Chuck Hughes, Salisbury, N.C.

♦ Although it is important to support our great colleges, it is equally important to support the K-12 infrastructures that pave the way to the campuses of higher education. School districts spend millions annually on basic operating costs and salaries, yet there is negligible funding available to address major capital needs such as school replacement. Our children should not have to wait until they are old enough to enroll in college before they have the “luxury” of a safe, amiable learning environment.

The need for capital investment becomes obvious when you consider the age of some of our 20 elementary schools.

• Eleven were built between 1924 and 1936

• Two others were built in 1952 and 1963

• Three more were added in 1974, 1976

• Another was constructed in 1998

• The last three were completed in 2005 and 2007 ­­

Over the years, 60 additions have been added to the older schools. However, additions do little to compensate for the inefficiency of outdated boilers and air conditioning systems. In fact, additions often contribute to the problem. Even worse, some of our elementary schools are not designed to accept all of the basic security updates we need without costly modifications.

There are also major economic benefits when we build a new school and consolidate underserved, energy inefficient schools within the same bus zone. Each consolidation results in a savings of between $800,000 and one million dollars every year. Add to that windfall, the additional savings from technological advances in energy conservation systems, one less roof to replace and one less parking lot to pave.

Unless a portion of the $2.8 billion bond is allocated to the needs of all of the state’s 115 Local Education Agencies, I urge Rowan County citizens to vote NO on the referendum in March.

RFP Staff

♦ UPDATED: http://rowanfreepress.com/2016/01/19/ex-boyfriend-brandon-jerron-hawkins-was-charged-today-with-first-degree-murder-in-the-death-of-talisha-crowder-in-salisbury-n-c/

Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, of Salisbury who graduated with an Associates Degree in Arts from Rowan Cabarrus Early College Program last summer and is now a student at Pfeiffer University, was reported missing earlier Monday by her mother.  At around 7 p.m. Crowder was tragically reported shot to death in a 1991 Honda Accord in a parking lot in front of an apartment complex at 311 North Long Street near Park Avenue in Salisbury.  The area surrounding the Accord was cordoned off by yellow crime scene tape.  Police vehicles rapidly filled the area as investigators questioned neighbors.

The Salisbury Police have not yet announced a suspect although they are said to have one mind. The motive for the homicide has not been provided.

The shooting is said to be not random.  The investigation continues.

From the Pfeiffer University Website: “Pfeiffer University Mourns the Loss of Student Talisha Crowder”:

“Pfeiffer University reports the death of student Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, of Salisbury, N.C. Ms. Crowder had been reporting missing by her mother on Mon., Jan. 18. She was found Monday evening in Salisbury, the victim of a gunshot wound. A prayer vigil to honor Talisha’s life will take place today at 6 p.m., Henry Pfeiffer Chapel, 48380 U.S. Hwy 52N, Misenheimer (Stanly County).

Ms. Crowder, who graduated in 2015 from Rowan Cabarrus Early College Program, entered Pfeiffer last fall as a junior due to the fact that she had accumulated the academic credit to do so. The current academic year, 2015-2016, was her first as a resident student on Pfeiffer’s Misenheimer campus.

“Everyone in the Pfeiffer community is heartbroken by the news of Talisha’s Crowder’s death,” said President Colleen Perry Keith. “Students, of course, are Pfeiffer’s most precious and valuable resource; her loss will be long felt by her classmates and professors. We all are keeping Talisha’s family, friends and hallmates foremost our thoughts and prayers.”

A biology/pre-med major, Ms. Crowder was by all accounts a serious student who held a work-study job on campus and was a member of Pfeiffer’s dance team. Counselors from Pfeiffer’s counseling center and Pfeiffer’s ministry staff are available for students, faculty members and staff who request these services.”

If anyone has any information about this murder, they are asked to call the Salisbury Police Department at 704-638-5333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

The late Talisha Danielle Crowder:

311 North Long Street in Salisbury, N.C.

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

RFP Staff

♦ Ex-Boyfriend Brandon Jerron Hawkins, 20 was charged today with first degree murder in the gunshot slaying of Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, a Pfeiffer University student from Salisbury. Hawkins became a prime suspect when the damaged 1991 Honda Accord Crowder was found in was registered in Hawkins name.

Hawkins was arrested today and charged with first degree murder (felony) and larceny of a firearm (misdemeanor). Being held without bond, Hawkins is in the Rowan County Detention Center.

Brandon Jerron Hawkins:

Brandon Hawkins Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1337574&searchLastName=Hawkins&searchFirstName=Brandon&searchMiddleName=j&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

From this morning’s RFP article: “Talisha Danielle Crowder Found Murdered in Vehicle Monday Evening at North Long Street and Park Avenue in Salisbury, N.C.”:

“Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, of Salisbury who graduated with an Associates Degree in Arts from Rowan Cabarrus Early College Program last summer and is now a student at Pfeiffer University, was reported missing earlier Monday by her mother. At around 7 p.m. Crowder was tragically reported shot to death in a 1991 Honda Accord in a parking lot in front of an apartment complex at 311 North Long Street near Park Avenue in Salisbury. The area surrounding the Accord was cordoned off by yellow crime scene tape. Police vehicles rapidly filled the area as investigators questioned neighbors.

From the Pfeiffer University Website: “Pfeiffer University Mourns the Loss of Student Talisha Crowder”:

“Pfeiffer University reports the death of student Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, of Salisbury, N.C. Ms. Crowder had been reporting missing by her mother on Mon., Jan. 18. She was found Monday evening in Salisbury, the victim of a gunshot wound. A prayer vigil to honor Talisha’s life will take place today at 6 p.m., Henry Pfeiffer Chapel, 48380 U.S. Hwy 52N, Misenheimer (Stanly County).

Ms. Crowder, who graduated in 2015 from Rowan Cabarrus Early College Program, entered Pfeiffer last fall as a junior due to the fact that she had accumulated the academic credit to do so. The current academic year, 2015-2016, was her first as a resident student on Pfeiffer’s Misenheimer campus.

“Everyone in the Pfeiffer community is heartbroken by the news of Talisha’s Crowder’s death,” said President Colleen Perry Keith. “Students, of course, are Pfeiffer’s most precious and valuable resource; her loss will be long felt by her classmates and professors. We all are keeping Talisha’s family, friends and hallmates foremost our thoughts and prayers.”

A biology/pre-med major, Ms. Crowder was by all accounts a serious student who held a work-study job on campus and was a member of Pfeiffer’s dance team. Counselors from Pfeiffer’s counseling center and Pfeiffer’s ministry staff are available for students, faculty members and staff who request these services.”

If anyone has any information about this murder, they are asked to call the Salisbury Police Department at 704-638-5333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

The late Talisha Danielle Crowder:

311 North Long Street in Salisbury, N.C.

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

RFP Staff

♦ Video: Rowan County Commission Met at 6 P.M. on January 19th in Salisbury, N.C.:

http://rowancountync.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=568

RFP Staff

♦ On Tuesday January 12th K-Dee Jewelers on 112 East Innes was allegedly robbed by a well-dressed Black couple masquerading as customers.  The couple allegedly helped themselves to expensive rings, designer watches, necklaces, and other jewelry related items.  The robbery was not discovered until two days passed and the stolen inventory was noticed missing.

During the robbery, the couple allegedly distracted employees by separating and questioning store employees about various items in cases and behind the counter. In the security video the alleged male robber deftly removed a key, stepped around the counter, and lifts out the jewelry items before he shuts the counter door. All this was allegedly done while his female companion continued to distract a store employ with questions and requests.

Description of the alleged male robber: Black male, in his 50’s, wore a gray blazer, white dress shirt, eye-glasses, and dark slacks.

Description of the alleged female robber: Black female, in her 50’s, sported a cane (may be a prop), dark jacket and pants, eye-glasses, and purse.

If you recognize the people in the security stills or know anything about this robbery please call the Salisbury Police Department at 704-638-5333 or Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

K-Dee Jeweler’s security cam stills:

Steve Mensing, Editor

♦ “Salisbury, N.C. is 17.3 square miles surrounded by reality.”

A couple of days ago someone shared an article with me from Salisbury’s print media.  In the article Mayor Karen Alexander supports an initiative to register guns in Salisbury, N.C.  I scratched my head and recalled our noble North Carolina state lawmakers passed a law forbidding N.C. municipalities from registering guns.  I wondered if Karen consulted with the city attorney about her desire to register guns in Ole Shotzbury?

Here’s a refresher course on state law addressing N.C. Municipalities and Counties ability to register firearms forwarded to the RFP by N.C. Rep. Carl Ford:

“S.L. 1995-727 prohibits counties and municipalities from imposing a registration scheme.

I understand that any then-standing statutes were exempted, meaning Durham County’s program would continue. In 2014, Sen. Woodard passed a local act, S.L. 2014-11, to repeal their program. Therefore, there aren’t any state registration programs, and no programs can be imposed.”

Respectfully, Kyle Chermak, Legislative Assistant

Todd Paris, Associate Editor and Salisbury Attorney

Councilman Kenny Hardin and David Post Bring Transparency to Salisbury City Council Meetings

After years of complaints, Salisbury City Council will now meet at 5PM and allow Public Comment at both meetings. Councilman Hardin and Councilman Post pushed this item after receiving significant feedback from Salisbury citizens that the 4PM meeting time did not allow regular citizens and business owners to take part in their local government.

This was despite initial opposition from incumbent members, including Mayor Pro Tem Maggie Blackwell, that this issue had already been discussed and put to bed years ago.

Setting government meetings during the time when most people work prevents concerned citizens from attending meetings and can be used as a way to prevent critical comments. Only allowing public comment at one meeting per month can be used the same way.

Citizens will now be able to attend the meetings at 5PM and give public comment at 6PM at both meetings. Kudos to Councilman Kenny Hardin and David Post for making a change that should have been made years ago. Both have shown excellent leadership.

Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander Waffles then Retreats on Gun Registration

Two days after suggesting that a gun registration system for Salisbury be created, Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander publicly waffled on the matter by apologizing to a group of gun owners at the January 19th City Council Meeting, then retreated from the meeting before she could hear their comments.

Several gun owners assembled at the Salisbury City Council Meeting to speak under public comment and defend their second amendment rights. Prior to those gun owners being allowed to speak, Mayor Karen Alexander apologized to them for her suggestion and then informed them that she would have to leave the meeting and would not hear their public comments. The gavel was handed off to Mayor Pro Tem Maggie Blackwell who then ran the meeting and invited pro-second amendment speakers to share their thoughts. Many of the speakers were left stunned as she retreated from the meeting without hearing their comments.

Gun registration systems don’t work. Criminals do not register their guns, only law-abiding citizens do. New York enacted a gun registration system that was later used by the government to confiscate guns from law abiding citizens. Several of the pro-second amendment speakers brought up this fact and complained that the City Council has not adequately staffed the Police Department to handle the rising crime in Salisbury.

Mayor Karen Alexander did not do her homework. She suggested a failed policy without adequate research. She also threw her public support behind a policy as a Republican Mayor, alienating many in her party. We call on her to adequately staff the Salisbury Police Department before she decides that the rights of law-abiding citizens be infringed.

Rep. Carl Ford Preempts Salisbury City Mayor’s Gun Registration Idea

A sea of “camo-clad” 2nd Amendment heroes descended upon Salisbury City Council tonight for public comment resulting from concerns over Salisbury mayor Karen Alexander’s comments in “main street media” in favor of firearms registration. Wisely understanding that universal registration is always a mere precursor to confiscation; they made their voices heard, loud and clear.

It is fortunate that our own Carl Ford cosponsored a bill (H.B. 705) in the N.C. House that removes legal power from its political subdivisions (the city and the county) to regulate firearms, reserving to the legislature all such power.

http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/House/HTML/H705v1.html

With the cooperation of good Republicans in the NC Senate, this has become law.

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_14/gs_14-409.40.html

Tough luck, Karen! Rebuild your broken police department and stop blaming law abiding gun owners for the City of Salisbury’s losses in the “war on crime.”

Vigilance:

The Great Unwashed:

Bad Vibes:

RaleighCW/Community Matters

♦ Host Bill Lumaye of “Community Matters” interviews the N.C. Connections Academy Principal Nathan Currie and math teacher Kris Yerkie about N.C. Connections Academy, an online virtual school serving homeschoolers and their parents desiring classroom structure.  Like all public education, N.C. Connections Academy is tuition free.

http://raleighcw.com/sections/community/features/community-matters/videos/virtual-schoolnathan-curie-kris-yerkie-7.shtml

RFP Staff

♦ In response to mounting juvenile crime in Salisbury, here is a parental reminder about the City of Salisbury’s curfew ordinance:

Within the Salisbury limits it is unlawful for juveniles under the age of sixteen, unaccompanied by a parent or appointed guardian, to be in public places between the hours of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday-Thursday and Midnight-6am Friday-Saturday.

Exceptions include youth traveling to and from school, religious and civic-sponsored events and youth traveling to places of employment or responding to emergencies.

RFP Staff

♦ Brandon Jarron Hawkins, 20, of 1032 Gold Road and alleged killer of Pfeiffer University student Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, in Salisbury, made a brief appearance in District Court today with Judge Beth Dixon presiding.  Dressed in an orange Rowan County Detention Center jumpsuit and wearing leg shackles and handcuffs, Hawkins stared vacantly at Judge Dixon when she told him he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment and up to 39 months in prison for larceny of a firearm.

Judge Dixon assigned Salisbury attorney Drew Cochran to represent Hawkins on a provisional basis.  Rowan County Indigent Services will appoint an attorney or attorneys for Hawkins in the near future.

Held without bond, Hawkins the Ex-boyfriend of Crowder is charged with first degree murder (felony) and larceny of a firearm (misdemeanor).  He remains in the Rowan County Detention Center.  Hawkins next court appearance will on February 10th.

The Late Talisha Danielle Hawkins:

From an RFP article appearing on January 19th: “Ex-Boyfriend Brandon Jerron Hawkins was Charged Today with First Degree Murder in the Death of Talisha Crowder in Salisbury, N.C.”

Ex-Boyfriend Brandon Jerron Hawkins, 20 was charged today with first degree murder in the gunshot slaying of Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, a Pfeiffer University student from Salisbury. Hawkins became a prime suspect when Crowder was found in the damaged 1991 Honda Accord registered to Hawkins.

As yet no motive was provided for this this tragic homicide.

Hawkins was arrested today and charged with first degree murder (felony) and larceny of a firearm (misdemeanor). Hawkins is being held without bond in the Rowan County Detention Center. His first court hearing will be on Thursday January 21st.

Brandon Hawkins Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1337574&searchLastName=Hawkins&searchFirstName=Brandon&searchMiddleName=j&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

From this morning’s RFP article: “Talisha Danielle Crowder Found Murdered in Vehicle Monday Evening at North Long Street and Park Avenue in Salisbury, N.C.”:

“Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, of Salisbury who graduated with an Associates Degree in Arts from Rowan Cabarrus Early College Program last summer and is now a student at Pfeiffer University, was reported missing earlier Monday by her mother. At around 7 p.m. Crowder was tragically reported shot to death in a 1991 Honda Accord in a parking lot in front of an apartment complex at 311 North Long Street near Park Avenue in Salisbury. The area surrounding the Accord was cordoned off by yellow crime scene tape. Police vehicles rapidly filled the area as investigators questioned neighbors.

From the Pfeiffer University Website: “Pfeiffer University Mourns the Loss of Student Talisha Crowder”:

“Pfeiffer University reports the death of student Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, of Salisbury, N.C. Ms. Crowder had been reporting missing by her mother on Mon., Jan. 18. She was found Monday evening in Salisbury, the victim of a gunshot wound. A prayer vigil to honor Talisha’s life will take place today at 6 p.m., Henry Pfeiffer Chapel, 48380 U.S. Hwy 52N, Misenheimer (Stanly County).

Ms. Crowder, who graduated in 2015 from Rowan Cabarrus Early College Program, entered Pfeiffer last fall as a junior due to the fact that she had accumulated the academic credit to do so. The current academic year, 2015-2016, was her first as a resident student on Pfeiffer’s Misenheimer campus.

“Everyone in the Pfeiffer community is heartbroken by the news of Talisha’s Crowder’s death,” said President Colleen Perry Keith. “Students, of course, are Pfeiffer’s most precious and valuable resource; her loss will be long felt by her classmates and professors. We all are keeping Talisha’s family, friends and hallmates foremost our thoughts and prayers.”

A biology/pre-med major, Ms. Crowder was by all accounts a serious student who held a work-study job on campus and was a member of Pfeiffer’s dance team. Counselors from Pfeiffer’s counseling center and Pfeiffer’s ministry staff are available for students, faculty members and staff who request these services.”

311 North Long Street in Salisbury, N.C.:

RFP Staff

♦ Brian Seandale Oglesby AKA “Shondale”, 36, a Salisbury felon, was arrested Thursday morning by Rowan Sheriff’s Office deputies for an alleged armed robbery and beating his victim’s face with handgun. The alleged robbery took place 6:30 p.m. Sunday at 210 Craver Avenue in Salisbury where the alleged victim John Wayne Gray, Jr., 43, lived.  Gray was lured outside where Oglesby wanted to talk with him about a tire.  The two spoke briefly before Oglesby allegedly drew a handgun and slammed it Gray’s face, driving his victim senseless to the ground and breaking his nose.  Oglesby allegedly rifled Gray’s pockets and came up with an undetermined amount of cash and other items.

A few moments later Gray’s girlfriend stepped outside to see her boyfriend sprawled on the ground.  Her screams carried through the neighborhood.  Oglesby fled into the night.

Wednesday the Salisbury Police obtained warrants for Oglesby arrest and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office deputies served them at Oglesby’s residence at 2760 Grubb Ferry Road.

Oglesby was charged with robbery with firearms or other dangerous weapons (felony) and assault with a deadly weapon (misdemeanor). Under a secured $2,500 bond, he was held in the Rowan County Detention Center until he was released on bond.

Brian Seandale/Shondale Oglesby’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0537580&searchLastName=oglesby&searchFirstName=brian&searchMiddleName=s&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

Rodney Cress, Veteran Advocate

♦ I’m collecting military memorabilia for HAPPY’s FARM, a Rowan non profit, beginning a military exhibit for the 60 children remaining there after school hours until their parents pick them up. The exhibit will help the youngsters to understand what a soldier is and does. Happy’s Farm is a great place for the children. Our goal is to teach them about our military and the sacrifices made. Take time to read the web site and click on the DONATE link for items needed.

These items need to be able to withstand outside weather. They will be displayed in an outside building about 50 feet long with a roof and side, but the ends will be open so a vehicle can pass through it. No items larger than over 2 feet, preferably military tins or small flags honoring all 5 military services. These items will be fastened to the inside wall of the building.

If you require more information contact me by Facebook message.

To learn more about Happy Farm:

http://www.happysfarm.org/

RFP Staff

♦ The roads throughout Rowan County are becoming extremely hazardous as nightfall approaches and a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain made area streets and roadways difficult to negotiate without sliding. The word is out from law enforcement: STAY OFF THE ROADS UNLESS ITS AN EMERGENCY.

According to the National Weather Service approximately an inch of snow fell on Rowan County between 12 a.m. and 9 a.m. Throughout the morning hours and through afternoon a mix of sleet and freezing rain added to treacherous driving conditions, causing fender benders and cars slamming into utility poles. Wisely schools, government offices, and most businesses remained closed for the day.

Tonight snow is predicted to fall in substantial amounts on top of ice slicked roads. Enjoy watching it on TV from the safety of your home. Have a plan B if your power goes out.

These photos were taken early Friday afternoon in Salisbury around Statesville Road:

The Long Slide:

Usually Busy Eateries Remained Empty as Few People Braved the Roads. Pictured Here is Il Collosseo:

Todd Paris, Associate Editor and Salisbury Attorney

♦ After looking for the Salisbury N.C. City Rules for Council Meetings on the City’s website and failing, I stumbled upon the one used for Salisbury, Maryland. They have meetings at 6:00 p.m. and clarify how council members and even the public (believe it or not) can get an item added to the agenda and if the item is legal, constitutional and proper, the mayor is required to add the item to the agenda. To often with Salisbury, N.C.’s City Council, “it’s not on the agenda” and the “prior restraint’ of what’s placed on the agenda is used as a mechanism to stifle dissent from some council members and prevents openness and transparency. We should adopt a similar ordinance and (or) policy and meeting time so working folks can attend with public comment at both meetings like the County does so as to prevent the scheduling of controversial matters for the “no public comment” meeting. That’s what open and transparent government looks like.

Lest it be said that I am always negative.

Kudos – for the Police Chief’s “early retirement” and Stallings appointment as interim. Morale has improved at the PD.

Demerit – for throwing the almost 200 page 2015 Finance Report and Audit at new council members at December’s council meeting, with no advance copy or earlier phone call or meeting with the City Manager to prepare, when clearly drafts and copies were available for weeks, and then expecting Kenny and David to ask intelligent questions of the auditor and provide required oversight. Or maybe that was the idea?

Demerit – for an oral auditor’s report in front of citizens and media that skipped not one but two negative findings. 1) That the broadband fund still operates in violation of the law and that 2) Internal controls were lacking so that embezzlement might occur in collections and; mentioning only “in passing” a letter to the Council disclosing actual embezzlement. Of course, this letter was not provided that night either, and I had to do a FOIA to get it.

Demerit – for “tabling” the discussion on the audit when clearly new members wanted to discuss it and never placing it back on the agenda for such discussion when the auditor could return for informed questions.

Demerit – for suggesting that new council members meet with staff in private to discuss the audit findings instead of discussing it in front of the media and public.

Mayor’s Demerit – The Fibrant deficit and it’s affects on City Infrastructure including a reduction in pay, numbers and morale at SPD, which resulted in a over 75% attrition rate, is the largest contributor to our current inability to handle the increase in violent crime. I suggest attention be turned to fixing something we can fix, like fair pay for our officers instead of calling for Firearms Registration.

BTW, How much WAS embezzled in the collections department?

Steve Mensing, Editor

♦ Back in the mid 60’s I built a homebrew skateboard out of wood plank and outfitted it with wheels cannibalized from roller skates.  I’d go flying down steep hills in G-Town (a Philadelphia neighborhood) and the famous Manayunk Wall (a very long and extremely steep roadway formed by several streets and an avenue passing through the Manayunk community and winding up in Roxborough). So I was gung ho the other day when I watched Myles Cannon, a skateboarder and Rowan-Cabarrus Early College Student, give an excellent presentation promoting a skateboard park for Salisbury before City Council.

A video of Myles Cannon’s skateboard park presentation:

FDR Skateboard Park in Philadelphia, PA:

RFP Staff

♦ This morning during a snow emergency news conference in North Carolina, Governor Pat McCrory reported that an all-terrain vehicle deliberately struck an N.C. Highway Trooper in Rowan County.

Trooper Robert Charubini confronted two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the corner of Mt. Moriah Church Road and Harmony Lane near N.C. Highway 153 in Enochville, N.C. after persons in the area complained about the 2 all-terrain vehicles making excessive noise at 2 a.m.  After activating emergency lights on his vehicle,  State Trooper Charubini attempted to stop the operators of the two ATVs.  The ATVs pulled into Harmony Lane and Trooper Charubini exited his car.  At this point the operators drove toward him at a high rate of speed, slamming into him and driving him to the ground.  The ATVs made a 2nd run at the fallen trooper.  At this point Trooper Charubini fired on his assailants to avoid further injury.  The ATVs fled the scene.

Trooper Charubini was transported to Carolinas Medical Center-North East in Concord, N.C. and is reported to have suffered a broken lower leg and chin lacerations.  His injuries are regarded as non-life threatening. He was released today from the hospital.

Governor McCrory stated during the new conference: “The behavior was inexcusable by those who hit the trooper.”

Currently state and local law enforcement are hunting for the two all-terrain vehicles. The North Carolina Troopers Association is offering a $1,000 reward for the capture and arrest of the suspects in this case.

If you have any information about these all-terrain vehicles and their drivers please contact the N.C. Highway Patrol at 1(800)233-3151.

RFP Staff

♦ A 77 year-old woman Sylvia Seebeck died yesterday from injuries sustained from a beating during an apartment break-in on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. near the Salisbury Civic Center. The break-in and attack occurred over a week and a half ago.  According to the victim’s daughter, the woman was physically assaulted after a Black male approached her on the street outside her home and asked to use her bathroom and a phone. Ms. Seebeck declined, stating that commercial venues were available 5 blocks away on Main and Innes Streets.

The alleged killer followed the victim into her apartment, picked her up and slammed her to the floor. Blood spatter remained at the crime scene floor and corner wall. Furniture was displaced. Ms. Seebeck was transported to Novant Rowan Regional Medical Center’s cardiovascular unit. The victim sustained deep head lacerations requiring staples, a concussion, and cardiovascular challenges. She remained in Novant Rowan Regional Medical Center for several days before she was transferred to a nursing home where she died yesterday.

If anyone has information about either the murder or the break-ins occurring in that area, they are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333 or Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

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

RFP Staff/Lipps, Inc.

♦ Video: Salisbury, N.C. Mayor Karen Alexander Goin’ to Funky Town:

RFP Staff

♦ The bad news: Dead Ed’s will close on East Innes in Salisbury as will an antique store and a clothing store on Main Street. More stores are rumored to shutter after an especially tough holiday shopping season in Downtown Salisbury. A lack of people traffic, parking, and the high cost of doing business Downtown usually leads to a short existence.

On the upside one of the biggest chain Sports Bars/wing restaurants in the U.S.A Buffalo Wild Wings MIGHT open on the 1500 block of East Innes. If its doors open, it will no doubt snuff out any area sports bar and surely another restaurant. The Buffalo Wild Wings at Afton Ridge does an incredible business for folks who love sports and wings. Don’t get your hopes up yet–so many plans for chain restaurants never materialize in the Bury. How long was the Golden Corral rumored to be coming and never showed?

Posted on Dead Ed’s Facebook page: “Big news for Dead Ed’s!!! We will be closing the store front at the end of January. Don’t be sad! You can still shop through FB until the website is up and running or catch us at the many conventions and shows we will be working. It’s been a great 5 years and we would like to thank everyone for making it that way. If you have consignment items here you need to come pick them up during store hours or arrange a time with us. Once again, thank you guys for a great 5 years Downtown!”

Miscellaneous Body Found, Inc.

♦ Salisbury, N.C. HOPSCOTCH: 12 Unsolved Murders