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The Weekly Report showcases the activities and accomplishments of the many Departments

within Rutherford County Government. Click on the directory lists, headings and text in blue to be linked to more information.

Department Directory

Agriculture/Cooperative Extension

Airport

Board of Elections

Building Inspections

County Manager

County Commissioners

Economic Development

Emergency Medical Services

Fire Marshal

Finance

Human Resources

Information Technology

Library

Public Works and Planning

Register of Deeds

Revenue

Senior Center

Social Services

Soil and Water

Solid Waste

Transit

Tourism Development Authority

Veteran Services

Weekly Report

Highlight of Departmental Activities

June 25, 2018

The longest day of the year, also called summer

solstice, is the day of the year when the sun

passes the highest point in its path across the

sky. This means that the hours from sunrise to

sunset are more than any other day during the

year as the northern end of the Earth’s axis of

rotation slopes directly towards the Sun.

June 21st also naturally marks the transition to

gradually shorter days, which continues to di-

minish in the long term until winter solstice –

the shortest day of the year, correspondingly

always falling either on December 21 or 22.

The night after summer solstice is by far the

shortest night of the year, as the bright hours are

so full. Enjoy the longer days and Happy Sum-

mer!

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Agriculture/Cooperative Extension

Staff reporting: Tracy Davis and Cynthia Robbins

Tracy:

• Taught Healthy Snacks for Kids classes at Grahamtown summer camp.

• Taught Canning Workshops.

• Submitted monthly news column.

• Met with Extension & Community Association.

• Met with Food Network Team

• Conducted cooking demonstration at mobile food truck site.

Cynthia:

A delegation of Rutherford County 4-H members attended 4-H Citizenship North Carolina Focus, which

was held in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Rutherford County delegation returned home from three days in

which more than 120 youth and adults representing 47 4-H programs across the state gathered to exchange

ideas, gain knowledge and learn through hands on experiences about the importance of being an active

and engaged citizen. Dixie Lovelace, Tela Swafford, Odina Corbin, Anthony Vagnozzi, and Joah Bickley represented

Rutherford County at the June 13-15 conference. Through various conference sessions and facilitated dis-

cussions, delegates learned and shared information related to local, state and national government. Dele-

gates also participated in sessions related to youth voice and community change. While at the conference

delegates had a chance to visit the Legislative Building in Raleigh to meet with their elected officials and

their staff as well as participate in service activities throughout Raleigh (pictures on page 3).

Extension agents Tracy Davis, Cynthia

Robbins, and Hannah Bundy hosted a

week of camp called Kids and Chefs.

They taught young people food safety,

basic cooking skills, and nutrition. They

also took them on farm tours to learn

where our food comes from. The youth

prepared their lunch and snack each day,

as well as made crafts and played educa-

tional games. 4-H Citizenship North

Carolina Focus is sponsored by North

Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. 4-H is

North Carolina’s largest youth develop-

ment organization, equipping more than

263,700 young people each year with the

skills to succeed and improve the world

around them. 4-H programs and camps

encourage young people to “learn by do-

ing,” helping them to develop into active, contributing citizens. NC State Extension and the Cooperative

Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University coordinate 4-H programs statewide (pictured above).

For more information on this event or other 4-H programs, please Cynthia Robbins, 4-H Agent in Ruther-

ford County at 828-287-6190.

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Agriculture/Cooperative Extension continued from page 2

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Board of Elections

Animal Control

Animal Control Weekly Update

Total animals taken in

59

Animals adopted into forever homes

5

Animals sent to rescued groups to be vetted and adopted into forev-

er homes

41

Animals returned to owners

5

Calls completed

72

Director Debbie Bedford and staff:

• Filing for Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor continues until July 6th at Noon.

• Participated in a webinar with the State on Wednesday

• Annual maintenance was performed on the election equipment

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911 Communications Center

Call Summary

Rutherford County Communications

240 N. Washington Street

Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Report Date: 06/10/2018 to 06/16/2018

Total 911 Calls

Total Admin Calls

Total Calls

795

2,186

2,981

Animal Control continued from page 4

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County Manager and Commissioners

Listed are several events, meetings, and activities in which the County Manager, Commissioners and staff

were involved with the following individuals, departments and businesses:

• Planning and Projects

• Mental Health LME/MCO Realignment meeting

• DHHS

• RC Housing Initiative Alliance

• Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame Press Conference

• PANGAEA Board

• TDA Funding Allocations Committee

• SOG Webinar

• Finance

• Human Resources

• Grand Opening of Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro

• County Attorney

Other activities and events this week included Forest City, Spindale, and Chimney Rock Town Council

meeting, meetings with citizens, numerous calls, interoffice meetings, conference calls, public relations,

advising, and preparation for various responsibilities.

Commissioner Alan

Toney, featured in the

Daily Courier this past

week, enjoying fresh

fruits and vegetables at

the Rutherford County

Farmers Market.

Be sure to visit the

Market on Saturdays

from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00

p.m.

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Human Resources

The HR Director held meetings to discuss personnel issues, exit interviews, and retirements. HR staff at-

tended a keystone webinar and monthly Human Resource Association meeting. Reminder to sign up for

the Social Security workshop on June 26, 2018.

Red Cross Encourages Proper Hydration During Intense Heat

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat often combined with excessive humidity. Officially, a

heat wave is defined as three days of temperatures of 90°F or more, and that is exactly what has been tran-

spiring at the end of June in the West coast, particularly in California, Arizona, and Nevada. In fact, six

half-marathon runners in Southern California were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses on the final day

of the month. A day earlier, paramedics responding to a Nevada home without air conditioning found an

elderly man dead.

During a heat wave, the most important thing is staying hydrated. And, people who have a heart condition,

are older than 50, or are overweight may have to take extra precautions. Our bodies are about 75 percent

water and blood is nearly 80 percent water, so it is necessary to replenish what is lost every day. When wa-

ter is not replaced, blood thickens, forcing the heart to work harder and raising the risk of a heart attack.

Staying hydrated, then, is essential for heart function, but it also helps with alertness, controlling appetite,

and generally improving all activity.

According to the American Heart Association, when the temperature and humidity are both above 70°F,

we have entered the dehydration danger zone and it becomes necessary to sip water frequently and drink

before, during, and after vigorous activity. To maintain a healthy fluid balance while in the dehydration

zone, the following suggestions may help:

1. Keep a large water bottle handy to encourage you to drink water wherever and whenever.

2. Be sure to eat fruits and vegetables, which are great sources of water, daily not only to stay hydrated,

but also to maintain optimal health.

3. Have a glass of water before each meal.

4. After each trip to the restroom, drink a glass of water to replenish your fluids.

5. Set reminders on your phone, watch, or e-mail to drink every hour.

6. Add a slice of lemon, lime, and/or mint to your water to give it some flavor without adding any extra

calories.

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Red Cross Encourages Proper Hydration During Intense Heat continued from page 7

A word of caution regarding energy drinks: because they contain large amounts of sugar and stimulants, they can be

counterproductive to maintaining fluid balance. In some instances, they may even be dangerous; researchers found that

brands with caffeine and the amino acid taurine significantly raise blood pressure and heart rate. There's no getting

around it. Drinking water is always best.

How do I know if I'm properly hydrated? To measure your hydration status, examine the color of your urine. If you're hydrated, your urine will appear to be a

very pale yellow and almost clear (keep in mind that the water in the bowl will dilute it some). If your urine is much

darker, like the color of tea or apple juice, this means that your body is dehydrated.

Sadly, many people are chronically dehydrated and don't even know it. Because they have ignored their body's thirst

signals for so long, they don't easily recognize them and so they confuse thirst for hunger. Constant snacking,

and especially constant sugar cravings, can be one hidden sign of a dehydration imbalance.

Another sign is allergies. With dehydration, histamine levels can increase and the immune system can become imbal-

anced, creating the perfect storm for dust, pollen, mold, and animal allergies to manifest. Digestive ailments, especial-

ly acid reflux and constipation, are another lesser known sign of chronic dehydration. Hydration is essential to keep all

functions of the digestive tract running smoothly.

Chronic dehydration may also reduce blood supply and manifest in the brain as mental and emotional imbalances and

in extreme cases, temporary mental impairment. The brain relies on a relatively large portion of the body's blood sup-

ply. Ongoing stress also increases dehydration in the body with high levels of circulating stress hormones, so dehydra-

tion and stress can be a vicious cycle. Stress also causes the body to get rid of fluids, the idea being that in a potential

"fight or flight" situation, the body needs to be as light as possible. Staying hydrated and finding healthy ways to re-

lieve stress can help break this cycle.

Illnesses During periods of extreme temperatures, people are susceptible to three different heat-related conditions.

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. Heat cramps are often an early

sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. The American Red Cross suggests a person move to a cooler place

when suffering cramps; once a comfortable position has been assumed, it is best to lightly stretch the affected muscle

and gently massage the area. It is best to drink an electrolyte-containing fluid, such as a commercial sports drink, fruit

juice, or milk, and if such beverages are not available, water. A person suffering heat cramps should not take salt tab-

lets.

Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion most often affects athletes, firefighters,

construction workers, and factory workers but it may also impact anyone wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid envi-

ronment. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, ashen, or flushed skin, headache, nausea, dizziness, weak-

ness, and exhaustion. If someone is suffering heat exhaustion, the American Red Cross recommends they be moved to

a cooler environment with circulating air. Help them remove or loosen as much clothing as possible and apply cool,

wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fanning or spraying the person with water also can help. If the person is conscious,

give small amounts of a cool fluid, such as a commercial sports drink or fruit juice, to restore fluids and electrolytes.

Milk or water may also be given. Give about 4 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes. If the person's condition does not

improve or if he or she refuses water, has a change in consciousness, or vomits, call 9-1-1.

Finally, heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that develops when the systems of the body are overwhelmed by

heat and begin to stop functioning. Signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red skin that may be

dry or moist, changes in consciousness, rapid and weak pulse, vomiting, and seizures. Do not hesitate; call 9-1-

1 immediately. While waiting for assistance, immerse the person up to the neck in cold water if possible; if not, douse

or spray the person with cold water or cover the person with bags of ice. The American Red Cross suggests you apply

rapid cooling methods for 20 minutes or until the person's condition improves.

Human Resources continued from page 7

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Human Resources continued from pages 7-8

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Fire Marshal/Emergency Management

Finance Department

The Finance Office processed accounts payable. Several interdepartmental meetings were attended by di-

rector and staff.

Information Technology

Fire Marshal and staff:

• completed several Emergency Management Performance grant activities and submitted for approval.

• participated in web based and hands on training with our new mass notification system.

• assisted several agencies on calls for service.

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Information Technology continued from page 10

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Library

Adult Summer Reading Program

• You must register for “Libraries Rock!” June 1—30, 2018

• As you complete each square, have it signed at the Circulation Desk.

• For every Challenge you complete, you will receive ONE (1) entry into

weekly drawing.

• Once your Challenge Card is full, your Card will become your Grand Prize

raffle ticket. In order to participate in the Grand Prize Drawing, you must

have COMPLETED every square on the Challenge Card.

**Challenge Card Below**

Read a book that has

to do with music—

fiction or non-fiction

Participate in the

Library

Scavenger Hunt

Read a book written by

an author that has the

same last name as you

(or someone in your

family)

Attend One Family/

Adult Program at the

Library

FREE Write a review on our

website

(www.cmclibraries.org)

for a book you have

recently read

Read a book that has

been recommended to

you by someone else

Watch a video about

music

(documentary or live

performance)

Check out an audio

music CD of an artist

that you are

unfamiliar with

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Library continued from page 12

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Library continued from pages 12-13

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Register of Deeds

The Register of Deeds office works with the public everyday and continues to give prompt, courteous

and accurate service.

Transaction Group

Totals

Certified Vital Records

156

Marriage Licenses

11

Recorded Deeds

67

Recorded Deeds of Trust

41

Recorded Certificates of Satisfaction

55

Recorded Various Other Documents

42

Oath Given to Notary Publics

2

Recorded Plats/Surveys

9

Rachel Thomas Register of Deeds

NOTICE

Due to a software update on Friday, June 22nd

all recordings MUST be in NO LATER than 4:30.

NO exceptions will be made.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

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Revenue Department

Customer Service Totals

Phone Calls 238

Customer Service Assistance 161

Information/Data Requests 1

Website Hits 3,617

County Growth Indicators

Building Permits Reviewed 162

Deeds Reviewed 53

Collections Progress

Deeds Certified 24

Total Taxes Collected $84,049.39

• Staff has been working on enforced collections regarding delinquent back taxes. Anyone with out-

standing taxes should come in to the Collections Office and make arrangements to get account up-to

- date.

• Jennifer Whiteley, Phyllis Matheny and Rachel Bland attended the Land Records Workshop in

Hickory.

• We had one foreclosure on a parcel of land pay-off last week outside attorney’s office.

• Reminder to be very careful in the heat we are experiencing. Our appraisal staff has been going out

very early checking parcels before the temperature gets so high. If you are going to be out in the

heat, make sure you stay hydrated.

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Senior Center

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Senior Center continued from page 17

Director Tammy Aldridge held the quarterly “Chat with the Director” at the main Center on Friday,

June 15th. This is a time to come learn more about the operations of the Center, as well as a time to

offer suggestions and have questions answered.

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Sheriff’s Office

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s

Office is proud to announce that

Deputy Zachary C. Walker has

completed the Tactical Training

Certificate Program at the N.C. Jus-

tice Academy.

This certificate program is designed

to recognize the achievement of

law enforcement professionals who

have dedicated themselves to mak-

ing their communities and neigh-

borhoods safer for the citizens of

North Carolina. Program partici-

pants must be sworn members of a

law enforcement agency and have

at least two years of full-time law

enforcement experience. Each par-

ticipant must complete 500 hours of

training within five years of acceptance into the program, to include a variety of tactical oriented

courses.

Richard White, Training Coordinator with the Justice Academy, as well as the program coordinator,

says, “The program has been well received by proactive law enforcement agencies. Those completing

the program have mastered important aspects of tactical training and have achieved a high level of pro-

fessionalism for themselves and their organizations. The commitment of Deputy Zachary Walker to

complete this program is a direct example of his dedication to protect the community in which he

serves. His effort to stay in the forefront of tactical training is a direct reflection on the commitment of

the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office to ensure that their officers are prepared to meet the day-to-day

dangers faced by law enforcement officers today.”

Deputy Walker has almost seven years of law enforcement experience, with four of those years being

with the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Walker has worked on the Criminal Interdiction Unit, and is currently

assigned to the Road Patrol Division and is the assistant team leader for the Sheriff’s Emergency Re-

sponse Team.

Deputy Walker was presented his certificate of completion by Sheriff Chris Francis.

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Soil & Water

Solid Waste Director James Kilgo:

• opened disaster debris site.

• attended SOG webinar.

• attended meeting at Sheriff Department.

• held interviews for truck driver position.

• worked on budget and reports.

The office staff is preparing reports needed for completing State Report, contacting municipalities, work-

ing on timesheets, delivering fluorescent lightbulbs for proper disposal, working on electronics and recy-

cling projects among other things.

The staff at the transfer station has been busy processing MSW and recycling tonnages. The C&D staff

continues to process C&D tonnages coming in while maintaining the grounds, hauling dirt for cover, and

sowed 200 lbs. of grass seed.

The airport staff continues to work on maintaining the grass in the airport grounds. The Shop is busy with

preventative maintenance to equipment and vehicles and repairs in equipment.

The Convenience Center Supervisor welcomes all the new members of the Convenience Centers. He

trained at centers and helped drivers haul trash.

Please continue to recycle.

Customers served

471

Loads hauled from Centers

62

MSW loads to Lenoir

46

Recycling loads to Conover

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Tire customers

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The District Administration and Education Specialist worked on:

• Farmland Brochure and program update paperwork

• Farmland Meeting Agenda, Meeting information, and Meeting folders

• updating Education lessons.

• attended Farmland Preservation Advisory Board meeting.

The Resource Conservation Administrator:

• Attended the Division of Soil and Water District Issues Meeting.

• Worked on department webpage.

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Tourism Development Authority

Visit our website for a full list of events and times at: timeofyourlifenc.com or call our Welcome Center

at 828.287.6113. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact Taylor Hardin, Admin-

istrative Assistant for the TDA at 828-287-6013 or by email at taylor.hardin@rutherfordcountync.gov.

If you need to pick up travel guides for your business or you would like to be added to the newsletter dis-

tribution list, please contact Project Manager Karen Tegen at 828-287-6130 or by email at

kren.tegen@rutherfordcountync.gov.

Solid Waste continued from page 20

Rutherford County Solid Waste Department welcomes new employees pictured below left to

right, including Convenience Center Supervisor, Eddie Mote, on far right:

• John Miller

• Kevin Hardin

• David Miller

• Ron Grier

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Transportation Services

Veteran Services

EMS:

EMS would like for everyone to welcome Cecil Kevin Waldrop as our new Shift Supervisor. Kevin will be

shadowing Crystal Suttle who is retiring in September after 30 years of loyal service to Rutherford County

Emergency Medical Services and the citizens of the County. We wish Crystal the best and encourage eve-

ryone to assist Kevin in his new role. This week call volume as follows:

Transit:

Transit is pleased to welcome Scott Davis to our team as a part-time driver. He has finished orientation and

has started training with other drivers in preparation to begin solo service. Director is finalizing transporta-

tion contracts for FY 2018-19 to send to all contract agencies that use our services. Transit received notifi-

cation that our lift van has been approved for delivery and will be delivered next week. There had been

some contract issues between the dealer and NCDOT that caused a delay in receiving this last van.

TYPE

CURRENT WEEK

Emergency Calls

148

Non-Emergency Calls

24

TYPE

CURRENT WEEK

WEEKLY AVG

Total Miles

9,044

9,091

Local Trips

1,231

1,128

Out of County Trips

91

89

Unduplicated Passengers

213

211

Total Revenue

$17,869

$19,648

Assisted veterans in the past week with claims, benefits, and other services: 81

Faxes sent for veteran claims, pension, compensation and records: 133

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Progress on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail!!

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For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/381813972287409/

Mountains Branch Public Library Kickoff-FREE kids

program, June 28th: https://www.facebook.com/

events/2039995759587453/ Hosted by ecoEXPLORE

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The June 23 walk will be held at Summey Park track near Forest City Dunbar

Elementary School from 9:00 – 10:00 AM. Our host physicians for June are Drs

Guy Winker and Josh Edgerton. Walk with a Doc is a international program de-

signed to help people achieve a healthier lifestyle by simply walking. The Com-

munity Health Council of Rutherford County sponsors our local program.

RCSNC Receives $140,000 Digital Teaching & Learning Grant

NC’s Digital Learning Initiative Supports Advancement of

Innovative Teaching Models For more information about the grant initiative, please visit www.ncpublicschools.org/dtl/grants.

(READ MORE)

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County Commissioners County Office

Bryan A. King, Chairman Alan Toney, Vice Chairman Hazel Haynes, Clerk to Board

Michael Benfield, Eddie Holland, Greg Lovelace Richard Williams, County Attorney

Follow us online! www.rutherfordcountync.gov

County Manager Steve Garrison

Kimberly Aldridge, Weekly Report Editor

828.287.6060

Sunday 6/24

Fly Fishing 101: 2 pm at South Mountain State Park Visitor Center. Call (828) 433-4772 for more infor-

mation.

Email us at trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org or call (828) 351-3235 if you would like to sign up for any of the

ROC workdays, clean-ups, or group hikes/river floats.

.