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Congressman Richard Hudson Leads Bipartisan Effort to Defend Prayer in Rowan County, N.C

August 4, 2015, 1:04 pm
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Press Release

♦ August 4, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) led seventeen bipartisan Members of Congress to file an amicus brief before the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Lund v. Rowan County defending the tradition of prayer before a legislative session.

“Prayer has long been an integral part of American government at all levels, uniting us all across diverse backgrounds, party lines and seemingly impossible odds. As a defender of our constitutional rights, I will continue to do all that I can to protect religious liberty and stand up for our right to pray.”

Like many legislative bodies in the United States, the Board of Commissioners in Rowan County, N.C., has opened its meetings with an invocation for years. In 2013, however, three plaintiffs sued in federal district court to enjoin the board’s prayer practice.

Although the Supreme Court held just last year, in Town of Greece v. Galloway, that a town does not create an impermissible establishment of religion by opening its board meetings with faith-specific prayer, the district court struck down Rowan County’s prayer practice because the commissioners themselves delivered the prayers. Rowan County has appealed to the Fourth Circuit.

Our country enjoys an extensive tradition of elected officials making public, religious statements that invite-but do not coerce-private citizens to participate. As the

amicus brief shows, the district court’s decision is unmoored from that historical tradition, and should be reversed.

Rep. Hudson was joined by: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Rep. George Holding (NC-13), Rep. Walter Jones (NC-03), Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Former Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC-07), Rep. Mark Meadows (NC-11), Rep. Robert Pittenger (NC-09), Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07), Rep. Mark Walker (NC-06), Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01), Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Rep. Trey Gowdy (SC-04), Rep. J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), and Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA-06).

 


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The 10 Richest People of All Time

August 5, 2015, 2:07 am
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Greg Edds’ BOLD VISION for the West End Plaza: Hotels and a Convention Center. Will His Vision Include Clancy Hills Apartments?

August 5, 2015, 4:40 am
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RFP Staff

♦ Greg Edds’ BOLD VISION for the West End Plaza imagines Hotels and a Convention Center. Will His BOLD VISION include the Plaza’s next door neighbor: Clancy Hills Apartments, a hotbed for drugs and crime? And smash and grabbers vandalizing cars in the West End Plaza’s parking lot?

Does Edds’ BOLD VISION include the economic reality of why the Salisbury Mall flopped in the first place?  The reality of it being too far from the interstate?

For most business-minded people the scales tip overwhelmingly toward selling off surplus county property and allowing others to put those properties back on the tax rolls.

Clancy Hills Apartments:


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Veterans Affairs Set to Award Disability Status to Poisoned Vets from Camp Lejeune

August 5, 2015, 6:40 am
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Press Release

♦ Department of Veterans Affairs has announced those victims exposed to Camp Lejeune water will receive disability benefits.

In 2012, the U.S. House approved the Janey Ensminger Act, which provides health benefits to Marines and family members exposed to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. The bill is named after the daughter Marine Master Sergeant Jerry Ensminger, who died from leukemia at age 9.

 The VA announced on 3 Aug 2015 that they will begin the process of granting “presumptive disability” status to veterans who have certain cancers and conditions from long term exposure to the chemicals that contaminated the base water system from August 1, 1953 – December 31, 1987.

 The VA’s use of “presumptive status” means the benefit of the doubt goes to the veteran as long as VA determines they meet eligibility requirements. 

 On Aug. 19, VA representatives will convene with experts from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to start hammering out the scope of presumptions for Camp Lejeune veterans.

 Veterans and family members who served on active duty or resided at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between Aug. 1, 1953 and Dec. 31, 1987 may be eligible for VA health benefits for 15 conditions:

 

·        Esophageal cancer

·        Breast cancer

·        Kidney cancer

·        Multiple myeloma

·        Renal toxicity

·        Female infertility

·        Scleroderma

·        Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

·        Lung cancer

·        Bladder cancer

·        Leukemia

·        Myelodysplastic syndromes

·        Hepatic steatosis

·        Miscarriage

·        Neurobehavioral effects

– See more at: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune/index.asp#sthash.rcaApxRQ.dpuf 

 The U.S. Marine Corps encourages all those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune before 1987 to register for notifications regarding Camp Lejeune Historic Drinking Water at https://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/clwater.

For more information, Veterans and family members should contact the nearest VA healthcare facility by calling 1–877–222–VETS (8387).

 See your Veteran Service Officer for details.  In Rowan County they can be reached at 704-216-8138 or call the national VA hotline at 800-827-1000.

 Rick Johnson

USAF RETIRED

http://rowancountyveterans.com/

Rowan County Veteran Services Officer

2727 Old Concord Rd, Salisbury NC 28146 (physical address)

130 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 (mailing address)
Phone:  704-216-8139    

Fax:  704-638-3059   Cell: 910-220-6456

Problems with the VA?  Call (844) NC4-VETS (Toll Free)

Homeless Veteran?  Call (877) 424-3838 (Toll Free)


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Letter to the Editor: Where Is Our Rowan County Economic Development?

August 5, 2015, 5:39 pm
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Joe Coladarci, High Rock Lake, N.C.

♦ Specifically this is about the Grand Plan to bring water & sewer to the I-85 corridor. As some of you will remember I ran in the primary for one of the three seats now filled by Klusman, Edds and Greene, recently referred to as the KEG. I was sorry to learn today that Chairman Edds and his fellow KEGers (Klusman and Greene) have no interest in pursuing water and sewer services for the I-85 corridor.

Some of the facts I have learned today:

Our state rep. Carl Ford and legislative delegation have agreed to sponsor a bill in the State House to create an MUA district for Rowan County. But Chairman Edds and the rest of the Commissioners must formally ask for his help. To date Chairman Edds has not moved forward.

The previous Commissioners instituted a study which lays out the costs and steps to put this vital growth plan into motion. It estimates that the Northern section of the plan would cost $20,000,000. It also explains Federal Funding exists for this project that would spread the payments out for 40 years. At the present low interest rates this kind of payment works out to about $600,000 a year and ultimately it will be paid by the industries using the water and sewer system. Remember these new commissioners (Klusman, Edds, and Greene) promised us jobs and economic growth for the Whole County.

I also learned today the folks below Route 150 are stalled with a 400 home subdivision which would include not only homes, but retail business (Sales Tax). Remember that retail is presently leaking over the border to Cabarrus County coffers. It is estimated that 50% of Rowans population lives south of Route 150 yet the KEGers don’t seem to care that without Sewer & Water the lower half of Rowan County can’t grow. The additional $20,000,000 to implement this project would be paid in the same manner as the Northern area.

The widening of I-85 is imminent, yet without the investment in our County’s future all the widening will do is make it easier for industry and growth to pass Rowan County by.

I ask my fellow County residents to call Commissioners Klusman, Edds, and Greene and ask them to keep their campaign promises. Without real longterm planning our County will be left behind.


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August 6th 1945: 70 Years Later the Bomb Still Casts Fear

August 6, 2015, 2:35 am
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USNews.com/Kenneth T. Walsh

♦ August 6th 1945: 70 Years Later the Bomb Still Casts Fear:

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/08/05/70-years-later-the-bomb-still-casts-fear

Video: The Hiroshima Bombing August 6th 1945:

Editor’s note: You’ve likely heard of people who were born on the 4th of July or on Christmas Day.  I was born on August 6th. Every birthday since my boyhood I’ve celebrated it along with the remembrances and memorials of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

A few weeks ago I heard the powerful sounds of aircraft engines flying overhead and turned to look up, seeing the unmistakable shape of a Boeing B-29 Superfortress.  I will always recognize that bomber as I’ve seen it in countless pictures and documentaries involving the “Enola Gay”, a B-29 that flew off the Pacific Island of Tinian and obliterated Hiroshima on August 6th 1945.  The B-29 I saw a few weeks back, in the skies over Madison, was part of a local airshow.

If I was to recommend a single account of the immediate aftermath of the Hiroshima devastation I would strongly suggest the book “Hiroshima” by John Hersey.

As for President Truman I believe he made the best possible decision considering the best available facts.  The allies were about to engage an irrational and cultic imperial Japanese war machine and citizens who would fight to the death on their home islands.  The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki brought the war to a close in short order and spared many American and Japanese lives.


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TWC Maxx Upgrades Begin Rolling Out in the Charlotte Region

August 6, 2015, 4:16 am
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Temiah Shenae Bloomfield, of Winston-Salem, Arrested Thursday for Alleged Grove Street Arson in Salisbury, N.C.

August 6, 2015, 8:27 pm
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RFP Staff

♦ Thursday Temiah Shanae Bloomfield, 20, of Winston-Salem, was arrested Thursday by the Winston-Salem Police Department and charged for Monday’s alleged arson at 522 Grove Street in Salisbury.

Bloomfield turned herself into the Winston-Salem Police and was charged first-degree arson (felony) and 4 counts of burning personal property (misdemeanor).  Bloomfield was held in the Forsyth County Detention Center and later released after making bail.

Bloomfied was reported to know one of the 3 Liberian brothers residing at 522 Grove Street,

From the August 4th Article on the Grove Street Arson:

“Monday’s blaze at 522 Grove Street in Salisbury, that displaced three Liberian brothers and heavily damaged the house’s front and attic, was declared an arson by Salisbury Police investigators. Its alleged a neighborhood female may have started the fire, but this could not be officially confirmed. The arson investigation is ongoing with no arrests as of Tuesday morning. It has not yet been disclosed how the fire was set.

Monday’s fire is said to have occurred sometime after 7:45 p.m. The Salisbury Fire Department arrived on the scene a short time after their dispatch and chopped a large hole in the roof to vent the buildup of heat and smoke.

Three Liberian brothers and 2 pet dogs lived on the rental property. Nobody sustained injuries although the occupants lost all of their valuables due to fire and water damage. The dogs are reported to be safe as well.”


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Video: Complete 5 P.M. First Republican Debate on Fox News

August 6, 2015, 10:11 pm
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YouTube.com/Fox News

♦ Video: Complete 5 P.M. First Republican Debate on Fox News:


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Video: 9 P.M. Prime Time First 2016 Republican Presidential Debate Fox News

August 6, 2015, 10:51 pm
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YouTube.com/Fox News

♦ Video: 9 P.M. Prime Time–First 2016 Republican Presidential Debate Fox News:


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SNAKE ALERT for Salisbury, N.C. and Rowan County. Drought Brings Snakes Indoors in Search of Water

August 7, 2015, 5:53 am
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RFP Staff

♦ SNAKE ALERT for Salisbury, N.C. and Rowan County.  Besides gardens, lawns, and “backyard farms” wilting in drought conditions, drought lures snakes indoors in search of water.

Be alert and aware. Snakes are most commonly drawn to crawlspaces, basements, beneath porches, backyard pool areas, standing water, septic tanks, and dripping garden hoses.

Salisbury and Rowan County contain their share of biting and venomous snakes including water moccasins and copperheads capable of lethal bites.  Last week a woman made the TV news after being bitten by a deadly copperhead in her Rowan yard.

Take special precautions when entering areas where snakes might be drawn indoors to water.  If bitten, call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital emergency room.  Snake bites, even if not venomous, cause punctures wounds susceptible to deep infection or triggering a severe allergic reaction.

WEB MD–Snakebite Treatment:

http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/snakebite-treatment

Lethal Water Moccasin:

Deadly Copperhead:


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Trump Steals the Show at the Fox Republican Debate, Mixing Politics and Pizazz

August 7, 2015, 7:47 am
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Matthew Ferrell Church, 30, of Salisbury, N.C. Arrested Thursday for Allegedly Soliciting a 12 Year Old Child on Social Media

August 7, 2015, 4:30 pm
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RFP Staff

♦ Matthew Ferrell Church, 30, of 910 N. Main in Salisbury was arrested Thursday for allegedly soliciting a 12 year old child on social media.

In July the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation of Church.  Thursday Church was arrested and charged with soliciting a child by computer (felony).

Under a secured $10,000 bond, Church was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center and was released on bail Friday.

 


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Deja Vu? Yes, the State Bonds Require a Local Government Match

August 7, 2015, 11:43 pm
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House Moves N.C. Bond Referendum Date Against McCrory Wishes

August 7, 2015, 11:52 pm
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More Cities Across the U.S.A. Cancel “Slide the City” Events in the Wake of Injuries and Lack of Ticket Sales

August 8, 2015, 6:37 am
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RFP Staff

♦ More cities across the U.S.A. are canceling “Slide the City” events in the wake of injuries, lack of ticket sales, state health ordinances, and reports of poorly enforced rules.

“Slide the City” allegedly will take place on South Main Street in Salisbury, N.C. on August the 29th during a full moon. Will the area’s drought affect the event? Will South Main Street’s dangerously steep hill that will produce high-speeds create a nightmare scenario for its participants especially youngsters and those who can’t get out of the way of human missiles?

“Slide the City’s” notoriety is outpacing the event:

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/06/17/get-marty-giant-water-slide-event-turns-into-nightmare-for-some/

http://rowanfreepress.com/slide-the-city-comes-to-salisbury-august-29th-have-you-read-the-waiver-or-the-rules/


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Jonathan Pierre Dillard, 30, Dead from a Gunshot Wound on Park Avenue Saturday in Salisbury, N. C.

August 9, 2015, 1:48 am
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RFP Staff

♦ The Salisbury Police are investigating a possible homicide since early Saturday morning at 828 Park Avenue where the found Jonathan Pierre Dillard dead in a driveway between two houses from a gunshot wound.

Emergency personnel and Police were summoned to the Park Avenue shooting scene by neighbors after 4:15 a.m.  Dillard was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police investigators questioned area residents about the shooting. Several heard multiple gunshots hours before Dillard was found.  The investigation is ongoing.

Persons with information about the shooting are asked to call the Salisbury Police Department at 704-638-5333 or contact Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5345.

Jonathan Pierre Dillard:

Jonathan Pierre Dillard

**This article will be updated as more information arrives**


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Due to Rowan N.C.’s Drought, Salisbury-Rowan Utilities Issued a Water Advisory

August 9, 2015, 10:18 am
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RFP Staff

♦ Due to Rowan County, N.C.’s drought conditions, Salisbury-Rowan Utilities placed the City of Salisbury on an alert level fitting its “Water Shortage Response Plan”.

Salisbury-Rowan Utilities reports while it isn’t yet issuing a voluntary water-use restrictions, which would only occur if the utility’s flow rate dropped to less than 323 million gallons per day, it recommends that area residents voluntarily become proactive by conserving water use.  Watch those taps, cut down on the use of household washing appliances, and  cut out extra showers.

The National Weather Service has predicted drought conditions in the region extending through September.

 


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Kenneth D. Neely Busted in Salisbury, N.C. Sunday on Crack and Gun Charges

August 10, 2015, 2:04 am
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RFP Staff

♦ Kenneth DeWayne Neely, 51, living at 426 Lincolnton Road in Salisbury was arrested after a traffic stop early Sunday morning for allegedly possessing 25.1 grams of “crack” and a concealed .22 caliber handgun.  Neely, a convicted felon, is prohibited from carrying a firearm.

Neely was allegedly cruising erratically on Jake Alexander Blvd. in a Cadillac Deville and was observed crossing the center line on several occasions.  The Salisbury Police pulled Neely over on Brenner Avenue.  A K-9 searched the Caddy and alerted the officers it detected substances.  A search of the car and Neely’s crotch area netted 25.1 grams of crack rocks in 2 containers.

Neely was charged with possession with intent manufacture/sell/distribute a controlled substance schedule II (felony), carrying a concealed gun (misdemeanor), possession by a felon of a firearm prohibited (felony), and maintaining a dwelling/vehicle for a controlled substance (felony).

Placed under a secured $25,000 bond, Neely is being held in the Rowan County Detention Center.  His first court date is August 10th.

Kenneth DeWayne Neely’s Extensive Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0299586&searchLastName=neely&searchFirstName=kenneth&searchMiddleName=d&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

An RFP Article about Neely Appearing Last May:

http://rowanfreepress.com/2015/05/06/kenneth-neely-gutshot-during-early-morning-home-invasion-on-lincolnton-road-in-salisbury-n-c/


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A John Wilkes Booth Program at RPL at 6:30 P.M on Wednesday August 12th

August 10, 2015, 8:05 am
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Public Announcement

♦ On Wednesday August 12th at 6:30 p.m. a program “The Escape Route of John Wilkes Booth” will be presented in the Stanback Room at the Rowan Public Library in Salisbury, N.C.  The presenter will be Byron Brady the SCV’s National Deputy Director for Heritage Promotion.

This historical presentation is free and open to the public. Bring friends.

For more information contact Steve Poteat at 704-633-7229 or E-mail: RowanSCV@Carolina.RR.Com


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