Letter: Honoring MLK Day means honoring push for equality

I don’t personally know Troutman Mayor Elbert Richardson, Alderman Mike Spath or local NAACP branch president Woody Woodard, but I have had the opportunity to meet Woodard on various occasions.

I perceive him as a man of wise counseling, very knowledgeable concerning the civil rights movement and a person who wants what is best not only for the Town of Troutman, but is concerned about Iredell County as a whole.

Some of the principal objectives of the NAACP are about ensuring the political, educational, social and economic equality of all citizens; to achieve equality of rights and eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States; to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes; to seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state and local laws securing civil rights; to inform the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination.

The recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s day as a holiday is to recognize history and history speaks for itself. It’s not about having our way, it is about the American way. Dr. King Jr. is part of our American history, just as the first president, George Washington, and others are.

Try not to see Dr. King’s day as a black man’s day and the NAACP as a black organization, but see it as a day and an organization full of love for all people. This is just my opinion.

Ruby Clark
Statesville

Letter: Column debunking the ‘myths’ about Easter rang true

In response to Rev. Stephen W. Scott of First Presbyterian Church, thank you for the letter you wrote on “Myths surrounding Easter mean little to true believers.”

It touched my heart and brought back memories of my Easter past.I am a true believer, having been taught this all my life.

I hope with this precious gift that I will continually bless and help others.

Patsy W. Fox
Statesville

Editorial: Faces of our future

It’s good to see young people serving their community.All too often, our younger generations are labeled as lazy, disinterested and unmotivated.We’ve had several examples of the opposites on the pages of the R&L lately.

Fourteen-year-old Olivia “Via” Patrick has taken to doing odd jobs around Iredell County in order to raise money for Dove House, a nonprofit that provides services to abused children and their families.

Nine-year-old Madison McLelland decided she wanted to help needy children, so she put together a fundraiser involving a string of yard sales to raise money for them.

Nine-year-old Dillon Marmino decided he wanted to be able to ride his bike to school, and he made a push at Lake Norman Elementary that has rippled out to other students.

Whether Via knows her work for Dove House will serve as inspiration to others; whether Madison realizes how many children will be better off as a result of her work; and whether Dillon recognizes he’s promoting exercise and alternative methods of transportation isn’t important.

What matters is that these youngsters — and scores of others like them — are doing things to better our cities, schools, county and nation.

The reach of their work extends beyond the boundaries of the Dove House or Lake Norman Elementary and can serve as a trigger for all of us to see what we can do to make a difference.

If Via, Madison and Dillon are an indication of what our future holds, we think the future is looking bright.

Iredell physicians need to place focus on autism

I am the parent of a 6-year-old with Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. My family’s story is like that of many other parents in the area, which is exactly why I hope you print it.We have yet to find a physician in the area — even those I would classify as competent — willing to take the time to listen to parents who are trying to find treatment for their kids.

At times, we are almost scolded or dismissed as overly concerned parents.

Physicians, listen up. Not every child and parent fits into a neat, labeled box.

Sometimes, even if you don’t know the answer, the concerns are valid. Just because you aren’t familiar with physical conditions that often coincide with autism doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Providers, have the courage to say you don’t know and help us find answers.

It took five years of voicing concerns, with two of those years spent misdiagnosed before our son was diagnosed with an ASD. By the time the diagnosis was made, he was too “old” for early intervention treatment programs in Iredell County.

After agonizing research and learning how to navigate the red tape, we learned how to get our son evaluated by a program offered by a local mental health agency that recently underwent changes and is no longer doing outpatient therapy for cases like my son.

It’s bad enough that there are limited to no biomedical treatments offered in Iredell County, but now, for many of us, our only affordable psychological help has been scaled back.

We homeschool our child, not because of behavioral issues, but due to physical “tics” that often made him the focus of ridicule. This means we and many others do not qualify for a lot of therapeutic services out there.

My children and yours deserve better than this in Iredell County. Biomedical treatments are out there, but many physicians do not want to deal with educating themselves about them. If one physician in Statesville showed any interest in helping parents get to some of these treatments, his or her office would be packed full of parents like me who just want a chance to be heard — a chance to help their children.

I truly believe that until some one in this area, meaning Statesville and Iredell County, is adversely affected by autism, it may not change.

I am asking those of you who have influence to look at this issue seriously. Or is it going to only matter when someone with influence and wealth is affected by autism?

Andra Williams
Statesville

Editorial: Voice your vote

April 11 is just around the corner — do you have your voter registration up to date?

You should, because for the first time in decades — perhaps ever — those running neck and neck to be crowned the Democratic presidential nominee will have to listen to North Carolina voters.

As evidenced by countless primaries past, a late date usually renders a state useless, as far as presidential nominee races go, because the candidates are all but chosen by early April.

Not this year. Only 171 delegates separate hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, making this the closest Democratic primary in recent memory.North Carolina’s May 6 primary is definitely a case of better-late-than-never, as 134 delegates are up for grabs between Republicans and Democrats. As John McCain has all but accepted the Republican nomination, local Democrats and unaffiliated voters especially have a chance to be a part of history.

The Iredell County Board of Elections is doing its part to make sure citizens here can exercise their responsibility to vote.

Becky Galliher, director of the Board of Elections, says she expects a “huge turnout” for the primary and is already in the process of preparing thousands of absentee ballots.

And if you’re around but can’t make it to the polls May 6, there will be one-stop voting April 17-May 3 at the Board of Elections; April 22-May 3 at the Union Grove Fire Department; or April 21-May 3 at the Mooresville Town Library or Lake Norman Fire Department.

Before you fill out a ballot, you have to have all your information — name, address changes or switches in party affiliation — completed by April 11.

Your chance to make a difference is just around the corner.

Letter: Rehabilitated felons deserve another shot at a future

I wanted to write you about a concern about North Carolina’s felons. They tell you that you have rehabilitated yourself, but where is the truth in that.

As a victim myself I know how hard it is to find employment, housing and assistance. I shouldn’t say victim, but in these circumstances I can.

One reason: I have, as well as others have, paid a debt to society, and we are still hindered by people such as employment agencies, apartment complexes and financial assistance from the government. We need ways of supporting ourselves, too.

Now the question is, why does society ask, “Why is there such a revolving door to the prison system?”

I think they should ask themselves that and give felons a chance. Some have really rehabilitated themselves and deserve another chance.

April Harris
Statesville

Letter: Parent in R&L article appeared insulting to the handicapped

As the parent of a handicapped child who has been in heaven 10 years, I am always interested in articles in the R&L about our special population.

In the March 22 edition, there was a paragraph in the article about Frank Easton that I hope I misunderstood.

I quote: “An MGSD behaviorist attempted to have Frank placed at a Barium Springs school, which the Eastons opposed. ‘We were trying to get the word out to the community that our kids aren’t freaks, they are children with autism that should be treated with respect.’ ”

I am very familiar with the work being done at the Barium Springs academy, and the students there aren’t “freaks.”

The principal, Aron Gabriel, who is a good friend, and his staff are doing a wonderful job of teaching and helping our children.If no one believes me, call and arrange a tour of the facility. I think you will be touched by everything and everybody you see.

Again, I hope I misunderstood the quote.

Phyllis Grant
Statesville

Editorial: Dragging their feet

It’s been more than six months since three lives were lost at the intersection of U.S. Highway 70 and Triplett Road.

The N.C. Department of Transportation has still not installed permanent flashing lights at the deadly interchange.Three crosses serve as a reminder to the thousands of motorists who pass by every day.

The families of those who died have their own daily reminder, and they can’t believe the NCDOT says those thousands of motorists aren’t enough to justify a traffic light. What’s more, the NCDOT said a traffic light was needed less than a mile down the road at the intersection of the old U.S. 70 and the new U.S. 70.

A traffic light isn’t necessary at the Triplett interchange — where three people were killed — because there isn’t enough traffic flow, transportation officials claim. Instead, a caution light will be erected in the next 30 to 45 days, according to an NCDOT official.

While the department drags its feet, thousands of motorists are flying down U.S. 70, which worries Michael Dishman, whose father, Mike, was killed at the intersection Oct. 7. Dishman said his father knew the unlighted intersection would be dangerous.

“He said, ‘Son, somebody’s going to get killed or hurt bad.’ Not one week later, I was getting a phone call and it was him that had died,” Dishman said.

It’s a shame the NCDOT has yet to recognize what this community has known for months.

Amber Tolbert, whose 3-year-old daughter, Casey, and ex-mother-in-law, Cathy, were killed in a wreck Oct. 20, asked if it was going to take a school bus collision to get a light at Triplett.

We hope not.

Letter: New environment shouldn’t mean new Second Amendment

If it weren’t such a serious subject, I would have laughed at Sharon Smith’s letter to the editor Sunday. Surely, Ms. Smith can think back to civics class and recall the Second Amendment didn’t mention anything about mountain lions, bear or possums.

As a matter of fact, the Second Amendment is a rather short, one-sentence amendment that clearly states, “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

These words leave no room for a “suitable compromise.”

I will agree with her that the wild animal population isn’t what it was in the 1700s. However, the population of “wild” human beings has significantly increased.

It should also be noted that Washington, D.C., has had the most restrictive gun control laws in the country, and yet it has one of the highest murder rates in the nation.

Bryan Shoemaker
Statesville

Letter: Authoritative figures need training to deal with autism

I just read the article about the struggles the Easton family has gone through. As an aunt of a child with autism, I am amazed at the ignorance of the people involved, especially the Mooresville police chief’s comments and the way this family was treated by the Mooresville school district.

If the police were really “looking out for the welfare of all children that go to that school,” then why was nothing done about the bullying that happened to Frank?

I think maybe everyone involved should be forced to receive some training on how to deal with situations like this.

Autism is growing at an alarming rate in this country. For the leaders in our school systems and law enforcement not to be able to deal with this is unacceptable. Get training. Be informed. That’s what our family has done, and I thank God my nephew is able to be home-schooled, since children with autism are treated so badly in public schools.

This is just one more reason that any bullying at any school should be investigated and the violators punished. I see how sweet my nephew is and the way he is stared at and treated in public when he has a “meltdown.”

The next child diagnosed on the autism spectrum could be your child, grandchild, or other family member. So everyone be informed and try to have compassion.

Best of luck to the Eastons.

Traci Brown
Barium Springs

Editorial: The Wright decision

It’s too early to tell if state Rep. Thomas Wright will be joining his old buddy and former Speaker Jim Black in the big house.

But it’s clear Wright has no business in the N.C. House of Representatives.

The embattled Democrat, who faces criminal charges for mishandling more than $300,000 in loans and political and charitable contributions, was expelled by his peers in the General Assembly last week. Although his attorney has promised an appeal, Wright has bigger problems than salvaging his political future.

He is scheduled to stand trial later this month and, if convicted, could face prison time.

In the court of public opinion, Wright has been cooked for some time. Earlier this month, a legislative panel determined he hid more than $180,000 in campaign contributions, stashed more than $8,500 in charitable donations in a personal account and coaxed a state employee into helping him secure a questionable bank loan, according to the Associated Press.

Rep. Rick Glazier, a fellow Democrat, said Wright filed almost two dozen incorrect campaign finance reports during the past seven years and never corrected them.

“In the end, there is nary a substantive (campaign finance reporting law) in the statutes that was not violated repeatedly by Representative Wright,” he said.Only five of 114 legislators voted against Wright’s expulsion, making him the first state lawmaker since 1880 to be shown the door by his colleagues.

From city hall to the halls of Congress, public servants who cannot adhere to the highest ethical standards and meet stringent financial reporting requirements must be removed from office.

And those who profit from their misdeeds at the expense of the public’s trust deserve everything they get — and then some.

Editorial: It's about self-control

In the Columbine High School and Virginia Tech massacres, individuals who didn’t meet the legal requirements to obtain firearms were able to do so.

It’s naive and misguided to blame the indescribable pain, suffering and death these shooters unleashed solely on guns.

But, as the U.S. Supreme Court takes a new look at the Second Amendment, which guarantees our right to bear arms, a heated debate over gun control is taking place at water coolers and on editorial pages across the nation.

This is a healthy debate.

Each time a gunman walks through a school, claiming innocent lives, or a teenager guns down a convenience store clerk, we ask “Why?” Then the overlooked warning signs emerge: the perpetrator had a history of violence or serious mental problems, enjoyed violent video games, killed animals as a child ... the list goes on.

The weapons are just instruments for crime, not the cause.

As the U.S. Supreme Court applies a 21st century interpretation to the Second Amendment, state and local governments — and the rest of us —should take a look at what we can do to keep weapons out of the hands of would-be killers. Teaching children about gun safety and how to deal with violence on TV and in video games are pivotal. We also must learn to recognize and treat the early warning signs associated with a criminal mind.

A citizen’s role in interpreting the U.S. Constitution may be minimal, but we must find a way to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and people with serious psychological disorders. We also must teach our children responsibility and that violence is never the answer to life’s problems.

It’s easy to say that banning private ownership of firearms would solve one of the greatest social problems of our time. Eliminating the sick and depraved motivation behind doing harm with any kind of weapon is the hard part.

Until we do that, families will continue to suffer and ask “Why?”

Early Christians’ tolerance of other beliefs showed wisdomThis is in response to the letter Tuesday’s R&L titled “Easter celebrations are rooted in paganism, not Christianity.”

First, please give Easter its correct name, “Sunday of the Resurrection.” Many, if not all, Christian festivals have roots in paganism.

• Good Friday, Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus left the tomb on the third day, Jewish days start at sundown, it does not say he was underground for three days. Time unknown, possibly very early in the morning.
• As time is uncertain, the sunrise service states, “He has risen.”
  
  I will leave the Easter bunnies and eggs alone except to say birds’ eggs may indicate new life. Yes, the first Easter eggs were birds’ eggs, not candy or chocolate.

Now, to return to the beginning of this letter.

We have just celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland. If Patrick had said to the Celts, “There is only one god, mine, yours are all fake,” he would not have lasted a day. After gradual introduction of Our Lord Jesus Christ into their festivals, they began to accept Christianity and the pagan gods were replaced.

Patrick even plucked a common weed from the ground to explain the Trinity.

Christianity cannot deny its roots, but it is not any worse off for them.

Michael Coltham
Statesville

Letter: 'Myths’ surrounding Easter mean little to true believers

The vast majority of Christians in Statesville and all over the world feel a sense of excitement as we prepare to celebrate Easter and rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I regret that one of your correspondents wrote a negative, judgmental and mocking letter about Easter observance. To address a few points:

• Jesus was crucified on Friday. The gospels clearly teach that Jesus was crucified on Friday; it was necessary for his body to be taken down from the cross before sundown, when the Sabbath began. The women mentioned in the Easter accounts of the gospels had to wait until the Sabbath had passed (sunset on Saturday) before they could go to anoint the body. The traditional Christian interpretation is Friday, Saturday, Sunday and then, as our creed says, “On the third day he rose again from the dead.”
• When did the resurrection take place? In two gospels the women arrive before sunrise; in two gospels, soon after. The resurrection had already occurred. Whether in the original Greek or the King James Version, it’s hearing the good news that is associated with dawn. God is delighted by the glad praise of worshipers at any time, including sunrise. Sunrise worship may have roots in night-long Easter vigil services, in which, in some traditions, the resurrection is celebrated at midnight.
• Who cares if the name of Easter once was pagan? Yes, I’ve heard the word Easter comes from the name of a Germanic fertility goddess. The romance languages use words derived from the Hebrew word for Passover to refer to Easter. A word with originally non-Christian roots is no more pagan than saying the word “sun” refers to a god driving a chariot across the sky. On the contrary, our God has asserted sovereignty over every day, including those associated with supposed pagan gods, as Sunday originally was.
• Enjoy Easter bunnies and eggs. These need matter little to believers for whom Easter represents God’s triumph over death — take them or leave them. Eggs are deemed have symbolic association with new life. In traditions that observe Lenten fasting before Easter, festively decorated eggs are a welcome part of celebration after forty days of going without. Whether bunnies or eggs, I like chocolate ones best.
• You don’t have to buy new Easter clothes. My mother used to buy me new clothes for spring when I was growing every year, and Easter Sunday was always a good day to wear them for the first time. Any tradition behind this could come from the special garb those being baptized wore, for Easter has long been regarded as an especially appropriate time for new professions of faith, new commitments, and, indeed, the new life. Wear your best if you choose — or come as you are.

I hope all my Christian neighbors in Statesville will experience a blessed Easter and feel glad all over again because of the good news we celebrate. The next step up to us is this: What do we do with the gift of our lives now that we know?

The Rev. Stephen W. Scott
First Presbyterian Church

Editorial: Justice for some

Bonnie Lou Irvine’s murder is no less tragic or disturbing because of the way she earned a living.And her life was no less valuable.

The 51-year-old Cornelius woman’s body was found buried in a shallow grave near Troutman last weekend.Bernard George Lamp, 50, was charged Tuesday with kidnapping and murdering her.

This is not the suspect’s first brush with the law and Iredell County sheriff’s investigators are digging into his past to determine whether he committed other brutal crimes.

Had a thorough investigation of Lamp’s criminal background been conducted last fall and the District Attorney’s Office aggressively prosecuted an earlier criminal case against Lamp, Irvine might still be alive today.

Lamp was charged with first-degree sex offense, first-degree kidnapping and misdemeanor assault on a female Oct. 8 after abducting a woman he met at a convenience store in Troutman.

Those are serious charges and warranted serious prison time.

Instead, Lamp skated with probation after accepting a plea to misdemeanor charges of assault and crimes against nature.

Prosecutors dropped the more serious felony charges, which carried up to 18 years in prison.

District Attorney Garry Frank defended the deal, which was influenced by the fact that the victim was a prostitute.

Bonnie Lou Irvine was reportedly in the same line of work.

Unless the District Attorney’s Office approaches Lamp’s murder and kidnapping prosecution differently than it did his earlier case in the fall, there’s no reason to expect justice for Bonnie Lou Irvine.

As Sheriff Phil Redmond said, “She was a daughter and a sister, and this is a sad thing.”

Prosecutors should focus on those facts — and refrain from judging Irvine’s lifestyle — as they prepare their case against the man the sheriff’s office says killed her.

Editorial: A wake up call

There is a healthy, ongoing public debate in Troutman regarding how residents, elected officials and the town’s professional staff can best prepare for and manage the growth that’s destined to reshape the town.

While it’s important that Troutman hold onto its small-town charm for as long as possible, as residents and some members of the town board have stated, that sentiment cannot be the over-riding focus of these discussions.

Public safety must be priority No. 1 for town aldermen.

As Troutman’s population and retail base expand, the town’s fire and police personnel undoubtedly will be challenged to answer the increasing calls for service that accompany growth. The police and fire departments are going to need more trained patrol officers and detectives, more firefighters, more vehicles and more money for training.

It’s prudent to have these resources in place before they are needed. And the need is probably months – not years – away.

Several major hotel projects are in the development stages in Troutman and, if a liquor-by-the-drink ballot initiative passes in May, you’ll see some major chain restaurants popping up around town.

Restaurants and hotels are good for residents and good for the town’s tax base. Travelers who would normally stop in Statesville or Mooresville for dinner and a place to sleep will find Troutman to be a good alternative with decidedly less traffic congestion.

But it’s naive and unrealistic to believe everyone who moves to Troutman or who pulls off Exit 42 or Exit 45 will be a law-abiding citizen.

The discovery of a woman’s body buried near the town limits last week should serve as a wake-up call for everyone who lives in and loves Troutman. What’s worked for the past 100 years will not suffice in the future.

Letter: Easter celebrations are rooted in Paganism, not Christianity

Easter, Astarte or Ishtar, whose alternate name is Semaramis, was the wife of Nimrod, priest and king of Babylon. Easter is the worship of the sun god, having nothing to do with Christ’s resurrection.

Consider:

1. The Good Friday lie.
Christ was not crucified on Friday. He had to be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, according to the Jewish days, so Friday only allowed for two nights and a day. Christ was put on the cross on a Wednesday, the fourth day of the week, on Passover evening.

2. The Easter morning lie.
Christ arose out of the grave when it was dark and not at dawn. No room in the King James Version for sunrise services.

3. The Easter day lie.
Easter is the name of a pagan, vernal festival that comes the first Sunday after the vernal equinox (first day of spring). To associate Easter with Christ’s resurrection is a lie.

4. The Easter Bunny lie.
The hare or rabbit was a fertility symbol as they rapidly multiply. So churches have Easter plays, Easter dramas and Easter egg hunts, all of which have nothing to do with Christ’s resurrection. All is paganism, not to mention the idea that rabbits lay eggs.

5. The Easter egg lie.
Legend has it than an egg fell from heaven into the Euphrates River, fish rolled it to the bank, a dove settled on it and hatched it and out came Venus, the Syrian goddess Astarte or Easter. This is all tied up with sun worship instead of Son worship.

6. The Easter clothes lie.
New clothes must be worn at Easter. This tradition has sprung from the belief that as the Earth seemed to put on new garments in the spring, it was considered lucky to wear something new at spring festivals.

Authentic, genuine biblical Christianity has nothing to do with paganism. Easter is a counterfeit, spurious sham.

Louie Cordova
Statesville

Letter: The forum that wasn't

I attended the forum that was and wasn’t Wednesday night at Fat Boy’s restaurant in Mooresville.

It "was" because those of us in attendance had the chance to hear Grey Mills speak about issues he cares deeply about. Issues such as education, wasteful spending, Iredell’s County’s lack of strong representation in Raleigh and the inexcusable snail’s pace of improvement of our infrastructure were just some of the topics Grey informed — and indeed, for some, educated — us about.

It "wasn’t" because Grey’s opponent, Karen Ray, was not present to discuss or debate the issues. Nor was there anyone there to speak for or represent her. (No one that volunteered, that is.) I did not hear definitively whether Ray answered any of the phone calls or e-mails that were sent to her regarding the forum. To me this is just unacceptable, especially from an incumbent.

(My apologies to Ray if she did indeed answer the invitations.) Everyone I spoke to at the forum regretted Ray was not able to attend for whatever reason.

It is the duty of voters to be informed and the candidate’s responsibility to address their constituents. Grey is going door to door, attending meetings and putting himself out there for the voters to hear and see.

My hope is that the voters that make up the 95th District here in southern Iredell County will make their voices heard May 6 and elect Grey Mills!

David Whitlow
Mooresville

Letter: Bullets fired for fun can do some serious, fatal damage

It has been going on for quite a few years — gunshots all around Bethesda Road.

I live off one of those roads, with grandchildren playing outside, neighbors kids playing outside, animals all around, whether chained, fenced or just outside for a few minutes.

This week, my neighbor had a bullet go through her ceiling in her home; strange you think — maybe, but no. This is way too close for anyone to be using a bullet within this range.

Before you think about shooting straight up into the sky, this bullet has to land somewhere.

Whoever you are, need to take heed that there are kids and adults, animals and homes all around. The authorities say this bullet may have come from 2 miles away.

That means Bell Farm area, U.S. Highway 70 area or Cornflower Road area. It went through on Red Oak Drive.

You misbehaved person, whomever you may be, please stop before you hurt a child or anybody around here. God be with you.

Alisa Worthington
Mooresville

Editorial: United Way 'agenda' will benefit thousands

When times get tough financially, most of us tend to hunker down and find ways to save money.

As a result, charitable giving tends to decline at the very point in time when the needs of the neediest become even more pronounced. Because contributions to the United Way of Iredell County have remained flat over the past few years, many of these needs have gone unmet in our communities.

United Way officials are determined to put an end to that.

On Wednesday, Executive Director Pat Stewart, President Dave Grogan and other United Way leads outlined a new initiative to ensure the nonprofit has enough money to help its 23 member agencies meet the needs of their 80,000 clients.

The "Agenda for Lasting Change" hinges on raising $1.8 million during the next community campaign and $2 million in 2009.

Squeezing an additional $600,000 out of this community in the next two years will be a daunting task. The rising cost of gas, food and other necessities has reduced the amount of disposable income in the average household.

But we have no doubt this community will respond as it has in recent years to provide funding for the Gordon Hospice House, The Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont and Fifth Street Shelter Ministries.

We applaud the United Way leadership team for having the courage to determine what the community’s needs are and for setting its sights on finding the money necessary to meet them.

Editorial: Work on display

This week plays host to two events that display Statesville’s work — both in the office and on canvas.

Today, the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce Business Show will showcase more than 70 local businesses.

The event — from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Statesville Civic Center — is a chance for entrepreneurs and consumers alike to make the most of capitalism at its best and, better yet, score some free stuff.

"It’s a great opportunity for the public to come in and network," said Cathy Morris, chamber marketing and special events director.

Then on Friday, the spring art crawl makes its way through downtown.

The event — from 5 to 9 p.m. — features more than 60 area artists’ works on display in downtown businesses.

During the fall crawl in September, nearly 700 people braved a downpour to take in downtown Statesville, according to Downtown Statesville Development Corporation Executive Director Marin Tomlin.

Admission to both events is free.

Don’t miss these two great opportunities to put your nose in someone else’s business and crawl over someone else’s work.

Editorial: United Way 'agenda' will benefit thousands

When times get tough financially, most of us tend to hunker down and find ways to save money.
As a result, charitable giving tends to decline at the very point in time when the needs of the neediest become even more pronounced. Because contributions to the United Way of Iredell County have remained flat over the past few years, many of these needs have gone unmet in our communities.

United Way officials are determined to put an end to that.

On Wednesday, Executive Director Pat Stewart, President Dave Grogan and other United Way leads outlined a new initiative to ensure the nonprofit has enough money to help its 23 member agencies meet the needs of their 80,000 clients.

The "Agenda for Lasting Change" hinges on raising $1.8 million during the next community campaign and $2 million in 2009.

Squeezing an additional $600,000 out of this community in the next two years will be a daunting task. The rising cost of gas, food and other necessities has reduced the amount of disposable income in the average household.

But we have no doubt this community will respond as it has in recent years to provide funding for the Gordon Hospice House, The Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont and Fifth Street Shelter Ministries.

We applaud the United Way leadership team for having the courage to determine what the community’s needs are and for setting its sights on finding the money necessary to meet them.

Letter: Kindness of strangers renews motorist's faith in humanity

Around 11:15 a.m. Saturday, March 1, I became stranded off Highway 115 due to a flat tire. With the help of a Jim Johnston and the assistance of a nearby BP manager, I was able to return home safely.Thank you. Your act of kindness renewed my faith in human compassion and sheer chivalry.

Michelle “Denise” Gray
Mocksville

Editorial: Right the wrong

Someone should enlighten Troutman town officials that it's the 21st century.

The town doesn't observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day - the civil rights movement's most noted anniversary - by giving its employees the day off work.

Troutman is the only major municipality in Iredell County that stays open on the federally observed holiday.

Town officials use the excuse that Troutman employees already receive 11 paid holidays - New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, the Fridya after Thanksgiving and two days at Christmas, plus an 11th day for a "personal holiday."

Alderman Mike Spath said out of "respect for Dr. King," he'd add the extra holiday. Mayor Elbert Richardson said he was in favor of adding the day, but the board didn't want to add a 12th holiday.

"If an employee wants to take off on Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday or any other day, they have an 11th holiday where they are free to do that," said Town Manager David Saleeby.

For Troutman to brush off MLK Day as just "an 11th holiday" is an eleventh-hour excuse for failing to serve the wants of many of its constituents.

As the Rev. Carnell Thomas told the R&L, this holiday isn't about celebrating some random day in history, "it's about respect for the matter of civil rights."

MLK Day represents our nation's progress toward eradicating racism and reminds us we still have work to do.

If we refuse to believe, as King instructed, that the bank of justice is bankrupt, we should refuse to believe the Town of Troutman can't rectify its error in judgment.

There isn't room in today's world for yesteryear's thinking, and we hope the Troutman board will acknowledge that before another year passes.

Letter: Family saddened by theft of Yorkie

My family and I are very upset. On Saturday, we lost our much-loved 8-year-old male Yorkshire terrier. He was a member of the family. We gave and he gave.

He was let out in his fenced-in back yard about 11:15 a.m. I went out at 11:30 a.m. to get him for a bath. He was gone.

I found a place he probably got out. In the past, any time he got out he would come to the front and bark. I went to the front but he wasn’t there. We all began looking and calling him. We have cried and prayed. Someone apparently picked him up. He was out no longer than 15 minutes.

Three years ago, our back door was kicked in and our house was broken into. Our dog was home alone. A few months after this, he started having anxiety attacks. At night he became fearful of any noise, especially thunder.

His veterinarian put him on medication because he couldn’t breathe well without it. He’s been on the medication for more than two years and he is OK now, but won’t be without it.

We have flyers out offering a $100 reward and will pay more if someone will talk. Someone has a Yorkshire they hadn’t had before March 3. He has a name tag that says "March My Boy," our phone number, (704) 871-8348, and address, 135 Trailway Drive, Statesville. His current rabies tag is No. 602345.

Dog-napping is the same as taking a child.

Ray and Penny Ayers
Statesville

Editorial: I-SS school board race serves as referendum

Forget about the Clinton-Obama slugfest. The fate of more than 20,000 Iredell-Statesville Schools students could very well rest in the hands of a relative few voters in the upcoming May 5 primary.

While that may sound outlandish, consider that Dr. David Cash, the school board chairman, is opposed by three challengers who want to represent the residents of District 2.

Cash, more than any member of the I-SS board, represents the status quo.

Depending on your vantage point, that's either good or not so good. During Cash's time as chairman, more than a dozen I-SS school facilities have been improved or are in the midst of a major upgrade, local teacher supplements have increased and the district's relationship with the county commission has been largely civil. SAT scores are also up and the district has worked to improve graduation rates.

During the same time, Superintendent Terry Holliday, with the board's blessing, has also implemented the Baldrige National Quality Program, a management and planning tool that has been embraced by some I-SS teachers and administrators and driven others to seek employment elsewhere.

It's safe to presume that Cash, if re-elected, would stay the course.

In order to unseat the incumbent, primary challengers John R. Miller, Morris Roseman and Marshall M. Stewart must offer voters something different – and better – than what Cash, the current board and the superintendent have delivered. That's often easier said than done.

While all eyes remain on the presidential primaries, a small minority of Iredell voters will be quietly doing some very important work. As voters in District 2 evaluate their candidates for the I-SS board, they will be carrying the weight of thousands of schoolchildren to do what's best for the entire school district.

Their votes should be as much about the future as they are about the past.

Letter: Community support of local fundraiser was incredible

This letter is written to thank all the sponsors and volunteers involved with the Battle of the Bands "Crankin' it up for the Boys & Girls Club."

Thanks to tremendous community support, our goal of $5,000 was exceeded. Proceeds will be used to fund a scholarship for a deserving student involved in the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont.

Mac Gray Auditorium absolutely rocked Feb. 23, and we can't wait to do it again next year. Also, a special word of thanks to the R&L for the wonderful publicity and support.

Sam Hughes
coordinator, Battle of the Bands

Letter: Dogs with big bark don't always have big bite

In regards to the recent letter to the editor with the headline, "All barks are aggressive," this woman may be a dog lover, but she knows nothing about dogs.

Dogs communicate by barking. Each bark is different. The bark of a playing dog and a dog that is upset is very different. The meaning is in the tone. They are the same as humans. It is easy to tell the difference.

The pit bull is considered one of the most aggressive of all dogs in America, yet they are known for not barking.

To quote Will Rogers, "Everyone is ignorant, just on different subjects." This woman's is dogs.

Dennis Carter
Statesville