Caldwell Free Press

22/11/2022

Caldwell County Manager Donald Duncan recently named Ashley Bolick as director of the county's reorganized Economic Development Commission.

“We are pleased to have Ashley join our team as we bring the EDC back in house. She is a natural leader who will work diligently to recruit new industries and bring more jobs to our area,” said Caldwell County Manager Donald Duncan.

In her new role, Bolick will help the EDC transition from a contracted service to a county-operated department.

“I am excited to bring my passion for service and to continue to build upon the successes of the Commissioners, EDC Board, and staff,” said Bolick. “Together we can generate advanced economic growth and development in our great county.”

A lifelong resident and strong advocate for Caldwell County, Bolick brings nearly 20 years of Human Resources and Management experience to her new role. For the last 7½ years, she has served the Western Piedmont Council on Governments as Director of Administration and Human Resources. In this role, Bolick’s duties have included managing a $2.8 million annual budget, pay plan studies, and executive searches for local governments.

“During my time at the WPCOG, I have learned so much through my interactions with the region’s public officials and public policy influencers, and I plan to use those experiences to build cooperation to help Caldwell County thrive,” said Bolick.

Bolick will take her oath of office on Monday, December 5, at 5:45 p.m. in the City/County Chambers. A reception welcoming Bolick will begin at 5:15 p.m.

16/11/2022

OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS IN UPGRADES FOR COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES RADIO SYSTEM APPROVED BY COUNTY COMMISIONERS

Jason Pennell, communications director of Caldwell County Emergency Services, spoke during Monday’s Caldwell Commissioners meeting, stating that the VHF radio system for the county, which allows instant communication between emergency service members and firefighters, needed an update in the amount of $1,304,074.

The cost of the upgrades would come out of the ARPA funds, which is the money given to the county for COVID-19 relief.

“The current radio system we have is 15 years old and it’s getting worse every year,” Pennell said.

“There’s parts of the county from Collettsville to Grace Chapel, areas that don’t have coverage,” he said. “The only updates the county has ever done for VHF is antennas when they’ve been struck by lightning.”

Pennell stated that Motorola, who provides the system, did a study in the area and found that the upgrades would enhance coverage to areas like Hurricane Hills Road in Granite Falls where coverage has not previously existed, and the project would take around 12 months to be completed.

“With (our current) system being so old, support ran out November of 2021,” he said. “As you can imagine, equipment that old…finding parts is becoming a challenge…we’ve been fortunate they’ve been able to piece-mill some of the parts to get them working but it’s becoming a challenge.”

Emergency services will sometimes use the VIPER system, he said, a different radio system used by police, EMS and other agencies at the local, state, and federal level to provide both operable and interoperable voice communications for public safety, but it does not have paging abilities, therefore all local agencies need the coverage of the VHF system, he said.

County Manager Donald Duncan spoke up, saying the system is important should the county ever experience a cyber attack or solar flare that could take out other systems of communication.

“You want to have a layered system…you want to have different levels of communication to be able to respond in an event like that,” he said.

The board voted unanimously in favor of the upgrades.

Image courtesy of Caldwell County Emergency

04/11/2022

On November 3, 2022, the North Carolina State Laboratory notified Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement (ACE) that a cat submitted for testing was infected with the rabies virus. The cat, whose owners live in the Red Oak Road area of Granite Falls, is believed to have been infected by a skunk.

Two adults were also exposed to the infected cat and are undergoing treatment to prevent rabies.

ACE and the Caldwell County Health Department are working closely with pet owners in the Red Oak Road area to prevent further rabies cases.

“One of the best ways to protect your pets is to make sure they are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations,” said ACE Director Richard Gilliland. “To help residents protect their pets, we’re working with Brews & Mews to offer a drive-thru vaccination event on Saturday.”

The clinic takes place Saturday, November 5, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Caldwell Agricultural Fairgrounds. Vaccines are free for Caldwell County residents with a valid ID and $10 for non-county residents. Supplies for the clinic are limited.

In addition to keeping pets’ rabies vaccinations up-to-date, pet owners should also take the following precautions:

Supervise your pets to prevent exposure.
If your animal is exposed to a potentially rabid animal, wear gloves to protect yourself from the infectious saliva that may be on your animal’s coat.
Teach your children to stay away from wild animals, including bats or animals they do not know.
Avoid attracting wildlife to your home by removing food sources such as food scraps and removing cat and dog food at night.
If there are any questions concerning rabies and/or receiving a rabies vaccination, please contact the Animal Care Enforcement Division t at 829 Fairview Drive SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or call 828-757-8625. If there is an emergency situation outside the normal working hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, please notify the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office at 828-758-2324.

21/10/2022

Lenoir, October 21st - The Caldwell Chamber presents 7:47 Business
Networking Event at The Caldwell Chamber, 1909 Hickory Blvd. on
October 21st at 7:47AM.

Members and non-members of the Caldwell Chamber are invited to
this free event to meet candidates of the upcoming election and speak
with them about their platform. Moderating this event will be the
Chamber President & CEO - Bryan Moore. This event will be hosted by
the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce and will be held at the Commerce
Center Lobby, this Friday, September 16th from 7:47 AM - 9:00 AM.

You are invited to come and network with a purpose and meet like
minded business leaders of Caldwell County. The 7:47 Business
Networking event will be hosted monthly on the 3rd Friday with varing
different themes and reasons to gather and learn more about our area.
Future event themes will be, Celebrate our Non-Profits Day, Meet the
Mayors Day and Celebrate Healthcare Workers!

Visit our website at www.caldwellchambernc.com to learn more about
all upcoming events. Thank you to our event sponsors: Spangler
Restoration; Blue Moose Coffee Lodge; and Rygid AV.

07/09/2022

FROM THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT:

Caldwell County Health Department would like to remind our residents that September is a good time to prepare – not only for the next hurricane or flood – but for any emergency that might put you and your family at risk. In today’s world we need to be prepared for many kinds of emergencies, whether caused by disease outbreak, hurricane, wildfire, severe weather, earthquake or an act of terrorism.

Step 1: Build a Kit

∙ Build a Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food and bottled water. The kit should also include:
o Wind-up or battery-operated radio
o Wind-up or battery-operated flashlight
o Extra batteries
o Copies of prescription medications and medical supplies
o Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
o A first aid kit
o Copies of important documents: driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax
records, etc.
∙ Make sure you have a “to-go bag” ready in case you need to evacuate, including: o Wind-up or battery-operated radio
o Wind-up or battery-operated flashlight
o Extra batteries
o First aid kit
o Maps
o Important documents such as proof of residence, pictures of your family including pets, insurance policies, and tax records
o Comfortable clothing and blankets
o Unique family needs such as prescription medications, pet supplies, infant supplies or any other unique need your family may have

Step 2: Make a Plan
Prepare your family
∙ Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency
∙ Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
∙ It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. ∙ You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, child care and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. ∙ Plan to Evacuate
o Identify ahead of time where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
o Identify several places you could go in an emergency, a friend's home in another town, a motel or public shelter.
o If you do not have a car, plan alternate means of evacuating.
o If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.
o Take your Emergency Supply Kit.
o Take your pets with you, and know ahead of time if the hotel/motel or shelter you plan to stay in will accept pets. Bring a carrier, food and water, and your pet’s vaccination record.
Step 3: Be Informed
Before a disaster, learn how you will know there is an impending hazardous event. Familiarize yourself with the signs of events that come without warning and learn how to receive advance alerts and warnings for predictable hazards like hurricanes. Knowing about the local emergency plans for shelter and evacuation and local emergency contacts will help you develop your household plan and will also aid you during a crisis.
Familiarize yourself with the terms used to identify a hurricane.
∙ A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
∙ A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
∙ Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category 3 and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories 1 and 2 are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

Prepare Your Home
∙ Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
∙ Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
∙ Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed so they are more wind resistant. ∙ Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside. ∙ Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
∙ Turn off propane tanks.
∙ Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
The information above is just a sample of what residents can do to prepare. For more information about preparedness, contact Caldwell County Health Dept. Preparedness Coordinator at (828) 426- 8461. Additional information can be found at the following websites:
∙ www.caldwellcountync.org
∙ http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/phpr/
∙ www.readync.org
∙ www.ready.gov
∙ www.bt.cdc.gov
∙ www.redcross.org

23/08/2022

https://caldwellfreepress.com/blogs/community-press-releases/much-to-celebrate-in-county-reading-program

"Because this van gives library staff more opportunities for outreach, staff wants the community’s help naming the van. The winning entrant will be awarded an ice cream gift card and the satisfaction of submitting the winning name. A drawing will determine the winner in case of a tie."

Caldwell County Public Library recently concluded a highly successful summer reading program. All three age groups — children, teens, and adults — surpassed reading numbers from 2021. In the Children’s program, 904 children registered, completing 584,215 reading minutes. Their reading allowed ...

22/08/2022

Listed below are the orientation dates for elementary, middle, and high schools:
SCHOOL
Orientation Date/Time/Description by Groups, etc.
Baton Elementary
Thursday, August 25, 5:30-7:00 pm
Caldwell Online Middle School (6th-8th)
Thursday, August 25
6th Grade: 2:00-3:30 pm; 7th Grade: 4:00-5:30 pm; and 8th Grade: 6:00-7:30 pm
(In-person location for all grade levels: Freedman Center/Horizons, 332 Greenhaven Dr., NW, Lenoir
Caldwell Online High School (9th-12th)
West Caldwell: Tuesday, August 16, 6:00-7:30 pm @ WCHS Media Center; South Caldwell: Wednesday, August 17, 6:00-7:30 pm @ SCHS Theater; Hibriten: Thursday, August 18, 6:00-7:30 pm, @ HHS Media Center
(High school students need to attend this specific Caldwell Online session according to their base high school enrollment.)
Collettsville
Thursday, August 25, 5:00-7:00 pm (Floating)
Davenport A+ School
Thursday, August 25, 4:00-6:00 pm (Floating)
Dudley Shoals Elem.
Thursday, August 25, 4:00-6:00 pm (Floating)
Gamewell Elementary
Thursday, August 25, 3:00-5:00 pm (Floating)
Gamewell Middle
Thursday, August 25, 4:30-6:00 pm (Floating)
Granite Falls Elementary
Thursday, August 25, 3:45-5:45 pm (Floating)
Granite Falls Middle
6th Grade: Tuesday, August 23, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
7th & 8th Grades: Thursday, August 25, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Happy Valley
Thursday, August 25, 4:00-6:00 pm (Floating)
Hibriten
Thursday, August 25
9th Grade: Assigned times based on the last name
10, 11, and 12 Grades: 12:30-2:00pm
Horizons
Thursday, August 25, 2:30 5:30 pm
Hudson Elem.
Grades K-2: Wednesday, August 24, 5:00-7:00 pm
Grades 3-5: Thursday, August 2, 5:00-7:00 pm
Hudson Middle
6th Grade (A-K, 9:00-12 am) (L-Z, 1:00-4:00 pm) Thursday, August 18
All Grades, Thursday, August 25, 4:00-7:00 pm (Floating)
Kings Creek
Thursday, August 25, 4:00-6:00 pm (Floating)
Lower Creek
Thursday, August 25, 4:00-6:00 pm (Floating)
Sawmills Elementary
Thursday, August 25 ( A-L 4:00-5:00pm and M-Z 5:00-6:00pm)
South Caldwell
Freshman Orientation: Thursday, August 18, 10:00-11:30am & 1:00-2:30pm Grades 10-12: Thursday, August 25, 5:00-7:00pm
Valmead
August 22-25: Teachers will schedule times with parents
West Caldwell
Freshmen and new students: Thursday, August 25, 5:00-7:00 pm (Floating) (9th-grade parent meeting in theater, 5:00-5:30 pm)
Whitnel Elementary
Thursday, August 25,5:30 to 6:30 pm
(Doors open at 5:30 pm and classroom presentations begin at 5:45 pm and conclude around 6:30 pm)
William Lenoir Middle
6th Grade, Thursday, August 18, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Wildcat Welcome – 6th-grade parent open house from 4:00 - 6:00 pm (Floating)
Grades 7-8: Thursday, August 25, 4:00 - 6:00 pm (Floating)

15/06/2022

BREAKING: Laura Easton, CEO & President of UNC Health Caldwell has issued a statement, as well as a solution, in response to the county ceasing non emergency transportation. However, County manager Donald Duncan says, “We have received no written proposal from the hospital, and the devil is in the details."
Further stating, "it appears Mrs. Easton is purposefully trying to sabotage our negotiations."

On June 10 Caldwell County announced that County EMS has stopped non-emergency transports from Caldwell UNC Health Caldwell to other medical facilities, citing that the change comes as calls for non-emergency transports increase as services at Caldwell UNC decrease.

Laura Easton, CEO and President of UNC Health Caldwell issued a statement is response to the decision:

“UNC Health Caldwell appreciates every member of Caldwell County EMS and the tremendous job they have done to serve our community especially over the past two years of this pandemic,” she wrote, “Non emergent transfers to a higher level of care are routine for community hospitals across North Carolina. We appreciate the challenges this presents to our local EMS team and have identified a solution.”

“UNC Health Caldwell is requesting that the County approve North State Medical Transport (NSMT) to be a franchised “non-emergent” ALS level provider for Caldwell County. This would allow North State Medical Transport to stage an ambulance unit at our hospital and to carry out interfacility transports and transfers for our patients that require the respective level of service. North State Medical Transport has been in service for 18 years and is currently franchised in 14 other counties across North Carolina.”

“The North Carolina Office of Emergency Management Services has NCMT designated at the NC DHHS level of “specialty care” which means they are able to handle any level of acuity needed for UNC Health Caldwell patients needing non-emergent transport. UNC Health has worked with North State Medical Transport for over 13 years serving many of their affiliate hospitals. We are hopeful that the County will promptly approve this request.”

“Both Caldwell County EMS and UNC Health Caldwell are dedicated to the citizens of this county and assuring the safety and well-being of those we serve.”

Caldwell County Manager Donald Duncan said, “We have received no written proposal from the hospital, and the devil is in the details,” he said. “The fact that they have issued this press release without consultation with the county shows that they are not a community partner and have no plans to be.”

“Over the years Caldwell County has asked on dozens of occasions for UNC Caldwell to be an active partner in the help of this community,” Duncan said. “We certainly will consider it, we’d be happy to consider what the options are…the state has tried to help facilitate this…I can’t comment on something we haven’t seen.”

"The hospital is pretending to be to be a community partner and I would think that the residents of Caldwell County are smart enough to see through that," he said.

He issued a further statement through the county that, "it appears Mrs. Easton is purposefully trying to sabotage our negotiations."

This is a developing story and Caldwell Free Press will update accordingly.

13/06/2022

MAN DIES AFTER ALTERCATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT ON SUNDAY

This just in from the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office

On Sunday, June 12th, 2022, at 2:23 pm the Caldwell County Communications Center received multiple calls of an overturned black Honda 4 door in the ditch on the southbound lane of Hickory Boulevard in the Sawmills Community.

The callers indicated that a subject with the vehicle was in possession of an assault rifle and a pistol. A caller further indicated that the subject was waving a rifle around and making a statement about needing a ride. Another caller reported that the subject had a gun and made the statements if the police come someone is going to die.

A Deputy with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and a Trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to the scene and on arrival contacted the subject. The Deputy and Trooper exchanged gunfire with the subject who fled to a wooded area after the exchange of gunfire. Additional officers arrived at the scene and located the subject at the wooded area and rendered aid to him.

The subject was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Frye Hospital in Hickory. Multiple fi****ms were located in the possession of the subject at the time he was located.

This case has been turned over to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and body cam footage from the Deputy has been turned over to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Agents on scene later conducted a search of the overturned vehicle and a significant quantity of suspected illegal narcotics was collected.

The subject identified as Jerome Lavon Connelly, age 35, of Morganton was later pronounced deceased at Frye Hospital. The Deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave pending review by the District Attorney’s Office.

10/06/2022

FROM CALDWELL COUNTY- CALDWELL COUNTY EMS STOPS NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTS FROM CALDWELL UNC

County EMS has stopped non-emergency transports from Caldwell UNC Health Care to other medical facilities. The change comes as calls for non-emergency transports increase as services at Caldwell UNC decrease.
“The reduction of services at Caldwell UNC is putting patients at risk and costing taxpayers money,” said Caldwell County Manager Donald Duncan. “When we accept optional, routine interfacility transports, it jeopardizes patient health and adversely impacts the ability of EMS personnel to provide emergency response to the rest of the community.”
Hospitals may request non-emergency transfer between medical facilities, but absent a state or local law, regulation or protocol, they cannot require EMS to facilitate an inter-facility transfer.
“The hospital, and hospital system, has more resources — politically, financially and personnel-wise — than the EMS system, and we would like to establish a partnership rather than the facility attempt to shift their responsibility to our EMS system and other healthcare facilities.” said Caldwell County Emergency Services Chief Dino DiBernardi.
Last year, nearly 70% of patients were transported to Caldwell while 30.14% were taken to other medical facilities, 28.22% being to neighboring counties.
In addition to taking EMS crews out of service for extended periods of time, non-emergency transports between facilities cost the county tax dollars for fuel, wear and tear on ambulances, and personnel. This fiscal year alone, the amount in unpaid interfacility transports totals nearly $100,000 after insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid payments.
“Without the hospital reimbursing for the non-emergency transports provided by EMS, those costs are transferred to the patient, and when unpaid, to the taxpayers,” said Duncan.
Caldwell County has made multiple attempts to reach UNC Health Care leadership without success, forcing the county to make the decision to stop non-emergency transports from the hospital. EMS will continue to transport patients facing life-threatening illness from Caldwell UNC to other medical facilities.
Caldwell EMS is committed to provide outstanding emergency, pre-hospital care to its patients and will transport patients to the nearest medical facility capable of furnishing the required care for the patient’s illness or injury.

09/06/2022

Congratulations to Madison Austin, Joseph Bolick, Kyle Bowman,
Caroline Clark, Jaelyn Fox, Jileny Guevara-Lemus, Jolie-Dean Hipps, Lyric Larson and Kiara Leary!

The Golden LEAF Foundation has announced that 215 rural North Carolina students were selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship, including nine in Caldwell County. High school seniors entering college as first year students are eligible for a $3,500 scholarship each year for up to f...

07/06/2022

LENOIR- TRAFFIC FATALITY REPORTED

On Saturday, June 4, 2022 at around 10:30 PM, officers from the Lenoir Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. The crash occurred on Blowing Rock Boulevard in front of Red Roof Inn. The investigation into the crash shows that the pedestrian, Susan Shew, stepped into the roadway attempting to cross the south-bound lanes and was struck by a 2016 Subaru Legacy operated by Alexis Smith. Susan Shew was pronounced deceased at the scene. There have been no charges related to the crash. No other information related to this investigation is available for release at this time. The Lenoir Police Department issued a statement saying: "Our hearts go out to those involved in this tragedy, to family and friends of Susan Shew, as well Alexis Smith and her loved ones."

27/05/2022

Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement Division Removes 80 Animals Belonging to One Couple

Last week, Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement (ACE) Division received an anonymous tip about an alleged animal hoarding situation.
After obtaining a search warrant, ACE, along with Lenoir Police Department and Lenoir Fire Department, removed 80 animals, belonging to Dolly Lou Arnett and Jonathon Christopher Perry, from two Lenoir locations. At the time of the search warrant, the owners had already started moving animals from one residence to another; however, all of the animals initially lived in one residence.
Arnett and Perry chose to surrender all of their animals, which included 49 rabbits, seven cats, and 24 dogs. After medical exams, it was determined that several of the animals needed medical attention, resulting in Arnett and Perry being charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.
“Now that the animals are in our care, our job is to ensure they receive proper veterinary care and work with rescue groups to find suitable placement for these animals. We hope to have some of these animals available for adoption within the next week,” said Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement Division Director Richard Gilliland.
To see animals available for adoption at ACE, visit their page

26/05/2022

NC Department of Commerce recently awarded Tri-County Speedway a $485,000 grant to assist with facility upgrades, including new lighting, paving, and additional bathrooms and concession stand.

Image: Car pictured at the Tri-county speedway NC Department of Commerce recently awarded Tri-County Speedway a $485,000 grant to assist with facility upgrades, including new lighting, paving, and additional bathrooms and concession stand. “As owners of Tri-County, the Higgins family has made a hu...

25/05/2022

Community Paramedic Program Adds Therapy Dog

Always looking for ways to better serve her patients and clients, Community Paramedic Tara Swanson recommended adding a therapy dog to their team. Once she had permission to move forward, Swanson worked with Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement Division to adopt Joules, a 12-week-old American Bulldog mix in April.

“I knew from the very beginning that I wanted a rescue dog for our program, because she would spend a majority of her time working with clients in our RESTART program, who, much like Joules, have a second chance for a better life,” said Swanson.

Once she is certified as a therapy dog, Joules will provide affection, comfort, and support to RESTART clients, people suffering from opioid addiction, and others in our community.

Before Joules and Swanson can work with clients, they must complete training. Currently, the pair are working with Cameron Lauterbach, owner and lead trainer for the Blue Ridge Canine Academy in Hickory, and James Whiteheart, a private trainer for ring sport competition canines.

“We are fortunate to have two of the top trainers in our area working with us for free,” said Swanson. “They are teaching the two of use commands and techniques to help Joules interact with clients and the community. While Joules is learning quickly, I believe the training is for me as much as for her.”

Joules and Swanson hope to be certified within a year to work with clients. For now, Joules is successfully providing stress relief for staff and starring in her own social media .

20/05/2022

This free one-day event gives Caldwell County residents the opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste, pesticides, and unwanted medications. They can also bring documents that need to be shredded.
“We hope people will take advantage of this event to properly dispose of items that we do not accept at our convenience sites,” said Public Facilities Director Bryan Davis.

Caldwell County will hold a Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Event on Saturday, May 21, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at STAT, Inc., 2550 Hickory Boulevard, Lenoir. This free one-day event gives Caldwell County residents the opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste, pesticides, and unwanted....

18/05/2022

Results of the 2022 primary race are in

Clerk of Court: Angela Kidd

School Board: Teresa Branch, Joe Simms, Mark Gerson, BJ Fore

County Commissioners: Mike LaBrose, Donnie Potter

Expanded story and full election results to follow soon

12/05/2022

“I hope if I have a legacy in North Carolina when I’m all said and done, it would be that schools now are reflecting all the stuff that goes on inside of a school day…beyond instruction,” he said. “The instruction is what we’re really here for but there’s so much more that we do that we get involved with.”

While school systems are predominantly geared toward standardized testing and textbook learning, Caldwell County School System superintendent, Dr. Donald Phipps, says truly preparing children for after graduation goes far beyond a grade they receive at the end of the year. “I hope if I have a lega...

10/05/2022

FATAL CAR ACCIDENT REPORTED

On Saturday May 7, 2022 at 7:07 PM, the Lenoir Police Department responded to a call of a motor vehicle crash with injuries on Hickory Boulevard, near the Hibriten Drive overpass. When emergency personnel arrived on scene, they located two subjects with injuries.

Claude Howard Jr. (64 years old) of Lenoir was driving a GMC Safari van north on Hickory Boulevard. The vehicle crossed the median and collided with another vehicle that was traveling south on Hickory Boulevard.

The second vehicle, a Nissan Sentra, was being driven by Tatum Logan (23 years old) of Lenoir.
Claude Howard Jr. was transported to Caldwell UNC Health Care, and later succumbed to his injuries.

Tatum Logan was taken to CMC Main via helicopter with life threatening injuries.

This investigation is still ongoing and is being conducted by the Lenoir Police Department; however, impairment does not appear to be a factor. No further information will be released at this time regarding the circumstances of this crash per the Lenoir Police Department.