RFP Staff

♦ On Sunday night Rowan Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Robert Joseph Paesch, Jr., 59, of 2127 South Jake Alexander Boulevard in Salisbury and charged him with trafficking substantial amounts of heroin.

Paesch was charged with trafficking heroin or opium (felony) and maintaining a dwelling/vehicle for a controlled substance (felony).

Under a $75,000 secured bond, Paesch is presently in the Rowan County Detention Center.

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

Public Announcement

♦ Rowan Republican Men’s Club Breakfast on Saturday October 3rd at Ryan’s on 730 Jake Alexander Blvd in Salisbury.

Doors open at 8 a.m. Meeting starts at 9 a.m.

Enjoy political discussion over breakfast. Bring your friends. Women are encouraged to attend.

Hear local Republican elected officials, special guests, and candidates speak in season.

RFP Staff

♦ Here is the recently posted “Amendment to the Chapter 10 Housing Ordinance”, adopted August 18, 2015, which details how the Salisbury’s present city government “might” address vacant, neglected, or abandoned properties now said to be between 700 to 800 properties.  Lacking the money to implement much of this ordinance in an impactful way and recognizing City Hall’s track record for frequently abusing codes in a selective fashion, here is the amendment as it is now appears in city documents:

https://app.box.com/s/cjjylxwj2bkkid3jydvl10ep4pbxue2d

RFP Staff

♦ Kimberly Ann Howell, 25, of 4625 Long Ferry Road in Rowan County, N.C. was arrested early Thursday morning by a Rowan County Sheriff’s Office detective and charged with cruelty to animals for duct-taping her dog’s muzzle shut and showing it on Facebook. The dog pictured in the Facebook snap was a short-haired female mixed breed alleged to have multiple bands of duct tape cruelly shutting its muzzle. (Facebook Pictures Below)

Its reported that the original photo, of the alleged abused dog, was removed soon after after a number of Facebook posters began an outcry of protests against what they viewed as animal abuse. Photos of the stressed animal are difficult to stomach especially the one of dog cowering on the floor.

According to sources in law enforcement the Sheriff’s Office was alerted about Howell’s Facebook activities when a tipster contacted the Rowan County Department of Social Services and reported Howell’s alleged Facebook caption for the duct taped dog said words to the effect that the dog barked all night and her mouth had to be shut.  A child was said to share the photo with the animal.  The Department of Social Services responsibly reported the alleged cruelty to the Sherriff’s Office who took action.

When the Sheriff’s Office Deputy initially investigated, both the boyfriend and Howell allegedly claimed the photo was harmless good fun.  It appeared to the investigator that the animal seemed in good health with no signs of ill-treatment.  However, Howell’s cellphone revealed the photograph in question.  Howell was promptly arrested and charged with cruelty to animals (misdemeanor).

Under a $2,000 secured bond, Howell was released.

Kimberly Ann Howell record (Record below fails to show more recent charges of larceny and a failure to appear):

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1257390&searchLastName=Howell&searchFirstName=Kimberly&searchMiddleName=a&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

The Duct-Taped Dog from Facebook:

Kenny Hardin, Candidate for Salisbury City Council

♦ RANDOM MORNING THOUGHTS: I woke up about 1:30 a.m. and again at 3:45 a.m. with several thoughts and questions running through my head. Does anyone else always seem to be thinking about 10 things all at the same time and their mind is processing things like a computer? Below are some of the items that ran through my mind in the wee hours this morning:

“I read in the paper yesterday about the father of the Salisbury Police Officer who has a daily one man protest on the square in support of Cops. I wonder why he doesn’t speak out and protest the rampant corrupt behavior and work to find resolution to end that criminal and divisive behavior as a way to show support?”

“Waffle House or IHOP later?”

“Why are we still celebrating first and only achievements of women and minorities? Doesn’t this just represent how racist and un-progressive this Country remains when we are happy that someone who clearly possesses the ability to excel are finally given a chance to?”

“I don’t understand people who criticize and condemn others for speaking up, out, and taking a stand against an injustice or a wrong, but won’t say a word about those who created the issue.”

“I don’t understand the Pope obsession. He’s a man.”

“I get tired of the incumbents in this City Council race whining about people pointing out problems that are plaguing this City. They try to paint them as somehow as not progressive or willing to provide solutions. That’s just an attempt to distract attention away from the fact nothing has been done in the last four years of their terms and shines a light on how they’ve done nothing to help people.”

“Why do people feel like they can talk disrespectfully and any way they want to you, but when you respond accordingly, then you’re wrong? I cussed our Mayor out for all he was worth last Tuesday for calling my house and talking to me like I worked in a position of servitude for him.”

“I have enough friends.”

“Trust is not in my vocabulary, but I got three good people in my circle.”

“I enjoyed the text conversation last night with a friend who lives up North.”

“To the White business owner who said to me he would support me financially and vote for me as long as I wasn’t mean to Maggie Blackwell and Karen Alexander. Meanness is not a quality I possess, but I will hold people accountable. Honestly Sir, keep your money and vote for someone else.”

“People say I’m radical, angry, and militant. Chris Sifford said it perfectly, I’ve never joined Isis, or Al-Qaeda nor have I ever been arrested or in handcuffs. I won’t apologize or feel bad about being passionate about issues and being willing to fight and speak out.”

“Bump Massey! My man!”

“To the Black lady who said she would vote for me if I can show her I care for more than just Black people. Drink bleach and vote for someone else. It’s obvious you don’t really know me.”

“To the ‘well connected’ businessman who called to ask me to temper down my abrasive and threatening rhetoric about Fibrant or I would lose the ‘cultural elite White vote’, have a tall frosty glass too.”

“Monica Lewinsky chose to blow the President, then wrote a book about it and went on a speaking tour and got paid, so why should we care about her being bullied online?”

“I have some good boys. My son drove two hours to be a part of my event and then drove two hours back home when it was over.”

“I wish my dog would stop jumping out of the car window when I get out.”

“I had a good conversation with Pastor Bates and Siff yesterday about the Boys & Girls Club. We will have one built here during my time in the Mayor’s seat.”

“Do White people think Black want to talk about racism all the time? We live it daily, so we certainly don’t want to talk about it constantly. I wish those who say move on, would listen to the stories of those who’ve endured it.”

I know Pete Kennedy takes a lot of criticism, but I like him.

“I can’t stand messy people. People say they don’t do drama, but then they do drama.”

(At 1:30am) “I need to go to back sleep. I have to get up in 2.5 hours.”

(At 3:45am) “I might as well get on up and get my day started.”

RFP Staff

♦ Stanley Lamar Champion, 55, of 404 Ludwick Avenue in Salisbury and listed on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry, was arrested Wednesday for allegedly violating probation for sexual crimes.

Employed as a Salisbury newspaper carrier in 2013, Champion was arrested and charged with stalking children at a school bus stop and for violating sex offender probation. In May 2013 he was convicted of multiple counts of 2nd degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Champion was charged Wednesday with probation violation (felony).

Under a $10,000 secured bond,Champion was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center.

http://www.homefacts.com/offender-detail/NC024222S11/Stanley-Lamar-Champion.html

Stanley Lamar Champion previous record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1372514&searchLastName=Champion&searchFirstName=Stanley&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

Rowan County Board of Elections

♦ Rowan County, N.C.’s Sample Municipal Election Ballots for November 3rd 2015 Election. Important Voter Information:

http://www.rowancountync.gov/Portals/0/Government/Departments/Elections/documents/2015%20sample%20ballot.pdf

National Weather Service/This weather report will updated throughout all this emergency situation. 

♦ National Weather Forecast for Rowan/Cabarrus Counties: Extremely Hazardous Conditions and Flash Flooding Alert All Weekend

Rowan County Fair is canceled for the remainder of it’s season.

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
3:29 PM EDT FRI OCT 2 2015

HEAVY RAIN TO INCREASE ACROSS THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND
NORTHEAST GEORGIA TODAY THROUGH THIS WEEKEND WITH POTENTIALLY
HISTORIC AND LIFE THREATENING FLASH FLOODING POSSIBLE…

A SLOWLY MOVING UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER THE
SOUTHEAST STATES WILL INTERACT WITH TROPICAL MOISTURE FROM
HURRICANE JOAQUIN OFF THE ATLANTIC COAST TO PRODUCE COPIOUS
RAINFALL ACROSS THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA
THROUGH THE WEEKEND. THE COVERAGE AND INTENSITY OF THE RAINFALL
WILL INCREASE FROM THE EAST THIS EVENING AND THROUGH TONIGHT.
HEAVY RAIN WILL FALL THROUGH MUCH OF THE WEEKEND…IMPACTING MANY
LOCATIONS AROUND THE REGION WHERE SOILS ARE ALREADY SATURATED.
ALTHOUGH SOME UNCERTAINTY REMAINS REGARDING THE EXACT PLACEMENT OF
THE HEAVIEST RAINFALL…CONFIDENCE IS FAIRLY HIGH THAT WIDESPREAD
FIVE TO TEN INCH RAINFALL TOTALS WILL OCCUR. A BAND OF TEN TO
TWELVE INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE…PERHAPS SOMEWHERE ACROSS UPSTATE
SOUTH CAROLINA. THIS AMOUNT OF RAINFALL COULD RESULT IN
SIGNIFICANT…LIFE THREATENING…FLASH FLOODING AND FLOODING
ALONG MAIN STEM RIVERS.

STEPHENS-FRANKLIN-HART-ELBERT-ALEXANDER-IREDELL-DAVIE-CATAWBA-
ROWAN-CLEVELAND-LINCOLN-GASTON-MECKLENBURG-CABARRUS-UNION-
GREATER OCONEE-GREATER PICKENS-GREATER GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG-
CHEROKEE-YORK-ANDERSON-ABBEVILLE-LAURENS-CHESTER-GREENWOOD-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…TOCCOA…ROYSTON…LAVONIA…
FRANKLIN SPRINGS…CANON…HARTWELL…REED CREEK…ELBERTON…
BETHLEHEM…TAYLORSVILLE…STONY POINT…STATESVILLE…
MOORESVILLE…MOCKSVILLE…HICKORY…NEWTON…ST. STEPHENS…
SALISBURY…SHELBY…KINGS MOUNTAIN…LINCOLNTON…GASTONIA…
CHARLOTTE…CONCORD…KANNAPOLIS…MONROE…INDIAN TRAIL…
WEDDINGTON…TRINITY…SENECA…EASLEY…CLEMSON…GREENVILLE…
TAYLORS…GREER…MAULDIN…SIMPSONVILLE…BEREA…SPARTANBURG…
GAFFNEY…ROCK HILL…ANDERSON…ABBEVILLE…CALHOUN FALLS…
LAURENS…CLINTON…UNION…CHESTER…GREAT FALLS…GREENWOOD
3:29 PM EDT FRI OCT 2 2015

…FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING…

THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR

* PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA…NORTH CAROLINA AND UPSTATE
SOUTH CAROLINA…INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS…IN NORTHEAST
GEORGIA…ELBERT…FRANKLIN…HART AND STEPHENS. IN NORTH
CAROLINA…ALEXANDER…CABARRUS…CATAWBA…CLEVELAND…
DAVIE…GASTON…IREDELL…LINCOLN…MECKLENBURG…ROWAN AND
UNION. IN UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA…ABBEVILLE…ANDERSON…
CHEROKEE…CHESTER…GREATER GREENVILLE…GREATER OCONEE…
GREATER PICKENS…GREENWOOD…LAURENS…SPARTANBURG…UNION
AND YORK.

* THROUGH MONDAY MORNING

* RAIN WILL INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY TONIGHT AND WILL
PERSIST THROUGH LATE WEEKEND AS TROPICAL MOISTURE FROM HURRICANE
JOAQUIN OFF THE ATLANTIC COAST WRAPS INTO A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM
OVER THE SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES.

* CONFIDENCE IS INCREASING THAT STORM TOTAL RAINFALL WILL REACH
THE 5 TO 10 INCH RANGE OVER THE WEEKEND. AMOUNTS COULD REACH 10
TO 12 INCHES ACROSS THE SAVANNAH RIVER BASIN…AS WELL AS THE
LOWER PIEDMONT OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA. PERIODS OF VERY HEAVY
RAINFALL ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE FLASH FLOODING ALONG SMALLER
CREEKS AND STREAMS…WITH SIGNIFICANT FLASH FLOODING POSSIBLE…
ESPECIALLY IN AREAS THAT ALREADY RECEIVED HEAVY RAIN IN RECENT
DAYS. FLOODING WILL ALSO LIKELY DEVELOP ALONG THE MAIN STEM
RIVERS OVER THE WEEKEND AND POSSIBLY PERSIST INTO EARLY NEXT
WEEK. IN ADDITION… OCCASIONAL GUSTS OF 25 TO 30 MPH FROM THE
STRENGTHENING EASTERLY WINDS MAY COMBINE WITH THE SATURATED SOIL
CONDITIONS TO KNOCK DOWN TREES…RESULTING IN ISOLATED POWER
OUTAGES. PEOPLE LIVING NEAR STREAMS SHOULD MONITOR THE SITUATION
CLOSELY THROUGH THE WEEKEND. NOW IS THE TIME TO DECIDE WHAT TO
DO IF THREATENED BY FLOOD WATERS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED. CONSIDER POSTPONING TRAVEL
IF POSSIBLE. NEVER DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADWAYS. TURN AROUND…
DONT DROWN.

***************************************************

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
3:24 PM EDT FRI OCT 2 2015

…POTENTIAL FOR A LIFE THREATENING AND HISTORIC RAINFALL EVENT
THIS WEEKEND…

RAIN WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND
NORTHEAST GEORGIA TODAY AND SHOULD CONTINUE PERIODICALLY THROUGH
SUNDAY. BURSTS OF HEAVY RAIN ARE LIKELY…ESPECIALLY TONIGHT THROUGH
SATURDAY. THE HEAVY RAIN MAY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT FLOODING ALONG
CREEKS AND STREAMS ACROSS THE REGION. RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF FIVE TO
TEN INCHES ARE POSSIBLE OVER THE PERIOD BETWEEN FRIDAY AND SUNDAY. A
BAND OF TEN TO TWELVE INCHES COULD FALL SOMEWHERE ACROSS THE WESTERN
CAROLINAS. IF THIS AMOUNT OF RAIN HAPPENS…LIFE THREATENING FLASH
FLOODS COULD TAKE PLACE.

IN ADDITION TO THE RAIN…FREQUENT WIND GUSTS OF 25 TO 35 MPH COULD
KNOCK DOWN TREES WEAKENED BY SATURATED SOIL. THIS COULD RESULT IN
SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES.

HERE ARE RECOMMENDED ACTIONS TO CONSIDER BOTH AHEAD OF THE STORM
AND WHEN THE HEAVY RAIN BEGINS.

BEFORE THE STORM:

1. CLEAN OUT DOWNSPOUTS AND DRAINS TO MAKE SURE THE HEAVY RAIN HAS
A PLACE TO GO. REMOVE DEAD TREE LIMBS THAT MIGHT FALL ON POWER
LINES.

2. STOCK UP ON NON-PERISHABLE FOOD…BATTERIES…AND MEDICINES SO
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO VENTURE OUT DURING THE HEAVY RAIN.

3. STAY ALERT. MONITOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR LOCAL MEDIA FOR
POSSIBLE FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS.

DURING THE STORM:

1. MOST FLASH FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO DRIVE ACROSS ROADWAYS COVERED WITH WATER…ESPECIALLY IF THAT
WATER IS FLOWING. ONE FOOT OF RUNNING WATER HAS ENOUGH FORCE TO
PUSH A CAR OFF THE ROAD. TURN AROUND…DON’T DROWN!

2. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM FLOODED STREAMS AND STORM DRAINS.
FLOWING WATER IS VERY POWERFUL.

3. FLASH FLOODING COULD DEVELOP VERY QUICKLY IN URBAN AREAS WHERE
WATER RUNS OFF MORE RAPIDLY.

4. IF WIDESPREAD FLOODING DEVELOPS…MANY ROADS COULD BE
CLOSED…MAKING TRAVEL DIFFICULT. STAY HOME IF YOU CAN.

5. KEEP TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR LOCAL MEDIA FOR THE LATEST
WARNINGS AND STATEMENTS REGARDING THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS
WEATHER EVENT.

FOR GENERAL FLOOD SAFETY AND PREPARATION ADVICE…PLEASE VISIT…
WWW.READY.GOV/FLOODS

ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION AND UPDATES ON THIS POTENTIALLY
DANGEROUS WEATHER SITUATION CAN BE FOUND AT…
WWW.WEATHER.GOV/GSP

**************************************************

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHEAST GEORGIA…PIEDMONT
NORTH CAROLINA…WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA.

DAY ONE:TODAY AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

SATURDAY…HEAVY RAIN WITH FLASH FLOODING LIKELY. SEE THE LATEST
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR DETAILS.
SUNDAY HEAVY RAIN WITH FLASH FLOODING LIKELY. SEE THE LATEST
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR DETAILS.

RFP Staff

♦ In a city wracked by a major heroin, meth, and crack epidemic, the epidemic was bound to spread to “10 Gig” Catawba College.  Students are regularly seen cruising Brenner Avenue on foot and in car in search of “pharmaceutical sales reps” from the local gangs.  Last year two Catawba College employees were busted for peddling “ice” a more compelling form of meth.  Drugs are everywhere to be found in Salisbury and sadly at Catawba College.

Catawba student Jordan Lee Chillson, 22, from Mooresville, N.C. was arrested September 30th for several alleged vehicle break-ins.  Rowan Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to motor vehicle breaking and entering dispatch in the early morning hours at the 1400 block Devonmere Place.  The victim described his white Chevvy pickup truck and the suspect.  Soon the deputies spotted the missing vehicle near Overhill Road where they pulled it over.  Chillson, driving the pickup truck, claimed it was his father’s.  No dice.  A witness, driven to the scene, identified Chillson as the one breaking into the pickup truck. Chillson was arrested and charged with 2 counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle with the intent to commit larceny (felony).  It was all down hill from there.  Soon it was discovered Chillson’s wallet contained aluminum foil sheets with alleged heroin residue on them.  The Sheriff’s Office broke the shocking news to officials at Catawba College.

Catawba college officials performed a through search of Chillson’s dorm room and located metal boxes containing heroin, 170 amphetamine doses, and assorted drug paraphernalia.  In the dorm room search Chillson’s roomie Kevin Ryan Scott, 22, a Charlotte native, was alleged to possess heroin.

Jordan Lee Chillson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture/sell/distribute a controlled substance II (amphetamine) (felony), possession of a controlled substance schedule I (heroin) (felony) and possession with intent to sell/deliver controlled substances within 300 feet of school property (felony).  Chillson was under a $15,000 secured bond and his bond was fulfilled.

Roommate Scott was charged with possession of controlled substance schedule I (heroin) (felony).  Under a $2,000 secured bond, Scott met his bail.

It is yet unknown if Chillson and Scott will remain a part of the community of scholars at North Carolina’s first 10 gig college or suffer banishment.

Jordan Lee Chillson:

Kevin Brian Scott:

Todd Paris, Attorney and candidate for Salisbury City Council

♦ Step inside the thought process of Todd Paris, candidate for Salisbury City Council.

I like Kenny Hardin. He “tells it like it is” and anyone who “cusses out” Mayor Woodson and turns down campaign contributions conditioned upon him being nice to Maggie Blackwell and Karen Alexander–well, what’s not to like?

English is strange sometimes. Like, why is ‘disgruntled’ a word but ‘gruntled’ isn’t? “Are you feeling ‘gruntled today?” There are a lot of disgruntled present and former Salisbury Police officers around. I may ask the EXPD guys to work polls for me. I could staff all the polls all day, with those guys. There are more than enough of them. Oh, the firemen just started making contact. Not enough hours in the day!

Does Elizabeth Cook at the “Post” exercise any editorial control over reporting on the council race, and if she does, wouldn’t it be a conflict of interest since Maggie used to work for the “Post” and they are rumored to be good friends?

A JV football game was “called” a week ago because of gunfire in the neighborhood. What are the conference rules on that? Do we get a “do over” or is considered a forfeit for SHS. Memo to self – ask Coach Maddox about that.

Picture of me shaking hands with Jim Sides at the fair. We had booths beside each other. We did start “talking to each other” rather than “at each other.” That was nice.

Same thing for Board of Education member Susan Cox and Chuck Hughes. I remember sparring with Chuck and Susan’s husband on the Post’s comment section last year. Much nicer folks in person. I left that day thinking they both really care about the “kids.”

Despite the weather, I gave out about a thousand helium balloons with “Paris for City Council” on them. A sea of them, all week long- floating around the grounds. I had a “no tears policy.” Told the parents if they busted or blew away I would replace it. I replaced a lot. Balloons should be “all about” being happy.

I wore t-shirts most nights advertising Salisbury businesses. Dead Ed’s and New Sarum had the most attention.

Why don’t Chief and Council seem to care about eleven unsolved murders? I hope it isn’t because they were all people of color, or that they happened in “challenged” neighborhoods. I wonder if these had happened in “good neighborhoods,” Chief Collins wouldn’t already be fulltime at housing instead of part-time.

What is it about council incumbent apologists that makes them overlook all the problems with the city? Friends on City payroll or just blind loyalty to “the team?”

Salisbury has always been run by “the right kind of people” for “the right kind of people.” Maybe that should change. In a fair world, maybe Food Lion stock-boy and Romo’s cook Stephen Arthur could win. Or Jeff Watkins, who also works two jobs at the cigar shop and the funeral home, could prevail? That’s not to say there aren’t other good challengers, but these hard working guys need a “hug.” I would be proud to serve with either.

Where’re Todd’s signs? I tried every venue in the city to have them printed (yes, printed) locally. Everyone I talked to was just going to order them off the internet. Talking to a guy Sunday that says he can do this. At least they will be printed in Rowan County and ALL the money stays local.

RFP Staff

♦ Rowan County Commission Meeting Agenda for 3 P.M. October 5th at the County Administration Building at 130 West Innes Street in Salisbury, N.C.

ROWAN COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA

Call to Order
Invocation
• Provided By: Assistant Chaplain Michael Taylor
Pledge of Allegiance
Consider Additions to the Agenda
Consider Deletions From the Agenda
Consider Approval of the Agenda
Board members are asked to voluntarily inform the Board if any matter on the agenda might present a conflict of interest or might require the member to be excused from voting.
• Consider Approval of the Minutes: September 21, 2015
1 Consider Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Proclamation Recognizing Fire Prevention Week for 2015
B. Acceptance of Homeland Security Grant Award
C. State Request to Add Prospective Drive (To Be Renamed Chamandy Drive) to State Secondary Road System for Maintenance
D. Uwharrie District Missional Engagement Funds Application
E. Schedule Public Hearing for October 19, 2015 for Text Amendment in Personnel Ordinance
F. Purchase of Two Ambulances
G. Proclamation For Young Marines Red Ribbon Week
H. Preventative Dental Project
I. Thanksgiving Office Hours
J. Authorize Changes to Rental Policy for West End Plaza Events Center
K. Reschedule Z 08-15 Public Hearing to November 16, 2015
L. Proclamation For Substance Abuse Awareness Month
2 Public Comment Period
3 Public Hearing For 2017 Community Transportation Program (CTP) Grant
4 Financial Report
5 Budget Amendments
6 Consider Approval of Board Appointments
7 Adjournment

Agenda and information packet PDF.:

http://agenda.rowancountync.gov/DisplayAgendaPDF.ashx?MeetingID=124

Citizens with disabilities requiring special needs to access the services or public meetings of Rowan County Government should contact the County Manager’s Office three days prior to the meeting by calling (704) 216-8180

National Weather Service

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
513 AM EDT SAT OCT 3 2015

RABUN-HABERSHAM-STEPHENS-FRANKLIN-HART-ELBERT-AVERY-ALEXANDER-
IREDELL-DAVIE-MADISON-YANCEY-MITCHELL-SWAIN-HAYWOOD-BUNCOMBE-CATAWBA-
ROWAN-GRAHAM-NORTHERN JACKSON-MACON-SOUTHERN JACKSON-TRANSYLVANIA-
HENDERSON-CLEVELAND-LINCOLN-GASTON-MECKLENBURG-CABARRUS-UNION-
CALDWELL MOUNTAINS-GREATER CALDWELL-BURKE MOUNTAINS-GREATER BURKE-
MCDOWELL MOUNTAINS-EASTERN MCDOWELL-RUTHERFORD MOUNTAINS-
GREATER RUTHERFORD-POLK MOUNTAINS-EASTERN POLK-OCONEE MOUNTAINS-
PICKENS MOUNTAINS-GREENVILLE MOUNTAINS-GREATER OCONEE-
GREATER PICKENS-GREATER GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG-CHEROKEE-YORK-
ANDERSON-ABBEVILLE-LAURENS-CHESTER-GREENWOOD-
513 AM EDT SAT OCT 3 2015

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY…
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING…

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHEAST GEORGIA…PIEDMONT
NORTH CAROLINA…WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE…TODAY AND TONIGHT.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH.
WIND ADVISORY.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

..SUNDAY…HEAVY RAIN WITH FLASH FLOODING AND HIGH WINDS LIKELY.
SEE THE LATEST FLASH FLOOD WATCH AND WIND ADVISORY FOR DETAILS.
..MONDAY…NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
..TUESDAY…NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
..WEDNESDAY…NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
..THURSDAY…NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.
..FRIDAY…NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

SKYWARN SPOTTERS ARE REQUESTED TO FORWARD ANY REPORTS OF DAMAGING
WINDS OR FLASH FLOODING TO OUR OFFICE.

Wind Advisory
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
443 AM EDT SAT OCT 3 2015

…WINDY CONDITIONS AND WET GROUND WILL LEAD TO NUMEROUS DOWNED
TREES AND POWER LINES AROUND THE REGION TODAY AND TONIGHT…

.A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES IS
CAUSING EASTERLY WINDS TO INCREASE ACROSS THE WESTERN CAROLINAS
AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA. WIND GUSTS OF 30 TO 40 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE
AT TIMES TODAY AND TONIGHT. ALTHOUGH THESE WIND SPEEDS ARE
TYPICALLY NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO BLOW DOWN TREES…SATURATED SOIL
CONDITIONS WILL MAKE TREES MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FALLING. SEVERAL
TREES ARE LIKELY TO FALL AND COULD TAKE DOWN POWER LINES AND CAUSE
OUTAGES AT TIMES…AS WELL AS BLOCK ROADWAYS.

RABUN-HABERSHAM-STEPHENS-FRANKLIN-HART-ELBERT-AVERY-ALEXANDER-
IREDELL-DAVIE-MADISON-YANCEY-MITCHELL-SWAIN-HAYWOOD-BUNCOMBE-
CATAWBA-ROWAN-GRAHAM-NORTHERN JACKSON-MACON-SOUTHERN JACKSON-
TRANSYLVANIA-HENDERSON-CLEVELAND-LINCOLN-GASTON-MECKLENBURG-
CABARRUS-UNION-CALDWELL MOUNTAINS-GREATER CALDWELL-
BURKE MOUNTAINS-GREATER BURKE-MCDOWELL MOUNTAINS-EASTERN MCDOWELL-
RUTHERFORD MOUNTAINS-GREATER RUTHERFORD-POLK MOUNTAINS-
EASTERN POLK-OCONEE MOUNTAINS-PICKENS MOUNTAINS-
GREENVILLE MOUNTAINS-GREATER OCONEE-GREATER PICKENS-
GREATER GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG-CHEROKEE-YORK-ANDERSON-ABBEVILLE-
LAURENS-CHESTER-GREENWOOD-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…CLAYTON…PINE MOUNTAIN…
MOUNTAIN CITY…CORNELIA…DEMOREST…CLARKESVILLE…TOCCOA…
ROYSTON…LAVONIA…FRANKLIN SPRINGS…CANON…HARTWELL…
REED CREEK…ELBERTON…BANNER ELK…NEWLAND…ELK PARK…
CROSSNORE…SUGAR MOUNTAIN…BETHLEHEM…TAYLORSVILLE…
STONY POINT…STATESVILLE…MOORESVILLE…MOCKSVILLE…
MARS HILL…MARSHALL…HOT SPRINGS…BURNSVILLE…SPRUCE PINE…
BRYSON CITY…WAYNESVILLE…CANTON…LAKE JUNALUSKA…ASHEVILLE…
HICKORY…NEWTON…ST. STEPHENS…SALISBURY…ROBBINSVILLE…
CULLOWHEE…SYLVA…FRANKLIN…HIGHLANDS…CASHIERS…BREVARD…
HENDERSONVILLE…FLETCHER…EAST FLAT ROCK…ETOWAH…SHELBY…
KINGS MOUNTAIN…LINCOLNTON…GASTONIA…CHARLOTTE…CONCORD…
KANNAPOLIS…MONROE…INDIAN TRAIL…WEDDINGTON…TRINITY…
EDGEMONT…LENOIR…JONAS RIDGE…MORGANTON…OLD FORT…MARION…
LAKE LURE…RUTHERFORDTON…FOREST CITY…SALUDA…COLUMBUS…
WALHALLA…WESTMINSTER…NINE TIMES…PUMPKINTOWN…
ROCKY BOTTOM…CAESARS HEAD…CLEVELAND…GOWENSVILLE…
MARIETTA…TIGERVILLE…SENECA…EASLEY…CLEMSON…GREENVILLE…
TAYLORS…GREER…MAULDIN…SIMPSONVILLE…BEREA…SPARTANBURG…
GAFFNEY…ROCK HILL…ANDERSON…ABBEVILLE…CALHOUN FALLS…
LAURENS…CLINTON…UNION…CHESTER…GREAT FALLS…GREENWOOD
443 AM EDT SAT OCT 3 2015

…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT SUNDAY...

* LOCATIONS…NORTHEAST GEORGIA…UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA…AND
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

* HAZARDS…STRONG WIND GUSTS WILL COMBINE WITH SATURATED SOILS
TO CREATE THE POSSIBILITY OF NUMEROUS DOWNED TREES.

* TIMING…EASTERLY WINDS WILL INCREASE ACROSS THE AREA TODAY INTO
TONIGHT…BEFORE VERY SLOWLY ABATING BY LATE SUNDAY.

* WINDS…NORTHEAST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 TO 40 MPH.

* IMPACTS…SATURATED SOILS FROM RECENT…ONGOING…AND UPCOMING
HEAVY RAINFALL MAY WEAKEN ROOT SYSTEMS AND ALLOW STRONG WIND
GUSTS TO KNOCK DOWN NUMEROUS TREES. THE FALLING TREES MAY RESULT
IN POWER OUTAGES…BLOCK ROADWAYS…AND POSE A HAZARD TO LIFE
AND PROPERTY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 35 MPH ARE EXPECTED. WINDS
THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT…ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH
PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. KEEP AN EYE ON NEARBY TREES
WHEN HEAVY SHOWERS MOVE THROUGH…ESPECIALLY THOSE EAST OR
NORTHEAST OF YOUR HOME.

Flash Flood Watch
FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
429 AM EDT SAT OCT 3 2015

…HEAVY RAINFALL TO INCREASE ACROSS THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND
NORTHEAST GEORGIA THROUGH TONIGHT WITH POTENTIALLY HISTORIC AND
LIFE THREATENING FLASH FLOODING POSSIBLE…

.A SLOWLY MOVING UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER THE
SOUTHEAST STATES WILL CONTINUE TO INTERACT WITH A PLUME OF
TROPICAL MOISTURE FROM HURRICANE JOAQUIN OFF THE ATLANTIC COAST
TO PRODUCE COPIOUS RAINFALL ACROSS THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND
NORTHEAST GEORGIA TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY. THE COVERAGE AND
INTENSITY OF THE RAINFALL WILL INCREASE FROM THE EAST TODAY…WITH
THIS HEAVY RAINFALL IMPACTING MANY LOCATIONS AROUND THE REGION
WHERE SOILS ARE ALREADY SATURATED. ADDITIONAL RAINFALL TOTALS OF 4
TO 8 INCHES ARE LIKELY IN MOST LOCATIONS…BUT THE AXIS OF
HEAVIEST RAINFALL TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY IS EXPECTED TO LINE UP
FROM THE UPPER SAVANNAH RIVER VALLEY AND THE WESTERN
UPSTATE…INTO THE LOWER PIEDMONT NEAR GREENWOOD. ADDITIONAL
RAINFALL TOTALS OF 8 TO 12 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS
BEFORE THE RAIN ENDS SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY. THIS AMOUNT OF
RAINFALL COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT…LIFE THREATENING…FLASH
FLOODING AND FLOODING ALONG MAIN STEM RIVERS.

STEPHENS-FRANKLIN-HART-ELBERT-ALEXANDER-IREDELL-DAVIE-CATAWBA-
ROWAN-CLEVELAND-LINCOLN-GASTON-MECKLENBURG-CABARRUS-UNION-
GREATER OCONEE-GREATER PICKENS-GREATER GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG-
CHEROKEE-YORK-ANDERSON-ABBEVILLE-LAURENS-CHESTER-GREENWOOD-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…TOCCOA…ROYSTON…LAVONIA…
FRANKLIN SPRINGS…CANON…HARTWELL…REED CREEK…ELBERTON…
BETHLEHEM…TAYLORSVILLE…STONY POINT…STATESVILLE…
MOORESVILLE…MOCKSVILLE…HICKORY…NEWTON…ST. STEPHENS…
SALISBURY…SHELBY…KINGS MOUNTAIN…LINCOLNTON…GASTONIA…
CHARLOTTE…CONCORD…KANNAPOLIS…MONROE…INDIAN TRAIL…
WEDDINGTON…TRINITY…SENECA…EASLEY…CLEMSON…GREENVILLE…
TAYLORS…GREER…MAULDIN…SIMPSONVILLE…BEREA…SPARTANBURG…
GAFFNEY…ROCK HILL…ANDERSON…ABBEVILLE…CALHOUN FALLS…
LAURENS…CLINTON…UNION…CHESTER…GREAT FALLS…GREENWOOD
429 AM EDT SAT OCT 3 2015

…FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING…

THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR

* PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA…NORTH CAROLINA AND UPSTATE
SOUTH CAROLINA…INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS…IN NORTHEAST
GEORGIA…ELBERT…FRANKLIN…HART AND STEPHENS. IN NORTH
CAROLINA…ALEXANDER…CABARRUS…CATAWBA…CLEVELAND…
DAVIE…GASTON…IREDELL…LINCOLN…MECKLENBURG…ROWAN AND
UNION. IN UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA…ABBEVILLE…ANDERSON…
CHEROKEE…CHESTER…GREATER GREENVILLE…GREATER OCONEE…
GREATER PICKENS…GREENWOOD…LAURENS…SPARTANBURG…UNION
AND YORK.

* THROUGH MONDAY MORNING

* RAIN WILL INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY TODAY AND THEN
PERSIST THROUGH LATE WEEKEND AS TROPICAL MOISTURE FROM
HURRICANE JOAQUIN OFF THE ATLANTIC COAST WRAPS INTO A LOW
PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER THE SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES.

* ADDITIONAL STORM TOTAL RAINFALL OF 4 TO 8 INCHES IS LIKELY
ACROSS THE REGION THROUGH LATE WEEKEND…WITH ADDITIONAL TOTALS
OF 8 TO 12 INCHES EXPECTED IN SOUTHERN SECTIONS FROM THE WESTERN
UPSTATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA…TO THE UPPER SAVANNAH RIVER VALLEY
TO THE LOWER PIEDMONT NEAR GREENWOOD…WHERE RAINFALL WILL BE
LIKELY BE THE HEAVIEST IN OUR AREA. THESE PERIODS OF VERY HEAVY
RAINFALL ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE FLASH FLOODING ALONG SMALLER
CREEKS AND STREAMS…WITH SIGNIFICANT FLASH FLOODING POSSIBLE…
ESPECIALLY IN AREAS THAT ALREADY RECEIVED HEAVY RAIN IN RECENT
DAYS. FLOODING WILL ALSO LIKELY DEVELOP ALONG THE MAIN STEM
RIVERS THROUGH LATE WEEKEND AND POSSIBLY PERSIST INTO EARLY NEXT
WEEK. PEOPLE LIVING NEAR STREAMS SHOULD MONITOR THE SITUATION
CLOSELY THROUGH THE WEEKEND. NOW IS THE TIME TO DECIDE WHAT TO
DO IF THREATENED BY FLOOD WATERS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED. CONSIDER POSTPONING TRAVEL
IF POSSIBLE. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL…NEVER DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED
ROADWAYS. TURN AROUND… DONT DROWN.

RFP Staff

♦ With the heady uptick in motor vehicle breaking and entering as well carthievery in Salisbury and even out in County, no telling when “bagman wheels” start getting stolen and stripped.

Here are some of the best tips for protecting your vehicle from break-in artists and thieves.

  http://rowanfreepress.com/2015/04/24/protecting-your-vehicle-from-break-in-artists-law-enforcements-top-tips/

Kenny L. Hardin, Candidate for Salisbury City Council

♦ RANDOM MORNING THOUGHTS: I will be a Mayor of openness and transparency. I will ensure accountability and efficiency of the City government and the services offered. I will provide answers to citizen’s questions and open all the books on concerns like Fibrant, financial mismanagement concerns, gang prevention grants, hiring practices, and our law enforcement. I will ask City Department leaders to show verifiable progress in the services they offer. I will take the politics out of politics and if in doing so it causes anxiety or discomfort for anyone, then you may not be suited for your role and businesses.

I’m not running for office to make friends on the Council, broker back door deals or make promises to special interest groups or individuals. If this is being done, I will expose those who are engaged in it. I will not go along just to get along.

I keep hearing those currently on the Council saying we should be focused on finding solutions instead of pointing out problems. Well, you’ve been on the Council for consecutive terms, so why is finding solutions now so critical in your tenure? You whine about people focusing on negativity instead of seeing the positive. With 11 unsolved murders, racial tensions dividing the City, shootings outside of schools, gang activity inside schools, young people leaving the City in droves, little economic development, empty and boarded up homes and businesses, no opportunities for our young people, and a lack of trust in the City leadership, I say we don’t have to focus too hard to find the negative. Pretending it doesn’t exist to hide failures and inaction does not make it any less real to those suffering.

The incumbents don’t deserve another opportunity to sit on the Council nor does anyone who’s been there before. We need new and fresh leadership. There’s a reason why 13 more people are running for Council in addition to the three incumbents. People want new and better representation. People are angry, frustrated and hurting, and all they’re concerned about is someone hurting their feelings and fragile egos by pointing out the problems that exist. Give me a break!

Please come out to early voting beginning on October 22nd and November 3rd to vote for a turnaround to get this City headed back in the right direction with new leadership.

Todd Paris, Attorney and Candidate for Salisbury City Council

♦ Sometimes, being right carries no pleasure with it. Today, in mainstream print media, Fibrant financial guru John Sofley admits the AEG related “Run and Gun” is much, much worse than even we expected. It’s twice as bad.

Following on the heels of a recent revelation that $198,000 in legal fees were spent on a Greensboro law firm and Evidently billed to water and sewer fund instead of Fibrant. Yes Virginia, there is a ”Run and Gun.”

Of course, there is an interview from Mayor Woodson who is not running for office and wisely fleeing to a new life at the beach. Wonder why the interview wasn’t with one of the three incumbents? Woodson doesn’t know if there is a safety issue or not and Sofley is backpedaling and blaming everyone else including Time-Warner and AT&T for being out of compliance as well. “Mom, TWC and AT&T are doing it too!”

This might explain why the Duke Power spokesperson is running damage control in the same article. Most of these poles are Duke’s and if wires and cable are out of lawful compliance the liability is on them first for not forcing the other folks on their poles to follow the National Electric Safety Code, which was designed to protect linemen from death or serious bodily injury. It appears from the spokeswoman’s statement that the only hazard present is a ripped glove or damage to equipment?

The most disturbing thread that runs through the quotes in this article is an idea that the NESC is somehow not “mandatory” and may be superseded by the carriers’ own policies. N.C. Gen Stat. 62-350(a) clearly states “In granting a request under this section, a municipality or membership corporation shall require the requesting entity to comply with applicable safety requirements, including the National Electrical Safety Code and the applicable rules and regulations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.” It looks like law to me.

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_62/GS_62-350.html

https://app.box.com/s/drbz4tezdbwcomf33069rr1pxjwz8eha

https://app.box.com/s/gbj0tiuprjd7f1i1s3joqfgow72juefo

RFP Staff

♦ Teresa Diann Burkett, 52, of 708 Deal Street in Landis, was arrested Sunday by a deputy from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and charged with “cruelty to animals”.

An officer from Rowan County Animal Control visited Burkett’s property on a complaint and allegedly found 5 horses in undernourished condition.  Taken into Animal Control’s custody, the horses were to be evaluated by a veterinarian. The animals appear scrawny and their ribcages protrude.  The warrants for Burkett’s arrest alleged Burkett intentionally deprived the animals of necessary sustenance.

Update: One of the horses was in such poor shape from an alleged lack of water and food that it will be euthanized.

Burkett was charged with 5 counts of cruelty to animals (misdemeanor).

Under a $5,000 secured bond, Burkett was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center.  Her first court hearing will be October 12th.

In December of 2013 Burkett was arrested and charged with simple assault (misdemeanor) and assault by pointing a gun (misdemeanor).

North Carolina State Board of Elections

♦ Malcolm “Mac” Butner will have a Hearing with the North Carolina State Board of Elections on Thursday October 15th at 10 A.M.

RFP Staff

Updated:

http://rowanfreepress.com/2015/10/13/updated-shooting-at-colonial-village-apartments-in-salisbury-n-c-the-victim-was-evacuated-to-carolinas-medical-center-northeast/

♦ Tonight about 8:20 p.m. shots were heard at Colonial Village Apartments in the 200 block of West “D” Avenue in Salisbury, N.C. The gunshot victim, Joshua Victor Harrison, 32, was hit in the back by a shotgun blast during an attempted robbery by a black assailant with short dreads and a dark hoodie sweatshirt. Harrison initially answered the front door and turning, attempted to run when he saw the robber was armed with a sawed-off shotgun.

When the Salisbury Police arrived, they found the Harrison bleeding profusely from a back wound, yet able to respond to questions. They found him a distance from the shooting on a porch on the 300 block of Avenue “D”.

Joshua Victor Harrison:

Transported initially to Novant Health Rowan Regional Medical Center, the Harrsion was soon evacuated by helicopter to Carolinas Medical Center Northeast in Concord. His condition is said to be stable and not life threatening.

Police cars lined up along West “D” avenue by the Colonial Village complex. Investigators took control of the crime scene and spoke with neighbors.

In the continuing investigation no one has been taken into custody. It is not known yet whether the robber knew the victim.

Harrison is a felon who spent time in prison for drug sales:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0989333&searchLastName=Harrison&searchFirstName=Joshua&searchMiddleName=v&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

On October 23rd, 2014 Antonio Montreal Chambers, one of Salisbury’s 11 unsolved murders, was shot to death in a bedroom at apartment 43 in the Colonial Village complex at 231 West D Avenue. This is the same apartment complex where tonight’s shooting took place.

Persons with information about this shooting are asked to call the Salisbury Police Department. 704-638-5333 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

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

RFP Staff

♦ Monday prior to 5 p.m., a fire raced through a one floor–four unit apartment building on 215 South Long Street in Salisbury, gutting the structures central unit and tragically displacing 6 people.  A dog succumbed in the blaze that sent choking smoke billowing through the South Long Street block nestled between East Bank and East Fisher Streets.

Although no residents or firefighters were injured in the fire, the six displaced persons were provided temporary assistance by the local American Red Cross chapter. Returning to their homes appears unlikely in the near future due fire, smoke, and water’s damage mostly contained in the central part of the apartments. The apartment building may be restored, but not for the foreseeable near future.

The Salisbury Fire Department along with the Granite Quarry and Spencer firefighters joined in quelling the blaze.  Additional support was provided by the Rowan County Rescue Squad and the Salisbury Police Department.

The fire remains under investigation. The cause of the blaze is yet unknown.

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

Todd Paris, Attorney and Candidate for Salisbury City Council

♦ The relationship between cities and their legislature fall into one of two general legal standards. Home rule cities are allowed by their state constitutions to enact their own laws and own their own property with little interference from the state legislature. NC follows “Dillon’s rule” which basically means that cities have no constitutional status and exist at the will and pleasure of the legislature and have nothing that the legislature may not “take.”

In 2013, owing to numerous citizen complaints, the legislature took Asheville’s water and system away from the city and gave it to a regional authority. The city sued. A superior court judge sided with the city. The NC Court of Appeals reversed and stated that the legislature could do as it pleased and did not need to compensate the city for the “taking.” This is a bellwether event. The NC Supreme Court is generally considered even more conservative. It is unlikely Asheville will prevail there.

In 2011, the legislature enacted a broadband bill making it “difficult to impossible” for municipalities to start their own broadbands. Salisbury and Wilson, after massive expenditures and much debt was undertaken, and due to skillful lobbying by our representatives, managed to have their systems grandfathered. Rowan Commissioner Sides predicted that the City of Salisbury would dip into it’s water and sewer funds to support this system. This did not please our representatives, since Salisbury-Rowan Utilities serves municipalities and citizens outside of the city. The Treme administration assured our representatives that this would not happen and Salisbury was exempted.

Within a year or so, Salisbury would breach this assurance and borrow $7.6 million dollars from the water and sewer fund to begin operations. This breach created much unhappiness in Raleigh. The recent revelation that over $198,000 in legal fees have evidently billed to Salisbury-Rowan Utilities for Fibrant legal fees for the “Run and Gun” by Fibrant constructor Atlantic Engineering Group and that Fibrant employees costs and salaries were “shifted” to the general fund created additional consternation.

Let me be frank. The legislature has the legal right to revoke Salisbury’s legal charter if they wish. The legislature can take any city asset they desire and if necessary shut down this city. That is the law whether we like it or not. And unless there is a constitutional amendment to give municipalities “home rule” that is not going to change.

Continuing to treat the water and sewer fund as a slush fund to prop up Fibrant and creating “Magic Math” videos to pretend that Fibrant is making money when it clearly isn’t. Fibrant is subsidized from the general fund to the tune of $1 million dollars per year is a dangerous business that could cost the City of Salisbury it’s water and sewer system as early as the next “short session” in January of 2016. This would be an epic disaster as more than one million dollars per year are transferred from Salisbury-Rowan Utilities to the general fund each year. Massive employee lay-offs and/or massive tax increases would result. A new council would have no choice but enact massive lay-offs or raise taxes far beyond the average tax-payer’s level of comfort.

It is absolutely necessary for a financially responsible, all-new City Council to be elected to rebuild our legislators’ trust after these financial shenanigans. Fibrant must be sold or it must quickly become self-sustaining. Transparency and honesty best return to this City and a new spirit of trust and openness should prevail. Andrew Brock, Harry Warren, Carl Ford, and Tom McInnis need to be shown respect and trustworthiness concerning Salisbury’s assurances. That is not going to happen with the present incumbents and the two “retreads” from the “used politician junk-yard.”

To quote Saturday Night Live’s Hanz and Franz, “Hear me now and believe me later.” A new City Council is a much required necessity. If you can’t vote for me, carefully choose five new people who have not served previously. Don’t vote for Alexander, Blackwell, Miller, Lewis or Maddox. In my humble estimation this remains the Salisbury voters’ only chance to avoid a guaranteed disaster.

http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/?s=asheville

https://appellate.nccourts.org/opinions/?c=2&pdf=32975

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1m5wtwm49a5teru/Question8.mp3?dl=0