FORMER DEFENSE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL SENTENCED TO
57 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR ESPIONAGE VIOLATION


July 14, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Gregg William Bergersen, age 51, of Alexandria, Virginia, was sentenced today in the Eastern District of Virginia to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to disclose national defense information to persons not entitled to receive it, in violation of 18 U.S.C., Sections 793(d) and (g).  Bergersen pleaded guilty to this offense on March 31, 2008, after being arrested by federal authorities on February 11, 2008.

Patrick Rowan, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security; U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg of the Eastern District of Virginia; and Arthur M. Cummings, II, Executive Assistant Director of the FBI’s National Security Branch, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema imposed the sentence.

“Mr. Bergersen betrayed his oath to serve and protect our nation when he used his government position to access and pass national defense information to a person he knew was not entitled to receive it. Today, he is paying the price for his actions,” said Patrick Rowan, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security.

“Mr. Bergersen predicted he would go to jail if anyone discovered he was unlawfully providing classified information to a foreign government.  We did.  He is,” said U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg.

“Espionage is one of the most serious crimes any American, much less a government official entrusted to serve and protect our Nation's defense, can commit," said FBI Executive Assistant Director Arthur M. Cummings, National Security Branch.  "The FBI is working diligently with our partners in the law enforcement and intelligence community to safeguard America's national defense information and to ensure individuals who commit such treasonous acts against the United States will be held fully accountable.”

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Award-winning actor Gary Sinise,
widely known for his role on CSI New York and playing Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump,
visited with troops in Landstuhl, Germany

July 14, 2008

Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band travelled to the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany to perform for the troops, as part of a United Service Organizations (USO)/Armed Forces Entertainment tour. Sinise and his 11-member band performed several free concerts, posed for photos, and signed autographs for thousands of airmen, soldiers, Marines and sailors and their families.
 
Sinise, who recently concluded a series of five stateside concerts for troops, have worked with the USO since 2003. In May, Sinise and his band performed for a standing-room-only crowd in the courtyard of the Pentagon. They have toured military bases in Europe, and have performed in Iraq three times. Sinise has played at about 75 installations worldwide.

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JULY 14

Jerusalem Captured During First Crusade

July 14, 1099

Kalini Castle
(Built during the first crusade as a staging post for knights going to the Holy Land)


During the First Crusade, Christian knights from Europe capture Jerusalem after seven weeks of siege and begin massacring the city's Muslim and Jewish population.

Beginning in the 11th century, Christians in Jerusalem were increasingly persecuted by the city's Islamic rulers, especially when control of the holy city passed from the relatively tolerant Egyptians to the Seljuk Turks in 1071. Late in the century, Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comenus, also threatened by the Seljuk Turks, appealed to the West for aid. In 1095, Pope Urban II publicly called for a crusade to aid Eastern Christians and recover the holy lands. The response by Western Europeans was immediate.

The first crusaders were actually undisciplined hordes of French and German peasants who met with little success. One group, known as the "People's Crusade," reached as far as Constantinople before being annihilated by the Turks. In 1096, the main crusading force, featuring some 4,000 mounted knights and 25,000 infantry, began to move east. Led by Raymond of Toulouse, Godfrey of Bouillon, Robert of Flanders, and Bohemond of Otranto, the army of Christian knights crossed into Asia Minor in 1097.

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PROFILE AMERICA

July 14, 2008

Cell Phone Courtesy

Monday, July 14th. We’ve all seen them — and heard them. People on cell phones talking in heavy traffic while driving, or loudly discussing very private matters while shopping in the supermarket.

Well, take hope — this is Cell Phone Courtesy Month — a time for those who just have to stay in touch, wherever they are, to pay more attention to the highway and to hold down the volume of their conversation if they’re in a

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Kevin Starr

UNION SQUARE GREENMARKET

July 13, 2008


If you were to look at a top ten list of authentic farmers markets in this country, the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City would definitely be on the list. We had a chance to visit this famous market on a recent family vacation. To a person like me who enjoys working with farmers markets and the folks who sell there, Union Square is a great source of inspiration.

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What's On Your Mind???

Highway 16 Interchanges
From James "Bo" Moore, Transportation Committee Chair

July 13, 2008

The Lincolnton-Lincoln County Transportation Committeecontinues discussion on the Highway 16 interchanges. Bo Moore recently spoke with Mike Holder, Division Engineer, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Judge Robert Collier, State North Carolina Department of Transportation Board Member and future State Representative Johnathn Rhyne on the planned Highway 16 interchanges.

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One Good Thing About The High Price of Gas

July 13, 2008

High gasoline prices could lead to fewer auto deaths on the road. A new study by professors at Harvard Medical School and the University of Alabama-Birmingham found that decreased driving due to higher prices may reduce auto deaths by a third.

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July 13, 2008

ACROSS THE TARHEEL STATE.

ASHEVILLE -- The man accused of killing a state Highway Patrol trooper during a traffic stop now faces six other charges, including trying to kill a sheriff's detective. A grand jury handed up the new indictments on Monday

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Lucky Green Trading, Inc. Recalls Thai Basil Because of Possible Health Risk

July 13, 2008

NOTE: The strain of Salmonella found in this company's Thai Basil is not Salmonella Saintpaul, and therefore not related to the current Salmonella outbreak. This positive finding was a result of a routine inspections and testing conducted by FDA inspectors. The importer has been placed on import alert and will have to comply with the requirements of the import alter before being allowed to import its basil product into the U.S.


LUCKY GREEN TRADING, INC. of Garden Grove, CA is recalling Thai Basil , because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and

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New National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center Opens in Virginia

Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and Commerce and Postal Inspection Service
open command post to take joint action against counterfeiters


Secretary Chertoff and ICE assistant Julie Myers
at opening of the International Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center on July 10
(DHS Photo/Lutz)

July 13, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today the opening of a new high-tech National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) in Northern Virginia that will help maximize member agencies' authorities and resources to counter the global threat of intellectual property rights violations.

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PROFILE AMERICA

July 13, 2008

Recreation and Parks

Sunday, July 13th. The summer vacation season is at its height, and across the country Americans are indulging in their favorite outdoor activities — from hiking and rock climbing to swimming and boating, or just enjoying the scenery.

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JULY 13

Kennedy Nominated for Presidency
July 13, 1960

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

In Los Angeles, California, Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts is nominated for the presidency by the Democratic Party Convention, defeating Senator Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas. The next day, Johnson was named Kennedy's running mate by a unanimous vote of the convention.

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Tony Snow, former White House Press Secretary and "Fox News Sunday" anchor, dies at age 53.


Tony Snow

July 12, 2008

26th White House Press Secretary
In office
May 8, 2006 – September 14, 2007
President: George W. Bush
Preceded by: Scott McClellan
Succeeded by: Dana Perino

Born June 1, 1955
Berea, Kentucky, USA
Died July 12, 2008 (aged 53)

Political party: Republican
Spouse: Jill Ellen Walker
Children: 2 daughters, 1 son
Occupation: Commentator

Robert Anthony "Tony" Snow
(June 1, 1955 – July 12, 2008)
was a White House Press Secretary, the third under President George W. Bush. Snow also worked for President George H. W. Bush as chief speechwriter and Deputy Assistant of Media Affairs. Snow served as White House Press Secretary from May 2006 until his resignation effective September 2007.

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July 12, 2008
ACROSS THE TARHEEL STATE.
ASHEBORO -- Renovation work will begin shortly on one of the two remaining former Sir Robert Motel buildings to house Asheboro City Schools’ alternative high school, Asheboro High School’s in-school suspension program and a new dropout prevention program.

CHARLOTTE -- State investigators are working this weekend, trying to pinpoint exactly how eight people became sick with salmonella after eating at Mecklenburg County restaurants. The eight local victims became sick during the middle of June. Investigators are trying to find out if it is part of a national outbreak of salmonella believed to be tied to tomatoes and peppers.

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Lincoln County Man Arrested on
Drug And Weapon Charges


Colby Ray Williams

July 11, 2008

LINCOLNTON -- The Lincolnton/Lincoln County Interagency Narcotics Unit arrested a western Lincoln County man Thursday following an undercover operation. Officers identified the man as Colby Ray Williams, 24, of 4692 Flay Road, Lincolnton.

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Second Arrest Made
in Assault of
Homeless Man


Johnny Deon Abernathy

July 11, 2008

NEWTON -- On July 10th at 6:54 PM, Newton police officer Dan T. Harris served outstanding warrants on Johnny Deon Abernathy for Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury (felony) and 1st Degree Kidnapping (felony).

The victim is a homeless white male who had been staying with residents at a home on McDaniels Circle.

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FORMER MAIDEN FOOTBALL STAR ARRESTED IN APPARENT "HATE CRIME"


Tommy Henry


By Jon Mayhew

July 10, 2008

NEWTON -- He was a star running back for the Maiden High School Blue Devils. But Tommy Henry now is arrested on charges he participated with two other black males in the beating and attempted sodomy of a homeless white male.

Newton Police said the incident happened June 20 at a residence on McDaniels Circle. According to authorities, they were investigating an assault but discovered that a kidnapping and sexual assault had occurred.

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July 12, 2008

NEW ORLEANS, LA -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are working together to find apartments to house the anticipated 2,000 families that will be moving out of travel trailers or mobile homes and entering the rental housing market. In order to do that, they are asking landlords to register their available rental units to help link families with homes.

FDA: International Regulators, Industry and Import Safety

Welcome to Andy’s Take

Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D.
Commissioner of Food and Drugs

July 12, 2008

You are aware that an increasing number of products – especially those affecting your health, like food and medical products – are being imported from beyond our borders. This has raised great concern recently about FDA’s ability to ensure the safety of those products. This week, I attended a summit with hundreds of industry leaders to collectively address the challenges of product safety in a global market place.

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July 12, 2008

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today released a new report offering fresh evidence that the recovery audit contractors (RACs) pilot program is successfully identifying improper payments. The findings will also help the agency improve the program as it is expanded nationwide within two years, officials say.

The evaluation report shows that $693.6 million in improper Medicare payments was returned to the Medicare Trust Funds between 2005 and March 2008. The funds returned to the Medicare Trust Funds occurred after taking into account the dollars repaid to health care providers, the money overturned on appeal and the costs of operating the RAC demonstration program.

Of the overpayments, 85 percent were collected from inpatient hospital providers, and the other principal collections were 6 percent from inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and 4 percent from outpatient hospital providers.

July 12, 1984

Geraldine Ferraro

Ferraro named vice presidential candidate

Walter Mondale, the leading Democratic presidential candidate, announces that he has chosen Representative Geraldine Ferraro of New York as his running mate. Ferraro, a daughter of Italian immigrants, had previously gained notoriety as a vocal advocate of women's rights in Congress.

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July 12, 2008

SEATTLE, WA -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) yesterday authorized the use of federal funds to help Washington State fight the Spokane Valley Fire, burning in Spokane County. FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

JULY 12

PROFILE AMERICA

July 12, 2008

Milton Berle 100th

Saturday, July 12th. One hundred years ago today, the first superstar of television was born in a New York City tenement — Mendel Berlinger, far better known by his professional name, Milton Berle.

Starting as a child actor in silent movies, his career spanned eight decades and included Broadway shows, comedy routines in Las Vegas, many feature motion pictures, and radio. In 1948, his radio show, “The Texaco Star Theater,” moved to the young medium of television and achieved ratings of as high as 80 percent of the viewing audience, earning Berle the nickname, “Mister Television.”

When Milton Berle started on television, there were 108 commercial stations across the country. Now there are 1,370 stations

You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov.

INCIDENT REPORT
July 11, 2008

2008-05137
Possible Sexual Assault, Moral Turpitude
Assigned: Investigator Bailey
Location: Unknown
Victim: Juvenile
Possible Sexual Assault
Date Reported: July 09, 2008
District Unknown

Click here for the whole incident/arrest report

Sixteen Year Old Bessemer City Teen Arrested
by Lincolnton Police

July 11, 2008

Brad Scott Beard

For the whole story on this and other arrests by Lincolnton Police, see Arrested Developments

Death of Wilkes County Resident a Tragic Reminder
of Need for Tick Safety Diligence

July 11, 2008

RALEIGH -- The recent death of a Wilkes County resident believed to have been caused by Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a sad reminder that North Carolinians and visitors to our state must be especially diligent in protecting themselves from tick bites and in monitoring their health if bitten.

“Unfortunately, North Carolina often has the highest number of reported Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases in the country,” State Health Director Leah Devlin said.  “There were 665 cases reported statewide during 2007 – with one death – and we expect to have a similar number this year.  Sadly, the death of the Wilkes County resident demonstrates that the disease can sometimes be fatal, so we urge everyone in our state to take precautions seriously.”

.......................................
..............Male Dog Tick .................................Female Dog Tick

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Kevin Starr
County Extension Director
N.C. Cooperative Extension Service

July 11, 2008

INVASIVE PLANTS

Everyone knows that we have a lot of weedy plants that we’d like to eradicate. But do you know how those plants got here in the first place? After some research on the web, I found out some things I didn’t know.

Let’s start with kudzu. I always thought that the government brought it into the country as an erosion control plant.

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July 11, 2008

ACROSS THE TARHEEL STATE.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Fayetteville police are investigating the disappearance of a female soldier from an apartment where the remains of a fire were found Thursday morning. They are calling it an arson and a missing person’s investigation, according to Capt. David Houp of the Fayetteville Police Department. Sources identified the soldier as 24-year-old Holley Lynn Wimunc, a lieutenant who works at Womack Army Medical Center. She lives in Morganton Place Apartments on Wayah Creek Drive. The complex is off Morganton Road.

WILKESBORO -- A former renter apparently took of with some of his landlord's property when he moved out. Deputies were called to a home owned by Thomas Parker on Souther Road outside North Wilkesboro Monday around mid-day. Parker told them his former tenant, who had not given notice he was leaving, had told the mailman not to drop off any more mail because he was moving. Neighbors say the man backed a pickup truck up to the home and loaded his stuff last Thursday.

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ICE CREAM "COOL OFF"

July 10, 2008

Come to the Family Life Center at Denver United Methodist Church this Sunday after the 10:30 service to enjoy a fun time and good food for a special cause.

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JULY 11

DANIELS LUTHERAN CHURCH TO WORSHIP AT LUTHERIDGE


Whisnant Chapel

July 10, 2008

Sunday worship for Daniels Lutheran Church will be at Lutheridge Camp in Arden, NC on August 3, 2008.

All guests and members are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and caravan to Lutheridge early Sunday morning, worship in Whisnant Chapel at 10:30 am and picnic at Lakeside Lodge afterwards.

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Burr Slays Hamilton in Duel

July 11, 1804

..........
Alexander Hamilton .........Aaron Burr.............

In a duel held in Weehawken, New Jersey, Vice President Aaron Burr fatally shoots his long-time political antagonist Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton, a leading Federalist and the chief architect of America's political economy, died the following day.

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PROFILE AMERICA

July 11, 2008

Frontier Closes

Friday, July 11th. Some of the most famous advice in U.S. history — “Go West, young man,” was given on this date in 1865, in an editorial by Horace Greeley in the New York Tribune.

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Once the leading cause of par death among women in the United States, cervical cancer cases have been steadily\par decreasing over the past 50 years, thanks in large part to early detection as a result of the\par Pap smear. Over half of cervical cancers occur among women who have never had a Pap\par test or have not had one in the past 5 years.

Chase starts at McIntosh Road, ends on Highway 16 near county line
By Jon Mayhew

July 10, 2008

DENVER -- Authorities are currently seeking one suspect in an incident that started on McIntosh Road around 11:40 a.m. and ended just before noon near the Gaston/Lincoln County line at or near Hills Chapel Church child development center.
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ACROSS THE TARHEEL STATE.
July 10, 2008

CHARLOTTE -- Recents studies show that people in the Tarheel state aren't picking up their cell phones to make a call, but to text. North Carolina is among the most text-savvy states in the South. The study reveals that Charlotte has earned the number one spot across the state as the 'texiest city.'

RALEIGH -- A pared down version of a water management bill has cleared a state House committee, and the chair of the panel says it is difficult to balance the needs of various users. State Rep. Lucy Allen of Louisburg once served as a mayor and led the State's League Of Municipalities.

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Location of Meth Lab on Otis Dellinger Road
Photo by: Jon Mayhew/The Carolina Scoop

Lincolnton/Lincoln County Interagency Narcotics Unit and the SBI Shut Down the Same Meth Lab Location for the Second Time in the Last Two Months

July 9, 2008

LINCOLNTON -– Operating on a tip, narcotics investigators found evidence a meth lab had been operating at the same location where they shut it down two months ago. The location is near the end of Otis Dellinger Road where a Meth Lab was dismantled on May 6th.

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INCIDENT REPORT
July 10, 2008

2008-05103
Larceny by Employee, Felony Breaking & Entering
Assigned: Investigator Sain
Location: 5176 E NC 150
Victim: Simonds Roofing and Construction
Suspects entered business and took 2 rolls of copper roofing
Date Reported: July 09, 2008
District B

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News Briefs

07/10/08

--Denver Firefighters were called to reports smoke in a residence, 7000 Executive Circle late Wednesday night.. It's a single-wide mobile home located near Burton Lane off Campground Road. Denver fire command reports smoke in the area but said nothing was showing outside of the residence.

--Authorities worked a head-on collission Wednesday afternoon around 5 p.m. on Highway 73 at the Mecklenburg/Lincoln County line. Mecklenburg authorities called the East Lincoln Fire Department for assistance. Traffic was turned around from the accident as the wreck blocked the Cowans Ford Bridge.

--During the Wednesday afternoon thunderstorms, several trees were reported down in western Lincoln County. Heavy rains also flooded roads in the North Brook and Crouse communities. See The Weather Channel link to see what the rain chances are the rest of the week.

Search Warrant Turns Up Illegal Drugs and Firearms,
Leads to Two Arrests

..
..Kellie Jeanne Pastern.....Robert Lewis McCorkle

July 9, 2008

LINCOLNTON -– The Lincolnton/Lincoln County Interagency Narcotics Unit arrested two people when they executed a search warrant at 4763 Maralane Trail in Denver on July 3rd.

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JULY 10

Monkey Trial Begins

July 10, 1925


Clarence Darrow & William Jennings Bryan

In Dayton, Tennessee, the so-called "Monkey Trial" begins with John Thomas Scopes, a young high school science teacher, accused of teaching evolution in violation of a Tennessee state law.

The law, which had been passed in March, made it a misdemeanor punishable by fine to "teach any theory that denies the story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible, and to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of animals."
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PROFILE AMERICA

July 10, 2008

Arthur Ashe

Thursday, July 10th. One of the more remarkable figures in U.S. sports was born 65 years ago today in Richmond, Virginia — Arthur Ashe. His exceptional abilities on the tennis court were evident in high school and he went on to compile a long list of firsts as an African- American player. During his playing career, Ashe won 33 titles, including the Wimbledon men’s singles.
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Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 700
Attends Mini-Academy At Salemburg, NC

Back Row L-R: Kris Mallanee, Amber Schrum, Taylor Lawson, Chrissy Fuller and Cole Smith.
Front Row L-R: Bryson Brooks, Morgan Wiggs, and Dylan Houser

LINCOLNTON -– Eight members of Post 700 attended the weeklong “Explorers Academy” at the North Carolina Department of Justice Training Center in Salemburg, NC.

The 2008 Explorer Academy introduced the Explorers to conditions similar to military basic training along with classes on Law Enforcement related subjects.

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Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce

July 9, 2008

Top Ambassador
The Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Eileen Emo as our top Ambassador for the second quarter of 2008.

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July 9, 2008

ACROSS THE TARHEEL STATE.

RALEIGH -- The State House and Senate have given final approval to a budget and have sent it to the Governor for his signature. While some have questioned the large amount of borrowing included in the state budget, legislative leaders says that some of that is needed to help the state's universities. The budget includes about $850 million in borrowing, with a majority of that amount going for new buildings in the UNC system.

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Lincolonton Police Department Make Two Big Arrests In Less Than A Week

July 9, 2008

Read about these and other arrests in
Arrested Developments

INCIDENT REPORT
July 9, 2008

2008-04930
Manufacture Marijuana, Possess Firearm by Felon, Maintain Vehicle/Dwell/Place
Assigned: Detective White
Location: 4763 Mara lane Trail
Victim: State of N.C.
Suspect in possession of marijuana plants, and possess firearm by a felon
Date Reported: July 02, 2008
District C

Click here for the full Incident/Arrest Report

July 9, 2008

NEW NORTH LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL EARNS AWARD

ROCK FALLS, IL -- Matthews Construction Company was awarded runner-up in the American Buildings Company (ABC) Excellence in Deign Awards in the category of Government/Institutional Facility for the construction and design of North Lincoln Middle School. ABC’s Excellence in Design Award honors builders for their exhibition of innovation and distinction in design.

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INCIDENT REPORT
July 8, 2008
2008-05060
Flim Flam
Assigned: Detective Mauldin
Location: 2619 Hwy 182
Victim: Michael Travis
Suspect sent check in the mail and tried to get victim to cash
Date Reported: July 7, 2008
District A
Click here for the full Incident/Arrest Report

Wimbledon Tournament Begins

July 9, 1877

On July 9, 1877, the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club begins its first lawn tennis tournament at Wimbledon, then an outer-suburb of London. Twenty-one amateurs showed up to compete in the Gentlemen's Singles tournament, the only event at the first Wimbledon. The winner was to take home a 25-guinea trophy.

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PROFILE AMERICA

July 9, 2008

First Concrete Road

The residents of Bellfontaine, Ohio, had a lot to talk about this week in 1891— an eight-foot wide section of Main Street, where horses were hitched, had just been paved with concrete by engineer George Bartholomew, who supplied his own materials.

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JULY 9