George and Debbie Arena, and Alex Patton watch results come in
Photo by Joseph Brymer 07.MAY.08
By Ken H. Fortenberry County Commissioner Alex Patton of Lincolnton and newcomer George Arena of Denver led all candidates in Tuesday’s Republican primary for county commission. “I was so shocked. I never would have believed it,” said an elated Patton. “Hopefully, this will help bring the county together,” he said. Boosted by a strong wall of strength in west Lincoln and a split electorate in east Lincoln, former commissioner Carrol Mitchem came in a close third, and likely will fill out the GOP slate for the fall. Nine candidates were on the GOP ballot. A map of precinct results shows the division of the county. Arena solidly carried the Denver area, and Mitchem carried west Lincoln. [Full Story]
Voters Reject Sales Tax, Say Yes to Schools
Voters fed up with taxes resoundingly said no to a quarter-cent sales tax increase Tuesday, putting county commissioners on the spot on how to pay for $47 million in school bonds voters did approve. Across the county voters solidly rejected the sales tax increase - money that would have been used to pay for the school bonds. This means that commissioners may have to raise the property tax rate to pay the bill. “The passage of the school bond referendum indicates that the Lincoln County community wants to ensure that students and staff will continue to work together in a safe and secure learning environment,” said Superintendent J. David Martin. “Educating the Future has been our mission for many years and the positive outcome of the bond referendum ensures the continuance of this mission,” he said.
HOW WE VOTED SCHOOL BONDS YES 10,213 60.56% No 6,652 39.44%
As they have for years, the supporters of Relay for Life will gather at East Lincoln High School stadium this Friday. Hours upon hours have gone into planning, meeting, and fundraisers for this event by many, many volunteers. Now it is your time to come out and support their efforts – play a few games, eat some good food, enjoy the fellowship, but most importantly, support the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event and the cancer survivors. Activities for the public begin at 5 p.m. Friday, May 9, and the opening ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. That’s when cancer survivors boldly take their walk around the track as they defy cancer’s hold. Some may make the walk slowly, feeling the pain of each step. But the cheers of the crowd lining the track encourage them to hold their heads high. It is a moving time for everyone. [Full Story]
A Lincolnton man is facing charges after officers found an active meth lab Monday on Otis Dellinger Road. Frank Edward Whitlock, 32, of 2125 Otis Dellinger Road, is charged with manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of meth precursors. He was released from jail on a $9,500 secured bond. The Lincolnton/Lincoln County Interagency Narcotics Unit, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the SBI went to the scene Monday afternoon and noticed evidence of stolen goods on the property. [Full Story]
Lincoln County may file a lawsuit against an Iron Station animal shelter in the wake of neighbors’ renewed complaints about noise and smell. “I’m so disgusted and aggravated every time I walk out my door,” said Renee Ballard. “There is rarely a moment of silence.” Ballard told commissioners Monday night that despite earlier assurances from Tri-County, the noise and smell continues, and the Sheriff’s Office has told her there is nothing they can do. [Full Story]
Wong Victor Herr aranges flowers at his stand "Nature Flower Farm"
Photo by Joseph Brymer 07.MAY.08
By Andie Brymer East Lincoln residents eager to shop for locally grown vegetables, herbs, flowers and other goodies flocked to the opening day of the 2008 season Denver Farmer’s Market Saturday morning. Colorful bars of goat’s milk soap greeted customers at Bill and Jeanette Reed’s Freedom Farm booth. The Maiden couple make the soap from milk produced by their goats. They also brought leaf lettuce which sold out by 9 a.m., head lettuce, sprigs of rosemary, oregano plants, apple gourds and free range eggs. No ordinary white eggs could be found, instead there were brown and pale green ones laid by Ancona, Rhode Island Red and Buff Orpington hens. More goat’s milk soap and eggs were available at Country Natural Goat’s Milk Soap along with fresh sausage. Full Story]
Oakes Files Complaint Over Kiser Letter
County commission candidate Martin Oakes has filed a complaint with the Lincoln County Board of Elections concerning a political letter sent out by State Rep. Joe Kiser promoting three candidates for the commission. Here is what Oakes stated in his notification to the Board of Elections: "The attached is designed to look like an "official communication", and despite the disclaimer at the bottom, I believe this to be illegal.
It is an obvious campaign piece, yet does not include the legend at the bottom saying which campaign paid for it.
And, I submit, making this look like an "official state communication" is misrepresenting who's paying for this, and that is a Class 1 misdemeanor, as per GS 163-278-39 (c)
Pls consider this to be an official election violation complaint."
