Archive - May 2011 - News Article
May 12th
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.
May 11th
A man was shot in his side Wednesday after a domestic argument escalated at a home near the Burke County line in Hickory.
Harry Alexander, 37, of 7539 R.H. Road, shot his uncle in his side with a .22-caliber pistol after the two engaged in a fight that started inside Alexander's residence. The fight ended on Alexander's front lawn, said officers on the scene.
Michael Hughes was incoherent and in stable condition when he left the scene by ambulance, said Capt. Joel Fish, of the Catawba County Sheriff's Office.
Hughes was living with Alexander at the residence, Fish said.
Catawba County sheriff's deputies seek help to locate catalytic converter thieves.
A spree that was occurring in Iredell and Alexander counties made its way to Catawba County recently, when at least three catalytic converters were stolen.
Most recently, a vehicle catalytic converter, valued at $200, was stolen from the 8200 block of Long Island Road in Catawba and another was reported stolen from the 8400 block of Long Island Road, valued at $665.
Capt. Joel Fish said the catalytic converters are most likely used for its metals.
With a declining mail volume and a financial loss of $8.5 billion during the last two years, the U.S. Postal Service is reviewing all operations to adjust its workforce to match America’s changing communications trends.
This week, the Catawba County Department of Social Services exhausted a pool of state money designated for critical car repair for impoverished citizens. Meanwhile, one area car technician said he's repairing luxury vehicles, while DSS is using these funds to pay a portion of the bill.
"I think it's completely irresponsible," said Michael Norris, owner of Norris Auto Clinic in Newton. "If the customer can afford (an expensive car), then why can't they pay for the repairs?"
May 10th
Family and friends want Tyler Good home from the hospital, but until then, they are seeking monetary support to help the young Newton man.
Good, 20, was in an accident with two friends, which resulted in a fatality.
According to Good's aunt Linette "Binky" Rowe, he is in a coma at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Rowe said Good has swelling in his brain, and doctors are unsure of the extent of brain damage Good might have.
Two Pike Electric Inc. employees are happy to be alive after a close call Tuesday afternoon.
Mark Smith, 49, and Greg Roten, 41, were working on power lines on Sherrills Ford Road at about 3 p.m. Tuesday. Smith was in the truck's bucket, while Roten was stationed on the ground, surrounding the Pike Electric truck.
A Maiden-area man was airlifted to Charlotte after a chemical explosion at a family pool left him with serious burns and danger of chemical inhalation.
The event brings attention to a looming threat as many area residents begin to prepare their pools for the summer swimming season.
At 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Maiden Fire Department and Catawba County EMS and Emergency Management hazardous materials experts responded to an explosion at a swimming pool outside the home of Donald Ray Walker, at 709 W. School St., said Maiden Fire Chief Danny Hipps.
Newton Mayor Robert A. Mullinax announced Tuesday that he will not seek a third term as mayor in the upcoming municipal election Nov. 4.
Mullinax, an attorney in Newton for the past 34 years and a former District Court judge, was elected by the citizens of his hometown to posts in city government for the past decade.
In a statement issued Tuesday by Mullinax, he said he will step down as leader of Newton this year after serving as mayor since 2003.
Catawba County sheriff's deputies arrested a man after he allegedly stole money from a cash register, while trying to buy a drink.
Tyler Bowman, 25, of Conover, approached the counter at Lake Lookout Market on Oxford School Road at about 2 p.m. Monday. Capt. Joel Fish said Bowman was attempting to pay for a drink. When the cashier rung up the sale and opened the register, Fish said Bowman stuck his hand in the cash register drawer.
"The clerk wrestled with him while he was trying to get the money," Fish said.
