About two-thirds need legal speech translated
Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
It has been 30 years since the Hmong began settling in Western North Carolina, but community leaders say they are still trying to fully bridge the language barrier and need more and better trained translators in the courts.
About a third of the 15,000 Hmong living in the Catawba Valley and McDowell County speak English well enough to communicate and understand the law, said Tong Yang, executive director of the United Hmong Association of North Carolina, leaving many others dependent on translators if they have to go to court.
"Even though they can communicate well enough to get by in everyday life," Yang said, "they might not be able to fully understand what a judge or a lawyer is saying in a court proceeding."
And that creates several hurdles for the Hmong, who have been trying to adjust to this county's culture and still maintain their Southeast Asian identity.
Court administrators, judges and lawyers, Yang said, often don't understand the Hmong culture and the complexity of the language, making it, in turn, difficult for non-English-speaking Hmong to grasp how the system works.
"There's a lot of legal jargon ... and we just don't have those terms," Yang said. "Sometimes one word in English would take a couple of sentences in Hmong to explain."
That's a common challenge in the legal system, said Jenny Fernandez Griffin, a state certified interpreter, and one that she has been working with Yang and Hmong translators to overcome.
Her company, Bilingual Consulting, coordinates contracts between interpreters and the courts and has been training Hmong translators about the court system and introducing them to some of the more complex legal terms.
"Even though they can be very good interpreters, they might not understand how the court system works fully, and that can cause interpreters to freeze up," she said. "What they need is a little bit of direction on how to operate in a courtroom and the mechanics of the system."
Currently, courts only provide Spanish translators but will work with other groups, including the Hmong, who need to provide their own translation services, Yang said.
The United Hmong Association works with all Hmong needing translation services, Yang said, but only gets reimbursed if the court requested the translator to work on criminal, child protection and domestic violence cases.
Since the association doesn't charge clients for translation services, and the courts will only pay for time spent in court, Yang said, it is difficult to recruit translators and have them available when needed.
"Nobody can make a living out of that, and it's hard to find someone who is willing to make that sacrifice to be a court translator," he said.
The solution, Yang said, would be for the association to hire a full-time translator to work on cases, both criminal and civil, in Burke, Catawba and Caldwell counties and have a few other interpreters on call.
And while members of the Hmong community say there's a need in the court system for more translators, there may not be enough Hmong going through the courts to justify paying for a full-time interpreter.
District Judge Bob Brady, who has been talking with Yang on ways to provide better translation services, said he doesn't see Hmong in court very often and thinks the state would prefer to pay for translators on a case-by-case basis rather than fund a full-time position.
"It's always better to have someone on staff," he said, "but you have to look at the need for it."
And as fewer Hmong immigrate to the United State and younger Hmong learn the language, the need for translation services will likely diminish over the years, he said.
"Many of the second generation and the young people learn to speak English," he said. "It doesn't seem like it would be a long-term need and goal."
Who are the Hmong?
Originally from China, the Hmong fled to the mountains of northern Laos in the early 1800s, where they remained until after the Vietnam War. When the Communist Pathet Lao overran the country in 1975, thousands of Hmong fled to refugee camps in Thailand and then to the United States.
More than 300,000 Hmong have sought refuge across the United States, and about 15,000 have settled in North Carolina. Most of those live in Catawba, Burke, Alexander, Caldwell and McDowell counties, where the foothills terrain and climate are similar to their Laotian homeland.
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11/28/07
D.A. dismisses murder charges against husband
Wife's body found in truck's toolbox
Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Almost two years after Emily Anderson's body was found stuffed in the toolbox of her pickup, the district attorney's office on Tuesday dismissed murder charges against her husband and said it would re-evaluate the case if new evidence comes in.
But lawyers for Jerry Anderson, 48, who has been free since his murder trial ended with a hung jury in July, say they doubt new charges will be brought against the Caldwell County dairy farmer.
"For all practical purposes, I think this is it," said his attorney Lisa Dubs.
Emily Anderson was last seen alive Dec. 29, 2005. Ten days later, the 49-year-old woman's Chevrolet Silverado pickup was found in a Duncan, S.C., restaurant parking lot, about 100 miles from their farm in the town of Sawmills. She had been shot twice.
Jerry Anderson was charged in the death, but Gaston County jurors split 11-1, with the majority voting not guilty.
Since being released, Anderson has been living with friends near the farm. He could not be reached Tuesday evening. But Dubs said he was "obviously very pleased."
"He's avoiding attention right now and taking some time for himself," she said. "(But) he's always told us that the right thing was going to happen, and he has never faltered in his faith that he would be exonerated."
But for Mike Griffitt, Emily Anderson's brother, the dismissal doesn't end the case.
"We're not through with him," said Griffitt, who lives in Nicholasville, Ky. "Dismissing the case doesn't mean he can't be recharged with a crime. ... There's no doubt in my mind that he did it."
Court documents showed that Emily Anderson had more than $4 million in life insurance, and authorities originally said they believed at least part of the motive in her slaying was financial gain. Witnesses said they saw the couple arguing, and lawyers on both sides agreed the marriage of more than four years was strained.
District Attorney Jay Gaither's office, in a press release sent by the lead prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Eric Bellas, said it will look at any new information in the case. The office "remains committed to the prosecution of the person or persons responsible for Emily Anderson's murder," the statement said.
Several messages left with Gaither and Bellas were not returned Tuesday, and the statement did not say whether Jerry Anderson is still a suspect or whether the district attorney's office would consider charging him again.
The case's lead investigator, Maj. Jeff Stafford of the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, said authorities are looking for more evidence that could help solve the murder.
"If we feel comfortable bringing something against this man again, then we'll bring what we find to the D.A.'s office. Or if we find something else, we'll bring that to the D.A.'s office," he said. "We'll go where the evidence points us."
Family and friends of Emily Anderson, including some of Jerry Anderson's supporters, are offering a $3,500 reward for information that leads to a conviction in her killing and have created a Web site, http://www.emilygriffittanderson.com/, to solicit information about her death.
Friends of Jerry Anderson, many of whom attended most of his 10-week trial, said they hoped investigators would be able to figure out who killed his wife.
"I'm thrilled that he's able to get back with his life," said Jennie Wilson, a friend of Emily and Jerry Anderson. "I just hope they can find who did it."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Almost two years after Emily Anderson's body was found stuffed in the toolbox of her pickup, the district attorney's office on Tuesday dismissed murder charges against her husband and said it would re-evaluate the case if new evidence comes in.
But lawyers for Jerry Anderson, 48, who has been free since his murder trial ended with a hung jury in July, say they doubt new charges will be brought against the Caldwell County dairy farmer.
"For all practical purposes, I think this is it," said his attorney Lisa Dubs.
Emily Anderson was last seen alive Dec. 29, 2005. Ten days later, the 49-year-old woman's Chevrolet Silverado pickup was found in a Duncan, S.C., restaurant parking lot, about 100 miles from their farm in the town of Sawmills. She had been shot twice.
Jerry Anderson was charged in the death, but Gaston County jurors split 11-1, with the majority voting not guilty.
Since being released, Anderson has been living with friends near the farm. He could not be reached Tuesday evening. But Dubs said he was "obviously very pleased."
"He's avoiding attention right now and taking some time for himself," she said. "(But) he's always told us that the right thing was going to happen, and he has never faltered in his faith that he would be exonerated."
But for Mike Griffitt, Emily Anderson's brother, the dismissal doesn't end the case.
"We're not through with him," said Griffitt, who lives in Nicholasville, Ky. "Dismissing the case doesn't mean he can't be recharged with a crime. ... There's no doubt in my mind that he did it."
Court documents showed that Emily Anderson had more than $4 million in life insurance, and authorities originally said they believed at least part of the motive in her slaying was financial gain. Witnesses said they saw the couple arguing, and lawyers on both sides agreed the marriage of more than four years was strained.
District Attorney Jay Gaither's office, in a press release sent by the lead prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Eric Bellas, said it will look at any new information in the case. The office "remains committed to the prosecution of the person or persons responsible for Emily Anderson's murder," the statement said.
Several messages left with Gaither and Bellas were not returned Tuesday, and the statement did not say whether Jerry Anderson is still a suspect or whether the district attorney's office would consider charging him again.
The case's lead investigator, Maj. Jeff Stafford of the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, said authorities are looking for more evidence that could help solve the murder.
"If we feel comfortable bringing something against this man again, then we'll bring what we find to the D.A.'s office. Or if we find something else, we'll bring that to the D.A.'s office," he said. "We'll go where the evidence points us."
Family and friends of Emily Anderson, including some of Jerry Anderson's supporters, are offering a $3,500 reward for information that leads to a conviction in her killing and have created a Web site, http://www.emilygriffittanderson.com/, to solicit information about her death.
Friends of Jerry Anderson, many of whom attended most of his 10-week trial, said they hoped investigators would be able to figure out who killed his wife.
"I'm thrilled that he's able to get back with his life," said Jennie Wilson, a friend of Emily and Jerry Anderson. "I just hope they can find who did it."
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11/27/07
Driver critically injured when truck crashes into gas station
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Lenoir man was critically injured Saturday when the truck he was driving slammed into a gas station, police said.
David Shawn Miller was driving his 2004 Dodge Ram north on Blowing Rock Boulevard about 6:50 p.m. when the truck veered off the right side of the road, police said.
Miller, 34, was not wearing a seat belt when the truck hit a utility pole and sign before colliding with the steel column over the Gas n' Go's pump station.No one else was injured in the wreck.
Miller was taken to Carolinas Medical Center, and police said he will be charged with reckless driving to endanger, driving while impaired and failure to wear a seatbelt.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Lenoir man was critically injured Saturday when the truck he was driving slammed into a gas station, police said.
David Shawn Miller was driving his 2004 Dodge Ram north on Blowing Rock Boulevard about 6:50 p.m. when the truck veered off the right side of the road, police said.
Miller, 34, was not wearing a seat belt when the truck hit a utility pole and sign before colliding with the steel column over the Gas n' Go's pump station.No one else was injured in the wreck.
Miller was taken to Carolinas Medical Center, and police said he will be charged with reckless driving to endanger, driving while impaired and failure to wear a seatbelt.
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Low water levels close last public ramp at Lake James
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Low water levels at Lake James have forced the state to close the lake's last open ramp, officials said Monday.
Officials at the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation closed the Canal Bridge boat access point because water levels have dropped so low that the ramps are no longer safe.
The ramp was the last open public access point on the 6,510-acre lake. Officials closed ramps at Hidden Cove and the Linville River in August, and the Black Bear access point was closed in October.
Water levels at the lake are about 12 feet lower than normal, and officials said the ramps will remain closed until enough rain falls to raise the water level.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Low water levels at Lake James have forced the state to close the lake's last open ramp, officials said Monday.
Officials at the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation closed the Canal Bridge boat access point because water levels have dropped so low that the ramps are no longer safe.
The ramp was the last open public access point on the 6,510-acre lake. Officials closed ramps at Hidden Cove and the Linville River in August, and the Black Bear access point was closed in October.
Water levels at the lake are about 12 feet lower than normal, and officials said the ramps will remain closed until enough rain falls to raise the water level.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
11/25/07
Hickory police get ready for more giving
Department collects for Cops for Tots program
Sun, Nov. 25, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Santa's helpers at the Hickory Police Department are starting to work on getting toys and gifts ready for the holiday season.
Every year, the department collects new and slightly used toys for Hickory-area children who might not otherwise have gifts waiting for them, said Sgt. Bob Winters, the department's community services supervisor.
The Cops for Tots program has been growing steadily since the early 1980s, when the department first started gathering games and toys -- and asked officers to play Santa and make deliveries to Hickory homes.
As the program grew more popular, the department started thinking about ways it could reach more kids and give more gifts, Winters said.
In the early 1990s, the department decided to open a Christmas Wish House where parents could browse toys and pick which toys they wanted for their children, he said.
The Wish House worked so well, Winters said, that it grew over the years, and police were able to get gifts to hundreds more children. Last year, more than 2,100 children opened Cops for Tots gifts, he said.
The department sets up donation boxes across the city and, for three days, opens the Wish House to parents and legal guardians shopping for infants, toddlers, elementary and middle school-aged children and teenagers.
Gift collection will run through Dec. 14, and the department will give the toys away at the Wish House -- the multipurpose building at Winkler Park, next to L.P. Frans Stadium -- Dec. 17-19.
Want to give?
Police are collecting gifts for children of all ages, including infants and teenagers. Gifts can be dropped off at several locations across Hickory, including most of the city's middle schools.
Monetary donations can be sent to: Hickory Police Department, Cops for Tots, 347 Second Ave. S.W., 28602
Drop-off locations
Hickory Police Department, 347 Second Ave. S.W.
The Arts and Science Center of Catawba Valley, 243 Third Ave. N.W.
Jenkins Elementary School, 3750 N. Center St.
Viewmont Elementary, 21 16th Ave., N.W.
Oakwood Elementary, 366 Fourth St. N.W.
Details: 828-324-2060
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Sun, Nov. 25, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Santa's helpers at the Hickory Police Department are starting to work on getting toys and gifts ready for the holiday season.
Every year, the department collects new and slightly used toys for Hickory-area children who might not otherwise have gifts waiting for them, said Sgt. Bob Winters, the department's community services supervisor.
The Cops for Tots program has been growing steadily since the early 1980s, when the department first started gathering games and toys -- and asked officers to play Santa and make deliveries to Hickory homes.
As the program grew more popular, the department started thinking about ways it could reach more kids and give more gifts, Winters said.
In the early 1990s, the department decided to open a Christmas Wish House where parents could browse toys and pick which toys they wanted for their children, he said.
The Wish House worked so well, Winters said, that it grew over the years, and police were able to get gifts to hundreds more children. Last year, more than 2,100 children opened Cops for Tots gifts, he said.
The department sets up donation boxes across the city and, for three days, opens the Wish House to parents and legal guardians shopping for infants, toddlers, elementary and middle school-aged children and teenagers.
Gift collection will run through Dec. 14, and the department will give the toys away at the Wish House -- the multipurpose building at Winkler Park, next to L.P. Frans Stadium -- Dec. 17-19.
Want to give?
Police are collecting gifts for children of all ages, including infants and teenagers. Gifts can be dropped off at several locations across Hickory, including most of the city's middle schools.
Monetary donations can be sent to: Hickory Police Department, Cops for Tots, 347 Second Ave. S.W., 28602
Drop-off locations
Hickory Police Department, 347 Second Ave. S.W.
The Arts and Science Center of Catawba Valley, 243 Third Ave. N.W.
Jenkins Elementary School, 3750 N. Center St.
Viewmont Elementary, 21 16th Ave., N.W.
Oakwood Elementary, 366 Fourth St. N.W.
Details: 828-324-2060
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11/18/07
Drought helps drug agents in fight against marijuana
Illegal crops drying up across region and state as rain levels plummet
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Severe drought has baked the state, leaving crops withered and the water supply dangerously low, but law enforcement officials say the extreme weather isn't all bad.
It's dampened the production of marijuana.
Through October of this year, drug agents have seized 16,139 plants, compared to the 92,614 plants found during the same period in 2006, due at least in part to the drought, said Noelle Talley, a spokesperson for the N.C. Department of Justice.
In Caldwell County, for example, pot plants usually grow to be between 6 and 8 feet tall, said David Barbour, a narcotics agent with the Sheriff's Office, but this year, the tallest outdoor plants seized barely cleared 2 feet.
"A marijuana plant is just like any other plant," he said. "If it doesn't receive enough water, it just won't grow."
The dry conditions have helped curb outdoor pot production across the state and the Southeast, as well, said Special Agent Chuvalo Truesdell, a spokesman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration whose division includes North and South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
"I've been an agent for 18 years, and we've never had this much help from the weather," Truesdell said. "We'll take a victory wherever we can."
Outdoor marijuana crops usually hit peak heights in the late summer, Barbour said, but the dry weather stunted growth early in the season.
Most of the state's marijuana, he said, is grown in rural areas, planted near creeks so tending to the plants is more convenient and less conspicuous.
But as the smaller streams dried up during a year of record heat and little rain, so have the crops. Dragging bucket-loads of water through rural parts of the state is not only a difficult task, Barbour said, but could draw attention and increase the grower's risk of getting caught.
"Growing a patch of marijuana is harder than growing a garden ... and the lack of water makes it even more difficult," he said. "The drought isn't a good thing, but it did help us out with this."
And growers can't easily move their operation indoors, where water is easily accessible.
"Hydroponic growers are quite a different operation," Truesdell said. "It's a lot more scientific and requires a lot more work ... it's a totally different commitment level."
Outdoor marijuana production in N.C.
According to a 2006 study by Virginia-based researcher Jon Gettman, North Carolina is the fifth-largest outdoor producer of pot in the county, and marijuana is the state's top cash crop.
DEA officials said that marijuana is one of the most common drugs in the state and has recently become more prevalent. Though the drought has helped stunt the plants' growth this year, Special Agent Chuvalo Truesdell said, large outdoor marijuana operations are being planted in rural areas across the state and the Southeast.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Severe drought has baked the state, leaving crops withered and the water supply dangerously low, but law enforcement officials say the extreme weather isn't all bad.
It's dampened the production of marijuana.
Through October of this year, drug agents have seized 16,139 plants, compared to the 92,614 plants found during the same period in 2006, due at least in part to the drought, said Noelle Talley, a spokesperson for the N.C. Department of Justice.
In Caldwell County, for example, pot plants usually grow to be between 6 and 8 feet tall, said David Barbour, a narcotics agent with the Sheriff's Office, but this year, the tallest outdoor plants seized barely cleared 2 feet.
"A marijuana plant is just like any other plant," he said. "If it doesn't receive enough water, it just won't grow."
The dry conditions have helped curb outdoor pot production across the state and the Southeast, as well, said Special Agent Chuvalo Truesdell, a spokesman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration whose division includes North and South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
"I've been an agent for 18 years, and we've never had this much help from the weather," Truesdell said. "We'll take a victory wherever we can."
Outdoor marijuana crops usually hit peak heights in the late summer, Barbour said, but the dry weather stunted growth early in the season.
Most of the state's marijuana, he said, is grown in rural areas, planted near creeks so tending to the plants is more convenient and less conspicuous.
But as the smaller streams dried up during a year of record heat and little rain, so have the crops. Dragging bucket-loads of water through rural parts of the state is not only a difficult task, Barbour said, but could draw attention and increase the grower's risk of getting caught.
"Growing a patch of marijuana is harder than growing a garden ... and the lack of water makes it even more difficult," he said. "The drought isn't a good thing, but it did help us out with this."
And growers can't easily move their operation indoors, where water is easily accessible.
"Hydroponic growers are quite a different operation," Truesdell said. "It's a lot more scientific and requires a lot more work ... it's a totally different commitment level."
Outdoor marijuana production in N.C.
According to a 2006 study by Virginia-based researcher Jon Gettman, North Carolina is the fifth-largest outdoor producer of pot in the county, and marijuana is the state's top cash crop.
DEA officials said that marijuana is one of the most common drugs in the state and has recently become more prevalent. Though the drought has helped stunt the plants' growth this year, Special Agent Chuvalo Truesdell said, large outdoor marijuana operations are being planted in rural areas across the state and the Southeast.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
11/11/07
Late shakeup in Lenoir race
Mayor narrowly fends off last-minute challenger
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Seven days before last week's election, David Barlow thought his third term as Lenoir mayor was clinched.
No one had filed to run against him, and he hadn't heard any murmurings around town that anyone was planning to seek the seat as a write-in candidate.
But then, with a week to go before the Nov. 6 election, Debra Venti, a downtown merchant, launched an intense write-in campaign, nearly ousting Barlow.
Barlow narrowly won with 661 votes, but write-in candidates got 619 votes. And most of those went to Venti, said Caldwell County Board of Elections Director Sandy Rich, though she won't have the exact totals until the votes are canvassed on Tuesday.
Venti, a political newcomer, began a whirlwind campaign promoting the need for a fresh perspective in city government. She printed hundreds of flyers, posted signs, sent e-mails, took newspaper ads and booked radio spots, and within a week had garnered wide support.
"It just really came down to being motivated for change and being excited about it," she said. "And people were really supportive (of that)."
Barlow, meanwhile, said he hadn't heard about any frustrations or concerns from residents and said Venti's intense campaign caught him off guard.
"We had to respond very quickly," he said. "We were working all day long, and I didn't know if I'd win by a lot or lose."
Venti's decision to run, she said, wasn't motivated by discontent with city leaders, but by her feeling that Lenoir needed new ideas for revitalizing downtown and bringing more business to the city.
Venti, who owns Venti's Casa, She-Sha's and a downtown upholstery studio, moved to Lenoir from Greenville, S.C., more than five years ago and said the city needs to start thinking more about how it is going to adjust as factories continue closing.
"On the edges of our town, it still says, `Welcome to the furniture capital of the world,' but those mainstays are changing," Venti said. "We need to redefine who we are and what we are about today."
But Barlow, who owns a real estate company, said the city is constantly looking for new ways to bring more business to the city, improve downtown and find ways to overcome the exodus of furniture and textile jobs.
"We have a lot of good things here, and a lot more good things are happening," he said.
Bringing Google to Caldwell County, a project that Barlow worked on closely with county officials, will help attract new business, he said, but is only one of many projects the city is looking at.
"Google is not totally the answer. It's a steppingstone," he said. "(Development) just doesn't happen overnight."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Seven days before last week's election, David Barlow thought his third term as Lenoir mayor was clinched.
No one had filed to run against him, and he hadn't heard any murmurings around town that anyone was planning to seek the seat as a write-in candidate.
But then, with a week to go before the Nov. 6 election, Debra Venti, a downtown merchant, launched an intense write-in campaign, nearly ousting Barlow.
Barlow narrowly won with 661 votes, but write-in candidates got 619 votes. And most of those went to Venti, said Caldwell County Board of Elections Director Sandy Rich, though she won't have the exact totals until the votes are canvassed on Tuesday.
Venti, a political newcomer, began a whirlwind campaign promoting the need for a fresh perspective in city government. She printed hundreds of flyers, posted signs, sent e-mails, took newspaper ads and booked radio spots, and within a week had garnered wide support.
"It just really came down to being motivated for change and being excited about it," she said. "And people were really supportive (of that)."
Barlow, meanwhile, said he hadn't heard about any frustrations or concerns from residents and said Venti's intense campaign caught him off guard.
"We had to respond very quickly," he said. "We were working all day long, and I didn't know if I'd win by a lot or lose."
Venti's decision to run, she said, wasn't motivated by discontent with city leaders, but by her feeling that Lenoir needed new ideas for revitalizing downtown and bringing more business to the city.
Venti, who owns Venti's Casa, She-Sha's and a downtown upholstery studio, moved to Lenoir from Greenville, S.C., more than five years ago and said the city needs to start thinking more about how it is going to adjust as factories continue closing.
"On the edges of our town, it still says, `Welcome to the furniture capital of the world,' but those mainstays are changing," Venti said. "We need to redefine who we are and what we are about today."
But Barlow, who owns a real estate company, said the city is constantly looking for new ways to bring more business to the city, improve downtown and find ways to overcome the exodus of furniture and textile jobs.
"We have a lot of good things here, and a lot more good things are happening," he said.
Bringing Google to Caldwell County, a project that Barlow worked on closely with county officials, will help attract new business, he said, but is only one of many projects the city is looking at.
"Google is not totally the answer. It's a steppingstone," he said. "(Development) just doesn't happen overnight."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
11/10/07
Most of salmonella cases related to eatery, officials say
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Catawba County health officials said Friday that 176 people have reported symptoms of salmonella, and most of the cases are connected to a Newton restaurant that closed last week.
Health officials have confirmed 25 cases since Oct. 31. Most of the people reporting symptoms - including diarrhea, vomiting, headache and fever - had eaten at Carniceria y Taqueria Hermanos Chavez off U.S. 321 Business, said a spokeswoman for Catawba County Public Health.
The restaurant closed Nov. 2 after a visit from public health officials
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Catawba County health officials said Friday that 176 people have reported symptoms of salmonella, and most of the cases are connected to a Newton restaurant that closed last week.
Health officials have confirmed 25 cases since Oct. 31. Most of the people reporting symptoms - including diarrhea, vomiting, headache and fever - had eaten at Carniceria y Taqueria Hermanos Chavez off U.S. 321 Business, said a spokeswoman for Catawba County Public Health.
The restaurant closed Nov. 2 after a visit from public health officials
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
11/8/07
Troopers investigate case of child being hit by SUV
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Authorities are trying to determine if the caution lights were blinking and the stop sign was extended on a Caldwell County school bus Wednesday morning when a kindergartner was hit by another car.
Trooper M.T. Stutts of the state Highway Patrol said Thursday that 5-year-old Dancy Porter was crossing the street near the intersection of Calico and Autumn roads at about 6:45 a.m. when she was struck by a sports utility vehicle.
She was taken to Carolinas Medical Center, where she was in critical but stable condition, Stutts said.
The driver of the SUV, 22-year-old Karmen Stewart of Lenoir, was not speeding and has not been charged, Stutts said.
Authorities have heard conflicting reports about whether the caution lights were flashing and the stop sign was extended, Stutts said.
"Until we get something concrete, that’s the question mark," he said.
Dancy’s mother, Melissa Porter, was waiting at the bus stop with her daughter, Stutts said, when the bus stopped at the intersection. Porter told authorities that the bus’ caution flashers were not activated and the stop sign was not extended from the side of the bus when her child stepped out into the road and was hit, Stutts said.
But Cheri Mayberry, who was driving the bus, told Stutts that she had turned on the orange, flashing lights and that the stop sign arm was out, he said.
A witness behind the bus told authorities that the bus was stopped and the rear, brake lights were, but was not sure if the caution lights were flashing or if he saw the stop sign arm extending from the driver’s side of the bus, Stutts said.
Authorities inspected the bus, Stutts said, and found that the lights and extendable stop sign were not broken.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Authorities are trying to determine if the caution lights were blinking and the stop sign was extended on a Caldwell County school bus Wednesday morning when a kindergartner was hit by another car.
Trooper M.T. Stutts of the state Highway Patrol said Thursday that 5-year-old Dancy Porter was crossing the street near the intersection of Calico and Autumn roads at about 6:45 a.m. when she was struck by a sports utility vehicle.
She was taken to Carolinas Medical Center, where she was in critical but stable condition, Stutts said.
The driver of the SUV, 22-year-old Karmen Stewart of Lenoir, was not speeding and has not been charged, Stutts said.
Authorities have heard conflicting reports about whether the caution lights were flashing and the stop sign was extended, Stutts said.
"Until we get something concrete, that’s the question mark," he said.
Dancy’s mother, Melissa Porter, was waiting at the bus stop with her daughter, Stutts said, when the bus stopped at the intersection. Porter told authorities that the bus’ caution flashers were not activated and the stop sign was not extended from the side of the bus when her child stepped out into the road and was hit, Stutts said.
But Cheri Mayberry, who was driving the bus, told Stutts that she had turned on the orange, flashing lights and that the stop sign arm was out, he said.
A witness behind the bus told authorities that the bus was stopped and the rear, brake lights were, but was not sure if the caution lights were flashing or if he saw the stop sign arm extending from the driver’s side of the bus, Stutts said.
Authorities inspected the bus, Stutts said, and found that the lights and extendable stop sign were not broken.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Newton sewer line ruptures, spills 4,300 gallons
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A sewer line in Newton ruptured Wednesday, spilling about 4,300 gallons of wastewater, the city reported.
A 12-inch pipe ruptured at the Burris Road Pump Station in northeast Newton, according a statement from the Division of Water Quality. About 1,075 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into a nearby stream, McLin Creek, officials said.
Authorities spent about six hours cleaning McLin Creek, which is near the N.C. 16 bypass and Burris Road, city assistant public works director Doug Wesson said.
Officials do not think drinking water was contaminated, and there was no evidence that fish were killed, Wesson said.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A sewer line in Newton ruptured Wednesday, spilling about 4,300 gallons of wastewater, the city reported.
A 12-inch pipe ruptured at the Burris Road Pump Station in northeast Newton, according a statement from the Division of Water Quality. About 1,075 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into a nearby stream, McLin Creek, officials said.
Authorities spent about six hours cleaning McLin Creek, which is near the N.C. 16 bypass and Burris Road, city assistant public works director Doug Wesson said.
Officials do not think drinking water was contaminated, and there was no evidence that fish were killed, Wesson said.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Bicyclist who was hit by train in town center dies at hospital
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Hickory bicyclist who was struck by a train Monday died overnight at an Asheville hospital, police said Tuesday.
Mack Junior Johnson, 53, of Hickory was riding his bike Monday morning through a parking lot in Union Square, Hickory's city center, while a train was passing through.
Witnesses said Johnson was riding on the sidewalk toward the train when his front wheel jerked and he fell off the bike. He fell to the ground, said witness Justin Cornett, and was hit in the head by the passing train.
Johnson died in the trauma unit at Mission Hospital in Asheville, police said Tuesday.
Johnson was regularly seen riding his bike in downtown, around the soup kitchen and sitting in Union Square, said Hickory resident Kathy Brewer, who was picking up a prescription Monday not far from the accident.
"He's been around here for years," Brewer said, "and he always greeted you. He was a pretty nice man, real friendly."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Hickory bicyclist who was struck by a train Monday died overnight at an Asheville hospital, police said Tuesday.
Mack Junior Johnson, 53, of Hickory was riding his bike Monday morning through a parking lot in Union Square, Hickory's city center, while a train was passing through.
Witnesses said Johnson was riding on the sidewalk toward the train when his front wheel jerked and he fell off the bike. He fell to the ground, said witness Justin Cornett, and was hit in the head by the passing train.
Johnson died in the trauma unit at Mission Hospital in Asheville, police said Tuesday.
Johnson was regularly seen riding his bike in downtown, around the soup kitchen and sitting in Union Square, said Hickory resident Kathy Brewer, who was picking up a prescription Monday not far from the accident.
"He's been around here for years," Brewer said, "and he always greeted you. He was a pretty nice man, real friendly."
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Man accused in sex ring says he's innocent
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
TAYLORSVILLE - A prominent Alexander County photographer and community volunteer said Wednesday that he's innocent of charges connecting him to a high-dollar prostitution ring in Charlotte.
Glenn Fox, a Taylorsville native, said he took photos of nude women but didn't know anything about the prostitution ring described in federal court documents.
"This whole thing has been a nightmare," he said Wednesday. "Turns out I got caught in a web, and I didn't know the web was there."
Federal authorities this week charged Fox, Sallie Saxon and Donald Saxon of Charlotte with coercing women across state lines to engage in prostitution at upscale hotels in the Tyvola Road and South Park area.
Fox was released on bond Monday, and the Saxons' bond hearing is scheduled for today.
According to court documents, Fox, 58, took nude photos of the women, which were used to advertise them to clients on a Web site, http://www.asouthernlook.com/.
Sallie Saxon, who also goes by Sallie Wamsley, paid Fox about $32,000 to take the pictures, according to the documents.
Some of those photos were also posted on another Web site - www.hushhush.com - which the documents referred to as "a very exclusive prostitution service, catering to affluent clients" that was run by Saxon.
Fox, who has no criminal record, declined to talk in detail about the charges. He said he was told the photographs would appear on www.asouthernlook.com, which bills itself as a site offering erotic photography and fine nude art. He said he didn't know anything about the site possibly being connected to a prostitution ring. He said he had never heard of www.hushhush.com before he was charged.
"Maybe I was being naive," he told the Observer.
Most of the photos he took for Saxon, whom he knew as Sandy Bradshaw before being charged, were taken at bed-and-breakfasts and expensive hotels in the Charlotte area, he said. He never met Sallie Saxon but was paid by Donald Saxon, whom he knew as Jim, he said.
Fox's attorney, Samuel Winthrop, also would not talk about details of the case, but said Fox would plead not guilty.
Fox opened his photo studio in Taylorsville, 64 miles northwest of Charlotte, 32 years ago and has become a prominent figure in the Alexander County community, said Cindy Wallace of Hiddenite, who said she has worked with him on several projects.
"You'd be amazed at the things he's done and the (committees) he's served on," she said.
Fox serves on the county's Chamber of Commerce board of directors, volunteers with United Way, plays the piano at community events and has sung in his church's choir, friends said.
Each year, Wallace said, Fox photographs the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn Presented by Kia Motors, a golf tournament near Hickory, and donates his earnings to the United Way of Alexander County.
Fox said he has been photographing the annual charity event for four years and has donated about $20,000.
Denise Elder, the executive director at the Alexander Chamber of Commerce, would not talk about Fox in detail, but said he has been an active member of the chamber for 15 years.
In February, his studio, Glenn Fox Photo, was the chamber's business of the month, and his work, which includes wedding photography, portraits and model portfolio photos, has been featured in several national magazines, according to his Web site.
Wallace said Wednesday that she and others in the community knew that Fox was taking nude photographs and that he was honest about his work.
"Everything was always out there in the open," she said.
Lory Beth Huffman, pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Taylorsville, has known Fox and his family for nearly five years and said he has been active at the church, singing in the choir and teaching.
"I hope that the community will support him and not abandon him and his family during his time of need," she said.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
TAYLORSVILLE - A prominent Alexander County photographer and community volunteer said Wednesday that he's innocent of charges connecting him to a high-dollar prostitution ring in Charlotte.
Glenn Fox, a Taylorsville native, said he took photos of nude women but didn't know anything about the prostitution ring described in federal court documents.
"This whole thing has been a nightmare," he said Wednesday. "Turns out I got caught in a web, and I didn't know the web was there."
Federal authorities this week charged Fox, Sallie Saxon and Donald Saxon of Charlotte with coercing women across state lines to engage in prostitution at upscale hotels in the Tyvola Road and South Park area.
Fox was released on bond Monday, and the Saxons' bond hearing is scheduled for today.
According to court documents, Fox, 58, took nude photos of the women, which were used to advertise them to clients on a Web site, http://www.asouthernlook.com/.
Sallie Saxon, who also goes by Sallie Wamsley, paid Fox about $32,000 to take the pictures, according to the documents.
Some of those photos were also posted on another Web site - www.hushhush.com - which the documents referred to as "a very exclusive prostitution service, catering to affluent clients" that was run by Saxon.
Fox, who has no criminal record, declined to talk in detail about the charges. He said he was told the photographs would appear on www.asouthernlook.com, which bills itself as a site offering erotic photography and fine nude art. He said he didn't know anything about the site possibly being connected to a prostitution ring. He said he had never heard of www.hushhush.com before he was charged.
"Maybe I was being naive," he told the Observer.
Most of the photos he took for Saxon, whom he knew as Sandy Bradshaw before being charged, were taken at bed-and-breakfasts and expensive hotels in the Charlotte area, he said. He never met Sallie Saxon but was paid by Donald Saxon, whom he knew as Jim, he said.
Fox's attorney, Samuel Winthrop, also would not talk about details of the case, but said Fox would plead not guilty.
Fox opened his photo studio in Taylorsville, 64 miles northwest of Charlotte, 32 years ago and has become a prominent figure in the Alexander County community, said Cindy Wallace of Hiddenite, who said she has worked with him on several projects.
"You'd be amazed at the things he's done and the (committees) he's served on," she said.
Fox serves on the county's Chamber of Commerce board of directors, volunteers with United Way, plays the piano at community events and has sung in his church's choir, friends said.
Each year, Wallace said, Fox photographs the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn Presented by Kia Motors, a golf tournament near Hickory, and donates his earnings to the United Way of Alexander County.
Fox said he has been photographing the annual charity event for four years and has donated about $20,000.
Denise Elder, the executive director at the Alexander Chamber of Commerce, would not talk about Fox in detail, but said he has been an active member of the chamber for 15 years.
In February, his studio, Glenn Fox Photo, was the chamber's business of the month, and his work, which includes wedding photography, portraits and model portfolio photos, has been featured in several national magazines, according to his Web site.
Wallace said Wednesday that she and others in the community knew that Fox was taking nude photographs and that he was honest about his work.
"Everything was always out there in the open," she said.
Lory Beth Huffman, pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Taylorsville, has known Fox and his family for nearly five years and said he has been active at the church, singing in the choir and teaching.
"I hope that the community will support him and not abandon him and his family during his time of need," she said.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
The Dart: Lover of N.C. lighthouses transformed Burke field
The Dart: People and places off the beaten path
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
MORGANTON -- The crashing waves and sandy beaches of the N.C. coast are hours away from the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but that didn't stop Millard Duckworth from building seven miniature lighthouses in rural Burke County.
Sure, a small creek tumbles past the cylinder-shaped structures that jut 12 feet or more into the sky, but no ship or wayward fisherman runs the risk of getting lost on its waters.
Duckworth built the towers -- replicas of seven of the state's lighthouses lining the N.C. coast for one reason.
"He just liked lighthouses," said his cousin, J.B. Duckworth, who was recruited to help build and paint the structures. "He'd say, `Why go all the way to the coast if you can just come to Burke County?' "
Millard Duckworth, 74, died in March, but the staggered row of lighthouses still sit where The Dart landed Monday -- in a wooded field near a stream, fallen tepee and two-story treehouse off Dentons Chapel Road in Burke County.
Built to look like smaller versions of the actual lighthouses, Duckworth's structures are also staggered throughout the field in rough approximation to their locations on the coast.
The Currituck Beach lighthouse, a brick tower with two yellow windows on its face, is closest to Virginia and is the most northern structure in Duckworth's display.
The six others -- lighthouses from Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, Cape Lookout, Bald Head Island and Oak Island -- zig-zag across the thick, long grass in the same order they dot the coast.
Duckworth's fascination with the beacons began when he was in the U.S. Marine Corps, seeing lighthouses as he traveled across the county and other parts of the world, said Tony Duckworth, his first cousin, once removed.
"He was a lighthouse man," he said.
In the years after his retirement from Great Lakes Carbon Corp., Millard Duckworth and his wife, Nancy, spent time at the coast, admiring the towering beacons, his cousin said.
He brought family members trinkets from trips, including a decorative license plate with all seven lighthouses -- for J.B. Duckworth to attach to the front of his pickup truck -- and a magazine with shots of each structure.
But the gifts weren't just souvenirs from the beach, J.B. Duckworth said. They were guides.
"He just came up with this idea to build these lighthouses," Duckworth said. "Every time he'd go, he came back with a different picture. " `I want this, and I want this,' he'd say."
Millard Duckworth recruited his cousin and a longtime friend, Bill Crawley, to help find the giant steel tubes that they later cut into two and sank into deep beds of cement, J.B. Duckworth said.
It took nearly a year, he said, to secure the giant posts, polish the metal and paint them to match seven of the state's lighthouses.
"We had to sandpaper those jokers so they were as clean as they could be before we could paint `em," he said. "It was a lot of fun, but it was a lot of aggravation, too."
Not long before Duckworth died, his wife took him on a road trip along the coastline to make sure the lighthouses he had built on his family's property matched the real thing.
"He wanted them just exactly like the pictures," J.B. Duckworth said. "And he wanted to see each one again to make sure they were just right."
Duckworth didn't make any changes to the structures when he returned, his cousin said, but the park became a sanctuary where Duckworth played cards with friends, sat in a treehouse he built above the lighthouses and swung from a rope into the nearby steam.
Duckworth died a few months after his last trip to the coast, his cousin said, but his wife made sure he'd be able to take his lighthouses with him.
Marking his grave in the cemetery at Hopewell Baptist Church -- just a few miles from the lighthouse park -- a shiny, black headstone stands out among the gray marble markers.
Etched on it are a rolling stream, a treehouse, and of course, seven lighthouses -- exactly as they look at the beach.
The point of The Dart
The idea behind The Dart is simple: We're looking for the kind of news the media don't usually report. We throw a dart at a map of one of the counties in the Catawba Valley, and we'll write about what's happening at that spot. We hope this feature will bring out stories that too often are ignored and will help you meet some of your neighbors in the region.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
MORGANTON -- The crashing waves and sandy beaches of the N.C. coast are hours away from the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but that didn't stop Millard Duckworth from building seven miniature lighthouses in rural Burke County.
Sure, a small creek tumbles past the cylinder-shaped structures that jut 12 feet or more into the sky, but no ship or wayward fisherman runs the risk of getting lost on its waters.
Duckworth built the towers -- replicas of seven of the state's lighthouses lining the N.C. coast for one reason.
"He just liked lighthouses," said his cousin, J.B. Duckworth, who was recruited to help build and paint the structures. "He'd say, `Why go all the way to the coast if you can just come to Burke County?' "
Millard Duckworth, 74, died in March, but the staggered row of lighthouses still sit where The Dart landed Monday -- in a wooded field near a stream, fallen tepee and two-story treehouse off Dentons Chapel Road in Burke County.
Built to look like smaller versions of the actual lighthouses, Duckworth's structures are also staggered throughout the field in rough approximation to their locations on the coast.
The Currituck Beach lighthouse, a brick tower with two yellow windows on its face, is closest to Virginia and is the most northern structure in Duckworth's display.
The six others -- lighthouses from Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, Cape Lookout, Bald Head Island and Oak Island -- zig-zag across the thick, long grass in the same order they dot the coast.
Duckworth's fascination with the beacons began when he was in the U.S. Marine Corps, seeing lighthouses as he traveled across the county and other parts of the world, said Tony Duckworth, his first cousin, once removed.
"He was a lighthouse man," he said.
In the years after his retirement from Great Lakes Carbon Corp., Millard Duckworth and his wife, Nancy, spent time at the coast, admiring the towering beacons, his cousin said.
He brought family members trinkets from trips, including a decorative license plate with all seven lighthouses -- for J.B. Duckworth to attach to the front of his pickup truck -- and a magazine with shots of each structure.
But the gifts weren't just souvenirs from the beach, J.B. Duckworth said. They were guides.
"He just came up with this idea to build these lighthouses," Duckworth said. "Every time he'd go, he came back with a different picture. " `I want this, and I want this,' he'd say."
Millard Duckworth recruited his cousin and a longtime friend, Bill Crawley, to help find the giant steel tubes that they later cut into two and sank into deep beds of cement, J.B. Duckworth said.
It took nearly a year, he said, to secure the giant posts, polish the metal and paint them to match seven of the state's lighthouses.
"We had to sandpaper those jokers so they were as clean as they could be before we could paint `em," he said. "It was a lot of fun, but it was a lot of aggravation, too."
Not long before Duckworth died, his wife took him on a road trip along the coastline to make sure the lighthouses he had built on his family's property matched the real thing.
"He wanted them just exactly like the pictures," J.B. Duckworth said. "And he wanted to see each one again to make sure they were just right."
Duckworth didn't make any changes to the structures when he returned, his cousin said, but the park became a sanctuary where Duckworth played cards with friends, sat in a treehouse he built above the lighthouses and swung from a rope into the nearby steam.
Duckworth died a few months after his last trip to the coast, his cousin said, but his wife made sure he'd be able to take his lighthouses with him.
Marking his grave in the cemetery at Hopewell Baptist Church -- just a few miles from the lighthouse park -- a shiny, black headstone stands out among the gray marble markers.
Etched on it are a rolling stream, a treehouse, and of course, seven lighthouses -- exactly as they look at the beach.
The point of The Dart
The idea behind The Dart is simple: We're looking for the kind of news the media don't usually report. We throw a dart at a map of one of the counties in the Catawba Valley, and we'll write about what's happening at that spot. We hope this feature will bring out stories that too often are ignored and will help you meet some of your neighbors in the region.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
11/7/07
Restaurant closes after reports of salmonella symptoms
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Newton restaurant has closed after dozens of people became ill with symptoms of salmonella, Catawba County health officials said Tuesday.
Since Oct. 31, nearly 100 people have reported having salmonella symptoms -- including diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, headache and fever -- and 13 cases had been confirmed by Tuesday, said Maria Reese, a spokeswoman for Catawba County Public Health.
Most of the people with symptoms had eaten at Carniceria y Taqueria Hermanos Chavez off U.S. 321 Business in Newton, Reese said. The owner closed the restaurant Friday after a visit from public health officials, Reese said.
Anyone with symptoms should be tested, Reese said.
About 40,000 cases of salmonella are reported each year in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, but the actual number of infections is likely considerably higher because milder cases are often not reported.
To report salmonella symptoms or for more information call Catawba County Public Health, 828-695-5800.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
A Newton restaurant has closed after dozens of people became ill with symptoms of salmonella, Catawba County health officials said Tuesday.
Since Oct. 31, nearly 100 people have reported having salmonella symptoms -- including diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, headache and fever -- and 13 cases had been confirmed by Tuesday, said Maria Reese, a spokeswoman for Catawba County Public Health.
Most of the people with symptoms had eaten at Carniceria y Taqueria Hermanos Chavez off U.S. 321 Business in Newton, Reese said. The owner closed the restaurant Friday after a visit from public health officials, Reese said.
Anyone with symptoms should be tested, Reese said.
About 40,000 cases of salmonella are reported each year in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, but the actual number of infections is likely considerably higher because milder cases are often not reported.
To report salmonella symptoms or for more information call Catawba County Public Health, 828-695-5800.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
11/6/07
Cyclist loses control, struck by train
Witness says rider `jerked his wheel,' fell, was then hit in head
Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
HICKORY --A bicyclist riding through downtown Hickory was injured Monday when he lost control of his bike and was struck by a passing train, witnesses said.
Mack Junior Johnson, 53, of Hickory was riding his bike about 10:50 a.m. through a parking lot in Union Square, Hickory's city center, while a train was passing through, Hickory police said.
"I saw him ride up the sidewalk toward the train, and that's when he jerked his wheel and just lost control," said witness Justin Cornett.
Johnson fell to the ground, Cornett said, and was hit in the head by the passing train.
Cornett, who was setting up an ice cream and hot dog stand in Union Square, ran to get his cell phone from his car, he said, while his co-worker, Sherry Baxter, ran to where the man was lying near the train.
"I went over immediately to check his pulse," she said. "I knew he was in trouble."
Baxter, who is trained in first aid and CPR, said Johnson was unconscious, had a rapid pulse and was bleeding severely from the back of the head.
"He had just smiled at me," Baxter said, "right before he got hit."
Johnson was taken to Frye Regional Medical Center and was transported Monday afternoon to the trauma unit at Mission Hospital in Asheville, police said. His condition was not available Monday evening.
The 36-car and seven-engine cargo train was stalled on the tracks for more than three hours after the accident, and police blocked downtown traffic between Fourth Street N.W. and North Center Street, said Capt. Clyde Deal of the Hickory Police Department.
It was the second time in less than four months that a passing train in Hickory has hit a person near the railroad tracks. On July 31, a cargo train hit and critically injured Lester Glass, who was walking near the tracks in southeast Hickory.
Monday's accident happened less than a mile from where Glass was hit.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
HICKORY --A bicyclist riding through downtown Hickory was injured Monday when he lost control of his bike and was struck by a passing train, witnesses said.
Mack Junior Johnson, 53, of Hickory was riding his bike about 10:50 a.m. through a parking lot in Union Square, Hickory's city center, while a train was passing through, Hickory police said.
"I saw him ride up the sidewalk toward the train, and that's when he jerked his wheel and just lost control," said witness Justin Cornett.
Johnson fell to the ground, Cornett said, and was hit in the head by the passing train.
Cornett, who was setting up an ice cream and hot dog stand in Union Square, ran to get his cell phone from his car, he said, while his co-worker, Sherry Baxter, ran to where the man was lying near the train.
"I went over immediately to check his pulse," she said. "I knew he was in trouble."
Baxter, who is trained in first aid and CPR, said Johnson was unconscious, had a rapid pulse and was bleeding severely from the back of the head.
"He had just smiled at me," Baxter said, "right before he got hit."
Johnson was taken to Frye Regional Medical Center and was transported Monday afternoon to the trauma unit at Mission Hospital in Asheville, police said. His condition was not available Monday evening.
The 36-car and seven-engine cargo train was stalled on the tracks for more than three hours after the accident, and police blocked downtown traffic between Fourth Street N.W. and North Center Street, said Capt. Clyde Deal of the Hickory Police Department.
It was the second time in less than four months that a passing train in Hickory has hit a person near the railroad tracks. On July 31, a cargo train hit and critically injured Lester Glass, who was walking near the tracks in southeast Hickory.
Monday's accident happened less than a mile from where Glass was hit.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
11/4/07
Political battles stir distruct in tiny town as election looms
Rhodhiss struggles to rebound from turmoil
Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
In the town of Rhodhiss - a tiny community straddling two Western North Carolina counties - years of political troubles have created an atmosphere of distrust during a contentious election.
The squabbles and problems in this town of about 1,000 people have peaked in recent months. In just the last year:
A longtime public works supervisor - who also is a town commissioner - was fired, charged with felony embezzlement and later cleared of the charges by the district attorney's office.
The town manager who fired him was herself fired, and has sued the town. Town Hall closed for a month, and a new manager was hired.
The mayor abruptly resigned and is being investigated by state law enforcement for matters not related to town business.
A commissioner took the open mayor's seat, and the council appointed someone to fill his spot.
Now, as Rhodhiss prepares for Tuesday's election, eight challengers and sitting commissioner Barbara Kirby are campaigning against three incumbents - interim Mayor Rick Justice and commissioners Joe Kirby and Wayne Wilson.
"If you're elected into a position, you need to do what is best for the town," said Barbara Kirby, who was elected four years ago and calls the other commissioners and mayor "an old boy's club."
"All this fighting is doing nothing for the town and the people have had enough," she said.
But Justice, a former commissioner who took over as mayor in May, said the problems are in the past. "It doesn't have anything to do with today, and that's what we're concentrating on," he said.
Town commissioner Clarence Burns, who is also the fired public works supervisor, is in the middle of a four-year term and is the only commissioner not at risk of losing his seat.
The most recent string of problems surrounds the February firing of former Town Manager Rose Waldroup. Until then, Waldroup appeared to be doing well in her job and three months earlier had received a raise - unanimously approved by the council.
The controversy began in June 2006, when she asked Police Chief Tim Anthony to investigate allegations that Burns, in his role as public works supervisor, was collecting scrap metal from town streets using Rhodhiss employees and equipment, exchanging it for cash and pocketing the money.
Burns was eventually charged, but the charges were later dropped.
Burns could not be reached for comment - several messages left at his home, including one with a woman who identified herself as his wife, were not returned.
In October, Waldroup fired Burns, later questioning his job performance.
Three months later, the council voted to fire Waldroup, who had worked only 18 months out of a 10-year contract.
In response, she filed a lawsuit against the town, then-mayor Jimmy Wilson, Justice and Burns in March, saying she was fired because she had discovered possible illegal conduct by elected officials.
The suit claims Waldroup was improperly fired and that the town officials breached her contract, violated her First Amendment rights, defamed her and intentionally and negligently inflicted emotional distress.
Waldroup could not be reached for comment.
But her firing sparked controversy, and residents - in online forums, at town meetings and privately - say that the bickering between commissioners and the mayor has left an atmosphere of distrust.
The meeting held a month after Waldroup's firing drew 47 people, most of whom voiced "concerns about the termination of the manager, duties of elected officials, lack of unity among commissioners, pros and cons of employees having a contract and general concerns about the needs of the citizens not being met because of the circumstances," according to a record of the meeting.
Some, including Gary Rash, say the controversy encouraged him to run for the council.
"The commissioners have had their way too long in this town and act like it's their town to run without regard to how the citizens feel," he said. "People turned against each other, and hardly anybody trusts our government anymore."
Though commissioners talked about rehiring Waldroup - but altering her responsibilities and revoking her right to hire and fire employees without the council's approval - Kirby said no such offer was ever extended.
Justice declined to comment on the allegations in the suit, and Jimmy Wilson refused to comment on anything related to Rhodhiss or his time as mayor.
But Justice and Wayne Wilson - Jimmy's brother - say the deluge of controversy is in the past.
"I see that the people have confidence in this board," Justice said. "People have seen a change in town and have seen people trying (to do better)."
Though they say meetings - which were for months marred with arguments between commissioners and often resulted in profanities and personal attacks - are improving, some residents aren't so sure.
The instability and controversy in Town Hall, said Don Lowman, who is running for mayor, have left a deep rift that could only be repaired by a new council with fresh ideas and no baggage.
"I'm sick of the bickering and going to town meetings that might as well be (the World Wrestling Federation)," he said. "I'm sick of seeing government officials being arrested and sick of watching the street fall in."
Wayne Wilson, who was elected to the council four years ago and walked out of the Feb. 13 meeting before the commissioners voted to fire Waldroup, said he's certain that the town is healing. The council, he said, has been making plans to revamp the sewer system, build a new park and clean up the community overall.
"We're coming together," Wilson said. "I just hope I get re-elected and get this place straightened up. I want to see this town improve and grow and prosper. I love this town to death."
Now, he said, the commissioners need to make sure they are open and honest. It's clear, he said, that residents don't trust the council, and he hopes that will change.
"I hope they trust me," he said. "I don't want to hide things. If something has happened and someone is being charged or is being investigated, we need to be up front."
A history of instability in Rhodhiss
July 2003 - Mayor Doug Cowick unexpectedly resigns after an argument with commissioners about who holds keys to Town Hall. He changes his mind the next day but doesn't get the job back and, in November, loses the election to political newcomer Jimmy Wilson.
January 2004 - The town's accountant, Marvin Harold Witherspoon of Hickory, and former part-time Rhodhiss clerk David Hollar are charged by the federal government with inducing minors to participate in filming of sexual activity. Both men plead guilty to federal charges.
July 2004 - Commissioner Allen Spencer, town clerk Julie Trivette and Frannie Thompson resign because of controversy on the council.
May 2005 - Police Chief Terry Campbell abruptly resigns.
July 1, 2005 - Rose Waldroup begins job as Rhodhiss town manager. She signs a 10-year contract requiring that she can only be fired by a unanimous vote of the commissioners.
June 2006 - Waldroup asks for an investigation into allegations that commissioner Clarence Burns had been exchanging scrap metal for cash.
Sept. 14, 2006 - Board unanimously approves raise for Waldroup.
October 2006 - Burns fired as public works supervisor.
Feb. 13, 2007 - Waldroup is fired from town manager job by a 3-to-1 vote. Commissioner Barbara Kirby votes against the firing, and Commissioner Wayne Wilson leaves the meeting early and is not present for the vote. According to state law, his vote counts as a yes.
February - March 2007 Town offices close for about a month because there is no administrative staff.
Feb. 21 - Burns is charged by the N.C. Department of Justice with felony embezzlement by a public officer and misdemeanor willful failure to discharge duties as a town employee.
March 13 - Town Attorney Wayne Clontz dismissed; Jonathan Jones hired.
March 22 - Waldroup files civil suit against the town, former Mayor Jimmy Wilson, Burns and commissioner Rick Justice over her firing, saying she was dismissed because she had discovered possible illegal conduct by elected officials.
April 20 - District attorney's office dismisses the misdemeanor willful failure to discharge duties as a town employee charges against Burns.
May 8 - Mayor Wilson abruptly resigns, citing family problems.
May 9 - District attorney's office finds no evidence or probable cause on Burns' felony embezzlement charges and drops the charges
June 4 - The defendants in Waldroup's suit deny she was fired because she discovered possible illegal activity by elected officials.
October - SBI Public Information Officer Noelle Talley confirms investigation into former Mayor Wilson. His older brother, commissioner Wayne Wilson, says the investigation is not related to town business.
The candidates
For mayor
George Clarke
Rick Justice, interim mayor
Don E. Lowman Jr.
For town commissioner
Dean Isenhour
Barbara C. Kirby (i)
Joe C. Kirby, interim commissioner
William Allen Spencer Sr.
For town commissioner (unexpired term ending in 2009)
Gary Rash
Wayne D. Wilson Jr. (i)
Campaigning for town commissioner as write-in candidates
Larry Bowman, David Hylton and Robert Turner
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
In the town of Rhodhiss - a tiny community straddling two Western North Carolina counties - years of political troubles have created an atmosphere of distrust during a contentious election.
The squabbles and problems in this town of about 1,000 people have peaked in recent months. In just the last year:
A longtime public works supervisor - who also is a town commissioner - was fired, charged with felony embezzlement and later cleared of the charges by the district attorney's office.
The town manager who fired him was herself fired, and has sued the town. Town Hall closed for a month, and a new manager was hired.
The mayor abruptly resigned and is being investigated by state law enforcement for matters not related to town business.
A commissioner took the open mayor's seat, and the council appointed someone to fill his spot.
Now, as Rhodhiss prepares for Tuesday's election, eight challengers and sitting commissioner Barbara Kirby are campaigning against three incumbents - interim Mayor Rick Justice and commissioners Joe Kirby and Wayne Wilson.
"If you're elected into a position, you need to do what is best for the town," said Barbara Kirby, who was elected four years ago and calls the other commissioners and mayor "an old boy's club."
"All this fighting is doing nothing for the town and the people have had enough," she said.
But Justice, a former commissioner who took over as mayor in May, said the problems are in the past. "It doesn't have anything to do with today, and that's what we're concentrating on," he said.
Town commissioner Clarence Burns, who is also the fired public works supervisor, is in the middle of a four-year term and is the only commissioner not at risk of losing his seat.
The most recent string of problems surrounds the February firing of former Town Manager Rose Waldroup. Until then, Waldroup appeared to be doing well in her job and three months earlier had received a raise - unanimously approved by the council.
The controversy began in June 2006, when she asked Police Chief Tim Anthony to investigate allegations that Burns, in his role as public works supervisor, was collecting scrap metal from town streets using Rhodhiss employees and equipment, exchanging it for cash and pocketing the money.
Burns was eventually charged, but the charges were later dropped.
Burns could not be reached for comment - several messages left at his home, including one with a woman who identified herself as his wife, were not returned.
In October, Waldroup fired Burns, later questioning his job performance.
Three months later, the council voted to fire Waldroup, who had worked only 18 months out of a 10-year contract.
In response, she filed a lawsuit against the town, then-mayor Jimmy Wilson, Justice and Burns in March, saying she was fired because she had discovered possible illegal conduct by elected officials.
The suit claims Waldroup was improperly fired and that the town officials breached her contract, violated her First Amendment rights, defamed her and intentionally and negligently inflicted emotional distress.
Waldroup could not be reached for comment.
But her firing sparked controversy, and residents - in online forums, at town meetings and privately - say that the bickering between commissioners and the mayor has left an atmosphere of distrust.
The meeting held a month after Waldroup's firing drew 47 people, most of whom voiced "concerns about the termination of the manager, duties of elected officials, lack of unity among commissioners, pros and cons of employees having a contract and general concerns about the needs of the citizens not being met because of the circumstances," according to a record of the meeting.
Some, including Gary Rash, say the controversy encouraged him to run for the council.
"The commissioners have had their way too long in this town and act like it's their town to run without regard to how the citizens feel," he said. "People turned against each other, and hardly anybody trusts our government anymore."
Though commissioners talked about rehiring Waldroup - but altering her responsibilities and revoking her right to hire and fire employees without the council's approval - Kirby said no such offer was ever extended.
Justice declined to comment on the allegations in the suit, and Jimmy Wilson refused to comment on anything related to Rhodhiss or his time as mayor.
But Justice and Wayne Wilson - Jimmy's brother - say the deluge of controversy is in the past.
"I see that the people have confidence in this board," Justice said. "People have seen a change in town and have seen people trying (to do better)."
Though they say meetings - which were for months marred with arguments between commissioners and often resulted in profanities and personal attacks - are improving, some residents aren't so sure.
The instability and controversy in Town Hall, said Don Lowman, who is running for mayor, have left a deep rift that could only be repaired by a new council with fresh ideas and no baggage.
"I'm sick of the bickering and going to town meetings that might as well be (the World Wrestling Federation)," he said. "I'm sick of seeing government officials being arrested and sick of watching the street fall in."
Wayne Wilson, who was elected to the council four years ago and walked out of the Feb. 13 meeting before the commissioners voted to fire Waldroup, said he's certain that the town is healing. The council, he said, has been making plans to revamp the sewer system, build a new park and clean up the community overall.
"We're coming together," Wilson said. "I just hope I get re-elected and get this place straightened up. I want to see this town improve and grow and prosper. I love this town to death."
Now, he said, the commissioners need to make sure they are open and honest. It's clear, he said, that residents don't trust the council, and he hopes that will change.
"I hope they trust me," he said. "I don't want to hide things. If something has happened and someone is being charged or is being investigated, we need to be up front."
A history of instability in Rhodhiss
July 2003 - Mayor Doug Cowick unexpectedly resigns after an argument with commissioners about who holds keys to Town Hall. He changes his mind the next day but doesn't get the job back and, in November, loses the election to political newcomer Jimmy Wilson.
January 2004 - The town's accountant, Marvin Harold Witherspoon of Hickory, and former part-time Rhodhiss clerk David Hollar are charged by the federal government with inducing minors to participate in filming of sexual activity. Both men plead guilty to federal charges.
July 2004 - Commissioner Allen Spencer, town clerk Julie Trivette and Frannie Thompson resign because of controversy on the council.
May 2005 - Police Chief Terry Campbell abruptly resigns.
July 1, 2005 - Rose Waldroup begins job as Rhodhiss town manager. She signs a 10-year contract requiring that she can only be fired by a unanimous vote of the commissioners.
June 2006 - Waldroup asks for an investigation into allegations that commissioner Clarence Burns had been exchanging scrap metal for cash.
Sept. 14, 2006 - Board unanimously approves raise for Waldroup.
October 2006 - Burns fired as public works supervisor.
Feb. 13, 2007 - Waldroup is fired from town manager job by a 3-to-1 vote. Commissioner Barbara Kirby votes against the firing, and Commissioner Wayne Wilson leaves the meeting early and is not present for the vote. According to state law, his vote counts as a yes.
February - March 2007 Town offices close for about a month because there is no administrative staff.
Feb. 21 - Burns is charged by the N.C. Department of Justice with felony embezzlement by a public officer and misdemeanor willful failure to discharge duties as a town employee.
March 13 - Town Attorney Wayne Clontz dismissed; Jonathan Jones hired.
March 22 - Waldroup files civil suit against the town, former Mayor Jimmy Wilson, Burns and commissioner Rick Justice over her firing, saying she was dismissed because she had discovered possible illegal conduct by elected officials.
April 20 - District attorney's office dismisses the misdemeanor willful failure to discharge duties as a town employee charges against Burns.
May 8 - Mayor Wilson abruptly resigns, citing family problems.
May 9 - District attorney's office finds no evidence or probable cause on Burns' felony embezzlement charges and drops the charges
June 4 - The defendants in Waldroup's suit deny she was fired because she discovered possible illegal activity by elected officials.
October - SBI Public Information Officer Noelle Talley confirms investigation into former Mayor Wilson. His older brother, commissioner Wayne Wilson, says the investigation is not related to town business.
The candidates
For mayor
George Clarke
Rick Justice, interim mayor
Don E. Lowman Jr.
For town commissioner
Dean Isenhour
Barbara C. Kirby (i)
Joe C. Kirby, interim commissioner
William Allen Spencer Sr.
For town commissioner (unexpired term ending in 2009)
Gary Rash
Wayne D. Wilson Jr. (i)
Campaigning for town commissioner as write-in candidates
Larry Bowman, David Hylton and Robert Turner
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
11/1/07
Providing a lively note near Day of the Dead
La Catrina brings chamber music to a more diverse crowd
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
HICKORY - La Catrina was trying to be a little scary this week.
It was the day before Halloween -- two days before the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead -- and the string quartet was hoping the 80 kids at the Centro Latino performance would feel a little creepy when they heard Franz Shubert's "Death and the Maiden."
"This one is about a chase between death and a lady," said Daniel Vega-Albela, one of the quartet's two violinists. "Guess who ends up winning?"
The string group -- three Mexicans and a New York-born Puerto Rican -- launched into the piece, playing the high-pitched ferocity of death with fervor and the whimsical protests of the maiden softly.
The Tuesday evening performance -- held for a group of mostly Latino students -- was one of several shows La Catrina will play during its three-year residency with the Western Piedmont Symphony, which began in the fall.
But the group, said Chris Brown, the symphony's executive director, isn't getting attention only from the regular classical musician patrons, but from a more diverse audience that might not typically listen to the violin, viola and cello.
"Chamber music is a niche market," Brown said, "but it is one (La Catrina) is opening up by their style ... They play newer music and very lively pieces with great verve and vigor."
La Catrina, one of only a few professional Latino string quartets in the United States, draws much of its inspiration from Mexico's culture and traditions.
So, when the original group started playing together 10 years ago in Morelia, Mexico, and was choosing a name, it wanted something representative of the entire country.
"Day of the Dead is something everyone in Mexico knows about," said cellist Alan Daowz.
And La Calavera de la Catrina, a 1913 etching of a well-dressed skeleton woman by Jose Guadalupe Posada, is one of the best-known images of the Day of the Dead celebrations, Daowz said.
"La Catrina, with her mischievous smile," the group notes in its performance program, "pleads with the living to seize the moment, and through music and dance, find life's meaning."
The group separated for a while but came back together -- this time with George Anthony Figueroa on violin -- a few years ago and has performed as a group and as soloists in Mexico, the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Collectively, the men have more than 86 years playing string instruments and have all earned bachelor's and master's degrees in music -- but they say it is the blending of their backgrounds and attention to newer pieces that elevate their sound and draw attention from the audience and critics.
"Chamber music is sort of dying in a way," said violist Jorge Martinez, "so we start by playing things (younger audiences) want to hear and slowly bring them into it. How can they not like it after that?"
Figueroa, 36, began his classical training at age 6 and is the son of a composer in Puerto Rico. Vega-Albela, 36, was 9 when he started playing the violin but, with a grandmother who was trained as a concert pianist and taught lessons, was always surrounded by music.
The group's violist, 30-year-old Martinez, took piano lessons as a child and was 17 when he was introduced to string instruments at a festival. And Daowz, 34, said he didn't plan to become a professional cellist, but when art school didn't turn out to be what he expected, he started thinking about music.
Though they're from different backgrounds, they come together in the group. "You can hear the four different sounds," Figueroa said. "Somebody usually becomes the diva, and the others are overlooked. But in our quartet, that is not the case."
And while La Catrina draws much of its inspiration from Latin traditions, Vega-Albela said he hopes that their cultural background isn't what defines them.
"It makes people more comfortable to put people in these neat, little packages," he said. "But we can play Mozart, and we can play tango. And we can play both well."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
HICKORY - La Catrina was trying to be a little scary this week.
It was the day before Halloween -- two days before the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead -- and the string quartet was hoping the 80 kids at the Centro Latino performance would feel a little creepy when they heard Franz Shubert's "Death and the Maiden."
"This one is about a chase between death and a lady," said Daniel Vega-Albela, one of the quartet's two violinists. "Guess who ends up winning?"
The string group -- three Mexicans and a New York-born Puerto Rican -- launched into the piece, playing the high-pitched ferocity of death with fervor and the whimsical protests of the maiden softly.
The Tuesday evening performance -- held for a group of mostly Latino students -- was one of several shows La Catrina will play during its three-year residency with the Western Piedmont Symphony, which began in the fall.
But the group, said Chris Brown, the symphony's executive director, isn't getting attention only from the regular classical musician patrons, but from a more diverse audience that might not typically listen to the violin, viola and cello.
"Chamber music is a niche market," Brown said, "but it is one (La Catrina) is opening up by their style ... They play newer music and very lively pieces with great verve and vigor."
La Catrina, one of only a few professional Latino string quartets in the United States, draws much of its inspiration from Mexico's culture and traditions.
So, when the original group started playing together 10 years ago in Morelia, Mexico, and was choosing a name, it wanted something representative of the entire country.
"Day of the Dead is something everyone in Mexico knows about," said cellist Alan Daowz.
And La Calavera de la Catrina, a 1913 etching of a well-dressed skeleton woman by Jose Guadalupe Posada, is one of the best-known images of the Day of the Dead celebrations, Daowz said.
"La Catrina, with her mischievous smile," the group notes in its performance program, "pleads with the living to seize the moment, and through music and dance, find life's meaning."
The group separated for a while but came back together -- this time with George Anthony Figueroa on violin -- a few years ago and has performed as a group and as soloists in Mexico, the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Collectively, the men have more than 86 years playing string instruments and have all earned bachelor's and master's degrees in music -- but they say it is the blending of their backgrounds and attention to newer pieces that elevate their sound and draw attention from the audience and critics.
"Chamber music is sort of dying in a way," said violist Jorge Martinez, "so we start by playing things (younger audiences) want to hear and slowly bring them into it. How can they not like it after that?"
Figueroa, 36, began his classical training at age 6 and is the son of a composer in Puerto Rico. Vega-Albela, 36, was 9 when he started playing the violin but, with a grandmother who was trained as a concert pianist and taught lessons, was always surrounded by music.
The group's violist, 30-year-old Martinez, took piano lessons as a child and was 17 when he was introduced to string instruments at a festival. And Daowz, 34, said he didn't plan to become a professional cellist, but when art school didn't turn out to be what he expected, he started thinking about music.
Though they're from different backgrounds, they come together in the group. "You can hear the four different sounds," Figueroa said. "Somebody usually becomes the diva, and the others are overlooked. But in our quartet, that is not the case."
And while La Catrina draws much of its inspiration from Latin traditions, Vega-Albela said he hopes that their cultural background isn't what defines them.
"It makes people more comfortable to put people in these neat, little packages," he said. "But we can play Mozart, and we can play tango. And we can play both well."
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
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