As 2024 winds down, the Salisbury Post has been taking a look back at the stories that grabbed headlines.

It’s easy enough in the hustle and bustle of life to lose track of those stories, but for the subjects affected by them, they likely defined their 2024.

The stories shared in this review all warranted coverage of some kind, so we feel like its important to reflect on what made them newsworthy.

This three-part series will continue through the New Year holiday. Today’s edition explores highlights from May through August.

 

MAY:

New director named at Family Crisis Council (May 3)

By Karen Kistler

Family Crisis Council of Rowan, Inc., Salisbury, has a new member on its team to help fulfill its mission of creating pathways to hope, healing and empowerment for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Angela Michelle Chapman-McDavid, JD, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, has been named as the new executive director for the council, officially beginning her duties April 15, and as was shared in a release, “looks forward to advancing the mission of the Family Crisis Council, strengthening community ties and expanding support services for survivors.”

 

Salisbury’s Dole receives Medal of Freedom (May 4)

Salisbury’s Elizabeth Dole joined an exclusive club on Friday.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced in a release that its founder and chair emeritus, Dole, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House ceremony with President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

 

Taps in the Park works to honor those who served (May 7)

By Robert Sullivan

U.S. Navy Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Oriola Aregbesola died in the Red Sea on March 20 when he went overboard from the U.S.S. Mason. Aregbesola was the first on a list of names five pages long of active-duty military personnel, veterans, first responders and “Rosie the Riveters” who died and were honored for their service during the monthly Taps in the Park at Granite Lake Park.

 

Cleveland fire dept. board calls for third-party investigation following mass resignations (May 12)

By Chandler Inions

A Facebook post in the West Rowan News, Events and Fun page sparked concerns about the Cleveland Community Volunteer Fire Department’s capacity to fulfill its daily operational requirements. 

The post stated that 15 firefighters tendered their resignations from the fire department, citing Chief Kenny Payne’s administration as the reason. While the post was anonymous, Cleveland Community Volunteer Fire Department Board President Mike Eller confirmed that roughly a dozen firefighters of various employment statuses had resigned. 

 

We are humbled: Starnes family honored as Conservation Farm Family of the Year (May 14)

By Karen Kistler

Hundreds gathered at 4S Farms on Stoner Morgan Road on May 9 to celebrate the Starnes family and their farm as they were named the N.C. Outstanding Conservation Farm Family of the Year.

 

Stamp Out Hunger Food drive raises thousands of pounds of food for local food banks (May 16)

By Robert Sullivan

Volunteers, The Salvation Army officials, Rowan Helping Ministries officials, United Way officials and U.S Postal Service officials all gathered together on the loading docks at the Salisbury post office on Saturday to help gather and distribute food supplies coming in from all throughout the county.

 

A Kannapolis “gem” reopens to a standing ovation (May 17)

By Brad Dountz

The smell of popcorn has returned to the Gem Theatre. After five-and-a-half months of renovations, the Kannapolis landmark is once again open to the public.

On Wednesday, the day before the theater was set to resume operating, the city held an open house celebration for the people who donated to see the Gem Theatre like it was during its heyday.

The theater has been in business on and off since 1936. In 2015, the city of Kannapolis bought it as a part of its downtown revitalization project.

 

State bill adds referendum on partisan school board elections (May 19)

By Robert Sullivan

A bill ratified on Thursday adds a referendum to the November ballot asking voters in the Rowan-Salisbury School System district whether they believe the school board election should be partisan or non-partisan.

 

Uniquely Salisbury: Cheerwine Festival delights crowd despite weather concerns (May 21)

By Chandler Inions

Inclement weather forced event organizers to push up the Cheerwine Festival’s music schedule on Saturday to get visitors safely home before the storms began. However, attendees still got to see the full musical lineup in action, along with the other various amenities that make it Salisbury’s largest annual draw.

 

Brandon Lane named RSSS Teacher of the Year (May 21)

Landis Elementary music teacher Brandon Lane was named the Rowan-Salisbury School System district-wide teacher of the year.

 

3A State championships for South’s Miller and Julian (May 22)

South Rowan’s Macy Miller and Eli Julian won state championships as Rowan athletes competed in the 3A State Championships on Monday at North Carolina A&T.

 

Landis officials break ground for 51-unit apartment complex (May 23)

By Chandler Inions

Town officials and developer representatives gathered at the intersection of Mt. Moriah Church Road and West Ryder Avenue in Landis on Tuesday to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new apartment complex slated to bring more than 50 units to the area.

 

Veterans host event, construct monument to honor Rockwell funeral home’s work in their community (May 29)

By Robert Sullivan

The families and staff involved with Powles-Staton Funeral Home have been steadfast in their continuous support of the veteran community, and on Monday, some of those veterans came together to thank them with a dinner and a monument on the funeral home’s property.

 

170 new jobs coming to Rowan County as Amrep announces expansion (May 31) 

By Robert Sullivan

In front of a crowd filled with local government officials, Rowan EDC officials and others from across the county, Amrep announced an expansion to their operations in Rowan County that is expected to bring 170 jobs to the area.

 

JUNE:

Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Humanitarian Awards puts the selfless in the spotlight (June 2) 

By Brad Dountz

Elizabeth Duncan Koontz was a pioneer in civil rights and in the field of education. Being the first Black president of the National Education Association and director of the United States Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, Koontz called Salisbury home during her 69 years of life.

To commemorate her mark on history, the Human Relations Commission, the same organization Koontz helped re-establish in 1985, puts together the Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Humanitarian Awards every year to acknowledge the individuals who continue to keep the ideals she stood for alive.

On May 30, at the Salisbury Civic Center, the commission held their 2024 ceremony to bestow Edward and Susan Norvell, Emily Perry, Jason Walser and David Whisenant with this year’s Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Humanitarian Awards. 

 

Salisbury-Rowan Hall of Fame: Nine will be inducted in August (June 2)

By Mike London

The Salisbury-Rowan Hall of Fame committee has announced the 2024 class of inductees.

Seven men and two women will be inducted in ceremonies on Aug. 10 at the Salisbury Civic Center.

Jim Baker, Chris Cauble, Donna Carr, Jeff Chambers and Bryan McCullough were elected from a list of 68 nominees on the “regular” ballot.

The Hall of Fame also inducts two candidates annually from a “veterans” list of athletes and coaches whose careers took place 50 or more years ago. Sandra Somers and Harry Koontz, both posthumous candidates, were elected from a ballot of 30.

The late Tom Harrell will be honored as the Horace Billings Award winner for lifetime contributions to sports in Rowan County.

Dan Wales was the choice for the annual Fred M. Evans Community Service Award.

 

Rowan County Crime Stoppers restarted, first fundraiser set for Friday (June 4)

By Robert Sullivan

The local crime stoppers board has been reinstated, this time as the Rowan County Crime Stoppers, in an effort to help local law enforcement agencies acquire information that could help solve crimes.

 

Line drives mean third state championship for Mustangs (June 4)

By Mike London

East Rowan survived 3-2 in nine innings on Friday, but the bats boomed on Saturday as the Mustangs pounded South Central 11-3 to sweep the 3A State Championship Series.

 

East Spencer proposed budget includes 20-cent tax increase for full-time fire department (June 5)

By Robert Sullivan

East Spencer Town Manager Michael Douglas officially presented the proposed budget, which included the discussed 20-cent tax increase, to the board of aldermen during its meeting on Monday.

The 20-cent tax increase has been the subject of multiple months of community meetings and is aimed at funding a full-time fire department for the town. Douglas’ proposal calls for the tax rate to move to 86 cents starting with fiscal year 2025 and ending in fiscal year 2030, at which point it would go down by five cents every year until it reaches 71 cents.

 

Indians end special season with semifinal loss to Tampa (June 9)

Eight-time national champs, the University of Tampa’s baseball team may be headed to No. 9.

Tampa handled Catawba 7-2 on Thursday in the Division II World Series to stay undefeated in the event and move into the championship game.

Third-seeded Catawba (46-17) was eliminated, finishing fourth and ending an epic bounce-back season just one win shy of the program record for victories.

 

Salisbury Symphony taps Wiley to lead after thorough music director search (June 9)

By Chandler Inions

As the Salisbury Symphony navigated through its fifth decade making music, this past season proved a transformative journey.

The symphony embarked on an important search for its next music director, an endeavor that brought the community closer. After a season filled with rich musical experiences and community engagement, the symphony announced that Daniel Wiley will be the next music director. Wiley’s vision for the future aligns with the symphony’s mission to enrich lives through music. His dedication to both classical excellence and innovative programming promises to lead it into a vibrant new chapter. 

 

Clarke named state’s top female athlete (June 13)

Staff report

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has announced the winners of the Pat Best Memorial Award for the Male and Female Athletes of the year.

The 2023-24 winners are Emma Clarke from West Rowan High School and Kendre Harrison from Reidsville High School.

 

Sounding the alarm: Fundraiser boosts awareness of cancer in fire service (June 16)

By Karen Kistler

Raising both funds and awareness along with supporting a member of the local firefighter family were all a part of the Pull the Alarm on Cancer event held earlier this month.

A crowd gathered in the parking lot of New Sarum brewery for the fundraiser, which provided an opportunity for attendees to hear Salisbury Firefighter Captain Don Clark’s story about his cancer journey and to see the documentary titled, “Burned.” The film, produced by actor Mark Ruffalo, profiles Diane Cotter who suspected chemicals could be present in turnout gear after her husband, retired Worcester, MA, Local 1009 firefighter Paul Cotter, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2014.

 

Event at West Rowan High honors Chris Smith’s legacy through kindness, togetherness (June 18)

By Robert Sullivan

Former West Rowan High School and NFL defensive end Chris Smith’s life was the focus of an event at West Rowan High School on Saturday that aimed to honor his memory and keep his legacy alive. Smith died in April of 2023.

 

Commissioners hold ceremony renaming justice center in honor of retired sheriff (June 19)

By Robert Sullivan

During an emotional ceremony on Monday, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the renaming of the county justice center in honor of former Sheriff Kevin Auten.

 

Weeklong celebration culminates in first Juneteenth Heritage Breakfast (June 20)

By Karen Kistler

A week of Juneteenth celebrations culminated in the first-ever Juneteenth Heritage Breakfast using the theme of “Breaking Every Chain: Making Equality a Priority.”

The crowd gathered June 19 in Hall Gym on West Bank Street for the praise-filled service with Marcus McCombs Jr. serving as the emcee. 

 

Ceremony celebrates refugees, their strength and courage (June 23)

By Karen Kistler

Salisbury’s first World Refugee Day observance was held June 20, and it was a special day for those gathered at the Bell Tower Park.

“Today is about celebration,” said Quinn Rizzo, community engagement coordinator with the Lutheran Services Carolinas, New Americans Program. “I’m so excited you’re here,” she told the crowd during the opening ceremony.

Rizzo passed the microphone to young Mahsa from Afghanistan, who shared more about this particular day and the reason it is held. She told those gathered that World Refugee Day is celebrated each year on June 20 “honoring those who have been forced to flee.”

 

Out-of-state ATV accident leaves two Rowan-Iredell firefighters dead (June 23)

By Chandler Inions

Two firefighters from western Rowan County were killed in an incident described by the town of Cleveland Facebook page as an ATV accident.

According to the post from the town, the accident, which left the two Rowan-Iredell Fire Department personnel dead, happened in West Virginia, while they were on vacation.

Rowan-Iredell Chief Jared Webb said on Sunday that his department was notified of the two firefighters’ deaths late Friday. Other details surrounding the accident, including time and exact location were not readily available.

A statement from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office identified the two victims. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Daniel Sell and Jacob Steele as well as the Rowan Iredell Fire Department,” the statement said.

 

Salisbury shows its Pride: Annual festival marks huge Saturday draw (June 25)

By Chandler Inions

Salisbury’s annual Pride Festival saw every color of the rainbow flying high on Saturday in Bell Tower Green.

The annual event comprises music, food, drink and entertainment into a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people (LGBTQ). 

 

History on Tap: Event brings Dr. Norman Sloop back to childhood home (June 30)

By Robert Sullivan

Dr. Norman Sloop spent his formative years in the 1930s in a house on the corner of what is now Park Avenue and North Shaver Street. On Thursday, Sloop returned to the Bradshaw House after the exterior was restored by the Historic Salisbury Foundation.

Sloop and some of his family went to the house as part of the foundation’s “History on Tap” events, which allow the community to tour historic houses throughout the city that are currently in the revitalization stage of their restoration and learn some of their histories.

 

JULY:

Granite Quarry-Faith police chief Cook fired (July 5)

By Robert Sullivan

The Granite Quarry-Faith Joint Police Authority is without a chief after Mark Cook was fired from the job on Monday.

Interim Town Manager Jason Hord confirmed the firing on Wednesday and said that Cook was let go due to “unsatisfactory job performance.”

 

A do-si does it: Longtime parade fixture goes out with a bang (July 7)

By Chandler Inions

A patriotic presence filled the air in Faith on Thursday for the annual 4th of July parade. Approximately 250 floats made their way down Main Street to the adoring cheers of a fervent Independence Day crowd.

One of those floats, China-Grove-based Southern Style Cloggers, did so for the last time, hanging up their clogs for future 4th parades.

 

Mills pleads guilty to first-degree murder in 2022 killing of Aimee Wah (July 7)

By Robert Sullivan

Antoine Mills pleaded guilty on Wednesday to first-degree murder in the killing of Aimee Wah, ending a case that had been open since the murder over two years ago.

Mills was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole, one of two possible sentencing options for someone found guilty of first-degree murder. The only other possibility was the death sentence. Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook, who presented for the prosecution, said that the plea deal came together due to conversations with the victim’s family, who wished to avoid the pain of a lengthy trial and guarantee the result.

“Closure has been a battle for us. It’s been an uphill battle for us with the trauma of it all, I don’t feel like I can go back to my parent’s house. This won’t bring Aimee back, but I can know that she is resting peacefully now,” said Andrew Wah Jr., Aimee’s brother.

 

Rockwell looking into re-acquiring town’s original fire truck (July 10)

By Robert Sullivan

The Rockwell Board of Aldermen voted on Monday to allow the town’s fire department to re-acquire the town’s first fire truck, currently in a private collection.

The 1953 Ford truck would be used as a parade truck and used in events such as National Night Out and Touch-a-Truck.

The truck is in the collection of Anthony Lynn, who recently died, said Rockwell Fire Chief Tim Linker. Lynn’s wife Emilia spoke with Linker and asked if the town would want to purchase the fire truck and quoted a price of $4,000.

 

‘Good to come back to family’ — R.A. Clement alumni event reunites old friends (July 11)

By Karen Kistler

The event was a time for remembering and keeping the connections going.

Those are two of the elements that Leonard Hall, president of the West Rowan Neighborhood Advisory Council, mentioned as for what the R.A. Clement High School reunion weekend is about.

Approximately 150 people attended the 26th biennial, two-day event with a theme of “Remembering and Preserving our Heritage, Continuing the R.A. Clement Spirit.” The reunion was held July 5-6 at the historic, partially-renovated Rosenwald School Building in Cleveland where it has been held most recently. Prior to that it was held at Livingstone College, Hall said.

 

Johnnies on the spot: Off-duty father, son firefighters first on the scene (July 14)

By Chandler Inions

A lot of life is just being in the right place at the right time.

Thankfully, two off-duty firefighters were just down the road when a kitchen fire broke out Friday morning around 11:15 in the 100 block of Primrose Street.

 

Longtime Landis police officer reflects on half-century career (July 16)

By Chandler Inions

Buddy Porter Sr. began his career in law enforcement more than 50 years ago. While he has not always been in the same department or agency, he has spent every one of those years serving in various capacities in Rowan County.

 

Honeycutt a first-round pick by Orioles (July 16)

By Mike London

Rowan County officially has a first-round draft pick.

And a soon-to-be millionaire at age 21.

About two hours into Sunday night’s MLB draft in Texas, the Baltimore Orioles chose former Salisbury High star Vance Honeycutt, who accomplished great things in three seasons on baseball fields as a UNC Tar Heel.

 

East grad Hightower a third-round pick (July 16)

By Mike London

His family worked diligently to allow Cobb Hightower to enjoy every minute of his senior year at East Rowan and kept his draft prospects as under-the-radar as possible.

There were no trumpets blowing and no Facebook posts warning the world to get ready because Cobb was coming.

But Cobb, a shortstop who was picked in the third round by the San Diego Padres on Monday afternoon, knew in his head and his heart after the explosive fall season he put together with the South Charlotte Panthers that he was on the draft radar for at least a dozen teams. Maybe two dozen. He had no doubts he’d be drafted.

 

Salisbury City Council honors police officer for saving four-week-old’s life (July 21)

By Robert Sullivan

Salisbury honored one of its police officers during the city council meeting on Tuesday for saving the life of a four-week-old infant.

Police Chief Patrick “P.J.” Smith spoke about the actions that led Officer Kenneth Battle-Hay to be honored with the Salisbury Police Department Lifesaving Award.

“Officer Battle-Hay is always willing to help when needed and it’s not uncommon that when I read the daily summaries at the end of the shift that other officers say, ‘Thank you, Officer Battle-Hay for coming in and giving your help.’ And it just so happens that the event I’m going to talk about tonight was on one of those days where Officer Battle-Hay came in early to work to help out a patrol team,” said Smith.

Battle-Hay typically works the night shift, Smith said, but at 1:30 p.m. on June 13 he was on duty and nearby when the department received a call about a four-week-old that was not breathing at the intersection of Statesville Boulevard and West Innes Street. Battle-Hay was the first to arrive on the scene and found someone performing CPR on the infant at the BP gas station.

 

Community flocks together to help support family (July 24)

By Karen Kistler

Several flamingo flocks have been sighted in the Salisbury area, and wherever they land, they are helping support a good cause.

This flamingo flocking fundraiser was started to help three-year-old Maggie Derby and her parents, Blythe and Chris Derby, in their journey to receive medical help as little Maggie was born with a genetic disorder on her CASK gene, her mom said.

 

Salisbury hosts meeting showing Main Street project plans, asking for comments through late August (July 26)

By Robert Sullivan

Dozens of people appeared at the Salisbury City Hall on Tuesday to learn about and comment on the conceptual plans for the “Reimagining Main Street” project.

 

Poole, Causby will be East-West coaches in 2025 (July 26)

Staff report

The success of West Rowan girls basketball coach Ashley Poole and North Rowan boys basketball coach Jason Causby hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The N.C. Coaches Association announced coaches for the 2025 all-star games, and Poole and Causby are on the list. Both will be assistant coaches for the West squads in the East-West All-Star Game.

 

History on Tap opens up first school for Black students in Salisbury to the public (July 28)

By Robert Sullivan

The first Black grade school in Salisbury has been closed to the public for more than two decades, but on Thursday the Historic Salisbury Foundation opened up the Lincoln School as part of its History on Tap event series.

While the foundation does not own the school, which is located off of South Shaver Street, it does have a purchase option on it and is working with the owner, Mt. Calvary Holy Church of America, to find developers willing to revitalize the property while keeping the historic aspects.

 

AUGUST:

“A miracle child” – Family seeks to remember Elijah Foster’s legacy (Aug. 2)

By Genia Woods, a.k.a. Mz Good Newz

Meet Elijah Makai Foster. He was a 13-year-old “miracle child born at just 1 pound and 13 ounces” as told by his mother, Amomica Ajayi.

Elijah was a student of Erwin Middle School where he was celebrated. Despite the odds and challenges he faced from the very beginning, Elijah lived a beautiful life and touched the hearts of so many like: his best friend and mother; brother Phillip Ajayi; and sister Amani Ajayi; godparents Patrick and Jessica Thomas; Aunt Stephanie Allison Hall; his pastors, Donald Anthony & Pastor John Geter and Sis Emma Geter; his teachers Kathryn Baker and Kim Caldwell and his Principal Daniel Herring.

Although, they may grieve and mourn due to the passing of the bright, loving and witty, Elijah we also would like to celebrate his life and the love he left behind. Elijah’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

 

Vigil for Massey calls for local, federal attention (Aug. 4)

By Elisabeth Strillacci

The death of Sonya Massey has sent shockwaves across the country, including Salisbury, and Thursday night, more than 50 people participated in a vigil for the young woman at Gateway Park.

Organized by Women for Community Justice, the evening was an opportunity to mourn the loss of Massey and to once again address concerns about police brutality and use of force.

 

Faith Community Night Out raises more than $3,000 for fallen firefighters (Aug. 6)

By Elisabeth Strillacci

Saturday night downtown Faith was rocking with the Fun in Faith event that was a combined fundraiser and memorial for two fallen firefighters and a meet and greet for teachers at Faith Academy.

The event was planned in lieu of a National Night Out, with organizers keeping the focus local this year, but still honoring first responders. Dale Peeler, who has been with the Faith Fire Department more than 45 years, along with most other volunteer departments in Rowan, is one of the organizers of Fun in Faith, and helped put together Saturday’s event.

 

Granite Quarry brings back National Night Out; Rockwell debuts event (Aug. 8)

By Elisabeth Strillacci and Robert Sullivan

With just over two weeks to plan a National Night Out event in town, Debbie Loflin-Benge got busy and managed to pull off a well-attended and engaging event at Granite Lake Park.

 

Commissioners approve issuing $73 million worth of bonds to fund Knox replacement, other school projects (Aug. 8)

By Robert Sullivan

The Rowan County Board of Commissioners approved issuing bonds on Monday worth a total of $73 million to fund the Knox Middle School replacement construction and other school projects throughout the county.

 

‘Tis the Season Spectacular will no longer include Spencer (Aug. 8)

By Elisabeth Strillacci

A seven-year tradition will come to an end this November, as the ‘Tis the Season Spectacular parade route will no longer include Spencer.

Last year, there was some question over whether the parade committee would seek a permit in Spencer, and this year, the decision has been made to separate the two communities.

 

Granite Quarry awards Medal of Valor to officer injured in 2022 shooting (Aug. 11)

By Robert Sullivan

Officer Murphy Corl was awarded the Granite Quarry-Faith Joint Police Authority’s Medal of Valor on Thursday for his actions during a shooting in 2022 that left him, a deputy and a firefighter seriously injured.

 

Catawba College announces ‘transformative’ $200M contribution (Aug. 13)

By Chandler Inions

Catawba College got its week off on the right foot, announcing a $200 million anonymous gift to its endowment on Monday.

The contribution is the third transformative gift in three years to the Salisbury-based liberal arts college, which has helped get the ball rolling. 

 

Salisbury City Council approves “creative” rezoning allowing restoration of historic house (Aug. 13)

By Robert Sullivan

The Salisbury City Council approved a rezoning on Tuesday that removes a Fulton Heights four-plex from a Historic Residential zoning, a change that neighbors and the applicant said would actually help restore the historic building.

 

Community comes together to celebrate new behavioral health urgent care (Aug. 15)

By Robert Sullivan

Representatives from Rowan County United Way, Vaya Health, the Rowan County Health Department, Novant Health, Daymark Recovery Services and many other community organizations have spent the past few years working on bringing around-the-clock behavioral health treatment to Rowan County. On Wednesday, members of the community gathered at West End Plaza to celebrate the culmination of that work, the Rowan County Behavioral Health Urgent Care clinic.

 

Store owner remembered as “beautiful man” (Aug. 15)

By Elisabeth Strillacci

Mainank Patel, known affectionately as Mike, had run the Tobacco House on Airport Road for a number of years, according to employees, and everyone in the community liked him.

According to several people at the store Wednesday morning, Patel and his wife have one child with another on the way, and tended to treat everyone like family.

On Tuesday morning about 11:18, a juvenile male entered the store and, for an as-yet unknown reason, shot Patel several times before running. Patel was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.

 

New judge means Rowan District Court bench has female majority (Aug. 18)

By Elisabeth Strillacci

With the swearing in Thursday afternoon of now Judge B. Ashley Andrews, the district court bench in Rowan County now has more female judges than males, for the first time in history.

 

‘Re-opening the door to our legacy’ : Cleveland explores restoration efforts, vision for R.A. Clement School (Aug. 20)

By Chandler Inions

Two representatives from The Cannon Foundation visited Cleveland on Monday, joining various town officials and figures to discuss a grant application being submitted to revitalize the R.A. Clement School into a destination for programming, community gatherings and other activities.

Cannon Foundation Executive Director Suzanne Philemon and Program Officer Candice Kane joined the slew of Cleveland locals from the West Rowan Neighborhood Center Advisory Council and R.A. Clement Alumni Association at the former Rosenwald school. In true Cleveland fashion, they were greeted with a smile and some refreshments.

The former all-Black school currently operates as a community center but needed infrastructure repairs and a general lack of awareness prevent it from fulfilling the town’s vision of what it could be. 

 

Mark Robinson makes campaign stop in China Grove (Aug. 29)

By Robert Sullivan

Dozens of voters from throughout the area huddled inside and around a side dining room in Gary’s BBQ on Tuesday to listen to Republican gubernatorial candidate and sitting Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson.

The meet and greet in Rowan County was one of many stops that Robinson was making in counties throughout the state as part of his campaign against Democratic candidate and sitting Attorney General Josh Stein. Just a few hours before, Robinson had stopped by a diner in Randolph County for a similar stop.

 

RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls shut down following Mocksville wastewater leak (Aug. 30)

By Robert Sullivan

The RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls has been closed indefinitely after a 950,000-gallon wastewater leak upstream caused the waters to be deemed unsafe.