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<title>Catawba County Government News</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov</link>
<description>The latest information, alerts, and news about Catawba County Government in Newton, North Carolina USA</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<copyright>2010, Catawba County Government</copyright>
<managingEditor>DAVE@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</managingEditor>
<webMaster>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Webmaster)</webMaster>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2014 10:20:00 EST</pubDate>
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<url>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/images/Co_Seal_Float_Color_sm.jpg</url>
<title>Catawba County Government News</title>
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<ttl>10</ttl>

<item>
<title>Catawba County Board of Elections appoints Amanda Duncan as new Director of Elections</title>
<link> http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/DuncanED.asp</link>
<description>Catawba County Board of Elections appoints Amanda Duncan as new Director of Elections to succeed retiring Larry Brewer.  </description>
<category>Public Notice,News Release,FYI</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2014 10:20:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County Board of Commissioners adopts resolution supporting citizen participation in government through elections</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/021714electres.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Board of Commissioners adopts resolution supporting citizen participation in government through elections in Catawba County. </description>
<category>Public Notice,News Release,FYI</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2014 13:35:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Dental care provided for hundreds of children by Catawba County Public Health. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/GKAS13.asp</link>
<description>Dental care was recently provided for hundreds of children by Catawba County Public Health. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 6 Feb 2014 13:50:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Charter Communications' Government Channel for Catawba County moving to channel 192</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov</link>
<description>Charter Communications' Government Channel for Catawba County will move from Channel 3 to Channel 192 effective January 28, 2014.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Social Services program named 1 of 15 programs in US making critical difference in lives of youth in foster care</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/wellbeingaward14.pdf</link>
<description>Social Services program honored as one of only 15 programs in U.S. making critical difference in lives of youth in foster care. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Public Health earns reaccreditation from North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation Board. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/phaccreditation14.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Public Health has earned reaccreditation from the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation Board. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>County Library announces staff changes</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/libstaffchanges1213.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Library Library system announces staff changes. April Green named Youth Services Librarian; Siobhan Loendorf new manager of Sherrills Ford branch.  </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Tammy Wilson)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2013 11:55:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Synopsis of Board of Commissioners meeting of December 16, 2013. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/commish/synopsis.asp.</link>
<description>Synopsis of Catawba County Board of Commissioners meeting of December 16, 2013. </description>
<category>Please Choose,Please Choose,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Barbara Morris)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:10:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Randy Cress named Catawba County's new Chief Information Officer. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/cress.asp</link>
<description>Randy Cress, currently the Systems and Network Manager for Rowan County, North Carolina, is named Catawba County's new Chief Information Officer. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 4 Dec 2013 15:25:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Annual financial report for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 shows County improved financial position with conservative approach</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/audit13.asp</link>
<description>Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 shows Catawba County improved its financial position with conservative approach. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 Dec 2013 09:35:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Budget Office again wins national award, for producing budget document judged easy to read and understand.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/budgaw13.asp</link>
<description>Budget Office wins national award, for producing budget document judged easy to read and understand, for 25th straight year  </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 2 Dec 2013 15:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Sheriff's auction sale items are now posted online.  </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/Sheriff/Sales/</link>
<description>Sheriff's auction items placed for sale by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office are now posted online.  </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Oct 2013 11:20:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Many Catawba County residents will be able to recycle more items beginning November 4. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/newrecycling13.asp</link>
<description>Many Catawba County residents will be able to recycle more items beginning November 4. </description>
<category>FYI,News Release,Public Notice</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2013 20:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Adult Services Social Worker Chandra Henson is honored by North Carolina Adult Foster Care Association. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/hensonaward.asp</link>
<description>Adult Services Social Worker Chandra Henson with Catawba County Social Services has been honored by the North Carolina Adult Foster Care Association. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Sep 2013 09:58:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County requests State assistance for those with damage from July 27 flooding. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/0727floodrequest.asp</link>
<description>Catawba County requests State assistance for those with damage from July 27 flooding. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jul 2013 11:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County ranks #1 nationally in population group in 2013 Digital Counties Survey</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/FeaturedContentSlider/images/Broadband.jpg </link>
<description>Catawba County has been ranked #1 nationally in its population group in the 2013 Digital Counties Survey by Gov Tech Magazine.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jul 2013 12:40:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Article by Public Health School Nurse is published nationally.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/sidesauthor.pdf</link>
<description>Article by Catawba County Public Health School Nurse Margaret Sides on vision screenings for students is published nationally. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 3 Jul 2013 00:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>County offers electronics and paint recycling, year round, at Blackburn Landfill as of July 1. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/expandedrecycle.asp</link>
<description>Catawba County offers electronics and paint recycling, year round, at Blackburn Landfill during regular landfill operating hours, as of July 1. </description>
<category>Public Notice,News Release,FYI</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 1 Jul 2013 09:25:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Solid Waste Franchise, effective July 1, bringing expanded recycling, new fee schedule, services. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/solidwastefranchisebegins.asp</link>
<description>A new County Solid Waste Franchise with Republic Services (formerly known as GDS), effective July 1, is bringing expanded recycling, new fee schedule, services. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:45:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Leadership Academy helps families in transition through Family Care Center project.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/leadershipacademy13.pdf</link>
<description>County employees in the first Leadership Academy recently helped families in transition through a Family Care Center project. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:35:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County Public Health annual report, emergency preparedness outreach, win national honors. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/NACIO-PH.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Public Health's annual report, emergency preparedness outreach have won national honors from the National Association of County Information Officers. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:35:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>&quot;Catawba County Facts and Figures&quot; web page honored by National Association of Counties. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/NACowin13.asp</link>
<description>&quot;Catawba County Facts and Figures&quot; web page, the gateway for hundreds of pieces of data on dozens of topics related to the County government, demographics and quality of life, has been named winner of a 2013 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award.   </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:45:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County Home Health empowers older adults to lower risk of falling through a new service called Smart Moves</title>
<link>Moves. http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/smartmoves.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Home Health is empowering older adults to lower their risk of falling through a new service called Smart Moves.  </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2013 10:40:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Western Piedmont Council of Governments wins national honor for Western North Carolina Annual Air Quality Conference. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/airqualityaward.pdf</link>
<description>The Western Piedmont Council of Governments has won a  national honor for the Western North Carolina Annual Air Quality Conference held at Lenoir-Rhyne University. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (WPCOG)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 7 May 2013 11:10:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>County to mail data verification, income &amp; expense request, to property owners as 2015 revluation process continues.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/revalmailer13.asp</link>
<description>Catawba County will mail data verification, income and expense request, to property owners as 2015 revluation process continues on May 17, 2013. Owners are requested to verify the information found on the data verification sheet, provide pertinent additional information and make any necessary corrections, and return the form to the revaluation office. http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/revalmailer13.asp</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1965CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 May 2013 08:45:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County Public Health will launch a Farmer's Marker in May. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/PHfarmersmkt.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Public Health, in partnership with its Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and Catawba County Health Partners� Eat Smart Move More Catawba County coalition, is launching a farmers market May 2. The market will be held in Public Health�s parking lot Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is open to the public.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:50:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>New State law to shift collection of motor vehicle taxes from counties to state.  </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/cartaxchange.asp</link>
<description>A new State law will soon shift collection of motor vehicle taxes from counties to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County Board of Commissioners appoints new Tax Collector</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/mathes.pdf</link>
<description>Lori A. Mathes was appointed by the Catawba County Board of Commissioners as the County�s new Tax Collector, based upon staff�s recommendation, at the Board�s meeting on February 18, 2013. Mathes served as Chief Financial Officer for Mental Health Partners of Hickory for eight years, responsible for overseeing the agency�s expenditures and revenues, its accounting policies and procedures.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1943CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:25:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Entrance to Justice Center dedicated in honor of retired Sheriff L. David Huffman</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/huffmandedication.pdf</link>
<description>The Catawba County Board of Commissioners took action at its meeting on February 4, 2013, to dedicate the entrance area of the Catawba County Justice Center in honor of retired Sheriff L. David Huffman and his 32 years of services to the county, including four as a county commissioner and 28 as Sheriff.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 Feb 2013 12:25:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County Dir. of Utilities &amp; Engineering wins Energy Leadership Award from Business Journal of Charlotte</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/edwardsenergyleader.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Director of Utilities and Engineering Barry Edwards has been named one of the winners of the 2013 Energy Leadership Awards by the Business Journal of Charlotte.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:10:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>School nurse secures lifesaving device for middle schools</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/schoolAEDs.pdf</link>
<description>Two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) were presented to Grandview Middle School and Northview Middle School at a basketball game between the two rivals on January 24.
The AEDs were made possible though efforts of Catawba County Public Health school nurse Virginia Beisler, MS, RN. Beisler worked with Frye Regional Medical Center and each school�s booster and PTA clubs to raise the $3,200 necessary to purchase the AEDs.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Maker of products for textile industry locates first US manufacturing facility in Conover </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/taiji.pdf</link>
<description>Chinese maker of products for the textile industry has located its first US manufacturing facility in Conover, creating 78 new jobs.  </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:10:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Twenty year veteran in Library Service is named new Catawba County Library Director. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/whitelib.pdf</link>
<description>Suzanne M. White, who has managed comprehensive library programs, services and personnel at two full service library branches in Rowan County for more than seven years, and has had a successful career in library services spanning more than twenty years, has been named Catawba County�s new Library Director. 

White succeeds Karen Foss, who will retire on February 1, 2013, after serving as the County�s Library Director since July 1999.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:35:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Proposed County solid waste management franchise agreement would provide additional recycling services.  </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/republicfranchise.pdf</link>
<description>The agreement would substantially increase the number of items collected for recycling across Catawba County, with further expansion of items collected as needed over time; begin �single stream� collection of recyclable commodities so recycled materials would no longer be required to be separated at curbside; increase Republic Services� investment in Catawba County by $13 million; and protect more than 150 local jobs. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:55:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Architectural plans finalized for new Sherrills Ford branch of Catawba County Library.  </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/SFlibplans.pdf</link>
<description>Architectural plans have been finalized for the new Sherrills Ford branch of Catawba County Library.  The 10,000 square foot facility, to be erected on 2.5 acres near the intersection of Highway 150 and Sherrills Ford Road, is expected to be completed in 2014.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1929CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Tammy Wilson)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:35:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County Facts and Figures page gives wealth of information in many categories</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/Catawbafacts&amp;figures.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County has launched a performance dashboard, a program that will be the gateway for hundreds of pieces of data on dozens of topics related to the County government, demographics and quality of life.  Catawba County Facts and Figures, offers users a choice of exploring data grouped into eight broad categories.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County Library system wins two awards from the North Carolina Public Library Directors� Association.  </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/libawards2012.pdf</link>
<description>The Catawba County Library System has received two awards from the North Carolina Public Library Directors� Association.
Library Director Karen Foss was on hand to accept honors for the new Conover Branch facility and Battle of the Books programming presented at the NCPLDA annual awards banquet December 6 in Winston-Salem.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Tammy Wilson)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:20:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Assistant County Manager Dewey Harris earns international Credentialed Manager distinction. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/harriscred12.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Assistant County Manager Dewey Harris has earned the International City/County Management Association's (ICMA) Credentialed Manager designation. Established in 2002, the ICMA Credentialed Manager program recognizes professional government managers whom the ICMA certifies as having a &quot;commitment to continuous learning and professional development&quot;.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>An update of the Catawba County Child Data Snapshot has been released. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/childdata12.pdf</link>
<description>The information was developed and compiled by the Children's Agenda Planning Committee, appointed by the Catawba County Board of Commissioners. The committee's vision is to ensure a safe community where all children are engaged, enriched and equipped to reach their full potential. </description>
<category>News Release,Alert,Public Notice</category>
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<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:15:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County Assistant Planning Director, Mary George, named 2012 Outstanding Contributor to Agriculture. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/georgeagwin.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Assistant Planning Director, Mary George, has been named 2012 Outstanding Contributor to Agriculture by the Hickory Kiwanis Club</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1914CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:55:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

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<title>Borrowing privileges at Lenoir-Rhyne U. Library for users of Hickory Public &amp; Catawba County Libraries</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/LRUlibagreement.pdf</link>
<description>A new agreement extends borrowing privileges at Lenoir-Rhyne University Library to registered users of Hickory Public and Catawba County Libraries.</description>
<category>Please Choose,Please Choose,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1907CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Tammy Wilson)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:45:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>2012 Catawba County Employee Of The Year</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/EOY2012.pdfg</link>
<description>2012 Catawba County Employee Of The Year, Ona Scruggs, recognized for patience, understanding, listening in stressful arena.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1906CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:55:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County EMS designated as Permanent Car Seat Checking Station </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/EMScarseat.pdf</link>
<description>As of October 1, 2012, Catawba County EMS has been named a Permanent Car Seat Checking Station by Buckle Up NC. Car seat checks will be conducted Monday thru Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., by appointment, at the Newton EMS base, located at 1101 South Brady Ave, Newton, NC 28658.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1904CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Jennifer Rice)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:10:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Bed, Bath and Beyond to open data center in Claremont in 2013</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/bbbdatacenter.pdf</link>
<description>Bed Bath &amp; Beyond Inc., headquartered in Union NJ, has chosen to locate one of its data center facilities in Claremont, Catawba County. The company will locate the data center in the 48,000 square foot Center Point shell building in the Claremont International Business Park on Kelly Drive. Bed Bath &amp; Beyond�s investment is expected to equal or exceed $36,800,000 and the new facility will create a minimum of 7 new jobs by the end of 2018.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1899CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Catawba County EDC)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 2 Oct 2012 08:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba Co. Assistant Planning Director, Mary George, among leaders of nationally recognized river conservation effort.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/CWRC.pdf</link>
<description>The Institute for Conservation Leadership has chosen to honor the Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition for their exemplary collaboration to accomplish outstanding environmental protection.  The Coalition is being recognized for collaborative work that is creative, visionary, and highly effective and that their respective coalition members could not have achieved by acting alone</description>
<category>FYI,News Release,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1894CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Electronics component manufacturer selects Conover as national headquarters</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/SENA.pdf</link>
<description>Smart Electric North America, LLC is opening its North American headquarters in Conover, NC at 1550 Deborah
Herman Road SW. SENA plans to build market share by supplying quality components and finished goods to the top tier
lighting companies in the US first; then abroad.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1892CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Catawba County EDC)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>New State food rules expected to enforce safe food handling and reduce transmission of food-borne illness. </title>
<link>http://&amp;#8203;www.catawbacountync.gov/events/&amp;#8203;foodcode.pdf</link>
<description>New State food rules recently put in place are expected to enforce safe food handling and reduce transmission of food-borne illness.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1888CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 7 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Debra Bechtel named North Carolina County Attorney of The Year</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/bechtelattyofyear.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Attorney Debra Bechtel has been named County Attorney of the Year by the North Carolina County Association of County Attorneys.  Bechtel was recognized for her service to Catawba County and for her service to the association and local governments across the state.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1883CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 6 Aug 2012 11:50:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County Finance Officer named Outstanding NC Finance Officer Of Year</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/milleraw12.pdf</link>
<description>Rodney Miller has been named Outstanding N.C. Finance Officer of the Year for 2011-12 by the North Carolina Government Finance Officers Association.  The award traditionally and annually recognizes and honors the local government finance officer who has demonstrated state leadership in local government finance issues by serving as the organization's president.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1884CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 6 Aug 2012 11:50:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>EMS Employees</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/EMS-EOY12.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Emergency Medical Services names Employees Of Year.</description>
<category>News Release,Please Choose,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1882CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 3 Aug 2012 14:01:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Don't hang up if you accidently dial 911</title>
<link>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkZLVqxYFPM&amp;feature=youtu.be</link>
<description>911 should be used only in emergencies. But if you should ever dial 911 accidently, Sheriff Coy Reid says you should not just hang up.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1880CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Coy Reid)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County Youth Council sends representatives to North Carolina Citizenship Focus</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/citizenshipfocus2012.pdf</link>
<description>A delegation of high school students representing the Catawba County Youth Council and 4-H attended NC  Citizenship Focus, which was held in Raleigh, where more than 200 youth and adults representing over 75 counties exchanged ideas, gained knowledge and learned through hands on experiences about the different levels and branches of government. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1875CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Donna Mull)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 6 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County EcoComplex featured in report on &quot;green&quot; building projects in 5 Southeastern states.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/ecocomplexinanalysis.pdf</link>
<description>The EcoComplex is a system that recovers all useable products and by-products from a group of private and public partners located in a close-knit defined area. This group of partners works together to use each other�s waste products either as a source of energy (electricity, steam, or heat) or as a raw material for the production of their own product (pallets, lumber, compost, brick shapes/art). The EcoComplex is also focused on making and using �green� energy and on economic development.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1870CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Pertussis vaccine</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/phealth/News/CCPHpertussis.pdf</link>
<description>Public Health offering free Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines. </description>
<category>News Release,Please Choose,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1868CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 03:50:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County dental practice celebrates grand reopening</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/dentalclinicreopen.pdf</link>
<description>The Catawba County Public Health Dental Practice celebrated a �grand re-opening� on May 31 by welcoming visitors to an open house at its new space inside the Public Health building. Located just down the hall from its former location, the practice has doubled in size and capacity in order to provide a comprehensive dental home for children ages 1-21 in Catawba County.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1859CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 1 Jun 2012 11:10:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>National Association of Counties honors two Catawba County programs with Achievement Awards</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/nacowin12.asp</link>
<description>A Catawba County Social Services program that serves as an ongoing, immediate source of food for students who often go hungry, during weekends and extended breaks from school, and a Green Vendor Exhibition designed to shine a spotlight on existing and potential vendors that specialize in providing recycled and environmentally-friendly products and services, have been named winners of 2012 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards. 

</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1860CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 1 Jun 2012 11:10:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Winners of 2012 Distracted Driving Video Contest announced at Red Carpet event.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/distracteddrivingwinners12.pdf</link>
<description>A team of students from Hickory High School's Student Council won the Grand Prize. The team included Will McCarrick, Anne Orgain, Taylor Panzer and Lexie Reeves. Their video, &quot;Do You Drive Distracted?&quot;, was judged the best by a panel of judges. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1854CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 2 May 2012 16:45:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Community leaders learn about new child safety initiatives.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/CAPC12.pdf</link>
<description>Approximately 100 community leaders learned about two programs designed to protect area children at the Children's Advocacy and Protection Center's second annual Children's Breakfast.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1851CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Three County program honored by NC Association of County Commissioners</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/ncaccwin12.pdf</link>
<description>County programs which developed QR (Quick Response) codes for building permits; reach families affected by economic distress, and serve as an ongoing, immediate source of food for students during weekends and extended breaks from school; and promote healthy, sustainable policies that improve physical activity and nutrition in schools were honored. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1848CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:50:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County developing new GIS Real Estate website to take advantage of new technology, offer enhanced services</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/GISrealestate.pdf</link>
<description>Enhancements include an auto-fill feature, the ability to search on a business or landmark name, and links to both Google and Bing maps. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1844CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Michelle Deese)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 2 Apr 2012 15:35:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County, North Carolina honors employees with 25 or more years of service.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/qcc12.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Government renewed an annual tradition on March 22nd, honoring employees with 25 or more years of service at the twenty-seventh annual Quarter Century Club lunch. 

Catawba County formed the Quarter Century Club in 1986.  A highlight of this year�s program was the recognition of twelve new Quarter Century Club members.  
</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1840CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:40:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Mason Strother, Startown Elementary School fifth grader, wins Severe Weather Awwareness Week poster contest! </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/severeweatherposterwinner.pdf</link>
<description>Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba County students in the 4th or 5th grades submitted posters related to the theme �Severe Weather Awareness� and illustrated an example of a natural hazard that affects North Carolina. One poster from each county and one overall winner from all entries were chosen as the winners of the Unifour Area Severe Weather Awareness Week Poster Contest. The winners were announced during Severe Weather Awareness Week with surprise presentations at each winner�s school.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1837CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Karyn Yaussy)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 9 Mar 2012 11:50:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>New North Carolina Residential Building Code went into effect on March 1, 2012.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/building/pc_newfeatures.asp</link>
<description>The Catawba County Building Services Division has built a web page with links to the new code. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1832CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 1 Mar 2012 16:28:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Area dentists help give more kids a smile!</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/Kidsmile12.pdf</link>
<description>Dentists and other volunteers in Catawba County are teaming up with hundreds of their peers across the state and nation for �Give Kids a Smile!� day. This program is held annually to offer educational materials, provide free dental services to local, qualifying children from underserved families, and raise awareness of the epidemic of untreated dental disease.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1827CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 6 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>County's use of QR codes on building permits win top state award</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/qrcodetopaward.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County has won the Government Innovation Grant Award (GIGA), from the UNC School of Government, the Local Government Federal Credit Union, and the North Carolina Local Government Information Systems Association, for its innovative use of Quick Response (QR) Codes on building permits issued in the county. 

The County was recognized for implementation of a Building Permit QR Codes system, which provides building contractors and inspectors with up-to-the-minute job site and inspection information, at their fingertips, in the field. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1826CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:59:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>County budget staff wins national award for 23rd consecutive year.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/budgaw11.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County�s Budget Office has been recognized by its peers for producing a budget document which is easy to read and understand. The County Budget Office has won the 2011 Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1825CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County will begin a new cooking oil recycling program on February 1. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/oilrecycling.pdf</link>
<description>Used cooking oil will be accepted only at the Blackburn Solidwaste Convenience Center at 3864 Rocky Ford Road, Newton, NC 28658. No business waste accepted. The Blackburn Solidwaste Convenience Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1823CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Program available for persons working at least 20 hours a week but need assistance with car repairs or insurance</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/carrepairassist.pdf</link>
<description>The program of the North Carolina Department of Transportation provides limited funds for low-income persons who need to maintain or insure their car so they can continue working. It is administered by Catawba County Social Services</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1819CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County Public Health has begun renovations to its Dental Clinic</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/dentalren.pdf</link>
<description>The expansion will more than double clinic space. It will allow the clinic to provide routine dental services, such as cleanings, fillings, sealants, and extractions, to an additional 1,500 children and young adults. During the renovation, the current dental practice will remain open and operate under current hours</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1815CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 9 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County Public Health names 2011 Employee Of The Year</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/PHEOY11.pdf</link>
<description>Internal Systems Analyst Scott Klinger was recognized, in part, for integrating a new billing program that resulted in improved efficiencies across the organization. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1802CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kelly Schermerhorn)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:20:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>North Carolina Highway Patrol presents Citizen Life Saving Award to two Catawba County paramedics. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/HPEMSawards.pdf</link>
<description>Colonel Michael W. Gilchrist, Commander of the Highway Patrol, presented the awards to EMT Paramedic and Crew Chief Brad Harris and EMT Paramedic Eric Jones for their role in pulling a person from a burning vehicle.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1801CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Jennifer Rice)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 6 Dec 2011 11:05:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County names new Assistant County Manager</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/furtado.pdf</link>
<description>Mary Furtado is currently serving as Executive Director of Strategic Operations for Sarasota County, Florida. She will begin her new duties in Catawba County on December 12, 2011. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Official Statement</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1797CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:25:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>EPA announces Catawba County to again be &quot;in attainment for particulate matter (PM 2.5)</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/PM2.5attain.pdf</link>
<description>The United States Environmental Planning Agency (USEPA) has announced that Catawba County will be classified as �attainment� from its current �nonattainment� designation for Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) on December 19, 2011. PM 2.5 (fine particle pollution) refers to tiny particles of droplets in the air that are two and one half microns or less in width. Two and one half microns is about thirty times smaller than the width of a human hair.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1796CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (US EPA)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:55:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>NCDOT releases recommendations on widening of Highway 16 South in Catawba County </title>
<link>http://www.ncdot.org/doh/preconstruct/highway/roadway/hearingmaps_by_county/resource/R3100__WShop_minutes.pdf</link>
<description>The North Carolina Department of Transportation has released recommendations on widening of Highway 16 South in Catawba County (within the minutes of public meetings).  Link to project maps: http://www.ncdot.org/doh/preconstruct/highway/roadway/hearingmaps_by_county/county/Catawba.html
  </description>
<category>Public Notice,News Release,FYI</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1795CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (NCDOT)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:35:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>New Librarian serving Conover and Claremont branches of County Library</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/conclarelib.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County Library System has hired a librarian to serve both the Conover and Claremont branches.
Siobhan Loendorf will add preschool Ready to Learn sessions, computer classes and adult programming for Conover and Claremont branch libraries.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1792CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Tammy Wilson)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:55:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Foothills Regional Conference for early childhood educators aims to make difference in lives of children. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/earlyedconference.pdf</link>
<description>More than 120 people recently attended the seventh annual Foothills Regional Conference for Early Childhood Educators in Statesville. This year�s conference theme, &quot;You Make a Powerful Difference&quot;, explored the difference that early childhood educators make in the lives of young children.</description>
<category>Public Notice,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1790CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Glennie Daniels)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 9 Nov 2011 15:05:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County Social Services wins Best Practices Award from state association</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/dssbestpractice11.pdf</link>
<description>The award was presented for the agency's Children and Aging Strategic Planning Projects in the category �Profiles in Community Collaboration�. The entry described the Children�s Agenda Planning Committee and the Aging Leadership Planning Project. In both cases, Social Services took the lead in collaborating with area agencies to develop reports about the needs of children and older adults.
</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1785CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 2 Nov 2011 13:55:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Rita Beaver, Assistant Register of Deeds, named Catawba County 2011 Emloyee Of The Year</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/EOY11web.pdf</link>
<description>A 35 year veteran of the Register of Deeds Office, Beaver was praised by all her co-workers in that office for excellent customer service, for being a patient instructor on the laws involved in her work, and for preserving the County�s history. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1780CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:40:00 EST</pubDate>
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<title>Catawba County 4-H members win state presentations awards</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/4hwinners2011.pdf</link>
<description>Presentations are an example of a traditional 4-H program that dates back to at least the 1950s. They involve giving a 5-12 minute talk on a topic using tabletop visuals and posters to illustrate main points. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1778CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Donna Mull)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:35:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Meals on Wheels now bringing food for pets of those they serve</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/MOWpets.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County 4-H Club members are collecting dry dog and cat food for the pets of Catawba County Meals on Wheels recipients.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1776CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:35:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Winners of 4-H Garden Contest named</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/4Hgardens2011.pdf</link>
<description>The program started in the spring, when 4-H youth received a set of plants and participated in a workshop where they learned how to create a successful home mini vegetable garden with tomatoes, peppers, squash and more. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1773CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Donna Mull)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 5 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Conover branch of County Library system reopens in new location!</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/conoverlibopen.pdf</link>
<description>The Library re-opened for business in newly renovated space on the top floor of Conover Station. Its new address is 403 Conover Station, SE, in a 1918 structure erected for the Warlong Glove Manufacturing Company. Business hours will remain unchanged: 12 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 9- 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9 - 2 on Saturday.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1765CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Tammy Wilson)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:55:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Work underway on reopening of Conover Branch of County Library, in new location, on September 20.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/conoverlibmove.pdf</link>
<description>Work is under way to ready the Conover Branch Library for re-opening on Tuesday, September 20. Staff and volunteers are unpacking boxes of library materials and arranging furniture.  The new branch address is 403 Conover Station, SE, in the Warlong Building on the former Broyhill plant property along the railroad tracks downtown.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1762CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Tammy Wilson)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:15:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Lee Worsley, Assistant County Manager in Catawba County since 2005, named Deputy County Manager in Durham County.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/worsleytodurham.pdf</link>
<description>During his tenure with Catawba County, Worsley has had a positive impact in many areas, including emergency services, the use of emerging technologies, and mentoring people who are just starting out in local government management. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1761CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:40:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hickory volunteer wins national Meals on Wheels American Volunteer Award</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/hoveywin.pdf</link>
<description>Winnie Hovey has won the American Volunteer contest sponsored by the Meals on Wheels Association of America. Hovey is a 92-year-old Hickory resident who has been volunteering with the local Meals on Wheels organization for approximately 30 years</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1759CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:10:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County Animal Services to offer free rabies vaccinations, while they last, on September 21, 2011</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/worldrabiesday11.pdf</link>
<description>Vaccines will be administered on a first-come, first-serve basis, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or until the supply is depleted on September 21, World Rabies Day, thanks to 250 vaccines provided by the World Rabies Organization and Pfizer Animal Health. </description>
<category>Public Notice,News Release,FYI</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1760CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Jennifer Rice)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:10:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County wins state award for innovative use of QR Codes</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/QRcodeaward.pdf</link>
<description>The County was recognized for implementation of a Building Permit QR Codes system, which provides building contractors and inspectors with up-to-the-minute job site and inspection information, at their fingertips, in the field. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1756CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:24:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Earthquake survival tips from Catawba County Emergency Services</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/earthquaketips.asp</link>
<description>What if the August 23 earth tremors had been closer or stronger?  Would you know what to do?  Here are some tips from Catawba County Emergency Services.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1755CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Karyn Yaussy)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Cable TV show profiling services of local governments, schools, quality of life, to premiere  </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/catawbacommunities.pdf</link>
<description>�Catawba Communities,� a monthly show which will feature information about programs and services provided by local governments, school systems and associated agencies across Catawba County, will premiere on Charter Communications� Government Channel (Channel 3) on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at 8:00 p.m.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1752CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin, Gary Herman, Mandy Pitts)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:45:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sheriff�s Office to assist in Operation Pill Stoppers drop box program.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/sheriffmedicinedrop.pdf</link>
<description>The Catawba County Sheriff�s Office, in conjunction with The Cognitive Connection and The Foothills Coalition, is sponsoring an Operation Pill Stoppers program that now provides fixed locations for citizens to properly dispose of their unused and unwanted medications.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1750CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Eric Kanipe)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:45:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County-Appalachian State University Biodiesel Research, Development and Production Facility officially opens. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/biodieselfacility.pdf</link>
<description>The facility is now testing biodiesel fuel being produced by several companies in the region and from the harvest of crops growing around the landfill to test which ones grow best in the local climate while producing the best oils for biodiesel.


</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1749CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:23:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Access the Catawba County Library System website from your Smartphone! </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/libphonecat.pdf</link>
<description>You may now access the Catawba County Library System website from your smartphone, thanks to a recent upgrade to the library�s home page.  LS2Mobile is accessible with an iPod Touch or iPhone.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1745CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Tammy Wilson)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 2 Aug 2011 11:25:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County veteran, supporters of veterans, have part in new NC Veterans Park</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/vetpark2.pdf</link>
<description>The North Carolina Veterans Park in Fayetteville includes a visitor�s center, gardens, fountains, sculpture and displays. Five Catawba County residents, including World War II veteran Carmie Cook, had a �hand� in the park�s creation.
</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1741CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Jennifer Rice)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:27:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hickory volunteer nominated for Meals on Wheels American Volunteer Award. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/MOWnominee2011.pdf</link>
<description>Catawba County�s Meals on Wheels program has nominated Winnie Hovey for the award and is asking the public to vote for Hovey in the contest. The contest is featured on Facebook, and the top vote-getter will be named the winner. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1739CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:20:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>WIC program, Cooperative Extension join forces to plant &quot;seeds&quot; for healthy eating.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/WIC-4Hplantingseeds.pdf</link>
<description>Area youth participating in the NC Cooperative Extension�s 4-H program helped children at Catawba County Public Health plant vegetable seeds. The activity was one of a series of visits by local North Carolina Cooperative Extension staff and volunteers to Public Health�s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinic designed to encourage WIC families to grow and eat fresh vegetables.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1738CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Amy McCauley)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:08:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>My Catawba County app developed for mobile devices!</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/MyCatawba.pdf</link>
<description>Anyone accessing My Catawba County will be able to choose from a selection of informational links and County applications. The application was developed for mobile devices with a web browser such as iPad, iPhone, Android phones and tablets.
</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1732CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lee Industries of Conover to expand, using existing building, adding 75 jobs</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/Leeexpansion.pdf</link>
<description>Furniture manufacturer Lee Industries, Inc. plans to expand their manufacturing capabilities in Catawba County by extensively redeveloping and renovating the former Conover Chair facility in Conover, N.C. and adding 75 new employees beginning in late 2011. The company will be hiring cutters, sewers, spring-up associates, inside and outside upholsterers, shipping personnel, support staff and more. The average employee wage is expected to be $41,045, nearly $7,000 more than the average pay for workers living in Catawba County.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1731CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Greta Lint)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:05:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Social Services' Senior Nutrition Services have a new home</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/SeniorNutritionServicesmove.pdf</link>
<description>Senior Nutrition Services is now housed at 507 Boundary Street in Conover. Senior Nutrition Services includes Home Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels), Seniors Morning Out, Nutritional Supplements (Ensure and Boost), Frozen Meals, and In Home Aide Services.</description>
<category>Public Notice,News Release,FYI</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1730CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:55:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Computer equipment, televisions to be banned from landfills by new State law effective July 1st. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/electronicsban.pdf</link>
<description>Beginning July 1, 2011, computer equipment and televisions will be banned from disposal in North Carolina landfills, under a law passed last year by the General Assembly. Catawba County will provide four one-day electronics recycling collection events in fiscal year 2011-2012, free of charge.  All residents of Catawba County will have access to these electronics recycling events, including those who live in the cities and towns in the county.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1726CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:14:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Social Services program helping teens make smart choices wins national award</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/NACo11.pdf</link>
<description>A Catawba County Department of Social Services program that helped teenagers enrolled in a poverty reduction and teen pregnancy program better understand the myths of government support programs has been named a winner of a 2011 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1722CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:56:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>New Seniors Morning Out program begins in Claremont, NC</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/dss/news/SMOClaremont.pdf</link>
<description>A new Seniors Morning Out location has opened at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Claremont. This program, which is operated by Catawba County Social Services, provides a nutritious lunch, plus social activities, for persons age 60 or older.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1723CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:56:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Winners announced in Distracted Driving video contest.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/distracteddrivingwinners.pdf</link>
<description>A team of students at Maiden High School has been selected as the Grand Prize winner in Catawba County�s Distracted Driving Video Contest. Members of the winning team are Matt Ellis, Rebecca Gates, John Kirby and Taylor Abshire.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1720CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Conference for parent educators to be held in Newton on June 3.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/foothillsparents11.pdf</link>
<description>The annual Foothills Regional Conference for Parent Educators will be held Friday, June 3 from 9:00am until 2:00pm at the Catawba County Cooperative Extension Center in Newton. The 2011 theme is Helping Families Do More with Less.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1716CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 12:05:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County Children's Agenda Planning Committee releases report after two years of gathering information. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/Children'sAgenda.pdf</link>
<description>The committee compiled existing information about the status of children in the county. It also held public meetings and surveyed members of the public about their priorities and ideas.  The committee found that most children in the county are well-cared for, but that a substantial number are falling through the cracks. A major cause of concern is the large number of children living in poverty.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1714CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 13:33:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>County FInance Office honored with national award for 29th consecutive year</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/finaw11.asp</link>
<description>The Catawba County Finance Department is a winner of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2010. Catawba County has now won the award for 29 consecutive years. 

</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1712CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 9 May 2011 10:25:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Next Household Hazardous Waste Collection set for May 7, Government Center parking lot, Newton.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/hhw11.asp</link>
<description>Do you have any unwanted household products, such as paints, cleansers, solvents, antifreeze, batteries or used motor oils; or electronics like computer equipment, old radios, mobile phones, TVs, VCRs, calculators or copiers? 
Dispose of them properly, free of charge, on May 7th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
</description>
<category>Public Notice,News Release,FYI</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1707CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:19:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Turbocoating Corp. to create 100 new jobs over next five years at new facility in Hickory</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/turbocoating2011.pdf</link>
<description>The company will locate a manufacturing operation in the Catawba Industrial Commons, creating 110 new jobs with an average wage of over $50,000 and investing $15 million over the next five years. It will provide specialized services for parts used in gas turbine engines produced by Siemens, GE, Alstom and Rolls-Royce.

</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1706CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Catawba County EDC)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:16:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County honors employees with 25 or more years of service</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/qcc11.pdf</link>
<description>Employees with 25 or more years of service were recognized at the twenty-sixth annual Quarter Century Club lunch at the Catawba Country Club. Many current members of the club celebrated with retired County employees, who also served with the County for 25 or more years.  Catawba County formed the Quarter Century Club in 1986.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1705CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:15:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County Budget Office wins national honor for 22nd consecutive year.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/budaw11.pdf</link>
<description>For the twenty-second straight year, Catawba County�s Budget Office has been recognized by its peers for producing a budget document which is easy to read and understand. The Office has won the 2010 Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. This award recognized the County�s fiscal year 2010-2011 budget.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1702CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 8 Apr 2011 10:43:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba Industrial Commons to create manufacturing, distribution and warehousing space for industries</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/CatawbaIndustrialCommons.pdf</link>
<description>RealtyAnalytix Advisors, LLC announces the introduction of Catawba Industrial Commons, a multi-tenant industrial campus offering the most attractive, affordable and functional manufacturing, distribution and warehousing space in the Greater Catawba County region.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1701CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Catawba County EDC)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 7 Apr 2011 10:22:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County PIO wins top state honor</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/hardinnc3c.pdf</link>
<description>At the spring North Carolina City &amp; County Communicators  Conference, held March 30-April 1, in Fayetteville, NC, Dave Hardin, Public Information Officer for Catawba County, received the prestigious Chris Coulson Memorial Award.
The award is presented to a person whose character, career and service represents the highest standards and who excels in the practice of local government communications. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1698CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Mandy Pitts, City of Hickory)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 Apr 2011 11:53:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County managers join mayors to assist with Mayors for Meals program</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/mayorsmeals.pdf</link>
<description>Three area mayors and several other local officials recently participated in Mayors for Meals in Catawba County.
This event was sponsored by Catawba County Social Services� Senior Nutrition Programs, which operates Meals on Wheels, Seniors Morning Out and other senior nutrition programs serving more than 1,000 people.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1697CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 4 Apr 2011 11:51:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>WIC representatives scheduling appointments at April 16 Family Fair at CVCC.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/WICPSA0311.pdf</link>
<description>Representatives from Public Health�s Women, Infants and Children program will be attending the upcoming Family Fair at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) April 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to provide information and schedule appointments for families who qualify for WIC assistance.</description>
<category>FYI,News Release,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1695CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:40:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County Board of Commissioners Meeting Agenda for 9:30 a.m., Monday, April 4, 2011</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/commish/agendas/boc040411.asp</link>
<description>The agenda for the next meeting of the Catawba County Board of Commissioners, 9:30 a.m., Monday, April 4, 2011, 1924 Courthouse, Newton, is now available.</description>
<category>FYI,Public Notice,Official Statement</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1696CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:40:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County Social Services program works to help adult adoptees, birth parents and close relatives find each other.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/confidential%20intermediary.pdf</link>
<description>Family Builders, the adoption service of Catawba County Social Services, can now help adult adoptees, birth parents and their close relatives find each other. Not all counties in North Carolina offer this service, which is called Confidential Intermediary Services. Until recently all adoption records were sealed under North Carolina state law. In 2008, a new law took effect that allowed the release of certain records to adult adoptees and birth parents, if both parties agreed.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1694CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:15:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Catawba County Public Health brings flu immunization to 2500 students after cases increase in schools.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/schoolflu.pdf</link>
<description>Between February 16 and 24, 2011, more than 2,500 students in Catawba County�s three public school systems received the 2010-11 flu vaccine due to a successful partnership between the schools and Catawba County Public Health. School nurses collected permission forms from parents and coordinated flu vaccine mini-clinics at 43 schools.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1693CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Amy McCauley)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:12:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title>Low interest Small Business Administration loans available for Catawba County residents who suffered tornado damage.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/SBAdisasterloans.pdf</link>
<description>Residents and businesses affected by severe storms and tornado on Oct. 26 in Catawba County can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills announced today.  

Mills made the loans available in response to a letter from North Carolina Gov. Beverly E. Perdue on Nov. 12, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA.  The declaration covers Lincoln County and the adjacent counties of Burke, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell and Mecklenburg in North Carolina.
</description>
<category>Public Notice,FYI,News Release</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1675CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:20:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County wins grant for wireless broadband connection at EcoComplex</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/ecobroadband.asp</link>
<description>Catawba County has been awarded one of only two grants presented across the nation, by Motorola and the National Association of Counties (NACo), to local governments that suggested innovative solutions to improve operations within their respective counties. The $30,000 grant will fund the wireless broadband internet capacity needed at Catawba County�s EcoComplex to allow for real-time monitoring between EcoComplex laboratories, universities and businesses. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1674CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:41:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Social Services' Children's Services Manager honored. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/benson.pdf</link>
<description>Cyndy Benson, who recently retired as Family and Children�s Services program manager in the Department of Social Services, has received the Kimberly F. Crews Memorial Award from the N.C. Professional Society on the Abuse of Children. This award is presented annually to honor a person who works directly with children suspected of having been abused.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1663CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Margaret Allen)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:02:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County Public Health Educator wins Promising New Health Educator Award</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/lindsey%20smith.pdf</link>
<description>Lindsey Smith was recognized by the North Carolina Society for Public Health Education as a new health educator in North Carolina who has made outstanding contributions to the profession.</description>
<category>FYI,News Release,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1661CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kellie Coffey)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:03:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Planning to meet an emergency is especially important for persons with special needs</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/specialneedsplanning.asp</link>
<description>As it continues to note National Emergency Preparedness Month, Catawba County Emergency Services reminds citizens who have family members with special needs, and caregivers of those with special needs, that it�s very important to be prepared in advance to help those with special needs cope with an emergency or disastrous situation. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1654CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Karyn Yaussy)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:39:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County makes information on traffic incident locations available via Twitter. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/twittertraffic10.asp</link>
<description>Catawba County has upgraded a feed from its 911 Center of the information on calls regarding traffic incidents. The feed shows the type of incident reported, such as a vehicle accident, stranded motorist or vehicle fire, and gives the location of the incident. Only traffic related incidents are reported through this feed. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1651CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:57:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County telecommunicator named Supervisor Of The Year by state association</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/drumaward.pdf</link>
<description>Brian Drum, one of the supervisors of the Catawba County 911 Communications Center, who has been called upon to increase his supervising duties over the past year and has a record of dedication to 911 dispatch that spans more than ten years, has been recognized by his peers in the North Carolina Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (NC NENA) as Supervisor of the Year.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1650CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:07:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County Commissioner Glenn Barger honored by Board upon his retirement</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/bargerhonored.pdf</link>
<description>Commissioner Barger was recognized as �a leader with insight and determination� and a person of �trust, integrity, responsibility, and concern for fellow citizens� in a Distinguished Public Service Award presented to him during the meeting.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1649CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:42:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Important milestones begin in 2011 property revaluation in Catawba County</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/2011%20REVAL%20PROCESS.pdf</link>
<description>The final stages of the 2011 property revaluation process in Catawba County have begun with the presentation of the proposed 2011 Schedule of Values to the Board of Commissioners, and will continue into November, when property owners will receive notice of the new value of their property, and into December and early 2011 when the appeal process begins. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1639CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 7 Sep 2010 12:58:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Veteran of Catawba County Cooperative Extension is named new director</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/CarpenterCES.asp</link>
<description>Jeff Carpenter, who will begin new duties as Cooperative Extension Director on September 1, 2010, will oversee delivery of services to meet the Extension mission of sustaining agriculture and forestry, protecting the environment, maintaining viable communities, developing responsible youth and developing strong, healthy and safe families.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1632CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:08:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Public Health encourages air quality awareness</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/airquality.pdf</link>
<description>When it comes to air quality, many believe it's only an issue during the summer. Air quality remains a problem year round, with ozone being a concern in the summer and particulate matter posing a problem year round.  Public Health is working with local officials to raise the importance of air quality awareness and what citizens can do to help improve air quality. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1612CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kellie Coffey)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:56:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County names new Human Resources Director</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/eades.asp</link>
<description>Cynthia Eades, a long-time resident of Catawba County who is currently serving as Human Resources Director in Iredell County and has ten years of experience in local government human resources, has been named Catawba County�s new Human Resources Director. She will begin her new duties with Catawba County on July 1, 2010.  </description>
<category>News Release,News Release,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1608CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 3 Jun 2010 10:23:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Public Health's WIC Program helps kids develop a healthy appetite!</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/WIChelp.pdf</link>
<description>Children learn their habits, attitudes and beliefs from their parents and other caregivers, and that includes their willingness to try new and healthy foods. The American Dietetic Association and Catawba County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) encourages adults to be good role models and teach children how to appreciate nutrition and enjoy healthful eating. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1582CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kellie Coffey)</author>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:34:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County names new Emergency Services Director</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/blanton-ems.pdf</link>
<description>Bryan Blanton, who has steadily risen in positions of responsibility from paramedic to Training Officer to Manager of Emergency Medical Services, will now permanently supervise all of Catawba County's Emergency Services. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Public Notice</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1580CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:48:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County Public Health dental practice reaches out to children.</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/dentalclinic.pdf</link>
<description>Proper dental care and routine trips to the dentist help to guarantee that children and adults not only have a healthy smile, but a healthy body as well. To help ensure that every child in Catawba County has access to dental care, Catawba County Public Health Dental Practice serves as a resource for children ages 4 to 17.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1571CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kellie Coffey)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:57:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>FEMA grant will help pay to improve fire and rescue radio communications in Catawba County. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/viper.asp</link>
<description>A partnership of all fourteen fire departments and all five rescue squads in the county with Catawba County Emergency Services has resulted in a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that will fund a large amount of the costs to purchase new radios to significantly improve communications by and between the fire and rescue agencies and the County�s 911 Communications Center. </description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1560CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Help plan for the new Carolina Thread Trail by taking online survey</title>
<link>http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JRRFMH5</link>
<description>Help shape the future of greenways and trails in Catawba County!  Catawba County and the Carolina Thread Trail planners ask citizens to help with planning for the trail by taking an online survey.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1554CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Lighting Ceremony Kicks Off Construction Of UNCCs EPIC Project</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/epic.asp</link>
<description>Two members of the Catawba County Board of Commissioners, Vice-Chair Lynn Lail and Commissioner Barbara Beatty joined UNC Charlotte officials and leaders from business and power industries to celebrate the start of construction on the University�s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC). 


EPIC is a planned research endeavor between the University and private partners with the goal of expanding energy engineering and research within the region based on industry needs. The Catawba County EcoComplex will play an important role in EPIC through research partnership between Catawba County and UNC-Charlotte 
</description>
<category>Public Notice,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1545CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba Co. joins other area counties &amp; cities to approve settlement of Catawba River Basin Inter Basin Transfer issue</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/IBTsettlement.pdf</link>
<description>The Catawba County Board of Commissioners, at its January 19, 2010 meeting, joined with other local governments across the region in approving the agreement.

The main points of the agreement hinged on Concord and Kannapolis modifying their ability, contained in their IBT certificate, to withdraw 10 million gallons of water per day (MGD) from the Catawba River at all times, by significantly limiting withdrawals during times of drought. The agreement limits withdrawals to 6 MGD during times of most severe drought, or �exceptional� drought; 7 MGD during �extreme� drought; 8.5 MGD during �severe� drought; and 9 MGD during �moderate� drought. Further, the agreement restricts Concord and Kannapolis from withdrawing more than 3 MGD from the Catawba until July 1, 2015, and after they first are withdrawing 5 MGD from the Yadkin River.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1540CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba Co., UNC-Charlotte sign agreement to collaborate on environmental and energy research at EcoComplex</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/UNCCEcoComplex.pdf</link>
<description>Three applied research centers at the Charlotte Research Institute will install instrumentation and conduct experiments at the Eco-Complex, an expansion of innovative waste reduction and waste processing technology already underway at the Complex.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1541CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County Social Services releases data from Livable and Senior Friendly Community Survey. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/agingsurvexecsummary.pdf</link>
<description>In the fall of 2009, as a part of the Catawba Aging Leadership Planning Project, Catawba County, along with aging service providers, volunteers and local
municipalities developed a �Livable &amp; Senior Friendly Community Survey�. This survey was widely distributed throughout Catawba County and targeted the County�s
Senior Community, their caregivers and professionals in the aging field. The purpose of the survey was to obtain current and relevant information on the quality of life of
seniors. Obtaining this information is important when looking toward the future of Catawba County.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1538CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Dave Hardin)</author>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County Health Partners names Volunteer Of The Year. </title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/pekman09.pdf</link>
<description>Louise Ackerman serves as the Chairwoman for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (A.S.A.P.) of Catawba County.  A.S.A.P. is a volunteer coalition made up of Catawba County residents with members from all segments of the community, including education, law enforcement, the criminal justice system, the faith community, mental health, social services, public health, local business, parents and youth that work together to combat underage drinking and substance abuse.  
</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1537CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kellie Coffey)</author>
<pubDate>Fri, 8 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County Public Health reports restaurant patrons appreciate new &quot;smoke-free&quot; law</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/restsmokefree.pdf</link>
<description>As of January 2, 2010 restaurants, bars and other businesses that serve food and drink in Catawba County became smoke-free. Many health advocates and local residents are pleased that they can now enjoy a healthier dining experience. The ban is a result of a new law that prohibits smoking in all restaurants and bars across North Carolina.</description>
<category>News Release,FYI,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1535CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Kellie Coffey)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 7 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title>Catawba County Cooperative Extension joins national Small Steps To Health And Wealth Challenge</title>
<link>http://www.catawbacountync.gov/events/SSHW.asp</link>
<description>The Challenge is part of Small Steps to Health and Wealth�, a national Cooperative Extension program developed to motivate Americans to take action to simultaneously improve their health and personal finances. SSHW was built around a framework of 25 research-based behavior change strategies. The Challenge was originally developed in a �paper and pencil� format with printed worksheets and is now available online.
</description>
<category>Please Choose,Please Choose,Please Choose</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">1536CCGRSS</guid>
<author>webmaster@catawbacountync.gov (Glennie Daniels)</author>
<pubDate>Thu, 7 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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