Caldwell
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Caldwell County, North Carolina
Snow in downtown Granite Falls on Wednesday, January 17
26 Flu related deaths so far this season in North Carolina CALDWELL COUNTY, NC (January 18, 2017)...Mandy Cohen, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services secretary was quoted as saying that the worst is yet to come. Flu cases usually peak in February and experts believe it will be earlier this year. She said the prevalence in the number of flu cases in North Carolina this year is slightly higher compared with previous years. Twenty-six people statewide, including two children, have already died of the flu since early October. Cohen said that there is still time to get a flu shot. Getting a flu shot can help reduce the severity of the flu if you do come down with it, and it protects people around you as well, Cohen said. There is no shortage of the vaccine and the shot takes about two weeks to take full effect – just in time for the peak of the flu season next month and March. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against flu, but their loved ones as well. “As this year’s flu season approaches, remember these four simple tips to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others: wash your hands often, cover your cough, stay home when sick and get your flu vaccine,” said the Caldwell County Health Department’s Preparedness Coordinator, Chad Coffey. Continued on page 4...
Thursday, January 18, 2018
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Caldwell Journal Info
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Caldwell Journal Weather Plenty of sunshine. High 45 Low 21 Precipitation: 0.00 in. High 54 Low 22 Precipitation: 0.00 in. High 58 Low 35 Precipitation: 0.00 in. Partly sunny & mild High 60 Low 34 Precipitation: 0.00 in. High 56 Low 32 Precipitation: 0.00 in. Mostly sunny. High 53 Low 27 Precipitation: 0.00 in. High 52 Low 29 Precipitation: 0.00 in.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Hickory’s on the rise: Ranks No. 3 “biggest gainer” in new economic growth study HICKORY, NC (January 12, 2018)…Hickory’s economy is rapidly growing, according to a new study cited by USA TODAY. Hickory, N.C. is ranked the No. 3 “biggest gainer” of 2017, after rising 64 places to No. 103 on Milken Institute’s list of Best-Performing Cities in America. Milken Institute’s annual report analyzes economic trends and dynamics shaping American cities and highlights the factors driving innovation and growth across the nation. City rankings were based on job growth during the 12 months ending last August and over the past six years. It also ranked the cities on wage growth and high-tech output in recent years. The USA TODAY article described Hickory as “once a textile and furniture manufacturing center” that has “revived as a hub of cloud computing and data centers for giants such as Apple and Google.” The article also noted Hickory’s growing popularity as a destination for retirees.
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Mushroom Lentil Barley Stew Ingredients 2 quarts vegetable broth 2 cups sliced fresh button mushrooms 1 oz. dried shiitake mushrooms, torn into pieces 3/4 cup uncooked pearl barley 3/4 cup dry lentils 1/4 cup dried onion flakes 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 teaspoons dried summer savory 3 bay leaves 1 teaspoon dried basil 2 teaspoons ground black pepper salt to taste
“Hickory is truly a city on the rise and it is great to be recognized for our recent growth,” said City Manager Warren Wood. “Economic growth will be a main priority for the City in the coming years, and we are making efforts today that will positively impact the local economy for years down the road. Especially with the recent launch of the City’s new Instructions Business Development and Planning Division, In a slow cooker, mix the broth, button mushHickory’s economy is going to continue to flourrooms, shiitake mushrooms, barley, lentils, onion ish.” flakes, garlic, savory, bay leaves, basil, pepper, and The Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities in salt. Cover, and cook 4 to 6 hours on High or 10 to America complete annual report is available for 12 hours on Low. Remove bay leaves before servdownload at http://best-cities.org/. To read the ing. full USA TODAY article, please visit: https:// Want to share a recipe? www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/01/10/ Send to: provo-utah-best-performing-economy-among-bigmark.jackson@caldwelljournal.com u-s-cities/1017141001/.
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Thursday, January 18, 2018
26 Flu related deaths so far this season in North Carolina Continued from page 1…
About Influenza (Flu) Viruses… Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people — such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions — are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Seasonal influenza vaccine must be changed each year as the viruses naturally change over time. To avoid catching the flu, get vaccinated each year and practice good hand hygiene. To avoid giving the flu to others, stay home when you are sick, cough or sneeze into tissues and discard them properly, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an approved hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. During October through May, the N.C. Division of Public Health provides weekly updates on the spread of the influenza in North Carolina. Flu symptoms include… A 100 degree or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever) A cough and/or sore throat A runny or stuffy nose Headaches and/or body aches Chills Fatigue Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children) Here are some flu prevention tips from the CDC… • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu. From www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/prevention.htm For more Flu related information visit www.flu.nc.gov How much are flu vaccines at CCHD? We take most insurances (current Medicare part B card, current Medicaid card or any other private insurance card). You must present a copy of the front and back of your insurance card at time of service. Uninsured is $25. And, do you need an appointment? Yes, call 828-426-8400 to schedule an appointment. You can download a copy of the CCHD Flu Vaccine consent form from the Caldwell County website at www.caldwellcountync.org/health-department.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
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Cobras Move to 2-0 in Conference Play HUDSON, NC (By Colt Jensen of CCC&TI- January 18, 2018)…In their fourth game in eight days, the Caldwell Tech Cobras defeated conference foe Denmark Tech 79-74. The Cobras are now 2-0 in Region X conference play, 14-4 overall, and undefeated in games played since the New Year. In Caldwell’s second conference game, things got off to a slow offensive start for both teams, but the Cobras solid team play and strong defense gave the Cobras an eight-point advantage at the halftime buzzer. In the second half, fatigue began to become a factor for the Cobras, and their defense began to surrender points at an alarming rate. Denmark Tech was able to score nearly twice the points they scored in the first half, and only a strong scoring finish allowed Caldwell to escape with the win. Despite struggling throughout the second half, it was the Cobras resiliency and team oriented style of play ultimately helped them to earn the hard-fought victory. “Our team simply came in focused today, because we knew this would be a tough conference game on the road.” guard Jaylon Wray said. “We knew we would have to play as a team and not let individual performances get in the way of the team game plan.” Jaylon Wray’s impressive stat line of 22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals also was very helpful in propelling Caldwell Tech to the win. Wray led fellow guards Chase Byrd, who had 18 points, and Trevor Willis, who scored 14 points, in double digit scoring for the Cobras. However, a win and some impressive individual performances did not necessarily equate to a satisfactory team performance. “It definitely wasn’t a pretty one, but we will take it.” head coach Matt Anderson said. “I don’t think I had our guys prepared to play today, and we just never seemed to get a rhythm. We talked a lot about the importance of it being a conference game, but we just didn’t have the energy or focus we needed.” Even with a somewhat disappointing outing, the Caldwell Cobras have now won four straight games, and now have a chance to earn a big conference win this Saturday. “Going into Saturday, we just want to get our guys some rest and continue to try to improve in several different areas.” coach Anderson said, “The team we play this Saturday, USC Salkehatchie, is a really good team, so we will have our work cut out for us.” Caldwell Tech will play USC Salkehatchie this Saturday at 3pm on the Caldwell campus.
Stay Safe and Avoid Scams - North Carolina Price Gouging Law in Effect RALEIGH, NC (January 16, 2018)…The price gouging law that protects consumers from scammers is now in effect in all 100 North Carolina counties due to Gov. Roy Cooper’s declaration of a State of Emergency related to the coming winter storm. Attorney General Josh Stein notified businesses and consumers today to be on the lookout for any issues. “My office is here to protect North Carolinians from scams and fraud,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “That is true all the time – but especially during severe weather. It is against the law to charge an excessive price during a state of emergency. If you see a business taking advantage of this storm, please let my office know so we can hold them accountable.” North Carolina has a strong statute against price gouging – charging too much during a time of crisis – that is tied directly to a declaration of a state of emergency. When Gov. Roy Cooper declared the state of emergency, the statute went into effect and will remain so until the state of emergency is lifted. Attorney General Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Justice will be reviewing complaints from consumers closely over the next several weeks and is prepared to take action against any businesses engaging in price gouging activities. Please report potential price gouging by calling 1-877-5-NOSCAM or file a complaint at www.ncdoj.gov.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
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Thursday, January 18, 2018
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High School Students – Shakespeare monologue competition LENOIR, NC (January 12, 2018)…High school students from traditional, home and private schools in Caldwell and contiguous counties (Burke, Catawba, Watauga, Avery, Alexander and Wilkes counties) are invited to participate in the 6th Annual High School Shakespeare Monologue Competition sponsored by the Caldwell Arts Council and Caldwell County Schools. Over $1,000 in cash awards will be presented. Details for participation are on the website: http:// www.caldwellarts.com/227-shakespearemonologue-competition/. Caldwell County students should contact their school’s office ASAP to find the Shakespeare Monologue Competition coordinator in each school. Private school, home school and other students from outside Caldwell County should register directly with the Caldwell Arts Council at 828-7542486 or info@caldwellarts.com. Applications will be accepted now through March 16, 2018 – first come, first served on monologue selection. Monologues awarded will be posted immediately on that web page. The final competition will be held April 7, 2018, 1:30p.m. at the JE Broyhill Civic Center. For further information, please contact the Caldwell Arts Council at 828-754-2486 or visit www.caldwellarts.com
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SBI Arrests Mission Hospital Nurse for Fentanyl Thefts ASHEVILLE, NC (January 17, 2018)…A registered nurse from Asheville’s Mission Hospital had her first court appearance yesterday after the State Bureau of Investigation arrested her Friday on charges of stealing fentanyl from her employer. Meg Elizabeth Eisenhower, 42, of Fairview, was charged with three counts of felonious embezzlement of a controlled substance by an employee of a registrant during the months of April, May and June of 2017. Eisenhower worked in Mission Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit’s Neuro-Trauma where it is alleged she diverted liquid fentanyl. She was released from custody on a $50,000 unsecured bond.
First Baptist Church 8 Crestview St, Granite Falls
Open Monday - Friday - 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Serving Coffee and Coffee House Beverages Begin the day with a hot or cold beverage and a Word from the Master
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Thursday, January 18, 2018
Blue Ridge Energy Offers Help for Winter Power Bills as Extreme Cold Increases Heating Needs, Impacting Bills LENOIR, NC (January 5, 2018) – Higher energy bills for many consumers across the region are resulting from North Carolina’s sustained cold temperatures causing increased heating needs. The number of days with lows below 10 degrees was at nearly an all-time high and the first seven days of 2018 have reportedly been the coldest such period on record for most climate stations in western North Carolina, according to Rays Weather. Blue Ridge Energy is offering help and additional assistance for its members and customers. Many are seeing relief by spreading payments using Budget Billing or customized payment arrangements, as well as FlexPay for more flexible payment plans. As a special effort to help members directly with these uncommon expenses, Blue Ridge Energy is re-establishing its So No One Goes Cold campaign. This campaign asks members who can afford to help to contribute and utilizes local helping agencies to identify families in need that can be helped with Operation Round Up crisis heating funds during this critical time of need. Blue Ridge Energy electric members and propane and heating fuel customers are eligible to apply through local helping agencies in each county. A full list of helping agencies is available at: www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com/WeCare. As a special effort to distribute more crisis heating assistance, Blue Ridge Energy is re-establishing its So No One Goes Cold campaign. This campaign utilizes local helping agencies to distribute more Operation Round Up crisis heating funds during this critical time of need. Blue Ridge Energy electric members and propane and heating fuel customers are eligible to apply through local helping agencies in each county. A full list of helping agencies is available at: www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com/ WeCare. Please be aware: Blue Ridge Energy is currently experiencing an overload of telephone calls due to the extreme cold weather. Continued on page 9...
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Blue Ridge Energy Offers Help for Winter Power Bills as Extreme Cold Increases Heating Needs, Impacting Bills Continued from page 8…
Members and customers are encouraged to contact their local helping agencies directly or go online to www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com/WeCare for more information. For those who would like to contribute to So No One Goes Cold to help with crisis heating assistance, please donate online at: www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com/WeCare or mail a check payable to the Blue Ridge Electric Members Foundation to Blue Ridge Energy, PO Box 112, Lenoir, NC, 28645. All donations are tax deductible and every penny goes to help those in need. Additionally, Usage Tracker is a free tool that can help members see their daily electricity usage and how weather has impacted their bill. It’s available under My Account at www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com or through the Blue Ridge mobile app. “We’re concerned about the effect consistently low temperatures are having on people’s budgets,” said Renee Whitener, Blue Ridge Energy director of public relations. “Combined with additional energy we all typically use during the holidays when we’re home doing more cooking, entertaining and heating our homes, many are seeing higher than normal energy bills. “Blue Ridge Energy is working to help by providing additional crisis heating assistance being made available through So No One Goes Cold, as well as offering flexible payment options to help now and long term,” Whitener said. Blue Ridge Energy serves 75,000 electric cooperative members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties as well as parts of Alexander, Wilkes and Avery counties. Blue Ridge Energy’s Propane and Fuels subsidiary offers gas hearth and home products as well as residential and business propane and fuel from the cooperative’s offices in Lenoir, Boone, West Jefferson, Sparta and from offices in Morganton and Independence, Virginia. For more information, visit www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com.
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Thursday, January 18, 2018
Local author releases two new books GRANITE FALLS, NC (January 15, 2018)‌Local author Blair Bryant has released a new work of Caldwell County fiction titled Holling and Me. The book takes place in the Baton Community during the time of World War II. Bryant has also recently released the second edition of The Spoon in My Pocket with an all new cover. The story is also set in Caldwell County. Both books are available locally in Lenoir at Folk Keeper Gallery and Antiques and at Leap of Faith Christian Book Store.
Granite Drug Center 828.212.1066
Thursday, January 18, 2018
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Thursday, January 18, 2018
Reforming Reformation by Daniel B. Rundquist Special to the Caldwell Journal…A lot of folks think that Congress just passed a measure that will bring tax reform. Well that’s a nice thought, but it’s only that. The bill was even widely talked about as “tax reform” but this is not so. This got me thinking about the broader notion of reform and what citizens should be looking for when politicians began to try to sell us on this feature of their plans. The recent tax bill is a good example of a non-reform measure packaged and sold as reform. It is not. While the merits and demerits of the law can be debated, what it appears to do is simply shift around the burden of the tax in different ways to different people for different reasons—but be assured, government does not take less from the people overall, and that is one reason why it is truly not a reform. An example of a policy that looks a little more like reform without upsetting the apple cart of tax brackets would be a ten-year tax plan: year one, government cuts all budgets for all spending by 5% and correspondingly, all rate brackets drop by 5%. This is repeated for a total of three years. Year four sees the same program with a 2.5% drop, and year five sees a 1% drop. Years six through ten see the same 1% per year cut in spending, but this reduction in spending is applied directly to paying down the principle on the national debt. In this way, government reduces its size, spends less, and takes away less money from the people who pay taxes in whatever tax bracket they are in. Yes, this idea represents a large cut is spending. Correct. This measure would automatically require less taxation and deal with deficit spending. It would force government to choose which programs need funding rather than allowing them to continue to grow every government agency through the current system of baseline budgeting. For once, government would be required to tighten its belt, and, why shouldn’t they? Have you noticed that the United States is now $21 trillion dollars in debt? There are other tax plans like the flat tax and the fair tax that would also represent an actual reform; I am not suggesting that my little scheme is the best one.
So, what programs get cut? Well that of course is up to Congress to manage. It would be impossible for me here to get into those details, but I do recommend another measure. For the eight years under President Obama, our Congress refused to pass a budget. They operated on what is called continuing resolutions (CR). These short-term spending bills basically allow government to operate at its same level without ever passing a budget. They are normally good for a few months at a time, are typically renewed over and over, and were primarily used as political cover for the congress at the time. Why? Because hammering out an actual budget requires that all spending proposals be examined, debated in the open, and negotiated. This exposes the elected officials to potential criticism come election year. Most of that embarrassment can be avoided by simply passing a CR instead. We are operating the nation under a CR presently here in January 2018. This is not the process required by the U.S. Constitution. It is the job of Congress to pass a budget. When people choose not to do their job, there are consequences, and this task is one the few actually called out specifically for Congress in the Constitution. It is serious business. As an American citizen, a voter, and a taxpayer, I have every right to expect that my elected officials fulfill their constitutionally mandated tasks to which they swore an oath to execute when they were elected. Consequently, if they fail to pass a budget for any given year, they should be recalled immediately—fired. It does not matter what the circumstances are, the consequences of not passing a balanced budget and instead relying upon CR after CR to run the government is absolutely not acceptable. This measure would force Congress to do its job, and send home the ones who choose not to. Term limits are another big policy that would cause the power base in Washington to shift away from the political class back to the citizens, and it is needed now more than ever. If we could get only one measure passed let it be term limits. None of these plans are ever likely to be seriously considered or adopted because our political class likes things the way they are today. Continued on page 5...
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Reforming Reformation by Daniel B. Rundquist Continued from page 4…
If that were not so, why have they not changed anything already? No, they are comfortable with the present arrangement, no matter how uncomfortable it makes the citizenry, and they will fight against anyone who challenges the system they have worked so hard to maintain. But we still do not need “reform” here. Frankly, I get a bit queasy when I hear our elected officials and the media using the word, “reform.” I hope that we do not continue to see this word used in reference to legislative agendas in the future. If we accept the premise that “America needs reform” and then allow policies of “reform” it is akin to the people of the United States giving a third party (in this case, the government itself) free license to change whatever they want as they see fit—and such measures should never be allowed or promoted in that fashion. American government does not need reform. Our Constitutional Framers already did that when they moved the nation from operating under the Articles of Confederation to the ratification of the Constitutional Republic we have in motion today. The last thing the nation needs is for some perhaps well-intentioned wizards of smart to monkey with the Constitution under the guise of “reform.” Most likely these “reformers” would not be the statesmen that we would want in handling this, but instead lawyers hired by the political class to rearrange matters to help further consolidate power and money to Washington. The United States Constitution is not the problem in America. The fact that our government continually operates outside of its defined boundaries is. What I propose instead of any program of dubious “reform” is rather a series of policies for a better and more appropriate term, restoration. The government should be restored to its constitutionally defined size, role, and scope. With the debt so high today it’s easy to remember that government has supersized itself over the past fifteen years or so. A constitutional federal government is a small government when you read the document. It is a less expensive government. It is not a bloated, wasteful monster, continually growing itself; that has placed itself in charge of everything from providing your health care to regulating the amount of water in your toilet. Let the Constitution become our litmus test for all legislative proposals. Congress thinks it already has a process for doing this. I think there is enough evidence to prove otherwise. When I read through the U.S. Constitution I do not see words like, “Environmental Protection Agency” or “appropriations for abortion” listed there. We have a long and hard road ahead if restoration of the American Republic is ever to be achieved. It is our responsibility to send the right folks to Washington to do the job.
Attorney General Josh Stein Takes Action to Stop Illegal Net Neutrality Rollback RALEIGH, NC (January 16, 2018)…Attorney General Josh Stein today took action to block the Federal Communication Commission’s illegal rollback of net neutrality. “North Carolinians must have access to reliable internet to educate their children, run their businesses, engage with the world, and connect with family and friends,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “The internet is the core infrastructure of the 21st century -- it must be open to all. That's why I oppose the FCC’s effort to abolish net neutrality. Today I am taking legal action to protect the people of North Carolina.” Attorney General Stein, along with 22 other attorneys general, filed a petition for review to formally begin a lawsuit against the FCC and the federal government.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
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Thursday, January 18, 2018
U.S. Forest Service sets fee-free dates for 2018 ASHEVILLE, NC (January 11, 2018)‌The Nantahala National Forest will waive fees at Whiteside Mountain and Whitewater Falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 15, the first of six feefree days the U.S. Forest Service uses as an extra incentive to encourage people to visit national forests and grasslands. The fee waiver program is in cooperation with other federal land management agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Fees are waived generally for day-use areas where fees are typically charged to help provide amenities for visitors' comfort and convenience. No fees are charged at any time on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands, and approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. Additional Forest Service fee-free days in 2018 are: - Feb. 19 - Presidents Day - June 9 - National Get Outdoors Day, an event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun - Sept. 22 - National Public Lands Day, the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands - Nov. 10-11 - Veterans Day Weekend The Pisgah National Forest will waive fees at the Cradle of Forestry and Roan Mountain on June 9 and Sept 22. These sites are normally closed for the season on the remaining fee-free days. The other federal land management agencies - Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers - determine their fee-free schedule. The annual $80 Interagency Annual Pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas. There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, current members of the military, families of fourth-grade students, disabled citizens, and volunteers. Learn more passes and permits at www.fs.fed.us/visit/ passes-permits. National forests and grasslands are working lands that provide a multitude of benefits to the American public, including contributing more than $30 billion annually to the American economy and supporting nearly 360,000 jobs. Recreation alone accounts for more than $9 billion in annual visitor spending.
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Thursday, January 18, 2018
Appalachian names newest facility Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences BOONE, NC (By Jeffrey Swaim of ASU - January 16, 2018)…Appalachian State University has received a $5 million grant from The Leon Levine Foundation of Charlotte. In recognition of their generosity, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees in December approved naming the university’s newest facility — currently under construction — the Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences. The building will house Appalachian’s Beaver College of Health Sciences (BCHS). Referencing the state’s growing health care needs, Chancellor Sheri Everts emphasized the importance the facility will play in increasing the health care workforce. “Health education is a longstanding priority for Appalachian. This new facility will expand our opportunities for education and outreach, and over the course of their careers as health professionals, our graduates will have immeasurable impact on the lives of others. Leon Levine’s investment in our students will elevate the future of health care in our state,” she said. Nearly 3,500 students are enrolled in the BCHS, which offers 10 undergraduate degree programs and six graduate degree programs. Courses of study are organized into six departments: Communication Sciences and Disorders; Health and Exercise Science; Nursing; Nutrition and Health Care Management; Recreation Management and Physical Education; and Social Work. Dr. Marie Huff, dean of the BCHS, said the new building was designed to promote and enhance learning opportunities for students, faculty and community members. “Moving five of our six departments into one building enables us to leverage the new collaborative learning spaces, enhanced research laboratories and a developing interprofessional clinic to empower students from different disciplines to learn and practice together,” she said. “Our intent is to foster a collaborative, patient-centered practice model resulting in better health care services for future patients and their families.” Located at the intersection of Deerfield Road and State Farm Road, the 203,000-square-foot building will open for the fall 2018 semester on a 9.2-acre site donated by Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. The project is designed by architects LS3P Associates Ltd., and Rodgers Builders Inc. is the lead contractor. Appalachian’s first major building located off the main campus, this structure was planned to be an integral part of the community. Its location will provide easy access and parking for community members, who will be drawn to lectures, community meetings and health fairs, as well as the college’s interprofessional clinic. Leon Levine is the founder of Family Dollar Stores Inc. and has built The Leon Levine Foundation into one of the country’s largest philanthropic organizations. Health care is one of the foundation’s key areas of support. According to the foundation’s website, Levine “wants to ensure that as many people have access to care as possible so that individuals can lead productive lives and spend more time with their loved ones.” Levine acknowledged Appalachian’s long-standing history of transforming lives through education. “Appalachian is an admired university committed to empowering its students. My wife, Sandra, and I are proud to support Appalachian’s growing college of health sciences and, most importantly, the promising students committed to caring for the health needs of others.” The new building was partially financed by the Connect NC Bond package and is slated to be the first UNC System building funded by that bond package to be completed.