Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Banking legend runs for N.C. House

His news release Tuesday accurately began with the phrase “In a surprise political announcement.” Retired banking legend John Forlines, a Democrat, filed as a challenger for the 87th House District seat held by Edgar Starnes. The district comprises most of Caldwell County.
Forlines will make his first bid for political office at 90. If elected, he’ll likely become the oldest member of the N.C. House. The oldest sitting member is Dewey Hill of Whiteville, who is 82. The all-time oldest member was Ruth Easterling, who ended her service in 2002 at 92.
Several area political insiders were surprised by Forlines’ move, though some within the Democratic Party knew he was considering it.

This is the news story that will appear in Wednesday’s print edition. 

Kitty enters race

One of this year’s most interesting races is now official.
Kitty Barnes, chairwoman of the Catawba County Board of Commissioners, filed today to challenge longtime incumbent Austin Allran for his North Carolina Senate seat. The two will compete in the May 6 primary. Lynn Lail, a fellow commissioner, and husband, Leroy, will host a campaign kick-off party on Thursday.

Here is Barnes’ news release from Tuesday.

International Women’s Day 2008

International Women’s Day 2008 will be celebrated in the Greater Hickory Area on March 8, 2008 at the Hickory Museum of Art beginning at 6:00 p.m.  This year’s theme is “Shaping Progress”.  The keynote speaker will be Jo Ann Spees.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked on March 8 every year.  It is a major day of global celebration for economic, political, and social achievements of women.

During our celebration, different cultural groups will present awards to outstanding women from the Hickory area.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Sigmon offers alternative to veterans’ clinic

Republican Lance Sigmon supports mobile medical clinics such as those used in Washington, Missouri and Pennsylvania, as an alternative to standard VA clincics.
The Veterans Administration signed a lease last year for an interim outpatient clinic on Fairgrove Church Road in Hickory. The 10,000-square-foot site is expected to be open by August.
A permanent 20,000-square-foot facility to serve 10,000 local veterans is planned for completionin 2010.

This is Sigmon’s release from Feb. 15. 

District Court Judge files for re-election

District Court Judge Gary Dellinger filed for re-election last week with the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Dellinger, who was appointed to the position last year, serves in the 25th Judicial District that includes Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties. Prior to his appointment, the Catawba County native had served as an assistant district attorney since 1982.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Ivester files for Congressional seat

Democrat Steve Ivester filed for the 10th District Congressional seat Friday. Ivester faces fellow Hickory resident Daniel Johnson in the May primary.
Here is Ivester’s news release.

McHenry files for re-election

U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry filed for re-election this week. Obviously, no surprise here. The young Congressman seems to enjoy his time in Washington. Many observers believe the 32-year-old plans to be there a long time.
But his path to retaining his seat in 2008 appears significantly more difficult than in 2006, when he faced no Republican opposition and a relatively unknown Democrat in Richard Carsner. Carsner ran a spirited campaign, although the outcome was never really in doubt. Carsner garnered roughly 40 percent of the vote in the heavily-conservative 10-county district.
McHenry faces Republican military attorney Lance Sigmon in the May primary. Two Hickory residents, Daniel Johnson and Steve Ivester, compete for the Democratic nomination.

The following is McHenry’s news release from Thursday. Ivester also filed this week. Johnson filed last week. Their releases follow.

Beatty files for re-election

Catawba County Board of Commissioner Barbara Beatty filed for re-election last week. Beatty, a native of the Balls Creek area, will seek her third four-year term.

Here is Beatty’s news release from Friday.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Sigmon: I’m 10th District’s top salesman

Congressional candidate Lance Sigmon promises to actively assist in garnering grant funding for local agencies. He’ll be the “number one salesman in Congress for my district,” he says.

This is Sigmon’s release from Feb. 21.