RFP Staff/University of North Carolina system

♦ Rowan-Salisbury School System high school graduates perform lower than the average NC graduate attending universities in the University of North Carolina system.  In the latest data released by the University of North Carolina system, freshmen who graduated from Rowan-Salisbury School System performed below the state average in almost every area, including the following:

SAT Scores 

• The average SAT verbal score for RSSS university freshmen from RSSS is 515, which is 22 points less than the state average.
• The average SAT math score for RSSS university freshmen from RSSS is 533, which is 22 points less than the state average.

Academic Status

Making a C

• 21% less university freshmen from RSSS made a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above than the state average. 2.0 is equivalent to a C letter grade.

Making a B

• 59% less university freshmen from RSSS made a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above than the state average. 3.0 is equivalent to a B letter grade.

Enrollment

Returning

• Less university freshmen from RSSS returned for the second semester or for the second year than the state average.
• Less university freshmen from RSSS returned for the second year than the state average.

Number of Courses Taken

• RSSS freshmen who made a grade of 2.0 their second year took less courses than the state average while doing so.

Course Placement

Remedial Classes

• 59% more freshmen from RSSS were enrolled in remedial English classes than the state average.
• 62% more freshmen from RSSS were enrolled in remedial math classes than the state average.

Advanced Classes

• 50.7% less university freshmen from RSSS were enrolled with Advanced Placement credits than the state average.
• 56% less freshmen from RSSS were enrolled in Honors classes than the state average.

The source of this information is the University of North Carolina system. You can view the data at http://old.northcarolina.edu/ira/ir/analytics/fresh.htm .

RFP Staff

♦ Mayor Karen Alexander and the incumbent City Council continues to thwart public audit discussion.  The Salisbury City Council will meet again on Tuesday January 19th, the second public meeting since the city made its audit public. The audit disclosed Fibrant is in violation of state law and that embezzlement occurred in the collections department due to improper procedure. These two audit findings were labeled significant deficiencies by the audit company Martin and Starnes.

Mayor Karen Alexander and Councilman Brian Miller made repeated attempts in the last two council meetings to guide discussion of the negative audit findings into private closed-door meetings not open to the public. Councilman Kenny Hardin insisted that the discussion be at a council meeting so the public can be included, but so far the city has refused to place the audit discussion on the agenda.

Since the audit was made public, Assistant City Manager John Sofley was removed from management of both Fibrant and the Collections department, the two areas of the city budget resulting in the negative audit findings.

The city has not responded to requests for public records that disclose the amount of money embezzled in the collections department.

City Council Agenda for January 19th 2016:

http://www.salisburync.gov/Departments/Administration/2015_Agendas/01-19-2016%20Agenda.pdf

Todd Paris, Associate Editor and Salisbury Attorney

♦ On Sunday January 17th, Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander went public with her support of registering your guns.  She suggested creating a system by which guns would be registered into a database that would be shared by state and federal governments.

Gun registration will not prevent the type of shootings plaguing Mayor Karen Alexander’s city the last two years. Criminals will not register their guns.  A mayor supporting failed policies shows her inability to articulate effective solutions to solve Salisbury’s problems. 

As proven in New York, what gun registration does enable is regulation and confiscation of your guns.

https://www.nraila.org/articles/20000127/firearms-registration-new-york-city-s

Your second amendment rights should not be infringed upon simply because Mayor Karen Alexander can’t control gun violence in her city.

Those interested in speaking up for your 2nd Amendment rights might want to exercise their 1st Amendment rights next Tuesday, January 19th, at Salisbury’s City Council Meeting.

“Meetings of the City Council are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers located at City Hall, 217 South Main Street.”

Public Comment is on the agenda next for next Tuesday, January 19th.

http://www.salisburync.gov/Departments/Administration/2015_Agendas/01-19-2016%20Agenda.pdf

Todd Paris, Hired Gun:

RFP Staff

♦ The Rowan County Commission meets at 6 p.m. on January 19th in the J. Newton Cohen, Sr. Room at the County Administration Room at 130 West Innes Street in Salisbury, N.C.

ROWAN COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA

Call to Order
Invocation
• Provided By: Chaplain Michael Taylor
Pledge of Allegiance
Consider Additions to the Agenda
Consider Deletions From the Agenda
Consider Approval of the Agenda
Board members are asked to voluntarily inform the Board if any matter on the agenda might present a conflict of interest or might require the member to be excused from voting.
• Consider Approval of the Minutes: January 4, 2016
1 Consider Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Rowan County Airport Airfield Maintenance Contract
B. Refunds for Approval
C. Authorization For DSS To Apply for Woodson Foundation Grant
D. Accept Grassroots Grant for Therapeutic Recreation
E. Contract With McAdams For Parks Comprehensive Master Plan
F. Permission For Library to Apply for a Woodson Foundation Grant
G. Resolution in Support of Funding for Rowan County Airport Runway Expansion
H. Resolution Supporting Governor Pat McCrory’s Connect NC Bond Initiative
I. Rowan County Language Access Plan (LAP)
J. Set Public Hearing for February 1, 2016 For Project Spec
K. Munis Software Implementation
L. Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Agreement With R. Giles Moss Auction &
Real Estate
M. Change Order for Airport Office Addition
N. Contribution to COG Regional Freight Plan
2 Public Comment Period
3 Quasi-judicial Hearing for CUP 04-15
4 Hangar Construction Approval
5 Authorization for Phase I of Water Study
6 Budget Amendments
7 Adjournment

Commission Agenda and Information PDF.

http://agenda.rowancountync.gov/DisplayAgendaPDF.ashx?MeetingID=189

Citizens with disabilities requiring special needs to access the services or public meetings
of Rowan County Government should contact the County Manager’s Office three days prior
to the meeting by calling (704) 216-8180.

Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina

♦ (Salisbury, NC) Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina has just completed extensive renovations on its Rowan County Career Connections Center, and is holding a grand reopening celebration and ribbon-cutting on Wednesday January 20. The public is also invited to an open house and tour which will showcase services, programs and facilities available at the Center, including:

• New training space

• Space for partner events and meetings

• Expanded space for veteran’s services and job fairs, including Operation Good Jobs, which offers employment services and resources to veterans and their families (see details below)

• Classes in partnership with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and

• Project Re-entry which provides transition services for ex-offenders

• The Career Connections Center, located at 1923 South Main Street in Salisbury, helps people find employment and also offers comprehensive resources to employers.

Ceremonies begin at 10:30am and the Open House is from 10am until 12noon. Light refreshments will be served at the Open House. To RSVP, or for more information call (704) 638-6434, or email radkins@goodwillnwnc.org

Veterans Intake & Employment Workshop (“V.I.E.W.”)

The newly renovated Rowan Career Connections Center in Salisbury will accommodate a full schedule of workshops for Veterans. The workshops, presented in partnership with Veterans Affairs, will accommodate Veterans who are enrolled in the Compensated Work Therapy Program (CWT). Our mission in conducting these workshops is to find more efficient ways of introducing Veterans to community services, and allow them to enhance their personal growth and employment goals. The workshop will be held on the 1st and 2nd Fridays of each month. The VA Medical Center will bring in a different group of community partners for each session. Once those partners have presented and the Veteran decides he/she can benefit from the programs, then the remaining time is allotted for enrollment.

WEEK ONE includes:

* Introduction of Goodwill and VAMC staff , and explanation of rules and process.

* Orientation and jumpstart overview

* Complete Operation Good Jobs, profiles and Individual Career and Financial Plan

* Project Reentry, presentation with video

* Reps from Disabled Veteran’s Outreach Program (conducted by representatives from NC Works)and Workforce Services & ResCare Education and Training Services provide counseling, training and job placement to people of all ages with barriers to employment

.* Rep from VAMC discusses and sets up E-Benefits Premier Accounts

WEEK TWO includes:

* Rep from Salisbury Rowan Community Action Agency explains self-sufficiency program, and completes applications for those who are interested

* Rep from Rowan Cabarrus Community College explains available services in the Employability Lab. They also enroll Veterans in computer classes as well as in the Certified Production Technician (CPT) certification course

* Rep from VAMC discusses chapter 31 and 36 benefits

* Rep from NC Vocational Rehab conducts orientation, explains services, and enrolls those who are interested

* Rep from VFW explains “Benefit Claims Rater”, discusses VA benefits, filing, and tracking claims

* Employers are scheduled to discuss their expectations of applicants

* Goodwill staff provides resume assistance, and schedules appointments for the VA Application Workshop

JOB FAIRS

The Goodwill Rowan County Career Connections Center will host a job fair on the third week of each month. Participating employers will include:

Automation Personnel Services

Mancan Staffing

Salisbury Rowan Community Action Agency

Staff Masters

Onin Staffing

Insource Performance Solutions

Manpower2Horsepower, and

The Resource – Mocksville

COMPUTER CLASSES

Goodwill’s Rowan County Career Connections Center is offering computer classes.

RFP Staff

♦ With the surge of stolen firearms in Salisbury in recent months, Kasey Alyssa Fite-Turner, 26, of Spencer, was arrested Sunday at 3040 East Ridge Road in Salisbury for allegedly stealing a rifle and a shotgun from a man on the 1000 block of Kingsway Drive in Salisbury. Fite-Turner was also charged for allegedly stealing a shotgun from a Lexington area man and with allegedly attempting to sell two stolen firearms to Quick Cash Pawn at 2045 Statesville Blvd.

Fite-Turner faces 2 charges of larceny of firearms (felony) and obtaining property by false pretenses (felony). Under a secured $6,000 bond, Fite-Turner is being held at the Rowan County Detention Center.

Kasey Alyssa Fite-Turner’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1255441&searchLastName=turner&searchFirstName=kasey&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

Chuck Hughes, Salisbury, N.C.

♦ Although it is important to support our great colleges, it is equally important to support the K-12 infrastructures that pave the way to the campuses of higher education. School districts spend millions annually on basic operating costs and salaries, yet there is negligible funding available to address major capital needs such as school replacement. Our children should not have to wait until they are old enough to enroll in college before they have the “luxury” of a safe, amiable learning environment.

The need for capital investment becomes obvious when you consider the age of some of our 20 elementary schools.

• Eleven were built between 1924 and 1936

• Two others were built in 1952 and 1963

• Three more were added in 1974, 1976

• Another was constructed in 1998

• The last three were completed in 2005 and 2007 ­­

Over the years, 60 additions have been added to the older schools. However, additions do little to compensate for the inefficiency of outdated boilers and air conditioning systems. In fact, additions often contribute to the problem. Even worse, some of our elementary schools are not designed to accept all of the basic security updates we need without costly modifications.

There are also major economic benefits when we build a new school and consolidate underserved, energy inefficient schools within the same bus zone. Each consolidation results in a savings of between $800,000 and one million dollars every year. Add to that windfall, the additional savings from technological advances in energy conservation systems, one less roof to replace and one less parking lot to pave.

Unless a portion of the $2.8 billion bond is allocated to the needs of all of the state’s 115 Local Education Agencies, I urge Rowan County citizens to vote NO on the referendum in March.

RFP Staff

♦ An unidentified man was reported shot to death in a vehicle with the engine still running in front of an apartment complex at Long Street and Park Avenue in Salisbury around 7:45 p.m. Monday.  The area around the vehicle was cordoned off by yellow crime scene and as police cars with flashing blue lights filled the area.  Police searched the street for shell casings while investigators spoke with neighbors in the area.  Police brought in a K-9 to search for a suspect in the area.

It is alleged that neighbors heard shots in the street.  The apartment complex is directly across from Piedmont Natural Gas.

**This article is in its preliminary form and will be updated as more information shows up.**

RFP Staff

♦ Ex-Boyfriend Brandon Jerron Hawkins, 20 was charged today with first degree murder in the gunshot slaying of Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, a Pfeiffer University student from Salisbury. Hawkins became a prime suspect when Crowder was found in the damaged 1991 Honda Accord registered to Hawkins.

As yet no motive was provided for this this tragic homicide.

Hawkins was arrested today and charged with first degree murder (felony) and larceny of a firearm (misdemeanor). Hawkins is being held without bond in the Rowan County Detention Center.  His first court hearing will be on Thursday January 21st.

Brandon Jerron Hawkins:

Brandon Hawkins Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1337574&searchLastName=Hawkins&searchFirstName=Brandon&searchMiddleName=j&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

From this morning’s RFP article: “Talisha Danielle Crowder Found Murdered in Vehicle Monday Evening at North Long Street and Park Avenue in Salisbury, N.C.”:

“Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, of Salisbury who graduated with an Associates Degree in Arts from Rowan Cabarrus Early College Program last summer and is now a student at Pfeiffer University, was reported missing earlier Monday by her mother. At around 7 p.m. Crowder was tragically reported shot to death in a 1991 Honda Accord in a parking lot in front of an apartment complex at 311 North Long Street near Park Avenue in Salisbury. The area surrounding the Accord was cordoned off by yellow crime scene tape. Police vehicles rapidly filled the area as investigators questioned neighbors.

From the Pfeiffer University Website: “Pfeiffer University Mourns the Loss of Student Talisha Crowder”:

“Pfeiffer University reports the death of student Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, of Salisbury, N.C. Ms. Crowder had been reporting missing by her mother on Mon., Jan. 18. She was found Monday evening in Salisbury, the victim of a gunshot wound. A prayer vigil to honor Talisha’s life will take place today at 6 p.m., Henry Pfeiffer Chapel, 48380 U.S. Hwy 52N, Misenheimer (Stanly County).

Ms. Crowder, who graduated in 2015 from Rowan Cabarrus Early College Program, entered Pfeiffer last fall as a junior due to the fact that she had accumulated the academic credit to do so. The current academic year, 2015-2016, was her first as a resident student on Pfeiffer’s Misenheimer campus.

“Everyone in the Pfeiffer community is heartbroken by the news of Talisha’s Crowder’s death,” said President Colleen Perry Keith. “Students, of course, are Pfeiffer’s most precious and valuable resource; her loss will be long felt by her classmates and professors. We all are keeping Talisha’s family, friends and hallmates foremost our thoughts and prayers.”

A biology/pre-med major, Ms. Crowder was by all accounts a serious student who held a work-study job on campus and was a member of Pfeiffer’s dance team. Counselors from Pfeiffer’s counseling center and Pfeiffer’s ministry staff are available for students, faculty members and staff who request these services.”

If anyone has any information about this murder, they are asked to call the Salisbury Police Department at 704-638-5333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

The late Talisha Danielle Crowder:

311 North Long Street in Salisbury, N.C.

**This article will be updated as more information arrives.**

RFP Staff

♦ Video: Rowan County Commission Met at 6 P.M. on January 19th in Salisbury, N.C.:

http://rowancountync.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=568

RFP Staff

♦ On Tuesday January 12th K-Dee Jewelers on 112 East Innes was allegedly robbed by a well-dressed Black couple masquerading as customers.  The couple allegedly helped themselves expensive rings, designer watches, necklaces, and other jewelry related items.  The robbery was not discovered until two days passed and the stolen inventory was noticed missing.

During the robbery, the couple allegedly distracted employees by separating and questioning store employees about various items in cases and behind the counter. In the security video the alleged male robber deftly removed a key, stepped around the counter, and lifts out the jewelry items before he shuts the counter door. All this was allegedly done while his female companion continued to distract a store employ with questions and requests.

Description of the alleged male robber: Black male, in his 50’s, wore a gray blazer, white dress shirt, eye-glasses, and dark slacks.

Description of the alleged female robber: Black female, in her 50’s, sported a cane (may be a prop), dark jacket and pants, eye-glasses, and purse.

If you recognize the people in the security stills or know anything about this robbery please call the Salisbury Police Department at 704-638-5333 or Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

K-Dee Jeweler’s security cam stills:

Steve Mensing, Editor

♦ “Salisbury, N.C. is 17.3 square miles surrounded by reality.”

A couple of days ago someone shared an article with me from Salisbury’s print media.  In the article Mayor Karen Alexander supports an initiative to register guns in Salisbury, N.C.  I scratched my head and recalled our noble North Carolina state lawmakers passed a law forbidding N.C. municipalities from registering guns.  I wondered if Karen consulted with the city attorney about her desire to register guns in Ole Shotzbury?

Here’s a refresher course on state law addressing N.C. Municipalities and Counties ability to register firearms forwarded to the RFP by N.C. Rep. Carl Ford:

“S.L. 1995-727 prohibits counties and municipalities from imposing a registration scheme.

I understand that any then-standing statutes were exempted, meaning Durham County’s program would continue. In 2014, Sen. Woodard passed a local act, S.L. 2014-11, to repeal their program. Therefore, there aren’t any state registration programs, and no programs can be imposed.”

Respectfully, Kyle Chermak, Legislative Assistant

Todd Paris, Associate Editor and Salisbury Attorney

Councilman Kenny Hardin and David Post Bring Transparency to Salisbury City Council Meetings

After years of complaints, Salisbury City Council will now meet at 5PM and allow Public Comment at both meetings. Councilman Hardin and Councilman Post pushed this item after receiving significant feedback from Salisbury citizens that the 4PM meeting time did not allow regular citizens and business owners to take part in their local government.

This was despite initial opposition from incumbent members, including Mayor Pro Tem Maggie Blackwell, that this issue had already been discussed and put to bed years ago.

Setting government meetings during the time when most people work prevents concerned citizens from attending meetings and can be used as a way to prevent critical comments. Only allowing public comment at one meeting per month can be used the same way.

Citizens will now be able to attend the meetings at 5PM and give public comment at 6PM at both meetings. Kudos to Councilman Kenny Hardin and David Post for making a change that should have been made years ago. Both have shown excellent leadership.

Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander Waffles then Retreats on Gun Registration

Two days after suggesting that a gun registration system for Salisbury be created, Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander publicly waffled on the matter by apologizing to a group of gun owners at the January 19th City Council Meeting, then retreated from the meeting before she could hear their comments.

Several gun owners assembled at the Salisbury City Council Meeting to speak under public comment and defend their second amendment rights. Prior to those gun owners being allowed to speak, Mayor Karen Alexander apologized to them for her suggestion and then informed them that she would have to leave the meeting and would not hear their public comments. The gavel was handed off to Mayor Pro Tem Maggie Blackwell who then ran the meeting and invited pro-second amendment speakers to share their thoughts. Many of the speakers were left stunned as she retreated from the meeting without hearing their comments.

Gun registration systems don’t work. Criminals do not register their guns, only law-abiding citizens do. New York enacted a gun registration system that was later used by the government to confiscate guns from law abiding citizens. Several of the pro-second amendment speakers brought up this fact and complained that the City Council has not adequately staffed the Police Department to handle the rising crime in Salisbury.

Mayor Karen Alexander did not do her homework. She suggested a failed policy without adequate research. She also threw her public support behind a policy as a Republican Mayor, alienating many in her party. We call on her to adequately staff the Salisbury Police Department before she decides that the rights of law-abiding citizens be infringed.

Rep. Carl Ford Preempts Salisbury City Mayor’s Gun Registration Idea

A sea of “camo-clad” 2nd Amendment heroes descended upon Salisbury City Council tonight for public comment resulting from concerns over Salisbury mayor Karen Alexander’s comments in “main street media” in favor of firearms registration. Wisely understanding that universal registration is always a mere precursor to confiscation; they made their voices heard, loud and clear.

It is fortunate that our own Carl Ford cosponsored a bill (H.B. 705) in the N.C. House that removes legal power from its political subdivisions (the city and the county) to regulate firearms, reserving to the legislature all such power.

http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/House/HTML/H705v1.html

With the cooperation of good Republicans in the NC Senate, this has become law.

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_14/gs_14-409.40.html

Tough luck, Karen! Rebuild your broken police department and stop blaming law abiding gun owners for the City of Salisbury’s losses in the “war on crime.”

Vigilance:

The Great Unwashed:

Bad Vibes:

RaleighCW/Community Matters

♦ Host Bill Lumaye of “Community Matters” interviews the N.C. Connections Academy Principal Nathan Currie and math teacher Kris Yerkie about N.C. Connections Academy, an online virtual school serving homeschoolers and their parents desiring classroom structure.  Like all public education, N.C. Connections Academy is tuition free.

http://raleighcw.com/sections/community/features/community-matters/videos/virtual-schoolnathan-curie-kris-yerkie-7.shtml

RFP Staff

♦ In response to mounting juvenile crime in Salisbury, here is a parental reminder about the City of Salisbury’s curfew ordinance:

Within the Salisbury limits it is unlawful for juveniles under the age of sixteen, unaccompanied by a parent or appointed guardian, to be in public places between the hours of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday-Thursday and Midnight-6am Friday-Saturday.

Exceptions include youth traveling to and from school, religious and civic-sponsored events and youth traveling to places of employment or responding to emergencies.

RFP Staff

♦ Brandon Jarron Hawkins, 20, of 1032 Gold Road and alleged killer of Pfeiffer University student Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, in Salisbury, made a brief appearance in District Court today with Judge Beth Dixon presiding.  Dressed in an orange Rowan County Detention Center jumpsuit and wearing leg shackles and handcuffs, Hawkins stared vacantly at Judge Dixon when she told him he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment and up to 39 months in prison for larceny of a firearm.

Judge Dixon assigned Salisbury attorney Drew Cochran to represent Hawkins on a provisional basis.  Rowan County Indigent Services will appoint an attorney or attorneys for Hawkins in the near future.

Held without bond, Hawkins the Ex-boyfriend of Crowder is charged with first degree murder (felony) and larceny of a firearm (misdemeanor).  He remains in the Rowan County Detention Center.  Hawkins next court appearance will on February 10th.

The Late Talisha Danielle Hawkins:

From an RFP article appearing on January 19th: “Ex-Boyfriend Brandon Jerron Hawkins was Charged Today with First Degree Murder in the Death of Talisha Crowder in Salisbury, N.C.”

Ex-Boyfriend Brandon Jerron Hawkins, 20 was charged today with first degree murder in the gunshot slaying of Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, a Pfeiffer University student from Salisbury. Hawkins became a prime suspect when Crowder was found in the damaged 1991 Honda Accord registered to Hawkins.

As yet no motive was provided for this this tragic homicide.

Hawkins was arrested today and charged with first degree murder (felony) and larceny of a firearm (misdemeanor). Hawkins is being held without bond in the Rowan County Detention Center. His first court hearing will be on Thursday January 21st.

Brandon Hawkins Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=1337574&searchLastName=Hawkins&searchFirstName=Brandon&searchMiddleName=j&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

From this morning’s RFP article: “Talisha Danielle Crowder Found Murdered in Vehicle Monday Evening at North Long Street and Park Avenue in Salisbury, N.C.”:

“Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, of Salisbury who graduated with an Associates Degree in Arts from Rowan Cabarrus Early College Program last summer and is now a student at Pfeiffer University, was reported missing earlier Monday by her mother. At around 7 p.m. Crowder was tragically reported shot to death in a 1991 Honda Accord in a parking lot in front of an apartment complex at 311 North Long Street near Park Avenue in Salisbury. The area surrounding the Accord was cordoned off by yellow crime scene tape. Police vehicles rapidly filled the area as investigators questioned neighbors.

From the Pfeiffer University Website: “Pfeiffer University Mourns the Loss of Student Talisha Crowder”:

“Pfeiffer University reports the death of student Talisha Danielle Crowder, 19, of Salisbury, N.C. Ms. Crowder had been reporting missing by her mother on Mon., Jan. 18. She was found Monday evening in Salisbury, the victim of a gunshot wound. A prayer vigil to honor Talisha’s life will take place today at 6 p.m., Henry Pfeiffer Chapel, 48380 U.S. Hwy 52N, Misenheimer (Stanly County).

Ms. Crowder, who graduated in 2015 from Rowan Cabarrus Early College Program, entered Pfeiffer last fall as a junior due to the fact that she had accumulated the academic credit to do so. The current academic year, 2015-2016, was her first as a resident student on Pfeiffer’s Misenheimer campus.

“Everyone in the Pfeiffer community is heartbroken by the news of Talisha’s Crowder’s death,” said President Colleen Perry Keith. “Students, of course, are Pfeiffer’s most precious and valuable resource; her loss will be long felt by her classmates and professors. We all are keeping Talisha’s family, friends and hallmates foremost our thoughts and prayers.”

A biology/pre-med major, Ms. Crowder was by all accounts a serious student who held a work-study job on campus and was a member of Pfeiffer’s dance team. Counselors from Pfeiffer’s counseling center and Pfeiffer’s ministry staff are available for students, faculty members and staff who request these services.”

311 North Long Street in Salisbury, N.C.:

RFP Staff

♦ Brian Seandale Oglesby AKA “Shondale”, 36, a Salisbury felon, was arrested Thursday morning by Rowan Sheriff’s Office deputies for an alleged armed robbery and beating his victim’s face with handgun. The alleged robbery took place 6:30 p.m. Sunday at 210 Craver Avenue in Salisbury where the alleged victim John Wayne Gray, Jr., 43, lived.  Gray was lured outside where Oglesby wanted to talk with him about a tire.  The two spoke briefly before Oglesby allegedly drew a handgun and slammed it Gray’s face, driving his victim senseless to the ground and breaking his nose.  Oglesby allegedly rifled Gray’s pockets and came up with an undetermined amount of cash and other items.

A few moments later Gray’s girlfriend stepped outside to see her boyfriend sprawled on the ground.  Her screams carried through the neighborhood.  Oglesby fled into the night.

Wednesday the Salisbury Police obtained warrants for Oglesby arrest and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office deputies served them at Oglesby’s residence at 2760 Grubb Ferry Road.

Oglesby was charged with robbery with firearms or other dangerous weapons (felony) and assault with a deadly weapon (misdemeanor). Under a secured $2,500 bond, he was held in the Rowan County Detention Center until he was released on bond.

Brian Seandale/Shondale Oglesby’s Previous Record:

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/opi/viewoffender.do?method=view&offenderID=0537580&searchLastName=oglesby&searchFirstName=brian&searchMiddleName=s&listurl=pagelistoffendersearchresults&listpage=1

MyFox8.com

♦ Governor McCrory Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Major Winter Storm:

Gov. McCrory declares State of Emergency ahead of major winter storm

Prepare for Emergencies, Hazardous Travel Conditions, and Power Outages.  The snow forecasts appear to change every few hours.

Rodney Cress, Veteran Advocate

♦ I’m collecting military memorabilia for HAPPY’s FARM, a Rowan non profit, beginning a military exhibit for the 60 children remaining there after school hours until their parents pick them up. The exhibit will help the youngsters to understand what a soldier is and does. Happy’s Farm is a great place for the children. Our goal is to teach them about our military and the sacrifices made. Take time to read the web site and click on the DONATE link for items needed.

These items need to be able to withstand outside weather. They will be displayed in an outside building about 50 feet long with a roof and side, but the ends will be open so a vehicle can pass through it. No items larger than over 2 feet, preferably military tins or small flags honoring all 5 military services. These items will be fastened to the inside wall of the building.

If you require more information contact me by Facebook message.

To learn more about Happy Farm:

http://www.happysfarm.org/

RFP Staff

♦ The roads throughout Rowan County are becoming extremely hazardous as nightfall approaches and a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain made area streets and roadways difficult to negotiate without sliding. The word is out from law enforcement: STAY OFF THE ROADS UNLESS ITS AN EMERGENCY.

According to the National Weather Service approximately an inch of snow fell on Rowan County between 12 a.m. and 9 a.m. Throughout the morning hours and through afternoon a mix of sleet and freezing rain added to treacherous driving conditions, causing fender benders and cars slamming into utility poles. Wisely schools, government offices, and most businesses remained closed for the day.

Tonight snow is predicted to fall in substantial amounts on top of ice slicked roads. Enjoy watching it on TV from the safety of your home. Have a plan B if your power goes out.

These photos were taken early Friday afternoon in Salisbury around Statesville Road:

The Long Slide:

Usually Busy Eateries Remained Empty as Few People Braved the Roads. Pictured Here is Il Collosseo: