The Observer News Enterprise | AP iAtom feed

Meth arrest made in Claremont

2013-05-24T03:33:24-04:00

On Wednesday, May 22, investigators from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, traveled to the residence of 2596 Midnight Drive in Claremont regarding tip information of a possible meth lab.

To read more of this story, pick up the Friday edition of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.

Conover dedicates new park

2013-05-24T03:33:24-04:00

The city of Conover is inviting the public to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new city park today at 1 p.m.

The opening of the new 6.5 acre park will result in a 50 percent increase in Conover’s public park system.

The new park contains a picnic shelter, restroom, one half mile of asphalt/concrete walking trails, nature inspired playground equipment for children of all ages and abilities, a splash pad, bridges and a boardwalk overlooking the wetland.

“It is truly amazing to see a piece of property once considered unusable become such an asset to our community that can be used by young and old,” Councilwoman Jan Herman said.

To read more of this story, pick up the Friday edition of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.

Wreck ties up traffic

2013-05-23T03:42:43-04:00

A wreck in Newton Tuesday afternoon tied up traffic and ended in a DWI arrest.

The driver of a dump truck traveling east on N.C. 10 west of Newton lost control of his vehicle and overturned, according to Captain Tim Hayes, of the Newton Police Department.

The wreck occurred just before 3 p.m. in a curve west of Sigmon Dairy Rd.

Police officials think the dump truck driver veered off the right side of the road and over-corrected, which overturned the top-heavy truck.

The truck came to rest across both lanes of traffic and spilled about 18 tons of gravel.

A passenger car traveling west on N.C. 10 struck the cab of the truck. The female driver of the car was taken to Catawba Valley medical Center with non-life threatening injuries by Catawba County EMS.

To read more of this story, pick up the Thursday edition of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.

Newton woman sentenced

2013-05-22T03:45:00-04:00

Donna Craig Stewart, 48, of Newton, was convicted of two counts Felony First Degree Rape of a Child, Tuesday in Catawba County Criminal Superior Court.

The defendant was sentenced to no less than 300 months and no more than 384 months in the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction. The defendant was also ordered lifetime registration with the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry and will be subject to satellite based monitoring upon her release from prison.

To read more of this story, pick up the Wednesday edition of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.

Controlled burn heats up Newton

2013-05-22T03:45:00-04:00

Never too old for crayons

2013-05-22T03:45:00-04:00

A local senior entered his first art competition at age 53 with a drawing done using basically crayons.

Rodney Robbins from Maiden, doesn’t like to paint, and he’s barely picked up a drawing pen in the last 30 years, but he recently entered an art show with a pastel drawing that’s surprisingly lively.

“Pastels are glorified crayons,” Robbins said.

For his drawing “Today My Name is Astrid,” Robbins used chalk and pencil pastels.

“They were very easy to use and fast,” Robbins said. “I spent more time staring at my picture, hoping I wouldn’t ruin it, than I did actually coloring.”

To read more of this story, pick up the Wednesday edition of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.

Murray’s Mill site of bluegrass music

2013-05-21T03:29:37-04:00

On Saturday, June 8, the doors of the 100 year-old historic Murray’s Mill will be opened to the sounds of guitars, fiddles and good times with The Murray’s Mill Spring Bluegrass Music Festival, sponsored by the Catawba County Historical Association and United Arts Council of Catawba County.

This year’s event will be highlighted by performances by “The Sigmon Stringers” and “The Cockman Family” bluegrass bands.

The Stringers, a three-generation bluegrass band from Newton, has something to offer both the young and old. The award winning band has played many venues on the east coast including Merle Fest and a spot opening for Doc Watson at the Soldiers Reunion Celebration in Newton.

To read more of this story, pick up the Tuesday edition of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.

Bellas honored by Justice Department

2013-05-21T03:29:37-04:00

Assistant district attorney of N.C.’s 25th Prosecutorial District, Eric Bellas was recognized by the U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday, May 15, during the annual National Missing Children’s Day commemoration in Washington, D.C.

The 25th Prosecutorial District includes Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties.

Bellas was among nine people from four states recognized for “heroic and exemplary efforts” to protect children.

Also honored from North Carolina were John D. Wydra Jr., special agent, FBI; Casey Drake, special agent, North Carolina’s State Bureau of Investigation; Scott Carico, detective, Burke County Sheriff’s Office; and Selena Moretz of the Gingerbread House Child Advocacy Center.

To read more of this story, pick up the Tuesday edition of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.

Jenkins Funeral Home opens new pavilion

2013-05-18T03:24:19-04:00

Jenkins Funeral Home, 4081 Startown Road, celebrated on Thursday the opening of its new pavilion with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the city of Newton and Catawba County Chamber of Commerce.

“I want to thank you for your commitment to Newton,” Mayor Anne P. Stedman said. You’ve been a good citizen and a good steward.”

The new outdoor pavilion features a small kitchen, restrooms and ceiling fans and is available to families after events at the funeral home, Carl Jenkins, owner of Jenkins Funeral Home said.

To read more of this story, pick up the weekend print edition of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.

Newton’s Unity Day tomorrow

2013-05-17T03:22:17-04:00

Unity Day, the day-long festival that combines a city-wide yard sale, Unity Day celebration and evening entertainment occurs tomorrow.

All events will take place in downtown Newton.

The day kicks off with the 8th Annual city-wide yard sale at 7 a.m. hosted by the Newton Festival and Events Committee. The yard sale will take place on the streets between South Brady Avenue and South Ashe Avenue and between A and C Streets.

At 11 a.m. the Unity Day Celebration hosted, by the Newton Human Relations Council begins downtown with the annual Parade of Flags.

To read more of this story, pick up the Friday edition of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.