Published 12:00 am Sunday, September 15, 2013
Here are five stories you missed if you didn’t read the Post last week:
Rowan County commissioners continued discussing a county purchase of the troubled Salisbury Mall, but they wouldn’t discuss it in public or share any information with the public. The commissioners called a mobile closed session, walking around the shopping center with staff members and mall representatives and wavering between justifying their information withholding by calling it economic development and a just a simple promise to keep it secret.
An unnamed company is considering locating in Rowan County, bringing $120 million in investment and 184 jobs, according to local economic development officials. The company is asking for incentives from the county, including land on which to build. The Rowan County Board of Commissioners will consider Monday setting a public hearing on the request.
When Gary Webb, a down-on-his-luck veteran, bought a used pickup for $2,000, he thought it would provide some freedom to do the things he needed done. He didn’t count on vandals slashing all four tires, putting him into an even deeper hole. But local residents and businesses rallied, providing Webb not only with new tires, but getting a starter installed in the truck.
With tight budgets and a strained relationship between local education leaders and county commissioners, Dr. Lynn Moody, the incoming Rowan-Salisbury School System superintendent, has a big job ahead of her. But over seven years as chief of the Rock Hill School System she’s navigated budget troubles and built bridges with county officials while focusing on literacy and technology in the schools.
County commissioners are considering deep cuts Rowan’s Veterans Services office, reducing director Elaine Howle to 19 hours a week and eliminating a part-time clerical position. The office helps veterans get the benefits they deserve. The board will consider the cuts at its meeting Monday.