… China Grove Police add ‘In God We Trust’ to patrol cars

I am from China Grove, I make some poor attempt at being a follower of Christ, and I don’t like it. I think it is a somewhat blasphemous way of marking territory, like peeing on trees and just about as sacred.

We want and need people to come to our town, to start businesses, buy homes, raise families, and pay taxes. We can show them how much we trust God by our generous welcome, our respect for them as God’s children, and by the way we live. People who really trust God don’t need boastful signs and bumper stickers.

— Luke Hamaty

“ ‘If they don’t like it, they don’t have to come to China Grove,’ Mayor Pro Tem Steve Stroud said, defending the new motto on the police cars.

“Stroud said he knows it’s a biblical term placed on cars for public service to people of all views, but he said the people of China Grove like it.” (From a TV news report)

From the above (Post) article: “‘I hate that it took the turn it did, because it turned into a religious issue and it was not,’ Withers said.” That does not jibe with the mayor pro tem’s statements.

— Al Adersen

I am from China Grove and, I love it. And that is true — if they don’t like it they don’t have to come to the town.

— Diana Fisher

Please support legal action against this encroachment of church state separation: https://www.gofundme.com/ChinaGrove

— Wilhelm Hisinger

… Salisbury City Council honors retired police chief Collins

I’m disappointed in Councilman Hardin’s comments.

While the murders he referenced may not have been solved under Chief Collins’ tenure, that responsibility does not fall on the chief alone. Perhaps if law enforcement received more support and information from the communities in which those murders occurred, and from people who were witnesses or bystanders, the guilty would have been arrested.

I don’t believe there was any defensible reason for Councilman Hardin to be so disrespectful to someone who has worked pretty darned hard in service to the people of Salisbury.

— Karen South Jones

… Housing development approved on NC 152

With the $22 roundtrip toll lanes about to be built on I-77 between Mooresville and Charlotte, there is likely to be more pressure on Rowan municipalities along I-85, to make way for housing for people who wish to work in Charlotte. Saving the extra $450 per month in tolls could be a huge motivation for those seeking out a “bedroom community.”

Local policymakers should be prepared for what is sure to come.

— Jeff Morris

… Aggressive dogs killing cats in Fulton Heights

I have not seen these dogs but we have several cats in my area that may be at risk. This appears to be possibly “pack” behavior, and it can be curtailed if the owners have the education and willingness to train and be responsible pet owners. There are many that can offer training instruction, and perhaps a fenced yard would be all that is necessary to protect the innocent animals and families nearby.

— Jane Nussman

They are definitely pit bull and/or mixes. I have a photo of one that has been sent to the authorities. Cats have the right to be outside in their own yards, as was mine that was killed by these dogs on my back deck that I pay the mortgage on.

And when I reported the dogs, I made sure that I was in no way laying the blame on a specific breed of dog, only their description and the fact that they were killing cats. The description has been reported by more than one person.

— Ann Campbell

These people know, they just don’t bother because there aren’t any real consequences. Impound the dogs until the yard is fenced or improved and see how quick that is taken care of.

— Kathryn Dunigan

Disgusting problem. These dogs should be shot on sight. How soon will it be before they attack a child? It’s funny but sad that, like many owners of fast powerful cars, too many owners of this breed of dog seem to be the least capable of managing them.

— Barry Stokes

… Fulton Heights residents take vicious dog issue to commissioners

Folks, animal control is just like everybody else — too few people to take care of the volume of calls. … You want more done quicker? Are you then ready to pay more for that increase in service?

What would be the exposure to criminal charges for a resident of the city of Salisbury for discharging a firearm inside the city limits? Is it even against the law in Salisbury? Would there be a legal exception for protecting your animal in a case like that? Would it be like shooting fireworks in that you would pretty much have to catch someone in the act to prosecute?

— Barney Barnhardt

Stricter laws/ordinances need to be put in place holding the owners of dangerous animals who are allowed to roam, kill, harm and frighten other animals and humans (responsible). Placing hefty fines on owners of aggressive animals with possible jail time will help this situation.

— Brenda Goodman

The owners of dangerous animals should be required to have a $200,000 insurance policy to cover the damages. Lawsuits and a possible loss of money will more likely make them assume more responsibility.

— Reginald Brown

If the owners of these dogs had kept them on their own property, there would be no problem.

— GeoRene Jones

… Freightliner laying off 936 in Cleveland

The continued pay until March 5 is not because the company is unionized. It is because of the federal law called the WARN Act. Additionally all hourly employees are being paid till March 5, not just union employees. May 12, 2014, is the cut-off date. Research please. It is a reporter’s best tool.

— Doug Ray

It’s always rough going from an $18-$20-an-hour job with benefits down to a $10- or $12-an-hour job with none. Try surviving on $220 a week unemployment when you’re accustomed to taking home close to $700.

— Carl Prine

-The world economy is contracting. This is only the beginning be ready!

— Chris Borre

More tech jobs in Salisbury are needed.

— Jamone Kelly

… Melodie Fleming: KKK wrong to associate Christ with segregation

Excellent words, Melody; thank you for your courage and clarity…. Useful for the body of Christ as we address racism and bigotry with the Good News.

— Ken Koontz,

pastor, NorthGate Church

… 10 to watch: Anthony Smith

Here’s looking at you! Proud to call you a friend. We need more community organizers like you.

— Evelyn Medina

A wise and gifted leader guided by God’s hand. One to “watch” and listen to.

— Kathy Vestal

… 10 to watch: Kristy Woodson Harvey

Congratulations, Kristy. Readers will love “Lies & Other Acts of Love,” coming from Berkley Books in April. And if they haven’t yet read “Dear Carolina,” they should get that wonderful first novel today.

— Bob Diforio

Congrats, Kristy! Not only do we have a last name in common but “You’ve Got Mail” is my all-time favorite! I now must visit Salisbury just to check out the bookstore. I’m looking forward to reading your new novel. You truly belong on the 10 to Watch list!

— Yvonne Harvey

… Principal of the Year Dr. Latoya Dixon builds relationships with staff, students and parents

So proud of this woman! Although I only had the privilege of working with her for a short time, she is the real deal!

— Jenny Holle

A remarkable woman! Having had the privilege of working with Latoya, I know her dedication and love for students, staff and families is genuine.

Always loved watching her interactions with students. She is a great motivator!

— Susan Atkins

Thanks, Dr. Dixon, for all you and Dr. Waiksnis do; you all are the real MVPs. #knoxstrong

— Alyce Williams

Miracle man: Lentz returns after near-death experience

Wow! What a blessing! Keep dribbling Henderson!

— Sandy Jackson

Awesome story! Henderson is a great inspiration, sharing the miracle that happened in his life. Thank you for publishing this great account of a miracle!

— Nicky Waters

… Buck Steam Station’s coal ash ranked intermediate to low priority

I see here that Duke has failed to provide sufficient information for some impoundments to support a definitive conclusion after the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)gave Duke a deadline. Duke continues to get sweetheart deals from our state and McCrory’s appointed leadership at DEQ, which has the ability to change draft information from its own “professionals.” Today, DEQ concludes that no imminent threats to structural integrity were found; however, in 2014 it issued structural deficiency notices for all three coal ash ponds at Buck, and that has not changed to date. So now the state is saying that Buck has no structural problems?

— Deborah Graham

How can we be listed as high-risk on Nov. 30 and now we are listed as low intermediate? Due to Duke Energy not providing all the information needed, DEQ thought it was a good idea to list us as low intermediate risk! What sense does that make? Why not leave us as high risk until Duke provides all the information needed to prove otherwise?

How can anything that is cancer causing be listed anything less than high risk? How much more time will Duke be given because that’s just one more day that we’re living off bottled water! DEQ needs to make some decisions and do it soon! You have hundreds of people living around ash ponds that can’t drink their water, how much more information do you need? Do the right thing!

— Amy Brown

… “They have treated us like family”: Gold Hill church gives facility to new congregation

This is a beautiful story of how Jesus works in the lives of those who love and trust Him, praise His holy name

— Margaret Brown