July 14-15

Here's what we are working on for the weekend. As always, contact us if you have information or other story leads.

For Saturday

• Donna Swicegood will have more on the Witherspoon trial, including closing arguments.
• Megan Sprague will report on the funeral of Jackie Johnson, who died in the head-on collision Sunday night.

For Sunday

• Bethany Fuller looks into a county program that would help lower-income families with housing and bills.
• Fuller is also looking into the railroad business.
• Megan Sprague reports on the benefits of eating organic and locally-grown foods.

Have a story idea? E-mail us at news@statesville.com.

Thursday, June 7

Here are the stories we're working on for Friday's edition:

- Is Troutman Ready? The Field of Steel biker rally gets under way Friday and runs through Sunday. Organizers expect about 15,000 people to roar into the Iredell County Fairgrounds for this event. (To contribute to this story, e-mail Donna Swicegood at dswicegood@statesville.com) We'll have full coverage of the event each day.

- South Iredell seniors graduate: Commencement exercises were moved up at SIHS to accommodate the biker rally. We'll provide full coverage. (To contribute to this story, e-mail Chyna Broadnax at cbroadnax@statesville.com.)

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Tuesday, June 5

Here are the top stories we're working on for Wednesday's print edition:

- LAW AND DISORDER: A pizza delivery driver told police she was struck in the mouth and robbed of $25, but her story unraveled and she was arrested. Also, seven teens were charged with riding through a predominantly black neighborhood yelling racial slurs. (To contribute to this story, e-mail Donna Swicegood at dswicegood@statesville.com.)

- CHANGE IS COMING: The massive project to be located near Exit 45 of I-77 cleared one hurdle Monday night as the Statesville City Council approved a first reading of re-zoning change that would place the whole thing into a single zoning district. (To contribute to this story, e-mail Jim McNally at jmcnally@statesville.com.)

- DETOUR: The city will shut down Center Street during graduation at Statesville Senior High School on Saturday morning.

Also in Wednesday's print edition and online, check out our Tribute to the Class of 2007.

As always, thanks for reading.

Mike

Monday, May 7, 2007

Here are the top stories we're working on for Tuesday's print edition:

- Police looking for 2 suspects: Statesville officers are now looking for two suspects in the early Sunday morning shooting death of 24-year-old Chad Gosa. (To contribute to this story, e-mail dswicegood@statesville.com)

- Lights! Camera! Action! Filming for "Leatherheads" began in earnest in Statesville Monday morning. (To contribute to this story, e-mail jmcnally@statesville.com)

- Standing up for their teacher: South Iredell high School students were planning to protest the suspension of a popular teacher at Monday's Iredell-Statesville Board of Education meeting. (To contribute to this meeting, e-mail news@statesville.com)

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Coming up this weekend

- Chyna Broadnax will share the sights and sounds as children celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Broad Street United Methodist.

- Jim McNally will relay the latest from the Statesville City Council meeting.

- What's happening at the horse show in Troutman.

- Find out more on hundreds of pieces of stolen mail that was recovered Wednesday.

- And what Statesville residents did during the National Day of Prayer.

Have a story you'd like us to cover? E-mail us or call (704) 873-1451.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Here's a look at the stories we're working on for Wednesday's print edition:

- County commissioners meet tonight. Staff writer Jim McNally will be there to cover all of the fun.

- End of an era: Monticello Elementary School will close its doors for good at the end of the school year. Staff writer Chyna Broadnax will have a report on what that means.

SPORTS
- Iredell championships: Golfers from all six county high schools will battle it out today at Fox Den for the county championship. Sports Writer Brad Norman will be on hand to cover it.

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Monday, April 30, 2007

Here are a couple of stories we're working on for tomorrow's print edition of the R&L:

- Wistherspoon enters plea: Misty Witherspoon, the Mooresville woman charged with murdering her husband, Concord police Officer Quinn Witherspoon, is expected to plead guilty in Iredell Superior Court Monday to charges that she stole money from a church. (To contribute to this story, e-mail staff writer Donna Swicegood at dswicegood@statesville.com)

- United Way teams up with Iredell County Partnership for Young Children: A $10,000 grant will fund a public education campaign encouraging parents to make every minute with their child an opportunity for learning.

TODAY on 5@5
- Jim McNally has some hard-hitting questions for a guy in a hot dog suit. Watch our daily Webcast each day 5 p.m. at www.statesville.com.

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Here are a couple stories we're working on for Monday's print edition:

- Remembering a legend: Thousands of Dale Earnhardt fans were expected to descend upon Race City Sunday to mark what would have been the Intimidator's birthday. Staff writer Jim McNally was there. (To contribute to this story, e-mail Jim at jmncnally@statesville.com)

- Getting an early start: It's never too soon to start thinking about college. A class of fifth-graders at Monticello Elementary School has been writing to colleges and universities to test the admission waters. Chyna Broadnax reports on this story.

Talk of the Town
- Neal Grose fires off a response to an earlier letter writer. If anyone is impeached, he argues, it should be President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, not Sen. Harry Reid.

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Here are the top stories we're working on for Friday's edition:

- Valspar trims workforce: Local paint manufacturer trims its local workforce by 12 percent.

- Historic Commission weighs in on Anderson House: J.R. Munoz-McNally reports on the city of Statesville's continuing efforts to force the owner of the Queen Anne-style home to comply with city ordinances.

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Here are the top stories we're working on for Wednesday's print edition:

- Iredell County commissioners snub light rail: County Commissioner Steve Johnson once said he wouldn't get out of the electric chair to vote for a commuter rail. Apparently, he wasn't alone. What does the future hold for this project after the commissioners denied funding for the project?

- High-tech assignment: Mitchell Community College physics students show off their problem-solving and robotics skills. Look for the video online, too.

Also in Wednesday's edition:
- Meet the contestants in this year's Dogwood Festival Pageant

Coming Soon:
- Iredell's Emerging Leaders: We're putting the finishing touches on a 56-page special section dedicated to introducing you to the rising stars in local business, education, government and nonprofit management. This section will be inserted in the R&L on Friday, May 4.

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Thursday, April 19, 2007

- Remembering those who were lost: Two local services have been scheduled in Statesville for the victims of the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech earlier this week..
Today at 12 noon, Mitchell Community college students will gather on the courtyard of the Statesville campus for a moment of silence to honor the students. (New staff writer Megan Sprague will cover this event. Contact her at msprague@statesville.com)
First Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Meeting St., will hold a community prayer service at 7 p.m. Friday. This service is open to all.

Here are a couple of stories we're working on today:

- A helping hand: Anna Howard has been helping anyone who shows up at her door for going on 20 years. Read about her incredible contributions to our community in Friday's faith section.

- Not dead yet: I-SS Superintendent Terry Holliday says reports that a plan to convert the Dana manufacturing plant into an educational complex are dead are premature. School officials will continue to try to convince the county commission that it's a good plan for taxpayers and students. (To contribute to this story, contact staff writer Chyna Broadnax a cbroadnax@statesville.com.)

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Tuesday, April 17, 2006

Here are some of the stories we're working on for Wednesday's print edition

- Will commissioners get an earful? Iredell commissioners will hold a public hearing this evening to gather public comment on a proposed building permit cap for Brawley School Road. This one could be ugly as builders square off against residents tired of fighting traffic. (To contribute to this story, contact Heather Gach at hgach@statesville.com)

- What are local officers doing to prepare for an 'active' shooter like the one who killed 32 people at Virginia Tech on Monday? R&L reporter Donna Swicegood has the answers in tomorrow's edition.

- SPORTS: See tomorrow's edition for full coverage of the Iredell County track meet.

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Monday, April 16, 2007

Here are the top local stories we're working on:

- Hokie Nation mourns the most deadly campus shooting in U.S. History: A gunman killed 31 people, including himself, Monday morning at Virginia Tech. If you have a tie to the Blacksburg school, please e-mail us at news@statesville.com)

-How windy was it? R&L reporters Donna Swicegood, Heather Gach and Chyna Broadnax fanned out Monday to see how windy it was and inspect reports of property damage. (To contribute to this story, e-mail Donna at dswicegood@statesville.com)

-School board and city council meet: R&L reporters Heather Gach, Chyna Broadnax and Jim McNally will report on what they did for you or to you.

-Your time is up: It's Tax Day and if you haven't paid up, you're about out of time. R&L reporter Jim McNally has the scoop.

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Saturday, April 14, 2007

COMING SUNDAY AND MONDAY

-- J.C. Steele and Sons makes a difference: The local firm has contributed $250,000 to the Fifth Street Shelter Ministries campaign to raise $4 million for a new shelter. President John Steele said he saw the need while helping out at Fifth Street's annual Christmas party. See Sunday's print edition to learn more.

-- Making a difference: Kim Monroe lost everything when a drunken driver plowed into her car. She lost the ability to perform most every basic human functions. She also lost her husband, who divorced her, and precious time with her children. Today, she helps others who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. See Monday's print edition to learn more about her inspiring story.

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Thursday, April 12, 2007

TODAY'S BIG STORIES:

- Troutman officials take on biker rally: Reportedly upset because they were not included in the planning for the upcoming Fields of Steel biker rally at the fairgrounds, Troutman aldermen will discuss what, if any, recourse they have at this point at tonight's town meeting. Staff writer Heather Gach will be there. (To contribute to this story, e-mail her at hgach@statesville.com)

- Boys and Girls Club lands major donation; Lowe's Home Improvement has contributed $250,000 for the construction of the new Boys and Girls Club. But staff writer Chyna Broadnax reports, Lowe's is giving more than just money.

TODAY ON 5@5
Rep. Virginia Foxx is on the hot seat.

GAME OF THE WEEK
South Iredell and West Iredell battle for bragging rights on the baseball diamond. Web content producer Jess Norman will have the highlights after the final out.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Here are a couple of stories we're working on for Thursday's print editions:

- Is ICATS worth the money? Staff writer Heather Gach takes a ride on the county's public transit and tries to determine if ICATS is taking taxpayers for a ride. (To contribute to this report, e-mail Heather at hgach@statesville.com)

- Are you a prime target for local criminals? Staff writer Donna Swicegood reports today from a crime prevention seminar geared toward seniors. (To contribute to this report, e-mail Donna at dswicegood@statesville.com)

-Write us: E-mail your letters to the editor to me at mfuhrman@statesville.com

Thanks for reading,

Mike

Monday, April 9, 2007

Here are some of the stories we're working on for Tuesday's print edition:

- Hollywood comes to Statesville: George Clooney and company will take over part of the downtown area next month. In Tuesday's edition, we'll give you a glimpse of what to expect.

- How will the recent cold snap effect Iredell farmers? Heather Gach reports on what the sub-freezing temperatures mean to the local agriculture community.

- An inside look at the Iredell County Jail: Staff writer J.R. Munoz-McNally spent part of his weekend locked up. For his version of what happened and what it was like behind bars, read his column in Tuesday's edition.

WE NEED YOUR HELP. Please e-mail your story ideas and news tips to me at mfuhrman@statesville.com.

Thanks for reading,

Mike

COMING THIS WEEKEND

Here are the stories we're working on for this weekend's editions:

- Superintendent Terry Holliday out of running for top job in Beaufort: Terry Holliday notified Iredell-Statesville Schools officials that had withdrawn his name from consideration for the superintendent's job in Beaufort, S.C. He was one of three finalists for the job, which pays $207,000.

- I-SS fails to meet conditions for purchasing Dana plant: I-SS officials will not complete all of the site studies by the April 9 deadline and Dana Corp. declined to provide a requested 30-day extension, nullifying the district's contract for the plant.

- Mom wants her kids back from DSS: Jennifer Borek says DSS officials failed her as a teen and then took her children because they believed she could not raise them. Staff writer Daniel Goldberg chronicles her struggle in Sunday's print edition.

- R&L staff writer jailed on three charges: Staff writer J.R. Munoz-McNally was arrested on three charges Friday after being pulled over for having an expired tag. He was being held in the county jail Friday night on charges of failure to pay more than $4,000 in medical bills, contempt of court and failure to appear. Munoz-McNally, 45, said the charges stem from a dispute with his ex-wife and that he was not notified of a court hearing in Guilford County, where the charges originated.

Tomorrow's headlines

Today on 5@5
-- County Commissioner Steve Johnson is in the hot seat. Log onto www.statesville.com and click on the 5@5 link.


Will I-SS Superintentendent leave for Beaufort, S.C.?
-- Terry Holliday is one of three finalists for the school superintendent position in Beaufort, S.C. Holliday notified the I-SS Board of Education Monday night that he is in the running for the position, which reportedly pays more than $200,000 annually. He earns around $125,000. See Wednesday's print edition for the latest on this story.

Iredell deputies seize $18 million in cocaine
-- Sheriff's officials are calling the confiscation of 165 pounds of cocaine one of the largest hauls in state history. A suspect is being held in lieu of $1 million bond. See Wednesday's print edition for the details.

Freightliner workers walk out
-- Workers at Freightliner's plant in nearby Cleveland began striking Monday night in protest of the company's unwillingness to sign a new contract. See Wednesday's print edition for more on this story.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Here's a look at our top story for Tuesday's print edition:

- Superintendent makes big pitch: I-SS Superintendent Terry Holliday made his big pitch to county commissioners Monday evening, trying to convince him that the upside of converting the Dana manufacturing plant into an educational complex outweighed citizen concerns about traffic and environmental concerns. The project will cost $54 million, which I-SS officials say would save taxpayers millions compared to building a new elementary school, high school and central offices.

COMING SOON:
Our daily Webcast, 5@5, has been up and running for more than a week and we've already got enough bloopers and out-takes for a special segment.

Thanks for reading,

Mike