VALE
MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER
By
Jon Mayhew
GASTON
COUNTY -- A scuffle at a residence near
Cherryville Sunday has led to the death of a
Gaston County man on Monday. Now, a Lincoln
County man is charged with the death.
Authorities said Carl Ray Davenport, 34, Doyle
Beam Memorial Road, Vale, faces a charge of first
degree murder
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HOME INVASION SUSPECT
ARRESTED
By
Jon Mayhew
DENVER
-- A Denver man wanted in connection
with a home invasion in
eastern Lincoln County was arrested during a
traffic stop Thursday.
Aric Doran Torrence, 27, of Crab Apple Trail,
Denver was in a vehicle
stopped on Unity Church Road by Deputy B. Posey
and Sgt. S. Burnham
around 10:30 a.m. Torrence was wanted in
connection with a home
invasion at 1470 Triangle Circle on October 9th
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OPERATION TO TARGET
DRIVERS
WHO PASS STOPPED SCHOOL BUSSES
Photo contributed/The
Carolina Scoop
A child's drawing tells the whole
story. Drivers under North Carolina law must stop
for a stopped school bus.
By Jon Mayhew
LINCOLN COUNTY -- An
upcoming operation by the North Carolina Highway
Patrol will be targeting drivers who don't stop
for school busses in North Carolina. Called
"Operation Stop Arm," the program is
designed to promote safety at school bus stops.
The program will run during
the week of Oct. 20 and will start at 6 a.m.
Monday through Friday. The program kicks off in
Raleigh that Monday morning.
Each school day more than
2,000 drivers violate North Carolina school bus
stop arm law, and two children were killed at bus
stop in recent years while trying to board their
bus.
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BEWARE OF NATIONWIDE SCAM
By Jon Mayhew
LINCOLN
COUNTY -- A nationwide scam may
eventually make its way to Lincoln County. It
targets grandparents, where
"grandchildren" call, saying they are
in some sort of trouble, then ask the
unsuspecting grandparent to wire money. In some
cases, unsuspecting elderly people have fallen
for this scam.
But The Carolina
Scoop has learned that at least one Missouri
grandparent did not.
The scam has
happened twice in the "Show Me" state,
where a caller from out of country -- usually
Canada -- calls an elderly person. The scammer
uses "grandma" and "grandpa"
in the hopes the elderly person on the other end
of the phone will give them the name of a
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SHERIFF
SAYS DIRECT DEPOSIT THE WAY TO GO
By Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON -- The Sheriff of Lincoln
County is encouraging everyone to use electronic
payment methods of federal benefits to help
prevent financial crime.
 According to Sheriff Tim Daugherty, in
2007 some $56 million in U.S. Treasury-issued
paper checks -- or about 60,000 checks -- were
fraudulently endorsed. Furthermore, more than
700,000 checks were either reported lost or
stolen.
"Electronic payments are the safest, easiest
way for people to get their federal
benefits," said Daugherty. "Switching
from paper checks to electronic payments is
quick, easy, convenient and safe. It prevents
theft
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SAFEGUARDING
OUR CYBER BORDERS
By Melissa Hathaway
Cyber Coordination Executive for the Director of
National Intelligence.
Special to The Carolina Scoop
London shoppers who bought
groceries with bankcards over the last two years
paid a higher price than they bargained for.
Cyber thieves had implanted unauthorized
circuitry in keypads sold to supermarkets in the
Barking and Dagenham area of the British capital.
The corrupted keypads were then used to capture
account information and Personal Identification
Numbers (PINs). The data were siphoned off and
used to skim from or in some cases empty
shoppers' bank accounts.
The thieves covered their tracks by encrypting
the numbers they stole, then storing them on a
computer server abroad. It took more than a year
for the authorities to catch on.
Stories such as that aren't only sobering news
for consumers. For folks charged with securing
and protecting the nation's defense and
intelligence infrastructure, however,
increasingly sophisticated cyber assaults are a
chilling -- and
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Photo
by Jon Mayhew/The Carolina Scoop
INCIDENT REPORT
October 16, 2008
2008-07709
Possession of Sch. VI, Possession of
Drug Paraphernalia
Assigned: Officer Grinnell
Location: East Main St.
Victim: State of N.C.
Suspect in possession of controlled substance
Date Reported: October 11, 2008
District B
2008-07817
Larceny
Assigned: Officer Martin
Location: 221 Cedar Grove Ch. Rd.
Victim: Robert Deniker
Suspect took mail out of mailbox
Date Reported: October 15, 2008
District A
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ONE PERSON INJURED IN
STABBING
By Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON -- One person was taken to
the hospital late Wednesday night after a
reported stabbing at the Hilltop Superette on
Highway
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What's On Your
Mind???
Letters to
the Publisher of
The Carolina Scoop
Resident
Sees Crimestoppers Car In Neighborhood
I know for a fact that the Crime Stoppers vehicle
visited a neighbor on our road back in June
because of a community watch newsletter that was
mailed and some of the residents out here
protested because they didn't want to accept the
idea that our subdivision might have to abide
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----------
BARRY
SHRUM MUST GO
Isn't it ironic
that Mr. Shrum dosen't feel safe in Lincoln
County, but yet he drives the Crimestopper car
all around?
I guess he
thinks that the public assumes he is a police
officer and that his safety is nothing to be
worried about. It always seems to be that among
us there are people like
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LINCOLN
COUNTY GOVERNMENT TIGHTENING BELT
By Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON
-- The tough economic times are
beginning to be felt in Lincoln County
government. On Thursday, county manager George
Wood announced five people in the county's
Building and Land Development (BALD) were being
laid off.
According to a press release issued by Wood's
office, the layoffs come as a result in a 50
percent decrease in permits for building,
electrical, plumbing and mechanical.
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MORNING
WRECK SENDS ONE TO HOSPITAL
By
Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON
-- Authorities from North 321 Fire
Department responded to the front of New Vision
Ministries around 4:30 a.m. Thursday to reports
of a single vehicle accident.
Upon arriving at
the scene, authorities deiscovered one person
injured. The victim was taken to CMC-Lincoln with
what authorities believed were non-life
threatening injuries.
Investigators at
the scene reported the involved vehicle was
responsible for knocking down several mailboxes
on Startown Road.
There is no word
on if the driver will be charged as the North
Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating.
Ten Things
Parents Can Do to Make Halloween Safer
NCMEC
Tells Parents How They Can Build Safety into
Halloween this Year
Halloween
is one of the most exciting times of the year for
children, but sometimes the most hectic for
parents. Nearly 94 percent of children between
the ages of four and twelve participate in
Halloween activities
each year. The National Center for Missing &
Exploited Children (NCMEC) reminds parents to
take a moment to consider basic safety
precautions that will make Halloween a safer
night of fun.
CHOOSE
bright, flame-retardant costumes or
add reflective tape to costumes and
candy bags so children are easily
seen in the dark. In addition, carry
a glow stick or flashlight.
PLAN
a trick-or-treating route in familiar
neighborhoods with well-lit streets.
Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods,
streets that are isolated, or homes
that are poorly lit inside or
outside.
NEVER
send young children out alone. They
should always be accompanied by a
parent or another trusted adult.
Older children should always travel
in groups.
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Photo
contributed/The Carolina Scoop
A seven-year light bulb can save 80
percent in energy costs over the life of the
bulb.
ENERGY
CONSERVATION CLASSES OFFERED
By
Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON
-- With tough economic times ahead,
conserving energy is of utmost importance. As
October is Energy Awareness month, the North
Carolina Cooperative Extension is offering
classes this month in energy conservation.
Cooperative
extension's Leigh Guth said Lincoln County
homeowners can take advantage of an energy audit.
"Professional
energy auditors evaluate the home and prioritize
recommendations on how to make the home more
energy efficient," said Guth, adding the
audit normally costs $500. Cooperative extension
offers the audits for $100.
To
qualify, homes must be under 2,000 square feet,
at least five years old and have only one heating
and air conditioning unit. There are a limited
number of audits. Residents also have to attend
an energy
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Photo Contributed
to The Carolina Scoop
Members of the Lincoln County Commission join
Lincoln Economic Development Association
President Barry Matherly and Sennebogen officials
to "turn dirt" at the new Sennebogen
site in Denver.
GERMAN COMPANY TO
CALL EAST LINCOLN HOME
By
Jon Mayhew
DENVER
-- Rainy weather last Thursday didn't
dampen spirits of Lincoln County officials, as
ground was broken on a new German manufacturer in
eastern Lincoln County.
The 50 year old
company, based in Straubing, Germany,
manufacturers bulk material handling equipment.
The company will invest more than $5 million into
a 48,000 square-foot parts, distribution,
training and technical support center in east
Lincoln. More than 20 jobs will be coming to
Lincoln, a county that's experienced a mixed bag
of economic news as of late.
With the closing
of Robert Bosch Tools and Cochrane Furniture and
the recent announced expansion of Hof Textiles,
county leaders like county commission chairman
Tom Anderson are hoping the economic upswing of
companies wanting to
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HESED PLANS TO OPEN
SHELTER IN JANUARY
By
Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON
-- Hesed House of Hope plans on opening
a shelter in Lincolnton no later that Jan. 1,
2009. Hesed officials released a statement
Thursday saying the plan is to operate in
interim, existing facilities for the winter.
Last year, the
shelter operated in nine area churches and the
Lincoln Family YMCA, rotating locations each
night.
At the last
Lincolnton City Council meeting, council members
approved Hesed's conditional use permit to
construct a shelter near Lincoln Street.
The new shelter,
which will house a maximum of 35 residents, will
be constructed on nearly two acres of property
near the intersections of East Lincoln and Linden
Streets.
“Our hope is to welcome back the same
organizations who helped us last year and to also
expand the circle. Ideally,
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Poetry
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
CATAWBA
WOMAN CAUGHT RED-HANDED (OR FACED) IN LARCENY
Woman
Filled Perscription at Pharmacy Before Taking
Skin Creme
By Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON
-- It was the combination of a
surveilance camera and a perscription that led to
the arrest of a woman from Catawba County on
shoplifting/larceny charges from a Lincolnton
pharmacy.
Last week,
police were called to The Drug Store on Center
Drive in Lincolnton after 23-year-old Ashley
Hoffman dropped off her perscription and started
shopping in the store.
According to a
report filed by Sgt. Willie Vaughn, Hoffman
started picking up items off the shelves on her
way out of the store. The report said she put
them back with one exception: skin
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For What It's Worth......
CRIMESTOPPERS NEEDS NEW LEADERSHIP
By Jon Mayhew
As publisher of
Lincoln County's fastest growing online
newspaper, I feel it's my duty to present news of
local interest to our readers. Part of that
responsibility is to ensure that law enforcement,
emergency services and firefighters are presented
in the most positive light as possible. To that
end, I've told people that I feel safe living in
Lincoln County. In fact, I've felt safer living
in Lincoln than anywhere else I've ever lived,
and that is the truth.
That's why I'm preplexed as to recent comments
made by the president of Crimestoppers of
Lincolnton/Lincoln County. At a recent Chamber of
Commerce event, I was telling folks about how
safe I felt living here.
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Photo
by Jon Mayhew/The Carolina Scoop
INCIDENT REPORT
October 15, 2008
2008-07785
Vandalism, Damage to Property
Assigned: Officer Deweese
Location: 3980 King Wilkinson Rd.
Victim: Pumpkin Center Intermediate School
Suspect writing on doors and breaking window
Date Reported: October 14, 2008
District B
2008-07789
Domestic
Assigned: Officer Hoover
Location: Hwy 150 West
Victim: Debra Seate
Domestic
Date Reported: October 14, 2008
District A
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FIREFIGHTERS
RESPOND TO STRUCTURE FIRE
By
Jon Mayhew
CROUSE
-- Firefighters from Crouse and South
Fork responded to reports of a structure fire at
829 Carolina Mill Circle, which is off of South
Grove Street Extension.
Authorities
responded around 7:15 a.m. to reports of smoke in
the structure.
The homeowner
told firefighters she was able to get out of the
residence. She also told them she had just turned
on the heat in her residence.
No injuries were
reported. Firefighters cleared the scene within
about a half hour.
They say since
colder weather is upon us in Lincoln, homeowners
and renters need to be sure to check heaters
before using them.
Firefighters
also say to keep space heaters a safe distance
away from bedding and other flammable indoor
materials.
 
Photos by The Carolina Scoop's Jon Mayhew
Lincolnton
firefighters made good on a bet made before the
Lincolnton/East Lincoln football game in Denver a
couple of weeks ago. Since East Lincoln won the
game at David Clark Stadium, Lincolnton
firefighters wore East Lincoln station three tee
shirts.
Assistant
Chief Mitch Burgin is considering making the same
bet for next year. Maybe the losers can wash the
winner's fire truck?
Photo by Jon
Mayhew/The Carolina Scoop
A family enjoys Karoke night at
Tradewinds Seafood Co. on East Main Street.
LOCAL
KAROKE BUSINESS ROCKS TRADEWINDS
Large
crowd visits Tradewinds on Thursdays, Saturdays
By
Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON
-- People coming to Tradewinds on East
Main Street may think they've stepped into a
local version of "American Idol" on
Thursday and Saturday nights. People are standing
around singers, cheering and clapping for each
one, as one of two karoke dee-jays (also called
KJ's) plays songs and announces each singer.
Actually, it's
C.C.'s Karoke Services. Behind the microphone are
Lincolnton residents Carrie Zeitler and her
friend and business partner, Cheryl Jones. For
the last two years, the pair have locally
popularized karoke.
And the first
thing they want everyone to know about karoke is
that anyone can do it without fear of judgement
from others.
"The
biggest secret is creating an atmosphere where
everyone feels accepted," said Zeitler,
adding booing of any singer isn't allowed at any
time.
The pair
actually met while Zeitler was working for
another Lincolnton karoke company. Jones was a
customer.
"We became
good karoke buddies," said Zeitler.
After leaving
that karoke business, Zeitler said people asked
her and Jones to start a karoke business of their
own.
That's when
C.C.'s Karoke Services was born.
 
Photos by Jon
Mayhew/The Carolina Scoop
(Left photo) Michelle (no last name
given) likes to sing "99 Balloons"
almost every Thursday night.
(Right photo) Carrie Zeitler (left) and Cheryl
Jones spend two nights per week at Tradewinds.
Before Zeitler
and Jones were fully ready to go into business
for themselves, they already had their first
client. Jones said they only had about a week to
scramble.
For the first 15
months, the pair "did" karoke at The
Lincoln House restaurant.
"We had to
move fast," said Jones, adding they had to
get music and equipment together. "We got
it, though. We pulled it together."
Jones said the
pair were extrememly popular at The Lincoln
House. So popular, in fact, karoke had to move to
a bigger room at the restaurant.
"We moved
it from the bar to the restaurant portion,"
said Jones. "We were very successful,
holding karoke there up to four times per week in
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POLICE INVESTIGATING SEXUAL ASSAULT
The
Carolina Scoop Exclusive
By
Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON
-- Juvenile Service investigators are
looking into a sexual assault at a Lincolnton
School.
Police were
called to Kiser Intermediate School last Friday
to reports of a student that sexually assaulted a
teacher.
While
authorities aren't commenting on the case, they
did confirm the assault happened at the school.
The Carolina
Scoop learned the child is a 10-year-old male and
that the case has been turned over to juvenile
services.
The teacher's
name has not been released nor what type of
assault occurred.
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