Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Authorities have identified the body of a Winston-Salem man who died on Lake Norman last week.
Brandon Bates, 26, was boating with friends on the Catawba County side of the lake when he fell overboard Aug. 21. The state coroner identified Bates' body after it was brought to Raleigh on Thursday afternoon.
The boat's driver, Robert William Ray Grooms of Mooresville, has been charged with boating while impaired.
Bates was the ninth person this year to die on Lake Norman.
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8/30/06
Rescuers rehearse for stormy situations
Crews brush up on their emergency skills on Lake James
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
LAKE JAMES -- As Tropical Storm Ernesto churned the waters outside Haiti and strong winds pounded the shore Monday, more than 40 rescue workers in Burke County practiced emergency lifts in flooded and hurricane-like conditions.
The three-day training session, which began Sunday, came one year after Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast, leaving people stranded on rooftops and floating in open water.
The aftermath of last year's storm left state and federal authorities fighting criticism for not being better prepared and for the slow emergency response time.
And that's exactly what rescue workers in North Carolina, Texas, Maryland and Georgia are hoping to avoid in their own states, said Capt. Rob Brisley of the Charlotte Fire Department.
"We realize that North Carolina can be just as vulnerable," he said. "When they pull the trigger for a real mission, (rescuers) jump on that aircraft and have the confidence."
The out-of-state rescuers joined local crews for the training, said Jeff Cardwell of the N.C. Division of Emergency Management.
"We're certainly not alone. We're not alone in our goals, our approach. We're not alone in our needs," said Cardwell, coordinator for areas that include Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties.
When Hurricane Ivan slammed into the Carolinas in 2004, rescuers in Burke County made 13 lifts using Blackhawk helicopters, said Jeff Hibbard of the county's special operations task force.
With the current hurricane season approaching, Hibbard, 41, said it's important for even the most experienced of rescuers to practice airlifts.
"All of these guys are seasoned," he said, "(But) if we don't keep up on it, a lot of skills lack."
Training Monday began with rescues from the top of vehicles, which are similar to rooftop rescues, and from trees.
Tree rescues are particularly tricky, said N.C. National Guard Staff Sgt. Brant McGee, who returned from Iraq in December after a one-year tour of duty.
"The biggest problem would be snagging the tree," he said. "The aircraft won't even feel it if they've pulled someone apart."
The winds generated by the Blackhawk can achieve almost hurricane force, McGee said, and water rescues came with whipping waves and stinging spray.
Even with the spray, Lynn Burttschell from Austin (Texas)-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said, the wind created by the helicopter is worse on the outskirts.
"It's like being in the eye of a hurricane," he said.
Crews lifted victims from trees and from open water in minutes.
"They're the A-team," Cardwell said. "There's no egos. Everybody is here for a reason."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
LAKE JAMES -- As Tropical Storm Ernesto churned the waters outside Haiti and strong winds pounded the shore Monday, more than 40 rescue workers in Burke County practiced emergency lifts in flooded and hurricane-like conditions.
The three-day training session, which began Sunday, came one year after Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast, leaving people stranded on rooftops and floating in open water.
The aftermath of last year's storm left state and federal authorities fighting criticism for not being better prepared and for the slow emergency response time.
And that's exactly what rescue workers in North Carolina, Texas, Maryland and Georgia are hoping to avoid in their own states, said Capt. Rob Brisley of the Charlotte Fire Department.
"We realize that North Carolina can be just as vulnerable," he said. "When they pull the trigger for a real mission, (rescuers) jump on that aircraft and have the confidence."
The out-of-state rescuers joined local crews for the training, said Jeff Cardwell of the N.C. Division of Emergency Management.
"We're certainly not alone. We're not alone in our goals, our approach. We're not alone in our needs," said Cardwell, coordinator for areas that include Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties.
When Hurricane Ivan slammed into the Carolinas in 2004, rescuers in Burke County made 13 lifts using Blackhawk helicopters, said Jeff Hibbard of the county's special operations task force.
With the current hurricane season approaching, Hibbard, 41, said it's important for even the most experienced of rescuers to practice airlifts.
"All of these guys are seasoned," he said, "(But) if we don't keep up on it, a lot of skills lack."
Training Monday began with rescues from the top of vehicles, which are similar to rooftop rescues, and from trees.
Tree rescues are particularly tricky, said N.C. National Guard Staff Sgt. Brant McGee, who returned from Iraq in December after a one-year tour of duty.
"The biggest problem would be snagging the tree," he said. "The aircraft won't even feel it if they've pulled someone apart."
The winds generated by the Blackhawk can achieve almost hurricane force, McGee said, and water rescues came with whipping waves and stinging spray.
Even with the spray, Lynn Burttschell from Austin (Texas)-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said, the wind created by the helicopter is worse on the outskirts.
"It's like being in the eye of a hurricane," he said.
Crews lifted victims from trees and from open water in minutes.
"They're the A-team," Cardwell said. "There's no egos. Everybody is here for a reason."
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8/27/06
Merger talks on table in Lenoir
CITY'S POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS COULD BE CONSOLIDATED INTO ONE PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION
CITY MANAGER LANE BAILEY SAID THE MOVE COMES AS A RESULT OF THE CITY'S DECLINING TAX BASE
Sunday, August 27, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
In hopes of better dealing with tight budgets, the city of Lenoir is looking at consolidating its fire and police departments into one public safety division.
The move, said City Manager Lane Bailey, results from the city's declining tax base, which is severely hit every time another furniture factory closes. Last fiscal year, general fund revenues dropped by nearly $1.3 million, or 8 percent, to $14.9 million.
"We're always looking at ways that we can do things more efficiently," Bailey said. "But this is probably the thing that people would talk about because it's unusual."
Only a few public safety divisions exist in the state, including the 30-year-old department in Morganton, said Matt Lail, public affairs officer at the N.C. League of Municipalities. Lenoir is looking at that program initially.
If the city decides to combine the agencies, Bailey said, no jobs would be cut, and salaries would remain the same. One director would oversee the operation, as opposed to one fire chief and one police chief, he said.
Bailey said a public safety department probably isn't the best way to deliver services because fire departments and police departments are so specialized. But other city departments have already been trimmed considerably, leaving little room for further cuts, he said.
In 2004, the city cut 17 jobs in public works and recreation, and five more positions are being nixed from the budget this year, Bailey said.
"Positions that existed in the city are no longer there," he said. "We've had some very tough issues."
The city wouldn't likely see savings until fiscal year 2009 if a public safety division is implemented, Bailey said. He also said it's premature to say if it would be a good move for Lenoir.
"This is just one of the things that we are going to look at," he said.
Bailey doesn't know specifically how much the city might gain by consolidating the departments, but he said the savings would have to be significant to justify the merger.
Fire Chief Ken Briscoe and Police Chief Joey Reynolds said they understand that the city has to consider all the options.
"We want to be good stewards of our taxpayers' money," Briscoe said.
Bailey said the City Council initially discussed the idea during budget talks in June and will look at its feasibility at a January budget retreat.
The city of Morganton merged its police and fire departments in 1976 to fight a lagging economy and bolster efficiency, said Pam Walker, the city's public information officer.
"Our council still believes in the system, and it seems to work well for us," she said.
Morganton's Public Safety Division was budgeted at $7.7 million for fiscal year 2006-07. Lenoir has slated a combined $7.7 million for the police and fire departments for the same year.
The populations of Morganton and Lenoir are about 17,000 residents each, according to the 2000 census.
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and may not be republished without permission.
CITY MANAGER LANE BAILEY SAID THE MOVE COMES AS A RESULT OF THE CITY'S DECLINING TAX BASE
Sunday, August 27, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
In hopes of better dealing with tight budgets, the city of Lenoir is looking at consolidating its fire and police departments into one public safety division.
The move, said City Manager Lane Bailey, results from the city's declining tax base, which is severely hit every time another furniture factory closes. Last fiscal year, general fund revenues dropped by nearly $1.3 million, or 8 percent, to $14.9 million.
"We're always looking at ways that we can do things more efficiently," Bailey said. "But this is probably the thing that people would talk about because it's unusual."
Only a few public safety divisions exist in the state, including the 30-year-old department in Morganton, said Matt Lail, public affairs officer at the N.C. League of Municipalities. Lenoir is looking at that program initially.
If the city decides to combine the agencies, Bailey said, no jobs would be cut, and salaries would remain the same. One director would oversee the operation, as opposed to one fire chief and one police chief, he said.
Bailey said a public safety department probably isn't the best way to deliver services because fire departments and police departments are so specialized. But other city departments have already been trimmed considerably, leaving little room for further cuts, he said.
In 2004, the city cut 17 jobs in public works and recreation, and five more positions are being nixed from the budget this year, Bailey said.
"Positions that existed in the city are no longer there," he said. "We've had some very tough issues."
The city wouldn't likely see savings until fiscal year 2009 if a public safety division is implemented, Bailey said. He also said it's premature to say if it would be a good move for Lenoir.
"This is just one of the things that we are going to look at," he said.
Bailey doesn't know specifically how much the city might gain by consolidating the departments, but he said the savings would have to be significant to justify the merger.
Fire Chief Ken Briscoe and Police Chief Joey Reynolds said they understand that the city has to consider all the options.
"We want to be good stewards of our taxpayers' money," Briscoe said.
Bailey said the City Council initially discussed the idea during budget talks in June and will look at its feasibility at a January budget retreat.
The city of Morganton merged its police and fire departments in 1976 to fight a lagging economy and bolster efficiency, said Pam Walker, the city's public information officer.
"Our council still believes in the system, and it seems to work well for us," she said.
Morganton's Public Safety Division was budgeted at $7.7 million for fiscal year 2006-07. Lenoir has slated a combined $7.7 million for the police and fire departments for the same year.
The populations of Morganton and Lenoir are about 17,000 residents each, according to the 2000 census.
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and may not be republished without permission.
Caldwell County Republicans endorse candidates for the upcoming election
Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The Caldwell County Republican Party Executive Committee endorsed five nonpartisan candidates at its monthly meeting Tuesday.
Three men, Rob Bratcher, Tim Hawkins and Chris Becker, were unanimously endorsed as candidates for the Caldwell County Board of Education, where four seats are open.
The committee also endorsed Dennis A. Benfield and Bill Puette, who are two of seven candidates running for supervisor with the Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District. Two seats are open in the Nov. 7 election.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The Caldwell County Republican Party Executive Committee endorsed five nonpartisan candidates at its monthly meeting Tuesday.
Three men, Rob Bratcher, Tim Hawkins and Chris Becker, were unanimously endorsed as candidates for the Caldwell County Board of Education, where four seats are open.
The committee also endorsed Dennis A. Benfield and Bill Puette, who are two of seven candidates running for supervisor with the Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District. Two seats are open in the Nov. 7 election.
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8/25/06
Hunt's Limit: 8 years, maybe 12
CHALLENGER TO LONGTIME INCUMBENT HUFFMAN SAYS HE'D RESTRICT TERM
Friday, August 25, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Steve Hunt said eight, or possibly 12, years would be plenty of time for him to achieve his goals if he were elected Catawba County sheriff in November.
Hunt, who is challenging long-time incumbent David Huffman, announced at Tuesday's Catawba County Democrats' meeting that he will impose a term limit on himself, though he later hedged on how many of the four-year terms would be his maximum.
At first, Hunt said he'd only spend eight years in the job if elected, but later said he'd consider a third term. Hunt, a 30-year veteran of the Hickory Police Department, said he worries that elected officials cannot be as effective if they hold one position for too long.
"Two terms, three at the most, is healthy," he said after the meeting. "After (that) someone else needs to come in with fresh, new ideas and then take the office to the next level."
Hunt's announcement targets one of Huffman's strongest qualifications in a closely watched race - a 24-year run as Catawba County sheriff. Huffman, who serves on the U.S. Homeland Security Intelligence team, said building contacts in the region and across the nation takes time.
"You don't get these things in two terms, not on a national level. There's just no way," he said Wednesday.
Huffman said he wonders why Hunt served 30 years with the Hickory Police Department if he believes in term limits.
"If he's only going to work eight years for the sheriff," Huffman said, "why didn't he only work eight for Hickory?"
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and may not be republished without permission.
Friday, August 25, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Steve Hunt said eight, or possibly 12, years would be plenty of time for him to achieve his goals if he were elected Catawba County sheriff in November.
Hunt, who is challenging long-time incumbent David Huffman, announced at Tuesday's Catawba County Democrats' meeting that he will impose a term limit on himself, though he later hedged on how many of the four-year terms would be his maximum.
At first, Hunt said he'd only spend eight years in the job if elected, but later said he'd consider a third term. Hunt, a 30-year veteran of the Hickory Police Department, said he worries that elected officials cannot be as effective if they hold one position for too long.
"Two terms, three at the most, is healthy," he said after the meeting. "After (that) someone else needs to come in with fresh, new ideas and then take the office to the next level."
Hunt's announcement targets one of Huffman's strongest qualifications in a closely watched race - a 24-year run as Catawba County sheriff. Huffman, who serves on the U.S. Homeland Security Intelligence team, said building contacts in the region and across the nation takes time.
"You don't get these things in two terms, not on a national level. There's just no way," he said Wednesday.
Huffman said he wonders why Hunt served 30 years with the Hickory Police Department if he believes in term limits.
"If he's only going to work eight years for the sheriff," Huffman said, "why didn't he only work eight for Hickory?"
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and may not be republished without permission.
Rhodhiss to vote on beer, wine
NO ABC STORE, BUT RESTAURANTS COULD ALSO SELL MIXED DRINKS; REFERENDUM IS SEPT. 12
Friday, August 25, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Rhodhiss residents may no longer have to make the short commute out of town to buy beer and wine.
On Sept. 12, voters will decide in a referendum that would allow the sale of some alcoholic beverages within Rhodhiss limits. The measure proposed by the Board of Commissioners earlier this summer would likely bring the town additional revenue in a time of economic decline, Mayor Jimmy Wilson said.
"The tax revenue would be wonderful," he said. "If people want (alcohol), it doesn't matter where they buy it, they'll get it. May as well make some money off it."
The referendum would allow Rhodhiss businesses to sell malt beverages, such as beer, and fortified wines, said Town Manager Rose Waldrup. Restaurants could serve mixed drinks and liquor.
The board has decided residents can continue to make the 2 1/2-mile commute to the ABC store in Granite Falls for liquor, Waldrup said.
The town voted 151-81 against a similar change in 2002. Although that vote brought 66 percent of registered voters to the polls, only two residents showed up at Saturday's town hall day to discuss the current proposal, Waldrup said.
Wilson said officials have better explained the measure to residents this time around. He's hopeful voters will favor the sales, but isn't sure if the measure will pass.
Granite Falls legalized alcohol sales in December 2002, something Wilson said is a positive sign.
The 965-person town straddles Burke and Caldwell counties, and if passed, the new alcohol laws would apply to all of Rhodhiss. Waldrup estimates that more than two-thirds of the population is over 21.
Rhodhiss currently has two establishments, the Riverfront Grill and Owens' Express, that would likely see a jump in revenue if the measure were passed, Waldrup said. Another hope, she said, is that more grocers and restaurants will come to Rhodhiss.
But not everyone in the small town thinks legalizing the sale of alcohol is a great idea, Waldrup said, and worry that changing the law will make the town less desirable.
"(Those in) opposition think there will be things like beer joints and problems with drunkenness," she said, "and they don't want that."
Commissioner Clarence Burns, whom Waldrup and Wilson said has openly opposed the measure, would not comment.
The other board members are in favor of changing the law, Waldrup said.
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and may not be republished without permission.
Friday, August 25, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Rhodhiss residents may no longer have to make the short commute out of town to buy beer and wine.
On Sept. 12, voters will decide in a referendum that would allow the sale of some alcoholic beverages within Rhodhiss limits. The measure proposed by the Board of Commissioners earlier this summer would likely bring the town additional revenue in a time of economic decline, Mayor Jimmy Wilson said.
"The tax revenue would be wonderful," he said. "If people want (alcohol), it doesn't matter where they buy it, they'll get it. May as well make some money off it."
The referendum would allow Rhodhiss businesses to sell malt beverages, such as beer, and fortified wines, said Town Manager Rose Waldrup. Restaurants could serve mixed drinks and liquor.
The board has decided residents can continue to make the 2 1/2-mile commute to the ABC store in Granite Falls for liquor, Waldrup said.
The town voted 151-81 against a similar change in 2002. Although that vote brought 66 percent of registered voters to the polls, only two residents showed up at Saturday's town hall day to discuss the current proposal, Waldrup said.
Wilson said officials have better explained the measure to residents this time around. He's hopeful voters will favor the sales, but isn't sure if the measure will pass.
Granite Falls legalized alcohol sales in December 2002, something Wilson said is a positive sign.
The 965-person town straddles Burke and Caldwell counties, and if passed, the new alcohol laws would apply to all of Rhodhiss. Waldrup estimates that more than two-thirds of the population is over 21.
Rhodhiss currently has two establishments, the Riverfront Grill and Owens' Express, that would likely see a jump in revenue if the measure were passed, Waldrup said. Another hope, she said, is that more grocers and restaurants will come to Rhodhiss.
But not everyone in the small town thinks legalizing the sale of alcohol is a great idea, Waldrup said, and worry that changing the law will make the town less desirable.
"(Those in) opposition think there will be things like beer joints and problems with drunkenness," she said, "and they don't want that."
Commissioner Clarence Burns, whom Waldrup and Wilson said has openly opposed the measure, would not comment.
The other board members are in favor of changing the law, Waldrup said.
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and may not be republished without permission.
8/24/06
Crews continue search for man who fell off boat at lake
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Search-and-rescue teams in Catawba County spent Wednesday trolling a three-mile area on Lake Norman looking for a man who disappeared after falling off a boat late Monday.
Wednesday's search resumed at 9 a.m. after storms forced authorities to call off the investigation Tuesday evening, said Adam Dellinger, public information officer for the Sherrills Ford Fire Department.
Teams used sonar equipment and cadaver search dogs to scan the waters, he said.
The N.C. Highway Patrol used a helicopter above the area, focusing on shoreline searches.
The unidentified man disappeared near Spinnaker Bay Drive, south of Terrell. The boat's driver has been charged with boating while impaired.
It is the third drowning on the lake in three days and the ninth this year.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Search-and-rescue teams in Catawba County spent Wednesday trolling a three-mile area on Lake Norman looking for a man who disappeared after falling off a boat late Monday.
Wednesday's search resumed at 9 a.m. after storms forced authorities to call off the investigation Tuesday evening, said Adam Dellinger, public information officer for the Sherrills Ford Fire Department.
Teams used sonar equipment and cadaver search dogs to scan the waters, he said.
The N.C. Highway Patrol used a helicopter above the area, focusing on shoreline searches.
The unidentified man disappeared near Spinnaker Bay Drive, south of Terrell. The boat's driver has been charged with boating while impaired.
It is the third drowning on the lake in three days and the ninth this year.
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8/22/06
Man fined for building cabin at Pisgah National Forest
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Caldwell County man who damaged federal land and partially built a cabin in the Pisgah National Forest was ordered to pay almost $18,000 in fines and restitution to the U.S. government.
Joe Howard Snyder of Lenoir escaped a felony charge by pleading guilty to destroying survey marks and constructing a building on national forest land, according to a Department of Justice news release.
A federal judge ordered Snyder to serve one year probation and pay a $5,000 fine and another $12,835 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service. A third count, digging a trench to alter the flow of a stream, was dismissed.
Snyder also must remove the portion of a cabin he built on Globe Mountain Road.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Caldwell County man who damaged federal land and partially built a cabin in the Pisgah National Forest was ordered to pay almost $18,000 in fines and restitution to the U.S. government.
Joe Howard Snyder of Lenoir escaped a felony charge by pleading guilty to destroying survey marks and constructing a building on national forest land, according to a Department of Justice news release.
A federal judge ordered Snyder to serve one year probation and pay a $5,000 fine and another $12,835 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service. A third count, digging a trench to alter the flow of a stream, was dismissed.
Snyder also must remove the portion of a cabin he built on Globe Mountain Road.
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8/20/06
Burke to get drug court
PROGRAM, WHICH STARTS IN 2007, LETS ADULTS ENTER TREATMENT RATHER THAN GO TO JAIL
Sunday, August 20, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Beginning in January, some of Burke County's convicted drug offenders facing jail time will have an alternative to spending time behind bars.
Thanks to a $450,000 grant through the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance, Burke County adults found guilty of certain drug offenses could instead enter a treatment program to overcome drug and alcohol addiction.
Adult drug treatment courts offer chemically dependent men and women over 18 an alternative to jail time. Those eligible for the program must also be on probation for a convicted drug arrest, headed for jail or prison and show a desire to overcome addiction.
"These people have more than just a few weekends in jail, so that's why the motivation to do the program (is there)," said Catawba County Drug Court Director Reva Cook.
Drug court programs, which carry a 12-month minimum, requires clients to abide by strict rules, including regular drug testing, meetings with case officers, counseling and treatment.
"People think, well, all you do is sit and talk about drugs and alcohol, but that's not what it is," Cook said. "It deals with social skills. How do you go fishing and not drink?"
Each client's participation level, however, can differ greatly, based on an evaluation by a team of court and community professionals, Cook said. Some clients initially attend three meetings a day three times a week, while others attend less frequently.
"Everybody's addiction is different, and everyone's response is different," she said.
The Catawba County program started in May 2005 and, at 85 percent, has since seen the highest retention rate of any N.C. county.
Twenty-nine drug offenders have successfully gone through the program in Catawba County, and only four have been rearrested and returned to the regular court system, Cook said.
Convicted drug offenders must be county residents to be eligible and must not have a history of criminal violence, Cook said.
The program costs an estimated $4,200, which is funded by the federal government. Participants are, however, required to pay $10 a week, as mandated by the state. A year in jail, by comparison, costs the state $23,199, said George Dudley, spokesman for the N.C. Department of Correction. The county will provide office space.
Participants must also be enrolled as students or hold a job to be eligible. Getting work as a felon, however, isn't always easy, Cook said. Burke County Commissioners Chairman Wayne Abele said the success of Catawba's drug court program is a positive sign that Burke drug offenders will see similar progress.
"If we can help one (person), it makes a huge difference in our community," he said.
The Catawba County drug court, which has a presiding judge, bailiff, district attorney and defense lawyer, meets every other Friday, and the Burke program will likely have a similar schedule.
Catawba County is treating 26 clients, and Burke will have the capacity to enroll up to 25 participants, Cook said.
Each grant covers a three-year period, and if Burke County sees positive results in its new program, Cook said, she hopes to write another grant in 2009 that would expand the federal drug treatment court to Caldwell County.
Drug Court History
The nation's first drug court was established in 1989 in Dade County, Fla., by then-State's Attorney Janet Reno.
Now, nearly 1,000 adult drug courts are functioning in the United States and close to 250 additional programs, including Burke's, are in the planning stages, said Caroline Cooper, director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance Drug Court Clearinghouse at American University in Washington.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Beginning in January, some of Burke County's convicted drug offenders facing jail time will have an alternative to spending time behind bars.
Thanks to a $450,000 grant through the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance, Burke County adults found guilty of certain drug offenses could instead enter a treatment program to overcome drug and alcohol addiction.
Adult drug treatment courts offer chemically dependent men and women over 18 an alternative to jail time. Those eligible for the program must also be on probation for a convicted drug arrest, headed for jail or prison and show a desire to overcome addiction.
"These people have more than just a few weekends in jail, so that's why the motivation to do the program (is there)," said Catawba County Drug Court Director Reva Cook.
Drug court programs, which carry a 12-month minimum, requires clients to abide by strict rules, including regular drug testing, meetings with case officers, counseling and treatment.
"People think, well, all you do is sit and talk about drugs and alcohol, but that's not what it is," Cook said. "It deals with social skills. How do you go fishing and not drink?"
Each client's participation level, however, can differ greatly, based on an evaluation by a team of court and community professionals, Cook said. Some clients initially attend three meetings a day three times a week, while others attend less frequently.
"Everybody's addiction is different, and everyone's response is different," she said.
The Catawba County program started in May 2005 and, at 85 percent, has since seen the highest retention rate of any N.C. county.
Twenty-nine drug offenders have successfully gone through the program in Catawba County, and only four have been rearrested and returned to the regular court system, Cook said.
Convicted drug offenders must be county residents to be eligible and must not have a history of criminal violence, Cook said.
The program costs an estimated $4,200, which is funded by the federal government. Participants are, however, required to pay $10 a week, as mandated by the state. A year in jail, by comparison, costs the state $23,199, said George Dudley, spokesman for the N.C. Department of Correction. The county will provide office space.
Participants must also be enrolled as students or hold a job to be eligible. Getting work as a felon, however, isn't always easy, Cook said. Burke County Commissioners Chairman Wayne Abele said the success of Catawba's drug court program is a positive sign that Burke drug offenders will see similar progress.
"If we can help one (person), it makes a huge difference in our community," he said.
The Catawba County drug court, which has a presiding judge, bailiff, district attorney and defense lawyer, meets every other Friday, and the Burke program will likely have a similar schedule.
Catawba County is treating 26 clients, and Burke will have the capacity to enroll up to 25 participants, Cook said.
Each grant covers a three-year period, and if Burke County sees positive results in its new program, Cook said, she hopes to write another grant in 2009 that would expand the federal drug treatment court to Caldwell County.
Drug Court History
The nation's first drug court was established in 1989 in Dade County, Fla., by then-State's Attorney Janet Reno.
Now, nearly 1,000 adult drug courts are functioning in the United States and close to 250 additional programs, including Burke's, are in the planning stages, said Caroline Cooper, director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance Drug Court Clearinghouse at American University in Washington.
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Cancer claims youth
GOSNELL, 20, NEVER LOST HIS FIGHTING SPIRIT
Sunday, August 20, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Brett Gosnell loved football, and after a three-year battle with cancer, the Hickory native's father hopes that his son's dream of watching football on a 52-inch screen in heaven has come true.
Gosnell, 20, died Thursday morning at his parents' home in Hickory after three years fighting a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, rhabdomysarcoma. Over the years, Gosnell has inspired others with his positive attitude, intelligence and courage, his father said.
"Brett was probably the most determined person I have ever met," Mark Gosnell said Friday.
Gosnell, Hickory High School's top student in 2004, compiled a long list of accolades. Even as cancer ravaged his 6-foot-1 and 175-pound frame and chemotherapy's poisons seeped into his body, his father said that Gosnell was determined to keep his grades up and do it with a smile.
"During his treatments he improved his grades. He went from No. 2 to No. 1," Mark Gosnell said. "And that's something (the doctors) had never seen before."
Gosnell graduated as Hickory High School's valedictorian in 2004, and through chemo treatments, attended Lenoir-Rhyne and UNC Chapel Hill, his father said.
Gosnell was finally able to attend classes at the University of Virginia, his dream school, last fall, Mark Gosnell said. In his short time in Charlottesville, Gosnell impressed faculty so much, his father said, that the university's College of Arts and Sciences has created the Brett Baxley Gosnell Award for writing.
It was being named Hickory High's top student by his peers, however, that his father said meant the most to Gosnell. "That told him what everyone else thought of him," Mark Gosnell said, "And (it had nothing to do) with a high GPA."
Although Brett was a gifted student, his family and friends say that football was his true passion. Even after cancer forced him off the football team and onto the sidelines, Gosnell refused to miss a single game his senior year and convinced his doctors to change his chemo treatments based on the game schedule, his father said. His teammates responded by wearing his number, 80, on their helmets throughout the season.
"He would not give up, and that can be an inspiration to all of us," said David Elder, former coach of Hickory High's football team.
U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, who has attended Brett's Ride for Rhabdo, a bike ride to raise money for cancer research and named in Gosnell's honor, called Gosnell impressive.
"I recognized instantly that no matter what he did, he would have an impact larger than just himself," McHenry said.
Gosnell's longtime childhood friend, Scott Talbert, served as a pallbearer at the funeral Saturday and said that even at the roughest times, Gosnell
maintained an undeniable will to succeed.
"Even when he was so sick from chemotherapy and couldn't even walk," Talbert said, "he would say he was going to beat it."
Brett's Ride for Rhabdo
Mark Gosnell said Brett's Ride for Rhabdo is still scheduled for Oct. 1 and will continue for years to come. The ride begins at 9 a.m. at the YMCA in Hickory. Proceeds from the 10-mile, 30-mile or 65-mile ride benefit research for all kinds of childhood cancers, including rhabdo.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
and may not be republished without permission.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Brett Gosnell loved football, and after a three-year battle with cancer, the Hickory native's father hopes that his son's dream of watching football on a 52-inch screen in heaven has come true.
Gosnell, 20, died Thursday morning at his parents' home in Hickory after three years fighting a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, rhabdomysarcoma. Over the years, Gosnell has inspired others with his positive attitude, intelligence and courage, his father said.
"Brett was probably the most determined person I have ever met," Mark Gosnell said Friday.
Gosnell, Hickory High School's top student in 2004, compiled a long list of accolades. Even as cancer ravaged his 6-foot-1 and 175-pound frame and chemotherapy's poisons seeped into his body, his father said that Gosnell was determined to keep his grades up and do it with a smile.
"During his treatments he improved his grades. He went from No. 2 to No. 1," Mark Gosnell said. "And that's something (the doctors) had never seen before."
Gosnell graduated as Hickory High School's valedictorian in 2004, and through chemo treatments, attended Lenoir-Rhyne and UNC Chapel Hill, his father said.
Gosnell was finally able to attend classes at the University of Virginia, his dream school, last fall, Mark Gosnell said. In his short time in Charlottesville, Gosnell impressed faculty so much, his father said, that the university's College of Arts and Sciences has created the Brett Baxley Gosnell Award for writing.
It was being named Hickory High's top student by his peers, however, that his father said meant the most to Gosnell. "That told him what everyone else thought of him," Mark Gosnell said, "And (it had nothing to do) with a high GPA."
Although Brett was a gifted student, his family and friends say that football was his true passion. Even after cancer forced him off the football team and onto the sidelines, Gosnell refused to miss a single game his senior year and convinced his doctors to change his chemo treatments based on the game schedule, his father said. His teammates responded by wearing his number, 80, on their helmets throughout the season.
"He would not give up, and that can be an inspiration to all of us," said David Elder, former coach of Hickory High's football team.
U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, who has attended Brett's Ride for Rhabdo, a bike ride to raise money for cancer research and named in Gosnell's honor, called Gosnell impressive.
"I recognized instantly that no matter what he did, he would have an impact larger than just himself," McHenry said.
Gosnell's longtime childhood friend, Scott Talbert, served as a pallbearer at the funeral Saturday and said that even at the roughest times, Gosnell
maintained an undeniable will to succeed.
"Even when he was so sick from chemotherapy and couldn't even walk," Talbert said, "he would say he was going to beat it."
Brett's Ride for Rhabdo
Mark Gosnell said Brett's Ride for Rhabdo is still scheduled for Oct. 1 and will continue for years to come. The ride begins at 9 a.m. at the YMCA in Hickory. Proceeds from the 10-mile, 30-mile or 65-mile ride benefit research for all kinds of childhood cancers, including rhabdo.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
and may not be republished without permission.
Man accused of running illegal mushroom-growing operation
Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Burke County investigators said they discovered an illegal mushroom-growing operation Thursday at the home of a Hildebran man they were arresting on unrelated drug charges.
Officers with the Burke County Narcotics Task Force went to the South Center Street home of Kyle Brandon Moore to serve grand jury indictments stemming from a 2005 case.
When they entered the home, they found psilocybin mushrooms in an early growth stage, plus marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to a Sheriff's Office news release.
Moore, 21, was arrested, charged with manufacturing mushrooms and jailed under $50,000 bond. He had his first court appearance Friday on the mushroom charge.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Burke County investigators said they discovered an illegal mushroom-growing operation Thursday at the home of a Hildebran man they were arresting on unrelated drug charges.
Officers with the Burke County Narcotics Task Force went to the South Center Street home of Kyle Brandon Moore to serve grand jury indictments stemming from a 2005 case.
When they entered the home, they found psilocybin mushrooms in an early growth stage, plus marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to a Sheriff's Office news release.
Moore, 21, was arrested, charged with manufacturing mushrooms and jailed under $50,000 bond. He had his first court appearance Friday on the mushroom charge.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
8/17/06
Crews rescue stranded hikers caught off-guard by storms
Thursday, Aug. 17, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Emergency workers rescued four hikers Tuesday night after thunderstorms left them stranded in a mountainous area of Burke County.
Major Ken Anthony of Burke County Emergency Services said Bill and Connie Topham of Nebo and Lauren Topham and Jason Gulak of Washington, D.C., started the hike in the early afternoon and were unaware of the approaching storms.
They were hiking in the Upper Creek Falls area of the county, he said, "and when the storms came in, they hunkered down."
By 6 p.m., heavy downpours and heavy flooding turned a typically mild Upper Creek into a torrent, Anthony said, blocking their return route. The creek, which typically spans 25 feet, swelled to 50 or 60 feet, he said.
Despite spotty cell phone service, the stranded hikers were able to contact the Emergency Operations Center within the hour.
Rescue crews had to rig safety lines above the rushing waters and transport the hikers across the rapids in harnesses, Anthony said. The alternative to the four-hour rescue would have forced the hikers to make a 12-mile hike through unstable and rough terrain.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Emergency workers rescued four hikers Tuesday night after thunderstorms left them stranded in a mountainous area of Burke County.
Major Ken Anthony of Burke County Emergency Services said Bill and Connie Topham of Nebo and Lauren Topham and Jason Gulak of Washington, D.C., started the hike in the early afternoon and were unaware of the approaching storms.
They were hiking in the Upper Creek Falls area of the county, he said, "and when the storms came in, they hunkered down."
By 6 p.m., heavy downpours and heavy flooding turned a typically mild Upper Creek into a torrent, Anthony said, blocking their return route. The creek, which typically spans 25 feet, swelled to 50 or 60 feet, he said.
Despite spotty cell phone service, the stranded hikers were able to contact the Emergency Operations Center within the hour.
Rescue crews had to rig safety lines above the rushing waters and transport the hikers across the rapids in harnesses, Anthony said. The alternative to the four-hour rescue would have forced the hikers to make a 12-mile hike through unstable and rough terrain.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
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