The Marshallese Islander’s housing in the old George Hildebrand
Elementary School building has been brought up to code and the
group’s members no longer face eviction.
FOR THE PAPER
Nearly four years after safety code violations put a group of Marshallese Islanders’ housing at risk, the issues have been resolved, ending a long-running threat of displacement.
With help from local contractor Curt Abee, the Marshallese group’s apartment-like homes on the Marshallese New Beginnings Church campus now meet minimum safety standards following renovations that addressed faulty wiring, lead paint, lack of primary heating sources, and plumbing issues.
Renovations were complete by mid-March, Abee said, a couple weeks before the March 31 deadline set by Burke County commissioners.
“It doesn’t look much different than it did before, but it’s much safer,” Abee said. “All the electrical hazards were taken out and all new wiring put into the classrooms … where they (are) living, and we put new heat and air conditioning units in the windows.”
The issue was first raised in September 2022 when a complaint was filed with the county regarding a large number of people living on the old George Hildebrand Elementary School property.
Burke County staff investigated and found major safety violations, prompting a condemnation order. Pastor Tommy Liabwij appealed and obtained a building permit, but no repairs were made in 2023 and the permit expired.
The property was inspected again in January 2024. County staff found no progress had been made and reached out to a nonprofit for funding assistance to help the Marshallese group renovate their homes. The nonprofit said their organization could not provide funding for the project.
Another condemnation hearing was scheduled for early 2025 but postponed because Liabwij was out of the country. It was held instead on March 31, then appealed.
County commissioners held a called meeting in April 2025 and decided to revise the order to vacate the condemned dwellings. The families were given until May 12, 2025, to obtain an estimate from a contractor for addressing the safety issues.
Abee offered funding and repair work to bring the dwellings up to code in May 2025, and the group was granted a six-month extension.
In November 2025, county staff found significant progress had been made, though the repairs were not yet complete, and granted a four-month extension.
Business
Regional printer Deluxe Printing Group wins Best Printing award at PICA
A Morganton marketing firm and one of its graphic designers have been recognized among the Carolinas’ best after winning a top award in the Printing Industry of the Carolinas’ annual PICA Awards competition.
The Printing Industry of the Carolinas, or PICA, announced that Deluxe Printing Group won several awards in its annual PICA Awards competition, including the Lindenmeyr Munroe Best Printing (Division B) award and the Digital Print Solutions Best Catalog sponsored award.
Based in Hickory, Deluxe Printing Group operates in the same regional commercial ecosystem that includes Burke County businesses, nonprofits and publications that rely on high-quality printing, design and production services.
In addition to the two top sponsored awards, Deluxe Printing Group also received two Best of Category awards and one Special Judges Award, according to the release.
The Best of Category was awarded to Morganton-based advertising agency, VanNoppen Marketing and recognized its print and digital sales campaign for Morgan Keefe Builders, a construction company in Arden that specializes in custom luxury homes. The award also recognized VanNoppen’s principal graphic designer, Kevin Lingle.
The awards were announced during the 60th Diamond Anniversary PICA Awards Banquet in Charlotte.
PICA described the competition as one of the printing industry’s long-running standards for excellence. The organization said the awards have been recognizing standout work since 1966 and now cover a broad range of print categories, from invitations and stationery to catalogs, packaging and grand-format work.
PICA said the graphic communications industry remains a multibillion-dollar economic sector across the two states, supporting hundreds of businesses and tens of thousands of workers in commercial printing, packaging and related services.
PICA, headquartered in Charlotte, represents the graphic communications industry across both Carolinas and says it supports the sector through advocacy, education and workforce development.
For Deluxe Printing Group, the recognition places the Hickory company among this year’s top honorees in a competition built around craftsmanship, quality and innovation in print.
— AVN
Allen VanNoppen is the publisher. He may be reached at 828-445-8595 orallen@thepaper.media.
Business
Morganton Eye expands aesthetic services with new licensed esthetician
Morganton Eye has added a licensed esthetician to its team, expanding access in Burke County to medical-grade skin care and aesthetic treatments.
The Morganton-based practice announced that Willow D. Thomas is now offering esthetic services, including personalized skin care treatments and advanced cosmetic procedures.
Thomas is a graduate of Anew Vision Academy and is licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners, according to the release.
Morganton Eye said Thomas provides treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs and goals, with a focus on healthy skin and individualized care. Her listed services include microneedling, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, laser hair reduction, vascular lesion removal, pigmentation correction and wrinkle reduction treatments.
The practice said Thomas works with all skin types and tones and continues her training to stay current on new developments in skin care.
Allen VanNoppen is the publisher. He may be reached at 828-445-8595 orallen@thepaper.media.
Obituaries
Ronald Tise 'Ronnie' Bollinger
Ronald Tise ‘Ronnie’ Bollinger
Ronald Tise “Ronnie” Bollinger, 82, of Morganton, departed this life to his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville following a period of declining health.
Ronnie was born on April 10, 1944, in Burke County to the late Phifer Junior Bollinger and Marie Frances Tise Bollinger. Ronnie was a cherished member of the community, passed away after a life rich in service and camaraderie. A proud graduate of Valdese High School’s class of 1962 and Queens College in Charlotte, Ronnie dedicated himself to both his country and community. He honorably served in the United States Army and later contributed his skills to the Burke County Tax Office, the Burke County Jail, and as a salesman at Causby Buick in Morganton.
Ronnie held a deep connection to his Waldensian Heritage, a legacy he proudly shared, tracing back to his grandmother, Madeline Tron, who arrived from Italy in 1893 at only 3 years of age. Ronnie was a longtime member of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Valdese. Beyond his professional life, Ronnie was known for his vibrant personality and his passions. He had a profound love for car shows, motorcycles and most importantly, people. His social spirit meant he never met a stranger, and his warm demeanor ensured he was loved by all who knew him.
His absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by a grandson, Balin Leonhardt; and two sisters, Linda Ann Erwin and Teresa Dawn Hess.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Ronald Tise “Ronnie” Bollinger II and wife, Somer, of Hickory, Anthony Scott Bollinger and wife, Kristin, of Lenoir and Brandie Renner, Jesse Renner of Troutman; his grandchildren, Samantha Renner, Carson Bollinger, Campbell Bollinger, Ayden Bollinger, and Lincoln Bollinger; his longtime special companion of 34 years, Gail “Ms. G” Gay of Valdese; his cousin, John Gardner and wife, Debbie, of Colorado; and numerous “Friday night friends” at Myra’s in Valdese.
The family had a celebration of life reception and visitation for friends and family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese, followed by a private family-only graveside service in the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army.
The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff of the Charles George VA Medical Center for the outstanding care Ronnie received.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805, for the medical care and support of veterans.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.hertiagefuneralservices.com. Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the family.
ALLEN VANNOPPEN / THE PAPER
A humongous pileated woodpecker, sporting the kind of red crest
even Tommy Sain shouldn’t attempt, pauses on a vehicle along
Valdese Avenue in Morganton last week — apparently checking whether
the car was wood grain, bug-infested, or simply in need of a good
pecking. Observers said a good, continuous pecking was the
Woodpecker’s preferred choice.
Behold the redhead
Page A9 | e-Edition | The Paper
ALLEN VANNOPPEN / THE PAPER
A humongous pileated woodpecker, sporting the kind of red crest
even Tommy Sain shouldn’t attempt, pauses on a vehicle along
Valdese Avenue in Morganton last week — apparently checking whether
the car was wood grain, bug-infested, or simply in need of a good
pecking. Observers said a good, continuous pecking was the
Woodpecker’s preferred choice.
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