Uptown Shelby becomes the North Pole

Stopped by Uptown Shelby tonight to cover the first night of the holiday festivities, sponsored in part by First National Bank.

Here's Star intern photographer Brittany Randolph taking some photos of kids inside Santa's Toyland.

Needless to say, the event attracted quite a crowd.

Shelby Crime Map

UPDATED: 11/30/07

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, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4888 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: Misd. Larceny
Date reported: Nov. 28, 10:16 a.m.
Address: Cleveland Country Club, 1360 E. Marion St.
Description: Five artificial Christmas wreaths, valued at $150 apiece, were reportedly stolen from windows on the front side of the building.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Breaking and entering of a motor vehicle, larceny
Date reported: Nov. 28, 5:24 p.m.
Address: 117 Kenwood Drive
Description: Jordan Whisnant told police someone broke into his locked Chevy Blazer and stole the ash tray, which contained coins and a white 60 GB iPod.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Larceny
Date reported: Nov. 27, 10:58 a.m.
Address: Goodwill, 445 Earl Road
Description: Melissa Harrell told police she accidentally left her purse at Goodwill on Nov. 23. The following day, an employee called her and said it had been found but her Social Security card, bank cards and drivers license had been stolen.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Breaking and entering of a residence
Date reported: Nov. 28, 4:10 a.m.
Address: 109 Palmer St.
Description: Edward Hardin told police someone broke into his home and stole a 20-gauge shotgun he had hidden in the house.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Breaking and entering, larceny
Date reported: Nov. 27, 5:08 p.m.
Address: 608 Suttle St.
Description: Tonya Thompson told police someone broke into her back door and stole a Toshiba laptop computer valued at $1,200.
Agency: Shelby Police

ARRESTS

Name: Timothy Justin Williams
Age: 20
Address: 820 Hamrick St.
Date of arrest: Nov. 27, 6:22 p.m.
Charges: Breaking and entering (F) (3 counts), possession of stolen goods (F) (4 counts), larceny after breaking and entering (F) (3 counts), larceny (F)
Place of arrest: Home
Description: Williams was served with warrants for his arrest.
Bond: $50,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Frankie Lee McIntyre
Age: 37
Address: 43 Thurgood Marshall Road, Spartanburg, S.C.
Date of arrest: Nov. 27, 2:00 p.m.
Charges: Obtaining property by false pretenses (F)
Place of arrest: Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, 100 Justice Place
Description: McIntyre was served with warrants for his arrest.
Bond: $10,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Andrey Darnell Hall
Age: 37
Address: 113 S. Enterprise St., Union, S.C.
Date of arrest: Nov. 29, 2:24 a.m.
Charges: Breaking and entering of a business (F) (2 counts), possession of burglary tools (F), resist, obstruct and delay (M)
Place of arrest: Sign & Go Auto Sales, 2345 Hoey Church Road
Description: Hall, Dwight Dwayne Richards and Kenneth Wayne Hall were arrested after allegedly breaking into the business and Affordable Paint & Body next door.
Bond: $50,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Dwight Dwayne Richards
Age: 33
Address: 105 Cleveland Park Drive, Spartanburg, S.C.
Date of arrest: Nov. 29, 2:24 a.m.
Charges: Breaking and entering of a business (F) (2 counts), possession of burglary tools (F), resist, obstruct and delay (M)
Place of arrest: Sign & Go Auto Sales, 2345 Hoey Church Road
Description: Richards, Kenneth Wayne Hall and Andrey Darnell Hall were arrested after allegedly breaking into the business and Affordable Paint & Body next door.
Bond: $50,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Kenneth Wayne Hall
Age: 38
Address: 105 Gage St., Union, S.C.
Date of arrest: Nov. 29, 2:24 a.m.
Charges: Breaking and entering of a business (F) (2 counts), possession of burglary tools (F), resist, obstruct and delay (M)
Place of arrest: Sign & Go Auto Sales, 2345 Hoey Church Road
Description: Hall, Dwight Dwayne Richards and Andrey Darnell Hall were arrested after allegedly breaking into the business and Affordable Paint & Body next door.
Bond: $50,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

The Playlist: Bar Songs

Sorry about the slight delay in posting this. Apparently when I come back from vacation, I forget what day of the week it is...


Crowded malls. Credit card bills. The search for the perfect present. Doesn't it all just get to be too much sometimes?

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got. Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. ...Wouldn't you like to get away?

Yes, I did just blatantly steal from the 'Cheers' theme song. And while this isn't Boston and there probably isn't a person named Sam Malone for 100 miles, if you do plan on spending some time in your own favorite watering hole this holiday season, here are a few songs worth putting a quarter in the jukebox for.

Jimmy Buffett - Margaritaville (1977)
Album: Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes


The signature song from the leader of the Parrot Heads was a Top 10 hit and remains his most successful song to date. The tale of a laid-back lifestyle in Key West, Fla. based around "searching for my lost shaker of salt" and "that frozen concoction that helps me hang on" led to its own merchandising campaign. Now you can find a restaurant, seafood, chicken wings, tequila and even footwear which bears the song's name.

Billy Joel - Piano Man (1973)
Album: Piano Man


If 'Margaritaville' is a happy drinking song then 'Piano Man' ranks a little higher on the sad-o-meter. It's Joel's signature song and he continues to close concerts to this day with it but if you listen to the lyrics, the story of bar customers who could have done more with their lives is just a bit depressing. There's John the bartender, Davy "who's still in the Navy and probably will be for life," and the waitress and businessman "sharing a drink they call loneliness." FYI: Joel wrote the song as a fictionalized retelling of the people he met while working as a lounge singer in Los Angeles.

Toby Keith - I Love This Bar (2003)
Album: Shock'n Y'all


I myself have heard this many a time in the past few weeks at Shelby's own drinking establishments. And for being from a completely different musical genre and released 30 years later, this isn't so different from 'Piano Man.' It just happens to be much more upbeat. It was a No. 1 hit for Keith on the Billboard Country charts where it stayed for five weeks and was parodied in 2004 by country music comedian Cledus T. Judd, who renamed the song 'I Love NASCAR.'

Garth Brooks - Friends in Low Places (1990)
Album: No Fences



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The song helped propel Brooks into superstardom in the early 90s and to this day is regarded one of the top country songs of all time. Brooks was working as a shoe salesman in Nashville when the composers of the song met him and gave him work to do making demos of their songs. It wasn't much later that Brooks himself would turn one of those demos into one of the biggest songs of his career. Allegedly, in the fall of 1990 when the song was at its peak, Brooks received letters from high schoolers wanting to use it as their class song. Both the principals and Brooks agreed it probably wasn't the best idea.

Semisonic - Closing Time (1998)
Album: Feeling Strangely Fine


This one certainly takes me back to high school. Yes, I just dated myself. The song talks about last calls and having to leave the bar - 'You don't have to go home but you can't stay here' - but I just recently realized it's not about alcohol at all. According to the band's drummer, it's a cleverly disguised song about being born. Which kinda adds up considering those handful of lines that didn't make sense until just now - 'Time for you to go out to the places you will be from ... This room won't be open till your brothers or your sisters come.' ...Wow. You learn something every day.

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.

Playlist Preview: Bar Songs

Crowded malls. Credit card bills. The search for the perfect present. Doesn't it all just get to be too much sometimes?

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got. Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. ...Wouldn't you like to get away?

Yes, I did just blatantly steal from the 'Cheers' theme song. And while this isn't Boston and there probably isn't a person named Sam Malone for 100 miles, if you do plan on spending some time in your own favorite watering hole this holiday season, check out Thursday's Star for a few songs worth putting a quarter in the jukebox for.

Then come back to the blog to see music videos of each.

Uptown Shelby and the Holiday Hawk

It's that time of year. Uptown is covered in lights, as shown here. This was taken last night beside First National Bank.

And to welcome the season, here's one of my new favorite commercials...

Downtown Charlotte, Thanksgiving Night

The view from my hotel room on Tryon in downtown Charlotte. Staying here while the parents are in town visiting.

You can barely see it but that triangle lit up toward the top is the Christmas tree.

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, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4888 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: Breaking and entering of residence
Date reported: Nov. 18, 10:13 a.m.
Address: 908 Houston St.
Description: A Nintendo Wii, five video games and two controllers were stolen from the residence after someone broke in through a window.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Obtaining property by false pretenses
Date reported: Nov. 16, 10:26 a.m.
Address: Arby’s, 123 E. Dixon Blvd.
Description: Employees said a customer tried to use a counterfeit $20 bill. When the bill tested positive as a counterfeit, after a cashier used the counterfeit bill marker, the customer became nervous and left the store after he was told police were on their way.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Larceny
Date reported: Nov. 16, 8:07 a.m.
Address: Jackson Properties, 102 E. Grover St.
Description: A two-ton heat unit, valued at $3,200, was reported stolen.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Injury to personal property
Date reported: Nov. 16, 12:47 p.m.
Address: 308 McBrayer St.
Description: Olivera Patterson told police someone had thrown eggs at her car sometime during the night.
Agency: Shelby Police

ARRESTS

Name: Lance Jonathan Surratt
Age: 17
Address: 132 Rollingbrook Road, Kings Mountain
Date of arrest: Nov. 17, 7:06 p.m.
Charges: Larceny (M)
Place of arrest: Sears, 2001 E. Dixon Blvd.
Description: Surratt was turned over to a parent after Sears loss prevention said he tried to steal merchandise.
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: China Alexis Wright Epps
Age: 16
Address: 827 Carver St.
Date of arrest: Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Charges: Shoplifting (M)
Place of arrest: Wal-Mart, 705 E. Dixon Blvd.
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Jerry Wayne Elmore
Age: 37
Address: 1612 Woodlawn Ave.
Date of arrest: Nov. 18, 9:51 p.m.
Charges: Financial card fraud (F), obtaining property by false pretenses (F) (4 counts)
Place of arrest: Cleveland County Law Enforcement Center, 100 Justice Place
Description: Elmore was served with warrants for his arrest
Bond: $10,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Vernon Wendell Lamb Jr.
Age: 30
Address: 525 E. Warren St.
Date of arrest: Nov. 17, 9:55 p.m.
Charges: Embezzlement (F)
Place of arrest: Denny’s, 2025 E. Dixon Blvd.
Description: Lamb was served with a warrant for his arrest. His employer was listed as Denny’s.
Bond: $2,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Patrick Devon Wray
Age: 19
Address: 415 Oakland Drive
Date of arrest: Nov. 16, 11:31 p.m.
Charges: Assault with a deadly weapon (M)
Place of arrest: 419 Oakland Drive
Description: Wray was served with a warrant for his arrest. He was armed with a screwdriver at the time of his arrest.
Bond: $10,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: John Kennedy Kee
Age: 46
Address: 207 Leslie Drive
Date of arrest: Nov. 16, 6:21 p.m.
Charges: Habitual misdemeanor assault (F), assault on a female (M), protective order violation (M)
Place of arrest: Home
Description: Kee was served with warrants for his arrest in connection with the beating of her separated wife. According to police documents, Vanessa Kee told John to leave her home, as she had a protective order against him being near her. He refused and eventually grabbed her by the arm and hit her numerous times in the face. He then kept her from leaving the residence and drove her to the hospital later in the day.
Bond: No bond
Agency: Shelby Police

PSN Meeting Next Monday

Received this e-mail earlier today from PSN Coordinator Frank Cloyd.


To everyone,

Our regular monthly PSN MEETING will be MONDAY NOV. 26, 6 PM at CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH in the Fellowship Hall in the church basement. Please park in the parking lot at the rear of the church, and come in the back door. I will have signs directing you to the Fellowship Hall. Central United Methodist Church is located at the corner of Marion St. and Washington St. in Uptown Shelby.

Jeff Ledford will present the latest information from Shelby Police Dept. Thanks to all of you our PSN target area is safer than it has been in 12 years. The big effort now is to repopulate our area with law-abiding citizens, and to establish a solid community. There is much to look forward to in PSN for 2008. Improvement to housing and infrastructure; increased church activities; and plans for other facilities.

Monday night, we will discuss renovating houses that New Jerusalem, and Hoppers Chapel own, supporting Habitat for Humanity and their new ReStore on Grover St. We will begin framing the issues, and raising any questions, concerns about housing for our January meeting with officials.
Hope to see all of you at our PSN MEETING MONDAY NOV. 26, 6 PM at CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

Happy Thanksgiving! Please come tonight to the Greater Shelby Thanksgiving Service, Tuesday, November 20, 7:00 PM. Location: Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 510 West Sumter St., Shelby (behind Shelby Middle School). This will be a joint service with many of Shelby's churches participating. The Reverend Jerry Webb, pastor of Roberts Tabernacle Church, will deliver the message. Music will be performed by area church groups. Last year, there was standing room only at this service; so come early to get a seat!

Thanks,
Frank

Next Meeting

The meeting is over.

The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17 at noon at Fidelity Bank.

Moving Outside Shelby?

It's been discussed to perhaps change the venue around the county to keep the organization visible outside of Shelby.

"Let's be thinking about what we want to do along those lines for 08," Staymate said.

Change of Venue

Staymate said today's attendance is the highest it's been in three years and is discussing whether to perhaps change the venue.

Raise in Interest Rate

Burton said Fidelity Bank has increased the interest rate on the CrimeStoppers account.

Bill Inserts

Staymate is talking about inserts that went out with the City of Shelby utility bills.

"This went out to 14,000 households in the city. That's pretty good awarerness for us. This is kinda what we're working on for Kings Mountain as well. We want to use these opportunities to get our name out there. ... I really like the fact it gives people the opprotunity to make a donation."

Burton said three donations have come in as a result of the inserts.

Calls Year-to-Date

2007 calls to date: 91
2006 calls: 53

Carter said that boost is in part due to media coverage through the Shelby Star (and blogs like this), the Shelby Shopper, and Cable 33.

Stickers

Andrews said the meeting is not a forum to vent about the various law enforcement agencies and past occurrences of that have chased off potential members.

He ran down how many stickers have been distributed to whom to be posted:
SPD: 100
CCSO: 50
Budweiser: 30

"I really want to blitz Kings Mountain and then Boiling Springs," he said.

Getting the word out

"This is not once a month. If you need anything, hollar - call," Andrews said of the signage. "They're not being put where they need to be."

Andrews said older CrimeStoppers signs in town need to be taken down and replaced with new ones.

"We don't want your name," he said of callers. "We just want your information."

Banners

Andrews is talking about advertising banners - obtained free of charge - that would be given out to Kings Mountain and Boiling Springs to help spread the word in those towns.

He said there are two portable banners as well.

"That is highly advantageous," he said.

Advertising

M.A. Andrews is talking about signage, billboards and letterhead to get the word out on the organization.

"I'm not seeing enough of these," he said regarding stickers that would be given out to retail stores.

"In order to help people like Michael (Cheng) and Cecil (Burton) ... the more the public sees us, the easier it is for them to get contributions."

He said the stickers and flyers are available for whoever wants them.

Guns in Schools

Carter said the effort would help keep guns out of schools.

"We take many guns from juveniles," he said. "Those things are scary to me. ... There's a lot of guns that are accessible to young kids. I want to do whatever I can to prevent ..."

CrimeStoppers in School

Allen said a focus of the school effort would be a designated web page so students could learn more about Crimestoppers and how to report crime and feature links to law enforcement agencies.

"It's a great, great program," he said. "It's not just about snitching on somebody."

He said the effort would begin in one school and expand out.

Contributions and Schools

Cecil M. Burton said more bank contributions are in the works and should be coming in after January.

Don Allen said he would be meeting with Bill Weathers next Monday to go over putting CrimeStoppers in the school system to get the word out.

Web Link

Carter said the City of Shelby's website has the file if you go there and look for the link on reaccreditation.

"No other police department does that," he said.

Carter responds to Reaccreditation

"Every citizen in Shelby can look at their police department," Carter said. Carter said there is a 46-page report available online "that tells you everything you need to know about the police department. What we're doing well and what we're doing not so well. ... You see what we do good and you see what we do bad. We are a very open and accessible police department with our citizens."

Don Allen also praised the recent reaccreditation.

Kings Mountain

Staymate is stressing more emphasis on CrimeStoppers in Kings Mountain, noting the Kings Mountain Herald is in attendance for the first time and recent tips to the hotline have been regarding KM crimes.

Staymate also praised Shelby Police Chief Tandy Carter for his agency being reaccredited last week.

Changes Since Last Month

Secretary Karen Rhyne is running down the minutes from last month's meeting. I'll take this time to go over changes to the account in the past month.

Balance last month: $12,465.11

Subway (food for meeting): $29.84
Pay out: $150
Carolina First Donation: $100
Interest earned: $44.91
Dover Foundation (Hoyt Bailey) Donation: $2,500
Bonny McLaughlin Donation: $50
Leroy & Fannie Smith Donation: $10
Susan D. Davidson Donation: $35

New balance: $15,025.18

Call Numbers

From Shelby Police Lt. Tammy Endicott:

11 calls in past month

3 for the county - one regarding a break-in, one a possible fraud, one for an outstanding warrant

2 for Kings Mountain - regarding outstanding warrants

6 for Shelby - one on a drug complaint, most regard the most wanted, one for a carjacking on Smith Street, some for outstanding warrants


"There's been no action of those that we can pay out," she said. "No pay out this month that I would recommend."

Attendance

There are more than a dozen on hand, which is strong for a CrimeStoppers meeting.

"We think we're on the right track to be a good organization for law enforcement in Cleveland County," Staymate said. "We've had more calls this year than ever before."

Meeting Opens

The current balance in the CrimeStoppers account is $15,025.18

President Gary Staymate has opened the meeting and has welcomed the elected officials in attendance.

Nov. CrimeStoppers Meeting

I'm here at Fidelity Bank on Lafayette Street for what looks to be a packed meeting.

Chick-fil-A provided free food for the meeting. This is part of an effort to save funds by having local restaurants donate food.

Shelby PD is Reaccredited

Received this e-mail earlier today from Shelby PD...


On November 16th, 2007, the Shelby Police Department was awarded re-accredited status by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). This presentation was made during the winter commission conference held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The commission presented this award after a thorough and intensive review of the findings from the on-site assessment that was conducted in August. As you recall, trained, out-of-state assessors picked by the commission conducted this on-site assessment.

By maintaining our accredited status, the Shelby Police Department remains in an elite group of 591 law enforcement agencies accredited by the Commission both nationally and internationally. Currently, there are approximately 17,800 law enforcement agencies in the United States. Out of the more than 500 law enforcement agencies in North Carolina, the Shelby Police Department is one of 26 municipal law enforcement agencies accredited by CALEA.

The Shelby Police Department began the accreditation process in July 1999. After a two-year self-assessment process, the agency conducted its first on-site for accreditation in August 2001. Subsequently, the agency received its first accreditation award that November. When an agency receives accreditation, the award is good for three years. Maintaining CALEA accredited status is an on-going process.

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies was established in 1979 through the combined efforts of four law enforcement executive membership associations—the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA), and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Their overall purpose was to improve the delivery of law enforcement services, primarily through a law enforcement accreditation program organized and maintained in the public interest. In addition, the Commission was formed to develop an accreditation process that provides law enforcement agencies and opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate that they meet an established set of internationally recognized professional standards.

The Commission has established and maintains "standards" for law enforcement agencies that consider all administrative, management, and service-delivery aspects of the organization. The CALEA standards manual contains 459 standards that cover all aspects of the services we deliver to the citizens and guests of Shelby. Departmental compliance with applicable standards are verified during an on-site assessment by out-side assessors to ensure the integrity of the process. As stated in a recent publication by the commission, some of the benefits of accreditation include:

-Ensures a sense of well being and safety in the hearts and minds of your community.

-Makes your jurisdiction more attractive to economic and community development.

-Assures government leaders of law enforcement quality.

-Provides international recognition and a venue for employee pride and morale.

- Gives agencies the ability to analyze delivery of services; measure its culpability; administer consistent discipline; and insulate against civil litigation.

-Provides assurance that your organization is trained and functioning in line with your policies and procedures.

-Ensures policies and procedures are solidly documented in writing.

-Reinforces confidence that you are operating at an acceptable level of standards for the profession.

-Facilitates a solid review of agency’s status and readiness.

Maintaining internationally accredited status by the Commission is a great accomplishment for the Shelby Police Department and the City of Shelby as a whole. By voluntarily embarking on the long road towards maintaining the high standards set forth by CALEA is a continued indication of our commitment to provide the most professional service possible to our citizens and guests.

Wreck on Shelby Road

Photos from a wreck shortly before 5 p.m. at Shelby Road and Kings Mountain Boulevard.

Hoping to get more information shortly from Kings Mountain Police.

Santas can't say 'Ho Ho Ho'?

Santas warned 'ho ho ho' offensive to women

Oh, Australia. You amuse me.

CrimeStoppers Meeting Notes

These were sent in earlier today by CrimeStoppers Secretary Karen Rhyne:


MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 15 CRIME STOPPERS MEETING
 
The monthly meeting of Crime Stoppers was held on Monday, October 15, 2007 at noon in Fidelity Bank in Shelby NC.
 
President Gary Staymate called the meeting to order at 12:06pm.
 
Those present were: President Gary Staymate, Secretary Karen Rhyne, Sgt. Steve Seate of the SPD, Andy Andrews (Shelby Shopper), Treasurer Verna McCluney, Durwin Briscoe (Sheriff's Dept), Vice President Charles McCloud, Kathryn Larson (Cable 33), Ellis Noell, Cecil Burton, Graham Cawthon (Shelby Star) Mike Poage and Marlene Peeler.
 
Sgt. Steve Seate from the Shelby Police Department presented a report on the tips received since the last meeting in September. There were a total of 10 tips. Five tips came into the SPD, Four to the Sheriff's Department and one tip was for a murder is Chesnee SC. Sgt. Seate said these were good tips and some arrests would be forthcoming. Most of the tips for the city involved robberies. The tips that came into the Sheriff's Department were in reference to the Most Wanted. One tip that came into the city resulted in charges for William J. Hall and later, Alandis Smith, for robbing a man with a handgun. Sgt. Seate suggested a pay out to the tipster for $150. The board agree to this amount.
 
Lt. Durwin Briscoe of the Sheriff's Department reported that the Crime Stoppers stickers will be distributed throughout the county by various law enforcement officers.
 
Board members discussed ideas on future lunch accommodations. Andy Andrews agreed to speak with some area restaurants to see if they would be willing to take turns donating food for the group once a month.
 
Cecil Burton said he was planning to publish an ad in the Star recognizing those who have given donations to Crime Stoppers.
 
President Gary Staymate and Andy Andrews discussed ways to better promote Crime Stoppers in Kings Mountain and Boiling Springs, as both areas have expressed a desire to a part of the group's effort. Staymate said he had spoken with Boiling Springs Police Chief Marty Thomas about beginning a Crime Stoppers group on the campus of Gardner-Webb University.
 
Noel Ellis said he could hang a Crime Stoppers banner to the gazebo in Kings Mountain during special events, and he also discussed the Crime Stoppers logo being added to flyers which could be added to the utility bills. Ellis hoped to have the flyers out by next month.
 
President Staymate reported that the current balance for Crime Stoppers is $12, 465.
Recent donations are as follows:
 
Curve View - $400 total from two branches
First National Bank - $5,000
CJ Hamrick & Sons - $200
Shelby Rotary - $1,000
Cleveland County Association of Realtors - $500
 
Don Allen could not be present, but he spoke with Staymate earlier, to say he was working with some people from Cleveland Community College regarding a Crime Stoppers group on campus.
 
Andrews said he was working on something with Crime Stoppers at local middle schools that would be interactive.
 
Staymate said it will soon be time to elect new officers to the group and there was a discussion as to when would be the best time in the year to make that change. Other members said, because of the momentum the group was seeing, the elections could be put on hold for the time being and discussed in the next few months.
 
President Gary Staymate adjourned the meeting at 12:53.
 
The next Crime Stoppers meeting will be held on Monday November 15 2007, at Fidelity Bank.

The Playlist: Speak & Spell

Don't you love it when you actually learn something from listening to the radio?

This week's Playlist takes a closer look at the songs that have helped encourage literacy across the world. They have taught us how to spell such words as "fresh," "respect," and - of course - "bananas."

Welcome to the Speak & Spell edition of The Playlist. It's not 'School House Rock', but it will do...


Gwen Stefani
Hollaback Girl (2005)


Ever hear a song that crawled its way into your brain and - no matter how annoying it may be - had you humming it all day? To the point where you considered suicide? Or at least mass murder? Yep, me too. Two years later I still don't know what a Hollaback girl is. And who knew a marching band song could have so many explatives? Stefani reportedly wrote the song after Courtney Love referred to her as a "cheerleader" in an interview with Steventeen magazine. So now we know who's to blame ...

Aretha Franklin
Respect (1967)


It was the signature song from a R&B legend and became an anthem for women everywhere, but did you know the song was originally sung by a man? Specifically Otis "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay" Redding. But it wasn't until Aretha ad-libbed the lyrics that the famous 'R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to me' was added. Aretha's version is ranked No. 5 by Rolling Stone magazine in their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.


Black Eyed Peas
Pump It (2006)


It sounded just like that song from 'Pulp Fiction,' but with lyrics. And spelling. The fourth single from 2005's super successful 'Monkey Business' was a Top 20 hit and - if we didn't know it already - taught us all how to spell the band's name. I guess that's at least a good idea from a marketing perspective. The band continues to tour, though most of the attention in recent years has been on the solo efforts of their female band member Fergie. But we'll get to her later.

Tammy Wynette
D-I-V-O-R-C-E (1968)


How about a little more old school? That's O-L-D S-C-H-O-O-L. The signature song by the country legend was one of the fastest-climbing country songs at that time, reaching the No. 1 spot on the Billboard country charts less than a month after its release. And, with five marriages to her credit, Wynette was a good fit for the song. According to country music historian Bill Malone, her rendition is "painfully sincere - there is no irony here - and if there is a soap opera quality of the dialogue, the content well mirrors both her own life and contemporary experience."

Fergie
Glamorous (2007)


Yep, Ms. Stacy Ann Ferguson is on the list twice. She must be a really good speller. You think she picked it up from her years on Kids Incorporated? Remember the intro, "K-I-D-S..."? Funny thing is, I remembered the spelling of the song's title from singing it in my head, sans dance routine. 'Glamorous' was Fergie's third hit single from an album that has already produced three Billboard No. 1 hits and could very well have more. And if I learned anything from this hit - it's that you're never too rich and famous to hit the Taco Bell drive-thru.

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.

County 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, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4888 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

Be sure to play around with the map controls. You can zoom in and out and move in any direction.



INCIDENTS

Crime: Breaking and entering, larceny, larceny of a firearm
Date reported: Nov. 9, 9:04 a.m.
Address: Anthony’s Jewelry, 1938 Gaffney Road
Description: Joe Anthony told police someone broke in overnight and stole 10 men’s watches and nine firearms, valued around $3,000.
Agency: Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office

Crime: Breaking and entering of motor vehicle
Date reported: Nov. 13, 7:24 a.m.
Address: Super 8 Motel, 1716 E. Dixon Blvd.
Description: Jerome Lancaster, of South Georgia Plumbing Inc., told police someone broke into his employer’s truck after he purchased a hotel room for the night. Lancaster reported a Dewalt Sawzall and Hammer drill kit, two Dewalt right angle electric drills and a Rigid Sawzell Hammer drill kit taken. The estimated value was about $1,000.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Breaking and entering
Date reported: Nov. 13, 9:41 a.m.
Address: 1119 S. Morgan St.
Description: Don Wright told police one of his vacant rental properties was broken into and wiring was taken from the walls and underneath the building. The wiring was valued at about $700.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Larceny of moped
Date reported: Nov. 13, 8:14 a.m.
Address: 226 Chestnut St.
Description: Keith Ross told police his blue and white moped had been stolen the night before after he parked it in front of a friend’s house on Chestnut Street. Ross told police the letters “VIP” was written in white on the front of the vehicle.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Larceny
Date reported: Nov. 13, 1:56 p.m.
Address: Alston Bridges BBQ, 602 E. Grover St.
Description: John Wilkins told police two backpack leaf blowers were taken from the back of his trailer while he was inside the restaurant.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Larceny
Date reported: Nov. 13, 9:36 a.m.
Address: 700, 702 and 704 Airline St.
Description: Don Wright told police he was checking on rental properties – after realizing some had air conditioning units taken from them – and found that a heat pump, valued at more than $3,000, and gas and air units, totaling over $9,000, had been stolen from the three locations.
Agency: Shelby Police

ARRESTS

Name: Rufus Cornelius Hamilton Jr.
Age: 33
Address: 1806 Boyce Road
Date of arrest: Nov. 11, 8:39 a.m.
Charges: Assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury (F)
Place of arrest: Cleveland County Law Enforcement Center, 100 Justice Place
Description: Hamilton turned himself into authorities after a warrant was obtained for his arrest in connection with hitting James Littlejohn, of Cambridge Drive, with a pistol.
Bond: $10,000 secured
Agency: Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office

Name: Shirley Parker Banks
Age: 51
Address: 228 Chestnut St.
Date of arrest: Nov. 13, 10:27 p.m.
Charges: Communicating threats (M)
Place of arrest: Cleveland County Law Enforcement Center, 100 Justice Place
Description: Banks was served with a warrant for her arrest.
Bond: $10,000 secured
Agency: Shelby Police

Name: Lawrence Cornete Clemons
Age: 26
Address: 209 Putnam St.
Date of arrest: Nov. 13, 10:34 p.m.
Charges: Assault and battery (M)
Place of arrest: Home
Description: Clemons was served with a warrant for her arrest.
Bond: $500 unsecured
Agency: Shelby Police

A Message from Beyond?

Do you ever get the feeling street signs are speaking just to you?

Needless to say, I took the advice.

Playlist Preview: Speak & Spell

G-L
A-M
O-R
O-U-S...

Don't you love it when you actually learn something from listening to the radio?

This week's Playlist will take a closer look at the songs that have helped encourage literacy across the world.

It's not School House Rock, but it will do...

Check out Thursday's Star for the column, then come back to the blog for music videos of each.

Unsolved County Murders (w/ Map)

Here is map of the murders in Cleveland County in which no arrests have been made. Click on the marker for details on each.



A link to today's story

If you have any information on these cases, call Shelby Police at (704) 484-6845, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4888 or call CrimeStoppers anonymously at (704) 481-TIPS (8477). Your tip could be rewarded with up to $1,000.

Dane Cook in Charlotte

I got out of work a little early last night so I could make the trip to Bobcats Arena to see comedian Dane Cook (Employee of the Month, Waiting, Good Luck Chuck).

I was surprised to see a comedian playing the venue, considering how big it is, but he drew a strong (and young - mostly college-aged) crowd. I even bumped into former Star intern Katie Bryant while waiting to find my seat.

Here are few shots from the show itself. As you can see, I had about the same vantage point from when I saw the Bobcats play earlier this year.

Great show. Hope he comes back soon. For more on Cook, visit his website here

The Playlist: John Mellencamp

An advocate for American farmers. A future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. A poor man's Bruce Springsteen.

All have been used to describe John Mellencamp, the native of Seymour, IN. who offered up a big slice of Americana through his music upon arriving on the scene in the early 1980s.

He spoke of the good and of the bad and never wavered from his focus on the blue collar worker.

Now with a new album in the works, which includes a song focusing on the recent Jena 6 scandal, I thought this would be a good time to take a look at the career of the former Johnny Cougar and five of what I consider to be his best songs.


Rain on the Scarecrow (1985)
"We're sick of working 10 or 12 hours a day or more and just breaking even if you're lucky, if you're real good." So says a family farmer in the opening of the song's music video. Focusing on the plight of the American family farmer, unable to pay off bank loans and having to foreclose on their land, the song - from 1985's 'Scarecrow' album - was a perfect segway for Mellencamp, Neil Young and Willie Nelson to create the annual Farm Aid concert that same year. As a result of their work, Congress passed the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to help protect family farms against foreclosure.



Wild Nights (1994)
A cover of the 1971 Van Morrison song, Mellencamp teamed with relative unknown Me'shell Ndegéocello for this hit from the 'Dance Naked' album. The upbeat song was a huge hit, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard charts and giving Mellencamp his most successful song since 1985's "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." The Van Morrison version was featured in the 1991 film "Thelma and Louise" and was recently released on a compilation with 18 other songs of his which have been included in hit movies.




Pink Houses (1983)
Inspired by a drive home from the Indianapolis airport, in which Mellencamp saw a man living in shack feet away from the Interstate, "Pink Houses" was a Top 10 hit from the "Uh Huh" album. While he is often compared to Bruce Springsteen, the comparisons go far beyond their working-class songs. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan tried to use "Pink Houses" for a re-election campaign ad. Mellencamp refused. In similar fashion, the President tried to use Springsteen's anthem "Born in the USA" that same year which also was denied.



Small Town (1985)
It was a Top 10 hit for Mellencamp and helped solidify his status as a champion of Small Town, USA. The song refers to experiences learning about life, love and religion while growing up in Seymour and nearby Bloomington, In. while the video - shot in the same locations - incorporates still photos of life in small towns and from Mellencamp's own childhood. NBA legend Larry Bird used the song during his retirement ceremony in 1993, in reference to his own hometown, French Lick, In. Mellencamp recently performed the song for the NFL Kickoff special on NBC back in September, and humorously added a line not included in the original version - "My wife was 13 when I wrote this song."



Jack and Diane (1982)
Bon Jovi had Tommy and Gina. Mellencamp had Jack and Diane. His signature song, it remains his biggest hit to date having spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard charts. The story of two kids in love with their futures in front of them has become part of pop culture and has even turned up in other songs, including Kenny Chesney's "I Go Back" and Bowling for Soup's "Why Don't I Miss You?" Fans of Chicken of the Sea might also know the song for being sampled by Jessica Simpson for her hit "I Think I'm in Love With You."
John Mellencamp

Add to My Profile More Videos

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.

A Dog and Pony Show ... without the Pony

The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office K-9 division was the highlight of Tuesday's county commissioner meeting.

The group was recognized for obtaining $6,000 to pay for a new dog - thus saving taxpayers from covering the cost.

After the officers were recognized, the commissioners asked to have the K-9s brought in the chambers.

Commissioner Eddie Holbrook referred to the meeting as "unique" and the recognition for the officers was well-deserved.

"I think the least we can do is show a little appreciation."

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, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4888 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: Breaking and entering of a residence
Date reported: Nov. 1, 9:59 a.m.
Address: 712 W. Oak St.
Description: Vicky Horner told police that sometime between Oct. 31 at 11:30 p.m. and Nov. 1 and 9:45 a.m. someone broke into her home. Marlboro Light cigarettes were found in the home and a light fixture, table and dining room set were reported damaged. Damages were estimated at nearly $1,000.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Breaking and entering
Date reported: Nov. 5, 3:28 p.m.
Address: Shelby Storage Center, 612 Smith St.
Description: Manager Jeff Scism told police someone broke into five storage units at the business. Among the items reported stolen were three suitcases, clothing, a computer and monitor, red and black stereo, and two DVD players. The suspects implicated in the case were described as a black man and white woman.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Larceny
Date reported: Nov. 2, 1:01 p.m.
Address: 907 Glendale St.
Description: Julien Bridges Sr. told police he found his heat pump dismantled and the copper tubing stolen from inside. The theft caused $2,000 in damages to the heat pump and the copper stolen was valued at about $300.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Discharging a firearm into an occupied property
Date reported: Nov. 2, 11:17 a.m.
Address: 224 W. Shannonhouse St.
Description: Lola Mae Farmer told police someone shot into her home, damaging her wooden door frame.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Larceny
Date reported: Nov. 2, 9:57 a.m.
Address: Dockery’s Funeral Home, 605 Buffalo St.
Description: William Collie, of the business, told police someone stole a three and a half ton air conditioner unit from the funeral home sometime between Nov. at 3 p.m. and the following morning.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Damage to property
Date reported: Nov. 5, 11:22 a.m.
Address: 725 W. Marion St.
Description: A Dodge Ram at the residence was reportedly shot into, causing about $500 in damages to the windshield.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Breaking and entering
Date reported: Nov. 5, 9:50 a.m.
Address: Williams Electrical, 2119 E. Dixon Blvd.
Description: Terry Smith told police he returned to work and found three 18-wheeler trailers broken into and copper and copper line fitting had been stolen.Twenty wire rollers were also taken. The break-in caused about $550 in damages.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Robbery
Date reported: Nov. 2, 5:57 a.m.
Address: 606 E. Marion St.
Description: Madeline Allen, 43, told police a man and woman entered her home and robbed her. She said she knew the woman, armed with a gun and described as living on Palmer Street, but not the man. The man reportedly took her DVD player and more than $60 in cash was taken.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Misc. Incident
Date reported: Nov. 1, 11:47 p.m.
Address: 611 Ligon St.
Description: Police responded to the home after it caught fire. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, firefighters found evidence of cigarette use on the property. Documents state the resident of the home was recently evicted but was still staying there with no electricity and all her belongings were still inside the home.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Damage to property
Date reported: Nov. 1, 1:26 a.m.
Address: 301 and 305 S. Dekalb St.
Description: Two meter boxes outside the El Acapulco restaurant were reportedly tampered, causing $600 in damages.
Agency: Shelby Police

Crime: Breaking and entering of residence
Date reported: Nov. 1, 10:42 a.m.
Address: 506 Durham St.
Description: Brian Hopper told police someone broke into his home and stole a Toshiba laptop, valued at over $650, and Playstation 2 video game controllers.
Agency: Shelby Police

ARRESTS

Name: Sylvia Lenna Austin
Age: 36
Address: 700 Phillips St.
Date of arrest: Nov. 2, 5:37 p.m.
Charges: Food stamp fraud (F), obtain property by false pretenses (F)
Place of arrest: Home
Description: Austin was served with a warrant for her arrest.
Bond: $5,000 unsecured
Agency: Shelby Police

Playlist Preview: John Mellencamp

An advocate for American farmers. A future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. A poor man's Bruce Springsteen.

All have been used to describe John Mellencamp, the native of Seymour, IN. who offered up a big slice of Americana through his music upon arriving on the scene in the early 1980s.

He spoke of the good and of the bad and never wavered from his focus on the blue collar worker.

Now with a new album in the works, which includes a song focusing on the recent Jena 6 scandal, I thought this would be a good time to take a look at the career of the former Johnny Cougar and five of what I consider to be his best songs.

Be sure to read Thursday's Star for the list, then come back to the blog to watch music videos of each.

Bible Study

The defense attorney argued that the pastor teaches Bible study at the church and wanted to make sure the ruling didn't interfere with that.

The judge agreed that he can continue to do that since it is not necessarily a pastoral duty. But he cannot discuss the lawsuit or the legal issues during the class or he will face the $500 fine.

The Judge's Ruling

The judge is talking about a conference he had with the lawyers earlier in the day.

He said he would carry the case over to Dec. 10.

The judge said there is a question as to if the moderator was properly appointed by the court and, out of fairness to both sides, will carry over the case under the following conditions:

The parties must agree to a moderator who is a lawyer and unaffiliated with either party. The moderator will then decide if the procedure of the previous moderator was just. The parties will then come back together for the hearing in December.

If the evidence points to an error with the previous moderator, the new moderator will make a decision based on the facts in the case and a new vote may be held.

The judge then said the pastor cannot return to the church pulpit

"If he does attempt to do so or does so then he will be fined $500 for each effort ... between now and then," Judge Carl Adkins said.

"I hope that this ruling will move these parties towards a conclusion in the matter."

Back in Court

Back in court waiting for the judge to return from recess.

T-minus 3 minutes, according to my clock.

Recess #2

After a 15-minute recess - followed by the judge meeting with the lawyers outside of the courtroom for an extended period of time - the judge called for another recess until 2 p.m.

Recess

About to finish up a 15-minute recess. By a process of elimination, the case should be coming up soon.

(And considering I have 50 minutes left on my laptop battery, it can't come quick enough)

Nothing Yet

Other cases are still being heard at this time.

Cases Being Heard

There are several cases being heard in civil court today. I'll post as soon as this one comes up.

Background on the Case

For more on the case so far, here are two recent articles from The Star

1

2

Live in Court

I'm here in civil court at the Cleveland County Courthouse for the latest update on the issue between Washington Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Denorris Byers and several members of his church.

Byers has been accused in legal documents of embezzling from the church and refusing to step down as pastor after he was voted out by church members. Visit the blog throughout the morning for updates as they happen.

Photos from Boiling Springs Wreck

Photos from a wreck earlier this morning in Boiling Springs.
One man was taken from the scene in an ambulance after emergency responders needed about 20 minutes to free him from the car. The wreck happend around 7:20 a.m.

Check back to shelbystar.com later in the day for updates on the story.

Hog Happenin' Winners

Received an e-mail earlier today from Jerry Gardner, barbecue coordinator for Hog Happenin', regarding the winners of yesterday's contests.

Gardner said Byron Chism of buttrub.com, mentioned in the article in today's paper, gave his $500 winnings to charity.


Hog Happnin’ 2007 Winners

CHICKEN
1. The Dead End Society (Knoxville TN)
2. Governor’s BBQ (Nashville TN)
3. Smoke This (Hickory NC)
4. Lotta Bull (Marietta OK)
5. Learn2Q.com (Fultondale AL)

RIBS
1. Hoss’s BBQ & Catering Co. (White Sulphur Springs WV)
2. Grillin’ Gangsters (Epworth GA)
3. Billy Ts Cookin’ Team (Kings Mountain NC)
4. Lotta Bull (Marietta OK)
5. Smoky Mountain Smokers (Sevierville TN)

PORK
1. buttrub.com (Santa Rosa Beach FL)
2. Willy Ts Dixie Smokers (Gaffney SC)
3. Mean Gene’s Grilling Team (Hendersonville NC)
4. K-Town-Q (Strawberry Plains TN)
5. Learn2Q.com (Fultondale AL)

BRISKET
1. Checkered Pig (Martinsville VA)
2. buttrub.com (Santa Rosa Beach FL)
3. Lotta Bull (Marietta OK)
4. Bare Knuckles BBQ (Oxford GA)
5. GBs BBQ (Tavares FL)

THIRD OVERALL Checkered Pig (Martinsville VA)
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION buttrub.com (Santa Rosa Beach FL)
GRAND CHAMPION Lotta Bull (Marietta OK)

SAUCE (Optional)
First: Bubba and Son BBQ (Shelby NC)
Second: Smoky Mountain Smokers (Sevierville TN)

BEST BOOTH (optional)
First: All-Nighters (Kings Mountain NC)
Second: Mountain Magic Country BBQ (Shelby NC)

Jefferson Spaghetti Dinner

This was taken just a few minutes ago during the 28th Annual Jefferson Spaghetti Supper at Shelby High.

Jefferson School PTO President Allen Langley said about $8,000 was raised during last year's event.

"We're hoping for the same money (this year)," Langley said, via sponsors and tickets sold for the supper at $5 and $6 apiece.

The funds are directed to wherever needs are at the school, he said.

PTO Vice-President Jennifer Niblack said 240lbs of spaghetti noodles were brought in for the dinner, enough for 1,200 people. In addition, 100 loaves of bread and 240lbs of salad were also available.

"It's good," Robert Ledbetter said of the supper as he ate with his wife Kim.

The couple said they heard about it through The Star and thought it would be a convenient place to eat before Friday's football game.

Cleveland County Most Wanted

Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Most Wanted
UPDATED 11/2/07

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 the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4888 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

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

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

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

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

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




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



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

Probation Absconder List

Current Probation / Parolees Absconder List
(Nov. 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, Scott County, Tenn. Jail

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

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

Bond, Jack Leon, W/M, 8/31/51, Gastonia

Boykins, Robert Lee, B/M, 1/14/52, Shelby

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

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

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

Gill, John Adam, W/M, 7/3/74, Grover

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

Jaimes, Gonzalez Braulio, H/M, 12/18/77, Shelby

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

Lacount, David Lee, W/M, 9/26/80, York, SC

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

Mason, Eddie Louis, B/M, 3/17/56, Blacksburg, SC

McDaniel, Matthews Todd, W/M, 8/1/70, Shelby

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

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

Petty, Tadarius Antonio, B/M, 6/9/84, Grover

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

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

Valadez, Teresa Carter, W/F, 4/9/71, Shelby

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

Young, Ashley Lamount, B/M, 10/7/76, Shelby

The Playlist: Needing a Second Wind?

Ever have a hard time making it through the day? The stress is just a little too much and you need a little brainwashing to turn that frown upside down? Feel free to these out for yourself, preferably with the windows down on a sunny day. They work for me.

The Cars - Just What I Needed (1978)

Yep, it's the Circuit City song. But it was also the debut single from a rock staple of the late 70s and early 80s. "Just What I Needed" reportedly popped up in 1977 when a Boston radio station played a demo recorded by the band. It wasn't long before the song became the most requested track at the station. It went on to peak at No. 3 on the Billboard Pop charts. Though 1984's "Drive" was the band's biggest song throughout their 10-year run, "Just What I Needed" is my personal favorite.



Filter - Take A Picture (1999)

Straying just a little from their industrial rock background, the band saw their biggest success come from this melodic tune which became a radio hit in early 2000. In stark contrast to their first hit single, "Hey Man, Nice Shot," "Take a Picture" expanded the band's audience and remains their biggest hit to date. The song reportedly came about after lead singer Richard Patrick - brother of actor Robert Patrick (Terminator 2, The X-Files) - got into a drunken fight with flight attendants. Kinda makes you rethink the lyrics after hearing that, huh?



The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony (1997)

Highly acclaimed upon its release, the song became almost an anthem in the late 90s and put the British band in the international spotlight. But maybe they didn't want that after all considering what happened next. It was later determined the band sampled the Rolling Stones' 1965 hit "The Last Time," with the Verve then negotiating a license for the use. Then it was determined they sampled too much of the song, which is why all writing credits for "Bittersweet Symphony" now include Mick Jagger and Keith Richards alongside lead singer Richard Ashcroft. Losing that legal battle, many say, is what forced the band to break up soon thereafter. The song is notable for being used in the closing scene of 1999's "Cruel Intentions" as well as Ashcroft teaming with Coldplay to perform the song during 2005's Live 8 concert in London's Hyde Park.



Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill (1977)

The solo debut from the one-time lead singer of Genesis, Gabriel wrote the song after having a spiritual experience while visiting Solsbury Hill in Somerset, England. The melodic tune has been featured in numerous films in recent years - from 2001's "Vanilla Sky" to trailers for 2004's "Big Fish" (I've long said if the song is used in a movie trailer, I have to see the movie). Though not immediately a big hit - the song peaked around 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 - it's since become a radio favorite and one of Gabriel's signature songs.



Frou Frou - Let Go (2002)

Who here saw "Garden State?" I'm looking right at you, college crowd. If you've seen the Zach Braff film, which touched just about every 20-something on the map, you know the surprise hit song that closes the film. The English duo saw their popularity skyrocket in the wake of the 2004 film, even though it had been a year since they disbanded. Following "Garden State" and their cover of the Bonnie Tyler hit "Holding Out For a Hero" for "Shrek 2," Frou Frou songs began to appear in numerous TV shows, including "Grey's Anatomy," "Queer as Folk," "Bones," and "So You Think You Can Dance." Vocalist Imogen Heap continues to see success following the band's breakup. Her solo work has been used in Braff's film "The Last Kiss," "Saturday Night Live," and in advertising for the NBC hit "Heroes."



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.