Verdict reached

9:30 AM - the jury is deliberating. I will update you if the jury comes back with any questions or a verdict. Stay tuned.

10:30 - The jury returned a verdict of guilty of voluntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to 72 to 96 months in prison.

Check back here shortly for reaction from the defendant's family. Samuel's family was not in the courtroom when the verdict was announced.

Case in jury's hands

1:27 PM - The jury has started deliberating the case. They can reach the following verdicts: guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter or not guilty.

I will update you if the jury comes back with any questions or a verdict.

2:10 - The jury has requested the definitions of second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. The judge is providing instructions.

2:47 - The jury has requested a 30-minute break. The judge has let them go for a half-hour.

4:30 - The jury is still out. Haven't heard a peep from them since the came back from their break.

4:46 - The jury sent another note asking if they don't reach a verdict today what do they do. The judge recessed the jury and instructed the jury to return in the morning. He also noted that the court will begin selecting a jury for another trial tomorrow.

Closing arguments - UPDATED 1:10 PM

9:40 AM - Defense Attorney Julian Wray opened court Wednesday morning with the defense’s closing argument.

He said his client, Dameon Romell Early, shot Paras Samuel out of self-defense.

"This is a tragedy for both parties, there’s no question about that but he’s not guilty of a crime," said Wray. "The evidence in this case says my client is not guilty. Dameon Early has said’ I’m not guilty’ from the beginning. All of his statements to law enforcement say he’s not guilty. He said it in his hospital bed, he said it voluntarily."

He said the state waited 30 days before the trial date to start gathering evidence in the case. He said they didn’t talk to Sherwin Allen until July, more than a year after the shooting.

Dameon early didn’t get a complete and thorough investigation from law enforcement. It’s something he’s entitled to and didn’t get.

Wray said a lot of the prosecution’s evidence focused on the distance between Early and Samuel before the shooting. He said none of the witnesses gave similar distances.

"Perception of distance and time differ in the heat of the moment," said Wray. "Don’t chase a rabbit. It’s not relevant. My client didn’t have a tape measure."

He said again this is a case of self-defense.

"Dameon had all the good reason to fear for his life," said Wray.

11:04 - Court is in recess for 15 minutes.

11:21 - Defense continues closing argument. Wray is going over the laws regarding self-defense.

11:39 - Defense wraps up closing argument. Prosecution begins closing argument.

Assistant District Attorney Bill Young said the defense was simply trying to muddy the water and distract the jury from the real issues of the case.

Young said the witnesses are consistent on the key issues, such as who fired the first shot. He said the defense witness, Sarah Thompson's testimony about the number of shots and the sounds of the shots, were not consistent with the physical evidence. He also mentioned that Early and Thompson were good friends.

He said Early changes his testimony to attempt to make him look better.

"The defendant is not telling the truth," said Young. "He's not a believable man."

12:38 - Young is going over the laws.

12:48 - Prosecution wraps up closing argument. Court is in 10 minute recess.

12:58 - The jury has decided not to take a lunch. The judge is now giving the jury instructions.

Tuesday afternoon murder trial action - UPDATED 3:49 PM

2:02 PM - The judge informed the prosecution and defense that someone approached a juror during the lunch break while she was eating at Tastee T. He said someone asked her how long the case is going to take. The judge said the juror didn't reply to the person. He said he hasn't seen that person in the courtroom during the trial.

2:05 - Early gets back on the stand with Young continuing his cross-examination. Young is questioning Early about the bullets in the gun he used. Early said he had five, two of which were "shot shells"

2:33 - The defense called Detective Richard Ivey of the SPD to the stand. He is testifying about his interview with Early. (where it took place, how it took place.)

3:16 - Ivey left the stand and the court took a 15 minute recess.

3:35 - The defense rests it's case. The prosecution requested that Ivey be called back to the stand to review the video tape of the interview with the purpose of impeaching the defendant's testimony.

He said there are two issues that conflict with his testimony today and his interview with police. One centers around a statement to police about him putting his gun in his pocket rather than his holster because he had gotten a hair got that day. Early said multiple times he never said that. The second issue is about the distance between Early and Samuel when the shooting occurred. Young said his testimony today doesn't accurately described his comments to police.

The judge ruled that Ivey doesn't have to come back but the prosecution can show clips of the video to the jury.

3:45 - the judge dismisses the jurors for the rest of the day to prep the prosecution and defense for the closing arguments.

3:48 - The defense motioned for the case to be dismissed saying the prosecutions witnesses conflicted each other. The judge denied the motion.

Tuesday's murder trial action - UPDATED 11:55 AM

9:45 a.m. - Before the jury came in, Defense Attorney Julian Wray informed the court that the state offered his client, Dameon Romell Early, a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter Monday afternoon. He informed the court that Early decided to reject the offer and wants to continue with the trial.

9:47 - The defense calls Orlando Agar, 22, to the stand. He said he was over a friends house when Samuel showed up looking for him.

"We were still beefing," said Agar. "I guess he was coming to handle that situation. I wasn't scared of him. I had my gun."

Agar said he knew Samuel had a gun but didn't know if he had it that day.

He said he later heard gun shots down the road so he pulled his gun thinking the shots were for him. He said he found out it wasn't and that Samuel was shot.

10:22 - Agar left the stand and the court is in recess to deal with a juror issue. A family member of the juror has came to the court to talk to the juror regarding a personal matter. It was mentioned earlier by the judge that a juror's uncle was given 24 to 48 hours to live.

10:30 - After meeting with family, the juror came in and said her uncle's family has been called to the uncle's bed side. The judge excused the juror and replaced her with one of two available alternates. The alternate juror was the one that previously mentioned (after she had been selected) that she knew some of the defendant's family.

10:38 - The defense called Sarah Thompson, the woman known as the "candy lady" who sells candy, sodas and cigarettes from her home on Piedmont Avenue.

She said before the shooting, Early was inside her home watching the ending of General Hospital with her.

She said later several people, including Early, were outside her apartment speaking loud. She said she couldn't make out the words or who was talking. Then she heard the shots.

"I saw a flash go by and heard pop, pop, pop," said Thompson.

After the shooting, she said Jarrod Smith was outraged, punched a pole and was looking for Early's step-father.

During cross-eximanation, Assistant District Attorney Bill Young, asked the order of the shots she heards.

She said the two loud shots came after four smaller sounding shots.

During re-direct, Wray asked if she made comments about carrying guns before.

She said she told Samuel and Jarrod Smith that if she ever heard of them carrying guns they wouldn't be allowed in the house.

11:03 - The court is recess for 15 minutes. There is indication that Early might take the stand when court returns.

11:17 - The defense calls Early to the stand.

He testified he receives disability because he fell from the back of the truck. He said he was helping his sister move when he when a mattress blew up and knocked him off the back of the truck traveling 65 mph on I-81.

Early appears to be having trouble understanding the questions. His attorney asked him if he's having a hart time understanding the questions.

Early looked to the jury and said "You have to bare with me I have a lot on my mind."

Early said later there was a crowd of people and he didn't shake Samuel's hand.

"Paras did flipped," he said. "He just cussed me out."

He said Samuel put a gun in his face and said he's going to (expletive) me up.

"I got love for the boy," said Early. "I never saw him act like that. He was just hype."

"He had me scared as hell," said Early. "I thought he was going to shoot me."

The judge has instructed Early not use profane languaged unless he's quoting what someone says.

He said Samuel walked away and came back and shot him in the chest. Then Early said he fired back.

"I just shot until I couldn't here anything else," said Early.

During cross-examination, Early said the doctor told him the bullet went through his chest at an angle and out the side of his body and lodged in his right arm.

12:37- court is in lunch recess.

Prosecution continues case - 8.20.07 - UPDATED 12:44 PM

Sherwin Allen takes the stand at 10:10 a.m.
Sherwin Allen, known as "Little Bit," testified he knew both Dameon Romell Early (the defendant) and Paras Samuel (the victim).

Allen said him, Ryan Smith and Early were out front of Ms. Thompson's house talking the night of the incident.

"Dameon didn't greet Paras. That was a problem there," said Allen. "They started arguing. Paras was in his face talking junk to him. One thing led to another and the rest is like that."

Then Paras' gun came out, he said.

"He flashed it and put it back in his pocket," said Allen.

Allen said Paras walked away and Dameon approached him and asked "Did he pull a gun on me."

Allen said he replied: "Let it go man, let it go."

He then said Early confronted Samuel and pulled a gun. He said Early fired the first shots.

"After the first shot was fired that's when Paras' pulled his gun and fired backed," said Allen.

During cross-examination, Allen said he talked to Jarrod Smith about the case several times.

He said when Paras pulled his gun Paras said "I'm going to (expletive) you up."

Allen testified that the night of incident he didn't give a statement to police. He also testified he didn't provide information in the case until about a month a go when he was contacted by the
prosecution.

He testified before shots rang out, Samuel approached Early with his hands in his back pockets.

Allen left the stand at 11:16 AM.

15 mintue break

Omar Wilson, who knew Samuel for about six years and Early for about a month, took the stand at 11:35 a.m.

He testified he heard Samuel and Early arguing, then he heard gun shots. "I turned around and saw Paras and Dameon shooting at each other."

Wilson left the stand at 12:32.

The state rested it's case. The judge has sent the jury home from the rest of the day.

Defense Attorney Julian Wray motioned to the dismiss the case saying that the prosecution's witness conflicted each other and the state didn't have sufficent evidence. The judge denied the motions.

Early said he wants to testify. The judge informed him of his right not to testify and how the jury can't hold that against him.

"I believe I need to," said Early. "It's my choice."

Day three of the murder trial - UPDATED 12:48 PM

Outside of the jury, day three began with a hearing to determine whether the prosecution would be able to use autopsy photos. The judge allowed them in.

The judge has indicated that court should end today around lunch time.

On a side note, I haven't yet told you the breakdown of the jury. The jury of 12 is made of eight women and four men. All twelve are white. There are two alternate jurors. Both are women. One is white and one his black. After the trial began, the black alternate juror informed the judge that she realized she knew some of the defendant's family. She said she could be a fair juror and the judge allowed her to continue as a juror.

The prosecution began calling witnesses.

A medical examiner, Dr. Christpher Gulledge, from the Medical Examiners Office in Charlotte took the stand at 9:48 a.m. He is currently going over his education and experience.

"We found three gun shot wounds to Mr. Samuel," he said. "All of them had entrance and exit wounds. All of them were at an undeterminate distance."

He said anything beyond two feet away he couldn't determine.

He said the shots were to the chest, abdomen and leg. He said the bullet to the chest went through the heart. He said it was a fatal shot. He said the other two shots probably wouldn't have been lethal.

He said Samuel had a blood alcohol level of .07.

Autopsy photos are being show to the jury on a courtroom monitor.

The defense has started it's cross-examination of the doctor. The doctor has left the stand.

Jared Smith, 18, who knew both Early and Samuel, took the stand at 11:30 a.m.

His relationship to Samuel: "He was like my brother."

He testified Samuel and and a few friends were at his house playing spades and drinking beer before the shooting. He said they then left his house with Samuel driving. He said they went to the Piedmont Avenue area. He said he went into Ms. Thompson's house and heard an argument outside.

"I hard bickering going on outside," said Smith, who then went outside. "I told them to chill out."
He said Paras pulled out a gun and pointed it towards Early, then he put the gun in his pocket. He said Early then put the gun to Samuel's head. He said Early fired first. He said he heard five or six shots.

I heard the first shot, I hit the ground and heard continuous shots. Paras was staggering to standing up."

Young questioned Smith about his comments to investigators the night of incident.

"To tell you the truth I was going to lie for him," said Smith.

Wray started cross-examination.

Wray questioned whether he lied today. "Everything I said today is the truth," said Smith.

Smith said he previously pleaded guilty to or was convicted of communicating threats and gun possession.

Smith left the stand at 12:46 p.m. The court is in recess for the weekend and should resume Monday at 10 a.m.

Day over

Jurors have been sent home for the day. The case is scheduled to resume at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow with the prosecution cotinuing it's case.

Afternoon testimony - UPDATED 4:42 PM

Joe Upton, a special agent and forensic firearm examiner with the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation took the stand at 2:04 PM.

He is testifying about the examinations he performed on Early and Samuel's guns.

At 2:38, Upton was still on the stand describing the different tests he completed on the guns to determine what weapons fired which bullets.

At 3:24, with the witness still on the stand, the judge allowed for a 15 minute break.

Well, its 4:41 and Upton is still on the stand. He's discussing bullet holes in the clothing of both men.

Day two testimony - UPDATED 12:28PM

Todd Vickery, the former crime scene investigator with the Shelby Police Department, took the stand at 9:39 a.m.

Defense Attorney Julian Wray continued his cross examination of the witness from yesterday. Wray is currently having Vickery identify evidence, label it and enter it into the trial. Items include a video of Dameon Romell Early's interview with police and blood samples gathered at the crime scene. Vickery left the stand at 10:16 a.m.

Ryan Smith, 19, took the stand at 10:17 a.m.
He said he has known Early for about two years. He said he also knew Samuel through his cousin. Smith testified he was walking through the Piedmont Avenue neighborhood and saw Early and a man by the name of "Little bit" standing outside Ms. Thompson's home (she is the lady that sells candy, sodas and cigarettes from her home). He said he saw Early had a gun in a holster.

He said later Early and Samuel got into a confrontation.

"They started having words," said Smith, who couldn't recall what the argument was about or any words that were stated.

Smith said Samuel pulled out a gun. He said he didn't see Samuel point a gun at anyone and put the gun away. He said Early then pulled out a gun and pointed at Samuel.

"Shots. three, four...that's what I heard," said Smith.

Smith is now using maps to illustrate his testimony.

BREAK IN TESTIMONY (11:40 am): Wray has objected to allowing the the signed, written interview report between Smith and Officer Ivey of the SPD. ADA Bill Young argued that the report corroborates the testimony. Wray argued in impeached the testimony and the written report is was not done under oath. The judge allowed the report in. Testimony started again at 11:51 a.m.

Young had Smith read the question and answer interview.

Wray began his cross-examination at 12:05 p.m.

Smith said he only heard the shots but didn't who fired them.

Smith also said it appeared Samuel had been drinking because he was acting "wild."

Smith left the stand.

Court is in recess for lunch.

Trial done for the day

Court is in recess until tomorrow morning at 9:30. Then, Todd Vickery will be back on the stand.

More witnesses called - UPDATED 4:24 PM

Mr. Trammell of Cleveland County EMS took the stand at 12:14 PM.
He described the large crowd on Piedmont Avenue when he arrived with his ambulance. He said he put his safety vest on and then tended to the patient. He testified the patient had no pulse and was not breathing upon his arrival.

"We did everything we possibly could during the time we were with him," he said.

Court is recessing for lunch. Testimony should resume at 2 p.m.

Officer Chris Truitt of the Shelby Police Department took the stand at 2:08 PM
The officer testified that when he arrived at the scene there was a large crowding hollering. He said he saw a gun on the ground. He said he feared the gun might be taken so he marked the spot and locked the weapon in his patrol car.

Officer Clint Bridges of the Shelby Police Department took the stand at 2:25 PM
Bridges testified that he left the crime scene and went to Cleveland Regional Medical Center and guarded the deceased body. He said he later received a projectile from the body.

Todd Vickery, a crime scene investigator for the SPD at the time, took the stand at 2:41 PM
Vickery testified about the evidence gathering process. He said he went through the home and gathered evidence including a blood stain. As of 3:49, Vickery continues to go through evidence he gathered.

At 4:20, Vickery remained on the stand.

He testified that the gun shot residue tests on both men were done. He said Samuel's test came back positive for gun shot residue. Early's test were undetermined because the test samples were not properly done.

Prosecution begins case UPDATED 12:13 PM

Assistant District Attorney Bill Young started calling witnesses. The first on the stand is Officer Benfield of the Shelby Police Department. He was one of the first to arrive at the crime scene on Piedmont Avenue.

He said it was a "very chaotic" scene. He said crowd control was a problem. He said people were coming out of the public housing units. He said he saw a body on the ground.

Benfield testified that while he was working crowd control, Early's step-father, Jackie Cunningham approached him.

Benfield testified: "He said Daemon’s my son. Your more than welcome to look in the house I don’t know if he’s there."

Benfield said he asked Daemon where his gun was. "He said he gave it to his mother."

After a break and a matter with a juror, Benfield returned to the stand.

Before and after the break, Benfield identified evidence in the case, including shell casings.

Defense Attorney Julian Wray began his cross-examination of Benfield. He asked him in detail to pinpoint on a map where he was when he arrived and during other parts of the process that night.

Wray asked Benfield if Early appeared to be injured. Benfield said Early had a gunshot wound to the chest and he was concerned for Early's well being.

Opening arguments begin UPDATE 10:35 A.M

The prosecution has waived the opportunity to make an opening argument.

Defense Attorney Julian Wray is now giving his opening argument.

"I believe the evidence in this case will show it was a matter of self defense," said Wray.

Wray said his client draws disability because of a head injury he suffered falling off the back of a truck.

Wray said on the night of the shooting, Early went to a house down the street that sold cigarettes and sodas.

He said a car load of young men drive up in a white car. Wray said Samuel and another man, not Early, got into a argument. Wray said Samuel was drinking: "That's why he was acting the way he was."

"Dameon considered Paras a friend," said Wray. "They played video games with each other on occasions."

He said Paras eventually went across the street were Early was. He said for some reason Early didn't shake Paras' hand.

"Over a hand shake and maybe alcohol, maybe something else, Paras goes ballistic," said Wray. "As a result of this, Samuel pulled his gun out."

Wray said Samuel shot his client.

"At that time Dameon pulled out his gun," said Wray. "He started shooting to protect himself."

Jury selected - 8.15.07

A jury in the first-degree murder trial of Dameon Early has been seated around 10 a.m. Two alternates have also been selected.

Opening arguments should begin shortly.

Jury selection starts - 8.14.07

Jury selection began today in the first-degree murder case against Dameon Romell Early.

Police say in April 2006, Early shot Paras Samuel, 16-year-old Burns High studuent, on Piedmont Avenue in Shelby. At the time of the incident, relatives told The Star that Early told them he acted in self defense.

Testiony could begin tomorrow morning. When it does, check back here for live trial coverage.

Murder trial scheduled to start - 8.13.07

Dameon Romell Early, charged with the murder of a 16-year-old Burns High School student, is scheduled to stand trial this week in Cleveland County Superior Court.

Police say in April 2006, Early shot Paras Samuel on Piedmont Avenue in Shelby. At the time of the incident, relatives told The Star that Early told them he acted in self defense.

Today in Superior Court, his attorney, Julian Wray, filed 11 motions including a motion to sequester witnesses. After the judge rules on the motions, jury selection is scheduled to begin. Testimony could start in the case late Tuesday or Wednesday.

I'll be blogging live once the trial starts.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY FROM APRIL 2006

Superior Court starts today - 8.13.07

CLICK HERE FOR THE DOCKET

I'll be covering the serious crimes (murder, rape, habitual felons). Let me know if any person on the list stands out and I'll try to get an update. Keep in mind, a lot of these cases on the docket will probably be continued. Also, the grand jury convenes today. Check back later for the indictment list.

Bridal show photos - 8.11.07

I covered a bridal fair at the Cleveland Mall today. Here's some photos taken by Katie Bryant. Read tomorrow's Star for the story.

What would your park look like? - 8.10.07

Ariel shot of the donated Hannah property (Courtesy of the City of Shelby)

Shelby's Park and Recreation Department is currently creating a master plan for the City Park and on donated land on McBrayer Springs Road. The land adjacent to the City Park totals 55 acres and was donated by the Royster family. The land on McBrayer Springs Road is 85 acres and was donated by the Hannah family.

What new recreational opportunities would you like to see come to Shelby? Share them in the comments section.

(On a side note, I will have a story next week on one idea the city has to turn around a de-emphasized park.

Here's the list of steering committee members who will be creating the park's master plan:

Charlie Holtzclaw, City of Shelby Parks and Recreation Director
Walter Scharer, City of Shelby Planning Services Director
Dicky Amaya, City Council liaison to Recreation Advisory Board
Larry Ware, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chairman
Johnny Hatcher, Youth Council Chairman
Bill McCarter, Cleveland County Planning Director
Ed Yarboro, Cleveland County Soccer Association
Jay Bridges, Youth Baseball Advocate and Coach
Sally Royster, Cleveland County Tennis Association
Chuck Dellinger, Gastonia Parks and Recreation Director

Shelby's emergency water pipeline - 8.8.07

It looks like Shelby will begin preparing to implement the emergency water pipeline today. I'll know more shortly but for now, take a look at this photos I took at a creek between Shelby and Cherryville this afternoon.

No additional sales tax or land transfer tax

Commissioners voted not to ask for a referendum within the election cycle for an addtional sales tax or land transfer tax as allowed with the new state budget.

Removing the word tarp from the "tarp law" - UPDATED 4:28

With the leash law discussion under their belt, the commissioners are now dealing with the "tarp law."

County Health Director Denese Stallings said the "tarp law" is successful

"The program is working," said Stallings

She said the department did a survey six months ago and one recently.

"The last time we did it 50 percent of the vehicles were securing their loads, this time it's 71 percent."

She said since the law has been in place, 412 citations have been issued.

She's recommending the word "tarp" be taken out of the wording of the ordinance.

"We're not saying they have to have a whole tarp on it but they have to have something to hold it down," said Stallings. "People don't need to have a tarp for small amounts of garbage, they just need to have a way to secure it."

Stallings also recommended stiffer penalities, including $250 for first offense, $500 for the next.

County Commissioner Johnny Hutchins, who voted against the law from the beginning, said the survey conducted was just an attempt to fine people and isn't a proper way to find out if the "tarp law is working."

"That’s not a good way to determine if the people are cleaning up the county," said Hutchins.

Commissioner Jo Boggs said she would like to see stiffer penalties.

"I like your idea about increasing the fines," Boggs told Stallings.

Commissioner Eddie Holbrook agreed.

The commissioners are discussing removing "tarp" from the law but requiring people to securing with any means that does the job properly.

"You don’t have to completely cover the load as long as it’s secured," said Stallings.

Commissioners have scheduled a public hearing for the first meeting in September to change the fines to $250 for first offense, $500 for second, collect legal fees and change the wording of the ordinance.

No leash law but additional personnel possible

The words "leash law" were seldom used but County Health Director Denese Stallings said she wants to add two additional animal control officers to help with nuisances.

"Rabies, dog bites and dangerous dogs. These are things that we have to deal with," said Stallings. "Comparing to other counties we are significantly understaffed. Right now were running a skeleton crew."

She didn't use the leash law terms directly but said she wanted to see if extra patrols works.

"I’d like to try this first and see if it works," said Stallings.

Hawkins said he was concerned that the state is ranked 4th in the state in rabies cases. He also said he was upset about the number of cats put to death.

"I don’t think we can continue in the mode that we are in now," said Hawkins. "When does the rabies issues stop. I’m looking for a solution and I’m getting aggravated because I can’t find one. There’s got to be some method."

It doesn't appear a leash law will move forward. The commissioners have said the ordinances on the book are suitable but just need to be enforced.

"I doesn’t matter if we have laws on the books if we don’t have the workers to enforce it," said Commissioner Mary Accor. "Adequate staffing is definitely a key."

Commissioner Eddie Holbrook agreed.

"The ordinances we have know are acceptable it just a manpower problem," said Holbrook.

The commissioners approved hiring two additional animal control officers in fiscal year 2008-09 but the motion. They also instructed the county manager to explore options of using current employees and increase their pay instead of hiring two additional employees.

The commissioners also scheduled a public hearing in order for the them to vote on whether to allow the county attorney to pursue legal fees for when the health department takes people to court for failing to pay their fines. Right now, Stallings said it’s not cost effective to pursue those fines with the court costs.

Live from the county commissioners work session

It's 3 p.m. and the county commissioners work session is about to begin. They will be discussing a possible leash law, the tarp law and services to illegal immigrants. I'll be updated shortly. The leash law discussion is first on the agenda.

The meeting started and it doesn't appear that Health Director Denese Stallings is going to ask for the county to implement a leash law. She has asked for two additional animal control officers.

Tossing the tarp law out the window? - 8.7.07

Today, the county commissioners will be exploring several issues. (I will be blogging live at 3 p.m. so check back for up to the minute decisions by the county).

One of the items on the agenda is the "tarp law."

A year has passed since the county implemented a tarp ordinance.

The ordinance requires materials to be covered by a tarp or other type of covering to prevent materials from falling out of vehicles. Solid waste in plastic bags is not considered covered under the law.

Since implementation, the ordinance has drawn criticism from several county residents and Commissioner Johnny Hutchins, who previously made a motion to allow residents to take up to three bags to the dump with out having to abide by the ordinance.

Today they will most likely make a decision on whether to change the law, get rid of completely or leave it the same. Check back later to see what the decided.

Challenging the vehicle tax - 8.6.07

I have a car for sale: A 1999 Hyundai Accent 2-door hatchback for $1,740. That's what the government says its worth.

Have you ever got a vehicle tax notice and thought the total taxable value was a little high...or way high. Well my tax bill said my car is worth $1,740. I guess they don't take into consideration the 135,000 miles, two dents, a few scratches and a worn out interior. (I'm a reporter so the car gets a whole lot of wear.)

The bill said I owe $20.01. It's not that much but it's the principle of the matter. I think I'm going to challenge it. I went to Kelley Blue Book and found that the same car in fair condition is worth $1,100. In excellent condition its worth $1,745. So I'm going to challenge it.

Has anyone here every challenged their vehicle tax bill? Share your story. I will let you know how my adventure turns out.

DSS buries the dead - 8.5.07

I was working on a recent story and came across these interesting mandates that the local DSS is required to do. I had no idea that DSS buries the dead.

-Fishing license waivers — Upon request, local DSS offices are responsible for issuing a waiver to people who receive Medicaid, Food Stamps or Work First Family Assistance benefits. DSS Director John Wasson said Cleveland County doesn’t have to do this often, but some counties with more prominent fishing opportunities handle quite a few.

- Burying the dead — What happens if someone dies and doesn’t have anyone to claim the body. Well, DSS steps in to claim the body. Wasson said it only occurs about a half-dozen times a year, costing the county between $300 and $500 each time.

Leash law coming soon? - 8.4.07

After several reports of livestock attacked by packs of dogs and boy bit by a dog in Kings Mountain, the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners began to explore implementing a leash law.

This Tuesday, we should get an answer on whether the county will implement a leash law. The commissioners will be having a work session at 3 p.m. (I'll be there blogging live, so make sure you check back Tuesday afternoon to find out what will happen with the leash law.)

I've talked to several commissioners and it appears the leash law doesn't have a majority supporting it. But you never know how the commissioners will vote.

In February, the Cleveland County Health Department presented a draft proposal of a leash law to county commissioners.

The ordinance would require dog owners to keep their animals on their property or under restraint by a leash, chain or “other device of sufficient strength to maintain control of the dog by that person. Funding would come from the general fund or by implementing a pet license fee for both cats and dogs.

Shannon White's 2000 DUI charge - 8.3.07

COURT DOCUMENTS: CLICK HERE

While doing a background check trying to determine what, if any, prior conviction points Shannon White would have if he is convicted of felony hit and run and involuntary manslaughter, I came across the 2000 driving while under the influence charge that was later dropped.

Shannon White is charged with the hit and run death of Johnathon Scruggs, an 18-year-old who was walking home from his first day of work and school. He was struck on Caleb Road, just yards away from his home.

Here are the details of the 2000 DUI case:

N.C. Trooper J. C. McClelland responded to a wreck involving White. According to court documents, at 10:11 a.m. on June 20, 2000 "He was involved in an accident. He had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath, glassy red eyes and slurred speech."

He was arrested and taken to the Cleveland County Jail and given a breather analyzer test.

The test was administered at 12:01 p.m. White blew a .05, which is within the legal limit. Charges were later dropped in August.

Check back later today to take a look at the court documents yourself.

This weekend, there will be a story about what his potential sentence might be if he is convicted.

What do you think about this case? Share your thoughts here.

Recalled food and toy lists - 8.2.07

Cleveland County Environmental Health Director Marty Allen and his staff spent Thursday morning searching kitchen shelves of day care centers and food pantries looking for more than 25 recalled products that could be linked to botulism.

County officials visited independent grocery stores, flea markets, child care centers, private schools, summer camps and recreational parks scouring kitchens looking for chili, beef stew, corned beef hash. The recall also includes some dog food.

Nearly a million Fisher-Price toys manufactured in China are being removed from toy store shelves worldwide, including Cleveland County, because the surface paints might contain excessive amounts of lead, which could lead to health problems if ingested by children

Elmo in the Giggle Box and Dora’s Talking Pony Place are among the roughly 100 Sesame Street, Dora the Explore and other children’s toys recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday.

Stealing from a church - 8.2.07

Long Branch First Baptist Church in Grover had their air conditioning unit stolen.

Copper thieves struck a Grover church and business, hauling off air conditioning units early Wednesday morning.

But once they got back home and started stripping the units, deputies arrived with handcuffs, officials said. One man took off running into the woods and the other was taken into custody.

“We believe they were dismantling them to take the copper out of them to sell them,” said Lt. Durwin Briscoe of the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office. “Recently, it’s become a major problem. It’s hard for us to trace down the copper once it hits the scrapyard.”

Hit and run sentencing - 8.1.07

Barring any breaking news, A story about hit and run sentencing will be Sunday's centerpiece story in The Star.

I will be looking at what Shannon White could receive if convicted of hit and run and involuntary manslaughter. White has been charged with crimes related to the death of Jonathan Scruggs, who was walking home from his first day of work when he was struck and killed on Caleb Road.

Last week, I traveled to Charlotte to talk to a man who was hit while riding his bike on Providence Road. He was in a coma for three weeks, suffered brain damage and might never walk again. The man that hit him and left him on the side of the road received a 10-month sentence.

I will also be looking into proposed legislation that would increase penalties for hit and run drivers.