Archive - May 12, 2011 - News Article
Derek Chase's love for nature took him to science, but his desire to teach others got him the honors of being Catawba County Schools' 2011-12 Teacher of the Year.
Chase, a science teacher at Bunker Hill High School, received top honors during a ceremony at Newton Expo on Thursday.
"I am surprised and honored by this (award)," Chase said. "It's a privilege to be a teacher in Catawba County."
Chase said being a teacher is more than helping students learn. He said it's about being a mentor and encouraging students to make the right decision.
Authorities will not charge neither the suspect nor the victim in a domestic shooting case that occurred Wednesday near the Burke County Line in Hickory.
Capt. Joel Fish, of the Catawba County Sheriff's Office, said the case will be handed over to the district attorney's office to let them make a decision on whether charges will be filed.
Kay Webster's candle ignited to the sound of a six-gun salute.
Slowly leaning toward her neighbor's shoulder, she passed the tiny flame on throughout the crowd, creating a mild orange glow beneath the barely-shining stars Wednesday.
She bowed her head and silently prayed for different police officers who died in the line of duty.
"It's like when they go, they are forgotten, and it shouldn't be like that," Webster said. "I don't think people realize that officers put themselves in the line of duty every day."
As National Police Week begins May 15, an initiative in Newton aims to salute the sacrifices of law enforcement officers, as well as the families who support those badge-wearing men and women.
Every year, between 140 and 160 police officers are killed in the line of duty, according to Concerns of Police Survivors, or C.O.P.S. When an officer dies, they leave behind families that face challenges and concerns after their loved one's loss of life, said Holy Cross Lutheran Church Rev. Paul Fitzpatrick, who also serves as a Newton Police Department chaplain.
