Archive - Nov 2011
November 17th
By
AP Reporter Gary D. Robertson and O-N-E reports
RALEIGH â A leading state House Democrat wants a Republican lawmaker investigated by his colleagues about two economic development nonprofit groups that he operates and were scrutinized by an outside advocacy group this year.
Now the House's leader says he'll ask an ethics panel to review situation to determine if an investigation is needed after N.C. Rep. Stephen Laroque provided loans for two state lawmakers including Catawba County's N.C. Rep. Mark Hilton.
Symphonic music and artistic dance have taken over the stage of The Newton Conover Auditorium as The New Art School of Ballet makes its final preparations before âThe Nutcracker Suiteâ is preformed in front of hundreds of people.
Under the direction of Michael and Melissa French, co-artistic directors for the New Art School of Ballet, in collaboration with Reggie Helton, executive director of The New Art School and the Kontras String Quartet, âThe Nutcracker Suiteâ will be presented on Dec. 3 for two public showings, in addition to two private showings reserved for area students.
The O-N-E continues its examination of homelessness in Catawba County as area organizations observe Hunger and Homelessness Week.
On a rainy day that would have been Zahra Bakerâs 12 birthday, Kiwanis Clubs in the region broke ground on a memorial playground in Hickory.
In Newton, city leaders want to ease rules for civic clubs promoting events with temporary signs placed in public rights of way. Businesses, too, could benefit from new sign rules.
Donât miss OUTLOOKâs feature spotlight on performances of "The Nutcracker Suite" at Newton-Conover Auditorium.
November 16th
Trying to get back to a winning track in boys basketball, Fred T. Foard is hoping new coach Rob Bliss will be the âstraw that stirs the drink.â
Bliss, a former coach at Brevard, East Burke and West Henderson High Schools, comes to Foard with a 235-143 career coaching mark.
He guides a Foard hoops team that went 3-20 last year under former coach Mike Hainirhar, which includes an 0-12 Northwestern Conference record.
During the past two seasons, Foard is winless in 24 NWC games played.
Bliss said that becoming successful is about focusing on the future.
Stepping into the role of coach at a successful girls program at Fred T. Foard, Brad Mangum attempts to follow in the footsteps of his mentor.
Mangum takes over for Wendy Price, who coached 11 seasons, won 182 games and made the playoffs nine times.
The former South Caldwell assistant under Lady Spartans coach Jeff Parham for seven seasons realizes the programâs prestige at Foard, but wants to build it further.
When basketball season tips off next week, Newton-Conover High School enters brand new territory with two new head coaches.
Jonathan Tharpe, who coached the Lady Red Devils for three seasons, takes over the boys program from former coach Mark Carter.
âI think the biggest thing is we are continuing to build the program,â Tharpe said. âThe same type of philosophies and things we did with the girls team I am trying to instill with the guys.â
The Red Devils were 13-11 overall and 9-5 in conference play last year, making it to the first round of the playoffs.
This photo of Paul Gaither, of Claremont, is The O-N-E news photo of the week.
Gaither and many other veterans participated in a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 at the veterans memorial at Claremont City Park. Gaither said he and his son have helped erect the honor walls at the memorial.
Visit observernewsonline.com daily for the latest Catawba County news. Look each week for The O-N-E's photo of the week. If you have suggestions for photos of the week, or if you have news tips or story ideas, send them to onenews@observernewsonline.com.
Some of the areaâs homeless residents agree that immediate aid resources are plentiful in the county. They say, however, that there is a long line of underlying barriers that require hurdling on the path to help.
The areaâs homeless and homed residents talked reality on Tuesday in Hickory during a forum that was part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. They discussed truths, myths, barriers and needs that revolve around homelessness and the quest to getting âback on their feet.â
A day that would have been Zahra Bakerâs 12th birthday was mostly filled with persistent rain and mud.
Nearing 10 a.m. Wednesday, however, steady droplets turned to a drizzle, then a mist, until the downpour finally ceased.
Hickory officials, local law enforcement members and project donors stood with umbrellas and raincoats as soppy soil was turned at the site of the future Zahra Baker All Childrenâs Playground.
Catawba Valley Medical Center unveiled its new Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbarics this week.
The center, which opened this month, will provide nearby wound care for patients in Catawba, Caldwell, Burke and Alexander counties.
"Chronic wound patients are often the elderly, who are susceptible to vascular disease, diabetes and pressure ulcers," CVMC officials said in a press release.
The new center will meet a growing need for wound care in the Unifour area, officials said.
