RFP Staff

♦ Salisbury Police Sources report that Austin Coy Coleman, 18, a felon living on the 300 block of West 14th Street in Salisbury, was arrested Wednesday around 10 a.m. in the area of 310 N. Main Street for an alleged armed robbery. The 300 block of North Main is located near the Rowan County Detention Center on the 200 block of North Main. Coleman’s alleged take in this robbery was not disclosed nor the name of his victim.

300 block of North Main St. in Salisbury, N.C.:

Coleman was charged with robbery with firearm or other dangerous weapons (felony). Under a secured $1,000 bond, he was being held in the Rowan County Detention Center until he bonded out.

Austin Coy Coleman:

Austin Coy Coleman’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1457601&searchLastName=coleman&searchFirstName=austin&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

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

Chapelboro.com/Blake Hodge

♦ Cooper Up 7 in Governor’s Race. Burr Leading Senate Race in Latest North Carolina Poll:

Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman

♦ I’ve read recently and have heard for years people say they don’t agree with the things I say and I’m ok with that. I don’t think we should ever always agree with each other because conformity stifles growth and progress.

What I don’t agree with and find a bit ridiculous are those who say they agree with my views, but not the way I express them. What does that even mean? I think people are more concerned about how my words impact them emotionally and make them feel more so than what I’m saying. If that’s the case, then that’s your mental and emotional deficiency to deal with, not mine.

People have difficulty in hearing and accepting the truth. I’m not in the rah-rah feel good business. If I see inequity and injustice, I will call it out. I don’t subscribe to blind allegiance either. If you’re Black and engaging in detrimental idiocy you deserve to be exposed too.

Not once in my 25 years of truth telling and fighting for the rights of others have I ever initially been disrespectful or out of control. Now, in response to that lack of respect directed towards me, yes I have tried to show as much verbal hostility as possible in return.

I find it interesting how people feel comfortable coming at you with attitude, heightened emotions and demeaning language, but get offended when you respond equally. I was told yesterday that a White business owner is upset with my vote in the last Council meeting and intends to call and straighten me out. I told the caller to explain to him that if he does call with that intention, he will get “cussed the f*** out.”

Cordiality and respect are hallmarks of my personality, but don’t ask something more of me than you expect for yourself. There are people in this city who need to understand I don’t subscribe to the theory of smiling when nothing is funny and scratching when you don’t itch. There are Black people here who are afraid to be a man, but I’m not one. I will afford you the same level of respect given to me.

I have strong opinions that I never force anyone to accept. But to summarily dismiss my opinions as illogical and irrational and try to mute my voice because it makes you uncomfortable, harnesses back to the days when Whites felt Blacks had no rights they had to respect. I’ve never been in a position of forced servitude and refuse to act as if I am now.

I’m all for unity and mutually respectful relationships but the weight has to be equally distributed. I will continue to fight and speak out for the undervalued, underserved and those in the margins so if that offends you, I’m unapologetic.

N.C. Center for Missing Persons

♦ UPDATE SILVER ALERT ENDS for Carrie Dawn Tullos. Located Saturday. Thank you to all who assisted in this effort!

A SILVER ALERT was issued for Carrie Dawn Tullos, 26, of the 1000 block of Theodore Lane in Salisbury, N.C. on Friday by the N.C. Center for Missing Persons.

Ms. Tullos was last seen Thursday on 300 E. Council Street.  Allegedly she suffers from a cognitive impairment.

Description: Tullos is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 120 lbs. Medium-length brown hair. She was wearing a sleeveless Carolina shirt, light blue shorts, and black shoes.

If you have any information about Carrie Dawn Tullos you are urged to call the Salisbury Police Department at 704-638-5333.

RFP Staff

♦  Salisbury Police sources report that officers were dispatched to the Colonial Village Apartments at 231 West D Avenue on a 911 call at approximately 11:45 a.m. Residents heard gunshots coming from an alley behind the apartment complex.   Michael Levander Pruitt, of the 100 block of Overbrook Road in Salisbury, was fired upon by a yet named assailant, but was not struck.

Colonial Village Apartments at 231 West D Avenue in Salisbury, N.C.:

Pruitt, the victim of an assault with a gun, was said to be acquainted with the shooter who used a handgun, but so far no suspect’s name was released or motive provided for the shooting. A black 2003 Hyundai reportedly left the area immediately after the shooting.

The Salisbury Police continue to investigate the shooting.

Colonial Village Apartments at 231 West D. Avenue:

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect an award of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

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

CordCuttersNews.com/Luke

♦ Cord Cutters News: Updated–Cord Cutting 101 Beginners Guided to Cord Cutting:

RFP Staff

♦ A number of our staff and friends have gone to the Morgan Ridge Rail Walk Brewery and Eatery since it opened last Wednesday and have come back with glowing reports about Morgan Ridge’s layout, menu, assortment of high-end beers (many adventurously flavored) and wines and universally told us this spot is going to draw a lot of eating and drinking folks away from other spots in the city.  Big time.  It won’t put a dent in hardcore drinking establishments like “Bench Warmers” on Brick Street, but other spots currently staying above water will blip out in the coming months.  So it is in the rapid cycle world of bars and eateries in Salisbury.  It will definitely be a datenight pitstop for many.

Morgan Ridge Rail Walk Brewery and Eatery at 421 North Lee Street is opened Wednesday and Thursday from 4-10 p.m.  Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.  Sunday Noon to 10 p.m.

Morgan Ridge Rail Walk Brewery and Eatery website is well laid out and contains a wealth of information about the folks who run it, the beer and wine list, the menu and more:

http://www.morganridgerailwalk.com

Phone: 704-754-8379.

RFP Staff

♦ Rowan County Sheriff’s Office sources reported on Friday that Dante Wooden AKA Donte Wooden, 31, of Woodleaf Road in Woodleaf, N.C. was arrested on alleged multiple drug charges, providing a deputy with a false name “Melvin Ray Jackson”,  attempting to sell cocaine to James Paul Carter, possessing 2 grams of cocaine and a small quantity of Marijuana plus numerous other charges.  Wooden, driving a white Camaro, was arrested by deputies in the B.P. parking lot at 3335 NC 801 Hwy in Woodleaf.

B.P. Station Parking Lot at 3335 NC 801 Hwy in Woodleaf:

Dante Wooden AKA Donte Wooden:

Wooden was charged with possession with intent to sell/distribute controlled substance schedule II (felony), possess control substance schedule VI (misdemeanor), sell/deliver control substance schedule II (felony), possess with intent to manufacture controlled substance schedule II (felony), maintain a dwelling/vehicle for controlled substance (felony), failure to appear/comply (misdemeanor), child restraint systems required (misdemeanor), reckless driving (misdemeanor), driving while license revoked (misdemeanor), and fictitious information to officer (misdemeanor).
Under a secured $69,000 bond, he is being held in the Rowan County Detention Center.

Dante Wooden AKA Donte Wooden was previously charged in Rowan County with failure to comply and driving while impaired.

**This article will be updated as more information arrives.**
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♦ Rowan County Sheriff’s Office sources report Brandon Michael Long, 29, of Farm Creek Road in Salisbury, was arrested Friday on 1060 Farm Creek Road for allegedly beating a man with his fists. Four of the victim’s teeth were said knocked out and his face was bruised. No motive for the alleged attack was provided.

1060 Farm Creek Road in Salisbury, N.C.:

Long was charged with assault inflicting serious injury (misdemeanor). Under a secured $500 bond, he was being held in the Rowan County Detention Center, but has bonded out.

Brandon Michael Long’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0993564&searchLastName=long&searchFirstName=brandon&searchMiddleName=m&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

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

Public Announcement

♦ A program on Sherman’s March into Anson County–the “Skirmish at Thompson’s Creek” will be presented by Leslie Rivers on Wednesday, September 14th in the Stanback Room of the Rowan Public Library on Fisher Street in Salisbury, N.C.  This small battle began in Chesterfield County, S.C. and ended in Anson, County. N.C.  Anson County was the first entry point into North Carolina for Sherman’s March in March 1965.

Ms. Rivers, who lives in Monroe, is a teacher in the Anson County School System.  This is history close to home you never read about.  Please come and bring your friends to this educational program.

For more information call Steve Poteat at 704-633-7229.  E-mail: Rowanscv@carolina.rr.com

http://www.rowanscv.org

RFP Staff

♦ Salisbury Police report an accident this afternoon around 3:30 p.m. in the West End from unknown causes.  The vehicle, a copper-colored Ford Taurus, flipped over after allegedly hitting a speed bump near the intersection of West Horah and Vanderford Streets at which point the driver Eric George Hyman, 28, of W. Horah Street attempted to flee officers on foot.  Hyman was caught on W. Monroe Street near S. Caldwell Street. Hyman was injured, bleeding, apparently incoherent from shock of the crash. He was taken to the hospital. Officers said he may have dozed off at the wheel.

The accident victim Eric George Hyman:

Salisbury Police cars gather on Monroe Street near Livingstone College after the accident on Salisbury’s West End:

Salisbury Police officers gather around man taken into custody on Monroe Street in the West End and then later transported to the hospital:

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

RFP Staff

♦ A week ago Salisbury City Councilman David Post sent a shockwave through the city when he announced that almost 2,000 vacant and abandoned houses existed in Salisbury.  The councilman let us know that these 2,000 vacant and abandoned houses in a city of roughly 14,000 houses accounted for nearly 15% of all the houses in Salisbury.  These empty and dilapidated houses besides being an eyesore are an invitation to crime, drugs, vandals, and arson. Many neighbors want them demolished.

An abbreviated tour of vacant and abandoned houses in Salisbury, N.C.’s North Main area:

RFP Staff

♦ The burglaries continue unabated throughout the city of Salisbury over the last two years and contribute to the city’s aura of a lack of safety.  They occur almost anytime of day.  Here are two randomly chosen forcible entries.

According to Salisbury Police sources report that a burglary–forcible entry was reported 11:14 p.m. in the 200 block of Link Avenue.  James Fife III, 28, came home and found his Play Station 4 video game player and his Samsung 52 inch TV were ripped off and his side door was forced open.  All told his lost items were valued at $1,199.

The 200 block of South Link Avenue in Salisbury:

At this time no suspects have been named and no arrests have been made.

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect an award of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

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

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

♦ Salisbury Police sources reported that a burglary–forcible entry took place Tuesday on the 200 block of E. Steele Street where Kawana Gaither, 31, came home and reported to the police  at 3:08 p.m. that someone broke into home through a window and carted off her Element TV, her Sony Xbox 360 video game player, and her HP computer.  The items stolen were valued at $610.

You can certainly imagine the sense of safety this person felt knowing that a stranger entered her home and removed her home entertainment.  Ms. Gaither’s story is all to familiar to many living across the city who have their homes and vehicles the subject of police reports.

The 200 Block of East Steele Street in Salisbury, N.C.:

At this time no suspects have been named and no arrests have been made.

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect an award of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

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

RFP Staff

♦ Pamela Jenelle Cain, 33, of Granite Quarry just arrested September 7th for alleged common law robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, is back in jail early Wednesday morning for allegedly breaking into cars, stealing a firearm, and ID theft.

Pamela Jean Cain:

Cain is charged with financial transaction card takes/obtains (felony), Breaking and entering vehicle rr cars and other motor vehicles (felony), larceny (misdemeanor), larceny of firearm (felony), obtaining property by false pretenses (felony), identity theft (felony), failure to appear/comply (misdemeanor). Under a secured $31,000 bond, Cain is being held in the Rowan County Detention Center.

Pamela Jenelle Cain’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1124838&searchLastName=cain&searchFirstName=pamela&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

RFP Staff

♦ It was a packed house in the Morgan Ridge Rail Walk Brewery and Eatery Wednesday evening when the “Trump Train” pulled into Salisbury’s arts district and stopped in front of the newly opened craft brewery and eatery with the nearest thing to a “star” the city ever welcomes nowadays.  Okay it wasn’t the DONALD, it was the farthest reaches of his near DNA: his daughter-in-law Lara Trump who came to speak before a gathering of Rowan County Republicans.  The crowd genuinely enjoyed her presence.  We thank all those folks who submitted photos.

Photo Gallery of last evening’s Rowan County Republican Lara Trump event at the Morgan Ridge Rail Walk Brewery and Eatery:

Lara Trump speaks before a packed house:

The Trump Train pulls into the station at Morgan Ridge Rail Walk Brewery and Eatery in Salisbury’s Art’s District

The packed house early in the evening:

Stephen Kidd M.C. introduces Lara Trump:

Lara Trump and entourage disembark from the “Trump Train”:

Rep. Harry Warren speaks at last evening’s gathering:

Lara Trump enjoying the company of Stephen Elliot Arthur and Republican friends:

Cub reporter from City Hall’s newsletter trys not to annoy guests:

Photos of the last nights Republican gathering:

RFP Staff

♦ According to several sources inside of Salisbury’s City Hall Salisbury went unrepresented at the NC Housing Code Officials Conference September 11-14 in Kitty Hawk, N.C.

The NC Housing Code Officials Conference met three times this year with a Spring Workshop in Fayetteville NC, Certified Housing Official Certification in Dallas NC, and now the Educational Conference.  Salisbury sent no one to any of them.

You would think with all the press about vacant and abandoned houses (2,000 vacant and abandoned houses in Salisbury) they would have sent someone.

This is the organization Mayor Pro Tem Maggie Blackwell told city staff to get back involved with to learn how to help.

Check out the agenda below, “Code Officials Conference” training was right up their Salisbury’s alley this week.  Something they truly needed to do with the city drowning under vacant and abandoned houses.  Salisbury is well on the way to Ghost City status with Detroit and Flint.

Salisbury, because of their huge budget sinkholes due to the Fibrant debacle, are cutting loose many qualified city employees including code enforcement personnel.  What code enforcement officers are left for city hall to mobilize retribution against City Hall’s enemy’s list?

http://www.ncahco.org/training.html

RFP Staff

♦ Salisbury Police sources report that Shybious Montreal Duncan, 22, of Charlotte and dwelling at 106 Clancy Street in Salisbury and Brittany Dannyelle Dalton, 23, of Salisbury were arrested as suspects for allegedly participating in August 31st armed robbery at the Village Inn Pizza on 2138 Statesville Boulevard in Salisbury. Dalton turned herself in to the Rowan County magistrate’s office on Wednesday night. Thursday Tyree Dashon Stiller, 22, was arrested. Two other suspects are sought.

A robber with a handgun was alleged to demand that that employees take him and two other robbers to a safe to obtain cash. The employees complied and were ordered to get on the floor. It was reported that the Village Inn Pizza safe was damaged when one of the robbers attempted to pry it open during the robbery. No one was injured at the time even though one of the employees was struck in the head prior to the robbers leaving the restaurant. The safe’s damage was estimated at $500.00.

The three robbers were described as males whose faces were covered with bandanas. All three were reported as being of medium height and build.

Village Inn Pizza at 2138 Statesville Boulevard in Salisbury, N.C.

Duncan was charged with attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon (felony). Under a secured $25,000 bond, he is being held in the Rowan County Detention Center.

Dalton was charged with accessory after the fact (felony). Under a secured $5,000 bond, she remains in the Rowan County Detention Center.

Tyree Dashon Stiller was charged with robbery with firearms or other dangerous weapons (felony). Under a secure $75,000 bond, he is being held in the Rowan County Detention Center.

The robbery remains under investigation.

Shybious Montreal Duncan’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1432029&searchLastName=duncan&searchFirstName=shybious&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect an award of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

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

Public Announcement

♦ Getting a job with a great future is happening right now in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties through the N.C. Manufacturing Institute (NCMI). Manufacturers and education/training providers are working together to develop customized programs to give you the skills and knowledge that local employers want-today!

The NCMI has Discovery Sessions just for you. People interested in learning more about scholarship-funded training for manufacturing jobs in Rowan and Cabarrus counties are encouraged to attend the upcoming Discovery Sessions listed below. Participants will learn about manufacturing job opportunities, training available to earn and become a Certified Production Technician, and scholarships to fund training and certifications for interested individuals. Participation in the Discovery Session and in the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute is at no charge for qualified job seekers.

When: Friday, September 23, 2016, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM EST

Where: East Spencer Town Hall, 105 S. Long Street, East Spencer, North Carolina 28039

Call: 704-216-7201

More Information and Registration Here:

http://www.cvent.com/events/ncmi-discovery-session/event-summary-be6917e8476940c5ae88bc01c5b15846.aspx

Todd Paris, RFP Staff Writer and Salisbury Attorney

♦ On August 25, 2016, Salisbury City announced Fibrant Director Kent Winrich resigned. In early 2015, after some urging, he was helpful as I tried to push a project forward that would’ve brought around 60 computer businesses to kick the tires on Fibrant and Salisbury. Of course the project died after it was sent to RowanWorks, but that’s a story for another day.

Recent information confirms that Adam Shepherd, Fibrant Sales Manager, found other employment as well.

With the City’s habit and practice of forcing existing employees to sign non-disclosure agreements in order to preserve their professional reputations from H-R attack and to preserve their benefits the tax-payers need to know the financial details.

Multiple reliable sources indicate that Fibrant sales have “flat-lined” around 3,000 subscribers and holding. I remember those “heady” days when charts and graphs were brought to city council meetings to show growing sales. We haven’t seen that in a while, have we?

In order to get to the bottom of these questions I have submitted the following FOIA/Public Records Request to Kelly Baker at the City of Salisbury. Let’s see what happens.

Myra’s email says she’s on leave or something like that. She referred me to you. Pursuant to NC public records law please provide the following by electronic means to minimize the expense to the tax-payers.

1. All payments made to Kent Winrich from January 1st 2016 through September 1st 2016, including dates and copies of checks/payments.

2. All payments made to Adam Shepherd from January 1st 2016 through September 1st 2016, including dates and copies of checks/payments.

3. The final date of employment for both of the above individuals along with the type of separation and copies of any resignation or termination letters/emails/correspondence.

4. All emails to and from Kent Winrich, and emails on which he was copied, during his last three months of employment.

5. All emails to and from Adam Shepherd, and emails on which he was copied, during his last three months of employment.”

FIBRANT

Steve Mensing and RFP Staff

♦ Here is a video and a few revealing photos from the glory days of downtown Salisbury when the downtown was truly alive with big box store shopping and crowds flocked here. This was a time when Belk’s, Zimmerman’s, A & P, Woolworth’s, Bernhardt’s, Budget Fair and many other shopping giants ruled the roost and attracted thousands every week. Over sixty years ago, downtown Salisbury was an actual destination.

When this video was shot, no schism existed between the city and the county. No vampiring by Salisbury of their neighbors through the city’s forced annexation schemes or taking big gulps from Rowan County towns’ water and sewer funds to keep a failed fiber optic network alive. The city and county were undivided. In 1953, Salisbury was an actual city with little crime and a once hopeful future. Downtown Salisbury was alive and prosperous in 1953, before its slow de-evolution into decay, vacant storefronts, panhandlers, ATM muggings, and the state’s largest municipal sales Tax.

A 1953 Video of Rowan County’s Bicentennial Celebration in downtown Salisbury:

Salisbury Then and Now:

Then…

Sale at Zimmerman’s in 1964 (compliments of David Post)

Inside Zimmerman’s Sale, 1964 (compliments of David Post)

Main Street Salisbury, circa 1949 (from Belk Archive)

Main Street Salisbury, circa 1980 (from Belk Archive)

and Now…

Main Street Salisbury, 2012

Are these the lasting impressions we want to make?

Areavibes.com

♦ Much Respected AreaVibes.Com Ranks Salisbury, N.C. in 442nd Place Among North Carolina Cities and Towns in Liveability in 2016. Calls Salisbury “somewhat liveable”:

http://www.areavibes.com/salisbury-nc/livability/?ll=35.66576+-80.49104

Salisbury Statistics::

SALISBURY, NC STATISTICS