A heartfelt sendoff for two board members whose terms are about to end, and special recognition for some local heroes highlighted Tuesday’s meeting of the Burke Board of Commissioners.
Veteran commissioners Johnnie Carswell and Scott Mulwee, who were defeated in the primary election last March, were honored for their years of service. Carswell served four terms (13 years) and Mulwee two (8 years).
Commission Chair Jeff Brittain lauded the service of both men.
Carswell is a former board chair and vice-chair and served a one-year term as president of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Mulwee is also a former board chair who serves on several other committees and boards in Burke County.
Brittain cited Carswell’s “exemplary leadership and tireless work ethic.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what Johnnie has done for the county and for this board.”
Brittain said he appreciated Mulwee’s hard work as well.
“His service has earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues, staff, and citizens, and (I want to) express my appreciation for my time working with Scott and all he’s done to help lead our board,” Brittain said.
New board members Mike Stroud and Brian Barrier will begin their terms at the December meeting after winning in the general election in November.
The board also recognized emergency services personnel for their life-saving efforts in recent months.
Emergency Services Director James Robinson cited George Hildebrand Fire Department members Connie Pollard, Carl Richard Patton, Jr., and Bobby Craig, as well as EMS personnel Gus Edwards and Sorana Cojacaru for their work in helping save the life of a cardiac patient on Aug. 7.
He also praised Salem Fire and Rescue’s Jason Dale, Debbie Taylor, Todd Person, and Felicia Owenby; and EMS workers Cojacaru and Donna Rzewnicki for helping save another cardiac arrest patient on Aug. 27.
In addition, Robinson, in what he called a bittersweet moment, recalled the long and outstanding career of EMS veteran Mike Brown as he prepares to retire. Brown has served in a number of capacities for emergency services since 1996.
The board and Sheriff Banks Hinceman also honored Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dustin McKinney for receiving his Advanced Law Enforcement Certification.
The Burke County Health Department received kudos for a trifecta of accomplishments.
Public Health Director Danny Scalise was honored for being named the winner of the W.C. Woodward Award from the American Public Health Association. The award recognizes leadership in public health.
In addition, the health department was feted for winning the Dr. Sarah Morrow Health Department of the Year award for North Carolina.
The department’s WIC (Women, Infants, Children) program was honored for receiving the USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award. Burke was one of seven across the state to earn the distinction out of 89 departments.
In other action, the board approved a name change for one street and named another.
A road in the Hawksbill subdivision off N.C. 126 was formerly named Greene Court, but since a street by that name already existed in Glen Alpine, the newer road was renamed Greene Mountain Court.
A previously unnamed street off Smokey Creek Road was dubbed Lineshot Lane.
In the only item for decision on the agenda, the board removed Richard Evey and Michael Cultrera from the Planning Board and replaced them with Damion Patton and Gregory Smith. They will serve the remainder of three-year terms ending in September 2026.
Cultrera no longer wished to serve and Evey reached the end of his allowable time on the board.
