Local News - January 2004

Leaders envision growth, improved economy in 2004

LTN breakfast

By SARAH GRANO and ALICE SMITH, Staff Writers

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Major growth that will change the landscape in Lincoln County, and the economy are on the minds of  community leaders as the 2004 year begins.

Hundreds of people gathered Thursday morning at the Lincoln Times-News’ annual community breakfast at the Lincoln Country Club. Many used the time to catch up with friends and discuss the new year. The annual appreciation breakfast for the community is tradition going back 30 years.

A better economy is in Lincoln County’s future, said Ken Kindley, president of the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s all about the economy,” Kindley said. “We hope to have a strong economic year in the 2004.”

Judi Morton, manager of the Employment Security Commission, said she also hopes for the economy to pick up and for Lincoln’s unemployment rate to drop.

The local economy should see an upward trend, Sheriff Barbara Pickens agreed. She attributed that to local officials who work on economic development in Lincoln County and their ability to create a diverse environment.

She expects to see continued growth and challenges in providing services to the exploding population.

“The face of Lincoln County is continuing to change, and it’s very exciting,” she said. “I think this is going to be a good year for Lincoln County.”

That growth will lead county officials to examine infrastructure and area roads.

The county’s planning board, Board of Commissioners and department of Building and Land Development will be taking a hard look at how the projected growth in the Catawba Springs township will affect the new highway 16.

“We’ll be working on the new 16 corridor plan to better manage growth along that corridor,” said Kelly Atkins, director of Building and Land Development.

Continuing discussions on running water and sewer to the Lincoln County Regional Airport and possible expansion of the Lincoln Campus of Gaston College will also be on the top of the county’s list this year, according to County Manager Stan Kiser.

And one of the biggest issues facing the county is the $47 million school bond vote that commissioners set for May, Kiser said.

If the bond passes a new elementary school and a new middle school will be built in Lincoln County.

“The reason we need the bond is because of a positive thing. Lincoln County is growing.” said Elaine Jenkins, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

“We have very fine elementary schools in the West that are absolutely packed full. If we’re going to provide our students with the kind of education they need we’re going to have to build a new facility.”

High school expansions are also included in the bond. If the bond passes, high schools will have gyms and cultural arts wings added.

Board of Education members are optimistic about the outcome of the vote.

“From the feedback I have heard throughout the community, it appears there is support for it,” said Fred Jarrett, chairman of the Board of Education. “I reckon we will only know come May 4.”

New programs for preschool students, increased test scores and a newcomer center for English as a second language students should also take place in 2004, said Jenkins.

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Staff Writers Alice Smith and Sarah Grano can be reached at 704-735-3031 or alicesmith@ltnews.com and sgrano@ltnews.com

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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