CDL drivers for a busy sanitation company. Requires at least 1 year CDL driving experience. Requires tanker endorsement and clean MVR. 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.

WAREHOUSE OPERATORS — Job Number 10448451
Required skills: HS diploma/GED; 1-3 months related experience and/or training preferred. Ability to speak, read, and write English with proficiency. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Basic data entry skills needed.

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.

VARIOUS POSITIONS
Local school system has various openings including custodian, teacher’s assistant, coaches, teachers, tutors, speech pathologist, and school psychologist.

WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE- LINCOLNTON — Job Number 10446392
Must be able to do heavy lifting as needed. Must be able to move heavy donations with help and using dollies and other provided tools. Requires good customer service skills. Must be flexible, dependable, and have a positive attitude. Must have professional demeanor and remain friendly and polite when faced with difficult situations. Requires HS diploma/GED.

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.

WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE-DENVER — Job Number 10446393
Must be able to do heavy lifting as needed. Must be able to move heavy donations with help and using dollies and other provided tools. Requires good customer service skills. Must be flexible, dependable, and have a positive attitude. Must have professional demeanor and remain friendly and polite when faced with difficult situations. Requires HS diploma/GED.

FULL TIME FOOD SERVICE AIDE — Job Number 10447182
Assists the dietary manager and cook in the preparation and service of food. 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.

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