Cruz rejoins Intimidators

By Bill Kiser Kannapolis Citizen The Kannapolis Intimidators picked up two players from their sister team in Winston-Salem, and had two players reassigned to rookie-level teams in roster moves made last week. The Intimidators picked up outfielders Lee Cruz and Anderson Gomes from the Warthogs — the Chicago White Sox’s Advanced-A level Carolina League team — with infielder Luis Sierra and outfielder Lyndon Estill sent to rookie-league teams in Bristol (Tenn.) and Great Falls (Mont.), respectively. Cruz, picked in the 10th round of the 2006 draft by the White Sox, played for Kannapolis last season, hitting .277 with 31 doubles, 10 home runs, 56 RBI and 55 runs scored in 108 games. He opened the 2008 season with Winston-Salem, but hit just .196 in 56 games. However, nearly half of his hits went for extra bases, with 16 doubles and two home runs among 38 total hits. Gomes, a free agent signee by the White Sox at the end of the 2005 season, also played for the Intimidators last season, hitting .300 in 79 games, with 17 doubles, seven home runs, 50 runs scored and 47 RBI. Like Cruz, Gomes opened the 2008 season with Winston-Salem, but also had his struggles at the plate. He hit just .196 in 42 games, with seven doubles, four home runs and 14 RBI. Sierra, a free agent signee by Cincinnati in 2004, was picked up by the White Sox in 2007. He joined the Intimidators just three weeks into the season after a stint with Chicago’s extended spring training program, but hit just .174 in 26 games with Kannapolis. Estill, an eighth-round pick by the White Sox in the 2007 draft, joined Kannapolis after spending the opening month at Chicago’s extended spring training program. But he hit just .197 in 21 games, with just four doubles and 37 strikeouts in 76 plate appearances. North wins South Atlantic All-Star Game Hagerstown (Md.) first baseman Bill Rhinehart went 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs to lead the North Division to a 13-4 win over the South in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game last week. The North squad pummeled the South for 18 hits, including three two-run homers, at NewBridge Bank Park in Greensboro. Kannapolis relief pitcher Henry Mabee pitched one inning for the South squad, entering in the fourth inning. But he gave up two runs (both earned) off five hits, with one strikeout. Who’s hot, who’s not HOT: First baseman Lee Fleisher — Went 2-for-3 in Monday’s loss to West Virginia to extend his hitting streak to nine games. Over the streak, he’s 14-of-31 (.452) with six doubles, two home runs, seven runs and 13 RBIs. NOT: Catcher John Curtis — Is hitting .194 in 39 games (24-of-124), with nine RBIs. Curtis has picked it up in his last 10 games, but only slightly — 7-of-32, for a .219 average, with one RBI. HOT: Mabee — The lone Intimidator named to play in the SAL All-Star Game picked up three saves in the last seven games to push his season total to 17, fourth-best in the South Atlantic League. NOT: The Intimidators — They’re ranked near the bottom of the South Atlantic League stats in team batting average (.247, 13th in the league) and team ERA (4.53, 13th in the league).

Starship entertains
Old favorites rock the crowd Saturday night

By Joanne Gonnerman Kannapolis Citizen Saturday night at Village Park sounded like a venue from the 1980s as the hit rock band Starship featuring Mickey Thomas took to the amphitheatre stage in front of a crowd estimated at 3,000. The Starship band, first known as Jefferson Airplane and then Jefferson Starship, kept the concert crowd on its feet with hands in the air as hit songs from the past 30 years blasted from speakers towering on both sides of the stage. “I remember this music quite well,” said Sally Saunders, who was at the concert with her granddaughters, Madison Grace Saunders, 4, and Taylor Faith Saunders, 3. “The music was great back then and it still sounds great today.” The Starship concert included the 1976 hit song, “Fooled Around And Fell In Love,” from Thomas’ tenure with “The Elvin Bishop Band,” to music from his solo albums. Crowd favorites, however, were the hits that made Starship famous — songs like “Sara,” “Set The Night To Music” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” the No. 1 hit and Oscar nominated song from the 1987 romantic comedy movie, “Mannequin.” “There’s no denying the genesis of it all,” said Thomas, as he spoke to the crowd about his three decades as a performer. “We’ve played on eight tracks, cassettes, CDs, and now we’re played on iPods.” Thomas introduced band members Mark Abrahamian on lead guitar, Jeff Adams on bass, Phil Bennett on keyboards, Darrell “Pelican” Verdusco on drums and powerhouse female vocalist, Stephanie Calvert, who took lead vocals for the song, “Don’t You Want Somebody to Love.” On more than one occasion, Thomas dodged fan requests for the hits from the early ’80s, instead performing his current music. After more than an hour of music, the band exited the stage for a euphoric encore, led by Larry Sprinkle, weather anchor from WCNC. It was then and only then, with the last song of the evening, that Thomas and the “Starship” musicians, belted out the 1985 legendary hit “We Built This City.” “This is a phenomenal time to be a part of Kannapolis,” said Cindy Griggs, chairperson of the Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department, who was attending a private reception for event sponsors, city council members, and volunteers who serve on Kannapolis boards and commissions. “We have all the new people coming to Kannapolis … to expand the vision of Kannapolis.” Griggs praised the work of the Parks and Recreation Department staff, recognizing director Gary Mills and Becky Tolle, special events coordinator. “The attendance at our events has surpassed the attendance for similar events held in surrounding communities,” Griggs said. “Our Parks and Recreation staff just do a fantastic job.” City Manager Mike Legg echoed that message. “The city council has put a lot of emphasis on the Parks and Recreation Department,” said Legg, referring to the expanded programming and new facilities. “We are building a brand of quality of entertainment. It’s free and it’s family-friendly, the kind of entertainment this community, every community needs. It’s building a quality of life, and you just can’t underestimate how important that is, especially with a changing city like Kannapolis.” Noticeable at the concert were members of the Kannapolis City Police Department. “We’re expecting a pretty big crowd,” said Sgt. Travis Furr, a 10-year member of the Kannapolis Police Department. “These are pretty low key events as far as problems go, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Our biggest concern is the heat.” Near record-breaking temperatures in the upper 90s had settled over Cabarrus County since last Wednesday. Also present at Saturday’s concert were staff from the Kannapolis Fire Department. “We attend any city-sponsored event,” said Capt. Justin Hahn. “We’re certainly here to administer first aid if necessary, but we’re also here because of the fireworks being launched tonight.” The fireworks, launched from a new location this year, the former Cannon Mill’s property where the red and white water tower once stood, brought “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd. Colorful sprays of gold, red, green and silver lit up the night sky while crackling pops or big booms often followed each color burst. “This is the best fireworks ever,” said Madison Saunders, of the evening’s grand finale. For a listing of the 2008 summer events at Village Park, visit www.cityof kannapolis.com. Contact Joanne Gonnerman at 704-932-3336 or jgonnerman@kannapolis citizen.com.

Obituaries — June 11, 2008

‘Clint’ Thompson CHINA GROVE — Clinton R. “Clint” Thompson, 19, of China Grove, died Saturday, May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born June 24, 1988, in Buncombe County, he was the son of Darlene McElroy and Bennie McElroy Jr. He was a member of the ROTC at South Rowan High School, where he graduated in 2006. He was an airman basic with the U.S. Air Force and employed by Team Chevrolet of Salisbury. In addition to his parents, survivors include his sister, Amanda Gillespie of Sumter, S.C.; brother Treis McElroy of the home; and grandparents Bennie and Linda McElroy of China Grove and Margaret Orr of Swannanoa. A celebration of life was held at Summersett Funeral Home Thursday, June 5, 2008. Memorials: Rowan County Council of the Blind, c/o 220 Pleasant Village Lane, China Grove, NC 28023. Edna H. Adams CONCORD — Edna Haynes Love Adams, 95, died Saturday, June 7, 2008, at the Gardens of Taylor Glen. Born Sept. 29, 1912, in Gastonia, she was the daughter of Robert Andrew and Sara Haynes Love. She attended Agnes Scott College and graduated from Duke University. She worked for May Hosiery and Burlington Mills in Burlington. She was a member of the Nine O’Clock Club and the Benedicts. In Rye, N.Y., she belonged to the Apawamis Club and the Manursing Island Club and the N.C. Society of New York. She was an active volunteer for the Girl Scouts, the Wainwright House Retreat, Rye Social Services and the Presbyterian Church. She also volunteered with Planned Parenthood, the Red Cross Bloodmobile and the Women of First Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Salvation Army Auxiliary and an Ad Hoc member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Library. She was a member of the Colonial Dames and the Cabarrus Country Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Adams. Survivors include daughter Judith Adams Galitski, Glendale, Ariz.; son Andrew Wilson “Bill” Adams, Burlington; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Service: A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. today at First Presbyterian Church, Concord, conducted by the Rev. Todd Hobbie. The family will receive friends after the service in Davis Hall. Memorials: First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 789 Concord, NC 28026 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or donor’s choice. Wilkinson Funeral Home is in charge. Beverly Cauthen CONCORD — Beverly Stancil Cauthen, 52, died Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast. Born March 22, 1956, in Cabarrus County, she was a daughter of the late James H. and Rachel Tucker Stancil. She was formerly employed by Five Oaks Manor and was a member of First Assembly Worship Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Danny M. Cauthen. Survivors include her sons, Jason Cauthen of the home and Michael Cauthen of Concord; brother Rick Stancil of Concord; and four grandchildren. A service was held Friday, June 6, 2008, at Wilkinson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Tom Whidden and the Rev. Michael Kirk. Burial, West Concord Cemetery. Mary C. Jordan Mary Catherine Abigail Shinn Jordan, 95, 519 Broad St., died at her home June 8, 2008. Born April 13, 1913, in Mount Ulla, she was a daughter of the late Eugene and Elizabeth Jerusha Hoffner Shinn. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women’s Circle. She was a volunteer caregiver. She retired from Cannon Mills in 1983 after 55 years of employment at Plant No. 4. She was preceded in death by her husband Emory Jordan, on Jan. 10, 1970. Survivors include son Ronald E. Jordan, Kannapolis; daughter Emory Nell Deal of Granite Falls; brother Sherman Shinn of Granite Falls; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren. A funeral service was held Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by the Rev. James Pauley and the Rev. Keith Kannenberg. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. Memorials: Faith Freewill Baptist Church, 904 Chipola St. Kannapolis, NC 28083; Trinity United Methodist Church, 416 E. First St., Kannapolis, NC 28083; or The American Cancer Society South Atlantic Division, 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210. James M. House CONCORD — James McArthur House, 48, 385 Malvern Drive, died Sunday, June 1, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast. Born May 30, 1960, in Cabarrus County, he was the son of the late Willie Banks and Johnnie House. He graduated from Cabarrus County Schools. In addition to his mother, survivors include his brothers, Willie Banks of Cheraw, Calvin Cook of Las Vegas, and Carlton Banks of High Point; sisters Doreene Hunter of Concord, Cyntia Dunlap of Salisbury, Phyllis Griffin of Concord; and grandmother Ruby Banks of Kannapolis. A service was held Thursday, June 5, 2008, at Mount Calvary Holy Church, with Apostle Steven T. Miller, eulogist. Burial, Rutherford Memorial Cemetery. Lamb Funeral Home was in charge. Helen B. Summers CHARLOTTE — Helen Benson Summers, 90, of Charlotte, died Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at the Haven in Highland Creek. Born March 20, 1918, in Iredell County, she was a daughter of the late Ralph Glenn and Rose Johnson Summers. She graduated from Odell High School and retired from Pillowtex. She was a life member of Gilwood Presbyterian Church. She served as Deacon and Elder in addition to being active in the Presbyterian Women. Survivors include her sister, Mary S. Davis. A graveside service was held Friday, June 6, 2008, at Gilwood Presbyterian Church Cemetery followed by a funeral service in the sanctuary of the church, conducted by the Rev. Kurt Johnson. Memorials: Gilwood Presbyterian Church, 2993 Odell School Road, Concord, NC 28025 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith St., Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036. Raymer Funeral Home, Huntersville, was in charge. ‘Lem’ Little Lemuel Junior “Lem” Little, 86, died Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at Mercy Hospital, Charlotte. Born Aug. 16, 1921, in Union County, he was the son of the late Lemuel Leander and Rillie Ann Rushing Little. He was retired from Cannon Mills Co. after 34 years, where he had been a supervisor in the shipping department. He was a member of Lakewood Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. He was a Mason with the Cannon Memorial Masonic Lodge and a Shriner with the Scottish Rites Bodies of Charlotte. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Little; and daughter, Brenda L. Craven of Concord. A service was held Friday, June 6, 2008, at Lakewood Baptist Church, with the Rev. Darrell Coble and the Rev. Robert D. Howard officiating. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. Memorials: Lakewood Baptist Church, 806 Kluttz St., Kannapolis, NC 28081. Whitley’s Funeral Home was in charge. Doris Butterfield CHARLOTTE — Doris Neff Butterfield, 92, died Sunday, June 1, 2008, at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Mooresville, following eight years of declining health. Born on March 2, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Clinton and Isabel Neff in Northampton, Mass. She made Charlotte her home for more than 60 years and was a member of Amity Presbyterian Church. She was a homemaker and volunteered at the American Red Cross. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Roy S. Butterfield, in November 1991. Survivors include her son, Roy S. Butterfield II of Cherryville; two grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at Lady’s Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by the Rev. J. Ed Hall. Burial, Bethpage Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Memorials: The Gideons International, PO Box 1231, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or Bethpage Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 5647 Pagemont Drive, Kannapolis, NC 28083. Marvin Carroll MOORESVILLE — Marvin Edward Carroll, 73, of Stacy Road, died June 7, 2008, at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Born Sept. 9, 1934, in Cabarrus County, he was the son of the late Pearl Lee and Eula Riley Carroll. He was a retired shift engineer at Transco of Mooresville and a member of the Peninsula Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Ruth Alexander Carroll; children Marvin Carroll Jr. of Rockwell, Robert Carroll of Kannapolis, Eddie Carroll of Mooresville, Michael Carroll of Ocean Isle, Tim Carroll of Mooresville, Priscilla Locklear of Lumberton, Ron Carroll of Mooresville and Roddy Ballard of Cornelius; brothers Ronnie Carroll and Larry Carroll, both of Concord, and Ken Carroll of Asheville; sisters Brenda Munson and Betty Ward, both of Concord, Virginia Riffle and Shirley Story, both of Kannapolis, and Rita Honeycutt of Concord; 17 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. A service was held Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. Burial, Northlake Memorial Gardens of Huntersville. Memorials: American Diabetes Association, Charlotte Office, 222 S. Church St., Suite 336M, Charlotte, NC 28202 or Peninsula Baptist Church, 687 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117. Gay Lomax O’Neal Gay Rosemary Lomax O’Neal, 75, 356 Old Centergrove Road, died Friday, June 6, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast following a period of declining health. Born Sept. 8, 1932, in Rowan County, she was a daughter of the late Noah Spencer and Edna Geneva Foster Lomax. She was employed by Cannon Mills in weave room No. 6, retiring after 20 years of service. She was a member of Enochville Church of God, where she was president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, William O’Neal, on June 16, 1981. Survivors include sons Michael Anderson of Hartsville, S.C., and David Anderson of Kannapolis; daughters Brenda Cline of Kannapolis and Cathy Laws of Concord; brother Carl Lomax of Vickersville, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. A service was held Monday, June 9, 2008, at Enochville Church of God, conducted by the Rev. David Shoemake. Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park, China Grove. Memorials: Enochville Church of God’s Building Fund, 199 N. Enochville Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28081. Whitley’s Funeral Home is in charge. Mattie E. Biggers Mattie Elizabeth Motley Biggers, 88, 4300 Camden Ave., died Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at Hospice House Kannapolis. Born April 30, 1920, in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Eva Motley. She had been employed by Cannon Mills as a weaver and attended Eva Drive Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Marshall Biggers, in August 1971; a son, James M. “Jimmy” Biggers Jr.; and a daughter, Billie Jo Biggers Scott. Survivors include her daughters, Margie Biggers Mullis of Concord, Vivian Biggers Clontz of Monroe and Ruby Biggers Cooper of Kannapolis; brothers Bill Motley of Mount Pleasant, Adam Motley of Concord, Nelson Motley of Kannapolis, Johnny Motley of Davidson, and Tom Pinion of Virginia; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held Friday, June 6, 2008, at Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord, with the Rev. Keith Navey and the Rev. Jimmie L. Cope officiating. Burial, West Concord Cemetery. Memorials: Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Mary Lee Diggs CONCORD — Mary Lee Burrough Diggs, 82, 2937 Montford Ave. N.W., died Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast. Born March 10, 1926, in Garland County, Ariz., she was the daughter of the late William Poindexter and Christina Efird Burrough. She had been employed as a restaurant cook. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Wayne Diggs, a brother and a sister. Survivors include her daughters, Bonnie Diggs Cornelius of Concord and Annette Diggs Withers of Niles, Mich.; sons Ralph Diggs of Charlotte and David Diggs of Boulder, Colo.; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Private family services to be held at a later date. Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord, is serving the family. Alma P. Long Alma Pauline Barnes Long, 90, 1145 Cold Water Extension, died Sunday, June 8, 2008, at Deal Care Inn, Mooresville, following a period of declining health. Born Feb. 22, 1918, in Alexander County, she was the daughter of the late James W. and Maude Brookshire Barnes. She was employed at Cannon Mills Plant No. 1 in the Wash Cloth Department. She was a member of Charity Baptist Church in Kannapolis. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Ralph Long, in 1986. Survivors include sons James T. Miller of Rockwell, Billy L. Miller of Kannapolis, Jerry W. Long of Kannapolis; daughter Mary M. Alexander of Kannapolis; sisters Ophelia Long and Ruth Tyson of Kannapolis; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. A service was held Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at Charity Baptist Church, Kannapolis, conducted by the Rev. Beaver Hammond and the Rev. Steve Sexton. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. Memorials: Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Whitley’s Funeral Home is in charge. Nancy L. Beatty CONCORD — Nancy Louanne DeJarnette Beatty, 76, of Concord, died Thursday, June 5, 2008. Born Dec. 11, 1931, she was the daughter of the late William and Molly DeJarnette. She was employed as a bookkeeper.  She was preceded in death by her husband, John Alva Beatty Sr., and a son, Christopher Jackson Beatty. Survivors include her daughter Jane Beatty Ledbetter, Concord; stepdaughter June Beatty Deas, Concord; son John Alvah Beatty Jr., Matthews; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A private service will be conducted for the family at a later date. Hartsell Funeral Home-Midland is serving the family. Minnie Melchor CHINA GROVE — Minnie Osborne Melchor, 91, of China Grove, died Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at Genesis Eldercare. She was born Dec. 3, 1916, in Alleghany County. A memorial service was held Friday, June 6, at Mount Zion United Church of Christ, conducted by the Rev. William Campbell. Memorials: Mount Zion United Church of Christ, PO Box 1298, China Grove, NC 28023. Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, China Grove, is serving the family. Millie B. Helton Millie Mae Bowers Helton, 66, 1502 Bradford Drive, died Friday, June 6, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast. Born April 15, 1942, in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Theodore and Bertha Mae Page Bowers. She worked at Fieldcrest Cannon as a sweeper and was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include son Van Johnny Helton Jr.; daughter Denise Helton Whitaker of Concord; brother Raymond “Shorty” Bowers of Concord; sister Brenda Burris of Locust; two granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren. A service was held Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord, with the Rev. Bobby Glosson officiating. Memorials: King James Baptist Church, 7200 Kluttz Road, Rockwell, NC 28138. Calvin Ray Neely CHINA GROVE — Calvin Ray Neely, 55, 130 Neely Town Road, died Sunday, June 1, 2008, at Rowan Regional Medical Center, Salisbury. Born March 14, 1953, in Rowan County, he was the son of the late Susie Mae Pruitt and Julian Archie. Educated in public schools of Rowan County, he worked for UTI Production Service as a pack stripper. He attended Erwin Temple CME Church and Miller’s Chapel AME Zion Church. Survivors include wife Margie Cagle Neely; sons Eric Cagle, Kannapolis, Corey Cagle, Gastonia; daughters Equinthnia Swann, Raeford, and Sheena Neely, China Grove; brothers Issac Neely, China Grove, Alvin Neely, China Grove; and sisters Mary Grissom, Winston-Salem, and Cynthia English, Chapel Hill. A service was held Thursday, June 5, 2008, at Erwin Temple CME Church, Woodleaf, conducted by Elder James Richardson. Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park, China Grove. Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home is in charge. Obituary policy The Kannapolis Citizen accepts obituaries from funeral homes only. To submit an obit, funeral homes may e-mail news@kannapoliscitizen.com or fax 704-933-3453.

Thumbs up, down — Idling trucks waste fuel

By Joanie Morris Kannapolis Citizen • Doug Goodnight called to tell us about a thumbs down he observed in Landis. Work is being done on the railroad crossing there and Goodnight saw one of those trucks that can run on the road or the railroad tracks. “It just sat there and idled for hours,” he said. Goodnight thought added the truck driver should have turned his truck off, because of the waste of fuel. Oil was up $8 a barrel on Friday, when Goodnight called. “We’re all going to have to change. The more we talk about it, the more people will get used to it.” • From the Kannapolis City School System, Millie Hall is getting a big ol’ thumbs up. Hall has served on the Kannapolis City School Board for 30 years — the entirety of the board’s time. From Director of Community Relations Ellen Boyd comes this: “Everyone in Kannapolis City Schools wants to give a big thumbs up to Millie Hall for her remarkable 30 years of service on the Kannapolis Board of Education. She’s been a tireless champion for our children and community, and we’re extremely proud of her. Thank you, Millie, for all your contributions and accomplishments!” • We’d never forget to add in our own 2 cents — or two thumbs as the case may be — so we’re giving the new budget for the city a little of both. Thumbs down to the budget for the absence of curbside recycling funding. A few months ago we harped on this, and now we get to do it again. With the onslaught of new people coming to the area, this is going to be one of those services that is expected. For Kannapolis to be one of the only larger cities in the area that doesn’t offer this service is not good news. • However, we’re giving a thumbs up to no tax increase. That’s got to count for something, right? We just won’t mention that with revaluation, the city’s getting more money this year anyway than they did last year. • Speaking of thumbs, my own brother e-mailed in, giving me a taste of my own medicine. Jody wrote, “Thumbs down to junk stored in one room of my house by my ‘baby sister.’” Yep folks, I still have stuff stored at my mom’s house — now my brother’s house since he bought it from her. The secret’s out. I’m a pack rat. He’d love for me to come clean that room out and I’d love nothing better than to be left alone about it. That’s about all we’ve got for you this week. There is more going on in Kannapolis than we have thumbs for. That’s what you, the reader, are here for. We’d like to get your opinion on some thumbs up and thumbs down that you see around town. Whether it’s citizens blatantly disregarding the water restrictions by doing something they aren’t supposed to — deserving of a big thumbs down in these dry times — or someone you know celebrating a big milestone you feel deserves a big thumbs up — a la Millie Hall — let us know about it. Call the Citizen office at 704-932-3336 or e-mail editor Joanie Morris at jmorris@kannapoliscitizen.com with your thumbs.

Cherish and protect your church history

By Norris Dearmon For the Kannapolis Citizen It appears that as we grow older, history has a lot more meaning to us than when we were much younger. I find it interesting that people can suddenly become interested in a particular piece of history. Church history for our local congregations seems to be very popular these days. It may be because some have been around for 100 years or more now and are celebrating their centennial. Some have become concerned about their archives and the possible loss of those important records. Those records are very important for future generations. Many do not realize just how important they are until they suddenly need some information from them. So often they do not exist. Some churches tend to glorify the pastors, who are important, but the most important aspect of a church is the people. It is where researches can find the best stories. Our church, Kimball Memorial Lutheran, began a history room on June 11, 2002. A committee was formed and training began. Part of the committee visited other church history rooms to get some ideas. It was a learning experience, but it was noted that there was not enough emphasis on the records. Artifacts are important to see and preserve, since they also tell a story. The first project was finding a space to put some of the things we knew we already had. Rooms were almost non-existent. There was a small area on the second floor, about 10 feet by 10 feet, which could be partitioned off for a room. After getting permission from church council, the committee decided to contract with Kannapolis Glass and Glazing to build a glass partition with a glass door for viewing since the room would have very limited access. They knew there were some oak panels from the organ in the original church, installed in 1932, so the layout was made to accommodate the panels at the bottom of the glass wall. When it was completed, our work really began. The panels were refinished along with an arch used to cover the pipes of the organ. The panels were installed under the glass, and the arch was hung on the wall. As word of the history room construction spread in the congregation, members began bringing in items they had saved over the years to offer donations for the room. Those people really contributed a lot of important material and financial support for the room. Dr. Charles Ridenhour had the forethought to save the stained glass window, which was over the front door of the original church. On Oct. 8, the window was installed on the front of the glass wall with a light fixture behind it — again, from the original church — donated by Melba Triece Perkins. Two glass door book cases, donated by Dr. and Mrs. Julian Busby, were placed on the back wall. Two floor glass cases were refinished and put in the room. An original pew, donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Triece, was placed under the arch. The committee was amazed by the artifacts of the old church and the current church which began surfacing. Soon, more room was needed. The room next to the beginning room was extra large, so it was decided to include eight feet of that room as part of the new room. It gave an 8-by-12-foot addition with good wall space. It began filling up fast. The committee has been working hard ever since, organizing the records, meeting weekly. Fortunately, Kimball produced a yearly report of about 20-30 pages, beginning in 1946. Many of the reports contained the names and addresses of members. The reports were set up in five-year increments and bound. Many pictures were found. Some were reprinted in a larger format so they could be hung on the walls. Others were put on archival paper and put in notebooks. Two large glass, lighted cases were purchased and put in the new addition. They were able to display more items for others to see. A fireproof cabinet and safe were added to better protect some of the most important vital records. The entire project has been a labor of love. Kimball now has an excellent history of the church for anyone who may be interested. History never stops. Researchers can come to find who were members in 1914 until today. The organizations changed over the years within the church. It tells a new story of how the members were able to cope with the changes. It is God’s business and how people carry on his business. If your church does not have a place to accumulate artifacts and records, I urge you to do so. The display can be a great way for new members to see how the church began and how it functioned. Be on the lookout for old records to disappear, since E-bay now is hot for the sale of old records of all kinds. They are small but important museums. Norris Dearmon is a local historian and member of the Kannapolis History Associates. He is also a volunteer in the Hinson History Room at the Kannapolis Branch of the Cabarrus County Public Library.

Portraying the nation’s leaders during annual State of the Union

By Joanie Morris Kannapolis Citizen Students worked for a month to portray the nation’s leaders during the annual State of the Union Addresses at Jackson Park Elementary School. They learned little-known facts such as: • George Washington had 36 dogs, 14 horses and a parrot named Polly. • Thomas Jefferson liked to greet White House visitors in his pajamas and slippers. • Martin Van Buren was the first president born a U.S. citizen. • Ulysses S. Grant ate cucumbers soaked in vinegar for breakfast and Ronald Reagan loved jelly beans. • Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to ride in an airplane and Dwight D. Eisenhower was the only president to serve in both World Wars. Then, they wrote them into addresses, which they practiced and edited, then presented to parents, grandparents, siblings and faculty at Jackson Park Elementary School last Tuesday afternoon. Jennifer Van Tighem’s second-graders and Jamie Clark’s third-graders presented their State of the Union addresses after all the preparation and it definitely paid off — observers loved them, if the applause was any indication. All but three presidents — Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield and William McKinley — were in attendance, dressed to the nines in dad’s old suits, with drawn on beards and mustaches, as well as powdered hair. There was even a really tall top hat, thanks to President Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Amiere Ford. Tanner Freeze was up first, as George Washington, the nation’s first president. “Before I was president, I was a surveyor and a planter,” said Freeze, as Washington. “I owned false teeth made of hippo ivory and lead, along with the teeth of sheep, cows and humans.” As Andrew Jackson, Grachy Vasquez smiled and waved to her mom and little sister before going onto the stage. “I was the first president to survive an attempted assassination,” she said as Jackson. Her mom, Sara Vasquez, filmed the entire speech proudly. “I was known for fighting and this came in handy when the United States went to war with Britain in 1812.” Andy Watson, technology facilitator for Jackson Park Elementary, also filmed the event, along with several other tech-savvy parents and grandparents. In addition to the addresses and costumes, students prepared their speeches for displays that were on the walls around the multi-purpose room, along with their own artistic depiction of what their president looked like. During an intermission between presidential addresses, assembly-goers ate snacks provided by the classes, and many met up with their students to see the presidential murals. Van Tighem’s class last year gave the first of what’s now an annual State of the Union address, where parents are invited to see the culmination of the month’s hard work, research and practice. “My kids took an interest in the presidents,” Van Tighem said, explaining how the project got started. They were learning about United States history in accordance with state standards, and “just wanted to learn more. “I bought all the president books I could find,” she added. The students spent time researching their chosen president, and then writing that president’s State of the Union address. After practicing, they presented the addresses Tuesday to a crowd of about 50 gathered in the Jackson Park multi-purpose room. “The purpose is to learn more about the presidential history,” Van Tighem said. “It goes with our state standards, with our nation’s history.” Van Tighem admitted that she didn’t know nearly as much about the presidents when she was in second and third grade as the students who gave addresses did on Tuesday. And it’s not something they are likely to forget with facts such as this: George W. Bush served as head football cheerleader his senior year in high school. Contact Joanie Morris at 704-932-3336 or jmorris@ kannapoliscitizen.com.

Help wanted: How to get a campus job

By Emily Ford Kannapolis Citizen As the N.C. Research Campus prepares to open this summer, more people hope to land a job at the biotech complex. “We get people almost every day who come in, asking when we might have jobs open,” said Kelly Elliott, administrative manager for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s nutrition center in Kannapolis. The inquiries come mostly from Kannapolis residents who are tired of driving to Charlotte and elsewhere to work, Elliott said. “They are excited about the possibility of not having to commute,” she said. Currently, only a handful of jobs are available, and most require a doctorate. But Lynne Scott Safrit, president of campus developer Castle & Cooke North Carolina, has declared 2008 “the year of people.” “There will be a windfall of opportunities,” said Tara Voglien, director for business and research administration for N.C. State University’s new institute in Kannapolis. “But we can’t expand until we get into our buildings.” The buildings, two massive brick structures near the copper-topped Core Laboratory Building, should open this summer or fall. Until then, six University of North Carolina System schools and Duke University have have temporary offices in Cannon Village. With limited space and staff, none of the universities will accept applications or resumes in person. Applicants must apply online. Each university will use its own human resources department to fill jobs in Kannapolis. Trickle-down theory Employment will have somewhat of a trickle-down effect at the Research Campus, a $1.5 billion public-private partnership created by real estate magnate David H. Murdock. A few universities have yet to name directors for their endeavors in Kannapolis. As these top administrators arrive at the Research Campus this fall, the pace of hiring should quicken. The directors will hire faculty, who in turn will hire research assistants, lab managers, clinical research associates and more. Most universities also will need support staff like bookkeepers, facility managers and administrative assistants in their new buildings. N.C. State, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC-Charlotte have permanent directors in Kannapolis. UNC-Greensboro, N.C. A&T and N.C. Central are still searching. Appalachian State University is expected to join the Research Campus this fall, and Murdock has said he expects to partner with at least two more universities. Check the Web Within 10 years, the campus is expected to directly employ 5,000 people. Job seekers can keep their eyes on various Web sites for employment news. A good place to start is the Web site for the campus, www.ncresearchcampus. net. Clicking “career opportunities” only generates this message, “Please come back at a later date for career opportunities.” But it does link users to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, which will train much of the biotech workforce for the campus. There are also helpful drop-down tabs that list many of the universities and companies that have committed to joining the campus, with links to their Web sites. As with the brick buildings, the Research Campus Web site is a work in progress. In addition to linking to more universities and companies, officials plan to include a page that lists ancillary companies, like law firms and movers. The campus is expected to generate more than 30,000 ancillary jobs over the next decade. More growth to come The campus is also accepting resumes at a general e-mail address. Scientists, researchers and biotech professionals with advanced degrees can e-mail a resume to ncrc opps@carolina.rr.com. This goes to the human resources department at Castle & Cooke, the campus developer. Although Castle & Cooke is not hiring for the campus, human resources director Freda Reichmeider will look at each resume and forward it to the university or company she thinks might be interested, like Duke or LabCorp. “We’re acting as a liaison for them,” Reichmeider said. Castle & Cooke North Carolina has grown substantially to 40 employees since Murdock, a California billionaire who owns Castle & Cooke as well as Dole Food Co., announced the Research Campus in 2005. The company expects more growth as construction begins on 800 luxury homes and condominiums on and near the campus. Murdock once owned the textile mill in Kannapolis that closed in 2003. He bought back the vacant mill and demolished it, building the campus in its place. He recently created a nonprofit charity that will own and operate the highly anticipated Core Laboratory Building, the centerpiece of the campus and a major draw for university and company partners. This charity, the David H. Murdock Research Institute, also has a Web site. While no jobs are posted yet, the site invites people “interested in joining the DHMRI team” to e-mail a resume to careers@ dhmri.org. Contact Emily Ford at eford@salisburypost.com.

Council debates budget, hears from citizens

By Hugh Fisher Kannapolis Citizen The first regular meeting of the Kannapolis City Council was held on Monday, June 9, at the Kannapolis Train Station. All council members were present. The invocation was given by Mayor Pro Tem Randy Cauthen. The consent agenda was approved unanimously and included these items: • An $874,464 installment financing agreement with Fifth Third Bank, formerly First Charter, for the Kannapolis Parkway water line. • Powell Bill allotments for the 2008-09 fiscal year, adding all or part of 23 streets to the city’s system. • An amendment to the capital project ordinance for the Rogers Lake Road Extension in the amount of $800,000. The remainder of the two-hour session focused on a presentation of budget options recommended by city staff, followed by a public hearing and council discussion on the $45.6 million budget for fiscal year 2009. A required public hearing on the budget drew comments from only three residents. Jack Cuff spoke out on the need for more sources of water to supply Kannapolis. “I am going to make a startling request, and I’m sure it is going to get everyone’s attention. I would like to pay more taxes,” Cuff said. Cuff said he would like the city to hire “a competent firm” to search for new underground water sources, saying it’s not fair for longtime residents to face water restrictions and limitations on their personal freedoms due to the city’s expansion. “I look out on my property and see my trees sagging, leaves falling off, and grass turning to brown hay,” Cuff said. “It’s exasperating.” Archie Barnhardt praised Legg and council members but said he would like to see more support for elderly city residents. Barnhardt, 81, spoke to the high cost of heating oil and high tax bills that those on fixed incomes must suffer. He also asked council members to keep the tax rate attractive to bring in new businesses. Deborah Carter, a Kannapolis native who’s recently returned to the area, spoke in favor of curbside recycling — much discussed recently, but not a part of the current budget. With a price tag of more than $1 million to implement, a recycling program, while supported by the council, wouldn’t come cheap for the city or its residents. “I would very happily pay a user fee” for curbside recycling, Carter said. Following the public hearing, no major changes were put forward by council members or Mayor Bob Misenheimer. The recommendations of city staff seemed agreeable, for the most part. The point of contention was the size and purpose of any tax cuts. After asking for explanations of discrepancies in several items, Councilman Richard Anderson blasted the inadequacy of the proposed .7 cent property-tax cut approved by staff. The current rate is 49.7 cents per $100 of value. Cutting the tax rate by one cent would cost the city about $345,000 and would save the average property owner less than a dollar a month. Staff estimates suggest that the decrease can easily be absorbed without causing harm to needed programs and expenditures, Legg said. A property revaluation in Cabarrus County is adding about $3.2 million to the city’s revenue for the upcoming fiscal year. Council members and Legg agreed that .7 cents was not much of a decrease. “It gets us back to a whole number is really all it does,” Legg said. “To me, that’s not really tax relief. That’s more a symbolic gesture,” Councilman Roger Haas said. Anderson’s words were much harsher as he called the proposed decrease “a slap in the face.” “There are folks suffering out there ... We have a terrible economy at this point in time. The folks are hurting. They need relief,” he said. Anderson told council members he would prefer the rate be cut to 45 cents per $100, but that he knows there is not support on the board for such a drastic cut. Haas questioned Anderson’s figure based on previous talks. “Last week it was 48 cents,” Haas said of the amount to which Anderson wanted to reduce the tax rate. “Today it’s 45. What will it be next?” Discussion on the budget is slated to continue today (Wednesday) at 3 p.m. at the Kannapolis Train Station. The budget is expected to come up for a vote at the regular council meeting on June 23. Contact Hugh Fisher at 704-933-3450 or hfisher@ kannapoliscitizen.com.

RCCC names Spalding new president

By Steve Huffman Kannapolis Citizen Dr. Carol Spalding said there’s a lot about being named president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College that excites her. Not the least of which, she said, is the school’s association with the soon-to-be-completed N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis. “That’s a huge opportunity for the college and community,” Spalding said. Spalding, 58, was named president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College on Monday. The vote of approval was unanimous by the school’s board of trustees. Spalding was recommended by RCCC’s personnel committee. Approval by the N.C. Community College System is expected shortly. “She’s got an impressive resume,” said Salisbury attorney and board member Chip Short. “She’s a very aggressive individual.” Board Chairman Ray Paradowski referred to Spalding and RCCC as “a perfect fit. “She will apply her knowledge and skills to continue the successes everyone at our college has been so instrumental in developing and will open new doors into our ever-changing world of technological advances,” Paradowski said. “Personally, I’m excited,” he continued. “She’s got skills beyond the office walls.” Spalding noted numerous correlations between her background and RCCC. She’s held several jobs at Florida Community College in Jacksonville during her 30 years there. Spalding is president of the school’s Open College, one of the school’s branches. Spalding said she hasn’t so much as interviewed for a job outside the school since going to work there three decades ago. Likewise, Dr. Richard “Dick” Brownell is retiring from RCCC after 30 years. “It’s not something they do lightly,” Spalding said of RCCC’s search for a new leader. “It’s not something I do lightly, either.” Still, she said she was immediately interested when she learned that RCCC was accepting resumes for a president. “It’s such a treasure for the community,” Spalding said of the school. Reminded that North Carolina’s community college system has an excellent reputation, Spalding observed, “It’s deserved.” Her appointment came during a called meeting of members of RCCC’s board of trustees. The affair was short, with Spalding’s hiring the only matter on the agenda. Spalding has served as president of Florida Community College’s Open Campus since 1988. She also served as president of the Downtown Campus from 1998 to 2001 and as interim college president in 1997. Her other leadership experience includes serving as dean of the Open Campus, director of continuing education, program coordinator/counselor and instructor of management. Spalding has a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Louisville in Kentucky and a master’s degree in human resource management from Pepperdine University in California. She earned a doctorate in education from Columbia University in New York. Paradowski said RCCC’s search was narrowed from a pool of 43 qualified applicants to five semi-finalists. From that group, three finalists were named. Contact Steve Huffman at 704-797-4222 or shuffman@ salisburypost.com.

Cities ease water rules

The cities of Concord and Kannapolis continue to monitor water levels of all the streams that provide raw water for treatment and distribution to their customers. While rainfall has contributed to the rising levels of the water reservoirs, Lake Howell is still more than 3 feet below full pond and stream flows feeding all reservoirs are below normal. To be prepared for a dry summer season when evaporation is at its peak, it is desired for stream flows to be closer to normal levels and/or for all reservoirs serving communities to be full. While irrigation by sprinklers and other automated watering devices is still banned at all times, restrictions on watering using a spring-loaded nozzle have been revised to allow limited use. Water use restrictions for customers of the municipalities of Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Landis and Mount Pleasant are amended effective Saturday, June 14 to allow the following: • The following activities are permitted all day on Tuesday and Saturday — Watering of trees, flowers, shrubs, ornamental plants and vegetable gardens for plant preservation. Watering must be performed with a hand-held hose equipped with a spring-loaded nozzle. The user shall ensure the minimum amount of water used for watering. • The following activity will be permitted on any Saturday at any time effective June 14 — Residential car washing will be allowed using a hand-held hose or pressure washer equipped with a spring-loaded nozzle. The modifications to water use restrictions are consistent with other jurisdictions within the Catawba Basin and their Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) as they exceed the current LIP requirements. The following activities are not permitted under the modifications to the Level III Mandatory Water Restrictions: • NO lawn watering using any type of system connected to the municipal water system shall be permitted. • NO irrigation services will be activated. (Irrigation services may be installed; but no meters will be set or activated until the drought has subsided). • Filling of swimming pools and operation of ornamental fountains is still prohibited; however, topping off is acceptable. • Use of water for wash down of outside areas is prohibited except for pressure washing businesses with an appropriate privilege license. These businesses will ensure the waste of water does not occur. All other restrictions remain in effect. The cities appreciate the continued efforts of citizens to conserve water; however, without continued rainfall, conditions could change rapidly. Citizens are encouraged to remain diligent in their conservation efforts. Customers are reminded to pursue projects cautiously given the persistent drought conditions the area is experiencing and should remain aware of current water use restrictions as published. The amendments to Level III Mandatory Water Restrictions for all Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Landis and Mount Pleasant customers will become effective at midnight Saturday.

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