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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8/27/06
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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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.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
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