INSERT INTO `wpzp_posts` VALUES
(1342, 1, '2016-04-05 15:28:22', '2016-04-05 15:28:22', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nSince we were in the neighborhood, we decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this unfolding story. As you recall, a <span style="color: #0000ff;">previous article</span> reported on the recent Laurinburg Police drug bust that occurred there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Store is located just a few hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s Administrative Offices. The store is an older structure that no longer sells gasoline. Despite the fact that it was early afternoon, there was a crowd of about twenty African American males standing out front, near the entrance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Police recently <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4543/clerks-charged-with-selling-fake-marijuana" target="_blank">arrested</a></span> several subjects following a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">month''s</span> long investigation into a Vance Street convenience store suspected of selling synthetic marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nDealing in, selling or promoting illegal substances is never wise. Doing so from a convenience store appears just plain stupid. Any perceived value will now flow directly into the pockets of bail-bondsmen, legal professionals and the prison-industrial complex.\r\n\r\nTwo suspects appear to be of Middle Eastern origin, which given the current climate, cannot be considered a plus when it comes to garnering sympathy.\r\n\r\nHow does this story fit into the <strong>Big Picture</strong>?\r\n\r\nAlbert Einstein defined insanity as: ''<em><strong>Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result''.</strong></em> Change is difficult and disconcerting, but if Laurinburg and Scotland County are to get back on their feet, change is essential.\r\n\r\nWas selling marijuana (synthetic or otherwise) from a convenience store actually a ''cutting edge'' business proposition? Should suspects be given the ''small business entrepreneur'' of the year award?\r\n\r\nA growing list of states now permit the legal cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana. Even our federal government has decided to look the other way. An overwhelming majority of Americans favor this trend, and<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/24/top-medical-experts-say-we-should-decriminalize-all-drugs-and-maybe-go-even-further/" target="_blank">prominent professionals and prestigious organizations</a></span> increasingly call for not only the decriminalization of marijuana, but all drugs.\r\n\r\nHow can Laurinburg and Scotland County stop our population from declining further? One certain way would be to not put any more people than needed into the already burgeoning prison system.\r\n\r\nCan we successfully attract potential retirees if we''re busting potheads while allowing violent crime to spin out of control? Millennials, gen Xers and Baby Boomers all favor decriminalizing marijuana and many other drugs. How long can we afford to push against this wave?\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to fighting crime, Law Enforcement complains about its lack of resources. Does it make sense to commit scarce man-power, time and money to busting, prosecuting and jailing potheads? Can we allow Law Enforcement to squander precious, limited resources? Here''s a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://henrymakow.com/2016/03/politicians-up-to-their-ears-i.html" target="_blank">snapshot</a></span> of what our nation''s ''War on Drugs'' is really about. It''s not pretty.\r\n\r\nWith increasingly negative demographics (depressed economic activity, dismal health ranking, poor educational ranking, rising crime, increasing taxes and declining property values) this is an issue Laurinburg and Scotland County citizens will sooner or later be forced to confront.\r\n\r\nThere are no easy answers. Here''s a professionally produced <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://youtu.be/wfxaJQVxSA4" target="_blank">video</a></span> documentary that may help. Let''s choose wisely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 15:28:22', '2016-04-05 15:28:22', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1343, 1, '2016-04-05 15:33:38', '2016-04-05 15:33:38', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this unfolding story. As you recall, a <span style="color: #0000ff;">previous article</span> reported on the Laurinburg Police drug bust that occurred there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Store is located just a few hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s Administrative Offices. It''s an older facility that no longer sells gasoline. It was early afternoon and there was a crowd of about twenty young to middle age males standing out front, near the entrance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Police recently <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4543/clerks-charged-with-selling-fake-marijuana" target="_blank">arrested</a></span> several subjects following a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">month''s</span> long investigation into a Vance Street convenience store suspected of selling synthetic marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nDealing in, selling or promoting illegal substances is never wise. Doing so from a convenience store appears just plain stupid. Any perceived value will now flow directly into the pockets of bail-bondsmen, legal professionals and the prison-industrial complex.\r\n\r\nTwo suspects appear to be of Middle Eastern origin, which given the current climate, cannot be considered a plus when it comes to garnering sympathy.\r\n\r\nHow does this story fit into the <strong>Big Picture</strong>?\r\n\r\nAlbert Einstein defined insanity as: ''<em><strong>Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result''.</strong></em> Change is difficult and disconcerting, but if Laurinburg and Scotland County are to get back on their feet, change is essential.\r\n\r\nWas selling marijuana (synthetic or otherwise) from a convenience store actually a ''cutting edge'' business proposition? Should suspects be given the ''small business entrepreneur'' of the year award?\r\n\r\nA growing list of states now permit the legal cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana. Even our federal government has decided to look the other way. An overwhelming majority of Americans favor this trend, and<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/24/top-medical-experts-say-we-should-decriminalize-all-drugs-and-maybe-go-even-further/" target="_blank">prominent professionals and prestigious organizations</a></span> increasingly call for not only the decriminalization of marijuana, but all drugs.\r\n\r\nHow can Laurinburg and Scotland County stop our population from declining further? One certain way would be to not put any more people than needed into the already burgeoning prison system.\r\n\r\nCan we successfully attract potential retirees if we''re busting potheads while allowing violent crime to spin out of control? Millennials, gen Xers and Baby Boomers all favor decriminalizing marijuana and many other drugs. How long can we afford to push against this wave?\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to fighting crime, Law Enforcement complains about its lack of resources. Does it make sense to commit scarce man-power, time and money to busting, prosecuting and jailing potheads? Can we allow Law Enforcement to squander precious, limited resources? Here''s a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://henrymakow.com/2016/03/politicians-up-to-their-ears-i.html" target="_blank">snapshot</a></span> of what our nation''s ''War on Drugs'' is really about. It''s not pretty.\r\n\r\nWith increasingly negative demographics (depressed economic activity, dismal health ranking, poor educational ranking, rising crime, increasing taxes and declining property values) this is an issue Laurinburg and Scotland County citizens will sooner or later be forced to confront.\r\n\r\nThere are no easy answers. Here''s a professionally produced <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://youtu.be/wfxaJQVxSA4" target="_blank">video</a></span> documentary that may help. Let''s choose wisely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 15:33:38', '2016-04-05 15:33:38', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1344, 1, '2016-04-05 16:02:57', '2016-04-05 16:02:57', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this unfolding story. As you recall, a <span style="color: #0000ff;">previous article</span> reported on the Laurinburg Police drug bust that occurred there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Store, located just a few hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s Administrative Offices.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and there was a crowd of about twenty young to middle age males standing out front talking and hanging around. There was also a steady stream of customers coming and going.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the suspects, and introduced ourselves, asking for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nBecause the police investigation is ongoing, we cannot share every detail of our conversation, but assure readers, there are no deep, dark secrets we''re withholding.\r\n\r\nYassar is a university educated civil engineer who worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before immigrating the the United States about seven years ago. He is bright and articulate, conversant in English, but not totally fluent. Until recently, he''d never had a brush with the Law and appears unfamiliar, but optimistic regarding the police, our legal system and his eventual positive outcome.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience store as well as another one, so he can''t be present at all times, plus the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Police recently <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4543/clerks-charged-with-selling-fake-marijuana" target="_blank">arrested</a></span> several subjects following a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">month''s</span> long investigation into a Vance Street convenience store suspected of selling synthetic marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nDealing in, selling or promoting illegal substances is never wise. Doing so from a convenience store appears just plain stupid. Any perceived value will now flow directly into the pockets of bail-bondsmen, legal professionals and the prison-industrial complex.\r\n\r\nTwo suspects appear to be of Middle Eastern origin, which given the current climate, cannot be considered a plus when it comes to garnering sympathy.\r\n\r\nHow does this story fit into the <strong>Big Picture</strong>?\r\n\r\nAlbert Einstein defined insanity as: ''<em><strong>Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result''.</strong></em> Change is difficult and disconcerting, but if Laurinburg and Scotland County are to get back on their feet, change is essential.\r\n\r\nWas selling marijuana (synthetic or otherwise) from a convenience store actually a ''cutting edge'' business proposition? Should suspects be given the ''small business entrepreneur'' of the year award?\r\n\r\nA growing list of states now permit the legal cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana. Even our federal government has decided to look the other way. An overwhelming majority of Americans favor this trend, and<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/24/top-medical-experts-say-we-should-decriminalize-all-drugs-and-maybe-go-even-further/" target="_blank">prominent professionals and prestigious organizations</a></span> increasingly call for not only the decriminalization of marijuana, but all drugs.\r\n\r\nHow can Laurinburg and Scotland County stop our population from declining further? One certain way would be to not put any more people than needed into the already burgeoning prison system.\r\n\r\nCan we successfully attract potential retirees if we''re busting potheads while allowing violent crime to spin out of control? Millennials, gen Xers and Baby Boomers all favor decriminalizing marijuana and many other drugs. How long can we afford to push against this wave?\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to fighting crime, Law Enforcement complains about its lack of resources. Does it make sense to commit scarce man-power, time and money to busting, prosecuting and jailing potheads? Can we allow Law Enforcement to squander precious, limited resources? Here''s a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://henrymakow.com/2016/03/politicians-up-to-their-ears-i.html" target="_blank">snapshot</a></span> of what our nation''s ''War on Drugs'' is really about. It''s not pretty.\r\n\r\nWith increasingly negative demographics (depressed economic activity, dismal health ranking, poor educational ranking, rising crime, increasing taxes and declining property values) this is an issue Laurinburg and Scotland County citizens will sooner or later be forced to confront.\r\n\r\nThere are no easy answers. Here''s a professionally produced <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://youtu.be/wfxaJQVxSA4" target="_blank">video</a></span> documentary that may help. Let''s choose wisely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 16:02:57', '2016-04-05 16:02:57', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1345, 1, '2016-04-05 16:08:35', '2016-04-05 16:08:35', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this unfolding story. As you recall, a <span style="color: #0000ff;">previous article</span> reported on the Laurinburg Police drug bust that occurred there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Store, located just a few hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s Administrative Offices and Authority''s XXXX hausing complex.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and there was a crowd of at least twenty young to middle age males standing out front talking and hanging about. There was also a steady stream of customers coming and going.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the arrest-es, and introduced ourselves, asking for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nBecause the police investigation is ongoing, we cannot share every detail of our conversation, but assure readers, there are no deep, dark secrets being withholding.\r\n\r\nYassar is a university educated Civil Engineer who worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before immigrating the the United States about seven years ago. He is bright, articulate and while conversant in English, is not totally fluent. Until recently, he''d never had a brush with the Law and appears unfamiliar with its process, but optimistic regarding the police, our legal system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience store as well as another one in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially since the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Police recently <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4543/clerks-charged-with-selling-fake-marijuana" target="_blank">arrested</a></span> several subjects following a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">month''s</span> long investigation into a Vance Street convenience store suspected of selling synthetic marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nDealing in, selling or promoting illegal substances is never wise. Doing so from a convenience store appears just plain stupid. Any perceived value will now flow directly into the pockets of bail-bondsmen, legal professionals and the prison-industrial complex.\r\n\r\nTwo suspects appear to be of Middle Eastern origin, which given the current climate, cannot be considered a plus when it comes to garnering sympathy.\r\n\r\nHow does this story fit into the <strong>Big Picture</strong>?\r\n\r\nAlbert Einstein defined insanity as: ''<em><strong>Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result''.</strong></em> Change is difficult and disconcerting, but if Laurinburg and Scotland County are to get back on their feet, change is essential.\r\n\r\nWas selling marijuana (synthetic or otherwise) from a convenience store actually a ''cutting edge'' business proposition? Should suspects be given the ''small business entrepreneur'' of the year award?\r\n\r\nA growing list of states now permit the legal cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana. Even our federal government has decided to look the other way. An overwhelming majority of Americans favor this trend, and<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/24/top-medical-experts-say-we-should-decriminalize-all-drugs-and-maybe-go-even-further/" target="_blank">prominent professionals and prestigious organizations</a></span> increasingly call for not only the decriminalization of marijuana, but all drugs.\r\n\r\nHow can Laurinburg and Scotland County stop our population from declining further? One certain way would be to not put any more people than needed into the already burgeoning prison system.\r\n\r\nCan we successfully attract potential retirees if we''re busting potheads while allowing violent crime to spin out of control? Millennials, gen Xers and Baby Boomers all favor decriminalizing marijuana and many other drugs. How long can we afford to push against this wave?\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to fighting crime, Law Enforcement complains about its lack of resources. Does it make sense to commit scarce man-power, time and money to busting, prosecuting and jailing potheads? Can we allow Law Enforcement to squander precious, limited resources? Here''s a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://henrymakow.com/2016/03/politicians-up-to-their-ears-i.html" target="_blank">snapshot</a></span> of what our nation''s ''War on Drugs'' is really about. It''s not pretty.\r\n\r\nWith increasingly negative demographics (depressed economic activity, dismal health ranking, poor educational ranking, rising crime, increasing taxes and declining property values) this is an issue Laurinburg and Scotland County citizens will sooner or later be forced to confront.\r\n\r\nThere are no easy answers. Here''s a professionally produced <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://youtu.be/wfxaJQVxSA4" target="_blank">video</a></span> documentary that may help. Let''s choose wisely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 16:08:35', '2016-04-05 16:08:35', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1346, 1, '2016-04-05 16:20:46', '2016-04-05 16:20:46', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this unfolding story. As you recall, a <span style="color: #0000ff;">previous article</span> reported on the Laurinburg Police drug bust that occurred there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Store is located just a few hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s Administrative Office and the Authority''s XXXX housing complex.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and there was a crowd of at least twenty young to middle age males standing out front talking and hanging about. There was also a steady stream of customers coming and going, mostly on foot.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the arrest-es, and introduced ourselves, asking for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nBecause the police investigation is ongoing, we cannot share every detail of conversation, but assure readers, there are no deep, dark secrets being withholding.\r\n\r\nYassar is a university educated Civil Engineer who worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before immigrating the the United States about seven years ago. He is bright, articulate and while conversant in English, is not totally fluent. We and he had to listen carefully and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\nUntil recently, Yassar had never had a brush with the Law and appears unfamiliar with its process, but optimistic regarding the police, our legal system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially since the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen the store was purchased by present owners it wasn''t doing well at all, and given the neighbourhood, hiring and retaining help is an ongoing challenge.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Police recently <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4543/clerks-charged-with-selling-fake-marijuana" target="_blank">arrested</a></span> several subjects following a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">month''s</span> long investigation into a Vance Street convenience store suspected of selling synthetic marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nDealing in, selling or promoting illegal substances is never wise. Doing so from a convenience store appears just plain stupid. Any perceived value will now flow directly into the pockets of bail-bondsmen, legal professionals and the prison-industrial complex.\r\n\r\nTwo suspects appear to be of Middle Eastern origin, which given the current climate, cannot be considered a plus when it comes to garnering sympathy.\r\n\r\nHow does this story fit into the <strong>Big Picture</strong>?\r\n\r\nAlbert Einstein defined insanity as: ''<em><strong>Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result''.</strong></em> Change is difficult and disconcerting, but if Laurinburg and Scotland County are to get back on their feet, change is essential.\r\n\r\nWas selling marijuana (synthetic or otherwise) from a convenience store actually a ''cutting edge'' business proposition? Should suspects be given the ''small business entrepreneur'' of the year award?\r\n\r\nA growing list of states now permit the legal cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana. Even our federal government has decided to look the other way. An overwhelming majority of Americans favor this trend, and<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/24/top-medical-experts-say-we-should-decriminalize-all-drugs-and-maybe-go-even-further/" target="_blank">prominent professionals and prestigious organizations</a></span> increasingly call for not only the decriminalization of marijuana, but all drugs.\r\n\r\nHow can Laurinburg and Scotland County stop our population from declining further? One certain way would be to not put any more people than needed into the already burgeoning prison system.\r\n\r\nCan we successfully attract potential retirees if we''re busting potheads while allowing violent crime to spin out of control? Millennials, gen Xers and Baby Boomers all favor decriminalizing marijuana and many other drugs. How long can we afford to push against this wave?\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to fighting crime, Law Enforcement complains about its lack of resources. Does it make sense to commit scarce man-power, time and money to busting, prosecuting and jailing potheads? Can we allow Law Enforcement to squander precious, limited resources? Here''s a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://henrymakow.com/2016/03/politicians-up-to-their-ears-i.html" target="_blank">snapshot</a></span> of what our nation''s ''War on Drugs'' is really about. It''s not pretty.\r\n\r\nWith increasingly negative demographics (depressed economic activity, dismal health ranking, poor educational ranking, rising crime, increasing taxes and declining property values) this is an issue Laurinburg and Scotland County citizens will sooner or later be forced to confront.\r\n\r\nThere are no easy answers. Here''s a professionally produced <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://youtu.be/wfxaJQVxSA4" target="_blank">video</a></span> documentary that may help. Let''s choose wisely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 16:20:46', '2016-04-05 16:20:46', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1347, 1, '2016-04-05 17:12:34', '2016-04-05 17:12:34', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this unfolding story. A <span style="color: #0000ff;">previous article</span> reported on the Laurinburg Police drug bust that occurred there recently due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Store is located just a few hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s Administrative Office and the Authority''s XXXX housing complex.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and there was a crowd of about twenty young to middle age males standing out front standing about and talking. There was also a steady stream of customers coming and going, mostly on foot.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the arrest-es, and introduced ourselves, asking for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nBecause the investigation is ongoing, we cannot share every detail of conversation, but assure readers, there are no deep, dark secrets being withheld.\r\n\r\nYassar is a university educated Civil Engineer who worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before immigrating the the United States about seven years ago. He appears bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\nUntil recently, Yassar had never had a brush with the Law and appears unfamiliar with its process, but optimistic regarding the police, our legal system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store it wasn''t doing well at all, and given the neighbourhood, hiring and retaining good help remains an ongoing challenge. A number of employees have been discharged after video surveillance and other means revealed unwanted and sometimes illegal activities. Yassar also revealed that given the close relationship of some employees and customers, it appears that some discharged employees remain angry and have worked behind the scenes to make it appear he''s involved in alleged wrong doings.\r\n\r\nYassar stated that in the past he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD and is surprised by and puzzled as to why this incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, the Spice was discovered in an employee backpack by LPD and that this employee was observed on camera going outside during working hours with customers and then returning. When questioned regarding LPD''s actions given this video evidence, Yassar maintained that LPD has yet to ask for the videos.\r\n\r\nThe one thing that stuck out throughout our conversation was Yassar''s desire to have his story told and the evidence presented which he believes firmly will result in his innocence being established.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Police recently <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4543/clerks-charged-with-selling-fake-marijuana" target="_blank">arrested</a></span> several subjects following a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">month''s</span> long investigation into a Vance Street convenience store suspected of selling synthetic marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nDealing in, selling or promoting illegal substances is never wise. Doing so from a convenience store appears just plain stupid. Any perceived value will now flow directly into the pockets of bail-bondsmen, legal professionals and the prison-industrial complex.\r\n\r\nTwo suspects appear to be of Middle Eastern origin, which given the current climate, cannot be considered a plus when it comes to garnering sympathy.\r\n\r\nHow does this story fit into the <strong>Big Picture</strong>?\r\n\r\nAlbert Einstein defined insanity as: ''<em><strong>Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result''.</strong></em> Change is difficult and disconcerting, but if Laurinburg and Scotland County are to get back on their feet, change is essential.\r\n\r\nWas selling marijuana (synthetic or otherwise) from a convenience store actually a ''cutting edge'' business proposition? Should suspects be given the ''small business entrepreneur'' of the year award?\r\n\r\nA growing list of states now permit the legal cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana. Even our federal government has decided to look the other way. An overwhelming majority of Americans favor this trend, and<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/24/top-medical-experts-say-we-should-decriminalize-all-drugs-and-maybe-go-even-further/" target="_blank">prominent professionals and prestigious organizations</a></span> increasingly call for not only the decriminalization of marijuana, but all drugs.\r\n\r\nHow can Laurinburg and Scotland County stop our population from declining further? One certain way would be to not put any more people than needed into the already burgeoning prison system.\r\n\r\nCan we successfully attract potential retirees if we''re busting potheads while allowing violent crime to spin out of control? Millennials, gen Xers and Baby Boomers all favor decriminalizing marijuana and many other drugs. How long can we afford to push against this wave?\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to fighting crime, Law Enforcement complains about its lack of resources. Does it make sense to commit scarce man-power, time and money to busting, prosecuting and jailing potheads? Can we allow Law Enforcement to squander precious, limited resources? Here''s a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://henrymakow.com/2016/03/politicians-up-to-their-ears-i.html" target="_blank">snapshot</a></span> of what our nation''s ''War on Drugs'' is really about. It''s not pretty.\r\n\r\nWith increasingly negative demographics (depressed economic activity, dismal health ranking, poor educational ranking, rising crime, increasing taxes and declining property values) this is an issue Laurinburg and Scotland County citizens will sooner or later be forced to confront.\r\n\r\nThere are no easy answers. Here''s a professionally produced <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://youtu.be/wfxaJQVxSA4" target="_blank">video</a></span> documentary that may help. Let''s choose wisely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 17:12:34', '2016-04-05 17:12:34', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1348, 1, '2016-04-05 17:27:29', '2016-04-05 17:27:29', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this unfolding story. A <span style="color: #0000ff;">previous article</span> reported on the Laurinburg Police drug bust that occurred there recently due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Store is located just a few hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s Office and XXXX Housing complex.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and there was a group of about twenty young to middle age males out front standing about and talking. A steady stream of customers came and went, mostly on foot.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the arrest-es, and introduced ourselves, asking for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nBecause the investigation is ongoing, we cannot share every detail, but assure readers, there are no secrets being withheld.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before immigrating the the United States about seven years ago. He appears bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\nUntil now, Yassar had never had a brush with the Law and appears unfamiliar with its process, but optimistic regarding the police, our legal system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased it things weren''t going well at all, and given the neighbourhood, hiring and retaining good help continues to be challenging.\r\n\r\nA number of employees have been discharged on and off after video surveillance and other means revealed unwanted and sometimes illegal activities. Yassar also revealed that given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees may be working behind the scenes to make it appear he''s involved in wrong doings.\r\n\r\nYassar stated that in the past he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD and is surprised and puzzled as to why this incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, the Spice was discovered in an employee backpack by LPD and that this employee was observed on camera going outside during working hours with customers and then returning. When questioned regarding LPD''s actions given this potentially important video evidence, Yassar maintained that LPD has yet to ask for the videos, which he stated he would readily make available.\r\n\r\nThe one thing that stuck out throughout our conversation was Yassar''s insistence that his story, if told, and the evidence, if properly presented, will firmly establish his innocence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Police recently <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4543/clerks-charged-with-selling-fake-marijuana" target="_blank">arrested</a></span> several subjects following a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">month''s</span> long investigation into a Vance Street convenience store suspected of selling synthetic marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nDealing in, selling or promoting illegal substances is never wise. Doing so from a convenience store appears just plain stupid. Any perceived value will now flow directly into the pockets of bail-bondsmen, legal professionals and the prison-industrial complex.\r\n\r\nTwo suspects appear to be of Middle Eastern origin, which given the current climate, cannot be considered a plus when it comes to garnering sympathy.\r\n\r\nHow does this story fit into the <strong>Big Picture</strong>?\r\n\r\nAlbert Einstein defined insanity as: ''<em><strong>Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result''.</strong></em> Change is difficult and disconcerting, but if Laurinburg and Scotland County are to get back on their feet, change is essential.\r\n\r\nWas selling marijuana (synthetic or otherwise) from a convenience store actually a ''cutting edge'' business proposition? Should suspects be given the ''small business entrepreneur'' of the year award?\r\n\r\nA growing list of states now permit the legal cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana. Even our federal government has decided to look the other way. An overwhelming majority of Americans favor this trend, and<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/24/top-medical-experts-say-we-should-decriminalize-all-drugs-and-maybe-go-even-further/" target="_blank">prominent professionals and prestigious organizations</a></span> increasingly call for not only the decriminalization of marijuana, but all drugs.\r\n\r\nHow can Laurinburg and Scotland County stop our population from declining further? One certain way would be to not put any more people than needed into the already burgeoning prison system.\r\n\r\nCan we successfully attract potential retirees if we''re busting potheads while allowing violent crime to spin out of control? Millennials, gen Xers and Baby Boomers all favor decriminalizing marijuana and many other drugs. How long can we afford to push against this wave?\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to fighting crime, Law Enforcement complains about its lack of resources. Does it make sense to commit scarce man-power, time and money to busting, prosecuting and jailing potheads? Can we allow Law Enforcement to squander precious, limited resources? Here''s a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://henrymakow.com/2016/03/politicians-up-to-their-ears-i.html" target="_blank">snapshot</a></span> of what our nation''s ''War on Drugs'' is really about. It''s not pretty.\r\n\r\nWith increasingly negative demographics (depressed economic activity, dismal health ranking, poor educational ranking, rising crime, increasing taxes and declining property values) this is an issue Laurinburg and Scotland County citizens will sooner or later be forced to confront.\r\n\r\nThere are no easy answers. Here''s a professionally produced <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://youtu.be/wfxaJQVxSA4" target="_blank">video</a></span> documentary that may help. Let''s choose wisely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 17:27:29', '2016-04-05 17:27:29', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpzp_posts` VALUES
(1349, 1, '2016-04-05 17:47:25', '2016-04-05 17:47:25', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this unfolding story regarding the Laurinburg Police Department''s (LPD) recent <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> that occurred there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located just a few hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s <strong>XXXX</strong> leasing office.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty young to middle age males stood out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, mostly on foot.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the arrest-es. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside to talk, so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nThe investigation is ongoing, so we cannot share every detail, but assure readers, there are no dark secrets being withheld.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before immigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He appears bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\nUntil now, Yassar had never had a brush with the Law and appears unfamiliar with its process, but optimistic regarding the police, our legal system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort, and given the neighbourhood and shallow pool of perspective employees, hiring and retaining good help continues to a challenge.\r\n\r\nA number of employees have been discharged on and off after video surveillance and other means revealed unwanted and sometimes illegal activities. Yassar also revealed that given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees may be working behind the scenes to keep the pot stirred.\r\n\r\nYassar stated that in the past he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD and is surprised and puzzled that this incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, the Spice was discovered in an employee backpack by LPD and this employee was observed on camera going outside during working hours with customers and then returning. When questioned regarding LPD''s actions given this potentially important video evidence, Yassar maintained that LPD has yet to ask for the videos, which he said he would readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThe one thing that stuck out throughout our conversation was Yassar''s insistence that his story, if allowed to be told, along with the evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He clearly stated that neither he or the owners would risk their reputations or business by participating in or knowingly allow illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Police recently <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4543/clerks-charged-with-selling-fake-marijuana" target="_blank">arrested</a></span> several subjects following a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">month''s</span> long investigation into a Vance Street convenience store suspected of selling synthetic marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nDealing in, selling or promoting illegal substances is never wise. Doing so from a convenience store appears just plain stupid. Any perceived value will now flow directly into the pockets of bail-bondsmen, legal professionals and the prison-industrial complex.\r\n\r\nTwo suspects appear to be of Middle Eastern origin, which given the current climate, cannot be considered a plus when it comes to garnering sympathy.\r\n\r\nHow does this story fit into the <strong>Big Picture</strong>?\r\n\r\nAlbert Einstein defined insanity as: ''<em><strong>Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result''.</strong></em> Change is difficult and disconcerting, but if Laurinburg and Scotland County are to get back on their feet, change is essential.\r\n\r\nWas selling marijuana (synthetic or otherwise) from a convenience store actually a ''cutting edge'' business proposition? Should suspects be given the ''small business entrepreneur'' of the year award?\r\n\r\nA growing list of states now permit the legal cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana. Even our federal government has decided to look the other way. An overwhelming majority of Americans favor this trend, and<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/24/top-medical-experts-say-we-should-decriminalize-all-drugs-and-maybe-go-even-further/" target="_blank">prominent professionals and prestigious organizations</a></span> increasingly call for not only the decriminalization of marijuana, but all drugs.\r\n\r\nHow can Laurinburg and Scotland County stop our population from declining further? One certain way would be to not put any more people than needed into the already burgeoning prison system.\r\n\r\nCan we successfully attract potential retirees if we''re busting potheads while allowing violent crime to spin out of control? Millennials, gen Xers and Baby Boomers all favor decriminalizing marijuana and many other drugs. How long can we afford to push against this wave?\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to fighting crime, Law Enforcement complains about its lack of resources. Does it make sense to commit scarce man-power, time and money to busting, prosecuting and jailing potheads? Can we allow Law Enforcement to squander precious, limited resources? Here''s a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://henrymakow.com/2016/03/politicians-up-to-their-ears-i.html" target="_blank">snapshot</a></span> of what our nation''s ''War on Drugs'' is really about. It''s not pretty.\r\n\r\nWith increasingly negative demographics (depressed economic activity, dismal health ranking, poor educational ranking, rising crime, increasing taxes and declining property values) this is an issue Laurinburg and Scotland County citizens will sooner or later be forced to confront.\r\n\r\nThere are no easy answers. Here''s a professionally produced <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://youtu.be/wfxaJQVxSA4" target="_blank">video</a></span> documentary that may help. Let''s choose wisely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 17:47:25', '2016-04-05 17:47:25', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1350, 1, '2016-04-05 18:22:35', '2016-04-05 18:22:35', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about the unfolding story regarding the Laurinburg Police Department''s (LPD) recent <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> that occurred there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Complex'' leasing office.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty young to middle age males stood out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, mostly on foot.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the arrest-es. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside to talk so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort, and given the neighbourhood''s shallow pool of qualified perspective employees, hiring and retaining good help continues to be challenging.\r\n\r\nEmployees have been discharged in the past, including just prior to the ''bust'', after video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possible illegal activity. Yassar also revealed that, given the often close relationship between employees and area customers, disgruntled ex-employees could work behind the scenes to stir things up.\r\n\r\nYassar told us that in the past he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD and is surprised and puzzled that this incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, Spice was discovered in an employee backpack by LPD. When we asked what in-store surveillance video showed, Yassar responded that employees could be seen going outside during working hours with customers and then returning (certainly a suspicious practice). We questioned why LPD would arrest him given this potentially important video evidence. Yassar maintained that LPD has yet to inquire about or ask for surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThe one thing that stuck out throughout our conversation was Yassar''s insistence that his story, if allowed to be told, along with the evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he or owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly allowing illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appears very unfamiliar with the judicial process, but remains optimistic regarding the police, our legal system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nWe made several attempts to speak with LPD Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far have been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you updated.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 18:22:35', '2016-04-05 18:22:35', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1351, 1, '2016-04-05 18:34:39', '2016-04-05 18:34:39', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Complex''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty young to middle age males stood out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, mostly on foot.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the arrest-es. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside to talk so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort, and given the neighbourhood''s shallow pool of qualified perspective employees, hiring and retaining good help remains challenging.\r\n\r\nEmployees have been discharged in the past, including just prior to the ''bust'', after video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possible illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, it''s possible that disgruntled ex-employees could work behind the scenes to stir things up.\r\n\r\nYassar told us he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack. When we asked what surveillance video footage showed, Yassar responded that employees could be seen going outside during working hours with customers and then returning (a non authorized and suspicous practice). We questioned why LPD would arrest him given such potentially important video evidence. Yassar responded that LPD has yet to inquire about or ask for surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nOne thing stuck out throughout our conversation: Yassar''s insistence that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he or owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly allowing illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appears very unfamiliar with the legal process, but remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were maded to speak with LPD Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 18:34:39', '2016-04-05 18:34:39', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1352, 1, '2016-04-05 18:42:58', '2016-04-05 18:42:58', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Complex''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty young to middle age males stood out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, mostly on foot.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the arrest-es. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside to talk so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort, and given the neighbourhood''s shallow pool of qualified perspective employees, hiring and retaining good help remains challenging.\r\n\r\nEmployees have been discharged in the past, including just prior to the ''bust'', after video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possible illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, it''s possible that disgruntled ex-employees could work behind the scenes to stir things up.\r\n\r\nYassar told us he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack.\r\n\r\nWhen we asked what surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him, Yassar responded that LPD has yet to inquire about or ask for surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout our conversation Yassar''s insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he or owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appears very unfamiliar with the legal process, but remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with LPD Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 18:42:58', '2016-04-05 18:42:58', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1353, 1, '2016-04-05 18:56:43', '2016-04-05 18:56:43', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important and unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Complex''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty young to middle age males stood out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the arrest-es. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\nDuring the 45 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, refused to answer questions or failed to look us in the eye. He wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort, and given the neighbourhood''s shallow pool of qualified perspective employees, hiring and retaining good help remains challenging.\r\n\r\nEmployees have been discharged in the past, including just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly even illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, it''s possible that disgruntled former employees could work behind the scenes to stir things up.\r\n\r\nYassar told us he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack.\r\n\r\nWhen we asked what surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him, Yassar responded that LPD has yet to inquire about or ask for surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout our conversation Yassar''s insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he or owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appears unfamiliar with the legal process, but remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with LPD Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 18:56:43', '2016-04-05 18:56:43', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1354, 1, '2016-04-05 18:57:17', '2016-04-05 18:57:17', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important and unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Complex''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty young to middle age males stood out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we recognized Yassar Alssiadyhe, one of the arrest-es. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\nDuring the 45 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, refused to answer questions or failed to look us in the eye. He wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort, and given the neighbourhood''s shallow pool of qualified perspective employees, hiring and retaining good help remains challenging.\r\n\r\nEmployees have been discharged in the past, including just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly even illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, it''s possible that disgruntled former employees could work behind the scenes to stir things up.\r\n\r\nYassar told us he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack.\r\n\r\nWhen we asked what surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him, Yassar responded that LPD has yet to inquire about or ask for surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout our conversation Yassar''s insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he or owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appears unfamiliar with the legal process, but remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with LPD Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'DONE - Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 18:57:17', '2016-04-05 18:57:17', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1355, 3, '2016-04-05 19:04:26', '2016-04-05 19:04:26', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important and unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty young to middle aged males stood out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of the arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently asked for clarification.\r\n\r\nDuring the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, refused to answer questions or failed to look us in the eye. He wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort, and given the neighbourhood''s shallow pool of qualified perspective employees, hiring and retaining good help remains challenging.\r\n\r\nEmployees have been discharged in the past, including just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly even illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, it''s possible that disgruntled former employees could work behind the scenes to stir things up.\r\n\r\nYassar told us he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack.\r\n\r\nWhen we asked what surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him, Yassar responded that LPD has yet to inquire about or ask for surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout our conversation Yassar''s insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he or owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appears unfamiliar with the legal process, but remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with LPD Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'DONE - Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 19:04:26', '2016-04-05 19:04:26', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1356, 3, '2016-04-05 19:06:53', '2016-04-05 19:06:53', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important and unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty young to middle aged males stood out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of the arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently asked for clarification.\r\n\r\nDuring the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, refused to answer questions or failed to look us in the eye. He wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort, and given the neighbourhood''s shallow pool of qualified prospective employees, hiring and retaining good help remains challenging.\r\n\r\nEmployees have been discharged in the past, including just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly even illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, it''s possible that disgruntled former employees could work behind the scenes to stir things up.\r\n\r\nYassar told us he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack.\r\n\r\nWhen we asked what surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him, Yassar responded that LPD has yet to inquire about or ask for surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout our conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appears unfamiliar with the legal process, but remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with LPD Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'DONE - Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-05 19:06:53', '2016-04-05 19:06:53', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1357, 1, '2016-04-06 14:13:42', '2016-04-06 14:13:42', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty adult males stood out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\nWalking inside, we recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of those arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\nDuring the 40 minute conversation, Yassar was never evasive or non responsive to questions, nor was he afraid to look us in the eye. He wanted to tell his story.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort to try and turn things around. The neighbourhood''s shallow pool of prospective employees has made hiring and retaining good help challenging.\r\n\r\nEmployees have in the past been discharged, including several just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, it''s possible that disgruntled former employees could work behind the scenes to stir things up.\r\n\r\nYassar told us he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack.\r\n\r\nWe asked what surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him, Yassar responded that LPD has yet to inquire about or ask for the surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout the conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk their reputations, business or freedom by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appeared unfamiliar with the legal process and the current status of the case. He has retained legal counsel and remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with Laurinburg Police Department Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'DONE - Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 14:13:42', '2016-04-06 14:13:42', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpzp_posts` VALUES
(1358, 1, '2016-04-06 14:26:35', '2016-04-06 14:26:35', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty adult males stood out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\n(Pic) Walking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of those recently arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\n(Pic) During the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, non responsive, nor was he afraid to look us in the eye. He clearly wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort to try and turn things around. The neighbourhood''s shallow pool of prospective employees, plus it being in a high crime area has made hiring and retaining good help challenging.\r\n\r\nSome employees have in the past been discharged, including several just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees have ample opportunity to work behind the scenes to stir things up. Managing the Vance Store is clearly not for the faint of heart.\r\n\r\nYassar told us he''s had a positive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack.\r\n\r\nWe asked what in-store surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him. Yassar responded that some videos showed employees going outside with customers and then returning to their duties, and acknowledge that such behaviour is not countenanced and is suspicious. He went on to say that LPD has yet to inquire about or ask for the surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout the conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appeared unfamiliar with the legal process and the current status of the case. He has retained legal counsel and remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'DONE - Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 14:26:35', '2016-04-06 14:26:35', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1359, 1, '2016-04-06 14:38:10', '2016-04-06 14:38:10', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty adult males were standing out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\n(Pic) Walking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of those recently arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s definitely not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\n(Pic) During the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, non responsive, nor was he afraid to look us in the eye. He clearly wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort to try and turn things around. The neighbourhood''s shallow pool of prospective employees, plus it being in a high crime area and that it''s open 24/7 has made hiring and retaining good help challenging.\r\n\r\nSome employees have in the past been discharged, including several just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees have ample opportunity to work behind the scenes to keep things stirred up. Managing the Vance Store is clearly not for the faint of heart.\r\n\r\nYassar said he''s had a constructive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack in the store.\r\n\r\nWe asked what in-store surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him. Yassar responded that some videos showed employees going outside with customers and then returning to their duties. He acknowledge that such behaviour is suspicious. He went on to say that LPD has not inquired about or ask for the surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout the conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appeared unfamiliar with the legal process and the current status of the case. He has retained legal counsel and remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'DONE - Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 14:38:10', '2016-04-06 14:38:10', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1360, 1, '2016-04-06 14:43:50', '2016-04-06 14:43:50', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty adult males were standing out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\n(Pic) Walking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of those recently arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s definitely not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\n(Pic) During the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, non responsive, nor was he afraid to look us in the eye. He clearly wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort to try and turn things around. The neighbourhood''s shallow pool of prospective employees, plus it being in a high crime area and that it''s open 24/7 has made hiring and retaining good help challenging.\r\n\r\nSome employees have in the past been discharged, including several just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees have ample opportunity to work behind the scenes to keep things stirred up. Managing the Vance Store is clearly not for the faint of heart.\r\n\r\nYassar said he''s had a constructive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack stored in the store.\r\n\r\nWe asked what ''in-store'' surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him. Yassar responded that some videos showed employees going outside with customers and then returning to their duties. He acknowledge that such behaviour is suspicious. He went on to say that LPD has not inquired about or asked for the surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout the conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appeared unfamiliar with the legal process and the current status of the case. He has retained legal counsel and remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'DONE - Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 14:43:50', '2016-04-06 14:43:50', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1361, 1, '2016-04-06 15:06:57', '2016-04-06 15:06:57', '(PIC)''Healthy, Wealthy and Wise'' as the old saying goes. Without good health, the rest doesn''t really matter. Scotland County''s placing 2nd to last in the latest State rankings is but one more sign that we''re headed in the wrong direction and change is needed.\r\n\r\nAre more government funded consumer education programs the answer? Should government pass more rules? Do we need additional government regulations?\r\n\r\nThe fact is Good Health largely depends upon decisions we make each day as individuals. Healthy lifestyle choices are only a few keystrokes away, as the Internet is filled with great information, articles and tips on how to live healthier, longer and for less money too.\r\n\r\nFirst, we must desire to become healthy, then put a plan into place. One of the best ways we''ve found to successfully implement desired change of any kind is to look ourselves as if we were a very large ocean going oil tanker.\r\n\r\nBetween the time the captain orders the helmsman to change course and the desired change is achieved, the ship has traveled at least six miles. If calamity is to be avoided, the captain must think far ahead.\r\n\r\nIt''s no different for us. If we desire to make positive change, like losing weight, but try to change course too fast or haphazardly, we''re likely to fail.\r\n\r\nOur weight is almost 100% dependent upon the number of calories we take in each day, versus the number of calories we expend. If we take in more than we expend, we will gain weight, if the same, we will maintain our weight, if less, we will lose weight.\r\n\r\nNo plan will succeed if it isn''t implemented and good plans anticipate that the desired result will only be achieved over the course of time. If we are slightly over weight it may only take a couple of months to get to the goal, but if we are obese or morbidly obese, it''s likely to take up to a year of more.\r\n\r\nWe don''t believe in ''going on diets''. Even when successful, those lost pounds usually come right back. Changing what you eat can lead to permanent success, allowing you to shed the pounds and keep them off.\r\n\r\nOnly 21% of shoppers ever read ingredient labels before purchasing items. Sugars of any kind, including high fructose corn syrup, are believed by many to be the single most important factor in causing obesity and diabetes.        <span style="color: #0000ff;">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <a href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></a></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or support (at) carolinacrossroads (dot) news</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Scotland County Health Ranks 99th', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1118-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 15:06:57', '2016-04-06 15:06:57', '', 1118, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1118-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1362, 3, '2016-04-06 15:27:26', '2016-04-06 15:27:26', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;">drug bust</span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty adult males were standing out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\n(Pic) Walking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of those recently arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s definitely not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\n(Pic) During the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, non responsive, nor was he afraid to look us in the eye. He clearly wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort to try and turn things around. The neighbourhood''s shallow pool of prospective employees, plus it being in a high crime area and that it''s open 24/7 has made hiring and retaining good help challenging.\r\n\r\nSome employees have in the past been discharged, including several just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees have ample opportunity to work behind the scenes to keep things stirred up. Managing the Vance Store is clearly not for the faint of heart.\r\n\r\nYassar said he''s had a constructive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack stored in the store.\r\n\r\nWe asked what ''in-store'' surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him. Yassar responded that some videos showed employees going outside with customers and then returning to their duties. He acknowledged that such behavior is suspicious. He went on to say that LPD has not inquired about or asked for the surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout the conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appeared unfamiliar with the legal process and the current status of the case. He has retained legal counsel and remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'DONE - Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 15:27:26', '2016-04-06 15:27:26', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1363, 3, '2016-04-06 15:46:05', '2016-04-06 15:46:05', '', 'Alssaidy', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'closed', '', 'alssaidy', '', '', '2016-04-06 15:46:05', '2016-04-06 15:46:05', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Alssaidy.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(1364, 3, '2016-04-06 15:46:09', '2016-04-06 15:46:09', '', 'CCN_Alissaidy', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'closed', '', 'ccn_alissaidy', '', '', '2016-04-06 15:46:09', '2016-04-06 15:46:09', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CCN_Alissaidy.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(1365, 3, '2016-04-06 15:48:56', '2016-04-06 15:48:56', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/we-support-our-police-part-1/" target="_blank">drug bust</a></span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty adult males were standing out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\n<img class=" wp-image-1363 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Alssaidy-300x201.png" alt="Alssaidy" width="269" height="180" />Walking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of those recently arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s definitely not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1364 alignright" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CCN_Alissaidy-300x180.png" alt="CCN_Alissaidy" width="300" height="180" />During the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, non responsive, nor was he afraid to look us in the eye. He clearly wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort to try and turn things around. The neighbourhood''s shallow pool of prospective employees, plus it being in a high crime area and that it''s open 24/7 has made hiring and retaining good help challenging.\r\n\r\nSome employees have in the past been discharged, including several just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees have ample opportunity to work behind the scenes to keep things stirred up. Managing the Vance Store is clearly not for the faint of heart.\r\n\r\nYassar said he''s had a constructive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack stored in the store.\r\n\r\nWe asked what ''in-store'' surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him. Yassar responded that some videos showed employees going outside with customers and then returning to their duties. He acknowledged that such behavior is suspicious. He went on to say that LPD has not inquired about or asked for the surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout the conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appeared unfamiliar with the legal process and the current status of the case. He has retained legal counsel and remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'DONE - Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 15:48:56', '2016-04-06 15:48:56', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1366, 3, '2016-04-06 15:52:12', '2016-04-06 15:52:12', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/we-support-our-police-part-1/" target="_blank">drug bust</a></span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty adult males were standing out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\n<img class=" wp-image-1363 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Alssaidy-300x201.png" alt="Alssaidy" width="269" height="180" />Walking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of those recently arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s definitely not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1364 alignright" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CCN_Alissaidy-300x180.png" alt="CCN_Alissaidy" width="300" height="180" />During the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, non responsive, nor was he afraid to look us in the eye. He clearly wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort to try and turn things around. The neighbourhood''s shallow pool of prospective employees, plus it being in a high crime area and that it''s open 24/7 has made hiring and retaining good help challenging.\r\n\r\nSome employees have in the past been discharged, including several just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees have ample opportunity to work behind the scenes to keep things stirred up. Managing the Vance Store is clearly not for the faint of heart.\r\n\r\nYassar said he''s had a constructive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack stored in the store.\r\n\r\nWe asked what ''in-store'' surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him. Yassar responded that some videos showed employees going outside with customers and then returning to their duties. He acknowledged that such behavior is suspicious. He went on to say that LPD has not inquired about or asked for the surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout the conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appeared unfamiliar with the legal process and the current status of the case. He has retained legal counsel and remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 15:52:12', '2016-04-06 15:52:12', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1367, 3, '2016-04-06 15:53:00', '2016-04-06 15:53:00', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is part of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/we-support-our-police-part-1/" target="_blank">drug bust</a></span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty adult males were standing out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\n<img class="wp-image-1363 alignright" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Alssaidy-300x201.png" alt="Alssaidy" width="271" height="181" />Walking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of those recently arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s definitely not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1364 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CCN_Alissaidy-300x180.png" alt="CCN_Alissaidy" width="300" height="180" />During the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, non responsive, nor was he afraid to look us in the eye. He clearly wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort to try and turn things around. The neighbourhood''s shallow pool of prospective employees, plus it being in a high crime area and that it''s open 24/7 has made hiring and retaining good help challenging.\r\n\r\nSome employees have in the past been discharged, including several just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees have ample opportunity to work behind the scenes to keep things stirred up. Managing the Vance Store is clearly not for the faint of heart.\r\n\r\nYassar said he''s had a constructive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack stored in the store.\r\n\r\nWe asked what ''in-store'' surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him. Yassar responded that some videos showed employees going outside with customers and then returning to their duties. He acknowledged that such behavior is suspicious. He went on to say that LPD has not inquired about or asked for the surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout the conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appeared unfamiliar with the legal process and the current status of the case. He has retained legal counsel and remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 15:53:00', '2016-04-06 15:53:00', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1368, 1, '2016-04-06 15:57:47', '2016-04-06 15:57:47', '(PIC)''Healthy, Wealthy and Wise'' as the old saying goes. Without good health, the rest doesn''t really matter. Scotland County''s placing 2nd to last in the latest State rankings is but one more sign that we''re headed in the wrong direction and change is needed.\r\n\r\nAre more government funded consumer education programs the answer? Should government pass more rules? Do we need additional government regulations?\r\n\r\nThe fact is Good Health largely depends upon decisions we as individuals make each day. Healthy lifestyle choices are only a few keystrokes away, as the Internet is filled with great information, articles and tips on how to live healthier, longer and for less money too.\r\n\r\nFirst, we must desire to become healthy, then put a realistic plan into place.\r\n\r\nBetween the time the captain (of an ocean going oil tanker) orders the helmsman to change course and the desired change is achieved, the ship has traveled at least six miles. If calamity is to be avoided, the captain must think ahead.\r\n\r\nIt''s no different for us. If we desire positive change, like losing weight, but change course too fast or haphazardly, we''re likely to fail.\r\n\r\nOur weight is almost 100% dependent upon the number of calories we take in each day, versus the number of calories we expend. If we take in more than we expend, we will gain weight, if the same, we will maintain our weight, if less, we will lose weight.\r\n\r\nIf we are slightly over weight it may take just a couple of months to get to the goal, but if we are obese or morbidly obese, it could take up to a year of more.\r\n\r\nWe don''t believe in diets, especially fad diets. Even when successful, lost pounds come right back. A healthy overall dietary plan will lead to permanent success, shedding pounds and keeping them off.\r\n\r\nOnly 21% of shoppers read ingredient labels before purchasing items. Sugars of any kind, including high fructose corn syrup, are believed to be the single most important factor in causing obesity and diabetes and in promoting the growth and spread of cancer. It''s not just about our sugar intake from outside sources either, as many foods, such as pastas turn into sugars during the digestive process.      <span style="color: #0000ff;">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <a href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></a></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or support (at) carolinacrossroads (dot) news</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Scotland County Health Ranks 99th', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1118-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 15:57:47', '2016-04-06 15:57:47', '', 1118, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1118-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpzp_posts` VALUES
(1369, 1, '2016-04-06 16:08:05', '2016-04-06 16:08:05', '(PIC)''Healthy, Wealthy and Wise'' as the old saying goes. Without good health, the rest doesn''t really matter. Scotland County''s placing 2nd to last in the latest State rankings is but one more sign that we''re headed in the wrong direction and change is needed.\r\n\r\nAre more government funded consumer education programs the answer? Should government pass more rules? Do we need additional government regulations?\r\n\r\nThe fact is Good Health largely depends upon decisions we as individuals make each day. Healthy lifestyle choices are only a few keystrokes away, as the Internet is filled with great information, articles and tips on how to live healthier, longer and for less money.\r\n\r\nFirst, we must desire to become healthy, then put a realistic plan into place.\r\n\r\nBetween the time the captain (of an ocean going oil tanker) orders the helmsman to change course and the desired change is achieved, the ship has traveled at least six miles. If calamity is to be avoided, the captain must think ahead, have a plan and implement it.\r\n\r\nIt''s no different for us. If we desire positive change, like losing weight, but change course haphazardly or too fast, we''re likely to fail.\r\n\r\nOur weight is almost 100% dependent upon the number of calories we take in each day, versus the number of calories we expend. If we take in more than we expend, we will gain weight, if the same, we will maintain our weight, if less, we will lose weight.\r\n\r\nIf we are slightly over weight it may take just a couple of months to get to the goal, but if we are obese or morbidly obese, it could take a year of more.\r\n\r\nWe don''t believe in diets, especially fad diets. Even when successful, lost pounds come right back. A healthy overall dietary plan is needed to permanently shed extra pounds and keep them off.\r\n\r\nOnly 21% of shoppers read ingredient labels before purchasing items. Sugars of any kind, including high fructose corn syrup, are believed to be the single most important factor causing obesity and diabetes and in promoting the growth and spread of cancer. It''s not just about our sugar intake from outside sources either, many foods such as pastas turn into sugars during the digestive process.\r\n\r\nDrinking diet soft drinks isn''t going to help either, as our body continues to crave the energy it needs until satisfied. Some evidence also suggest that ingredients in many diet drinks may be responsible for the explosion in Pancreatic Cancer, which is largely fatal.\r\n\r\nVisit our Healthy Lifestyle section to learn more and keep up on the latest trends. There''s never been a better time to be alive, and it''s never been easier to become healthy.    <span style="color: #0000ff;">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <a href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></a></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or support (at) carolinacrossroads (dot) news</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Scotland County Health Ranks 99th', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1118-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 16:08:05', '2016-04-06 16:08:05', '', 1118, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1118-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1370, 1, '2016-04-06 16:20:16', '2016-04-06 16:20:16', '(PIC)''Healthy, Wealthy and Wise'' as the old saying goes. Without good health, the rest doesn''t really matter. Scotland County''s placing 2nd to last in the latest State rankings is but one more sign that we''re headed in the wrong direction and change is needed.\r\n\r\nAre more government funded consumer education programs the answer? Should government pass more rules? Do we need additional government regulation?\r\n\r\nThe fact is Good Health largely depends upon decisions we as individuals make each day. Healthy lifestyle choices are only a few keystrokes away, as the Internet is filled with great information, articles and tips on how to live healthier, longer and for less money.\r\n\r\nFirst, we must desire to become healthy, then put a realistic plan into place.\r\n\r\nBetween the time the captain (of an ocean going oil tanker) orders the helmsman to change course and the desired change is achieved, the ship has traveled at least six miles. If calamity is to be avoided, the captain must think ahead, have a plan and implement it.\r\n\r\nIt''s no different for us. If we desire positive lifestyle change, but don''t think ahead, have a plan or implement it haphazardly or too fast, we''re likely to fail.\r\n\r\nObesity has been identified as the number one cause, behind smoking, for many of life''s most catastrophic ailments. Our weight is almost 100% dependent upon the number of calories we take in each day, versus the number of calories we expend. If we take in more than we expend, we will gain weight, if the same, we will maintain our weight, if less, we will lose weight.\r\n\r\nIf we are slightly over weight it may take just a couple of months to get to the goal, but if we are obese or morbidly obese, it could take a year or more.\r\n\r\nDiets, especially fad diets, aren''t successful over time. Lost pounds tend to come right back. A healthy overall dietary plan is needed to permanently shed extra pounds and keep them off.\r\n\r\nOnly 21% of shoppers read ingredient labels before purchasing grocery items. Sugars (of any kind), including high fructose corn syrup, are believed to be the single most important factor leading to obesity and diabetes and are suspected in promoting the growth and spread of cancer.\r\n\r\nIt''s not just about our sugar intake from outside sources either, many foods such as pastas turn into sugars during the digestive process.\r\n\r\nDiet sodas and other ''diet'' foods don''t help either, as our body continues to crave the energy it needs until satisfied. Some evidence suggests that ingredients commonly found in many ''diet'' products may be responsible for the explosion we''re seeing in Pancreatic Cancer, which is largely fatal within months of diagnoses.\r\n\r\nVisit our <strong>Healthy Lifestyle</strong> section to learn more and follow the latest trends. There''s never been a better time to be alive, and it''s never been easier to enjoy good health.    <span style="color: #0000ff;">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <a href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></a></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or support (at) carolinacrossroads (dot) news</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - Scotland County Health Ranks 99th', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1118-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 16:20:16', '2016-04-06 16:20:16', '', 1118, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1118-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1371, 1, '2016-04-06 16:26:28', '2016-04-06 16:26:28', '(PIC)''Healthy, Wealthy and Wise'' as the old saying goes. Without good health, the rest doesn''t really matter. Scotland County''s 2nd to last place in the latest State rankings is but one more sign that we''re headed in the wrong direction and change is needed.\r\n\r\nAre more government funded consumer education programs the answer? Should government pass more rules? Do we need additional government regulation?\r\n\r\nThe fact is Good Health largely depends upon decisions we as individuals make each day. Today, healthy lifestyle choices are only a few keystrokes away, as the Internet is filled with great information, articles and tips on how to live healthier, longer and for less money.\r\n\r\nFirst, we must desire to become healthy, then we must put a realistic plan into place.\r\n\r\nBetween the time the captain (of an ocean going oil tanker) orders the helmsman to change course and the desired change is achieved, the ship has traveled at least six miles. If calamity is to be avoided, the captain must think ahead, have a plan and implement it.\r\n\r\nIt''s no different for us. If we desire positive lifestyle change, but don''t think ahead, don''t have a plan or implement it haphazardly or too fast, we''re likely to fail.\r\n\r\nObesity has been identified as the number one cause, behind smoking, of many of life''s most debilitating and catastrophic ailments. Our weight is almost 100% dependent upon the number of calories we take in each day, versus the number of calories we expend. If we take in more than we expend, we will gain weight, if the same, we will maintain our weight, if less, we will lose weight.\r\n\r\nIf we are slightly over weight it may take just a couple of months to get to the goal, but if we are obese or morbidly obese, it could take a year or more.\r\n\r\nDiets, especially fad diets, aren''t successful over time. Lost pounds tend to come right back, often with a vengence. A healthy overall dietary plan is needed to permanently shed extra pounds and keep them off.\r\n\r\nOnly 21% of shoppers read <strong>ingredient labels</strong> before purchasing grocery items. Sugars (of any kind), including high fructose sweeteners, are believed to be the single most important factor leading to obesity and diabetes, and are suspected in promoting the growth and spread of cancer.\r\n\r\nIt''s not just about our sugar intake from outside sources either, many foods such as pastas turn into sugars during the digestive process.\r\n\r\nDiet sodas and other ''diet'' foods don''t help either, as our body continues to crave the energy it needs until satisfied. Some evidence suggests that ingredients commonly found in many ''diet'' products may be responsible for the explosion we''re seeing in Pancreatic Cancer, which is largely fatal within months of diagnoses.\r\n\r\nVisit our <strong>Healthy Lifestyle</strong> section to learn more and follow the latest trends. There''s never been a better time to be alive, and it''s never been easier to enjoy good health.    <span style="color: #0000ff;">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <a href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></a></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or support (at) carolinacrossroads (dot) news</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - Scotland County Health Ranks 99th', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1118-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 16:26:28', '2016-04-06 16:26:28', '', 1118, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1118-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1372, 1, '2016-04-06 16:27:11', '2016-04-06 16:27:11', '(PIC)''Healthy, Wealthy and Wise'' as the old saying goes. Without good health, the rest doesn''t really matter. Scotland County''s 2nd to last place in the latest State rankings is but one more sign that we''re headed in the wrong direction and change is needed.\r\n\r\nAre more government funded consumer education programs the answer? Should government pass more rules? Do we need additional government regulation?\r\n\r\nThe fact is Good Health largely depends upon decisions we as individuals make each day. Today, healthy lifestyle choices are only a few keystrokes away, as the Internet is filled with great information, articles and tips on how to live healthier, longer and for less money.\r\n\r\nFirst, we must desire to become healthy, then we must put a realistic plan into place.\r\n\r\nBetween the time the captain (of an ocean going oil tanker) orders the helmsman to change course and the desired change is achieved, the ship has traveled at least six miles. If calamity is to be avoided, the captain must think ahead, have a plan and implement it.\r\n\r\nIt''s no different for us. If we desire positive lifestyle change, but don''t think ahead, don''t have a plan or implement it haphazardly or too fast, we''re likely to fail.\r\n\r\nObesity has been identified as the number one cause, behind smoking, of many of life''s most debilitating and catastrophic ailments. Our weight is almost 100% dependent upon the number of calories we take in each day, versus the number of calories we expend. If we take in more than we expend, we will gain weight, if the same, we will maintain our weight, if less, we will lose weight.\r\n\r\nIf we are slightly over weight it may take just a couple of months to get to the goal, but if we are obese or morbidly obese, it could take a year or more.\r\n\r\nDiets, especially fad diets, aren''t successful over time. Lost pounds tend to come right back, often with a vengence. A healthy overall dietary plan is needed to permanently shed extra pounds and keep them off.\r\n\r\nOnly 21% of shoppers read <strong>ingredient labels</strong> before purchasing grocery items. Sugars (of any kind), including high fructose sweeteners, are believed to be the single most important factor leading to obesity and diabetes, and are suspected in promoting the growth and spread of cancer.\r\n\r\nIt''s not just about our sugar intake from outside sources either, many foods such as pastas turn into sugars during the digestive process.\r\n\r\nDiet sodas and other ''diet'' foods don''t help either, as our body continues to crave the energy it needs until satisfied. Some evidence suggests that ingredients commonly found in many ''diet'' products may be responsible for the explosion we''re seeing in Pancreatic Cancer, which is largely fatal within months of diagnoses.\r\n\r\nVisit our <span style="color: #0000ff;">Healthy Lifestyle</span> section to learn more and follow the latest trends. There''s never been a better time to be alive, and it''s never been easier to enjoy good health.    <span style="color: #0000ff;">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <a href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></a></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/top-stories/4533/report-scotland-county-health-ranking-at-99th\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or support (at) carolinacrossroads (dot) news</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - Scotland County Health Ranks 99th', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1118-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 16:27:11', '2016-04-06 16:27:11', '', 1118, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1118-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1373, 3, '2016-04-06 16:36:04', '2016-04-06 16:36:04', '', 'subscribe', '', 'inherit', 'open', 'closed', '', 'subscribe', '', '', '2016-04-06 16:36:04', '2016-04-06 16:36:04', '', 0, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/subscribe.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(1374, 1, '2016-04-06 16:45:12', '2016-04-06 16:45:12', '(PIC)Many, including us, believe Edward Snowden to be a true American Hero. Others think Ed is a traitor who should be executed, or at the very least imprisoned for life.<span style="color: #0000ff;">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nHow are Americans to remain a free people and govern ourselves responsibly if ''We the People'' are uninformed, especially regarding what our government is doing to us and on our behalf? Is government secrecy, supposedly in the name of National Security, destroying our nation?\r\n\r\nHere''s a video interview between Liberty Forum''s Nick Gillespie and Edward Snowden. You decide.\r\n\r\nNotes From YouTube:\r\n\r\n"There''s a very real difference between allegiance to country–allegiance to people–than allegiance to state, which is what nationalism today is really more about," says Edward Snowden. On February 20, the whistleblowing cybersecurity expert addressed a wide range of questions during an in-depth interview with Reason''s Nick Gillespie at Liberty Forum, a gathering of the Free State Project (FSP) in Manchester, New Hampshire.\r\n\r\nFSP seeks to move 20,000 people over the next five years to New Hampshire, where they will secure "liberty in our lifetime" by affecting the political, economic, and cultural climate of the state. Over 1,900 members have already migrated to the state and their impact is already being felt. Among their achievements to date:\r\n\r\ngetting 15 of their brethren in the state House, challenging anti-ridehail laws, fighting in court for outre religious liberty, winning legal battles over taping cops, being mocked by Colbert for heroically paying off people''s parking meters, hosting cool anything goes festivals for libertarians, nullifying pot juries, and inducing occasional pants-wetting absurd paranoia in local statists.\r\n\r\nSnowden''s cautionary tale about the the dangers of state surveillance wasn''t lost on his audience of libertarians and anarchists who reside in the "Live Free or Die" state. He believes that technology has given rise to unprecedented freedom for individuals around the world—but he says so from an undisclosed location in authoritarian Russia.\r\n\r\nAnd he reminds us that governments also have unprecedented potential to surveil their populations at a moment''s notice, without anyone ever realizing what''s happening.\r\n\r\n"They know more about us than they ever have in the history of the United States," Snowden warns. "They''re excusing themselves from accountability to us at the same time they''re trying to exert greater power over us."\r\n\r\nIn the midst of a fiercely contested presidential race, Snowden remains steadfast in his distrust of partisan politics and declined to endorse any particular candidate or party, or even to label his beliefs. "I do see sort of a clear distinction between people who have a larger faith in liberties and rights than they do in states and institutions," he grants. "And this would be sort of the authoritarian/libertarian axis in the traditional sense. And I do think it’s clear that if you believe in the progressive liberal tradition, which is that people should have greater capability to act freely, to make their own choices, to enjoy a better and freer life over the progression of sort of human life, you’re going to be pushing away from that authoritarian axis at all times."\r\n\r\nSnowden drews laughs when asked if he was eligible to vote via absentee ballot. "This is still a topic of...active research," he deadpans.\r\n\r\nBut he stresses that the U.S. government can win back trust and confidence through rigorous accountability to citizens and by living up to the ideals on which the country was founded. "We don’t want Russia or China or North Korea or Iran or France or Germany or Brazil or any other country in the world to hold us up as an example for why we should be narrowing the boundaries of liberty around the world instead of expanding them," says Snowden.\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: ____ INSERT LINK\r\n\r\n<center><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o8pkUTav0mk?rel=0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or support (at) carolinacrossroads (dot) news</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - Privacy, Surveillance, Spying (VIDEO)', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1129-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 16:45:12', '2016-04-06 16:45:12', '', 1129, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1129-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1375, 1, '2016-04-06 16:46:08', '2016-04-06 16:46:08', '(PIC)Many, including us, believe Edward Snowden to be a true American Hero. Others think Ed is a traitor who should be executed, or at the very least imprisoned for life.<span style="color: #0000ff;">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nHow are Americans to remain a free people and govern ourselves responsibly if ''We the People'' are uninformed, especially regarding what our government is doing to us and on our behalf?\r\n\r\nIs government secrecy, supposedly in the name of National Security, destroying our nation?\r\n\r\nHere''s a video interview between Liberty Forum''s Nick Gillespie and Edward Snowden. You decide.\r\n\r\nNotes From YouTube:\r\n\r\n"There''s a very real difference between allegiance to country–allegiance to people–than allegiance to state, which is what nationalism today is really more about," says Edward Snowden. On February 20, the whistleblowing cybersecurity expert addressed a wide range of questions during an in-depth interview with Reason''s Nick Gillespie at Liberty Forum, a gathering of the Free State Project (FSP) in Manchester, New Hampshire.\r\n\r\nFSP seeks to move 20,000 people over the next five years to New Hampshire, where they will secure "liberty in our lifetime" by affecting the political, economic, and cultural climate of the state. Over 1,900 members have already migrated to the state and their impact is already being felt. Among their achievements to date:\r\n\r\ngetting 15 of their brethren in the state House, challenging anti-ridehail laws, fighting in court for outre religious liberty, winning legal battles over taping cops, being mocked by Colbert for heroically paying off people''s parking meters, hosting cool anything goes festivals for libertarians, nullifying pot juries, and inducing occasional pants-wetting absurd paranoia in local statists.\r\n\r\nSnowden''s cautionary tale about the the dangers of state surveillance wasn''t lost on his audience of libertarians and anarchists who reside in the "Live Free or Die" state. He believes that technology has given rise to unprecedented freedom for individuals around the world—but he says so from an undisclosed location in authoritarian Russia.\r\n\r\nAnd he reminds us that governments also have unprecedented potential to surveil their populations at a moment''s notice, without anyone ever realizing what''s happening.\r\n\r\n"They know more about us than they ever have in the history of the United States," Snowden warns. "They''re excusing themselves from accountability to us at the same time they''re trying to exert greater power over us."\r\n\r\nIn the midst of a fiercely contested presidential race, Snowden remains steadfast in his distrust of partisan politics and declined to endorse any particular candidate or party, or even to label his beliefs. "I do see sort of a clear distinction between people who have a larger faith in liberties and rights than they do in states and institutions," he grants. "And this would be sort of the authoritarian/libertarian axis in the traditional sense. And I do think it’s clear that if you believe in the progressive liberal tradition, which is that people should have greater capability to act freely, to make their own choices, to enjoy a better and freer life over the progression of sort of human life, you’re going to be pushing away from that authoritarian axis at all times."\r\n\r\nSnowden drews laughs when asked if he was eligible to vote via absentee ballot. "This is still a topic of...active research," he deadpans.\r\n\r\nBut he stresses that the U.S. government can win back trust and confidence through rigorous accountability to citizens and by living up to the ideals on which the country was founded. "We don’t want Russia or China or North Korea or Iran or France or Germany or Brazil or any other country in the world to hold us up as an example for why we should be narrowing the boundaries of liberty around the world instead of expanding them," says Snowden.\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: ____ INSERT LINK\r\n\r\n<center><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o8pkUTav0mk?rel=0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or support (at) carolinacrossroads (dot) news</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - Privacy, Surveillance, Spying (VIDEO)', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1129-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 16:46:08', '2016-04-06 16:46:08', '', 1129, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1129-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1376, 1, '2016-04-06 16:51:53', '2016-04-06 16:51:53', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is Part 3 of a series focuses on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nTo be sure, there are plenty of bad guys and Law Enforcement stands between them and us. Their service is appreciated and in exchange they are well compensated.\r\n\r\nThe Police are our employees. They work for us. They are paid with our tax dollars.\r\n\r\n<strong>Americans are not required to obey laws that are unlawful or unconstitutional, nor is Law Enforcement empowered to enforce laws that defy the Constitution.</strong>\r\n\r\nWhy does local Law Enforcement now feel it needs a cheer leading squad to go out with signs showing support? Is it because the Internet is full of horrifying videos showing Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) harassing, abusing, pepper spraying, tasing, beating, robbing, arresting, shooting and even killing innocent citizens? Is it because LEOs use powerful, often unlawful technologies like ''Stingrays'' to collect private information and data on each and every citizen regardless of whether they are suspected of committing a crime?\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of Cop shaking person upside down)</span> FBI statistics disclose that in 2014 alone $4.5 billion was <strong>stolen</strong> from the American people. Homes, cars, business assets and cash are being routinely <strong>seized</strong>, often without any charges filed or even the pretense of illegality or wrongdoing. In contrast, the FBI states that only $3.5 billion was lost due to actual burglaries. <strong>That’s right; according to our own FBI, the vast majority of thefts are being committed not by burglars, but by Police.</strong>\r\n\r\nIs it any wonder Americans increasing view Police as dangerous predators. Should honest, God fearing citizens be forced to cower before those paid to serve and protect them?\r\n\r\nPolice recruits are increasingly trained to view the American people as The Enemy? Are our Police unwittingly allowing themselves to become mafia style enforcers, making sure we don''t forget who’s really in charge?\r\n\r\nLEOs are often former military, and while there are valuable synergies between the two, there are important, fundamental differences as well. Those drawn to military and law enforcement service, generally speaking, prefer Order over the Anarchy that Individual Freedom and unfettered self expression frequently engender. While this preference for Order works well in the military, it can make it difficult when trying to achieve the right balance between Order and the Rights of individuals in a free, open society. LEOs must walk a fine line if they are to serve those they''ve sworn to protect. This has never been an easy mission.\r\n\r\nAs if to spray gasoline on an already blazing fire, Legislators pass tons of laws each session, most of which are neither well thought out, needed or desirable. The legislative process does not ensure laws are Just, Lawful or Constitutional. There''s and old saying: "<strong>There are two things you don’t want to see being made, sausage and politics"</strong>.\r\n\r\nDid you know most legislation isn''t written by the legislators we elect, but rather by professional lobbyists in the employ of wealthy families and large corporations? Many Legislators routinely vote for Bills they''ve never seen, let alone read.\r\n\r\n<strong>Legislative abuse places an enormous burden upon LEOs </strong>who take a solemn oath to enforce the law and defend the Constitution against enemies, foreign and domestic. How can LEOs defend that which millions of Americans have sacrificed, fought and died to preserve if we as voters don''t insist legislators give them clear directions they can reasonably be expected to implement?\r\n\r\nTo make matters worse, Washington DC now showers state and local Law Enforcement with virtually unlimited taxpayer funds to acquire gnarly war wagons, military style combat gear and sophisticated surveillance devices. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between Police and Soldiers going off to war.\r\n\r\nDepartments are equipping vehicles with Dash Cams and LEOs with Body Cams in a stated effort to reign in rogue behavior, supposedly introducing transparency and accountability. This sounds great, until you realize that Officers are able to selectively turn cameras <strong>on and off</strong> to suit their needs, and despite claims to the contrary, can and do edit footage to make sure that when necessary, the video fits the narrative they want told.\r\n\r\nWe’ve attended community events, meetings and programs sponsored by the Scotland County Sheriff’s Department, and quite frankly, came away disappointed. There appears little understanding and even less interest regarding the role today’s County Sheriff is expected to play if we are to remain a free people in an open society.\r\n\r\nDeputies appear more interested in manipulating the public instead of doing the hard work needed to successfully address festering issues. It''s obvious that recent training is not improving performance, but rather better enabling Officers to deflect public concern.\r\n\r\nNot only are our Police and Sheriff taking hard earned federal taxpayer dollars to buy the latest gadgets, gear and surveillance equipment, they are in return allowing, and even encourging Federal agencies to come into the area and do whatever they want with no oversight. <strong>This is extremely short sighted and dangerous.</strong>\r\n\r\nLauringburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and County Sheriff Ralph Kersey exist to serve and protect us, not Washington DC schemers, scammers, kleptocrats, plutocrats and psychopaths.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to contact Police Chief Darwin Williams and Sheriff Ralph Kersey regarding these issues, but no response was received.\r\n\r\n<strong>End of Part 2. Stay tuned for Part 3</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Police Need a Cheer Leading Squad?', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1258-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 16:51:53', '2016-04-06 16:51:53', '', 1258, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1258-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1377, 1, '2016-04-06 16:53:12', '2016-04-06 16:53:12', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is Part 2 of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/we-support-our-police-part-1/" target="_blank">drug bust</a></span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty adult males were standing out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\n<img class="wp-image-1363 alignright" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Alssaidy-300x201.png" alt="Alssaidy" width="271" height="181" />Walking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of those recently arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s definitely not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1364 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CCN_Alissaidy-300x180.png" alt="CCN_Alissaidy" width="300" height="180" />During the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, non responsive, nor was he afraid to look us in the eye. He clearly wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort to try and turn things around. The neighbourhood''s shallow pool of prospective employees, plus it being in a high crime area and that it''s open 24/7 has made hiring and retaining good help challenging.\r\n\r\nSome employees have in the past been discharged, including several just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees have ample opportunity to work behind the scenes to keep things stirred up. Managing the Vance Store is clearly not for the faint of heart.\r\n\r\nYassar said he''s had a constructive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack stored in the store.\r\n\r\nWe asked what ''in-store'' surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him. Yassar responded that some videos showed employees going outside with customers and then returning to their duties. He acknowledged that such behavior is suspicious. He went on to say that LPD has not inquired about or asked for the surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout the conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appeared unfamiliar with the legal process and the current status of the case. He has retained legal counsel and remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts were made to speak with Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams regarding this case, but so far we''ve been unable to connect.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 16:53:12', '2016-04-06 16:53:12', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1378, 1, '2016-04-06 17:11:04', '2016-04-06 17:11:04', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is Part 3 of a series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nTo be sure, there are plenty of bad guys and Law Enforcement stands between them and us. Their service is appreciated and in exchange they are well compensated.\r\n\r\nThe Police are our employees. They work for us. They are paid with our tax dollars.\r\n\r\n<strong>Americans are not required to obey laws that are unlawful or unconstitutional, nor is Law Enforcement empowered to enforce laws that defy the Constitution.</strong>\r\n\r\nWhy does local Law Enforcement now feel it needs a cheer leading squad to go out with signs showing support? Is it because the Internet is full of horrifying videos showing Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) harassing, abusing, pepper spraying, tasing, beating, robbing, arresting, shooting and even killing innocent citizens? Is it because LEOs use powerful, often unlawful technologies like ''Stingrays'' to collect private information and data on each and every citizen regardless of whether they are suspected of committing a crime? Is it because LEOs routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">stop citizens (grandma says No at DUI checkpoint)</span> as they go about their business, in a supposed effort to reign in crime?\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of Cop shaking person upside down)</span> FBI statistics disclose that in 2014 alone $4.5 billion was <strong>stolen</strong> from the American people. Homes, cars, business assets and cash are being routinely <strong>seized</strong>, often without any charges filed or even the pretense of illegality or wrongdoing. In contrast, the FBI states that only $3.5 billion was lost due to actual burglaries. <strong>That’s right; according to our own FBI, the vast majority of thefts are being committed not by burglars, but by Police.</strong>\r\n\r\nIs it any wonder Americans increasing view Police as dangerous predators. Should honest, God fearing citizens be forced to cower before those paid to serve and protect them?\r\n\r\nPolice recruits are increasingly trained to view the American people as The Enemy? Are our Police unwittingly allowing themselves to become mafia style enforcers, making sure we don''t forget who’s really in charge?\r\n\r\nLEOs are often former military, and while there are valuable synergies between the two, there are important, fundamental differences as well. Those drawn to military and law enforcement service, generally speaking, prefer Order over the Anarchy that Individual Freedom and unfettered Self Expression frequently engender. This preference for Order works well in the military, but can make it difficult when trying to achieve that right balance between Order and the Rights of individuals in a free, open society. LEOs must walk a fine line if they are to serve those they''ve sworn to serve and protect. This has never been an easy mission.\r\n\r\nAs if to spray gasoline on an already blazing fire, Legislators pass tons of laws each year, most of which are neither well thought out, needed or desirable. The legislative process does not ensure laws are Just, Lawful or Constitutional. There''s and old saying: "<strong>There are two things you don’t want to see being made, sausage and politics"</strong>.\r\n\r\nDid you know most legislation isn''t written by the legislators we elect, but rather by professional lobbyists in the employ of wealthy families and large corporations? Many Legislators routinely vote for Bills they''ve never seen, let alone read.\r\n\r\n<strong>Legislative abuse places an enormous burden upon LEOs </strong>who take a solemn oath to enforce the law and defend the Constitution. How can LEOs defend that which millions of Americans have sacrificed, fought and died to preserve if we as voters don''t insist our Legislators give them clear directions they can reasonably be expected to follow and implement?\r\n\r\nTo make matters worse, Washington DC now showers state and local Law Enforcement with virtually unlimited taxpayer funds to acquire gnarly war wagons, military style combat gear and sophisticated surveillance devices. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between Police and Soldiers going off to war.\r\n\r\nDepartments are equipping vehicles with Dash Cams and LEOs with Body Cams in a stated effort to reign in rogue behavior, supposedly introducing transparency and accountability. This sounds great, until you realize that Officers are able to selectively turn cameras <strong>on and off</strong> to suit their needs, and despite claims to the contrary, can and do <strong>edit footage</strong> to make sure the video fits the narrative they want told.\r\n\r\nWe’ve attended community programs sponsored by the Scotland County Sheriff’s Department, and quite frankly, came away disappointed. There appears little understanding and even less interest regarding the role today’s County Sheriff is expected to play if we are to remain a free people in an open society.\r\n\r\nDeputies appear interested in manipulating the public instead of doing the hard work needed to successfully address long festering issues. Recent training efforts appear designed to better enable Officers to deflect public concern.\r\n\r\nNot only are our Police and Sheriff taking hard earned federal taxpayer dollars to buy the latest gadgets, gear and surveillance equipment, they are in return allowing, and even encouraging Federal agencies to come into the area and do whatever they want with no oversight. <strong>This is extremely short sighted and potentially very dangerous.</strong>\r\n\r\nLauringburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and County Sheriff Ralph Kersey exist to serve and protect us, not Washington DC schemers, scammers, kleptocrats, plutocrats and psychopaths.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts have been made to contact Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and Scotland County Sheriff Ralph Kersey regarding issues, but no response was received.\r\n\r\n<address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Police Need a Cheer Leading Squad?', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1258-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 17:11:04', '2016-04-06 17:11:04', '', 1258, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1258-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
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(1381, 1, '2016-04-06 18:45:49', '2016-04-06 18:45:49', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\n(Pic) This is Part 3 of a series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nTo be sure, there are plenty of bad guys and Law Enforcement stands between them and us. Their service is greatly appreciated and in exchange they are well compensated.\r\n\r\nThe Police are our employees. They work for us. They are paid with our tax dollars.\r\n\r\n<strong>Americans are not required to obey laws that are unlawful or unconstitutional, nor is Law Enforcement empowered to enforce laws that defy the Constitution.</strong>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of sign at Jerry''s Deli)</span> Why does local Law Enforcement now feel it needs a cheer leading squad to post signs showing support?\r\n\r\nIs it because the Internet is full of horrifying videos showing Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) harassing, abusing, pepper spraying, tasing, beating, robbing, arresting, shooting and even killing innocent citizens?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs use powerful, often unlawful technologies like ''Stingrays'' to collect private information and data on <strong>each and every citizen</strong> regardless of whether they are suspected of committing a crime?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">stop citizens (grandma says No at DUI checkpoint)</span> as they go about their business, in a supposed effort to reign in crime?\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of Cop shaking person upside down)</span> FBI statistics disclose that in 2014 alone $4.5 billion was <span style="color: #0000ff;">stolen</span> from the American people. Homes, cars, business assets and cash are being routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">seized</span>, often without any charges filed or even the pretense of illegality or wrongdoing. In contrast, the FBI states that only $3.5 billion was lost due to actual burglaries. <strong>That’s right; according to our own FBI, the vast majority of thefts are being committed not by burglars, but by Police.</strong>\r\n\r\nIs it any wonder Americans increasing view Police as dangerous predators? Should honest, God fearing citizens be forced to cower before those paid to serve and protect them?\r\n\r\nPolice recruits are increasingly trained to view the American people as The Enemy? Are our Police allowing themselves to become mafia style enforcers, making sure we don''t forget who’s really in charge?\r\n\r\nLEOs are often former military, and while there are valuable synergies between the two, there are important, fundamental differences as well.\r\n\r\nThose drawn to military and law enforcement careers often express a strong preference for <strong><em>order</em></strong> over the seeming anarchy that individual freedom and self expression frequently engender. This preference works well in the military, but can make it difficult when trying to achieve that <em>right balance</em> that''s required if we are to maintain a <em>free</em> and <em>open</em> society. LEOs must walk a fine line if they are to truly <em>serve and protect</em>. This has never been an easy mission.\r\n\r\nAs if to spray gasoline on an already blazing fire, Legislators pass tons of laws each year, most of which are neither well thought out, needed or desirable. The legislative process does not ensure laws are <em>just, lawful or constitutiona</em>l. <em><strong>T</strong><strong><em>h</em>ere are two things you don’t want to see being made, sausage and politics</strong></em>.\r\n\r\nDid you know most legislation isn''t written by the legislators we elect, but rather by professional lobbyists in the employ of wealthy families and large corporations? Many Legislators routinely vote for Bills they''ve never seen, let alone read.\r\n\r\n<strong>Legislative abuse places an enormous burden upon LEOs </strong>who take a solemn oath to enforce the laws and defend the Constitution. How can LEOs defend that which millions of Americans have sacrificed, fought and died to preserve if we as voters don''t insist our Legislators give them a clear directions to follow?\r\n\r\nTo make matters worse, Washington DC now showers state and local Law Enforcement with virtually unlimited taxpayer funds to acquire gnarly war wagons, military style combat gear and sophisticated surveillance devices. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between Police and Soldiers going off to war.\r\n\r\nDepartments are equipping vehicles with Dash Cams and LEOs with Body Cams in a stated effort to reign in rogue behavior, supposedly introducing transparency and accountability. This sounds great, until you realize that Officers are able to selectively turn cameras <strong>on and off</strong> to suit their needs, and despite claims to the contrary, can and do <strong>edit footage</strong> to make sure the video fits the narrative they want told.\r\n\r\nWe’ve attended community programs sponsored by the Scotland County Sheriff’s Department, and quite frankly, came away disappointed. There appears little understanding and even less interest regarding the role today’s County Sheriff is expected to play if we are to remain a free people in an open society.\r\n\r\nDeputies appear interested in manipulating the public instead of doing the hard work needed to successfully address long festering issues. Recent training efforts appear designed to better enable Officers to deflect public concern.\r\n\r\nNot only are our Police and Sheriff taking hard earned federal taxpayer dollars to buy the latest gadgets, gear and surveillance equipment, they are in return allowing, and even encouraging Federal agencies to come into the area and do whatever they want with no oversight. <strong>This is extremely short sighted and potentially very dangerous.</strong>\r\n\r\nLauringburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and County Sheriff Ralph Kersey exist to serve and protect us, not Washington DC schemers, scammers, kleptocrats, plutocrats and psychopaths.\r\n\r\nSeveral attempts have been made to contact Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and Scotland County Sheriff Ralph Kersey regarding issues, but no response was received.\r\n\r\n<address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Police Need a Cheer Leading Squad?', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1258-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 18:45:49', '2016-04-06 18:45:49', '', 1258, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1258-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1382, 1, '2016-04-06 19:11:24', '2016-04-06 19:11:24', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\n(Pic) This is Part 3 of a series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nTo be sure, there are plenty of bad guys and Law Enforcement stands between them and us. Their service is greatly appreciated and in exchange they are well compensated.\r\n\r\nThe Police are our employees. They work for us. They are paid with our tax dollars.\r\n\r\n<strong>Americans are not required to obey laws that are unlawful or unconstitutional, nor is Law Enforcement empowered to enforce laws that defy the Constitution.</strong>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of sign at Jerry''s Deli)</span> Why does local Law Enforcement now feel it needs a cheer leading squad to post signs of support?\r\n\r\nIs it because the Internet is full of horrifying videos showing Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) harassing, abusing, pepper spraying, tasing, beating, robbing, arresting, shooting and even killing innocent citizens?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs use powerful, often unlawful technologies like ''Stingrays'' to collect private information and data on <strong>each and every citizen</strong> regardless of whether they are suspected of committing a crime?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">stop citizens (grandma says No at DUI checkpoint)</span> as they go about their business, in a supposed effort to clamp down on crime?\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of Cop shaking person upside down)</span> FBI statistics disclose that in 2014 alone $4.5 billion was <span style="color: #0000ff;">stolen</span> from the American people. Homes, cars, business assets and cash are being routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">seized</span>, often without any charges filed or even the pretense of illegality or wrongdoing. In contrast, the FBI states that only $3.5 billion was lost due to actual burglaries. <strong>That’s right; according to our own FBI, the vast majority of thefts are being committed not by burglars, but by Police.</strong>\r\n\r\nIs it any wonder Americans increasing view Police as dangerous predators? Should honest, God fearing citizens be forced to cower before those paid to serve and protect us?\r\n\r\nPolice recruits are increasingly trained to view the American people as The Enemy? Are LEOs allowing themselves to become mafia style enforcers, making sure we don''t forget who’s really in charge?\r\n\r\nLEOs are often former military, and while there are valuable synergies between the two, there are important and fundamental differences as well.\r\n\r\nThose drawn to military and law enforcement careers often express a strong preference for <strong><em>order</em></strong> over the seeming anarchy that individual freedom and self expression can engender. This preference works well in the military, but can make it difficult when trying to achieve the <em>right balance</em> required to maintain a <em>free</em> and <em>open</em> society. LEOs must walk a fine line. This has never been an easy mission.\r\n\r\nAs if to spray gasoline on an already blazing fire, Legislators pass tons of laws each year, most of which are neither well thought out, needed or desirable. The legislative process does not ensure laws are <em>just, lawful or constitutiona</em>l. <em><strong>T</strong><strong><em>h</em>ere are two things you don’t want to see being made, sausage and politics</strong></em>.\r\n\r\nDid you know most legislation isn''t written by the legislators we elect, but rather by professional lobbyists in the employ of wealthy families and large corporations? Many Legislators routinely vote for Bills they''ve never seen, let alone read.\r\n\r\n<strong>Legislative abuse places an enormous burden upon LEOs </strong>who take a solemn oath to enforce the laws and defend the Constitution. How can LEOs defend that which millions of Americans have sacrificed, fought and died to preserve if we as voters don''t insist our Legislators give them a clear set of directions to follow?\r\n\r\nTo make matters worse, Washington DC now showers state and local Law Enforcement with virtually unlimited taxpayer funds to acquire gnarly war wagons, military style combat gear, sophisticated surveillance technology and the latest in <em>crowd control</em> to quell free speech and the right to petition government for grievances. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between Law Enforcement and Soldiers going off to war.\r\n\r\nDepartments are equipping vehicles with Dash Cams and LEOs with Body Cams in a stated effort to reign in rogue behavior, supposedly introducing transparency and accountability. This sounds great, until you realize that Officers are able to selectively turn cameras <em>on and off</em> to suit their needs, and despite claims to the contrary, can and do <em>edit footage</em> to make sure videos fit the narrative they want told.\r\n\r\nWe’ve attended community programs sponsored by the Scotland County Sheriff’s Department, and quite frankly, came away very disappointed. There appears to be little understanding and even less interest regarding the role today’s County Sheriff is expected to play if we are to remain a free people in an open society.\r\n\r\nDeputies appear more interested in manipulating the public than doing the hard work necessary to successfully address long festering issues.\r\n\r\nIt''s bad enough that local Law Enforcement is taking hard earned federal taxpayer dollars to buy gadgets, gear and surveillance equipment, worse yet, they are allowing, and even encouraging Federal agencies to come into the area and do whatever they want with no oversight. <strong>This is extremely short sighted and potentially very dangerous.</strong>\r\n\r\nLocal law enforcement is here to serve and protect us, not roll out the red carpet for Washington DC schemers, scammers, kleptocrats, plutocrats and psychopaths.\r\n\r\nNumerous attempts were made to contact Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and Scotland County Sheriff Ralph Kersey regarding these issues. No response was received.\r\n\r\n<address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Police Need a Cheer Leading Squad?', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1258-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 19:11:24', '2016-04-06 19:11:24', '', 1258, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1258-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1383, 1, '2016-04-06 19:12:00', '2016-04-06 19:12:00', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\n(Pic) This is Part 3 of a series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nTo be sure, there are plenty of bad guys and Law Enforcement stands between them and us. Their service is greatly appreciated and in exchange they are well compensated.\r\n\r\nThe Police are our employees. They work for us. They are paid with our tax dollars.\r\n\r\n<strong>Americans are not required to obey laws that are unlawful or unconstitutional, nor is Law Enforcement empowered to enforce laws that defy the Constitution.</strong>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of sign at Jerry''s Deli)</span> Why does local Law Enforcement now feel it needs a cheer leading squad to post signs of support?\r\n\r\nIs it because the Internet is full of horrifying videos showing Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) harassing, abusing, pepper spraying, tasing, beating, robbing, arresting, shooting and even killing innocent citizens?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs use powerful, often unlawful technologies like ''Stingrays'' to collect private information and data on <strong>each and every citizen</strong> regardless of whether they are suspected of committing a crime?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">stop citizens (grandma says No at DUI checkpoint)</span> as they go about their business, in a supposed effort to clamp down on crime?\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of Cop shaking person upside down)</span> FBI statistics disclose that in 2014 alone $4.5 billion was <span style="color: #0000ff;">stolen</span> from the American people. Homes, cars, business assets and cash are being routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">seized</span>, often without any charges filed or even the pretense of illegality or wrongdoing. In contrast, the FBI states that only $3.5 billion was lost due to actual burglaries. <strong>That’s right; according to our own FBI, the vast majority of thefts are being committed not by burglars, but by Police.</strong>\r\n\r\nIs it any wonder Americans increasing view Police as dangerous predators? Should honest, God fearing citizens be forced to cower before those paid to serve and protect us?\r\n\r\nPolice recruits are increasingly trained to view the American people as The Enemy? Are LEOs allowing themselves to become mafia style enforcers, making sure we don''t forget who’s really in charge?\r\n\r\nLEOs are often former military, and while there are valuable synergies between the two, there are important and fundamental differences as well.\r\n\r\nThose drawn to military and law enforcement careers often express a strong preference for <strong><em>order</em></strong> over the seeming anarchy that individual freedom and self expression can engender. This preference works well in the military, but can make it difficult when trying to achieve the <em>right balance</em> required to maintain a <em>free</em> and <em>open</em> society. LEOs must walk a fine line. This has never been an easy mission.\r\n\r\nAs if to spray gasoline on an already blazing fire, Legislators pass tons of laws each year, most of which are neither well thought out, needed or desirable. The legislative process does not ensure laws are <em>just, lawful or constitutiona</em>l. <em><strong>T</strong><strong><em>h</em>ere are two things you don’t want to see being made, sausage and politics</strong></em>.\r\n\r\nDid you know most legislation isn''t written by the legislators we elect, but rather by professional lobbyists in the employ of wealthy families and large corporations? Many Legislators routinely vote for Bills they''ve never seen, let alone read.\r\n\r\n<strong>Legislative abuse places an enormous burden upon LEOs </strong>who take a solemn oath to enforce the laws and defend the Constitution. How can LEOs defend that which millions of Americans have sacrificed, fought and died to preserve if we as voters don''t insist our Legislators give them a clear set of directions to follow?\r\n\r\nTo make matters worse, Washington DC now showers state and local Law Enforcement with virtually unlimited taxpayer funds to acquire gnarly war wagons, military style combat gear, sophisticated surveillance technology and the latest in <em>crowd control</em> to quell free speech and the right to petition government for grievances. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between Law Enforcement and Soldiers going off to war.\r\n\r\nDepartments are equipping vehicles with Dash Cams and LEOs with Body Cams in a stated effort to reign in rogue behavior, supposedly introducing transparency and accountability. This sounds great, until you realize that Officers are able to selectively turn cameras <em>on and off</em> to suit their needs, and despite claims to the contrary, can and do <em>edit footage</em> to make sure videos fit the narrative they want told.\r\n\r\nWe’ve attended community programs sponsored by the Scotland County Sheriff’s Department, and quite frankly, came away very disappointed. There appears to be little understanding and even less interest regarding the role today’s County Sheriff is expected to play if we are to remain a free people in an open society.\r\n\r\nDeputies appear more interested in manipulating the public than doing the hard work necessary to successfully address long festering issues.\r\n\r\nIt''s bad enough that local Law Enforcement is taking hard earned federal taxpayer dollars to buy gadgets, gear and surveillance equipment, worse yet, they are allowing, and even encouraging Federal agencies to come into the area and do whatever they want with no oversight. <strong>This is extremely short sighted and potentially very dangerous.</strong>\r\n\r\nLocal law enforcement is here to serve and protect us, not roll out the red carpet for Washington DC schemers, scammers, kleptocrats, plutocrats and psychopaths.\r\n\r\nNumerous attempts were made to contact Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and Scotland County Sheriff Ralph Kersey regarding these issues. No response was received.\r\n\r\n<address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT 3 - Police Need a Cheer Leading Squad?', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1258-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 19:12:00', '2016-04-06 19:12:00', '', 1258, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1258-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1384, 1, '2016-04-06 19:19:53', '2016-04-06 19:19:53', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\n(Pic) This is Part 3 of a series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nTo be sure, there are plenty of bad guys and Law Enforcement stands between them and us. Their service is greatly appreciated and in exchange they are well compensated.\r\n\r\nThe Police are our employees. They work for us. They are paid with our tax dollars.\r\n\r\n<strong>Americans are not required to obey laws that are unlawful or unconstitutional, nor is Law Enforcement empowered to enforce laws that defy the Constitution.</strong>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of sign at Jerry''s Deli)</span> Why does local law enforcement now feel it needs a cheer leading squad to post signs of support?\r\n\r\nIs it because the Internet is full of horrifying videos showing Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) harassing, abusing, pepper spraying, tasing, beating, robbing, arresting, shooting and even killing innocent citizens?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs use powerful, often unlawful technologies like ''Stingrays'' to collect private information and data on <strong>each and every one of us, </strong>regardless of whether we are suspected of committing a crime?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">stop citizens (grandma says No at DUI checkpoint)</span> as they go about their business, in a supposed effort to clamp down on crime?\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of Cop shaking person upside down)</span> FBI statistics disclose that in 2014 alone $4.5 billion was <span style="color: #0000ff;">stolen</span> from the American people. Homes, cars, business assets and cash are being routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">seized</span>, often without any charges filed or even the pretense of illegality or wrongdoing. In contrast, the FBI states that only $3.5 billion was lost due to actual burglaries. <strong>That’s right; according to our own FBI, the vast majority of thefts are being committed not by burglars, but by Police.</strong>\r\n\r\nIs it any wonder Americans increasing view Police as dangerous predators? Should honest, God fearing citizens be forced to cower before those paid to serve and protect us?\r\n\r\nPolice recruits are increasingly trained to view the American people as The Enemy? Are LEOs allowing themselves to become mafia style enforcers, making sure we don''t forget who’s really in charge?\r\n\r\nLEOs are often former military, and while there are valuable synergies between the two, there are important and fundamental differences as well.\r\n\r\nThose drawn to military and law enforcement careers often express a strong preference for <strong><em>order</em></strong> over the seeming anarchy that individual freedom and self expression can engender. This preference works well in the military, but can make it difficult when trying to achieve the <em>right balance</em> required to maintain a <em>free</em> and <em>open</em> society. LEOs must walk a fine line. This has never been an easy mission.\r\n\r\nAs if to spray gasoline on an already blazing fire, Legislators pass tons of laws each year, most of which are neither well thought out, needed or desirable. The legislative process does not ensure laws are <em>just, lawful or constitutiona</em>l. <em><strong>T</strong><strong><em>h</em>ere are two things you don’t want to see being made, sausage and politics</strong></em>.\r\n\r\nDid you know most legislation isn''t written by the legislators we elect, but rather by professional lobbyists in the employ of wealthy families and large corporations? Many Legislators routinely vote for Bills they''ve never seen, let alone read.\r\n\r\n<strong>Legislative abuse places an enormous burden upon LEOs </strong>who take a solemn oath to enforce the laws and defend the Constitution. How can LEOs defend that which millions of Americans have sacrificed, fought and died to preserve if we as voters don''t insist our Legislators give them a clear set of directions to follow?\r\n\r\nTo make matters worse, Washington DC now showers state and local Law Enforcement with virtually unlimited taxpayer funds to acquire gnarly war wagons, military style combat gear, sophisticated surveillance technology and the latest in <em>crowd control</em> to quell free speech and the right to petition government for grievances. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between Law Enforcement and Soldiers going off to war.\r\n\r\nDepartments are equipping vehicles with Dash Cams and LEOs with Body Cams in a stated effort to reign in rogue behavior, supposedly introducing transparency and accountability. This sounds great, until you realize that Officers are able to selectively turn cameras <em>on and off</em> to suit their needs, and despite claims to the contrary, can and do <em>edit footage</em> to make sure videos fit the narrative they want told.\r\n\r\nWe’ve attended community programs sponsored by the Scotland County Sheriff’s Department, and quite frankly, came away very disappointed. There appears to be little understanding and even less interest regarding the role today’s County Sheriff is expected to play if we are to remain a free people in an open society.\r\n\r\nDeputies appear more interested in manipulating the public than doing the hard work necessary to successfully address long festering issues.\r\n\r\nIt''s bad enough that local Law Enforcement is taking hard earned federal taxpayer dollars to buy gadgets, gear and surveillance equipment, worse yet, they are allowing, and even encouraging Federal agencies to come into the area and do whatever they want with no oversight. <strong>This is extremely short sighted and potentially very dangerous.</strong>\r\n\r\nLocal law enforcement is here to serve and protect us, not roll out the red carpet for Washington DC schemers, scammers, kleptocrats, plutocrats and psychopaths.\r\n\r\nNumerous attempts were made to contact Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and Scotland County Sheriff Ralph Kersey regarding these issues. No response was received.\r\n\r\n<address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT 3 - Police Need a Cheer Leading Squad?', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1258-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 19:19:53', '2016-04-06 19:19:53', '', 1258, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1258-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1385, 1, '2016-04-06 19:26:33', '2016-04-06 19:26:33', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\n(Pic) This is Part 3 of a series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nTo be sure, there are plenty of bad guys and Law Enforcement stands between them and us. Their service is greatly appreciated and in exchange they are well compensated.\r\n\r\nThe Police are our employees. They work for us. They are paid with our tax dollars.\r\n\r\n<strong>Americans are not required to obey laws that are unlawful or unconstitutional, nor is Law Enforcement empowered to enforce laws that defy the Constitution.</strong>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of sign at Jerry''s Deli)</span> Why does local law enforcement now feel it needs a cheer leading squad to post signs of support?\r\n\r\nIs it because the Internet is full of horrifying videos showing Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) harassing, abusing, pepper spraying, tasing, beating, robbing, arresting, shooting and even killing innocent citizens?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs use powerful, often unlawful technologies like ''Stingrays'' to collect private information and data on <strong>each and every one of us, </strong>regardless of whether we are suspected of committing a crime?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">stop citizens (grandma says No at DUI checkpoint)</span> as they go about their business, in a supposed effort to clamp down on crime?\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of Cop shaking person upside down)</span> FBI statistics disclose that in 2014 alone $4.5 billion was <span style="color: #0000ff;">stolen</span> from the American people. Homes, cars, business assets and cash are being routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">seized</span>, often without any charges filed or even the pretense of illegality or wrongdoing. In contrast, the FBI states that only $3.5 billion was lost due to actual burglaries. <strong>That’s right; according to our own FBI, the vast majority of thefts are being committed not by burglars, but by Police.</strong>\r\n\r\nIs it any wonder Americans increasing view Police as dangerous predators? Should honest, God fearing citizens be forced to cower before those paid to serve and protect us?\r\n\r\nPolice recruits are increasingly trained to view the American people as The Enemy? Are LEOs allowing themselves to become mafia style enforcers, making sure we don''t forget who’s really in charge?\r\n\r\nLEOs are often former military, and while there are valuable synergies between the two, there are important and fundamental differences as well.\r\n\r\nThose drawn to military and law enforcement careers often express a strong preference for <strong><em>order</em></strong> over the seeming anarchy that individual freedom and self expression can engender. This preference works well in the military, but can make it difficult when trying to achieve the <em>right balance</em> required to maintain a <em>free</em> and <em>open</em> society. LEOs must walk a fine line. This has never been an easy mission.\r\n\r\nAs if to spray gasoline on an already blazing fire, Legislators pass tons of laws each year, most of which are neither well thought out, needed or desirable. The legislative process does not ensure laws are <em>just, lawful or constitutiona</em>l. <em><strong>T</strong><strong><em>h</em>ere are two things you don’t want to see being made, sausage and politics</strong></em>.\r\n\r\nDid you know most legislation isn''t written by the legislators we elect, but rather by professional lobbyists in the employ of wealthy families and large corporations? Many Legislators routinely vote for Bills they''ve never seen, let alone read.\r\n\r\n<strong>Legislative abuse places an enormous burden upon LEOs </strong>who take a solemn oath to enforce the laws and defend the Constitution. How can LEOs defend that which millions of Americans have sacrificed, fought and died to preserve if we as voters don''t insist our Legislators give them a clear set of directions to follow?\r\n\r\nTo make matters worse, Washington DC now showers state and local Law Enforcement with virtually unlimited taxpayer funds to acquire gnarly war wagons, military style combat gear, sophisticated surveillance technology and the latest in <em>crowd control</em> (to quell free speech and the right to petition government for grievances). It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between Law Enforcement and Soldiers going off to war.\r\n\r\nDepartments are equipping vehicles with Dash Cams and LEOs with Body Cams in a stated effort to reign in rogue behavior, supposedly introducing transparency and accountability. This sounds great, until you realize that Officers are able to selectively turn cameras <em>on and off</em> to suit their needs, and despite claims to the contrary, can and do <em>edit footage</em> to make sure videos fit the narrative they want told.\r\n\r\nWe’ve attended community programs sponsored by the Scotland County Sheriff’s Department, and quite frankly, came away very disappointed. There appears to be little understanding and even less interest regarding the role today’s County Sheriff is expected to play if we are to remain a free people in an open society.\r\n\r\nDeputies appear more interested in manipulating the public than doing the hard work necessary to successfully address long festering issues.\r\n\r\nIt''s bad enough that local Law Enforcement is taking hard earned federal taxpayer dollars to buy gadgets, gear and surveillance equipment, worse yet, they are allowing, and even encouraging Federal agencies to come into the area and do whatever they want with no oversight. <em><strong>This is extremely short sighted and potentially very dangerous.</strong></em>\r\n\r\nLocal law enforcement is here to serve and protect us, not roll out the red carpet for Washington DC schemers, scammers, kleptocrats, plutocrats and psychopaths.\r\n\r\nNumerous attempts were made to contact Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and Scotland County Sheriff Ralph Kersey regarding these issues. No response was received.\r\n\r\n<address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT 3 - Police Need a Cheer Leading Squad?', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1258-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 19:26:33', '2016-04-06 19:26:33', '', 1258, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1258-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1386, 1, '2016-04-06 19:27:11', '2016-04-06 19:27:11', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\n(Pic) This is Part 3 of a series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nTo be sure, there are plenty of bad guys and Law Enforcement stands between them and us. Their service is greatly appreciated and in exchange they are well compensated.\r\n\r\nThe Police are our employees. They work for us. They are paid with our tax dollars.\r\n\r\n<strong>Americans are not required to obey laws that are unlawful or unconstitutional, nor is Law Enforcement empowered to enforce laws that defy the Constitution.</strong>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of sign at Jerry''s Deli)</span> Why does local law enforcement now feel it needs a cheer leading squad to post signs of support?\r\n\r\nIs it because the Internet is full of horrifying videos showing Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) harassing, abusing, pepper spraying, tasing, beating, robbing, arresting, shooting and even killing innocent citizens?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs use powerful, often unlawful technologies like ''Stingrays'' to collect private information and data on <strong>each and every one of us, </strong>regardless of whether we are suspected of committing a crime?\r\n\r\nIs it because LEOs routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">stop citizens (grandma says No at DUI checkpoint)</span> as they go about their business, in a supposed effort to clamp down on crime?\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">(Pic of Cop shaking person upside down)</span> FBI statistics disclose that in 2014 alone $4.5 billion was <span style="color: #0000ff;">stolen</span> from the American people. Homes, cars, business assets and cash are being routinely <span style="color: #0000ff;">seized</span>, often without any charges filed or even the pretense of illegality or wrongdoing. In contrast, the FBI states that only $3.5 billion was lost due to actual burglaries. <strong>That’s right; according to our own FBI, the vast majority of thefts are being committed not by burglars, but by Police.</strong>\r\n\r\nIs it any wonder Americans increasing view Police as dangerous predators? Should honest, God fearing citizens be forced to cower before those paid to serve and protect us?\r\n\r\nPolice recruits are increasingly trained to view the American people as The Enemy? Are LEOs allowing themselves to become mafia style enforcers, making sure we don''t forget who’s really in charge?\r\n\r\nLEOs are often former military, and while there are valuable synergies between the two, there are important and fundamental differences as well.\r\n\r\nThose drawn to military and law enforcement careers often express a strong preference for <strong><em>order</em></strong> over the seeming anarchy that individual freedom and self expression can engender. This preference works well in the military, but can make it difficult when trying to achieve the <em>right balance</em> required to maintain a <em>free</em> and <em>open</em> society. LEOs must walk a fine line. This has never been an easy mission.\r\n\r\nAs if to spray gasoline on an already blazing fire, Legislators pass tons of laws each year, most of which are neither well thought out, needed or desirable. The legislative process does not ensure laws are <em>just, lawful or constitutiona</em>l. <em><strong>T</strong><strong><em>h</em>ere are two things you don’t want to see being made, sausage and politics</strong></em>.\r\n\r\nDid you know most legislation isn''t written by the legislators we elect, but rather by professional lobbyists in the employ of wealthy families and large corporations? Many Legislators routinely vote for Bills they''ve never seen, let alone read.\r\n\r\n<strong>Legislative abuse places an enormous burden upon LEOs </strong>who take a solemn oath to enforce the laws and defend the Constitution. How can LEOs defend that which millions of Americans have sacrificed, fought and died to preserve if we as voters don''t insist our Legislators give them a clear set of directions to follow?\r\n\r\nTo make matters worse, Washington DC now showers state and local Law Enforcement with virtually unlimited taxpayer funds to acquire gnarly war wagons, military style combat gear, sophisticated surveillance technology and the latest in <em>crowd control</em> (to quell free speech and the right to petition government for grievances). It’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between Law Enforcement and Soldiers going off to war.\r\n\r\nDepartments are equipping vehicles with Dash Cams and LEOs with Body Cams in a stated effort to reign in rogue behavior, supposedly introducing transparency and accountability. This sounds great, until you realize that Officers are able to selectively turn cameras <em>on and off</em> to suit their needs, and despite claims to the contrary, can and do <em>edit footage</em> to make sure videos fit the narrative they want told.\r\n\r\nWe’ve attended community programs sponsored by the Scotland County Sheriff’s Department, and quite frankly, came away very disappointed. There appears to be little understanding and even less interest regarding the role today’s County Sheriff is expected to play if we are to remain a free people in an open society.\r\n\r\nDeputies appear more interested in manipulating the public than doing the hard work necessary to successfully address long festering issues.\r\n\r\nIt''s bad enough that local Law Enforcement is taking hard earned federal taxpayer dollars to buy gadgets, gear and surveillance equipment, worse yet, they are allowing, and even encouraging Federal agencies to come into the area and do whatever they want with no oversight. <em><strong>This is extremely short sighted and potentially very dangerous.</strong></em>\r\n\r\nLocal law enforcement is here to serve and protect us, not roll out the red carpet for Washington DC schemers, scammers, kleptocrats, plutocrats and psychopaths.\r\n\r\nNumerous attempts were made to contact Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and Scotland County Sheriff Ralph Kersey regarding these issues. No response was received.\r\n\r\n<address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE 3 - Police Need a Cheer Leading Squad?', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1258-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-06 19:27:11', '2016-04-06 19:27:11', '', 1258, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1258-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1387, 3, '2016-04-07 01:00:32', '2016-04-07 05:00:32', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1419 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Block-Williams-300x242.jpg" alt="Block &amp; Williams" width="300" height="242" />Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent publicity stroll through Laurinburg City Hall appears designed to ensure sufficient ''cover'' is in place prior to shifting gears in favor of the new $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">City Manager Charles Nichol''s meme, <em>''If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years''</em>, is disingenuous and just plain wrong. If things don''t change, Laurinburg is only going to need a tiny office in <em>5 or ten years</em>, as it''s presently headed toward becoming a pastoral ghost town. Businesses are closing, those who can are selling out and fleeing, trying to outrun a tidal wave of violent crime.</span>\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis entire City Hall rumpus only got wings and started flying after the City commissioned its ''Needs Assessment''. While it''s great to have a list of needs, <strong>this is not and has never been about ''needs''</strong>, it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, <strong>cannot afford</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Exchange''s recent ''<span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tour Aids in new City Hall talks</a></span>'' looks like thinly disguised propaganda seeking to move the new City Hall/Police Complex project forward one more notch.\r\n\r\nThe fact is, there aren''t any ''<em>talks''</em> going on. City Council has done everything possible to cut off public dialogue. This is a one way street. The only <em>talking</em> is between the City and itself.\r\n\r\n<strong>No amount of propaganda, hoodwinking or financial razzmatazz is going to make this dog hunt.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-mired-in-depression-part-1/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scotland County Mired in Depression (Part 1)</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'Mayor & Police Chief Poised to Shift Gears?', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'mayor-police-chief-poised-to-shift-gears', '', '\nhttp://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks', '2019-03-12 13:35:13', '2019-03-12 17:35:13', '', 0, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/?p=1387', 0, 'post', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpzp_posts` VALUES
(1388, 3, '2016-04-07 13:07:03', '2016-04-07 13:07:03', '(PIC)<span style="color: #0000ff;">Dieter - Start Here, don''t forget to do SEO below.\r\n</span>\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: ____ INSERT LINK\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Mayor & Police Chief Walk Through Aids ''', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 13:07:03', '2016-04-07 13:07:03', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1389, 3, '2016-04-07 13:13:49', '2016-04-07 13:13:49', '(PIC)<span style="color: #0000ff;">Dieter - Start Here, don''t forget to do SEO below.\r\n</span>\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\nLE ARTICLE:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n_ _ _ _ _\r\n\r\nEND OF LE ARTICLE\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Mayor & Police Chief Walk Through Aids ''', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 13:13:49', '2016-04-07 13:13:49', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1390, 3, '2016-04-07 13:17:14', '2016-04-07 13:17:14', '(PIC)<span style="color: #0000ff;">Dieter - Start Here, don''t forget to do SEO below.\r\n</span>\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Mayor & Police Chief Walk Through Aids ''', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 13:17:14', '2016-04-07 13:17:14', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1391, 3, '2016-04-07 13:18:17', '2016-04-07 13:18:17', '(PIC)<span style="color: #0000ff;">Dieter - Start Here, don''t forget to do SEO below.\r\n</span>\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Mayor & Police Chief Walk Through Aids ''Talks'' on New Municipal Building', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 13:18:17', '2016-04-07 13:18:17', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1392, 3, '2016-04-08 01:00:29', '2016-04-08 05:00:29', '<img class=" wp-image-1427 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/no-paypal-300x156.png" alt="no-paypal" width="279" height="145" />The City of Charlotte recently passed an ordinance allowing individuals to select the restroom of their "gender identity". The State Legislature responded by passing the ''Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act'', which not only overturned the Charlotte ordinance, but protects the right of all North Carolinians to use a restroom without having their privacy invaded by a person of the opposite sex. That''s right, North Carolina will not allow men to use the same restroom and locker facilities as your teenage (or younger) daughter.\r\n\r\nNew World Order (NWO) ruling elites reacted by launching an assault aimed at bullying state officials into capitulating and rescinding this legislation.\r\n\r\nPayPal, whose service purportedly is to provide a secure method of payment for goods and services purchased online, has as part of its its mission, allowing men into women’s and little girl''s restrooms, and women into men’s restrooms.\r\n\r\nPayPal now threatens to cancel plans to open a ''Global Operations Center'' in Charlotte, stating that passage of the law is “discriminatory” against transgenders (people claiming to have a “mismatch” between their sexual identity and their biological sex). PayPal''s move could cost the city and the state about 400 jobs.\r\n\r\nPrior to PayPal''s full court press, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo barred all “non-essential state travel” to North Carolina and was joined in that decision by the mayors of Seattle and San Francisco. Additional support to ''punish'' North Carolina, and other states (like <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/constitution/item/22920-mississippi-governor-signs-religious-liberty-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mississippi</a></span>) implementing similar laws, comes from other bullies Google, Apple, American Airlines and even the NBA. More than 100 companies have banded together in protest of this law.\r\n\r\nPayPal''s CEO, Dan Schulman, voices his ignorance of basic human rights in stating that becoming “an employer in North Carolina, where members of our teams will not have equal rights under the law, is simply untenable," further stating that the "new law perpetuates discrimination and it violates the values and principles that are at the core of PayPal’s mission and culture.”\r\n\r\nWait a minute, Dan. According to the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Williams Institute</a></span>, only 0.3 percent of the population identify as other than their birth gender. So, Dan, for the sake of less than 1% of the population, you are willing to grant grown men access to little girls'' restrooms and locker facilities across the nation when <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtstlx96s8M" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NWO pedophilia</a></span> is already rampant and growing throughout our country? Pedophiles already have access to our little boys and now you want them to have access to our girls too?\r\n\r\nPaul Stam, NC State Representative (R), defended the law: “The law did not change the policy on discrimination an appreciable extent between two weeks ago and today. What [transgendered people are] really complaining about is that we have not become like the 17 other states that have put in special rights for them,” Stam said. “We’re trying to protect the reasonable expectations of privacy of 99.9 percent of our citizens, who think when they’re going into a restroom or a changing room or a locker room, that they will be private.”\r\n\r\nBut this isn''t really about the rights of transgenders, who should and do have the same rights as the rest of us. This is really part of a much bigger picture that''s meant to keep us distracted and off balance while the really dirty work of completely reordering our society gets done behind the scenes. Those in power are doing everything possible to keep us entertained and distracted while they trash our freedom and liberty, constructing a police state that threatens to destroy our nation and enslave us.\r\n\r\nHere''s a message for you Dan, and those of your ilk: We don''t need your stinkin'' progressive New World Order agenda infecting our or any other state.\r\n\r\nTake your money to New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Build your Global Operations Center and utopian nightmare there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #333333;"><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Williams Institute</a></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/22923-paypal-latest-to-punish-north-carolina-for-restroom-privacy-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The New American</a></span>\r\n\r\n<center></center>&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/facebook-seeks-trump-assassination/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook Supports Trump Assassination</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'NC Fights PayPal''s Corporate Bullying', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'nc-fights-paypals-corporate-bullying', '', '', '2019-03-12 13:35:13', '2019-03-12 17:35:13', '', 0, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/?p=1392', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(1393, 3, '2016-04-07 13:28:58', '2016-04-07 13:28:58', '(PIC)<span style="color: #0000ff;">Dieter - Start Here, don''t forget to do SEO below.\r\n</span>\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: ____ INSERT LINK\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - NC Relieved From Big Corporate Bullying', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1392-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 13:28:58', '2016-04-07 13:28:58', '', 1392, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1392-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1396, 3, '2016-04-07 14:30:45', '2016-04-07 14:30:45', '(PIC) [INSERT TEXT]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">\r\n</span>\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/22923-paypal-latest-to-punish-north-carolina-for-restroom-privacy-law\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #333333;"><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></span>\r\n<span style="color: #ff0000;">123</span>\r\n<span style="color: #ff0000;">123</span>\r\n<span style="color: #ff0000;">123</span>\r\n<span style="color: #ff0000;">123</span>\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - NC Fights Back Against Big Corporate Bullying', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1392-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 14:30:45', '2016-04-07 14:30:45', '', 1392, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1392-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1397, 3, '2016-04-07 14:32:59', '2016-04-07 14:32:59', '(PIC) [INSERT TEXT]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">\r\n</span>\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/22923-paypal-latest-to-punish-north-carolina-for-restroom-privacy-law\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #333333;"><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf" target="_blank">Williams Institute</a></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/22923-paypal-latest-to-punish-north-carolina-for-restroom-privacy-law" target="_blank">The New American</a></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> 123</span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> 123</span>\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><center></center><address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - NC Fights Back Against Big Corporate Bullying', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1392-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 14:32:59', '2016-04-07 14:32:59', '', 1392, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1392-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1398, 3, '2016-04-07 14:46:29', '2016-04-07 14:46:29', '(PIC)\r\n\r\nAs many of you know, the city of Charlotte recently passed a city ordinance that would have allowed individuals to select the restroom of their "gender identity". As a result, the state legislature passed a new law, the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, overturning the Charlotte ordinance. In other words, the law would not allow grown men to use the same restrooms as young girls.\r\n\r\nWell, the ruling elites and big corporate bullies decided they don''t like state government resisting their progressive policies, implemented largely by the lure of their big money, and decided to ''punish'' North Carolina.\r\n\r\nPayPal, a company well-known for its support of LGBT causes, has chosen to punish the state of North Carolina for its new law, the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, designed to protect the rights of North Carolinians to use a restroom without having their privacy invaded by a person of the opposite sex. Yes, PayPal, whose service purportedly provides a secure way of paying for goods over the Internet, has as its mission allowing men into women’s and little girl''s restrooms, and women into men’s restrooms\r\n\r\nThe corporate giant PayPal, well-known for its support of LGBT causes, is purportedly cancelling plans to open a global operations center in Charlotte, after the passage of the law that PayPal declares is “discriminatory” against transgenders (people claim to have a “mismatch” between their sexual identity and their biological sex). The move by PayPal may cost the city and the state about 400 jobs.\r\n\r\nPrior to PayPal''s full court press, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo barred all “non-essential state travel” to North Carolina and was joined in that decidion by the mayors of Seattle and San Francisco. Additional support to ''punish'' North Carolina, and other states implementing similar laws, comes from other big bullies Google, Apple, American Airlines and even the NBA. More than 100 compaines have banded together in protest of the law.\r\n\r\nPayPal''s CEO, Dan Schulman, voices his ignorance of basic human rights in stating that becoming “an employer in North Carolina, where members of our teams will not have equal rights under the law, is simply untenable," further stating that the "new law perpetuates discrimination and it violates the values and principles that are at the core of PayPal’s mission and culture.”\r\nWait a minute, Dan. According to the Williams Institute (LINK: http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf), only 0.3 percent of the population identify as other than their birth gender, less than one percent. So, Dan, for the sake of less than 1% of the population, you are willing to grant access to grown men access to little girls in restrooms across the nation when pedophelia is rampant in our country? They already have access to the little boys and now you want them to have access to the girls?\r\n\r\nPaul Stam, NC State Representative (R), defended the law: “The law did not change the policy on discrimination an appreciable extent between two weeks ago and today. What [transgendered people are] really complaining about is that we have not become like the 17 other states that have put in special rights for them,” Stam said. “We’re trying to protect the reasonable expectations of privacy of 99.9 percent of our citizens, who think when they’re going into a restroom or a changing room or a locker room, that they will be private.”\r\n\r\nBut this isn''t really about the rights of transgenders, who have the same rights as the rest of us. This is really part of a much bigger picture and meant to keep us distracted and off balance while the real dirty work gets done behind the scenes. Those in power are doing everything in their power to keep us entertained and distracted. Don''t fall for it. Stay focused on what''s really important, what is causing the real destruction of our way of life.\r\n\r\nHere''s a message for you Dan, and those of your ilk: we don''t need your stinkin'' progressive ideas infecting our state or any other state. Thank you for voicing your stance. We have confirmed you are on the correct list for boycotting and hopefully putting you out of business as citizens devise workarounds to your services. Think it can''t happen? Watch as Monsanto continues is ever increasing decline into the abyss.\r\n\r\nTake your money to New York, San Francisco or Seattle, build your global operations center there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #333333;"><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf" target="_blank">Williams Institute</a></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/22923-paypal-latest-to-punish-north-carolina-for-restroom-privacy-law" target="_blank">The New American</a></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> 123</span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> 123</span>\r\n\r\n<center></center>&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - NC Fights Back Against Big Corporate Bullying', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1392-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 14:46:29', '2016-04-07 14:46:29', '', 1392, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1392-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1399, 1, '2016-04-07 14:54:00', '2016-04-07 14:54:00', '<img class="size-medium wp-image-1021 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/we-support-our-police-300x198.jpg" alt="we-support-our-police" width="300" height="198" />\r\n\r\nThis is Part 2 of an ongoing series focusing on the role our Police and Sheriff departments play, as we quest for solutions to failing communities, severely depressed economies and a rising tide of violent crime.\r\n\r\nWe were in the neighborhood the other day and decided to stop by the <strong>Vance Convenience Store</strong> to see if we could learn more about this important unfolding story. The Laurinburg Police Department (LPD) recently conducted a <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/we-support-our-police-part-1/" target="_blank">drug bust</a></span> there due to the alleged sale of Synthetic Marijuana, known as Spice.\r\n\r\nThe Vance Convenience Store is located several hundred feet from the Laurinburg Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments''.\r\n\r\nIt was early afternoon and a group of about twenty adult males were standing out front. A steady stream of customers came and went, on foot, by bike and car.\r\n\r\n<img class="wp-image-1363 alignright" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Alssaidy-300x201.png" alt="Alssaidy" width="271" height="181" />Walking inside, we immediately recognized Yassar Alssiady, one of those recently arrested. We introduced ourselves and asked for an interview. Yassar was warm, friendly, engaging and obliging. We went outside so as not to interrupt customer traffic.\r\n\r\nYassar, a university educated Civil Engineer, worked for the World Bank in his native Yemen before emigrating to the the United States about seven years ago. He''s bright, articulate and while conversant in English, he''s definitely not fluent. We and he had to listen carefully to each other and frequently ask for clarification.\r\n\r\n<img class="size-medium wp-image-1364 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CCN_Alissaidy-300x180.png" alt="CCN_Alissaidy" width="300" height="180" />During the 40 minute conversation, Yassar never became evasive, non responsive, nor was he afraid to look us in the eye. He clearly wanted his story told.\r\n\r\nYassar manages the Vance Convenience Store, plus another in a neighboring town, so he can''t be present at all times, especially given that the store is a 24/7 operation.\r\n\r\nWhen present owners purchased the store things were not going well, so it''s taken a lot of effort to try and turn things around. The neighbourhood''s shallow pool of prospective employees, plus it being in a high crime area and that it''s open 24/7 has made hiring and retaining good help challenging.\r\n\r\nSome employees have in the past been discharged, including several just prior to the ''bust'', when video surveillance and other means revealed undesirable and possibly illegal activity. Yassar stated that, given the often close relationship between employees and customers, disgruntled former employees have ample opportunity to work behind the scenes to keep things stirred up. Managing the Vance Store is clearly not for the faint of heart.\r\n\r\nYassar said he''s had a constructive, cooperative relationship with LPD in the past and is surprised and puzzled that this latest incident culminated in his arrest. According to Yassar, LPD discovered ''Spice'' in an employee backpack located in the store.\r\n\r\nWe asked what ''in-store'' surveillance video footage showed and questioned why LPD would arrest him. Yassar responded that some videos showed employees going outside with customers and then returning to their duties. He acknowledged that such behavior is suspicious. He went on to say that LPD has not inquired about or asked for the surveillance videos, which he said could readily be made available.\r\n\r\nThroughout the conversation Yassar insisted that his story, if allowed to be told, along with evidence, if properly presented, would firmly establish his innocence. He further stated that neither he nor owners would risk reputations or the business by participating in or knowingly permitting illegal activities to take place.\r\n\r\nYassar appeared unfamiliar with the legal process and the current status of the case. He has retained legal counsel and remains optimistic regarding the police, our judicial system and his eventual outcome.\r\n\r\nNumerous attempts were made to speak with Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams and Sargent Campbell regarding this case, but no response has been received.\r\n\r\nWe''ll keep you posted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated Articles:\r\n\r\n<address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/scotland-county-to-build-new-school/" target="_blank">Scotland County’s New School</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Vance Convenience Store Drug Bust - Update', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1334-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 14:54:00', '2016-04-07 14:54:00', '', 1334, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1334-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1400, 1, '2016-04-11 10:59:54', '2016-04-11 14:59:54', '<img class=" wp-image-1427 alignleft" src="http://carolinacrossroads.news/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/no-paypal-300x156.png" alt="no-paypal" width="279" height="145" />The City of Charlotte recently passed an ordinance allowing individuals to select the restroom of their "gender identity". The State Legislature responded by passing the ''Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act'', which not only overturned the Charlotte ordinance, but protects the right of all North Carolinians to use a restroom without having their privacy invaded by a person of the opposite sex. That''s right, North Carolina will not allow men to use the same restroom and locker facilities as your teenage (or younger) daughter.\n\nNew World Order (NWO) ruling elites reacted by launching an assault aimed at bullying state officials into capitulating and rescinding this legislation.\n\nPayPal, whose service purportedly is to provide a secure method of payment for goods and services purchased online, has as part of its its mission, allowing men into women’s and little girl''s restrooms, and women into men’s restrooms.\n\nPayPal now threatens to cancel plans to open a ''Global Operations Center'' in Charlotte, stating that passage of the law is “discriminatory” against transgenders (people claiming to have a “mismatch” between their sexual identity and their biological sex). PayPal''s move could cost the city and the state about 400 jobs.\n\nPrior to PayPal''s full court press, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo barred all “non-essential state travel” to North Carolina and was joined in that decision by the mayors of Seattle and San Francisco. Additional support to ''punish'' North Carolina, and other states (like <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/constitution/item/22920-mississippi-governor-signs-religious-liberty-bill" target="_blank">Mississippi</a></span>) implementing similar laws, comes from other bullies Google, Apple, American Airlines and even the NBA. More than 100 companies have banded together in protest of this law.\n\nPayPal''s CEO, Dan Schulman, voices his ignorance of basic human rights in stating that becoming “an employer in North Carolina, where members of our teams will not have equal rights under the law, is simply untenable," further stating that the "new law perpetuates discrimination and it violates the values and principles that are at the core of PayPal’s mission and culture.”\n\nWait a minute, Dan. According to the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf" target="_blank">Williams Institute</a></span>, only 0.3 percent of the population identify as other than their birth gender. So, Dan, for the sake of less than 1% of the population, you are willing to grant grown men access to little girls'' restrooms and locker facilities across the nation when <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtstlx96s8M" target="_blank">NWO pedophilia</a></span> is already rampant and growing throughout our country? Pedophiles already have access to our little boys and now you want them to have access to our girls too?\n\nPaul Stam, NC State Representative (R), defended the law: “The law did not change the policy on discrimination an appreciable extent between two weeks ago and today. What [transgendered people are] really complaining about is that we have not become like the 17 other states that have put in special rights for them,” Stam said. “We’re trying to protect the reasonable expectations of privacy of 99.9 percent of our citizens, who think when they’re going into a restroom or a changing room or a locker room, that they will be private.”\n\nBut this isn''t really about the rights of transgenders, who should and do have the same rights as the rest of us. This is really part of a much bigger picture that''s meant to keep us distracted and off balance while the really dirty work of completely reordering our society gets done behind the scenes. Those in power are doing everything possible to keep us entertained and distracted while they trash our freedom and liberty, constructing a police state that threatens to destroy our nation and way of life, and enslaves us.\n\nHere''s a message for you Dan, and those of your ilk: We don''t need your stinkin'' progressive New World Order agenda infecting our or any other state.\n\nTake your money to New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Build your Global Operations Center and utopian nightmare there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style="color: #333333;"><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></span>\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf" target="_blank">Williams Institute</a></span>\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/22923-paypal-latest-to-punish-north-carolina-for-restroom-privacy-law" target="_blank">The New American</a></span>\n\n<center></center>&nbsp;\n\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/facebook-seeks-trump-assassination/" target="_blank">Facebook Supports Trump Assassination</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/open-honest-transparent-city-council-needed/" target="_blank">Open, Honest, Transparent City Council Needed</a></span></address><address><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" title="123" href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/who-is-spying-on-you/" target="_blank">Who’s Spying on You?</a></span></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\n\n&nbsp;\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\n&nbsp;\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\n\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'NC Fights PayPal''s Corporate Bullying', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1392-autosave-v1', '', '', '2016-04-11 10:59:54', '2016-04-11 14:59:54', '', 1392, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1392-autosave-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpzp_posts` VALUES
(1401, 1, '2016-04-07 15:32:54', '2016-04-07 15:32:54', '(PIC)\r\n\r\nThe City of Charlotte recently passed an ordinance allowing individuals to select the restroom of their "gender identity". The State Legislature responded by passing the ''Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act'', which not only overturned the Charlotte ordinance, but protects the right of all North Carolinians to use a restroom without having their privacy invaded by a person of the opposite sex. That''s right, North Carolina will not allow men to use the same restroom and locker facilities as your teenage daughter.\r\n\r\nNew World Order (NWO) ruling elites reacted by launching an assault aimed at bullying state officials into capitulating by rescinding this legislation.\r\n\r\nPayPal, whose service purportedly is to provide a secure method of payment for goods and services over the Internet, has as its mission allowing men into women’s and little girl''s restrooms, and women into men’s restrooms\r\n\r\nThis corporate giant is threatening to cancel plans to open a ''Global Operations Center'' in Charlotte, stating that passage of the law is “discriminatory” against transgenders (people claiming to have a “mismatch” between their sexual identity and their biological sex). This move by PayPal could cost the city and the state about 400 jobs.\r\n\r\nPrior to PayPal''s full court press, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo barred all “non-essential state travel” to North Carolina and was joined in that decision by the mayors of Seattle and San Francisco. Additional support to ''punish'' North Carolina, and other states implementing similar laws, comes from other corporate bullies Google, Apple, American Airlines and even the NBA. More than 100 compainies have banded together in protest of this law.\r\n\r\nPayPal''s CEO, Dan Schulman, voices his ignorance of basic human rights in stating that becoming “an employer in North Carolina, where members of our teams will not have equal rights under the law, is simply untenable," further stating that the "new law perpetuates discrimination and it violates the values and principles that are at the core of PayPal’s mission and culture.”\r\n\r\nWait a minute, Dan. According to the Williams Institute (LINK: http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf), only 0.3 percent of the population identify as other than their birth gender, less than one percent. So, Dan, for the sake of less than 1% of the population, you are willing to grant grown men access to little girls restrooms and locker facilities across the nation when NWO pedophelia is rampant and growing throughout our country? They already have access to our little boys and now you want us to extend access to our girls?\r\n\r\nPaul Stam, NC State Representative (R), defended the law: “The law did not change the policy on discrimination an appreciable extent between two weeks ago and today. What [transgendered people are] really complaining about is that we have not become like the 17 other states that have put in special rights for them,” Stam said. “We’re trying to protect the reasonable expectations of privacy of 99.9 percent of our citizens, who think when they’re going into a restroom or a changing room or a locker room, that they will be private.”\r\n\r\nBut this isn''t really about the rights of transgenders, who have the same rights as the rest of us. This is really part of a much bigger picture and meant to keep us distracted and off balance while the really dirty work gets done behind the scenes. Those in power are doing everything possible to keep us entertained and distracted. it''s time to stay focused on what''s really important, what''s really causing the destruction of our nation and way of life.\r\n\r\nHere''s a message for you Dan, and those of your ilk: we don''t need your stinkin'' progressive New World Order agenda infecting our or any other state.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake your money to New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Build your Global Operations Center and utopian nightmare there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #333333;"><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf" target="_blank">Williams Institute</a></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/22923-paypal-latest-to-punish-north-carolina-for-restroom-privacy-law" target="_blank">The New American</a></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> 123</span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> 123</span>\r\n\r\n<center></center>&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - NC Fights PayPal''s Corporate Bullying', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1392-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 15:32:54', '2016-04-07 15:32:54', '', 1392, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1392-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1402, 1, '2016-04-07 15:42:27', '2016-04-07 15:42:27', '(PIC)\r\n\r\nThe City of Charlotte recently passed an ordinance allowing individuals to select the restroom of their "gender identity". The State Legislature responded by passing the ''Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act'', which not only overturned the Charlotte ordinance, but protects the right of all North Carolinians to use a restroom without having their privacy invaded by a person of the opposite sex. That''s right, North Carolina will not allow men to use the same restroom and locker facilities as your teenage daughter.\r\n\r\nNew World Order (NWO) ruling elites reacted by launching an assault aimed at bullying state officials into capitulating and rescinding this legislation.\r\n\r\nPayPal, whose service purportedly is to provide a secure method of payment for goods and services purchased online, has as its mission allowing men into women’s and little girl''s restrooms, and women into men’s restrooms\r\n\r\nPayPal now threatens to cancel plans to open a ''Global Operations Center'' in Charlotte, stating that passage of the law is “discriminatory” against transgenders (people claiming to have a “mismatch” between their sexual identity and their biological sex). PayPal''s move could cost the city and the state about 400 jobs.\r\n\r\nPrior to PayPal''s full court press, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo barred all “non-essential state travel” to North Carolina and was joined in that decision by the mayors of Seattle and San Francisco. Additional support to ''punish'' North Carolina, and other states implementing similar laws, comes from other bullies Google, Apple, American Airlines and even the NBA. More than 100 companies have banded together in protest of this law.\r\n\r\nPayPal''s CEO, Dan Schulman, voices his ignorance of basic human rights in stating that becoming “an employer in North Carolina, where members of our teams will not have equal rights under the law, is simply untenable," further stating that the "new law perpetuates discrimination and it violates the values and principles that are at the core of PayPal’s mission and culture.”\r\n\r\nWait a minute, Dan. According to the Williams Institute (LINK: http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf), only 0.3 percent of the population identify as other than their birth gender, less than one percent. So, Dan, for the sake of less than 1% of the population, you are willing to grant grown men access to little girls restrooms and locker facilities across the nation when NWO pedophelia is already rampant and growing throughout our country? They already have access to our little boys and now you want access to our girls?\r\n\r\nPaul Stam, NC State Representative (R), defended the law: “The law did not change the policy on discrimination an appreciable extent between two weeks ago and today. What [transgendered people are] really complaining about is that we have not become like the 17 other states that have put in special rights for them,” Stam said. “We’re trying to protect the reasonable expectations of privacy of 99.9 percent of our citizens, who think when they’re going into a restroom or a changing room or a locker room, that they will be private.”\r\n\r\nBut this isn''t really about the rights of transgenders, who have the same rights as the rest of us. This is really part of a much bigger picture and meant to keep us distracted and off balance while the really dirty work gets done behind the scenes. Those in power are doing everything possible to keep us entertained and distracted while they trash our freedom and liberty to construct a police state that destroys our nation, way of life and enslaves us.\r\n\r\nHere''s a message for you Dan, and those of your ilk: We don''t need your stinkin'' progressive New World Order agenda infecting our or any other state.\r\n\r\nTake your money to New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Build your Global Operations Center and utopian nightmare there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #333333;"><em><strong>Sources:</strong></em></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf" target="_blank">Williams Institute</a></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/22923-paypal-latest-to-punish-north-carolina-for-restroom-privacy-law" target="_blank">The New American</a></span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> 123</span>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"> 123</span>\r\n\r\n<center></center>&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - NC Fights PayPal''s Corporate Bullying', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1392-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 15:42:27', '2016-04-07 15:42:27', '', 1392, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1392-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1403, 1, '2016-04-07 19:01:27', '2016-04-07 19:01:27', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent publicity stroll through Laurinburg City Hall appears designed to ensure sufficient ''cover'' is in place prior to shifting gears in favor of the new $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">City Manager Charles Nichol''s meme, <em>''If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years''</em>, is disingenuous and just plain wrong. If things don''t change, Laurinburg is only going to need a tiny office in <em>5 or ten years</em>, as it''s presently headed toward becoming a pastoral ghost town. Businesses are closing, those who can are selling out and fleeing, trying to outrun a tidal wave of violent crime.</span>\n</span>\n\nThis entire City Hall rumpus only got wings and started flying after the City commissioned its ''Needs Assessment''. While it''s great to have a list of needs, <strong>this is not and has never been about ''needs''</strong>, it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, <strong>cannot afford</strong>.\n\nThe Exchange''s recent ''<span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour Aids in new City Hall talks</span>'' looks like thinly disguised propaganda seeking to move the new City Hall/Police Complex project forward one more notch.\n\nThe fact is, there aren''t any ''<em>talks''</em> going on. City Council has done everything possible to cut off public dialogue. ThiIt''s a one way street. The only <em>talking</em> is between the City and itself.\n\nNo amount of propaganda, hoodwinking or financial razzmatazz is going to make this dog hunt.\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\n\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\n\nSources:\n\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\n\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\n\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\n\n&nbsp;\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\n&nbsp;\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\n\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - Mayor & Police Chief Poised to Shift Gears', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-autosave-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 19:01:27', '2016-04-07 19:01:27', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-autosave-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1404, 1, '2016-04-07 16:13:51', '2016-04-07 16:13:51', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent stroll through Laurinburg''s existing City Hall, along with City Manager Charles Nichols and Council member Dee Hammond, appears to be little more than a thinly disguised move, allowing them to shift gears in favor of the New $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Nichols stated: ''There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in. If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years''.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The fact is that if something isn''t done to turn Laurinburg and Scotland County''s economy around, the City may not need anything but a small office in 5 or ten years, as Laurinburg is transitioning from a city to a rural village.\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Mayor & Police Chief Move to Support New Municipal Building', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 16:13:51', '2016-04-07 16:13:51', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1405, 1, '2016-04-07 16:30:59', '2016-04-07 16:30:59', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent stroll through Laurinburg''s City Hall, along with City Manager Charles Nichols and Council member Dee Hammond, appears to be for the purpose of providing ''cover'', positioning them to shift gears in favor of the New $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">Nichols statement that <em>''There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in. If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years''</em>, is anything but factual.</span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">The truth is, if something isn''t done to turn Laurinburg and Scotland County economies around, the City will need only tiny office in 5 or ten years because it''s presently transitioning to a ''rural village'', as businesses close and those who can, sell out and flee.</span>\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis whole sordid rumpus got wings and started to fly following the City''s 2013 ''Needs Assessment''. The fact is, this isn''t about what''s needed, it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, cannot afford.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Mayor & Police Chief Move to Support New Municipal Building', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 16:30:59', '2016-04-07 16:30:59', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1406, 1, '2016-04-07 16:46:45', '2016-04-07 16:46:45', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent stroll through Laurinburg City Hall, along with City Manager Charles Nichols and Council member Dee Hammond, appears to be for the purpose of providing ''cover'', better positioning themselves to shift gears in favor of the new $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">Nichols statement that <em>''There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in. If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years''</em>, is anything but factual.</span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">If things don''t change, Laurinburg will only need a tine-weeny office in 5 or ten years, as it''s presently transitioning to a ''pastoral rural village''. Businesses are closing and those who can, sell out are fleeing.</span>\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis rumpus only got wings and started to fly after the City commissioned its 2013 ''Needs Assessment''. That was wonderful, but this isn''t about what''s needed, it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, cannot afford.\r\n\r\nAs for the Police Department''s needs, what about the community''s needs? You guys'' are spending <span style="text-decoration: underline;">months</span> investigating a pot heads over near the Housing Authority''s ''Morris Apartments'' while the city is rocked by violent crime. Heck, we''ve called numerous times to discuss issues and no one bothers to pick up the phone, let alone return a call. Get your feet off the desks, you butts off the car seats and start policing?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Mayor & Police Chief Move to Support New Municipal Building', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 16:46:45', '2016-04-07 16:46:45', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1407, 1, '2016-04-07 17:34:52', '2016-04-07 17:34:52', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent publicity stroll through Laurinburg City Hall appears to be for the sole purpose of providing ''cover'', allowing them to get better positioned before shifting gears in favor of the new $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">Nichols statement: <em>''There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in. If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years''</em>, is nothing but tripe.</span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">If things don''t change, Laurinburg will only need a tiny office in <em>5 or ten years</em>, as it''s presently headed toward becoming a ''pastoral rural village''. Businesses are closing and those who can are selling out and fleeing.</span>\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis rumpus only got wings and started to fly after the City commissioned its 2013 ''Needs Assessment''. While that was wonderful, this is not and has never been about ''needs'', it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, cannot afford.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Mayor & Police Chief Move to Support New Municipal Building', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 17:34:52', '2016-04-07 17:34:52', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0);
INSERT INTO `wpzp_posts` VALUES
(1408, 1, '2016-04-07 18:15:19', '2016-04-07 18:15:19', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent publicity stroll/photo op through Laurinburg City Hall appears designed to provide sufficient ''cover'' prior to their shifting gears in favor of the new $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">City Manager Charles Nichol''s statement that <em>''If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years'', </em>is also disingenuous and just plain wrong.\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">If things don''t change, Laurinburg is only going to need only a tiny office in <em>5 or ten years</em>, as it''s presently headed toward becoming a pastoral, rural ghost village''. Businesses are closing, those who can are selling out and fleeing, trying to outrun a growing tidal wave of violent crime.</span>\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis entire new City Hall rumpus only got wings and started flying after the City commissioned its 2013 ''Needs Assessment''. Sure, it''s great to have a list of needs, but <strong>this is not and has never been about ''needs''</strong>, it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, <strong>cannot afford</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Exchange''s recent piece ''<span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour Aids in new City Hall talks</span>'' was <em>not news</em>, but thinly disguised propaganda to help move the new City Hall/Police Complex forward. There are no ''<em>talks''</em> going on. City Council has done everything possible to cut off public dialogue and debate. The only talking that''s going on is between the City and itself.\r\n\r\nNo amount of propaganda, hoodwinking or financial razzmatazz is going to make this dog hunt.\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DRAFT - Mayor & Police Chief Move to Support New Municipal Building', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 18:15:19', '2016-04-07 18:15:19', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1409, 1, '2016-04-07 18:24:35', '2016-04-07 18:24:35', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent publicity stroll/photo op through Laurinburg City Hall appears designed to make sure sufficient ''cover'' is in place prior to shifting gears in favor of the new $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">City Manager Charles Nichol''s statement that <em>''If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years'', </em>was disingenuous and just plain wrong.\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">If things don''t change, Laurinburg is only going to need a tiny office in <em>5 or ten years</em>, as it''s presently headed toward becoming a pastoral, rural ghost village''. Businesses are closing, those who can are selling out and fleeing, as they try to outrun a growing tidal wave of violent crime.</span>\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis entire new City Hall rumpus only got wings and started flying after the City commissioned its 2013 ''Needs Assessment''. It''s great to have a list of needs, but <strong>this is not and has never been about ''needs''</strong>, it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, <strong>cannot afford</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Exchange''s recent piece ''<span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour Aids in new City Hall talks</span>'' was <em>not news</em>, but what looks like thinly disguised propaganda to help move the new City Hall/Police Complex forward. There simply are no ''<em>talks''</em> going on. City Council has done everything possible to cut off public dialogue. The only <em>talking</em> that''s going on is between the City and itself.\r\n\r\nNo amount of propaganda, hoodwinking or financial razzmatazz is going to make this dog hunt.\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - Mayor & Police Chief Poised to Shift Gears', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 18:24:35', '2016-04-07 18:24:35', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1410, 1, '2016-04-07 18:33:58', '2016-04-07 18:33:58', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent publicity stroll/photo op through Laurinburg City Hall appears designed to ensure sufficient ''cover'' is in place prior to shifting gears in favor of the new $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">City Manager Charles Nichol''s statement that <em>''If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years'', </em>was disingenuous and just plain wrong.\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">If things don''t change, Laurinburg is only going to need a tiny office in <em>5 or ten years</em>, as it''s presently headed toward becoming a pastoral, rural ghost village''. Businesses are closing, those who can are selling out and fleeing, trying to outrun a tidal wave of violent crime.</span>\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis entire new City Hall rumpus only got wings and started flying after the City commissioned its 2013 ''Needs Assessment''. It''s great to have a list of needs, but <strong>this is not and has never been about ''needs''</strong>, it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, <strong>cannot afford</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Exchange''s recent piece ''<span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour Aids in new City Hall talks</span>'' looks like thinly disguised propaganda seeking to help move the new City Hall/Police Complex forward.\r\n\r\nThere aren''t any ''<em>talks''</em> going on. City Council has done everything possible to cut off public dialogue. The only <em>talking</em> that''s going on is between the City and itself.\r\n\r\nNo amount of propaganda, hoodwinking or financial razzmatazz is going to make this dog hunt.\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - Mayor & Police Chief Poised to Shift Gears', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 18:33:58', '2016-04-07 18:33:58', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1411, 1, '2016-04-07 18:38:15', '2016-04-07 18:38:15', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent publicity stroll/photo op through Laurinburg City Hall appears designed to ensure sufficient ''cover'' is in place prior to officially shifting gears in favor of the new $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">City Manager Charles Nichol''s statement that <em>''If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years'', </em>was disingenuous and just plain wrong.\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">If things don''t change, Laurinburg is only going to need a tiny office in <em>5 or ten years</em>, as it''s presently headed toward becoming a pastoral, rural ghost village''. Businesses are closing, those who can are selling out and fleeing, trying to outrun a tidal wave of violent crime.</span>\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis entire <em>new</em> City Hall rumpus only got wings and started flying after the City commissioned its 2013 ''Needs Assessment''. It''s great to have a list of needs, but <strong>this is not and has never been about ''needs''</strong>, it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, <strong>cannot afford</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Exchange''s recent piece ''<span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour Aids in new City Hall talks</span>'' looks like thinly disguised propaganda seeking to help move the new City Hall/Police Complex forward one more notch.\r\n\r\nThere aren''t any ''<em>talks''</em> going on. City Council has done everything possible to cut off public dialogue. The only <em>talking</em> that''s going on is between the City and itself.\r\n\r\nNo amount of propaganda, hoodwinking or financial razzmatazz is going to make this dog hunt.\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - Mayor & Police Chief Poised to Shift Gears', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 18:38:15', '2016-04-07 18:38:15', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1412, 1, '2016-04-07 18:48:20', '2016-04-07 18:48:20', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent publicity stroll through Laurinburg City Hall appears designed to ensure sufficient ''cover'' is in place prior to shifting gears in favor of the new $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">City Manager Charles Nichol''s statement that <em>''If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years''</em>, was disingenuous and just plain wrong. If things don''t change, Laurinburg is only going to need a tiny office in <em>5 or ten years</em>, as it''s presently headed toward becoming a pastoral ghost town. Businesses are closing, those who can are selling out and fleeing, trying to outrun the tidal wave of violent crime.</span>\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis entire City Hall rumpus only got wings and started flying after the City commissioned its 2013 ''Needs Assessment''. While it''s great to have a list of needs, <strong>this is not and has never been about ''needs''</strong>, it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, <strong>cannot afford</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Exchange''s recent ''<span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour Aids in new City Hall talks</span>'' looks like thinly disguised propaganda seeking to move the new City Hall/Police Complex forward one more notch.\r\n\r\nThe fact is, there aren''t any ''<em>talks''</em> going on. City Council has done everything possible to cut off public dialogue. The only <em>talking</em> is between the City and itself.\r\n\r\nNo amount of propaganda, hoodwinking or financial razzmatazz is going to make this dog hunt.\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.</span></span></em>\r\n\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">CarolinaCrossroads.News (‘CCN’) has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references CCN.</span></span></em>', 'DONE - Mayor & Police Chief Poised to Shift Gears', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '1387-revision-v1', '', '', '2016-04-07 18:48:20', '2016-04-07 18:48:20', '', 1387, 'http://carolinacrossroads.news/1387-revision-v1/', 0, 'revision', '', 0),
(1413, 1, '2016-04-07 18:55:36', '2016-04-07 18:55:36', '(PIC)Mayor Matt Block and Police Chief Darwin Williams recent publicity stroll through Laurinburg City Hall appears designed to ensure sufficient ''cover'' is in place prior to shifting gears in favor of the new $5.5 million City Hall/Police Complex.\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">City Manager Charles Nichol''s meme that <em>''If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years''</em>, is disingenuous and just plain wrong. If things don''t change, Laurinburg is only going to need a tiny office in <em>5 or ten years</em>, as it''s presently headed toward becoming a pastoral ghost town. Businesses are closing, those who can are selling out and fleeing, trying to outrun a tidal wave of violent crime.</span>\r\n</span>\r\n\r\nThis entire City Hall rumpus only got wings and started flying after the City commissioned its 2013 ''Needs Assessment''. While it''s great to have a list of needs, <strong>this is not and has never been about ''needs''</strong>, it''s about what Laurinburg can afford, or in this case, <strong>cannot afford</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe Exchange''s recent ''<span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour Aids in new City Hall talks</span>'' looks like thinly disguised propaganda seeking to move the new City Hall/Police Complex project forward one more notch.\r\n\r\nThe fact is, there aren''t any ''<em>talks''</em> going on. City Council has done everything possible to cut off public dialogue. It''s a one way street. The only <em>talking</em> is between the City and itself.\r\n\r\nNo amount of propaganda, hoodwinking or financial razzmatazz is going to make this dog hunt.\r\n<blockquote>"<em>123</em>" <span style="color: #0000ff;">Read more...</span></blockquote>\r\nThis article: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">LE ARTICLE:</span>\r\n<p class="entry-title"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Tour aids in new City Hall talks</span></strong></p>\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Though he refrained from opining on the Laurinburg City Council’s City Hall situation, Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin Williams presented his case for additional space to Mayor Matthew Block.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams and Assistant Chief Cliff Sessoms walked through the department with Block, City Manager Charles Nichols, and City Council member Dee Hammond on Friday morning to point out areas where its physical facilities could stand to be improved.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“I would say we have space needs in personnel and evidence and files. We’ve grown since I came aboard in ‘94,” said Williams. “We’ve been juggling things around over here; we just don’t complain because our job is to get out in the community and fight crime.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The city council is currently exploring the feasibility of a new municipal building to house the police department and city hall, based in part on a 2013 space needs study indicating thee need for 22,000 square feet to house various city departments.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“There’s a need for something to be done, with safety, security, space and all that tied in,” Nichols said. “If it’s not now, it’s going to be in five years or 10 years. The chief’s not lobbying for a brand spanking new building; I haven’t heard that from myself or any of the staff. It’s just knowing from everybody’s day to day operations.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Between the current municipal building, which was dedicated in 1958, and the W. Charles Barrett administration building next door, the city has 15,000 square feet available.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Issues in the police department highlighted on Friday varied from the electrical — with several adaptations in place to avoid blown fuses and circuit breakers that trip when multiple appliances are connected — to a shortage of space to allow for the convenient separation of juvenile and adult offenders.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">With a 45-member police department, the four-man gang unit is housed in a single small office and the canine officer is relegated to a miniature desk in the corner of the conference room.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Williams also pointed out that evidence, which in some cases must be kept indefinitely, is stored offsite and in several locations throughout the department including detectives’ offices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We have no choice. We’ve got to keep it up here,” said Williams. “Just like with the evidence from the crime scene … when the innocence projects come up, they want to review all pertinent evidence in the case.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">The police department cannot be kept completely secure as the open door that connects it with the city tax and finance departments cannot be locked in accordance with fire code. Restroom facilities in the police department are available to other city employees as well as the public, also posing a security risk.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“They have gone through light and water and we never knew they were there,” said Sessoms. “We have found people wandering the halls.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Block, who when campaigning was outspoken in opposing the city hall proposal, questioned whether or not the issues raised justify the expense of a new facility.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“With the state of the city and its finances, is it critically necessary or can we make do?” he said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“These are all very valid issues, but it’s not like the police department’s doubling in size with people falling all over each other. Nothing’s really changed in the last five or 10 years to say this building is absolutely inadequate for our needs.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">Last month, the city council authorized staff to begin negotiating a contract with Edifice, Inc. of Charlotte so that council can consider the actual costs involved with building a new city hall.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">“We still don’t even know if we can finance this through the Local Government Commission, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost,” Hammond said. “We don’t know if we can borrow the money. There’s still a lot of things to look at there, but we’ve got to make the decision if we want to go that far with it.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">_ _ _ _ _</span>\r\n\r\n<span style="color: #0000ff;">END OF LE ARTICLE</span>\r\n\r\nSources:\r\n\r\nLaurinburg Exchange (Link: http://laurinburgexchange.com/news/4588/tour-aids-in-new-city-hall-talks)\r\n\r\n<center>*** EMBED VIDEO HERE ***</center><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">HIDE: Author box and Related Posts on side --&gt;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<address>You reach Carolina Crossroads News at (888) 472-7555 or send us an <a href="http://carolinacrossroads.news/contact-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">email</span></a>.</address><address> </address><address>Related Articles:</address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-have-enough-to-survive- &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retirement/" target="_blank">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/baby-boomers- reinvent-to-&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;p&gt;retire/">123</a></address><address><a title="123" href="http://restlessboomers.com/will-you-work-until-you- drop/">123</a></address><address> </address>[polldaddy rating="8361352"]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #de030b;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans- serif;">We''d love to hear your questions or comments below. Thank you.</span></span></strong></em></p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</p>\r\n<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Fair Use Notice: This website post may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for news reporting, educational and other limited purposes only. This constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in title 17 U.S.C. 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