Archive - Mar 13, 2012
Following a second six-year tenure as Bandys girls basketball coach, Beth Queen is stepping down.
Queen, who has spent 16 seasons as a player and coach at the school, said she knew before this past season started that it would be her last.
âThat was part of my plan the whole time,â Queen said. âWhen I came back six years ago, the Bandys girls basketball program wasnât very successful. I wanted to rebuild the program. At that time, it was my intention to stay six years.â
Queen coached the Trojans from 1998-2003 before leaving to spend time with her family
Capping a stellar prep basketball career, Newton-Conoverâs Shynese Whitener was named the 2012 District 10 girls basketball player of the year by the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association (NCBCA).
Receiving the honor caught the senior off guard.
âIâm definitely surprised,â Whitener said. âIâm still shocked. Itâs an honor to receive this award. It was fun just going out every night, having my teammates support and playing basketball. It goes to show you that hard work pays off.â
Two of the best tennis teams in the Catawba Valley 2A collided Tuesday in Newton.
When the dust settled, Newton-Conover had notched its 64th straight home conference victory with a 7-2 win against Maiden.
âThis was biggest hurdle in that winning streak,â said N-C coach Brian Tate. âThis is probably the least inexperienced team Iâve ever had since Iâve been here. Weâre getting better.â
Newton-Conover High School's new athletic director says he wants to take the Red Devils sports program to the next level.
School district leaders say he has the athletic and administrative experience to do it.
Billy Leeson was hired this month to serve as NCHS's athletic director and assistant principal.
Newton-Conover High School's new athletic director says he wants to take the Red Devils sports program to the next level.
School district leaders say he has the athletic and administrative experience to do it.
Billy Leeson was hired this month to serve as NCHS's athletic director and assistant principal.
This O-N-E photo of Margaret Sparkman, the "National Gourd Lady," is the photo of the week.
Sparkman, of Conover, passed away last week at 95.
Many in Catawba County â and across the nation â mourned her passing and fondly remembered her life.
Visit observernewsonline.com every Wednesday morning for a new photo of the week.
To suggest photos of the week or submit news tips, email onenews@observernewsonline.com.
Jelani Akida Rashod McCorkle, 28, of Glenview Drive S.E. Hickory, died Friday, March 9, 2012, at N.C. Baptist Hospital. The McCorkle family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Newton.
Virginia Smith, 74, of Newton, died March 9, 2012, at her residence. The Smith family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home & Crematory in Newton.
Mary Elizabeth Hunt Gulley died Sunday, March 11, at Abernethy Laurels in Newton.
The city of Newton announced Tuesday it has hired a new planning director.
Christine Bartleson succeeds Glenn Pattishall, who retired in January after 28 years with the city.
Bartleson was selected from a pool of 50 applicants, based on her knowledge and experience in municipal planning, according to a press release from the city.
A fatal wreck early Tuesday morning closed I-40 eastbound between Rock Barn Road and Claremont. The interstate remains closed, and Oxford Street is closed until a safety inspection is completed on a bridge an out-of-control transfer truck hit.
The O-N-E was first to deliver details and pictures from the wreck in our online edition. Get updated details online as they become available: www.observernewsonline.com/content/driver-dies-fiery-i-40-crash.
Get breaking news online at www.observernewsonline.com and follow us on Twitter @TheONENews.
By
The O-N-E Publisher Michael Willard
For the past several installments of Newton's annual Soldiers Reunion parade, the assembled crowds of people went wild about the time The Observer News Enterprise staff passed in our golf carts.
It wasn't necessarily because the audience was excited to see the folks who work at Catawba County's community newspaper. No, the shouts and cheers were inspired by the parade entry directly behind us; by a person who is probably the most recognizable citizen of this county: National Gourd Lady Margaret "Sparky" Sparkman.
