Grocery chain lures NC meat buyers with billboard that emits scents of black pepper, charcoal

It's not just the picture of beef on a new billboard in North Carolina that tries to catch drivers' attention, it's the aroma coming from the sign.

The billboard on N.C. 150 in central North Carolina emits the smell of black pepper and charcoal to promote a new line of beef available at the Bloom grocery chain. Bloom is part of the Salisbury, N.C.-based Food Lion chain.

STAFF REPORTS

LINCOLNTON - The following listing represents incident and arrest reports from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

This listing does not necessarily mean anyone at the listed address was accused of any crime, only that a report was made at that location. Also, it is advisable to understand that many people may have the same or similar names.

Local law enforcement asks that anyone with information about any of these incidents or to report a crime call CrimeStoppers at (704) 736-8909. CrimeStoppers allows you to remain anonymous and pays up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Incident reports are brought to you by Helms Security, Inc. in Lincolnton. Follow update “tweets” on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/helmssecurity .

INCIDENTS
2010-03406
Larceny
Assigned:
Location: North Lincoln High School
Victim: Donna Beal
Suspect took Ipod from desk at school
Date Reported: May 28, 2010
District B

Profile America -- Friday, June 4th. In 1940, a major question facing the nation was -- "How do you make tires without rubber?" War clouds were gathering and the supply of natural rubber from Asia was drying up. Seventy years ago this week, the first synthetic rubber tire was displayed in Akron, Ohio. It was made by the B.F. Goodrich Company from readily available ingredients -- soap, gas, petroleum, and air, greatly helping the war effort. Now, natural rubber is used once again to make a huge variety of tires -- from lawnmowers to giant earth moving equipment. Each year in the U.S., we wear out many millions of tires.

NASCAR This Week
By Monte Dutton

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In future years, the NASCAR Hall of Fame will choose five inductees a year, guaranteeing that its shrine will always be exclusive.

There is, however, only one inaugural class ... and only one inaugural induction.

"You get to focus on five people every year, and they get their due," said executive director Winston Kelley. "It could've been four, and it could've been six. Some people said 'you need a bunch of people in there,' but I didn't like that concept and gave my feedback to NASCAR."

PHOTO: Living legends Richard Petty, left, and Junior Johnson were inducted into the first NASCAR Hall of Fame, along with the late William H.G. France, William C. France and Dale Earnhart. (John Clark/NASCAR This Week photo)

By Jason Saine

LINCOLNTON – Few businesses make it past the first five years according to the Small Business Administration.

For a business to make it to 50 is quite an accomplishment and reason to celebrate.

On Tuesday, a number of community business leaders, clients and friends celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Leonard Wealth Planning with the owner, J. Cain Leonard who is the son of the original founder of the business, Joe Leonard.

While reminiscing with those who had gathered in the offices located at 312 E. Water Street in Lincolnton, Cain Leonard pointed to a photo of his father.

“We honor my father today in celebrating our 50 years,” he said.

Photos by Melany Dawn Crouse for the Lincoln Tribune and ImageOneNC.

Public trust doctrine requires access to waters on private land

By Michael Lowrey

RALEIGH — Is a manmade ditch considered navigable under state law, and thus public property, if fishing boats use it? The state’s second-highest court ruled May 18 that it is — and such manmade waters are subject to the state’s public trust doctrine.

Patrice C. Clarke and Fish House Inc. operate restaurants on adjoining properties in Engelhard in Hyde County. On the border of the properties lies a canal called the Old Sam Spencer Ditch that 30-foot long fishing vessels use to get to the fish houses. In October 2007, Fish House sued Clarke for trespass, and sought an injunction to keep her from using the canal. In response, Clarke argued among other things that the Old Sam Spencer Ditch was navigable water.

RALEIGH -- Experimenting with new designs and operation techniques for nuclear power plants is a tricky business, since even small changes can pose significant safety and financial risks. But the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is funding a major research initiative that will use computer models to develop innovative new approaches to nuclear power that will result in safer, more cost-effective energy – and North Carolina State University is playing a key leadership role in the program.

Profile America -- Thursday, June 3rd. It's time for gowns, carnations, smiling parents, and diplomas. This is the season for graduations -- with ceremonies being held all over the country for students from kindergarten to graduate school. In the U.S., there are more than 75 million students at all levels of schooling -- over 40 million from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, just over 16 million in high school and more than 19 million in college. High school graduation rates have grown steadily through the years, so that now, over eight-out-of-10 young adults have a diploma. The rate for college graduates has also grown. In 1970, less than 11 percent of Americans had a college degree -- today, that figure is almost 30 percent.

Today is Thursday, June 3, the 154th day of 2010. There are 211 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On June 3, 1808, Confederate President Jefferson Davis was born in Christian County, Ky.

On this date:

One of President Barack Obama's top advisers suggested to a Colorado Democrat that he forgo a primary challenge to Sen. Michael Bennet and instead apply for one of three international development jobs.

The disclosure came just days after the White House admitted orchestrating a job offer in the Pennsylvania Senate race with the similar goal of avoiding a messy or divisive Democratic primary.

Twice, the Philadelphia Flyers needed video replay to decide if a goal counted.

One did, one didn't.

Claude Giroux didn't need the officials to check his winner.

Giroux scored 5:59 into overtime to give the Flyers a 4-3 victory over Chicago in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals Wednesday night, cutting the Blackhawks' series lead to 2-1. Game 4 is Friday night in Philadelphia.

GASTONIA, NC - Carolina Speedway will play host to ‘High 5 Night’ this Friday night June 4th.

‘High 5 Night’ is a unique night not only for race teams but for Carolina Speedway fans. All five divisions on hand will pay $500 to win plus five lucky fans will have a chance at winning $100 each.

On the card will be the Domino’s Pizza Street Stocks, Bea’s Gift Basket Open Wheel Modifieds, Tilley Harley Davidson Renegades, Q2U BBQ Pit Four Cylinders and Thunder Sportsman. After each main event Carolina Speedway will draw a ticket and give away $100 to a lucky fan.

Over Half Think North Carolina Needs Similar Legislation

Raleigh, N.C. – A new poll released today by the Civitas Institute reveals that 64 percent of North Carolina voters favor the new law in Arizona regarding illegal immigration and a majority of voters want North Carolina to enact a similar measure.

According to the poll of 600 likely voters, 64 percent of voters said they favor the new immigration law in Arizona which tracks federal law and allows local law enforcement to arrest illegal immigrants for being in the state illegally. Twenty-five percent said they oppose it, and 11 percent said they were not sure.

In addition, 58 percent said they think North Carolina should enact a similar law. Thirty-two percent said they do not think the state should pass such a law, and nine percent said they didn’t know.

RALEIGH, NC – On Tuesday, June 1, 2010, child advocates from Lincoln and Gaston Counties traveled to the North Carolina General Assembly as part of Smart Start’s statewide, “Tuesdays for Tots” initiative. The constituents met with the legislative delegation from each county and asked members to “hold the line” and continue to invest in young children in Gaston and Lincoln counties. Earlier this year more than 800 community leaders from across the state voted that access to quality early education and care was a top priority for young children.

“The Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties is committed to ensuring that all local children have access to early education and health services to help them succeed in school and in life,” said Steve Eaton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties.

Left to Right: Amy Wadsworth, Public Information Coordinator of the Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties, Deanna Matthews, Child Care Health Consultant with the Gaston County Health Department, Doreen Melton, Executive Director with First Baptist Children’s Ministry in Lincolnton, Steve Eaton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties and Senator James Forrester.

GASTONIA, NC - Carolina Speedway is happy to announce the addition of Bea’s Gift Baskets to the list of ever growing sponsors at Carolina Speedway. The Open Wheel Modified division will now be known as the Bea’s Gift Basket Open Wheel Modifieds.

“We are very happy to bring Bea’s Gift Baskets on board for 2010,” said Clint Elkins of Carolina Speedway. “Robin and David Alexander are passionate about short track racing and we are honored to have them involved.”

LINCOLNTON – Pumpkin Center Intermediate School will have a ribbon cutting for its walking track and a special dedication of its butterfly garden on Thursday, June 3, at 2 p.m.

The butterfly garden is dedicated in memory of Anna Brooks, a fourth grader at the school who died on April 16.

Pumpkin Center Intermediate teacher Donna Belk was award the NC Beautiful’s Windows of Opportunities Grant made possible from Duke Energy Foundation.

VALE, NC - Laura Baker, senior at West Lincoln High school and State 2A Tennis Singles Runner-up has committed to play tennis for the Monarchs at Methodist University beginning this fall. Laura is the daughter of Jana and Johnny Baker, Jr. of Lincolnton.

Heavily recruited by DII and DIII colleges, Baker’s decision for Methodist over colleges like Catawba and DePauw was heavily influenced by their coach, Francie Barragan. Barragan played her collegiate tennis at North Carolina State University from 1996-2000. In her career at N.C. State, Barragan helped lead the Wolfpack to a third-place finish in the ACC and a berth in the NCAA Division I National Tournament for women’s tennis in 1998. She served as team captain as a senior and was nominated for the NCAA Sportsperson of the Year in 1999.

Barragan took over as the women’s head tennis coach at Methodist for the 2005-06 season. In five seasons at the helm, Barragan has led the Monarchs to a 96-23 record with four conference championships and three conference tournament championships.

Pictured with Laura (Center) are (seated) parents Jana and Johnny Baker. Standing behind Laura is WLHS Athletic Director Wayne Navey and Tennis Coach Ken Hilderbran.

By Rich Lowry

The Arizona immigration law has become the occasion for a sorry exercise in national self-abasement.

When Mexican President Felipe Calderon addressed a joint session of Congress recently, he rapped Arizonians -- ignorantly and unfairly -- for using "racial profiling as the basis for law enforcement." If Democrats felt any residual reflex to stand up for their fellow Americans in Arizona, who are grappling with a hellish problem partly caused by the misgovernment of the country whose president stood before them, they swiftly repressed it.

Senate leaves proposed Mobility Fund out of 2010-11 budget; House may add it

By Sarah Okeson
Carolina Journal

RALEIGH — Nearly 30 percent of North Carolina’s bridges show significant deterioration or don’t meet current design standards, reports a recent study by a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit.

A March study by The Road Information Program (TRIP), a nonprofit that researches transportation issues, says the state’s bridges are likely to worsen at current funding levels. The state Department of Transportation estimates it needs to replace 400 bridges a year to reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges. NCDOT can replace only about 100 bridges a year with its current funding.

Profile America -- Wednesday, June 2nd. Today marks the birthday in 1904 of one of the nation's most remarkable swimmers, who became a noted movie star -- Johnny Weissmuller. He came to America in 1905 through Ellis Island as a German immigrant. The family doctor urged the youngster to take up swimming to combat the effects of polio. As a swimmer, he won five Olympic gold medals, 52 U.S. national championships, and set 67 world records. After his swimming career was over, he became a movie star -- appearing in 12 films as Tarzan and 13 as Jungle Jim. More than 52 million Americans enjoy swimming each year.

CHARLOTTE – In celebration of World Blood Donor Day in June, the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) is calling on volunteers and Charlotte Knights' fans to participate in a fun photo opportunity where participants will form a human blood drop. The human blood photo opportunity will take place at around 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 25 when the Charlotte Knights take on the Buffalo Bisons at Knights Stadium.

CBCC will place red T-shirts in the stands in the shape of a blood drop. Those people sitting in a seat with a red T-shirt will help form the human blood drop.

STAFF REPORTS

LINCOLNTON - The following listing represents incident and arrest reports from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

This listing does not necessarily mean anyone at the listed address was accused of any crime, only that a report was made at that location. Also, it is advisable to understand that many people may have the same or similar names.

Local law enforcement asks that anyone with information about any of these incidents or to report a crime call CrimeStoppers at (704) 736-8909. CrimeStoppers allows you to remain anonymous and pays up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Incident reports are brought to you by Helms Security, Inc. in Lincolnton. Follow update “tweets” on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/helmssecurity .

INCIDENTS
2009-08558
PWIMSD Sch. IV CS, S & D Sch. IV
Assigned: 1st Sgt. Helms
Location: N/A
Victim: State of N.C.
Suspect selling drugs to cooperating witness
Date Reported: December 21, 2009
District B