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March 30, 2022

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By DAWN FLEMING DFLEMING@NEWSTOPICNEWS.COM

Mar 29, 2022

GAMEWELL — From the moment children are able to play dress-up and pretend to be an adult, they are asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Although some people enter the world with a calling, feeling inspired or driven, to do, or to be, others discover a career path through exploring opportunities that are available in their community.

Not everyone has a desire to attend a four-year college, or university, preferring rather to pursue a career in a skilled trade through apprenticeships, or certification programs.

After years of the education system guiding students toward bachelor’s degrees, or beyond, or toward careers in science, technology, and math, there is a shortage of individuals with knowledge and experience in skilled trades, which has created a tight market and placed individuals with skilled trade knowledge in high demand.

“In Caldwell County we do the reality store — all eighth graders participate in the reality store. It is an introduction to financial literacy and career opportunities,” Jamie Watson, instructional leader and curriculum developer, Caldwell County Schools. “It’s important for these students to know that there are careers out there more than what mom and dad do — and also there are careers they can go into right out of high school. We don’t need to push all of our students to go to college.”

On Tuesday, March 29, Gamewell Middle School students had the opportunity to explore potential careers as they visited various exhibits hosted by members of the community who serve in various professional positions.

The professionals shared their knowledge and insights with the students as students asked questions about salary, education, required skills, number of hours work, and the use of technology within the field.

Kelli Kelly, family nurse practitioner, who operates her own business, Family 1st Healthcare, talked with student Aubree Hearn, 8th grader, about the traits needed to be a nurse.

“You have to be confident in anything you do as a nurse,” said Kelly.

The day’s event was about giving the students the opportunity to explore career possibilities, even if it was not their initial chosen career path.

“I think I want to be a librarian because I like to read and helping others find what they like to read as well,” said Hern, while visiting the booth for speech pathology assistant.

As students perused the exhibits and spoke to representatives, they asked questions and wrote down information that they may use in the upcoming Virtual Reality Store lesson.

“What’s your starting salary,” asked Alexis Smith as she visited Caldwell Pediatric Dentistry’s exhibit and spoke with Wyndy Gregg, dental assistant, and Stacy Ingram, dental hygienist.

Students learned that the starting salary depends on which career path you choose because of the different levels of educational requirements. As a dental assistant, one may expect to make around $30,000 per year, while a dental hygienist may make upward to $60,000, starting out.

“What type of education do you have to have,” asked Anna Triplett.

Dental hygienist requires an associate’s degree, while a dental assistant may require certifications.

Other questions related to how to prepare for a career.

“What advice do you have for someone interested in your line of work,” asked Zoe McElyea, as she spoke with representatives from the State Employee’s Credit Union (SECU).

McElyea said she wants to pursue a career as a forensic scientist when she becomes an adult.

Officer Causby with the Burke County Detention Center shared with a student that communication is very important and clarified that communication goes beyond being able to talk with people, but also being able to have an understanding of how people communicate through body language and with their eyes.

The career fair is a precursor to the upcoming Virtual Reality Store lesson.

Watson said that the Virtual Reality Store was designed by Anna Crooke, middle school education director, and features video interviews of different professionals, from various careers, introducing students to those careers and builds on their knowledge from the event.

Prior to participating in the upcoming Virtual Reality Store lesson, students will visit the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) website to explore and be matched with careers they are interested in.

Students will select one of the careers from the CFNC website, then complete a mock job application for a position within that career field.

In addition, students will be prepped to participate in the lesson by learning about financial management.

Watson took the lead to organize the career fair made possible by members of the community and through coordination of the eighth grade teachers at Gamewell Middle School.

“All of the eighth grade teachers have worked hard in teaching the reality store lessons: Chrissy Byerly, Tori Greene, Carrie Holland, Babette Surratt, Leslie Nivens, and Beverly Norman,” said Jennifer M. Dineen, assistant principal, Gamewell Middle School, in an email

Representatives from the following agencies dedicated their time to spark students’ interest in the multitude of career opportunities available within the community: Berkshire Hathaway Realtors, August Creed Counseling, PLLC; UNC Blue Ridge, Speech Works Therapy Services, Gamewell Fire Department, Evans Funeral Services, Brushy Mountain Builders, Wells Fargo, Taste of Havana, Hickory Police Department, Burke County Detention Center, Waterlife, State Employees of Credit Union, Truist Banking, Caldwell Pediatric Dentistry, Family 1st Healthcare.

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March 25, 2022

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By NEWS-TOPIC STAFF

Mar 24, 2022

RALEIGH — The Rural Transformation Grant Fund, a new source of support for rural economic development in North Carolina, is now accepting applications from local governments seeking to overcome challenges that limit their economic competitiveness. The North Carolina Department of Commerce and its Rural Economic Development Division will administer the $48 million grant fund.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we must help our rural communities become stronger, vibrant, and resilient places to live and work,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “This new fund will supply both grants and expertise to help transform and expand our rural economies.”

The new grant fund, the centerpiece of a broader Rural Engagement and Investment Program from Commerce, will address a wide variety of needs, from revitalizing downtown districts, building the capacity of local government staffs, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering small business recovery, and generally supporting economic growth initiatives.

The Rural Transformation Grant Fund will award grants in four categories:

• The Downtown Revitalization category will support downtown development initiatives that help grow and leverage a community’s commercial core into an asset for economic growth and prosperity.
• The Resilient Neighborhoods category will offer grants focused on community development and quality of life improvements, such as eliminating food deserts, creating healthy living initiatives, and increasing access to affordable housing options, among other initiatives.
• The Community Enhancements for Economic Growth category will provide grants to local governments to smooth the way for economic development opportunities, such as the acquisition of land and buildings, the preparation of business sites, and the removal of structural and physical barriers that may be limiting development.
• The Rural Community Capacity (RC2) category will provide educational programming, technical assistance, and focused guidance to local government staff in rural and distressed communities. RC2 will begin as a pilot initiative in partnership with Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business.

“Commerce’s rural team has focused for many years on helping communities make the necessary preparations that lead to economic growth,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Now, with the Rural Transformation Grant Fund in place, we can tap additional resources to turbocharge the approaches we know work well and that can take rural North Carolina to the next level of prosperity.”

More information about the Rural Transformation Grant Fund, including access to the online application, is available at nccommerce.com/transform.

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March 23, 2022

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By CADY DAVIS CDAVIS@NEWSTOPICNEWS.COM

Mar 22, 2022

LENOIR — Residents who have eagerly awaited the arrival of a new restaurant in Lenoir will be excited to hear they have not waited in vain.

An official from the restaurant Dairi-O has confirmed that a new location will be operating in Lenoir on the northwest corner of Smith Crossroads by the end of this year.

Rusty LaRue, chief operations officer for Dairi-O, said the opening of the restaurant has been delayed significantly by the pandemic.

“With COVID, it’s been a lot,” he said. “From planning to site work, a lot of things we kind of had planned on moving forward right as the pandemic hit. We bought the lot a while ago … right now, we’re in the final planning stages. We don’t know this far out, but our goal is to have it open by the end of the year, if possible.”

Dairi-O is a “fast casual” restaurant that was first established in King, N.C. in 1947. Inspired by the roadside American hot dog stand, Dairi-O has since grown into sit-down restaurants and expanded their menu to include items such as grilled chicken wraps, specialty salads, veggie burgers, 32 flavors of ice cream, and more. Their food is made fresh every day.

“I’m very excited, I think it’s going to be a great addition to our community,” said Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons. “I’ve never eaten at a Dairi-O … but I’d like to eat at one, I’ve heard great things about it, food sounds like it’s going to be great. We look forward to when it gets here and getting to be part of our community.”

“We’ve had a lot of people expressing their excitement about us coming to Lenoir,” said LaRue. “We’re super excited, as well. We’re going to be posting on social media, keep the community updated on what’s coming along and when we’re hiring.”

Follow Dairi-O on social media, such as Facebook or Instagram, to stay updated on any new developments, or visit their website at dairio.com for more information.

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March 16, 2022

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By CADY DAVIS CDAVIS@NEWSTOPICNEWS.COM

Mar 15, 2022

LENOIR — Harmony Timberworks, headquartered in Boone, has decided to expand their business in Hudson.

During Monday’s (March 14) Caldwell County Board of Commissioners meeting, Economic Development Commission Executive Director Deborah Murray introduced Tommy Sofield, owner of Harmony Timberworks, to the board and requested commissioners approve EDC incentives for his company.

“I’m really, really happy to bring to you a new project and introduce to you our newest member of Caldwell County’s industrial occupants,” said Murray.

Harmony Timberworks has been searching for a “rail-sided building” in order to reduce costs related to the transportation of raw materials.

“We are looking for the Local Jobs Incentive for $2,000 a job for each of the jobs up to 20 jobs to be created over a two-year period of time, that time to run concurrently with a Building Reuse Grant that is being applied for through the town of Hudson,” Murray said. “[Sofield] will be investing several million dollars in a new facility, renovations, and repairs to put that site back into operation.”

Harmony Timberworks has operated in Boone for nearly 40 years.

As Sofield explained, “We do large timbers … we’re looking for a rail to do a lot of our transportation, but we’re also looking for somebody who wanted the industry to come into the area.”

Before introducing Harmony Timberworks to the board (and the public), the project was given the code name “Project Harry Potter.” The name appears to have been inspired by a real life project that Harmony Timberworks completed for the Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios in Florida.

“We actually went to Universal and they asked us to do a large … timber frame that you start out in going through [the ride.] We actually were the only company in the country that could engineer and design that for them,” said Sofield.

“We appreciate you coming this way,” said Chairman Randy Church. “We seem to get chastised quite a bit anytime there’s a new restaurant that comes into town, that Caldwell County’s not doing enough to bring industry, and I just want to say, this is one of those good things that we’re doing, appreciate you coming and bringing your business here, and the investment you’re gonna make in our community.”

Sofield said the company is looking forward to working in Caldwell County.

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March 15, 2022

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By SUBMISSION

Mar 13, 2022

HUDSON — Adult learners have been a primary focus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) since its founding in 1964. Fifty-eight years later, CCC&TI is joining a partnership to re-energize that focus and help the local adult population acquire valuable training and credentials beyond high school.

“We have a lot of underskilled and underemployed people in our community that could really benefit from coming back to school to learn a new skill or earn a credential or degree,” said Dr. Mark Poarch, president, CCC&TI. “This is a direct, intentional effort to reach out to students 25 and older and to re-engage them in what we have going on at CCC&TI.”

Representatives from CCC&TI, the John M. Belk Endowment, myFutureNC, as well as local government, business and education leaders from Caldwell and Watauga counties gathered on CCC&TI’s Watauga Campus in Boone Friday morning for the initiative’s local launch. The event also included a facilitated discussion on how to accomplish the project’s goals as well as gather ideas and input from local leaders.

The NC Reconnect campaign, a joint effort by the John M. Belk Endowment and myFutureNC, was launched in June 2021 in collaboration with Blue Ridge Community College, Durham Tech Community College, Fayetteville Tech Community College, Pitt Community College and Vance-Granville Community College. The next phase of the initiative adds five more colleges: CCC&TI, Wilkes Community College, Lenoir Community College, Forsyth Technical Community College and Central Carolina Community College.

The goal is to connect and inform as many adults as possible about the colleges’ variety of fast, flexible and affordable education and training programs.

John M. Belk Endowment President and Board Chair MC Belk Pilon told the audience that an estimated 1.3 million adult North Carolinians lack the post-secondary skills and credentials that today’s employers are seeking. She lauded the North Carolina General Assembly and governor for efforts in 2019 that led to the NC Reconnect project.

Pilon was followed by myFutureNC President and CEO Cecilia Holden, who shared that two-thirds of the jobs in North Carolina require some level of education after high school and about half of North Carolinians have the level of education needed to fill those jobs.

“We have a lot of work to do,” said Holden, adding that if no action is taken, North Carolina is projected to fall about 400,000 workers short of what the state will need by 2030. “A systemic and strategic approach to engaging our adult learner population is going to be very important.”

Higher education consultant Mike Krause, former head of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, told the group that the number of adults with post-secondary training is a key factor in economic development efforts.

“North Carolina is in a dog fight for economic development projects,” said Krause. “If you are in the manufacturing sector, if you are in the logistics or the supply chain sector, you are looking at how many people have done anything beyond high school. And the way that economic development is evolving … you don’t even get the meeting to discuss tax incentives if you don’t have the right number of people with something beyond high school.”

“Reaching adult learners in this area is an economic imperative,” said Krause.

Much of the focus of NC Reconnect will be on special outreach tactics to reach adults who have completed some college, but never finished, through special events, targeted advertising and customized tactics geared toward adults ages 25 to 44.

NC Reconnect will provide a variety of resources and funding to CCC&TI as part of the project.

“We have a lot of opportunities for growth,” said Poarch, adding that the college’s foundation also will contribute funding to help with tuition, childcare, transportation and other expenses that serve as obstacles for adult learners.

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March 14, 2022

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By CADY DAVIS CDAVIS@NEWSTOPICNEWS.COM

Mar 11, 2022

LENOIR — A local husband and wife duo were recently honored for their contributions to the revitalization of the downtown area.

Steven and Jamie Stewart, owners of Stewart & Associates Insurance, were recognized as the 2021 North Carolina Main Street Champions for the city of Lenoir during a virtual Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, March 10th.

Steven said the city nominated him and his wife for this award after they performed extensive renovations on the old building located at 819 Harper Ave.

“Me and my wife purchased this building in September of 2020,” he said. “The building had been empty eight or nine years, and it showed; it was in terrible shape. Basically, we redid the building inside and out. There’s a high-end residential rental up-top that we rent out to a local pharmacy company, and the main floor on the bottom is our insurance business.”

Steven said he has been in the insurance business for nine years. He left a different company to go out on his own in 2018. He and his wife moved their business to downtown Lenoir last June.

Steven is originally from Valdese, but his wife and business partner, Jamie, is originally from Lenoir; her parents used to own the American Trade and Loan before they retired about five years ago. The Stewarts and their children have lived in Lenoir for four years.

“I think that Lenoir is growing,” said Steven. “There are projects going on downtown, it’s a great time to be an investor in the community … there are opportunities everywhere for everybody if they want to take that leap of faith and invest in their community.”

Thirty-three North Carolina Main Street Champions were recognized for their commitment to downtown revitalization and strong communities in 2021 during the virtual ceremony on Thursday, March 10th. Including this year’s group of honorees, 837 Main Street Champions have been recognized by the N.C. Department of Commerce since 2000.

Each N.C. Main Street program may designate one individual, couple, organization, business partnership, or civic entity as their community’s N.C. Main Street Champion, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce.

“We are very excited and so proud of Steven and Jamie,” said Mayor Joe Gibbons. “Great young couple who invested in our downtown, and we’re so proud of that. They bought a building that was struggling, turned it into a beautiful place, with office [downstairs] and apartment upstairs. We appreciate that they love Lenoir.”

Winners of the award share a common objective — improving the downtown district.

“Main Street Champions are the key to success in downtown revitalization. They possess courage to move downtown forward; they fight for positive change and do that with creativity and innovation; and they actively get things done, while staying focused on the downtown’s economic development strategies,” said Liz Parham, director of the N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center at the N.C. Department of Commerce.

“The N.C. Main Street Champions Program is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the individuals who make a positive change in downtown,” said Kaylynn Horn, Economic Development Main Street director for Lenoir.

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March 14, 2022

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TAYLORSVILLE — Craftmaster Furniture is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The company began production in the summer of 1972 in a small mill building in downtown Taylorsville by Steve Lackey and Jack Stokes. The company began with a handful of friends and family that had worked in upholstery manufacturing locally. The ownership also included a few salesmen based in the Southeast that would take the products on the road and sell to small furniture retailers in the surrounding states.

Over the years the company had grown to employ more than 400 associates and become well known for high-quality, stylish, well-priced upholstered furniture. In 2006, Samson Holdings purchased the company to add to its stable of brands that included Legacy Classic and Universal Furniture.

The plan for Samson was to enter the upholstered furniture market in a big way and expand their footprint in the home furnishings segment.

Roy Calcagne was appointed president/CEO of the company that year with the goal of expanding distribution and the product offerings. The company has doubled in revenue since that time and now employs more than 750 associates building high-quality upholstery with 1 million square feet of manufacturing space in western North Carolina.

“Our goal is the same as it was 50 years ago developed by our founders Steve and Jack. It was to build the best quality products that are affordable yet fashion forward and comfortable,” Calcagne said.

“We have become known for having a great fabric selection with over 800 choices available on 75 different collections and accent pieces. I am very proud to have been part of this great company for the past 16 years and to be able to work with a team of professionals that are second to none,” added Calcagne.

Craftmaster will be celebrating its golden anniversary at the upcoming April market and with a large thank-you event to its dealers planned for the October market. The market will also include replications of some of the original introductions.

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March 10, 2022

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By NEWS-TOPIC STAFF

Mar 9, 2022

LENOIR — The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is in the process of developing its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which serves as a strategic blueprint for establishing and maintaining a strong regional economy and improving communities throughout the four county region (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties). Public input is key to developing the CEDS.

Strategies contained in the CEDS are centered on economic development, workforce, infrastructure, and community life. The WPCOG is responsible for developing the CEDS every 5 years and will use this plan to coordinate efforts to improve our region’s economic competitiveness and quality of life. Thank you so much for your help!

To take the survey visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TCQHRMT

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March 9, 2022

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By DAWN FLEMING DFLEMING@NEWSTOPICNEWS.COM

Mar 8, 2022

LENOIR — The state of North Carolina has begun to notify local government agencies and community organizations that their checks are in the mail.

The state has started to doll out over $330 million of anticipated monies to local governments and community organizations in its first round of grant disbursements, with over $43.7 million in projected allocations coming to various agencies in Caldwell County.

“These grant funds will help local communities invest in projects that can improve the lives of those they serve,” said Gov. Roy Cooper in Friday’s (March 4) press release. “I expect to see great work from our partners in local government and the nonprofit sector as these projects move forward.”

Many of the agencies have been anticipating receiving the grants and had planned projects accordingly.

The state has officially made the government agencies and organizations of their award amounts and notified them that allocations were on the way.

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) is looking forward to receiving over $18 million in state allocations. With funds being directed toward various expansion projects including the new occupational training facility, $5 million; a new health science building, $11.5 million; and equipment for both buildings, $1.6 million.

“We are so appreciative of the state’s support of CCC&TI. These projects are game changers and will have wide-ranging impacts for the communities we serve.” CCC&TI President Mark Poarch said.

“On the Caldwell Campus in Hudson, our health sciences programs are spread out among four buildings. Having a facility that puts everything under the same roof, in a new, high-tech facility, will greatly improve the experience for our students and faculty as well as the quality of the programs preparing our students for health care careers.” said Poarch speaking about the Health Science building construction. “It’s early in the process, but we anticipate the health sciences facility being the largest building on campus and also includes a simulated hospital that will emulate what students will experience on the job.”

Plans call for an addition to the Occupational Training Facility on the Watauga campus.

“On the Watauga Campus in Boone, we’re planning a 10,000-square-foot expansion to the existing Occupational Training Facility.” said Poarch. “The project will provide space for the new construction trades programs and expanded space for our Watauga nursing programs. Both additions will help meet the growing need for construction workers and nurses for the High Country region.”

CCC&TI has not started the process of selecting an architect yet, but plan to do so in the near future, followed by a bid process for construction.

One of the largest grants will be directed toward emergency services. Caldwell County is set to receive a $8.5 million grant for the construction of a new 911 center.

“Working through our county commissioners, NC State Representative Destin Hall and NC State Senator Warren Daniel were instrumental in securing funding to assist the county in the construction of a new 911 Communications and Emergency Operations Center (EOC),” said Dino DiBernardi, chief of department/emergency services director, Caldwell County Emergency Services.

The grant will have an overarching impact on the community, extending beyond benefiting the agencies that provide services, but to all those who are served by those agencies.

“The benefits of an upgraded 911 Center and EOC extend much farther than the department itself, these centers are truly the nucleus of public safety and public services, and will impact fire, EMS, law enforcement, animal control and other local and State public safety and support entities,” said DiBernardi.

The grant will allow Caldwell County Emergency Services to upgrade their technology.

“One of the most difficult parts of modernizing 911 and emergency operations centers is securing funds for new technology, and the work of our representatives though the State budget has assisted us greatly in that respect.” said Bernardi. “By taking advantage of advanced communications and response technology, public safety and support agencies will be better prepared to support and ensure a more reliable public service during natural and manmade disasters and other emergencies, thus ensuring a safer public.”

Caldwell County will also receive a $275,000 grant for the purchase of a new ambulance, as well as $50,000 to support emergency management operations.

Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office will receive $350,000 to purchase a Bearcat tactical response unit.

According to sheriff’s Capt. Aarone Barlowe, the Bearcat will enable officers to more safely respond to high risk calls and it could serve as an ambulance in critical field situations.

Because Bearcats are customized based on individual law enforcement agencies’ needs, it will take about a year before the sheriff’s office will receive the Bearcat.

A grant in the amount of $5.5 million will go for repairs and renovation of the Caldwell County Courthouse. In addition to the renovations to the courthouse, Caldwell is also set to receive $3 million for repairs and renovations of county facilities and a $250,000 grant for capital improvements.

Caldwell County Animal Shelter will receive a grant in the amount $3.5 million to go toward its construction cost of the new animal shelter.

Caldwell will receive a $650,000 grant for the restoration of Abingdon Creek in Gamewell Town Park.

The city of Lenoir is set to receive $1.5 million grant to be used for water and sewer projects.

The town of Granite Falls is slated to receive two grants totaling $330,000; with $180,000 to be allocated toward the paving of the Granite Falls Recreation Center parking lot and $150,000 for recreation center improvements and sidewalks.

Carolina Land and Lakes Resource Conservation and Development will receive $1.5 million for its development of a new warehouse.

The Oakhill Ruritan Club will receive $175,000 for capital improvement to athletic facilities.

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March 3, 2022

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By NEWS-TOPIC STAFF

Mar 2, 2022

LENOIR — The Blue Bell at Lenoir Mills has recently started leasing units to residents.

Lenoir’s former Blue Bell garment manufacturing facility has been restored to National Park Service (NPS) historic standards and brings 46 beautiful market-rate apartments to downtown.

As of December 2021, 80% of the units have been rented.

“Blue Bell is an exciting project that couldn’t come at a better time,” said Deborah Murray, executive director of the Economic Development Commission. “Our businesses and industries are growing and much in need of new housing options for their prospective new employees … The units are new and trendy and perfect for folks new to the area.”

The Blue Bell occupies a special place in the hearts and memories of residents of Lenoir. Historically, the workforce was 95% female from the years before World War II. Blue Bell was a community within Lenoir until the closing of the plant in the early 1980s.

Bowling teams, beauty pageants, parade floats, and more are reflected in the permanent exhibition of historic photographs which line the upper level of the building’s grand corridor. The lower level features “pre-construction” and “during construction” photos that reflect the condition in which the building had been, and the amount of work required to restore the building to NPS standards.

Amenities include fiber Wi-Fi throughout the building, side-by-side washers and dryers, full kitchen packages, a fitness center, bike storage room, individual storage compartments for residents, and much more.

Developers Yorke Lawson and Tom Niemann of Blue Bell Lenoir, LLC worked closely with the city of Lenoir and the state government to assemble the necessary components for this restoration. The Blue Bell utilized both federal and N.C. State Historic tax credits in the financial structure of the project.

Presently, quality, market-rate housing is the biggest need in Lenoir and Caldwell County, and the Blue Bell demonstrates that prime housing in the downtown area is welcome and supported.

An opening event and formal ribbon cutting is projected for early April.

Visit bluebellatlenoirmills.com for more information.