Crews will be repairing a washed-out area below the bridge over Kerr Creek on Caldwell Road, which is near N.C. 150/Mooresville Road. The road will be closed until Friday, March 16, at 5 p.m.

While the road is closed, motorists should follow the signed detour from Caldwell Road to N.C. 150/Mooresville Road to Millbridge Road.

For real-time travel information at any time, call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or follow NCDOT on Twitter at www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. To access it, type “m.ncdot.gov” into the browser of your smartphone. Then, bookmark it to save for future reference.

eford@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Doug Paris went from “young Doug” to “Mr. Paris” when Salisbury City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to hire the 28-year-old as the new city manager.

Paris, who has never been a city manager but served as Salisbury’s interim for seven months, beat out 70 other applicants in a nationwide search. Paris began working for the city six years ago as a summer intern.

His mentor, former City Manager David Treme, gave Paris the nickname when Treme hired him in 2007 as Salisbury’s first assistant to the city manager. Paris was promoted to assistant city manager in 2010.

Paris now replaces Treme, who served for more than 25 years, and becomes Salisbury’s seventh city manager.

As interim, Paris impressed City Council with his business acumen, work ethic, willingness to tackle tough issues and knowledge of Fibrant, the city’s new broadband utility.

“The experience he didn’t have as a city manager was overcome by his experience in our system and his knowledge of the city’s needs,” Councilman Brian Miller said after the meeting.

Paris will earn a salary of $135,000, triple the $45,000 he was making five years ago as assistant to the city manager.

“He thinks like a businessman,” Mayor Paul Woodson said. “He goes after money, he goes after savings.”

Under Paris’ leadership, the city will save nearly $900,000 over several years by refinancing bonds and $100,000 annually by renegotiating Fibrant’s phone service contract.

The city credits Paris for securing from Rowan County $185,000 worth of ruggedized radios for the Salisbury Fire Department and $6 million for a downtown central school office.

Paris spent much of last year in Raleigh, working to protect Fibrant from a state law sponsored by the cable industry that he said could have shut down the city’s $33 million investment.

“Of all the candidates we interviewed, he’s the only one who really knew Fibrant,” Woodson said.

As Fibrant attempts to grow from 1,700 to 4,500 subscribers by 2014, the city “didn’t have six months or a year to bring someone up to speed,” Woodson said.

Under Paris’ aggressive leadership, Fibrant’s costs are down and sales are up, council members said.

“I personally was sold on him,” Woodson said.

Council members said they spent untold hours studying and debating the choice of city manager. The city paid a search firm $15,700, but Paris beat out candidates with as many as 30 years of experience.

“We could find no one better, or even close,” Mayor Pro Tem Susan Kluttz said.

As former mayor, Kluttz worked closely with Paris in Raleigh.

“I’ve see firsthand the incredible job he has done fighting for us there,” she said.

Paris worked to secure not only protection for Fibrant, but legislation that created the Salisbury Tourism Development Authority and gave the city a seat on the Rowan-Kannapolis ABC Board, she said.

Paris grew up in eastern Rowan County and is a 2002 graduate of East Rowan High School. He is son of Zina Risley of Richfield and Salisbury attorney Todd Paris.

He studied political science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with highest honors, and has a master’s degree in public administration from the UNC School of Government, where he was an Ed Wyatt Scholar. He maintains a certificate of Human Resources Management from Duke University.

Paris was a “superstar” who could have gone anywhere, but chose to return home, Kluttz said.

Council members called him a visionary who will take Salisbury “to the next level” and said his time as interim city manager was transformational.

“He’s worked on so many new ideas,” Maggie Blackwell said. “He could have just maintained the status quo, but he was not satisfied with that.”

Miller praised Paris’ “intestinal fortitude.”

“He has not shied away from tough decisions that a lot of interims would have just stayed out of because it was perhaps area that wasn’t safe to go into,” Miller said.

Some were personnel decisions and others related to Fibrant, Miller said after the meeting.

Councilman William “Pete” Kennedy said Paris accomplished in six months projects that had lingered for years, including sidewalks on Old Wilkesboro Road and obtaining local permitting authority, which allows the city to issue water and sewer extension permits rather than the state.

Paris also had the support of the city’s management team, Kennedy said.

In brief comments, Paris said it is an honor and privilege to serve.

“We will work hard and continue to pursue the objectives and outcomes and goals and vision that you have for our community,” he said.

The city will host a public reception and swearing-in ceremony at 3 p.m. March 20.

Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.

Are you looking for a rewarding way to volunteer to make a difference in your community? Right now there are 29 children in the Rowan County community in the custody of the Department of Social Services who do not have a voice in court. These children have been removed from their homes through no fault of their own.

Be the voice for one of these children and volunteer with the Guardian ad Litem program. Volunteers are trained to help speak up for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. If you would like to learn more about being the voice for a child, call 704-639-7517or visit ncgal.org, or find their page at facebook. com/ncGuardianAdLitem.

Symposium to focus on healthy youth

On March 10 in celebration of Sigma Week, alumnae chapters nationwide of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will team up with local organizations to provide a variety of workshops which emphasize the organization’s international initiatives. This is the organization’s 15th Annual Youth Symposium and the 2nd Annual for the Salisbury-Rowan County community. The theme of the Youth Symposium is “H3: It’s All About Me—Healthy Choices, Healthy Living, and Healthy Generations” which will encourage young people to consider a future in higher education and provide information regarding health and wellness.

Sigma Youth Symposium will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 10 at the JF Hurley YMCA, 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. West, Salisbury. It is free of charge to all middle and high school students in the area.

Through this partnership, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and the community organizations and colleges/universities of Rowan County are showing families and youth that higher education is within reach. For more information contact the chapter at 704-904-1194 email info@salisburysgrho.com or visit www.salisburysgrho.com.

Vietnam Veterans to meet

Chapter 909 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Concord, will meet Monday, March 12, 7 p.m., Cabarrus Senior Center, 331 Corban Ave. S.E. All Vietnam veterans, Vietnam era veterans and their spouses are urged to attend. For further information, contact Nelson Lee at 704-467-2246 or Bob Downer at 980-621-8735. All funds raised are used to help local veterans and community organization.

Fundraiser to benefit hospitalized, homeless veterans

A lunch and dinner fundraiser will benefit VA Hospitalized Veterans, VA Homeless Veterans and Cancer Aid and Research.

The VFW 3006 Ladies Auxiliary at 1200 Brenner Avenue will be serving a spaghetti meal on March 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Adults $6, children 10 and younger $4. Patrons will receive a meal of spaghetti with meat or meatless sauce, salad, garlic bread, dessert and tea. Dine in, carry out orders and delivery of 10 or more in our local area will be available. All proceeds will go to VA Hospitalized Veterans, VA Homeless Veterans and Cancer Aid and Research. To place your order, call 704-636-2104.

Watt sets office hours for Rowan office

U.S. Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., has set March office hours for his satellite office in Rowan County.

Adam Hall, an aide for Watt, will be available to help expedite interactions with federal agencies and receive questions or concerns about legislative issues.

The aide will also help constituents obtain government publications, provide access to White House tours, secure U.S. flags at cost and provide applications for military academies.

The office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Thursday in March at the Rowan County Administrative Building, 130 W. Innes St.

By Karissa Minn

kminn@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — The number of adoptions at the Rowan County animal shelter was higher last month than it has been in years, officials say.

The Rowan County Board of Health heard about the jump in pet adoptions at its Tuesday meeting.

Animal Control Supervisor Clai Martin told the board there were 71 adoptions in February, up from an average of about 40 per month over the last year.

“We are really excited about the number of animals we’ve had adopted lately,” Martin said after the meeting. “It’s the highest we’ve had in the past couple of years.”

He said he thinks the down economy has had a lot to do with the drop in adoptions, and it’s “very encouraging” to see more cats and dogs finding good homes again.

“We’re really happy with the Salisbury Post allowing the Pet of the Week in the paper... since last fall,” Martin said. “The majority of those animals get adopted.”

The county shelter also has started adopting some out to the Faithful Friends animal shelter, he said, which is expected to open later this month.

Martin said there are also a number of rescue organizations, as well as members of the general public, coming in to adopt animals.

During its meeting, the health board reviewed minutes from the Feb. 7 meeting of the adoption sub-committee, which was formed to find ways to increase county shelter adoptions.

Board member Barbara Andrews, who chairs the sub-committee, said the group talked about working with more rescue organizations and possibly waiving the $70 adoption fee.

The fee already is waived for Faithful Friends, because the nonprofit has the same state accreditation as the county shelter. Andrews said the sub-committee decided not to recommend any other waivers until that partnership is up and running.

“We just wanted to get some information about these organizations,” she said, “because we want to do anything we can do to help promote adoption.”

In addition, the board discussed a January animal shelter inspection by the N.C. Department of Agriculture.

Health Director Leonard Wood said the shelter was found to be acceptable in all categories except for the condition of some water bowls.

Martin said the shelter had received a donation of 200 plastic bowls with foam inside. Some of the bowls were chewed up, he said, and the shelter got rid of them immediately when the inspector pointed them out.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the health board:

• Approved the fiscal year 2012-13 proposed budget of about $6.5 million. This is 1.74 percent less than the 2011-12 approved budget, Wood said, but it would require a 0.76 percent increase in county funds.

This continuation budget does not include two expansion items — a new prenatal care management (PCM) position and an increase from part time to full time for an office assistant position.

• Approved about $16,000 in additional state family planning funds to pay for staff time in the family planning program.

• Approved $8,000 in additional Care Coordination 4 Children (CC4C) funds to purchase laptop computers, air cards and printers. The money also will pay for increased worker’s compensation cost for Social Worker positions, as required by the county.

• Approved a new policy to clarify accreditation roles and responsibilities ahead of the state Accreditation Site Visit Team’s arrival next week.

• Accepted nearly $13,000 for this tax season in debt set off funds, which are tax return funds from clients who have an outstanding balance with the health department.

• Discussed a proposed state bill in the General Assembly that would allow counties to have consolidated governance of local health and social services departments.

• Met in closed session to discuss a personnel matter.

Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.

Twitter: twitter.com/postcopolitics

Facebook: facebook.com/ Karissa.SalisburyPost

By Emily Ford

eford@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — The city will save nearly $900,000 by refunding a portion of outstanding bonds sold years ago and reissuing them to take advantage of lower interest rates.

Salisbury City Council on Tuesday praised new City Manager Doug Paris and Assistant City Manager John Sofley for identifying the savings.

“That’s phenomenal,” Mayor Paul Woodson said. “We are mighty happy.”

The $894,413 in savings will come over the course of six years for two series of general obligation bonds — parks and recreation facilities bonds series 1997 and water bonds series 1998 — and over 16 years for the combined enterprise system refunding bond series 2007.

In consultation with the state’s Local Government Commission, city staff determined conducting a private sale would generate the most savings, Sofley said.

Last year when the city refinanced debt, a public sale took so long the city ended up with a higher interest rate, he said.

“By the time we (sold the bonds), some of the potential savings had disappeared,” Sofley said.

City Council approved the private sale and accepted the low bid of 1.635 percent interest by SunTrust Leasing Corporation for the general obligation bonds and 2.420 percent interest by SunTrust Bank for the revenue bonds.

The length of the loans remains the same.

Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.

mwineka@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Historic Salisbury Foundation announced Tuesday that Brian M. Davis will be its new executive director.

“Brian comes from a strong preservation organization in Galveston, Texas, with an education and preservation background that fits our mission for Salisbury,” foundation President Susan Sides said in a press release.

Davis, the current preservation services director of Galveston Historical Foundation, was selected after a three-month process conducted by the foundation’s search committee.

“I’m very excited to be joining a dedicated team of staff and volunteers and continuing to build on the accomplishments of Historic Salisbury Foundation,” Davis said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the board to set some goals and a road map for achieving them.”

The final four candidates for the Historic Salisbury job emerged from 32 applicants representing 13 states. The finalists were interviewed by both the search committee and the full board.

Doug Black, vice president, served as chairman of the search committee.

“They were all very strong, good people,” he told the Post.

Davis, a native of Louisiana, is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He was a practicing architect in Houston and Galveston before joining Galveston Historical Foundation in 2002.

He has served on the board and steering committee of Galveston Historical Foundation and is a member of the board of the statewide organization Preservation Texas.

Davis also served on the city of Galveston’s building standards commission and was its chair. He has been responsible for saving and preserving many historic buildings in Galveston as director of the foundation’s active revolving fund.

His preservation work includes the Green Revival House, an 1891 cottage that received the LEED for Homes platinum rating as well as local, state and national preservation awards. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Davis is the author of the book “Lost Galveston.”

“We were struck with the close parallels of the programs of the two organizations — ours and Galveston’s,” Sides said.

“Both have a long record of preservation advocacy, neighborhood revitalization, using a revolving process that has saved over 70 historic properties, a major house tour started in the 1970s and the long-term operation of several historical landmarks for the public benefit.”

Black said Davis would start April 2.

Since September 2010, the foundation had seen two directors and an interim director leave the non-profit organization.

David Post left as interim director in November 2011. Cynthia Cole Jenkins served as executive director for only four months in 2011 until taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, then resigning.

Jack Thomson had been executive director for several years until he left in September 2010 for a preservation job in Asheville.

This year, Historic Salisbury Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.

Deadline for posters is 5 p.m.

• Rowan County Alzheimer’s support group, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 8, Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks, 820 Klumac Road, 704-603-2756.

• “The Fabric of Hope & Resistance: NC Women Workers on Strike,” 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 8, by Roxanne Newton. Sponsored by American Association of University Women, Salisbury branch, second floor, Trinity Oaks, 728 Klumac Road. 704-855-8353.

• Salisbury-Rowan-Davie Chapter of Livingstone College National Alumni Assoc. meeting Friday, March 9 at 6 p.m. at Salisbury Business Center, West Bank Street. Information and tickets for April 20 Black and Blue Gala will be distributed. For info, contact Melvin Rush, 704-633-1323.

The organization is seeking individuals and groups interested in participating in this event.

“One of the issues identified at the recent planning charrette for the property was that it needs a good thorough cleaning,” says Andrew Waters, operations director at The LandTrust. “We’ve had a lot of calls from people who want to get involved. Our goal is to get the property looking great for spring and summer and start building a team of volunteers for future park development.”

Please wear old clothes and shoes that can get wet. Other supplies will be provided.

Follow LandTrust signs to one-way parking on Rowan Avenue, headed south to north. Directions are below.

The 40-acre Spencer Woods property, bounded by Salisbury Avenue, 17th Street, Rowan Avenue and others, was slated to be clear-cut, graded flat, and re-planted in loblolly pine trees in 2010. The LandTrust acquired the property in 2011 and is working with the town of Spencer to create a publicly accessible natural preserve in honor of Fred and Alice Stanback, longtime conservation advocates in Rowan County and across North Carolina.

For more information about this event, please call 704-647-0302 or send e-mail to andrew@landtrustcnc.org.

To reach the Spencer Woods property, turn north onto 17th Street from North Main Street in Salisbury. At the first intersection turn right/north onto South Rowan Avenue and follow the LandTrust signs to one-way parking along the street. Participants who approach the property on Rowan Avenue from Spencer, heading south, will be asked to continue to the end of the road and turn around so they can park in a northward facing direction in order to insure an open traffic lane along Rowan Avenue.

Dr. Roxanne Newton, dean of humanities and fine arts at Mitchell Community College, will be the guest speaker. Her topic will be: “The Fabric of Hope and Resistance: N.C. Women Workers on Strike.”

Newton is the daughter and granddaughter of textile workers and author of “Women Workers on Strike: Narratives of Southern Women Unionists.”

Women were involved in disputes that span the decades from the General Textile Strike of 1934 to strikes in 1999 and 2001. Some of their stories tell of finding strength and resilience in “men’s jobs,” competing in non-traditional jobs for women. Other narratives tell of their sacrifices as the women suppressed their own needs in order to organize and participate in unions while also taking care of their families or co-workers.

More stories tell of the women’s evolution from unionists to activists, and others center on union feminists’ stories of leadership in promoting gender and racial equality, workplace democracy, and community justice.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women. In some countries it is a national holiday. Thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and to celebrate achievements.

March 8th recognizes a strike in 1908 of more than 15,000 women from New York’s textile and garment industries, who marched through the city demanding shorter hours, better pay, an end to child labor and the right to vote.

The event in Salisbury is made possible by funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Eileen Hanson-Kelly, 704-855-8353 or http://salisbury-nc.aauw.net

spotts@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — In a few months, the Salisbury Fire Department will add a new piece of equipment that’s just as important as a firefighter’s turnout gear.

The department will receive 50 “ruggedized” radios by mid-June. The radios, which weigh less than a pound each, are made by Motorola Solutions and are submersible, dual-sided and capable of tracking a firefighter’s location inside a structure.

Fire officials recognized the need for a tougher radio after firefighters Justin Monroe and Victor Isler died March 7, 2008, while battling a fire at Salisbury Millworks.

Fire Chief Bob Parnell said upon inspecting the radios Salisbury firefighters currently use, the department discovered about 40 percent had some type of damage, including corrosion, or had been dropped.

The new radios, which cost around $185,000, were provided by the county.

A group of city, fire and telecommunications officials were on hand Tuesday to see how they work. Parnell called the radio one of the most advanced on the market.

“The features, the construction and technology are much greater,” Parnell said after the event.

The radios are guaranteed to last at least 10 years. They are shock resistant and features larger buttons and knobs than typical radios.

The radio can determine if a firefighter is down for a certain length of time, after which it will be beep and alert others the firefighter may be in trouble.

The radio also has a strobe light type feature that helps a rescuer find a firefighter in the dark if he or she is in trouble and cannot respond verbally, said Danny Sanchez, a business development manager with Motorola Solutions.

And a future technological upgrade will allow the radio to monitor a firefighter’s vital signs while he or she is inside a structure.

The radios are “designed for firefighters by firefighters,” Sanchez said during the demonstration.

Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette also spoke during the demonstration. His department lost a firefighter in July as it battled a five-story medical office building fire.

Burnette played recordings from emergency radio communications the day of the fire, which he said someone intentionally set, and talked about the importance of communication between firefighters as well as between the firefighters and 911 communications.

New radios aren’t the only way local officials are working to keep firefighters safer.

Sometime this year, the Fire Department will also be able to use GIS technology to help track firefighters as they make their way through a structure, said Allen Cress, supervisor of the county 911 center.

Parnell also talked about the importance of having a dispatcher who would maintain 911 communications just with the fire departments.

Rowan County Manager Gary Page said at the end of the presentation the county saw a need for such a setup.

He also said the county has previously not been financially able to add a dispatcher, but the topic came up at a recent budget session.

“We’ve laid the groundwork to get those added in this year’s budget,” Page said.

Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.

mwineka@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Rowan Animal Clinic, whose facilities were destroyed by an early-morning fire Feb. 19, has set up a fund for creating a “Precious Nine” dog park in memory of the animals that died from smoke inhalation.

The community dog park, about an acre in size, will be next to the new facility the clinic expects to build this year.

Meanwhile, Dr. R.B. Lowe, who established the veterinary practice 35 years ago, said his staff is working diligently to open a temporary office by sometime next week.

It will be located off Statesville Boulevard in the strip of stores beside the Salisbury Mall. The temporary clinic will be next to Aaron’s Sales and Lease and is in a former eye care center.

Staff members have been painting, placing orders, ripping up old carpeting and tracking down equipment.

“The other veterinarians in town have just been wonderful,” looking after Rowan Animal Clinic clients and their animals since the fire, Lowe said.

The clinic has chosen architect Roger Layman and started on its path to build a new facility on the same site.

The earliest a new clinic could be rebuilt is probably five months, Lowe said.

A lot of people have been asking questions about both the temporary office and when a new clinic will be built again at 4155 Statesville Blvd.

“It’s hard to give black-and-white answers,” Lowe acknowledged.

Ever since the fire, clinic owners and staff have discussed some memorial tribute to the nine dogs lost in the fire. On the Thursday after the fire, Summersett Funeral Home provided its chapel for a private memorial service for the families of those pets.

Lowe said the community dog park could possibly have benches or seats dedicated to each animal. Brick paths also could present opportunities to pay tribute to other animals.

“It’s so early, but we already have $600 in donations,” Lowe said.

Sandra Wilkinson and her husband, Neal, have depended on the clinic for treatment of their animals for 25 years. A Wells Fargo employee, Sandra has set up the “Rowan Animal Clinic Precious Nine Memorial Fund” as a vehicle for accepting donations toward the dog park.

Contributions for the fund — in cash or by check — will be accepted at any Wells Fargo location. Checks should be made out to “Rowan Animal Clinic,” with a reference to the Precious Nine Memorial Fund in the memo line.

Contributions also can be mailed to the Wells Fargo branch at 866 Jake Alexander Blvd. West, Salisbury, NC 28147.

Neal Wilkinson said support for the clinic from clients and the community at large has been overwhelming because, for the clinic, “it’s always been about the animals.”

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.

mwineka@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — After the deaths four years ago of fellow Salisbury firefighters Vic Isler Sr. and Justin Monroe, Capt. Bobby Fox penned some of his feelings from that day in a poem he titled, “Lost Brothers.”

And as we crawled through this black darkness to try and find the others,

all we would find was the lack of time and the pain of lost brothers.

And all the days that followed this endless dream,

we would see time as just a blur.

So we would honor our brothers but add to the pain with lots of hurtful words.

The families who lost would pay the ultimate cost for the safety of future brothers.

Their payments would be the lonely eternity of suffering and unknowing.

Chaplain Wendell Bradley of Responder Care read these words this morning at a memorial service noting the fourth anniversary of the March 7, 2008, Salisbury Millwork Co. fire in which Isler and Monroe died.

A brief, quiet ceremony took place at the Salisbury-Rowan Firefighters Memorial.

Family members for both Isler and Monroe aided in the placing of wreaths, which will remain throughout the day at the memorial, located at the southern end of Chestnut Hill Cemetery, 1400 S. Main St.

“We should never forget and should not expect to,” Bradley said in a closing prayer.

Mayor Paul Woodson said Isler and Monroe made the ultimate sacrifice and demonstrated the utmost bravery in performing their jobs that day.

“This city will always hold them in our hearts,” Woodson said.

It was important to remember Isler and Monroe, plus all the men and women who put their lives on the line every day, the mayor added.

Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell said up to 40 more firefighters would have been at the ceremony, except they were responding to a morning fire at Wiltshire Village. An apartment was burned out, but no injuries were reported.

The ceremony also included the raising of the U.S. flag, followed by lowering it to half-staff.

A fire bell, draped in black, chimed five times in three distinct sets, signifying the “last return home.”

Fox also serves as chief of Miller’s Ferry Fire Department, where the young Justin Monroe, only 19 when he died, was also an active volunteer. Both he and the 40-year-old Isler left strong impressions with their fellow firefighters.

Fox’s poem ends this way:

And the years come and the years go,

but these memories I fear I will always know.

Tommy Jordan told 15-year-old Hannah on Wednesday he saved the computer’s hard drive where her photos and other data were stored before emptying nine shots into the computer and recording it on video.

Jordan, his wife Amy and their daughter said on NBC’s “Today” show that the video’s 31 million YouTube views has added scrutiny on their lives, a lesson for anyone online.

The Albemarle father and daughter say they both overreacted to family strife by sharing their domestic tit-for-tat online.

Tommy Jordan says despite what he showed the world last month, he has a great daughter who remains grounded and has no laptop to replace the one he destroyed.

Mindful of the political dangers of high gas prices, he said shrinking demand for oil must drive the solution.

Obama, promoting his energy policies in a state that figures prominently in the presidential election and will host the Democratic National Convention, called on Congress to provide $1 billion in grants to local communities to encourage greater use of fuel-efficient technologies. The administration's goal is to make electric vehicles as affordable and convenient as gasoline-powered vehicles by 2020.

The president also proposed greater tax incentives to encourage the purchase and use of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Gasoline prices are at their highest levels for this time of year and Obama has been traveling in recent weeks to promote energy proposals he says will reduce foreign oil dependency over the long term.

"We need to invest in the technology that will help us use less oil in our cars and our trucks, and our buildings, and our factories," Obama said. "That's the only solution to the challenge. Because as we start using less, that lowers the demand, prices come down. Pretty straightforward."

The president spoke at a Daimler truck plant in Mount Holly, N.C., a state with political implications for his re-election. He traveled there as the Republican field seeking to defeat him in November remains unsettled. Mitt Romney squeezed out a win in pivotal Ohio on Tuesday, captured five other states and padded his delegate lead in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. But the front-runner was forced to share the Super Tuesday spotlight with a resurgent Rick Santorum.

Republicans have been pointedly critical of Obama, blaming his energy policies for the spike in gasoline prices. Gingrich has argued that as president, he would reduce the price of gasoline to $2.50 a gallon.

Without naming Gingrich, Obama dismissed his claim.

"Next time you hear some politician trotting out some three point plan for $2 gas, you let him know we know better," Obama said. "Tell him we're tired of hearing phony election year promises that never come about."

SALISBURY — A mo-ped rider who was critically injured in a collision on U.S. 601 Tuesday has been upgraded to serious condition at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

David Coble, of Cauble Road in Salisbury, was in an emergency room at the Winson-Salem hospital for several hours on Tuesday. He was listed in critical condition about 6:30 p.m.

Coble was injured when a van turned in front of him onto West Ridge Road.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper J. Page said Tuesday the investigation is on-going and charges were pending.

By Hugh Fisher

hfisher@salisburypost.com

KANNAPOLIS — Wed-nesday’s City Council retreat gave Kannapolis’ leaders a bird’s-eye view of the challenges the city will face in the next decade.

Coming out of a recession, and facing as much as a 12.5 percent drop in property values because of the downturn, city officials spent the day brainstorming and hearing from staff and consultants about how the next 10 years could play out.

Their task: decide the city’s priorities for future growth and investment, and how to fund them in a time when funds are tight.

During the morning, Mayor Bob Misenheimer and city council members took part in a brainstorming exercise to come up with actions they, individually, might want to see taken.

Their list grew to 51 priorities, including improved relationships with Rowan and Cabarrus county governments, a citywide needs assessment, aggressive business recruitment and economic development.

Throughout the day, as they heard presentations from city staff members on potential new projects and challenges, council members said they felt challenged to make the best possible decisions.

“I thought this was one of the better ones I’ve attended because we reached some conclusions about what members of the city council felt,” Mayor Pro Tem Gene McCombs said.

After the retreat ended Wednesday evening, City Manager Mike Legg said that though no official policy decisions were made, there was an atmosphere of ideas.

He said Wednesday’s session was not meant to give staff recommendations, but rather to present facts and opportunities.

One challenge: how to establish a “brand” for Kannapolis.

“We’re at a place now where there’s this blank slate. Who do we want to be?” Councilman Roger Haas said.

“We don’t know what we are yet, but we’re going that way,” he said.

Of key importance: a presentation on the city’s finances in light of the many capital projects that Kannapolis could benefit from.

The idea of building a new police station and city hall recurred throughout the retreat.

In fact, it’s been on the radar for years: a list of 1990 City Council priorities includes a new city hall.

Currently, the Kannapolis Police Department uses converted houses downtown, while city offices are located in rented space in Cannon Village.

One of the 51 items on council members’ list: “Quit talking about and build a new police department and city hall.”

One possibility envisioned by planners includes a city hall and police station on the site of the old post office, off Dale Earnhardt Boulevard.

That plan would allow for two buildings to be built in phases, allowing for future growth. There would also be a garage for storing specialized police vehicles, such as those used during natural disasters.

But the price tag is not small: an estimated $1.5 million to build all these facilities, and that cost likely to rise along with fuel and commodity prices.

In the afternoon, council members heard a presentation from Legg, Assistant City Manager Eddie Smith and Finance Director Eric Davis.

And they discussed a list of other capital projects that have been identified as real or potential needs between now and 2022.

They include replacing fire engines, building new water mains, replacing aging water meters throughout the city and adding or replacing sidewalks.

They range from major projects, such as renovations to Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium, to those which seem minor but are necessary on a large scale, such as replacing water meters throughout the city.

Council members also discussed ways to increase the city’s revenue stream, which will be vital considering the drop in property values.

“Some things have been put off, and put off for a long time,” Councilman Ryan Dayvault said.

The newest member of the seven-person board said he wants to see improvements made, especially to downtown.

But there must be “aggressive” increases to the tax base to match, he said.

“Any increases that we make to any fees or taxes, anything like that, we have to back them up … with economic development,” he said.

And, Dayvault said, that has to include established retail corridors, not just new developments.

He said he believes residents will support new projects if they see that the city is serious about growth.

“We have to tell the world that we are open for business in Kannapolis, that we’re not just trying to have one entity controlling everything. We want to diversify,” Dayvault said.

Another topic of discussion: fiscal policies, including increased performance measures, a 10-year capital improvements budget and emphasis on the city’s fund balance.

One option: grow the fund balance — the city’s savings — to between 25 and 33 percent of annual revenues, enough to pay the city’s expenses for up to 17 weeks.

But in addition to increased saving, city staff also discussed investment options, “mechanisms to allow the city’s money to work harder.”

Legg said council members realize they’re making decisions that will affect the next generation of Kannapolis residents.

But, throughout the day, Legg said these proposals are merely “a point of departure.”

“It is not a staff recommendation,” he said, but simply food for thought.

Another brainstorming tool was a list of potential new revenue sources — ways the city could raise money other than taxes.

The list of potential fees includes the possibility of taxes on animals, new fees for large yard waste pickups and noise permits, taxi driver permits and taxi inspections.

Also on the list: the sale of naming rights and sponsorships, donations and voluntary support for projects and the sale of underused property and buildings.

Again, Legg said none of these are staff recommendations.

Instead, he said, council members will decide whether or not any of these make sense for Kannapolis.

The city’s leaders will gather again in a month for an economic development summit.

At that time, council members will return to the table to revisit some of the ideas raised Wednesday.

Between now and April 4, McCombs said he will try to learn as much as he can from his constituents — “their opinions about whether or not they can afford the additional taxes or user fees to support some of the needs.”

“Realistically, we have to have increases in revenue, particularly with the fact that we’re just coming off the reduction in valuation.

At the same time, he said, there’s no question the city has pressing needs. “Maybe there is a middle ground somewhere,” McCombs said.

“We’ve got some hard decisions,” Councilman Tom Kincaid said. “Not just looking at what we need now, but trying to visualize what we need to carry the city into the future.”

Councilman Darrell Hinnant said he’s going to take time in the weeks ahead to absorb the information he received. “We have a lot of issues to approach and figure out, and I’m excited about going forward,” Hinnant said. “There’s a lot of work to be done.”

Contact Hugh Fisher via the editor at 704-797-4244.

Horatio AlgerScholarship winner

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans Inc., has announced the names of the 104 Horatio Alger National Scholarship recipients. Dillon L. Brewer of Granite Quarry is the North Carolina recipient.

Each student will receive a $20,000 scholarship to a four-year school of his or her choice, and will be honored at the Horatio Alger Awards Ceremonies in Washington D.C, in April.

Representing every state in the Union, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, these exceptional students were selected to receive scholarships because of the courage they demonstrated in overcoming personal obstacles to attain academic success.

During their stay in the nation’s capital, they will have the opportunity to meet fellow scholars, share stories and experiences with members from the Horatio Alger Association, and attend college preparatory sessions.

Carson-Newman dean’s list

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Carson-Newman recently announced recipients of dean's List awards for the fall 2011 semester, which included Jenna Bryan of Salisbury.

Students earning a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while taking 12 or more credit hours are awarded the distinction of dean’s list honors and feted at a reception sponsored by the Academic Affairs Office and Alpha Chi Honor Society.

Cleveland Elementary names good citizens

The following Cleveland Elementary School students were named good citizens for the month of February:

Kindergarten — De Travious Wood, Ivan Landerverde, Amie Rodgers, Abigail Evenden, Bryson Brown, Shanni Warren

First grade — Mary Eller, Easton Troutman, Katie Corrillo, Zoey Seaman, Melissa Mejia-Carrillo, Brandon Hardin

Second grade — Paige Barber, Alma Cisneros-Mancia, Kenia Medin Amdrade, Alyssa Savavong

Third grade — Christian Walters, Patrick Evenden, Mark Benware, Mia Hardin

Fourth grade — Seth York, Zoe Hager, Grace Hodge, Slade Sheridan

Fifth grade — Katie Prince, Sage Staley, Hannah Shoaf, Faith Moore

Shive teacher wins grant

Connie McCombs, an educator at Ethan H. Shive Elementary School in Rockwell, was recently recognized as a 2012 recipient of the Air Force Association (AFA) Educator Grant, an education initiative that promotes aviation and aerospace education activities in classrooms throughout the country.

AFA, a nonprofit organization headquartered near Washington, D.C., annually awards grants of up to $250 to worthy projects, activities or materials that benefit students and promote knowledge of aerospace power. Grants are used for innovative education initiatives, including field trips to aerospace museums or Air Force bases or for books, DVDs or videotapes on aerospace topics.

The Educator Grant Program is a competitive program that encourages educators to develop effective ways of furthering student learning in aerospace studies within the prescribed curriculum for students from kindergarten through 12th grades.

Enochville Wise Owls

Enochville Elementary School recently selected Wise Owls for February 2012. The following students have consistently exhibited good citizenship, good manners and exceptional behavior:

Madisyn Lewis, Faith O’Neill, Taylor Marlow, Cadence Helms, Ethan Houston, Isabel Juarez, Jackson Walter, Elijah Campbell, Emily Lewis, Rocina Hernandez, Abigail Bruce, Zugey Zempoaltecatl;

Bryleigh Beaver, Connor Belk, Caroline Barbee, Ethan Ward, Carson Crainshaw, Joshua Storie, Leah Foster, Gavin Osborne, Jessalyn Rollins, Ethan Ratliff, Ava Hubbard, Bradly Hatley, Brooklyn Mabe;

Jagger Childres, Samantha Graham, Gavin Pepper, Breanna Kelley, Luis Curz-Pena, Timothy Broadway, Katelyn Bebber, David Ramirez, Caitlin Hodge, Ben Stitt, Lacey Isbell, Kobe Egnor, Ashlyn Plott.

Koontz good citizens

January good citizens at Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary School:

Joshua Gillespie, Carolina Ordonez, Jaylan Everhardt, Dulce Montoya, Gregory Roe, Tyshawn Bookhardt, Mac Jones, Cailyn Kaizer, Breanna Morris, Jose Guerrero, Myeanjell Cameron, Gisselle Hernandez, Kimberly DelaSancha, Malachi Cruise, D Auja Cuthbertson, Travis Campbell, Daniela Garcia, Destiny Hall, Blake Hall, Keyshawn Breedlove, Tylesha Olgesby, Natalie Lippard, Jaden Banks, Jalin Clodfelter, Kaitlyn Krack, Eric Guiterrez, Samuel and Gabriel Kincaid, Nasheim Russell, Malaka Cornelius Kenyon, Kenyon Dillard, Dylan Myers, Brittany Flores, Allie Adamenko, Nadaleigh Lewis, Cynthia Quintero-Molina, Ramon Pruitt, Corbin Menius, Lexus Spivey, Jose Jimenez, Kania Carlton, DaMaya Crawford, Maz Ordonez, Claire Morgan, Jamal Robinson, Gabby Salazar, Mandela Davis, Kiersten Hyde, Nyana Blakeney, Nautica Passion, Micah Contee, Leah Davies, Jander Rojas, Ian Walworth, Daniel Tinajero.

North Elementary names Good Citizens

The following students were selected as good citizens at North Rowan Elementary for the month of February based on the character trait Courage:

Abby Campbell, Joshua Byrd, Willa Myers, Elijah Hills, Ryanna Holland, Chaz McCombs, Yoselin Carrillo, Caden Swicegood, Zach Johnston, Asber Ortiz-Moreno, Dylan Johnson, Kenndrick Harper, Nizariah Winchester;

Bil'lizah Connor, April Zeock, Cody Anderson, Kaleigh Allison, Lee Herh, Azarea Miller, Nayomi Pant, Jakaiya Bethea, Jaden Robertson, Ty Beuchler, Zach Burge, Kasady Eddins, Dylan Bates, Charlie Durham;

Arlene Albarran, Gladys McDaniel, Allison Grant, Logan Perry, Alexis Williams, Chandler Castillo, Abby Smith, Dylan Connolly, Teresa Martinez, Sydney Patton, Bessther Euceda, Michael Geter, Emarion McGorda;

Tsion Kelly, Alex McNeil, Teashia Ellis, Jacob Hunter, Jeremiah Williams, Chloee Stoner, Grayce Morris, Serinity Day, Jennifer Dela Cruz, Joseline Gomez, Nashid Tabb, Joshua Portillo;

Chloe Thorneburg, Ravyn Matthews, Jennifer Uribe, Jermiah Montgomery, Marcayla McDaniels, Kailey Bivens, Tatum Osborne, Monte' Forney, Jordan Flowers, Enisha Lyerly, Hayla Walker, Ja'Kiya McEntyre, ShaLeah Conn, Joseph Hartman;

Leo Wang, Nathalia Jaramillo, Bryslynn Goodlett, Madison Suehr, Carson Foster, Jose Mendoza, Isaiah Cooper, Heather Dellinger, Matthew Fesperman, Lily Savage, Saige Johnson, Xzaviar Davis, Gabby Kyles, Ethan Cantu, Evan Osborne, Cameron Eaves, Zander Crisco, Avena Yang.

Cassandra Hendrix makes dean’s list

ATLANTA, Ga. — Kannapolis’s Cassandra Hendrix was named to Oglethorpe University’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2011 semester.

Hendrix, a psychology major, was one of approximately 260 students to earn this distinction, which requires students to achieve at least a 3.5 grade point average while maintaining a full-time class schedule during the semester.

Shive Elementary Character winners

The following students qualify as Character trait winners who showed an act of Determination during the month of February at Shive Elementary School.

Jesslyn Poole, Julian Kauffman, Katie Durham, Vickie Stitt, Ethan Wilson, Braden Shive, Jana Swink, Lucas Shumacher, Thomas Vang, Autumn Misenheimer, Cameron Reilly;

Gabriel Watkins, Jasmine Endsley, Alivia Styles, Jonah Moore, Breyanna Walker, Ryder Parks, Haylee Benfield, Avery Barbee, Riley McCullough, Nathan Bradt, Claudiah Sifford;

Sydney Shore, Alix Vazquez, Jonathon Forney, Addisyn Keen, Cody Fassler, Jakob Laroche, Brianna Degraw, Peyton McSweeney, Zane Thompson, Isabella Basinger, Jordan Mikoski;

Bradley Griffin, Victoria Lewis, Dakota Culp, Jessica Collier, Austin Jackson, Adalie Harrison, Chance Teuscher, Katelyn Sifford, Sophia Brown, Sara Davis;

Coleton Shugart, Bethany Barnhardt, Mackenzie Sprinkle, Savannah Barnhardt, Jeremey Lopez, Ashley Drye, Hunter Christy.

Woodleaf goodcitizens

Woodleaf Elementary School would like to congratulate the following students who have been selected as good citizens for February for demonstrating responsibility.

Kindergarten: Justin Bogle, Waldo Galicia, Julius Guevara, Jacob Hickman, Abigail Kennedy, Sophia Raffaldt and Koby Watson.

First grade: Jakii Alexander, Jeremy Cass, Tristina Corker, James Francis, Benjamin Hager, Madison Hartman, Samantha Keys, Katlyn Lyons, Treston Moretz, Lesly Ramirez-Hernandez, Carson Simmerson and Hope Spurlock.

Second grade: Ariana Anaya-Locklear, Allie Burns, Isaac Castro, Cruz Guerrerro-Barrerra, Tania Lazcano-Marcelino, Blake Oliphant and Nathan Peoples.

Third grade: Salvador Bautista-Carrillo, Bradlee Bean, Kortlyn Cooper, Max Crawford, Hannah Daniels, Xiadany Hernandez-Reyes, Bayleigh Miller and Lakira Sturgill.

Fourth grade: Cyress Brown, Sierra Cline, Micah Francis, Lauren Hubert, Ashley Perrell, Greyson Snyder, Madison Turner and Catherine Young.

Fifth grade: Kendyl Gregory, Magdalyn Idries, Amy Lankford, Connor McNeely, Savannah Peoples, Tara Renegar, Ben Suggs, Jonathan Trejos-Torres and Stone Willis.

TAP Math receives grant

Teachers and Administrators Partnering for Mathematics Learning (TAP Math) has received federal funding from Title II Part B.

Federal legislation requires that non-public schools in our partnering districts be invited to consult, provide input and participate with TAP Math.

If you are a private, charter or home-school leader and are interested in consulting and participating in the TAP Math project, contact Dr. Sarah Hensley, director of elementary education for the Rowan-Salisbury School System, or the project staff at 919-760-8756.

We encourage you to join us for consultation and planning implementation details for the project.

You may also reach us via email at tapmath@gmail.com.

High school students have very different experiences that come with each grade level.

As a senior, my life has grown and changed so much since the start of my freshman year. Many experiences can be difficult, another lesson to learn.

My toughest school-related experience my senior year would have to be applying to colleges. Admissions departments want top-notch students attending their school, making applications very competitive.

The responses I received from my fellow East Rowan Mustangs differ, depending on the student and the grade level.

Many freshmen are on the same page when it comes to what they consider a “difficult experience.”

Ninth-graders made the transition from middle to high school this year. In high school, the pool of people is much larger than that of middle school.

“The hardest part was getting used to a new setting and all the new people to meet,” said freshman Scott Sapp.

Freshman Ashton Allman said the hardest part for her has been changing into different classes.

Freshman Bays Bost said he is worried about the End of Course tests at the end of the year. In middle school, students take the End of Grade tests. The test is similarly formatted, but if students do not pass the End of Course in high school, they have one chance to retake it or they fail the course and must take the class again.

Sophomore Justin Fuller said his toughest experience has been meeting people in different grades. In middle school, you’re confined to classes with people in your grade level. Now, classes may have all grade levels included. Sophomore year is when many students decide to step out and make friends with other people.

Many students are athletes. Hailey Bartleson said the hardest part of her sophomore year has been “juggling swimming and classes.” Bartleson is taking all honors and Advanced Placement classes, competing for a spot in the top 10 of her graduating class.

Juniors Elizabeth Schumacher and Jessye Allman both said the hardest part of their year has been AP U.S. History.

Junior Tonia Dimarzo said her toughest experience of the school year has been trying to decide what she needs to do to give herself a better future.

Junior year is about the time in high school when you really start to prepare for college. You start thinking about where you want to apply and how you are going to make yourself stand out.

Senior Kristi Bumby said that her final year in high school has been about “wrapping everything up, applying for colleges and scholarships, finishing the senior project, and just completing my realm of high school.”

After the college application process, there is the agonizing wait for the all-important graduation day.

Jake Ward is one of the many seniors experiencing “senioritis,” which is something that leaves you with a serious lack of motivation to do anything school related.

In a way, high school students all relate to each other, either because we have been there ourselves or anticipate that we will one day be in the same position. Every student is going through something they consider challenging, no matter where they are in school.

Bri Salgado is a senior at East Rowan High School.

KANNAPOLIS — The R3 Center is offering numerous career development workshops and resume clinics in March for adults in Rowan and Cabarrus counties. All of the programs are provided free-of-charge.

Located at 200 West Ave. in Kannapolis, the R3 Center is a career development center established by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to assist displaced workers, those who are unemployed or under-employed.

Workshops

The center’s March schedule of workshops includes the following sessions. Due to the popularity of its free sessions, the R3 Center strongly encourages clients to call in advance to reserve a place (704-216-7201).

New Client Launch – 9 a.m. March 19 and 23; 11 a.m. March 21; 2 p.m. March 20; and 6 p.m. March 19 and 20.

New Client Launch is an orientation workshop for persons who have never attended an R3 Center workshop or taken advantage of its other services.

The calendar also includes the following workshops:

• Identifying Your Career Options – 9 a.m. March 22; and 6 p.m. March 12;

• Interview Techniques - 9 a.m. March 12; and 6 p.m. March 27;

• It’s Not Who You Know; It’s Who You Meet – 9 a.m. March 27;

• Stand Out from the Competition – 9 a.m. March 15; and 6 p.m. March 26;

• Looking for Work at 50+ – 9 a.m. March 29; and 6 p.m. March 13;

• Looking for Work with a Criminal Record – 9 a.m. March 14;

• Letter Writing for the Job Seeker – 9 a.m. March 28; and

• Online Job Hunting – 9 a.m. March 16.

Resume clinics

The R3 Center also will offer multiple resume clinics to help job searchers improve their current resume or create a new one from start to finish. Please call to reserve a seat. The resume clinics are scheduled for:

• 9 a.m. on March 24;

• 11 a.m. on March 28; and

• 2 p.m. on March 14.

The R3 Center helps adult workers assess their skills, aptitudes, training and academic credentials, and future career interests to develop an action plan for career growth. All R3 Center services are provided free-of-charge. The center’s normal office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The center will be closed from Mar. 5-9 in observance of the college’s spring break that is allotted for construction and technological updates.

The R3 Center partners with other workforce development agencies, including the Centralina Workforce Development Board, JobLink Career Centers of Cabarrus and Rowan counties, N.C. Employment Security Commission, and other area community colleges.

For more information the R3 Center, please call 704-216-7201, or visit the center’s website at www.rccc.edu/r3center/.