Laurels to The Town of China Grove for putting tgether an enjoyable, unique  sledding and street festival event on Dec. 18 and 19. The town paid a Charlotte company to set up a strip of fake snow on a hill next to the Swink Street police station and invited the public to a rare, December sledding experience. Hundreds, perhaps even a thousand people attended. Most crowded around the strip of snow, waiting their turn to speed down the Swink Street hill. Others mingled at food vendors, made smores and ornament making tents. Needless to say, it was a creative way to bring people to downtown China Grove. Temperatures were pleasant. Although,  cold wind dropped temperatures quickly. The fake snow also held up well. Occaisionally, sledders slipped into the muddy field below, which dirtied coats but adds to the fun. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for for enough snow in 2016 to coat the entire Swink Street hill.

Dart to financial mismanagement, especially in the Town of East Spencer. A presentation from a charter school group on Wednesday revealed the town could hardly afford to maintain the current school system office on South Long Street once it’s vacated for the newer central office in Salisbury. Specifically, the group cited an email from the state treasurer noting the town’s water and sewer system “may not be sustainable in its current form.” Rates are too low, the email said. It shouldn’t be a call for significantly increased rates, but there’s surely a more cost effective way for East Spencer to deliver water to its residents.

Laurels to gas stations across Rowan County and the Piedmont region for providing relatively inexpensive gas prices for holiday travels. The price of gas is something, nearly all Americans gripe about when it spikes too high. We celebrate when it’s low enough to fill a tank at a low cost. In Rowan, prices start around $1.86 and move upward from there. The prices will provide much-needed relief for those traveling to visit family on a limited budget or long distances away.