Archive - Jan 3, 2012 - News Article
Newton will open its swimming pool in summer 2012 at a cost of more than $85,250 for one season.
"It is a quality of life issue," said Newton City Council member Mary Bess Lawing. "I think the pool should be open because it meets a certain need for certain people in the area. Everybody does not have the opportunity to go to a private pool. Everybody does not have a pool in their backyard. Ours is a diversified need. We meet a need if we open that pool."
However, other Newton City Council members argue that the city could meet a greater recreation need elsewhere.
This photo of June Pittman and her cat, Sox, is The O-N-E photo of the week.
Sox went missing several weeks ago in Conover, and Pittman's neighbor Jean Connor found the cat in her attic. For more of the story, visit http://observernewsonline.com/content/conover-cat-trap
Visit observernewsonline.com each Wednesday morning for a new photo of the week. To suggest future photos and offer news tips, send an e-mail to onenews@observernewsonline.com.
Adam Baker may agree this week to a plea deal on felony charges he faces in Catawba County.
Baker's attorney, Mark Killian, said in Catawba County Superior Court on Tuesday that he is working with the district 25 attorney's office on a plea agreement on the charges. A plea hearing on Baker's charges is expected as early as today.
Baker, the father of the 10-year-old, Zahra, who was brutally murdered in 2010, is charged in Catawba County with identity theft and obtaining property by false pretenses. Baker's charges are unrelated to Zahra's murder.
Newton Assistant City Manager and Planning Director Glenn Pattishall officially retired after more than 28 years with the city.
A reception was held in his honor Tuesday, and Newton City Manager Todd Clark took the opportunity to salute Pattishall's service and present him with a gift bag.
"If it weren't for Glenn, we wouldn't have the jobs we have in this county today," Clark said.
Fetch the scarves, gloves and earmuffs — it's cold in Catawba County.
Residents wrapped themselves in warm clothing Tuesday to shield against the coldest temperatures in the area so far this winter.
Temperatures reached 22 degrees in Conover, Maiden and Claremont on Tuesday morning, according to accuweather.com, and wind chills made the air feel like 11 degrees at 6 a.m. in Newton.
High temperatures climbed just above freezing Tuesday.
Charlie Sybrant died Oct. 18, 2009, when a drunk driver struck her near an interstate ramp.
The man who was driving the car that killed the 22-year-old will now spend up to 55 months in prison.
Daniel Whisnant — charged with killing Sybrant, injuring another and fleeing the scene — pleaded guilty to five charges on Tuesday, including felony death by motor vehicle, felony serious injury by motor vehicle and two counts of felony hit and run with injury. He also pleaded guilty to DWI and driving while his license was revoked.
Newton is plunging back into pool talk. Will the city stay in the swimming pool business, or will it close Catawba County’s last public pool? Details in the Tuesday edition of The O-N-E.
Follow the Newton City Council meeting live tonight @TheONENews, and check www.observernewsonline.com to find out what happens.
Blood supply is in demand to start the year, and Friday brings a chance to help fill the need. Find out where and when community blood drives are planned - inside The O-N-E.
