LINCOLN
TIMES-NEWS
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Lincolnton, NC 28092

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Terrance Thomas

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Jeremy Ashton

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Recent News - February 2003

Reverse 911 alerts public to emergencies

CAN System contacts large groups of people by telephone

February 3, 2003 - In an emergency situation, there are common questions that run through people’s heads: Am I safe? Should I leave my home? Where do I go?

Leslie Scanlan explains how the Community Alert Network works Friday at the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. With the system, officials will be able to target areas of the county with infor-mation and instructions in the event of an emergency situation. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Denver man found guilty in rape trial 

Judge sentences Gray to lengthy prison term

February 3, 2003 - Kevin Dale Gray didn’t have to wait long Friday to learn how he’ll be spending the next few years of his life.

Kevin Dale Gray (center) is led out of the Lincoln County Courthouse on Friday after being convicted of rape and kidnapping in the July 28, 2001, sexual assault of a 25-year-old woman in her home. Gray's attorney Theodore Cummings stands to the right.  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Registry to honor astronauts

February 3, 2003 - A local funeral home is helping those mourning the loss of the seven astronauts who died aboard the space shuttle Columbia Saturday.

“At a time like this, you wish you could do something,” says Bud Warlick, owner of Warlick Funeral Home.

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Hearings set for two major subdivisions

February 3, 2003 - Two subdivisions covering a total 400 acres and including more than 500 homes in east Lincoln County are up for public hearing tonight.

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and Planning Board will hold joint public hearings at 6:30 tonight in the Commissioners Room on the third floor of the Citizens Center.

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LMC offers outpatient diabetes program

February 3, 2003 - Diabetes is one of the most prevalent and costliest medical problems in Lincoln County and North Carolina.

If not treated properly, diabetes — a disease that prevents the body from converting sugars and starches into energy — can lead to limb amputation, kidney disease, blindness and cardiovascular disease.

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Woman accused of embezzling

February 3, 2003 - A Lincoln County woman was arrested Thursday for allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars from a local business.

Amanda Beth Combs, 32, is charged with six counts of obtaining property by false pretense and one count of embezzlement.

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Reaching out

February 3, 2003 - Kristen Graham drops a donation in a bucket during Lincoln County's fund-raising drive for injured Charlotte paramedic Tim Hayes. Paramedic Ken Scronce (left) and Gail Rombs manned the donation site in front of Cato Saturday. EMS operations officer Mike Keller estimates that volunteers raised around $20,000 Saturday, which was more than expected. "The community was wonderful," Keller said. "It was really great how people came together."  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Order in the classroom

Student court

February 5, 2003 - Court is in session at Lincoln Charter School with Judge Keith Hain presiding.

The six jurors are comfortably seated in the back of the “courtroom” while the accused takes a spot in the front. Meanwhile, anxious onlookers listen to the defendant’s testimony and the probing questions from the jury that follow.

Sixth-graders Brittney Berryhill, Brooke Rogers, Emily Bumgarner, Leslie Canipe, Corey Forner and Matthew Smith (clockwise from left) are the Lincoln Charter School's sitting jury. Since October, the group has been in charge of handling some of the discipline problems in their grade. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Candy wrapper campaign to help Special Olympics

February 5, 2003 - IRON STATION — Elizabeth Carpenter’s third graders at Iron Station Elementary School are trying to make a big difference in Special Olympics with a lot of little candy.

Through the end of March, Carpenter’s class is heading up a school-wide effort to collect M&M’s wrappers marked with the words “Find All Gold.”

Travis Morton, a third grader in Elizabeth Carpenter's class at Iron Station Elementary, decorates a bag for collecting M&M wrappers to help Special Olympics. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Fifth-graders honor astronauts

February 5, 2003 - DENVER — The fifth-graders in Jacque Weaver’s class at Rock Springs Elementary School never met Ilan Ramon, but they felt a certain connection to him.

Fifth-grade students at Rock Springs Elementary School gather around the flagpole to remember the seven astronauts of the space shuttle Columbia Monday. (LTN photo by Jeremy Ashton)

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Subdivisions put on hold

Hearings on east Lincoln projects resume in March

February 5, 2003 - Plans to develop two large subdivisions in east Lincoln have been put on hold.

Public hearings on requests to rezone property for The Village at Cowan’s Ford and Paradise Lakes were continued until the next county planning board meeting on March 3.

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Community purchase plan advances

Westport Golf Course

February 5, 2003 - DENVER — A community effort to purchase the Westport Golf Course is officially underway.

However, community leaders agree, a tough road lays ahead.

Nearly 150 residents crowded into the Westport Country Club last Tuesday for a presentation by the Westport Community Association Golf Committee.

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Schools to hold registration

February 5, 2003 - Registration for kindergarten and first-grade students who will be attending Lincoln County Schools for the first time will be held Wednesday, Feb. 12, through Wednesday, March 12, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Parents must register at each school where each child will attend. Students attending the new St. James Elementary may register at the school nearest to their home.

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Fallen leader honored for bravery, sacrifice

February 5, 2003 - HUNTERSVILLE — On Feb. 1, 1781, a skirmish broke out on the banks of the Catawba River, and a page of American history was written.

Exactly 222 years later, a crowd gathered to commemorate that day, and remember a local hero lost during the Battle of Cowan’s Ford.

Representatives from area chapters of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution lay wreaths Saturday in remembrance of Gen. William Lee Davidson.

Reverend Jeff Lowrance (top), pastor of Hopewell Presbyterian Church, stands in remembrance next to the grave site of Gen. William Lee Davidson.  Below, a Revolutionary Warera color guard presents arms Saturday.  (Photos by Jacob Rudolph)

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Sweetheart of an auction will benefit East library

February 5, 2003 - Valentine’s Day is for sweethearts, and you can’t spell sweetheart without art.

Pro-Tech Automotive, 3604 Denver Drive, will be transformed into an art gallery Thursday Feb. 13 for “Fall in Love with Art,” an auction to benefit the East Lincoln Branch Library.

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House fire

February 5, 2003 - Firefighters from Denver Volunteer Fire Department and East Lincoln Fire Department responded at 11:52 a.m. to a structure fire at 7797 Red Robin Trail. Damage is estimated as "high," since smoke damaged the entire house, said DVFD firefighter and chaplain Matt Gunter (pictured). Fire Marshal Mike Futrell determined that an iron which had been left on was the cause of the fire. No one was hurt in the blaze. The fire was under control at 12:07 p.m. (Photo by Diane Turbyfill)

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Balloons and Bouquets

February 7, 2003 - Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Many men will turn to the traditional roses, candy and cards for their loved ones. Area businesses will do their best to be ready for the holiday rush. Karen Goins, right, prepares roses for the big day. Florists deliver flowers, plants, stuffed animals and balloons.  Jessica Brown, far right, ties strings to heart-shaped balloons at Lincoln's Hallmark Shoppe.  (LTN photos by Jenny Walling)

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Tar Heel geography can be misleading

February 7, 2003 - North Carolina geography is confusing.

Don’t think for a minute that a town is in the county of the same name.

No. No, no, no.

Don’t think colleges are in the towns of the same names, either.

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Healthcare workers balk at smallpox vaccines

February 7, 2003 - Healthcare workers in Lincoln County will soon have the opportunity to be vaccinated against smallpox, but very few people are jumping at the chance.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that it has received a shipment of the smallpox vaccine and will begin administering it to public health and hospital personnel across the state on a voluntary basis.

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Child injured in shooting; arrest made

February 7, 2003 - One person has been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting Thursday night that sent a 5-year-old girl to the hospital, and police are searching for another occupant of the vehicle.

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Brush fire

February 7, 2003 - It took 25 to 30 firefighters about half an hour to get a brush fire under control about a quarter of a mile off Startown Road in Maiden Thursday afternoon. The fire charred about three acres, said Maiden assistant fire Chief Rick Cansler. Cansler said the fire probably started when the truck of the landowner backfired, sparking a blaze that quickly spread. Here, firemen from North 321 Volunteer Fire Department spray down the perimeter of the area. North 321 responded to aid Maiden Volunteer Fire Department. (LTN photo by Diane Turbyfill)

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Family Fair features service agencies

February 7, 2003 - Unsure about where to go for different services in Lincoln County?

An informational fair Saturday is designed to let residents and their families know what services are available to them locally.

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Lincoln’s student dropout rate down slightly

February 7, 2003 - The dropout rate for students in North Carolina decreased slightly in the 2001-02 school year, a trend mimicked in Lincoln County according to data released Tuesday by the Department of Public Instruction.

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Students project with beacons

Lighthouse creations

February 10, 2003 - Most fourth graders in North Carolina study the famed Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Bayley Beal sits between the two lighthouses she made for her class at S. Ray Lowder Elementary School. Bayley's Beacon II (right) was a replacement for Bayley's Beacon I, which Beal said succumbed to a hurricane last year.  (LTN photo by Jeremy Ashton)

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Going APE

February 10, 2003 - (Right) Allison Castle sings karaoke with the Awareness Prevention Education gorilla at the second annual Family Fair Saturday. The gorilla will be traveling to elementary schools to teach kids about child abuse. (Far Right) Callie Thompson, 12, also takes time to sing karaoke. The karaoke was provided by NTC Entertainment. (LTN photos by Jenny Walling)

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Family Fun

February 10, 2003 - Lindsey Taylor, 8, gives her brother Kevin, 10, a "Frosty Wrap" Friday at Iron Station Elementary School's Family Fun Night. For one ticket, students could get wrapped up in toilet paper like snowmen and decorated with hats and scarves. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Police to document stops

New law requires recording of race, sex

February 10, 2003 - Lincolnton police officers will soon have to record information, including the race of each person involved in any routine traffic stop, even if the person is not ticketed.

The action comes as a result of state law mandated by the N.C. General Assembly in 2000.

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Neighbor’s response may have saved lives

Man, son overcome by gas fumes

February 10, 2003 - A neighbor’s good sense of hearing is credited with saving the lives of a Lincolnton man and his 2-year-old son Thursday night.

Firefighters received a call just after 8 p.m. Thursday about a smoke detector going off in a residence at 735 East Jennings St.

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Second arrest made in drive-by shooting

More retaliation feared in long-standing feud

February 10, 2003 - Police have arrested the second suspect in Thursday’s  drive-by shooting that injured a 5-year-old girl.

Fredrick Beam, 302 North High St., was arrested Sunday by Lincolnton police at 1710 Riverview Road.

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Look at us now

Lincoln is both large and small

February 10, 2003 - Salutations my fellow Lincolntonians.

Or how about “Lincolnites?” That doesn’t sound too bad.

Or even “Lincolners” has a nice ring and technically includes the whole county so that our east-enders don’t feel left out.

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Bands join for concert

February 12, 2003 - Band students from different schools joined sounds Friday for the All County Band concert.

The Citizen’s Center was crowded with excited parents as students from the Lincoln County middle and high schools gathered to perform.

LHS students Ashton Howard, left, and Brittney Nicholson look over music selections during Friday's concert at the Citizens Center.  (LTN photo by Sara Funderburk)

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Cherryville seeks water link with Lincolnton

February 12, 2003 - CHERRYVILLE – After enduring a critical water emergency last summer, the City of Cherryville has taken the first steps to ensure it can get through any future droughts.

The City Council took a series of actions at its meeting Monday night that could pave the way for an interconnect between Cherryville’s and Lincolnton’s water systems.

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March of Dimes

February 12, 2003 - Team captains and volunteers for the March of Dimes gathered Tuesday at the Senior Center. Chris Beeson, volunteer, Kara Mariaca, special events coordinator, and Tracy Pyant, committee member, prepared food and informational packets about March of Dimes and the annual WalkAmerica event. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Firefighting role enthralls scouts

Joe Fletcher (left), Matt Moses and Brent McCon-nell peer over the edge of the fire station roof Saturday.

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Matt Moses rappels down the building as Brent McConnell watches. Rappelling is part of the Explorers' training program. (LTN photos by Jenny Walling)

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February 12, 2003 - For many high school students, the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is answered with shrugged shoulders, rolled eyes or loud sighs.

But for Brent McConnell, Joe Fletcher, Matt Moses and Chris Gaffold, the answer comes quickly and clearly.

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Kirk defends testing

February 12, 2003 - The chairman of the State Board of Education spent a busy few hours in Lincoln County on Monday.

Phil Kirk recognized three Lincoln County schools in the morning for outstanding achievement on the state’s standardized tests before heading to a meeting of the Lincolnton Rotary Club to talk about the interaction between business and education.

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Sale of school pondered

High Shoals

February 12, 2003 - HIGH SHOALS — High Shoals city officials are taking a hard look at the future of the old elementary school, a structure that currently sits empty and vandalized.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the city council heard from Robbie Ray, who is interested in buying the school from the city to house his construction business.

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State chairman honors three Lincoln schools

February 12, 2003 - Phil Kirk had plenty to tell Lincoln County students and teachers Monday, but his mere presence at three schools said a mouthful.

Phil Kirk (center), chairman of the State Board of Education, talks to Lincoln County school board members Tommy Houser and Jean Dellinger on Monday during his trip to North Brook Elementary School.  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Commission OKs new boating regulations

Februray 12, 2003 - Regulations for charter and excursion boats have been outlined and approved by the Lake Norman Marine Commission.

The commission approved, though with some disagreement, sending application packages to the handful of Lake Norman charter companies at its monthly meeting Monday in the Mooresville Municipal Court Room.

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Long-awaited lakefront park closer to reality

February 12, 2003 - DENVER — An east Lincoln park and recreation area, five years in the planning, has moved one step closer to reality.

State grants have been applied for, and, if all goes well, construction on Beatty’s Ford Park will begin this summer, according to Erma Deen Hoyle, Lincoln County Recreation Department director.

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Rhynes celebrate 56th  Valentine’s Day

Love story

February 14, 2003 - Their love affair began more than 50 years ago — a man with a motive; a cautious, independent woman.

Paul and Virginia Rhyne are spending their 56th Valentine’s Day together. The Lincolnton couple still remembers the day they met.

Virginia Rhyne plays the piano while her husband, Paul, sings in their music room of their Laboratory home. The couple is celebrating their 56th Valentine's Day together. They first met on Dec. 7, 1946, when she was choir director at First Baptist Church in Lincolnton.  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Massey students test computer skills in quiz

February 14, 2003 - A group of fifth-graders from G.E. Massey Elementary School took part in an academic competition last week against their peers from across North Carolina — without leaving school grounds.

Tyler Copeland, Hannah Mosteller, Gabby Hovis (top row, left to right), Clint Lukert, Joshua Carter, Chelsea Janson (bottom row, left to right) and Autumn Scott (not pictured) represented G.E. Massey in the Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl last week. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Council clears the way for pool in sports bar

February 14, 2003 - Rack ’em!

One Lincolnton business’s eight-month fight for pool tables is almost over.

David and Anna Kuss, owners of Lincolnton’s The Rock Garden, a private social club, are one step closer to being able to put billiards in their establishment.

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ID theft increasing

Precautions urged

February 14, 2003 - Identity theft is on a roll and it’s getting worse, according to Lt. Leroy Buff of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.

He said his own research produces some “scary” results.

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Schools may push for more local funding from county

February 14, 2003 - Lincoln County Schools could ask for as much as $1.9 million in new local funding from the county commissioners for the 2003-04 fiscal year.

Before the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting Wednesday, the board’s Budget and Finance Committee started the long, arduous task of formulating a new budget.

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Terror alert: Preparing for the worst

Emergency kit should have duct tape, sheeting

As America enters its eighth day on “high” terrorism alert, local officials are urging residents to take precautionary measures, but not panic..

Susan Spake, emergency management director, demonstrates how to seal off a room by duct-taping plastic sheeting around doors. It takes about five minutes to complete the process, Spake said. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Veteran 4Her joins county’s Extension office

February 17, 2003 - April Dillon is a 4Her through and through.

She joined the Extension club as a child and has never strayed. Dillon has stayed a part of the organization because she believes in its effectiveness.

Kevin Starr, County Extension director, goes over some paperwork with April Dillon, Lincoln County's new 4H agent. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Singing valentine leaves trail of smiles

February 17, 2003 - A new item was added to the menu in the cafeteria at East Lincoln High School Friday — a love song with a side of sentiment.

Cafeteria Manager Lorene Ward came into the kitchen Friday morning to more than pots and pans and school pizza. She was met with a singing telegram.

Lorene Ward, cafeteria manager at East Lincoln High School, blushed and covered her smile Friday afternoon as Chelsea Harpe sang "Love Me Tender."  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Goals higher for Lincoln MS Walk

February 17, 2003 - When she began organizing a walk to raise money for multiple sclerosis research last year, Belinda Branson was hoping for an enthusiastic response.

The 50 people who participated in Lincolnton’s first MS Walk obliged by raising more than $8,000 for the cause. A year later, Branson wants to duplicate that success on a larger scale.

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City to go online with warrants

February 17, 2003 - The Lincolnton Police Department is taking steps to gain online access to the statewide magistrate’s system, a move that is making some tasks quicker and safer.

The Lincolnton City Council Thursday authorized police Chief Terry Burgin to sign an agreement with the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts, which provides this service.

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Valentine's at Heath House

February 17, 2003 - Stephanie Isenhower, one of the members of Community in Schools class at Pumpkin Center Middle School,  gives a handmade Valentine to Heath House resident Viola Dellinger during a Valentine's Day visit Friday. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Freezing rain, sleet leave icy blanket

Several wrecks reported; little thawing expected

February 17, 2003 - Sleet and freezing rain pelted the Carolinas Sunday, dropping up to three-quarters of an inch of ice on Lincoln County.

Two people were transported to Lincoln Medical Center Sunday with minor injuries following this wreck on Hovis Road. Authorities said icy conditions coupled with speed caused the wreck.  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Gifts support Helping Hands

Indigent clinic receives portrait, books and toys

February 19, 2003 - Before the Helping Hands Health Clinic opened a little more than a month ago, its board of directors knew it would need volunteers and monetary donations to make it a success.

Above, Carroll Morrell (right), the artist who painted "The Great Physician," and Kevin Rojas pray at the Helping Hands Health Clinic's opening Tuesday. Morty Wadsworth (right) reads one of the children books at the clinic to 7-year-old twins, Kevin and Steven Rojas.  (LTN photos by Jenny Walling)

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City considers rate hike for water, sewer

February 19, 2003 - The City of Lincolnton, faced with millions of dollars in debt services, is being forced to take a hard look at what residents are paying in water and sewer rates.

“Our revenues aren’t anywhere near keeping up with our additional debt, and that’s what I’m concerned with,” Emory told city council members Monday during a budget preparation meeting.

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Cultural assimilation difficult

February 19, 2003 - The Latino population in Lincoln County is on the way up — way up.

The increase in population, however, does not translate directly into increased cultural assimilation.

“In Lincoln County, right now, the Latino population is a subculture, it’s not well blended,” said Cristina Arlow, a local interpreter and translator.

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Hispanic numbers surging in Lincoln

February 19, 2003 - Lincoln County’s Hispanic population has exploded in recent years, up nearly 650 percent since 1990, according to the latest Census figures.

Those numbers correspond with trends in counties across North Carolina. Statewide, the Hispanic population grew by nearly 400 percent in the same period.

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City swamped with budget requests

Chamber, airport, LEDA and Cultural Center make appearances

February 19, 2003 - As budget time for the city of Lincolnton quickly approaches, the City Council is in the process of finding out just how much money local groups need.

Several organizations appeared before the council Monday afternoon to request money for the coming budget year.

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Legion has high hopes for contest

Teen to speak on Constitution

February 19, 2003 - Janelle Moore knows a little bit about speaking in front of a crowd..

Janelle Moore, the district winner of the American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest, practices her speeches for Saturday's division competition in Asheville.  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Meetings planned on changes

The coming code

February 19, 2003 - The question on many minds these days is, “What do the new building codes meant to those of us in the construction industry?”

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County ABC board still hunting east Lincoln site

February 19, 2003 - DENVER — Five months after Lincoln County voters approved the operation of ABC stores, plans to build an east Lincoln ABC store are moving along slowly.

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Friday Fun

February 19, 2003 - Kazoo saxophonists John Smith and Bea Musser (right) pose with their instruments last week at Wayne's Second Friday Feast held at Captain Pete's. Far, right, Lula Bell, the love finder, serenades Friday Feaster George Crocker. The Valentine's Day fun included costumes, a harpsichord and an impromptu band. (Photos by Jacob Rudolph)

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Art, auto shop mix for a successful library benefit

February 19, 2003 - DENVER — The sounds and smells that wafted from Pro-Tech Automotive Thursday were not those of revving engines and dripping oil pans.

Raymond Holmes peruses the art selection at the Denver-Lake Norman Rotary Club's "Fall in Love With Art" auction Thursday.  The event was held in an auto shop-turned-art gallery. (Photo by Jacob Rudolph)

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Security expert offers tips for business, residential safety

February 19, 2003 - DENVER — With the terrorism alert status on “high,” a Denver company is advising businesses, and residents on what steps they can take to help lessen the risk of an attack.

When not at client sites worldwide, Ross Bulla works from his Denver home office. (Photo by Jacob Rudolph)

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Hundreds turn out to discuss golf course’s fate

February 19, 2003 - DENVER — The last in a series of community-wide meetings packed 240 concerned residents in the Westport Baptists Church fellowship hall Thursday.

The area residents gathered to discuss the fate of the Westport Golf Course, and a community effort to purchase the course before it is sold for development.

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Mud hole seen as thriving wetland

February 21, 2003 - DENVER — The water basin on the Lincolnton campus of the Lincoln Charter School looks like a giant muddy hole, but Margaret Venable sees a thriving wetland.

Melanie Creswell (right) discusses the planned wetland that will replace this pond with 10th-graders Nicole Martinez (left) and Lauren Lord.  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Battle for pool tables nears end

February 21, 2003 - Lincolnton’s The Rock Garden has all the makings of a sports bar: a big TV, cold beer, darts and video games.

But something has been missing in the private social club since it opened in December — pool tables.

Teresa Nichols and David Kuss finalize details for Saturday's live entertainment at The Rock Garden. If the City Council votes yes, Kuss will able to offer customers pool, as well as music. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Lincoln’s report card shows ‘good progress’

February 21, 2003 - Parents of Lincoln County students just got more access to information about their schools.

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction, the N.C. Education Research Council and Gov. Mike Easley released report cards for every school in the state Thursday.

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The Timken Co. planning another upgrade

February 21, 2003 - The Timken Co., which just seven months ago thrust $16 million into the local economy, is planning another upgrade.

If incentives are approved, Timken will invest $3.5 million in its Lincolnton bearing plant, said Laura Foor, existing industry coordinator for the Lincoln Economic Development Association.

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Unifour Grand Opening

February 21, 2003 -Supporters from the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce were on hand Thursday for the grand opening of Unifour Mortgage, located at 113 S. Oak Street. Branch Manager Shelly McCraw is standing beside Lincolnton Mayor Bobby Huitt and Lincoln County Commission Board Chairman Jerry Cochrane as she cuts the ribbon. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Spayed pup

February 21, 2003 -  A puppy that was taken to a spay and neuter clinic in Asheville waits in front of Rising Sun Pottery for its owner Wednesday. The dog was among 19 sent to the clinic along with 35 cats, thanks to donations from students at the Lincoln Charter School. Last year more than 600 animals were sent to the clinic. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Saturday classes possible

No other choices if another snowfall closes schools

February 21, 2003 - School on Saturday.

It’s a concept about as appealing to students as, well, summer school.

Yet in the last two and a half months, Lincoln County Schools has lost enough instructional days to winter weather to make Saturday classes a real possibility if more snow falls.

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Lincoln Times- News loses long-time carrier

February 21, 2003 - MAIDEN — The Lincoln Times-News lost one of its most faithful carriers Sunday.

Bonnie Lee Rainey of Maiden was a carrier for the newspaper for the past 25 years. She never missed a day on her route during that quarter century, according to Circulation Manager Robin Ledford.

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More at Four programs under way in Lincoln

February 24, 2003 - Jasmine Parsons and Nicole Ruiz sit in the corner of a classroom at G.E. Massey Elementary School on a Thursday afternoon playing dress-up.

The two busily take care of their dolls and pull out their “cell phones” every couple of minutes so they can chat with each other.

Jasmine Parsons, 4, chats with a friend on the phone during a More at Four class at G.E. Massey Elementary School. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Fuel prices soaring

February 24, 2003 - Pat Miller doesn’t know how much it costs to fill up her car’s gas tank.

“Since the prices went up, I don’t fill it up,” Miller said as she pumped a couple dollars of gas Friday at Southern Convenience Store.

Pat Miller pumps a couple gallons of gas into her tank Friday at Southern Convenience Store on West Main Street. Southern's gas prices are right at the statewide average of $1.59.  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Band cancels New York trip

Safety issues raised

February 24, 2003 - The East Lincoln High School wind ensemble was going to perform in one of the most well-known concert halls in the world in April..

Neil Underwood warms up the East Lincoln High School wind ensemble Friday. The students learned earlier that day that their planned performance at Carnegie Hall in April was canceled.  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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DOT will make one last sweep

Storm debris

February 24, 2003 - Time is running out for residents who live on state-maintained roads to have storm debris picked up.

The N.C. Department of Transportation will make one last sweep of state highways beginning March 1, according to a press release from the DOT.

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30 Hour Famine

February 24, 2003 - Nearly 100 Lincoln County teens participated in the 12th annual World Vision 30 Hour Famine Friday and Saturday. The event is designed to get youth involved in raising awareness and money to fight hunger overseas and in the United States. The group, from five area churches, gathered at Bethphage Lutheran Church and fasted for 30 hours. They divided into teams and participated in many activities. Drew Southern of First United Methodist Church handed out paper clips to his team. The paper clips represented survival resources for third world countries and were used to illustrate the power the United States holds. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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‘Smile Day’ offers dental services

February 24, 2003 - A group of 14 second- and third-graders from Love Memorial Elementary School sat in the waiting room of Dr. Keith Dedmond’s dentistry office Friday, not entirely sure what to expect.

Two of Dr. Keith Dedmond's dental assistants, Anita Navy (left) and Debi Ballard, put sealants in a Love Memorial Elementary School student's teeth Friday. The student's visit to the dentist was part of Give Kids a Smile Day in Lincoln County.  (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Black History Month celebrated

February 26, 2003 - Members of the Black History Month committee hope their annual program will be the beginning of year-round cultural celebrations.

“It’s almost impossible to cram in what you would like to within that month,” says committee member Ola Mae Foster.

Tre Vaughn, 9, looks over the Lincoln Arts Council's Black History Month art exhibit at the Lincoln Cultural Center. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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DSS worker arrested on drug charges

February 26, 2003 - An employee of the Lincoln County Department of Social Services was arrested Monday on “date rape drug” charges.

Jaie Warlick, 30, 102 Wendover Drive, turned himself in to Lincolnton police Monday morning, according to Lt. Dean Abernathy. Warlick was indicted by a grand jury Thursday.

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Food stamps hit high

February 26, 2003 - The sagging economy is continuing to hit the Lincoln County Department of Social Services hard.

DSS Director Susan McCracken reported to the Board of Social Services at its meeting Monday night that the number of families on food stamps in the county reached record levels in January.

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ELMS team to compete in MathCounts finals

February 26, 2003 - IRON STATION — Kurt Hasian has a new digital camera to show off.

The eighth-grader from East Lincoln Middle School didn’t save his money to buy it, and it wasn’t an early present for his 14th birthday.

Joseph Twiford, Adam Hoyle, Cody Whitt and Kurt Hasian (clockwise from left) of East Lincoln Middle School practice with coach Darin Blalock for Saturday's state finals of MathCounts. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Woman dead after parking lot shooting

February 26, 2003 - A woman died this morning following a shooting outside a local assisted living center.

A suspect is in custody and being questioned at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred this morning in the parking lot of the Heath House, 919 Wilma Sigmon Road. A suspect is in custody at the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Conviction stands in restaurant shooting

February 26, 2003 - The 2002 conviction of Lincolnton man for assault with the intent to kill was upheld by the N.C. Court of Appeals last week.

Doneal Jeffrey Gillispie, who was 16 at the time, was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury Jan. 16, 2002. He was sentenced to a minimum term of 90 months and a maximum term of 117 months.

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Driving Safety

February 26, 2003 - Sade Carter, a junior at Lincolnton High School and a member of the Lincolnton Student Advisory Council, ties a ribbon to the antenna of a student's car on Feb. 14. Council members did several activities like this at each high school as part of Driving Safety Awareness Week.  (LTN photo by Jeremy Ashton)

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House fire

February 26, 2003 -  Firefighters from Boger City Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 3:24 a.m. Tuesday in Brookwood Acres. No one was seriously hurt, firefighters said, but one man was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The fire started in a back bedroom of the house, and the cause appears to be electric. Firefighters from North 321 Volunteer Fire Department assisted Boger City. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Church celebrates a firm — and debt-free — foundation

February 26, 2003 - DENVER — A leap of faith.

That is what the Denver Wesleyan Church congregation says it took to construct their new building.

“It’s nothing short of a miracle,” Ann Allen, church treasurer, said.

Denver Wesleyan Church pastor, Johnny Houser talks about the new church nursery. The freshly-painted room is part of a 3,200-square foot church addition.  (Photo by Jacob Rudolph)

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Denver student is a top money-maker

Editor’s note: This coverage is provided by a journalism student in the Carolina Community Media Project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The Project is also supported by the UNC-CH Carolina Center for Public Service.

February 26, 2003 - Stephanie Smith of Denver, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earned recognition as the third highest dancer fundraiser at the fifth annual UNC Dance Marathon.

Stephanie Smith dances the night away at the fifth annual UNC Dance Marathon. The 24-hour event raised more than $167,000 for the N.C. Children's Hospital.  (Photo courtesy of UNC )

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Quake Hunters: East Lincoln class is seismologically savvy

February 26, 2003 - DENVER — Eastern Lincoln County isn’t typically thought of as a great place to study geological activity.

There are no volcanoes and only the occasional tremor, which, more often than not, is the result of blasting at the local quarries.

Deborah Michael, an earth and environmental science teacher at East Lincoln High School, looks over the results of a seismograph reading with Teairra Tucker. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Denver’s Gus collars a Westminister win

February 26, 2003 - DENVER — A Denver dog made canine history this month, with an unprecedented showing at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show judge Eileen Pimlott awards Gus's handler David Sombach a blue ribbon at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 11.  (Photo courtesy of The Standard Image)

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Heavy rains, mud lead to water advisory

February 26, 2003 - DENVER — Torrential weekend rainfalls prompted Lincoln County officials Sunday morning to issue a water-use advisory for east Lincoln residents.

Sedimentary runoff led to an unexpected amount of turbidity, or particulate matter, in the water supply, which lowered production at the Lake Norman Water Plant off of Webbs Road, said Steve Gilbert, director of public utilities.

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Students compete with creative plots

Odyssey of the mind

February 28, 2003 - More than two centuries ago, Shihuangdi, a Chinese emperor, ordered a work force of 700,000 people to build an army of clay soldiers in central China that would guard his tomb for eternity.

ELMS students Raven Hasian and Kendall Law (wearing the hat) cringe in horror Wednesday as aliens Danielle Martin and Cinnamon Mittan (right) arrive. The four were practicing their skit. (LTN photo by Jenny Walling)

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Quick arrest follows slaying

S.C. man charged in shooting at Heath House

February 28, 2003 - A South Carolina man is being held without bond in connection with the fatal shooting of his estranged wife in the parking lot of a local assisted living home Wednesday.