Union County, NC – The Foundation for Wellness Professionals is hosting a free Detox and Weight Loss Workshop.

Join Dr. John Monbarren as he discusses how you can safely lose unwanted pounds and inches, burn fat, build muscles and naturally reduce cravings.

These workshops are open to everyone in the community and are free.

They will be held at the Union County Public Library Monroe and Indian Trail branches throughout the month of February.

Locations:
Monroe Branch will be held on Tuesday Feb 7 @ 6pm and Thursday Feb 9 @ 12pm.

Union West (Indian Trail) will be held Tuesday Feb 7 @ 12pm and Wednesday Feb 8 @ 6pm.

Registration is not required but seating is limited to first come, first serve.

If you have any questions or would like to get additional schedule, please call 704-821-5000.

Monroe, NC – Union County’s exclusive radio station has presented the first two Monroe Police “Officer Of The Month” awards at a ceremony at City Hall.

Monroe Police Chief, Debra Duncan, submits an officers name to WIXE Radio each month along with their bio of accomplishments and WIXE Radio records this as a salute to the officer.

WIXE Radio along with business sponsor Spivey Insurance Group presents the officers with a plaque and each officer is invited to the station for a guest interview on WIXE’s “Talk of the Town Show” between 9:00 and 9:30.

As the exclusive radio station in Union County with a strong connection to our community, WIXE “The Mighty 1190″ is proud to salute the Police Officer of the Month every day Monday through Friday at 11:30.

- Kathie Easton, – WIXE Sales Manager

Officer of the Month, January 2012: Sgt. Craig Bradshaw

Sgt. Bradshaw has worked for the Monroe Police Department for ten years and has served as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, a sergeant over investigations and is currently the sergeant over the Traffic Division.

In each of his roles, Sgt. Bradshaw has proven to be a team player and an excellent leader for the officers he supervises.

Sgt. Bradshaw has exceptional communication skills and displays a high level of empathy for the people he serves.

While working a murder investigation several years ago, Sgt. Bradshaw took it upon himself to make arrangements for a child who witnessed the crime to attend counseling.

He volunteers his time with the Crisis Pregnancy Center by educating new mothers on how to properly install child seats and also assists them in obtaining car seats if needed.

Sgt. Bradshaw moved to the Traffic Division in 2010. He oversees the traffic officers and supervises scenes involving serious injuries or fatalities.

Having a vast knowledge of criminal procedures, he is able to assist with the investigations and warrants resulting from serious accidents.

Sgt. Bradshaw is responsible for the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program for the city and the organization of educational events in the schools and communities. Bradshaw is also responsible for organizing enforcement’s events such as DWI checkpoints.

Sgt. Craig Bradshaw is an excellent officer and supervisor, and he is dedicated to serving the residents of Monroe.

Officer of the Month, February 2012: Lt. Bobby Manus

Lt. Manus has 15 years of experience as a police officer with the Monroe Police Department. He has served in a variety of roles during his tenure including patrol officer, drugs and narcotics detective, sergeant over drugs and narcotics.

Manus serves as Lieutenant over CIT and is currently serving as a Lieutenant over patrol.

Lt. Manus is a very respectful and genuine person. He cares about the people that work for him and the citizens he serves.

For the past 13 years, Lt. Manus has organized Operation True Blue Christmas which is a program that benefits young children at Christmastime. Officers and police staff pick out gifts, wrap them and deliver them to children who might not otherwise receive anything for Christmas.

This has been a very successful program and the thoughtfulness and giving spirit of those involved have touched many lives.

Lt. Manus is dedicated to providing professional leadership to the department. He goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist others whether it is for his co-workers or the residence of our fine city.

Lt. Bobby Manus is an asset to the Monroe Police Department and the City of Monroe.

About WIXE and Spivey Insurance Group

For more information about WIXE Radio, contact Kathie Easton at kathie@wixe.com.

Visit the WIXE Radio Breakfast Club on Facebook.

For more information about Spivey Insurance Group, contact Chris Spivey at chris@spiveyinsurancegroup.com.

Visit the Spivey Insurance Facebook Page.

2012 Monroe Scoop

Union County, NC – Making history come alive seems to be a specialty for one Porter Ridge High Schoolteacher, who even goes so far as to enlist the help of re-enactors to help teach his lessons.

Porter Ridge High School history teacher Dan Korn’s students were treated to a Civil War Day recently, giving students a look back at life during the War Between the States. The activities coincide with his class titled Civil War History, anhonors course at his school.

“It’s a lot of talking about what the realities are as opposed to what the myths are,” Korn said. “We attempt to correct some of those myths. I want students to have a better understanding about what it was allabout. We want to give them a better understanding of where we came from, how we got here. These were living, breathing people and the things that happened were real.”

Five re-enactors, dressed in full regalia of the period, spent the day giving the history books a little live action. Each re-enactor presents a different character for students to witness.

Pictured from left, are Kathleen Domanski, a registered nurse at CMC-Union; Brad Blackmon, an electrician; Sean Dunham, an area firefighter; Bob Etzler, a groundskeeper for a local golf course; and Allie Hines, who works in the private sector as a stage manager. Seated is Dan Korn, a history teacher at Porter Ridge High School.

Korn and three others portray Confederate soldiers in the 13th North Carolina Company B, “the Ranalburg Rifles,” which formed in the Steele Creek Church area of southwest Mecklenburg County. “We’re in North Carolina and the reality is, they were confederates,” he said.

The two other re-enactors are both women, offering a closer look at the female role during that time. Kathleen Domanski, a registered nurse at CMC-Union, portrays a mature woman of the Victorian era who is a widow and runs a women’s finishing school.

“I hope students learn that they are so lucky to be living in the time they’re living,” Domanski said. “Women were not allowed to think. They were not supposed to be educated. They were intelligent, but couldn’t do anything.”

Allie Hines, who works in the private sector as a stage manager, portrays a young woman of “courting age” and demonstrates to students the “language of the fan.”

“We were not allowed to speak, necessarily,” Hines said. “If a man asked to see her, she would tell him what time by the number of blades (folds) she would hold up. She could say ‘yes’ by putting the fan to her right eye, and ‘no’ by putting it to her left eye.”

Brad Blackmon, an electrician by trade, portrays an early war character from North Carolina or what a Southern soldier would look like in the early days of fighting. Sean Dunham, an area firefighter, also depicts a soldier, but one who would have been seen during the later stages of the Civil War.

Bob Etzler, a groundskeeper for a local golf course, also portrays a character that wouldhave been typical of Southern soldiers in the later stages of the war, where uniforms were not so shiny and new. Etzler is known for his ability to do the Rebel Yell, the battle cry of Confederate soldiers during attack.

Bob Etzler, a groundskeeper for a local golf course, is known for his “rebel yell.” He demonstrated that talent for Porter Ridge High School students during a recent Civil War Day at his school.

“Bob does the Rebel yell for the students, in full battle mode, with the rifle equipped with a bayonet,” Korn said. “He marches toward me, screaming that yell. You should see the reaction of the students when he does that.”

Korn said teaching Civil War history has significance in Union County because of the county’s own history. The harsh reality of the local history during the Civil War often surprises students.

“Union County sent 1,400 men off to fight the Civil War,” Korn said. “Only 200 came home. It decimated the male population of this county for 80 years. Regiments were formed literally from communities, so you went off to war with your father,your brother, your sister’s husband and your next door neighbor.”

Ironically, several of the re-enactors have traced their ancestors to the Civil War. “It makes it more personal,” Dunham said. “I’ve traced my family all the way back to England. I’ve been to all the graves of my relatives who fought in the (Civil) War of Northern Aggression. I’ve been online and found documents as to where they were captured and where they were taken.”

In the event there is a need to demonstrate Union soldiers, Korn said the re-enactors are equipped to “switch sides” if necessary. When there is a need, they portray Union soldiers in the 136th New York State Volunteers (NYSV).

This article was provided courtesy of the Communications Office of the Union County Public Schools.

2012 Monroe Scoop

Monroe, NC – On 1/31/12, Harry Lee Blakeney, 52 of 392 Monticello Drive, Apt. 3, Monroe, was stabbed and killed during an argument in the apartment complex at Hermitage Manor.

Randolph Ralph Tyson, 56 of the Monticello Drive Apartments, Monroe, was arrested and charged with first degree murder.

He is being held in the Union County Jail with no bond.

Randolph Tyson

2012 Monroe Scoop

Monroe, NC – Moe’s Southwest Grill celebrates their grand opening at 2925 Monroe Way on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.

This is the 12th Moe’s location in the Charlotte area.

Enjoy any burrito for $3 on Feb. 10. $1 from each burrito purchase will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

WKQC 104.7 will be broadcasting live from noon to 2 p.m. All guests can spin the Moe’s Prize Wheel for a chance to win free burritos for a year, Moe Bucks and Moe’s swag.

“Monroe is an active community, and I think that the families and professionals here will embrace a refreshing new dining-out option that is simple, unique and delicious,” says franchisee, Clif Bullard. “I believe that the variety of fresh food options and laid-back atmosphere atMoe’s will suit the people here well.”

Guests can experience the new touch-screen operated Coca-Cola Freestyle® soda fountain- the second in Monroe.

Coca-Cola Freestyle® enables consumers to select from more than 100 regular and low-calorie beverage brands- including more than 60 diet, low-calorie and caffeine-free beverages, as well as many varieties of waters, sports drinks, lemonades and sparkling beverages that, prior to the arrival of Coca-Cola Freestyle, were not available in the U.S.

All 12 Charlotte area Moe’s locations offer a Moe Monday special, which includes a burrito, chips, salsa and a regular drink for only $5. On Tuesdays, kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of any adult meal. As always, every meal is served with free chips and salsa.

The Monroe location of Moe’s at 2925 Monroe Way is open from Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

For more store-specific information or to place a catering order, call 704-225-7623.

More details at: Facebook.com/MoesCharlotte.

2012 Monroe Scoop

Monroe, NC – The Arc of Union County has begun preparations for its 4th Annual Casino Night, themed “An Evening in Paris.”

The event will be held at Rolling Hills Country Club on February 11, 2012, and will feature dinner, dancing, a silent auction and casino tables.

The event will be emceed by Union County District Attorney Trey Robison and his wife, Becky.

“This is a great opportunity for the community at large to learn more about The Arc and what we do for people with developmental disabilities.”

- Melinda Plue, Arc Executive Director

“We really enjoy seeing familiar faces, new friends, and some whom we serve here all having a great time and really showing Union County what an inclusive event looks like.”

This annual event has been very successful in raising awareness and funds for the vital work of The Arc, which serves approximately 500 people throughout its multiple programs and services.

With the country’s struggling economic conditions, advocacy and assistance for people with developmental disabilities is critical, and awareness and inclusivity throughout our community is one of the key goals of the organization.

The Arc is seeking corporate sponsors for this important event.

For more information about The Arc, tickets or sponsorship, please contact Melinda Plue, Executive Director, at 704-261-1550, (ext. 203), or email casinonight@thearcofunion.com.

2012 Monroe, NC

Monroe, NC - The Monroe Police Department is asking assistance from the public in locating Kenneth Demetrius Meaders.

Meaders is wanted for accessory after the fact to a felony in connection with the November 1, 2010, armed robbery of the North Carolina License Plate Agency located at 622 W. Roosevelt Blvd.

Robbie and Crystal Jordan were both shot during the robbery.

Robbie Jordan suffered gunshot wounds to the face and shoulder.

Crystal Jordan suffered multiple, life threatening gunshot wounds and continues to recover.

Meaders is a black male, 5’10” tall, weighs around 215 pounds, and has brown eyes and short black hair.

He has a tattoo of “MOB” on the left side of his neck and a tattoo of a cross with the words “FOREVERBLESSED” on the right side of his neck.

His last known address is 7304 Pebblestone Dr., Charlotte, NC, and he is believed to be in the Rock Hill or Charlotte area.

Kenneth Demetrius Meaders

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Kenneth Demetrius Meaders is asked to contact Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.

2012 Monroe Scoop

Indian Trail, NC – Nurse educators from the rural health program at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury will be conducting health education classes at the VFW Post 2423, 124 North Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail, N.C. beginning on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.

The health education classes will be held the fourth Wednesday of each month, for 6 months, beginning Wednesday, January 25, 2012, from 10a.m. until noon.

The classes will focus on diabetes self-management and will last approximately 2 hours each.

Additional time for one-on-one sessions will be allowed at the end of each class.

Future class dates are February 22, March 28, April 25, May 23, and June 27. The classes are free of charge.

All veterans currently receiving VA health care are encouraged to attend. However, all former and current military members and their family members are invited to attend the classes.

The team also provides assistance/education on registration and enrollment for VA health care.

For more information, contact the rural health program office, at 1-800-469-8262, ext. 4937/4642/4938, or visit our internet website www.salisbury.va.gov.

2012 Monroe Scoop

In every community, approximately 50% or more are not attending a “House of Worship” on a regular basis.

In earlier years, most of our younger children were taught the importance of God’s word.

Prior to the Supreme Court of the United States’ (SCOTUS) 1963 decision to remove Bible reading from our public schools, everyone in the public schools listened to a Christian Devotion in the mornings.

With that teaching & learning, almost everyone went to some House of Worship on Sunday mornings further learning from the prayers, the music, the messages, and the fellowship with friends and neighbors.

Our Biblical principles in public schools were based on Judeo-Christian values as defined by the Founding Fathers of our US Constitution.

The 1963 SCOTUS decision outlawed prayer in schools, a decision the SCOTUS should be asked to reconsider.

Each and every House of Worship is God’s house. Today, most Houses of Worship are excluding their older hymnal editions while changing over to contemporary music.

While contemporary music may be acceptable what is wrong with the “old time” music and lyrics from their own specific House of Worship hymnal editions?

Ministers, Pastors, Clergy, etc. are becoming afraid to preach the Gospel in fear of offending others and losing their jobs.

Many of these leaders seem to be afraid to tell the congregation that unless they repent, they are going to hell.

It is so much easier for some leaders to make the message sweet and without any unyielding bitterness in their message. From the pulpit, many congregations are hearing a dwindling of God’s word.

We are told that the newer changes are the only ways of getting the younger generation into the House of Worship. Hogwash!

Many of the young generations, as well as the older ones, are crying out for an “old-time” all-encompassing message from God’s word.

It is important for Houses of Worship to teach and lead at all cost, under God’s law, the Holy Bible, and be less concerned with comfort.

Sometimes, it is easier to learn the truth wherever and whenever it may be unpleasant.

It is a sad day in the USA when 50% or more are not attending any House of Worship on a regular basis.

Are members of the Judeo-Christian community becoming soft on firm values?

Many are searching for wisdom from God above.

- Oscar Harward
oharward@carolina.rr.com

2012 Monroe Scoop

Monroe, NC – Union County’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Committee, a nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, is sponsoring a number of festivities for the MLK National Holiday, beginning January 14 and continuing through January 16.

The highlight of the weekend, and the Committee’s major fundraiser, is the 29th annual MLK Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 16, at Wingate University’s LaVerne Banquet Hall.

The Reverend Donnie Garris, senior pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, is the keynote speaker for this 6:00AM event that is a sell-out each year.

The 4th Annual MLK Talent Competition, a fun-filled and wholesome festivity for area youth, takes place later on Monday at Monroe’s Winchester Center Gymnasium and Bazemore Center.

Groups and solo singers and dancers are invited to compete for prizes at this free event, which is open to all area students.

Registration begins at 11:30 AM.

Raleigh’s The Magic of African Rhythm will give a special performance demonstrating their form of artistic expression—ngoma, the blending of all the art forms into an organic whole.

This performance is sponsored by the Union County Community Arts Council and the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources in conjunction with the MLK Committee.

Other scheduled events include the 19th annual Community Gospel Songfest (also free), which begins at 6:00 PM Saturday at Mt. Calvary AME Zion Church (800 LaSalle Street in Monroe), and a 6:00 PM interdenominational worship service on Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Monroe. Both events are open to the public.

The public is encouraged to come to downtown Monroe at 3:00 PM on Sunday to observe the MLK Holiday Parade. Various floats, marching units, and other vehicles are expected to participate.

Each spring the MLK Committee awards scholarships to high school seniors for the college or technical institute of their choice.

All proceeds from the Prayer Breakfast and other fundraising efforts go toward providing these scholarships and funding the youth talent competition.

For information on any of the events or on the MLK Committee itself, call 704-289-1906.

2012 Monroe Scoop