Crews brush up on their emergency skills on Lake James
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
LAKE JAMES -- As Tropical Storm Ernesto churned the waters outside Haiti and strong winds pounded the shore Monday, more than 40 rescue workers in Burke County practiced emergency lifts in flooded and hurricane-like conditions.
The three-day training session, which began Sunday, came one year after Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast, leaving people stranded on rooftops and floating in open water.
The aftermath of last year's storm left state and federal authorities fighting criticism for not being better prepared and for the slow emergency response time.
And that's exactly what rescue workers in North Carolina, Texas, Maryland and Georgia are hoping to avoid in their own states, said Capt. Rob Brisley of the Charlotte Fire Department.
"We realize that North Carolina can be just as vulnerable," he said. "When they pull the trigger for a real mission, (rescuers) jump on that aircraft and have the confidence."
The out-of-state rescuers joined local crews for the training, said Jeff Cardwell of the N.C. Division of Emergency Management.
"We're certainly not alone. We're not alone in our goals, our approach. We're not alone in our needs," said Cardwell, coordinator for areas that include Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties.
When Hurricane Ivan slammed into the Carolinas in 2004, rescuers in Burke County made 13 lifts using Blackhawk helicopters, said Jeff Hibbard of the county's special operations task force.
With the current hurricane season approaching, Hibbard, 41, said it's important for even the most experienced of rescuers to practice airlifts.
"All of these guys are seasoned," he said, "(But) if we don't keep up on it, a lot of skills lack."
Training Monday began with rescues from the top of vehicles, which are similar to rooftop rescues, and from trees.
Tree rescues are particularly tricky, said N.C. National Guard Staff Sgt. Brant McGee, who returned from Iraq in December after a one-year tour of duty.
"The biggest problem would be snagging the tree," he said. "The aircraft won't even feel it if they've pulled someone apart."
The winds generated by the Blackhawk can achieve almost hurricane force, McGee said, and water rescues came with whipping waves and stinging spray.
Even with the spray, Lynn Burttschell from Austin (Texas)-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said, the wind created by the helicopter is worse on the outskirts.
"It's like being in the eye of a hurricane," he said.
Crews lifted victims from trees and from open water in minutes.
"They're the A-team," Cardwell said. "There's no egos. Everybody is here for a reason."
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8/27/06
Merger talks on table in Lenoir
CITY'S POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS COULD BE CONSOLIDATED INTO ONE PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION
CITY MANAGER LANE BAILEY SAID THE MOVE COMES AS A RESULT OF THE CITY'S DECLINING TAX BASE
Sunday, August 27, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
In hopes of better dealing with tight budgets, the city of Lenoir is looking at consolidating its fire and police departments into one public safety division.
The move, said City Manager Lane Bailey, results from the city's declining tax base, which is severely hit every time another furniture factory closes. Last fiscal year, general fund revenues dropped by nearly $1.3 million, or 8 percent, to $14.9 million.
"We're always looking at ways that we can do things more efficiently," Bailey said. "But this is probably the thing that people would talk about because it's unusual."
Only a few public safety divisions exist in the state, including the 30-year-old department in Morganton, said Matt Lail, public affairs officer at the N.C. League of Municipalities. Lenoir is looking at that program initially.
If the city decides to combine the agencies, Bailey said, no jobs would be cut, and salaries would remain the same. One director would oversee the operation, as opposed to one fire chief and one police chief, he said.
Bailey said a public safety department probably isn't the best way to deliver services because fire departments and police departments are so specialized. But other city departments have already been trimmed considerably, leaving little room for further cuts, he said.
In 2004, the city cut 17 jobs in public works and recreation, and five more positions are being nixed from the budget this year, Bailey said.
"Positions that existed in the city are no longer there," he said. "We've had some very tough issues."
The city wouldn't likely see savings until fiscal year 2009 if a public safety division is implemented, Bailey said. He also said it's premature to say if it would be a good move for Lenoir.
"This is just one of the things that we are going to look at," he said.
Bailey doesn't know specifically how much the city might gain by consolidating the departments, but he said the savings would have to be significant to justify the merger.
Fire Chief Ken Briscoe and Police Chief Joey Reynolds said they understand that the city has to consider all the options.
"We want to be good stewards of our taxpayers' money," Briscoe said.
Bailey said the City Council initially discussed the idea during budget talks in June and will look at its feasibility at a January budget retreat.
The city of Morganton merged its police and fire departments in 1976 to fight a lagging economy and bolster efficiency, said Pam Walker, the city's public information officer.
"Our council still believes in the system, and it seems to work well for us," she said.
Morganton's Public Safety Division was budgeted at $7.7 million for fiscal year 2006-07. Lenoir has slated a combined $7.7 million for the police and fire departments for the same year.
The populations of Morganton and Lenoir are about 17,000 residents each, according to the 2000 census.
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and may not be republished without permission.
CITY MANAGER LANE BAILEY SAID THE MOVE COMES AS A RESULT OF THE CITY'S DECLINING TAX BASE
Sunday, August 27, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
In hopes of better dealing with tight budgets, the city of Lenoir is looking at consolidating its fire and police departments into one public safety division.
The move, said City Manager Lane Bailey, results from the city's declining tax base, which is severely hit every time another furniture factory closes. Last fiscal year, general fund revenues dropped by nearly $1.3 million, or 8 percent, to $14.9 million.
"We're always looking at ways that we can do things more efficiently," Bailey said. "But this is probably the thing that people would talk about because it's unusual."
Only a few public safety divisions exist in the state, including the 30-year-old department in Morganton, said Matt Lail, public affairs officer at the N.C. League of Municipalities. Lenoir is looking at that program initially.
If the city decides to combine the agencies, Bailey said, no jobs would be cut, and salaries would remain the same. One director would oversee the operation, as opposed to one fire chief and one police chief, he said.
Bailey said a public safety department probably isn't the best way to deliver services because fire departments and police departments are so specialized. But other city departments have already been trimmed considerably, leaving little room for further cuts, he said.
In 2004, the city cut 17 jobs in public works and recreation, and five more positions are being nixed from the budget this year, Bailey said.
"Positions that existed in the city are no longer there," he said. "We've had some very tough issues."
The city wouldn't likely see savings until fiscal year 2009 if a public safety division is implemented, Bailey said. He also said it's premature to say if it would be a good move for Lenoir.
"This is just one of the things that we are going to look at," he said.
Bailey doesn't know specifically how much the city might gain by consolidating the departments, but he said the savings would have to be significant to justify the merger.
Fire Chief Ken Briscoe and Police Chief Joey Reynolds said they understand that the city has to consider all the options.
"We want to be good stewards of our taxpayers' money," Briscoe said.
Bailey said the City Council initially discussed the idea during budget talks in June and will look at its feasibility at a January budget retreat.
The city of Morganton merged its police and fire departments in 1976 to fight a lagging economy and bolster efficiency, said Pam Walker, the city's public information officer.
"Our council still believes in the system, and it seems to work well for us," she said.
Morganton's Public Safety Division was budgeted at $7.7 million for fiscal year 2006-07. Lenoir has slated a combined $7.7 million for the police and fire departments for the same year.
The populations of Morganton and Lenoir are about 17,000 residents each, according to the 2000 census.
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and may not be republished without permission.
Caldwell County Republicans endorse candidates for the upcoming election
Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The Caldwell County Republican Party Executive Committee endorsed five nonpartisan candidates at its monthly meeting Tuesday.
Three men, Rob Bratcher, Tim Hawkins and Chris Becker, were unanimously endorsed as candidates for the Caldwell County Board of Education, where four seats are open.
The committee also endorsed Dennis A. Benfield and Bill Puette, who are two of seven candidates running for supervisor with the Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District. Two seats are open in the Nov. 7 election.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
The Caldwell County Republican Party Executive Committee endorsed five nonpartisan candidates at its monthly meeting Tuesday.
Three men, Rob Bratcher, Tim Hawkins and Chris Becker, were unanimously endorsed as candidates for the Caldwell County Board of Education, where four seats are open.
The committee also endorsed Dennis A. Benfield and Bill Puette, who are two of seven candidates running for supervisor with the Caldwell Soil and Water Conservation District. Two seats are open in the Nov. 7 election.
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8/25/06
Hunt's Limit: 8 years, maybe 12
CHALLENGER TO LONGTIME INCUMBENT HUFFMAN SAYS HE'D RESTRICT TERM
Friday, August 25, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Steve Hunt said eight, or possibly 12, years would be plenty of time for him to achieve his goals if he were elected Catawba County sheriff in November.
Hunt, who is challenging long-time incumbent David Huffman, announced at Tuesday's Catawba County Democrats' meeting that he will impose a term limit on himself, though he later hedged on how many of the four-year terms would be his maximum.
At first, Hunt said he'd only spend eight years in the job if elected, but later said he'd consider a third term. Hunt, a 30-year veteran of the Hickory Police Department, said he worries that elected officials cannot be as effective if they hold one position for too long.
"Two terms, three at the most, is healthy," he said after the meeting. "After (that) someone else needs to come in with fresh, new ideas and then take the office to the next level."
Hunt's announcement targets one of Huffman's strongest qualifications in a closely watched race - a 24-year run as Catawba County sheriff. Huffman, who serves on the U.S. Homeland Security Intelligence team, said building contacts in the region and across the nation takes time.
"You don't get these things in two terms, not on a national level. There's just no way," he said Wednesday.
Huffman said he wonders why Hunt served 30 years with the Hickory Police Department if he believes in term limits.
"If he's only going to work eight years for the sheriff," Huffman said, "why didn't he only work eight for Hickory?"
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and may not be republished without permission.
Friday, August 25, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Steve Hunt said eight, or possibly 12, years would be plenty of time for him to achieve his goals if he were elected Catawba County sheriff in November.
Hunt, who is challenging long-time incumbent David Huffman, announced at Tuesday's Catawba County Democrats' meeting that he will impose a term limit on himself, though he later hedged on how many of the four-year terms would be his maximum.
At first, Hunt said he'd only spend eight years in the job if elected, but later said he'd consider a third term. Hunt, a 30-year veteran of the Hickory Police Department, said he worries that elected officials cannot be as effective if they hold one position for too long.
"Two terms, three at the most, is healthy," he said after the meeting. "After (that) someone else needs to come in with fresh, new ideas and then take the office to the next level."
Hunt's announcement targets one of Huffman's strongest qualifications in a closely watched race - a 24-year run as Catawba County sheriff. Huffman, who serves on the U.S. Homeland Security Intelligence team, said building contacts in the region and across the nation takes time.
"You don't get these things in two terms, not on a national level. There's just no way," he said Wednesday.
Huffman said he wonders why Hunt served 30 years with the Hickory Police Department if he believes in term limits.
"If he's only going to work eight years for the sheriff," Huffman said, "why didn't he only work eight for Hickory?"
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and may not be republished without permission.
Rhodhiss to vote on beer, wine
NO ABC STORE, BUT RESTAURANTS COULD ALSO SELL MIXED DRINKS; REFERENDUM IS SEPT. 12
Friday, August 25, 2006
By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Rhodhiss residents may no longer have to make the short commute out of town to buy beer and wine.
On Sept. 12, voters will decide in a referendum that would allow the sale of some alcoholic beverages within Rhodhiss limits. The measure proposed by the Board of Commissioners earlier this summer would likely bring the town additional revenue in a time of economic decline, Mayor Jimmy Wilson said.
"The tax revenue would be wonderful," he said. "If people want (alcohol), it doesn't matter where they buy it, they'll get it. May as well make some money off it."
The referendum would allow Rhodhiss businesses to sell malt beverages, such as beer, and fortified wines, said Town Manager Rose Waldrup. Restaurants could serve mixed drinks and liquor.
The board has decided residents can continue to make the 2 1/2-mile commute to the ABC store in Granite Falls for liquor, Waldrup said.
The town voted 151-81 against a similar change in 2002. Although that vote brought 66 percent of registered voters to the polls, only two residents showed up at Saturday's town hall day to discuss the current proposal, Waldrup said.
Wilson said officials have better explained the measure to residents this time around. He's hopeful voters will favor the sales, but isn't sure if the measure will pass.
Granite Falls legalized alcohol sales in December 2002, something Wilson said is a positive sign.
The 965-person town straddles Burke and Caldwell counties, and if passed, the new alcohol laws would apply to all of Rhodhiss. Waldrup estimates that more than two-thirds of the population is over 21.
Rhodhiss currently has two establishments, the Riverfront Grill and Owens' Express, that would likely see a jump in revenue if the measure were passed, Waldrup said. Another hope, she said, is that more grocers and restaurants will come to Rhodhiss.
But not everyone in the small town thinks legalizing the sale of alcohol is a great idea, Waldrup said, and worry that changing the law will make the town less desirable.
"(Those in) opposition think there will be things like beer joints and problems with drunkenness," she said, "and they don't want that."
Commissioner Clarence Burns, whom Waldrup and Wilson said has openly opposed the measure, would not comment.
The other board members are in favor of changing the law, Waldrup said.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
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.
All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.
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