Archive - Sep 2011
September 17th
Going into Friday’s game at Gurley Stadium, Maiden quarterback Matt Johnson never beat the Red Devils of Newton-Conover.
“Not in middle school and not in high school,” the senior said. “I have never done it.”
He made up for all those losses — and then some.
Johnson rushed for 337 yards and six touchdowns to help lift the Blue Devils to a 62-39 victory over Newton-Conover.
The win was the first by Maiden in the series since 2006, and it was also the first time Maiden’s Brian Brown scored a victory as head coach against Newton-Conover.
Bandys celebrated Homecoming on Friday, but Draughn spoiled the party.
The Wildcats (3-2, 1-0) collected two second-half turnovers to overcome a 7-3 halftime deficit and hold on for an 18-13 conference victory over Bandys (4-1, 0-1).
“The biggest thing is that we had the lead and an opportunity to win,” said Bandys coach Randy Lowman. “We just made fatal mistakes.”
Bandys took a halftime lead by running the football and shutting down Draughn’s offense.
September 16th
N.C. District 25 Attorney Jay Gaither defended and supported Friday his office's decision to pursue a second-degree murder charge for Elisa Baker.
Gaither's defense aligned with comments he made Thursday about what could have happened in the Zahra Baker case had the state not made the plea agreement with Elisa and her defense attorneys.
N.C. District 25 Attorney Jay Gaither on Friday defended and supported his office's decision to pursue a second-degree murder charge for Elisa Baker.
Gaither's defense aligned with comments he made Thursday about what could have happened in the Zahra Baker case if the state had not made the plea agreement with Elisa and her defense attorneys.
Elisa Baker's days in court are not done.
Baker still faces federal drug trafficking charges. The trial is currently set to be heard by U.S. District Court Judge Richard Voorhees at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 in Statesville, according to the U.S. District Attorney's western North Carolina office.
The charges include:
n one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $1 million
Before Elisa Baker’s sentencing on Thursday, Adam Baker had been primarily quiet.

He had talked openly to police and investigators, but to the public, his involvement in the murder of 10-year-old Zahra Baker was mysterious. 
On Thursday, however, he addressed the court, the public and Elisa herself for the first time openly.

“Elisa, I trusted you with the most precious person in my life,” Adam said. “You not only lied to me, you also lied to Zahra. Zahra loved you more than anything in the world. ... You filled her life with lies.”
Throughout the past 11 months, the Zahra Baker case has wore on many Catawba County citizens emotionally – even the area’s district attorney.
N.C. District 25 Attorney Jay Gaither said while he, his office and area law enforcement were forced to put emotions aside during the case, he said certain details of the event definitely touched everyone.
“Emotions come on me quickly and come on me strong,” Gaither said.
“There were a couple of occasions specifically where it was hard to not get emotionally involved.”
By
O-N-E Editor Matthew Tessnear
Elisa Baker will serve 15-18 years in prison for the murder of 10-year-old Zahra Baker.
While Thursday’s sentencing ended a nearly year-long criminal follow-up to Zahra’s disappearance and death, law enforcement officials said that many questions surrounding the mystery of her death remain.
By
O-N-E Publisher Michael Willard
Almost a year after Zahra Baker was reported missing from her Hickory home, the world finally got an explanation behind what happened to the 10-year-old Australian girl who won two battles against cancer.
By
O-N-E staff writer Nash Dunn
Superior Court Judge Timothy Kincaid’s sentence was loud and clear on Thursday – Elisa Baker will serve at least 15 years in state prison. What is less lucid is if her sentence is just.
Elisa’s family members are “torn,” the public thinks “no,” and Zahra Baker’s biological mother seems content with the ruling, but offered no public comment.
