Friday, August 31, 2007

How to Protect Yourself

I know what you're thinking.

"What am I looking at here?"
Well ... this was my best attempt at illustrating a story I'll have in The Star within the next few days.

Shelby Police says property theft has gone up in recent weeks and I'll have a list of some easy ways to protect your own valuables.

Would you believe one of them is keeping your door locked?

It might surprise you but a fair number of people leave their doors unlocked, thinking "If someone wants to steal my stuff, they will."

Well of course they will if you leave your doors unlocked...

Look for the story either this weekend or Monday.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Shelby Crime Map



These are incidents and arrests that were recently on file with local law enforcement agencies. Those arrested are innocent until found guilty in a court of law. (M) refers to misdemeanor crimes, (F) refers to felonies.

If you have any information regarding any of these incidents, contact Shelby Police at (704) 484-6845 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (704) 481-TIPS (8477).

Monetary donations to CrimeStoppers can be sent to Fidelity Bank, 331 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC, 28150 Attn: Verna McCluney

INCIDENTS

Crime: Obscene material
Date reported: Aug. 28, 3:17 p.m.
Address: Century 21, 331 S. Lafayette St., Shelby
Description: Amelia Heath, an employee, told police she had received a photo in a text message of a man’s penis. She said she did not recognize the phone number from which it was sent and that it came from a 901 area code. She said she called the number back and left a voice mail. The sender’s first name was said to be Ryan.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Obtaining property by false pretenses
Date reported: Aug. 28, 10:59 a.m.
Address: Lowes, 425 Earl Road, Shelby
Description: George Beam, of South Elm Street, said someone had obtained a Lowes credit card in his name and put $2,000 worth of merchandise on the card. Beam told officers his identity has been used before in Cherryville.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Larceny by employee
Date reported: Aug. 28, 9:04 a.m.
Address: The Winter House Deli, 219 E. Marion St., Shelby
Description: Tanya Howell told police someone took over $900 in cash from the restaurant’s kitchen since July 24.
Agency: Shelby Police

ARRESTS

Name: Rudy Sylvester Caldwell
Age: 52
Address: 1525 North Faye St., Shelby
Date of arrest: Aug. 18, 6:19 p.m.
Charges: Larceny (F)
Place of arrest: Shelby Police Department, 311 S. Lafayette St., Shelby
Bond: $2,500 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Jimmy Jermain Whisnant
Age: 28
Address: 303 Wingate Court, Shelby
Date of arrest: Aug. 28, 9:31 p.m.
Charges: Worthless check (8 counts) (M)
Place of arrest: Near Gardner and Martin streets
Description: Whisnant was served with warrants for his arrest. The complainant in the case was Food Lion.
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: David Louis Wilson
Age: 45
Address: 709 Buffalo St., Shelby
Date of arrest: Aug. 28, 10:38 p.m.
Charges: Possession of cocaine (F), assault (M), communicating threats (M)
Place of arrest: Home
Description: Wilson was served with warrants for his arrest. He was found in possession of one rock of cocaine at the time of his arrest.
Bond: $1,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Chasity Hope Davis
Age: 23
Address: 1321 Apt. F N. Lafayette St., Shelby
Date of arrest: Aug. 29, 1:39 a.m.
Charges: Failure to appear (M), possession of cocaine (F)
Place of arrest: Near Hudson Street
Bond: $2,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

The Playlist: Springsteen

I’m always looking for inspiration for new columns. Despite the vast number of songs out there, it’s sometimes difficult to come up with the proper category to showcase them. Do I focus on genres this week? A particular year or decade? A specific artist?

This week’s topic was handed to me on a silver platter when I recently stopped by Editor Jon Jimison’s office. "You know," he said, "Springsteen has a new album coming out..."

Good enough for me!

Bruce Springsteen’s first new studio recording with the E Street Band in 6 years, ‘Magic,’ is set for release Oct. 2. According to his Web site, BruceSpringsteen.net, it will mark his 26th album since 1973’s ‘Greetings from Asbury Park.’

With that said, here are a few of my favorites from a career that has spanned four decades.

Born to Run
Album: Born to Run (1975)
It would be hard to make any Springsteen list without mentioning the song, and album, that put him on the map. What is now regarded as a rock anthem peaked at a modest No. 23 on Billboard but has since become Springsteen’s signature song. The album itself is regarded as one of the most acclaimed rock albums of all time.



Downbound Train Album: Born in the U.S.A. (1984)
It was never released as a single but the song has long been a favorite of mine, ever since I was 5 years old and my parents would play ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ time and time again until the album’s lyrics were embedded in my brain. The downtrodden tone here is a Springsteen specialty.



Streets of Philadelphia
Greatest Hits (1995)
Name a song that has won both a Grammy for Song of the Year and an Oscar for Best Song from a Motion Picture. If you’re scratching your head, you should be. There have been only six songs to reach that status throughout the history of time – and this is one. The theme of 1993’s Oscar-award winning ‘Philadelphia’ was the most acclaimed song in the world for well over a year, sweeping the Grammys, winning an Oscar, and even taking in an MTV Video Music Award.



I’m On Fire
Album: Born in the U.S.A. (1984)
This was the fourth of seven hit singles to come from Springsteen’s biggest selling album to date (over 15 million copies sold). The song peaked at No. 6 in the U.S. and its video became a staple of early MTV, so much so it won the 1985 MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video.



The River
Album: The River (1980)
Speaking of downtrodden… This gets my vote for the most depressing song ever. The story of two teens forced into an early marriage and dead-end jobs due to pregnancy creates an unrelenting sad that doesn’t go away. It goes without saying this piece is best heard while drinking an alcoholic beverage.



So there’s my list. What’s yours? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com and it might end up featured in a future column.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Caught in the Rain

This was the scene around 2:30 p.m. when a strong yet brief rainstorm hit Shelby.

I pulled into Cleveland Mall a few minutes earlier, just as the thunder began. Moments later, the rainfall hit so hard it could be heard inside the building.

As I turned the corner to leave the mall, a few onlookers were staring in awe of what they saw outside the door.

"It looks like snow," one person said, commenting on how thick the rain was.
If you look just beyond the trash can in this photo, you can see one person sprinting their way inside from the parking lot.
This is what I saw after running through the parking lot to get to my car.

Within minutes, the storm dissipated. An hour later, it was back to being sunny ...

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Shelby / KM Crime Maps

Back again with more crime maps. Hopefully I can make this a regular aspect of the blog. These are all incidents and arrests which took place over the past 4-5 days.

If you haven't played before, you can zoom in and out of the map with the "+" and "-" icons. To move up, down, left, and right - click on the map with your curser and drag...



Those arrested are innocent until found guilty in a court of law. (M) refers to misdemeanor crimes, (F) refers to felonies.

If you have any information regarding any of these incidents, contact Shelby Police at (704) 484-6845 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (704) 481-TIPS (8477).

Monetary donations to CrimeStoppers can be sent to Fidelity Bank, 331 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC, 28150 Attn: Verna McCluney

Shelby



If you have any information regarding any of these incidents, contact Kings Mountain Police at (704) 734-0444 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (704) 481-TIPS (8477).

Kings Mountain



INCIDENTS

Crime: Larceny
Date reported: Aug. 26, 2:32 p.m.
Address: Vacant business, 601 S. Lafayette St., Shelby
Description: Clyde Beam told officers someone stole his utility trailer, parked beside the building. The trailer was described as black 1996 Tow Master with a bent top rail on the driver’s side – near the taillight. The trailer is valued at $6,000.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Damage to property
Date reported: Aug. 25, 5:44 p.m.
Address: Kings Mountain Country Club, 109 Country Club Road, Kings Mountain
Description: Manager Darrell Sisk told officers two golf carts were damaged while being used by renters. The report said the fiberglass body was damaged and the tops had been warped.
Agency: Kings Mountain Police

Crime: Larceny
Date reported: Aug. 26, 10:01 p.m.
Address: 811 West Gold St. Apt. 36, Kings Mountain
Description: Cristina Rushing told police someone had taken a bottle of Xanex, with 113 pills inside, without permission.
Agency: Kings Mountain Police

Crime: Larceny
Date reported: Aug. 25, 3:33 p.m.
Address: 846 W. Warren St. Apt. C7, Shelby
Description: Hector Romero told officers that between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on that date, a Sony Playstation, nearly $300 in cash, Craftsman toolbox and hand tools were stolen from his home. There were no signs of forced entry to the home and Romero said he locked his doors but not his deadbolts. The officer wrote in the report that entry was possibly gained by using a credit card or the door was not completely shut when Romero left the home. Losses were estimated at nearly $700.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Larceny
Date reported: Aug. 25, 3:14 p.m.
Address: 1104 Wilmouth St., Shelby
Description: Christopher Miller told police he left his home Aug. 23 and returned Aug. 25 to find the home ransacked. A Dell laptop computer and a key to his Yamaha 600 motorcycle were reported stolen. There were no signs of forced entry.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Larceny of a motor vehicle
Date reported: Aug. 25, 1:55 p.m.
Address: 1103 Silver St., Shelby
Description: Johnny Morgan told police a pink scooter was taken from behind his home sometime Aug. 24between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m. A witness, Jerry Huskee, said he saw the scooter in the road near Dodd and Broad streets and saw someone in a truck picking up the scooter.
Agency: Shelby Police

ARRESTS

Name: Quentin Eugene “BC” McDowell
Age: 19
Address: 401 Tracy St. Apt. 3, Shelby
Date of arrest: Aug. 24, 1:12 p.m.
Charges: Assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury (F)
Place of arrest: Home
Description: McDowell was charged in connection with the Aug. 17 Tracy Street shooting of Maurice McDowell.
Bond: $10,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Andrew Donovan Buff
Age: 20
Address: 821 Lambs Grill Road, Rutherfordton
Date of arrest: Aug. 25, 12:50 p.m.
Charges: Shoplifting (M)
Place of arrest: Sears, Cleveland Mall, 2001 E. Dixon Blvd., Shelby
Description: A representative at the store told police Buff hid a wrench set, valued at $60, down the front of his shorts and attempted to leave the store. The wrench set was recovered.
Bond: $10,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Kevin Lamar Lockhart
Age: 22
Address: 1701 Windover Drive, Shelby
Date of arrest: Aug. 26, 1:47 a.m.
Charges: True Bill of Indictment (3 counts) (F)
Place of arrest: 205 Ramblewood Drive, Shelby
Description: Lockhart was served with a warrant for his arrest.
Bond: $75,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Geoffrey Antwan Wilkes
Age: 28
Address: 208 Ramblewood Drive, Shelby
Date of arrest: Aug. 26, 2 a.m.
Charges: Driving while license revoked (M), possession of marijuana (M), failure to appear – driving while license revoked (M), expired tag (M)
Place of arrest: Near Plaster Avenue and Lafayette Street
Description: Wilkes was served with a warrant for his arrest.
Bond: $8,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: William Jay Hall
Age: 29
Address: 404 Jacob St., Shelby
Date of arrest: Aug. 27, 12:49 a.m.
Charges: Failure to appear (M), obstruct and delay (2 counts) (M), damage to property (M)
Place of arrest: Near Highland Avenue
Bond: $5,000 and $7,500 for separate charges
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: William Junior Blevins
Age: 26
Address: 110-11 Double Shoals Road, Lawndale
Date of arrest: Aug. 27, 6:46 p.m.
Charges: Breaking and entering (F), larceny after breaking and entering (F), possession of stolen goods and property (F), obtaining property by false pretenses (2 counts) (F)
Place of arrest: Cleveland County Law Enforcement Center
Description: Blevins turned himself in to authorities at the LEC.
Bond: $15,000 secured
Agency: Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office

Name: Robert Lequan Smith
Age: 31
Address: 202 Parish Drive, Kings Mountain
Date of arrest: Aug. 25, 2:13 p.m.
Charges: Simple affray (M)
Place of arrest: Home
Description: Smith and live-in girlfriend Traci Ann Rowden were both arrested after a fight between the two. According to the arrest report, that was the second time police had responded to the home for a domestic dispute.
Agency: Kings Mountain Police

Name: Traci Ann Rowden
Age: 23
Address: 202 Parish Drive, Kings Mountain
Date of arrest: Aug. 25, 2:13 p.m.
Charges: Simple affray (M)
Place of arrest: Home
Description: Rowden and live-in boyfriend Robert Lequan Smith were both arrested after a fight between the two. According to the arrest report, that was the second time police had responded to the home for a domestic dispute.
Agency: Kings Mountain Police

Name: Preston Lee Sosebee
Age: 23
Address: 1014 Academy Circle, Dallas
Date of arrest: Aug. 26, 1:54 a.m.
Charges: DWI (M), DWLR (M), Consuming alcohol under the age of 21 (M), Possession of open container (M)
Place of arrest: 216 North near Benfield Road
Bond: $7,500 unsecured
Agency: Kings Mountain Police

Name: Amanda Teague Carrigan
Age: 30
Address: 108 Cash Road, Kings Mountain
Date of arrest: Aug. 27
Charges: Worthless check (2 counts) (M)
Place of arrest: Home
Description: Carrigan was served with a warrant for her arrest.
Agency: Kings Mountain Police

Probation / Parole Absconder List

(Updated Aug. 2007)

The following individuals have outstanding warrants for their arrest. If you have any information regarding their whereabouts, call the Division of Community Corrections at (704) 480-5420 or Stan Hubbard at (704) 480-5420 Ext. 206 (work), (704) 506-2187 (cell).

Name, Race/Sex, Date of Birth, Last Known Location

Bell, Robert Carl, W/M, 4/19/70, Mansfield, Ohio

Black, Billy Ray, W/M, 3/19/88, Shelby

Blanton, Maverick Martez, B/M, 5/31/66, Shelby

Burris, Kenneth Wayne Jr., B/M, 1/29/84, Edgewood, Md.

Clark, Anthony Jerome, B/M, 12/02/65, Lawndale

Degree, Tyrone Dale, B/M, 1/11/73, Shelby

Gash, Steve Lewis, B/M, 1/16/63, Shelby

Hamrick, Darrel Wade, B/M, 2/08/62, Shelby

Jordan, Susan Hamrick, W/F, 8/05/69, Shelby

Lacount, David Lee, W/M, 9/26/80, Rock Hill, SC

Mason, Eddie Louis, B/M, 3/17/56, Shelby

McKnight, Lovez Bill, B/M, 10/23/53, Shelby

McSwain, Joseph Howard, W/M, 4/11/59, Shelby

Peterson, Mitchell Joe, W/M, 7/05/49, Blacksburg, SC

Sanders, Justin Oneal, B/M, 2/11/88, Shelby

Sims, Carlos, B/M, 8/25/74, Lawndale

Stevens, Brandon Scott, W/M, 10/07/82, Clover, SC

Walton, James O'Neil, B/M, 8/12/81, Shelby

West, J.T. Anthony, B/M, 4/17/78, Rhode Island Dept. of Corrections

Brewster, William H., W/M, 4/19/62, South Carolina Dept. of Corrections

Floyd, Jason Kane, B/M, 9/23/71, Shelby

Hughes, Carlton Marcel, B/M, 12/17/83, Boiling Springs

Lamb, Teddy Lewis, W/M, 9/22/59, Shelby

McDaniel, Matthew Todd, W/M, 8/01/70, Shelby

Surratt, Charles Gregory, B/M, 9/10/65, Shelby

Playlist Preview: The Boss

I’m always looking for inspiration for new columns.

Despite the vast number of songs out there, it’s sometimes difficult to come up with the proper category to showcase them. Do I focus on genres this week? A particular year or decade? A specific artist?

This week’s topic was handed to me on a silver platter when I recently stopped by Editor Jon Jimison’s office.

"You know," he said, "Springsteen has a new album coming out..."

Good enough for me!

Check out Thursday's Star for my top picks from Bruce Springsteen's four-decade career, then come back to the blog to check out the music videos.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Shelby PD Prepares

For some background on what Shelby PD has done for the reaccreditation, click here.

Background on CALEA

For a little more information on CALEA, what police agencies are a part of the international group, and the requirements to be accredited, you can visit the CALEA website here.

Shelby PD Responds

Shelby Police Capt. Jeff Ledford said an exit interview Wednesday would give them an idea as to whether they will be granted reaccreditation status.

The panel will make a recommendation to CALEA (The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.) and submit a 20 to 30 page assessment. Shelby officers will then speak in front of a panel in Colorado Springs, Co. in November.

Following that, the decision will be made to grant or deny reaccreditation.

More Feedback

"The crime rate has decreased over the past three years," Niemeier said of Shelby. "They've got a very strong community advocacy. The professionalism of the officers and the dedication of Chief Carter is very evident."

"It's not an easy process," he said of reaccreditation. "It takes a lot of work and dedication. And the Shelby Police Department is dedicated to getting through that process."

More from Assessment Team

"You've got a very impressive agency," Niemeier said. "We came in on Saturday and the actual review started Sunday morning."

The review runs until Wednesday.

"So far, the paperwork has been really good. Been very impressed with the response from the officers. The agency is very professional."

Panelist Speaks

The open forum drew a small crowd - less than five people - and only two men spoke on behalf of the department, both giving positive reviews. The forum was over in about 20 minutes.

According to Howard Niemeier, accreditation manager for the Newport, Ky. police department and a member of the three-person panel, the small crowd is seen as a good thing.

"If people are satisfied, you usually don't have a big crowd. ...It shows that people are generally satisfied."
Niemeier said his agency has earned accreditation status since 1998.

Speakers Continue

CrimeStoppers President Gary Staymate spoke very highly of the department and its efforts over the past three years, since the last accreditation, in making Shelby a safer place to live.

Staymate said the officers are very open and, while force is used, it's used only when necessary.

The panel is made up of Howard Niemeier, David Fink, and William Shanley - the assessment team from CALEA (The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.) - which will play a large part in determining whether the SPD earns reaccreditation.

Each comes from a different police agency within the CALEA network.

Speakers

Larry Moore is speaking in front of the panel at this time.

"The police can't do it without community help."

Moore, who spoke highly of the department, said he learned a lot about the department from the Citizen's Police Academy and other police efforts to strengthen the bond between the community and police.

SPD Open Forum

After several technical problems, I'm finally online and reporting live from council chambers during the Shelby Police Department's open forum, a part of its reaccreditation process.

LIVE this evening: You tell police what's on your mind.

The Shelby Police Department will host an open forum this evening as part of their reaccreditation process. The forum will take place at 7 p.m. at the council chambers and residents are invited to voice their thoughts on the department. Star reporter Graham Cawthon will post live updates from the forum to his blog.

Halloween Comes Early

"Halloween. The night HE came home..."

1978



2007 (in theatres Friday)

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Rock Show

Taken last night in Charlotte during the Nickelback / Puddle of Mudd / Finger Eleven concert.

The concert was fun, hence the devil horn hand sign at the left of the photo.

Lots of pyro and free stuff thrown into the crowd. Of course, as you can tell, I was too far back to get a t-shirt or cup of beer (and yes, beer was thrown).

The 2007 Graham Concert Series continues next month with Dave Matthews Band.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Concert Tonight in Charlotte

The 2007 Graham Concert Series continues tonight as I will be at Charlotte's Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre for the Nickelback / Puddle of Mudd / Finger Eleven concert.

Just what I need after 10 days of work in a row...

Nickelback - If Everyone Cared (2007)



Puddle of Mudd - Blurry (2001)



Finger Eleven - One Thing (2004)

Friday, August 24, 2007

Justin's Place

I visited Justin's Place yesterday, the site on Selkirk Drive in Lawndale where Justin Grant's body was found last July.

I've been to the site several times within the past few months and every time I go I feel out of place, like I'm intruding. It's a very eerie feeling.

And every time I visit, I think 'If only these trees could talk. They would have answers...'

The investigation is still ongoing regarding who killed Justin but both the family and investigators have some newfound optimism after the 6-part series The Star published last month.
"I think they're on the right track," Donnie Grant, Justin's father, said of investigators.
Read the story's next chapter in Sunday's Star.

County Most Wanted List

Cleveland County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted

UPDATED 8/24/07
The following individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you have any information about the whereabouts of these individuals, contact Shelby Police at (704) 484-6845 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (704) 481-TIPS (8477).
Monetary donations to CrimeStoppers can be sent to Fidelity Bank; 331 S. Lafayette St.; Shelby; NC; 28150 Attn: Verna McCluney

G.L. Sizemore
Date of birth: 12/13/1959 (46 years old)
Charges: True Bill of Indictment - Failure to appear for Felony 1st Degree Statutory Rape; Failure to appear for indecent liberties with a child; Failure to appear - obtaining property by false pretenses
Last known address: 111 Farris Road, Kings Mountain, NC
Added to the Most Wanted List: 2/16/06
Rene Vidales Mejia
Date of birth: 4/30/78 (28 years old)
Charges: Probation violation
Last known address: 1422 South Ridge St., Shelby
Added to the Most Wanted List: 5/26/06

Larry Dean Mincey
Date of birth: 10/17/70 (36 years old)
Charges: Assault with a deadly weapon
Last known address: 2542 S. Post Road, Shelby
Added to the Most Wanted List: 2/16/07
James Bernard Chambers
Date of birth: 11/12/1962 (44 years old)
Charges: Possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine; selling and delivering a Schedule II Controlled Substance
Last known address: 209 Rosemont Drive Apt. 2, Grover, NC
Added to the Most Wanted List: 4/20/07
Ronald Gene Hunt
Date of birth: 10/11/1970 (36 years old)
Charges: Assault by strangulation
Last known address: 2000 Petty Road, Kingstown
Added to the Most Wanted List: 8/20/07
Paul Edward Wilson
Date of birth: 8/23/1981 (25 years old)
Charges: Felony flee / elude arrest (failure to appear, true bill of indictment)
Last known address: 112 Sanders Road, Shelby
Added to the Most Wanted List: 8/20/07
Michael Womic
Date of birth: 10/19/1959 (47 years old)
Charges: Possession of a firearm by felon; resisting a public officer; carrying a concealed weapon
Last known address: 120 Kermit Drive, Kings Mountain
Added to the Most Wanted List: 8/20/07
Kenneth Williams Jr.
Date of birth: 12/31/1980 (26 years old)
Charges: Assault with a deadly weapon (firearm)
Last known address: 202 Branchwood Circle, Kings Mountain
Added to the Most Wanted List: 8/20/07
Jerry Lee Davidson Jr.
Date of birth: 4/29/1979 (28 years old)
Charges: Identity theft; financial card theft
Last known address: 109 Drum Road Apt. 27, Shelby
Added to the Most Wanted List: 8/20/07
Elizabeth Whitesides
Date of birth: 1/8/1971 (36 years old)
Charges: Forgery; uttering forged endorsement
Last known address: 1807 Riviera Drive, Shelby
Added to the Most Wanted List: 8/20/07
Curtis Mcdaniel Searcy
Date of birth: 4/30/1973 (34 years old)
Charges: Identity theft; obtaining property by false pretenses
Last known address: 1633 Barbee Road, Shelby
Added to the Most Wanted List: 8/20/07
Rocio Iglesias Ricardo
Date of birth: 12/10/1980 (26 years old)
Charges: Identity theft
Last known address: 115
Bradley Road Apt. 16, Shelby
Added to the Most Wanted List: 2/8/07

Thursday, August 23, 2007

The Playlist: Elvis

As many know by now, August 16 marked the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Elvis has been referred to as the biggest pop icon of the 20th century and produced dozens of hit songs over his 20-year career. To this day, his influence can be seen throughout music genres and styles. And even other songs.

Here are just a few hit songs over the past 20 years in which the King makes a cameo.

Tom Petty
Song: Free Fallin’
Album: Full Moon Fever (1989)
She's a good girl, loves her mama / loves Jesus and America too / She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis / loves horses and her boyfriend too

The first solo single by the leader of the Heartbreakers reached No. 7 on the Billboard charts in January 1990 and went on to become one of the signature songs of Petty’s 30-year career. Petty and Axl Rose, lead singer of Guns ‘n’ Roses, stole the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards with a memorable performance of the song.

Here’s some trivia: Petty had no musical aspirations until he visited Ocala, Fla. as a child to see Elvis filming his 1962 film ‘Follow That Dream.’

Free Fallin' -- Tom Petty

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Petty performing the song last June in Charlotte:



Marc Cohn
Song: Walking in Memphis
Album: Marc Cohn (1991)
Saw the ghost of Elvis / On Union Avenue / Followed him up to the gates of Graceland / Then I watched him walk right through

The debut album from the native of Cleveland, Ohio earned him a Grammy in 1992 for Best New Artist. Cohn never had another hit single but his success continued years later when Cher covered the song and turned it into chart topper in Europe. Cher’s version was also used at the end of the black-and-white X-Files episode, ‘The Post-Modern Prometheus’ in 1997.



And a clip from the X-Files episode in question:



Alannah Myles
Song: Black Velvet
Album: Alannah Myles (1989)
Up in Memphis the music's like a heatwave / White lightening, bound to drive you wild / Mama's baby's in the heart of every school girl / "Love Me Tender" leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle

The song hit No. 1 on the US Billboard charts in March 1990 and came in at No. 2 on both the UK and Canadian charts, propelling Myles into a chart-topping success … if only briefly. Myles has released 10 albums since the self-titled album but not one has charted in the States.



R.E.M.
Song: Man on the Moon
Album: Automatic for the People (1992)
Hey Andy, are you goofing on Elvis? / Hey baby, are we losing touch?

The song isn’t about Elvis, rather the late comedy legend and Elvis fanatic Andy Kaufman. Kaufman’s Elvis impression was a focal point of his early stand-up routine and was so good that Elvis himself said Kaufman’s Elvis routine was his favorite. The success of the song inspired the title of Kaufman’s 1999 bio pic starring Jim Carey in the lead role.



Billy Joel
Song: We Didn’t Start the Fire
Album: Storm Front (1989)
Einstein, James Dean, Brooklyn’s got a winning team / Davy Crockett, “Peter Pan,” Elvis Presley, Disneyland

Pretty neat how Billy Joel wrote a song simply by rhyming newsmakers and news events over a span of 50 years. Replace the piano with some heavy bass and have Joel wear his Yankees cap sideways and it would be a rap song. ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ is one of Joel’s 10 No. 1 hit songs.



So there’s my list. What’s yours? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com and it might end up featured in a future column.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Crime Map

Here is the latest crime map, detailing everything I have paperwork on from Aug. 17 to the 21st.

If the incidents seem high, they are. I suspect the heat has something to do with the recent increase.

Feel free to play around with the map options. You can zoom in and out all you want using the "+" and "-" buttons and use your mouse to click on and drag your way across the map as far as you wish.



If you have any information regarding any of these incidents, contact Shelby Police at (704) 484-6845, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4888, Kings Mountain Police at (704) 734-0444 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (704) 481-TIPS (8477).

Monetary donations to CrimeStoppers can be sent to Fidelity Bank, 331 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC, 28150 Attn: Verna McCluney

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

News on Next PSN Meeting

I received this e-mail earlier today from Project Safe Neighborhood Coordinator Frank Cloyd and wanted to share so everyone knows what PSN is working on.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. at the West Shelby Community Garden on McBrayer Street.


Good Morning everyone,

Our monthly Project Safe Neighborhoods meeting will be next Monday, August 27 at 6PM at West Shelby Community Garden on McBrayer St. The following issues will be discussed. As always, you are encouraged to present any issue important to you.

(1.) The drought and heat has mostly completed our first garden season. Let's plan for our next phase: fall planting, and preparation for an early start next spring. It has been fun getting to know all the people working in the garden this year. Julie and Joe Young are moving to Hickory, and Emily Killian will be the garden organizer. Please jump in and help Emily with organizing, planning, and work.

(2.) The house at 515 Gardner St. is underway. Last Saturday was the kickoff workday. All the carpets were removed, the bad flooring was removed, the bathroom and kitchen were stripped to the bare walls, and a door was knocked in the wall to make this a single family home. Joydonna Phillips (joydonnap@yahoo.com) 704-974-6154 is leading the continuing work, with another workday this Saturday. Please join the volunteers with New Jerusalem Rebirth & Restoration Ministries, Central United Methodist, Aldersgate United Methodist, and others to help restore this house.

(3.) Crime has returned to our PSN target area with shooting, stabbing, cutting, gunshots, and gang graffiti. We must continue to report these crimes, and all relevant information. Beware of this weekend with "Back to School" parties with no responsible parent to supervise, drugs, alcohol, guns, loud music, crowds blocking the streets. You may need to make repeated calls to police, and the police may need to respond repeatedly to keep control. These crime eruptions are what bound us together at first, and continue to make us bond together as neighbors.

(4.) Our Notification/Call-In Session last week was a moving experience for all involved. Thirteen recently paroled felons have a choice and a chance to be part of Shelby's future. Our community can make its own peace by helping these young men and women rebuild their lives.

(5.) There is much interest citywide in resuming our Neighborhood Improvement Project meetings. Positive results are the cooperative efforts at 515 Gardner St., eviction of drug dealers/gangs at 715 Blanton St., 409 Whisnant St., demolition of 4 "flophouses" on Gardner St., one on Clegg St., 2 on Calvary St. Need update on Chestnut St. We need to renew our cooperative problem solving with rental property owners, and to develop new techniques. Targeted addresses are determined by those of you who want to participate.

I want to thank all of you for working to improve Shelby. As none of our success has been easy, you have worked hard, taken risks, and shown courage. We are stronger than ever, and God willing, we will continue to build a unified, safe, and pleasant Shelby.

Thanks,

Frank

Today's Agenda

A few things I'm working on today:

1) It's been a month since my series on Justin Grant, the 21-year-old who was killed last July. Are investigators any closer to finding the killer? I'll be sitting down with them this afternoon. Look for the story in Sunday's Star.

2) Tonight is the annual Back to School Prayer service. I will be blogging live from the event this evening so check back for updates. Look for the story in Wednesday's Star.

3) North Carolina has issued a state-wide burning ban. Permit or not, you won't be able to legally burn for the foreseeable future. How will that effect Cleveland County? Read in tomorrow's Star.

4) Time permitting, I hope to take a look at some crime incidents over the weekend and create a map here on the blog so you can see what's going on and where it's happening in Shelby.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Next Meeting

The meeting has ended.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 17 at noon at Fidelity Bank beside the police department.

Impact on Shelby

"I thank you for what you're doing," Carter told the board and the others on hand.

Carter said Shelby typically has one murder every 73 days. Shelby's most recent was March 8, double the typical time period, and part of the reason are groups like CrimeStoppers.

Public Forum

"We need to get somebody from the Kings Mountain area" on the board, said Mrs. Rhyne.

Shelby Police Chief Tandy Carter is encouraging those on hand to take part in the upcoming public forum next week as part of the department's reaccreditation process.

CrimeStoppers Funds

"Cecil Burton and Michael Cheng are working on raising $25,000 in a campaign" to fund CrimeStoppers, Staymate said.

Staymate said the group hopes to have an excess of funds so payouts will never become a problem and tips will continue to come in to the group.

Board on Wal-Mart Donation

The board is discussing a $1,000 check promised by Wal-Mart several months ago which has still not been received.

Staymate said he was told by Wal-Mart that the check is hopeful to arrive in the fourth quarter of the year.

Board speaks of National Night Out

Staymate praised the recent National Night Out at Plaster Park and the participation of local churches.

Secretary Karen Rhyne said she was told 1,000 hot dogs were gone that night by 7 p.m.

More from Meeting

The board briefly discussed opportunities to reach out to children during the Cleveland County Fair.

Andrews said a logo advertisement for CrimeStoppers is available for any publication that wishes to run it.

Board Declines Offer

"We're going to get so many phone calls, we're going to need more money," Andrews said of the potential impact of the billboards, stickers, and magnets.

"Everybody wants a magnet to put on the refridgerator with their grandchild's artwork," he said.

"I appreciate your work so far and I like the way you think. You've done us a good service for getting us this far," said CrimeStoppers President Gary Staymate of Andrews.

The board, based on the other advertising options, agreed to decline The Medicine Shoppe's offer.

Stickers

"Take it to the street, go to where we have the problems, and I think it will be responsive," Andrews said.

The board is now discussing other options on where to post the 1,000 stickers, including grocery stores, mini marts, etc.

Advertising Campaign

Andrews has designed a CrimeStoppers sticker to be distributed at county convenience stores.

He also hopes to design magnets as advertisements.

The billboards will be rotated throughout the county, he said.

Advertising Offer

The Medicine Shoppe has offered to print an ad on their medicine bags, which will be distributed to 24,000 customers, for a discounted offer at $156.

The board is discussing whether to take the offer. Board member M.A. Andrews is against the idea. Andrews said he has arranged for two CrimeStoppers buildboards to go up in the county at no cost.

Payout Made

The board agreed to pay out $500 to the anonymous caller.

The maximum payout a tipster can receive is $1,000.

Monthly Tips

The current CrimeStoppers balance is $5,288.52.

Shelby Police Sgt. Steve Seate said 16 tips came in over the past month to CrimeStoppers, five of which were for the county and the remainder for the city.

Seate asked for a payout regarding two arrests made in breaking and enterings at Duke Power, on US-74 near Cleveland Mall, in which copper was reported stolen but later recovered. Two individuals were arrested for the crime.

"Quite a substantial amount" of copper was recovered, Seate said.

Seate suggested the tipster receive $500 or more for their information which led to the arrests.

Live from CrimeStoppers

This is my first attempt using the Star Car's wireless to blog live from a meeting.

I'm here at Fidelity Bank, ready for the monthly CrimeStoppers' meeting.

Check back throughout the hour for updates on the meeting.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Playlist Preview: Elvis

So I was sitting in the office last Thursday, happy to have one more column of The Playlist in the bag, when I realized that specific date was the 30-year anniversary of Elvis' death.

Well there went a perfect opportunity for a column...

So I'm making it up to The King this week with my next installment of the column. Only it's not going to be focusing on his work but rather his influence.

Do you have any idea how many songs reference Elvis?

Let's just say, a few.

I'll be highlighting 5 such songs in Thursday's Star. Check back that day to watch the music videos on my blog.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Tracy Street Shooting

This is the scene today at the Tracy Street apartments, the site of a shooting yesterday.

Map of Shooting, Stabbing, House Work

Just to give you an idea as to how close together the stabbing, the work on the house, and Friday's shooting were.

Kitchen Without Flooring

More from inside the home.
I believe this is the kitchen where the flooring has been pulled up.





Inside the Home

Some photos taken from inside the home.

Volunteers are dripping wet with sweat, their shirts are built up with dirt. And of course the house has no air conditioning to combat the 90-degree weather outside.



Flooring



Just some of the debries removed from the Gardner street home this morning.

"We're trying to get some things happening, get some things done," said Bishop Zavier Terrill of New Jerusalem Rebirth and Restoration.

"Whatever's happening by way of evil has got to cease," Terrill said regarding the Friday night shooting and the Saturday morning stabbing just a block away on either side of the Gardner street home.

Update on Stabbing

Spoke with Sgt. Ballen of the Shelby Police Department. He said officers are not looking for suspects at this time.

"Someone is in custody," Ballen said.

He said investigators are now just putting the pieces of the puzzle together to make sure they have the correct information.

The victim, whose identity has not been released, is receiving medical treatment, Ballen said.

Stabbing Photos

More from the scene.


504 Smith St.



More from the stabbing.