City WiFi added Uptown

City Wifi services have been added to Uptown Lexington.  Moving into the 21st century.

>> Dispatch Article

Sheetz is Coming!

Back in October the City Council approved a major re-zoming permit for Sheetz restaurant and gas station.

Citizens have been asking for a Sheetz for years and we will now have one by November of 2013.

>> Dispatch Article

Student Town Hall

 photo by: Donnie Roberts/The Dispatch

On Election day, November 6th, I hold a town hall style meeting for our students at Lexington Senior High.

I have been holding town halls all over the city during this first year and felt we had over looked our children.  Thus, the full assembly at the High School.

The questions were great and I hope the students learned a lot about their importance and roll in making our city grow.

>> Dispatch Article

Fox8 Feature

Neil McNeil contacted my office the other day and asked if he could feature me on one of his Newsmaker segments for Fox8.  This is always good press for our city and of course I said, "Yes."

See the link below and thank you to Neil and Fox8 for featuring our wonderful city and it's bright future.

>> Fox8 Mayor Clark

Featured in Business Journal

Recently I was honored to be featured in a local publication, the Triad Business Journal.  See the article below.

>> Triad Business Journal

City's 1st ever Youth Council

I had the honor to host a dinner this past week that I feel will pay big dividends for our city.  I asked the council several months back to help form a City of Lexington Youth Government Council.  This past week I hosted the dinner for the first ever LYGC.  These young people are dedicated to this community and their voice needs to be heard.  I would like to welcome the appointees and look forward to working with them and hearing their input for the city.

photo by: The Dispatch/Donnie Roberts

>> Dispatch Article

Congratulations

Recently the city's Appearance Commission hold their annual awards luncheon.
I was honored to have the opportunity to welcome all the guests and the winners.  Well done, and thank you all for your efforts in making our city's appearance better.

photo by: The Dispatch/Donnie Roberts

>>Dispatch Article

New Zealand Visit

Today I had a wonderful chance to meet with several scientists from New Zealand on their visit to research North Carolina.  

photo by: Donnie Roberts/the Dispatch

The North Carolina Bio-tech center hosted them at the Childress Winery.  Article below:

>>Dispatch Article

Lexington featured in Business NC

The article has hit the newstands.

>>Business NC article

Town Hall to Review Budget

This Thursday night, May 10th I have requested that all citizens join me and the council for a discussion about our city's proposed budget.

>> Dispatch Article

We will continue to have an open government for the city and this is part of that process.  We must all come together to determine our future and I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow night at the Lexington Civic Center, starting at 6:00pm.

BBQ PitMasters

The Capital City BBQ Cook-off was a wonderful success for the city with well over 18,000 people attending the two day event.

The BBQ PitMasters TV series also visited Lexington during the two day event and we will be the focus of the season finale for the show.  I had the honor of representing the city and our citizens as the turn-in judge for the show.  Once we know when it airs we will post the date and time, so you can watch along as we continue to spread positive words about our community.

BBQ Cook-off is here!

Lexington's 2nd annual BBQ Cook-off is coming this Friday and Saturday and again will be a KCBS event, hosted by Uptown Lexington, Inc.

Last year I was able to judge and I am again scheduled to judge this year. Everyone come out and enjoy great BBQ and family fun.  I'll see you Uptown in our Depot District for the Cook-off, we will also be hosting the season finale of PitMasters from TLC.


>> Dispatch Article

>> Pit Masters coming to Lexington

Congratulations to Mr. Watson

Congratulations to Bubba for his win at the Master's this past weekend.

Citizens from across the country congratulate you and your family for the recent success. We all wish you continued success and know that we always welcome you back to Lexington anytime.

**photo at the right: Bubba's recent visit to Cafe 35

Congrats!! BTW - Awesome shot.

>> Bubba talks Lexington

>> Bubba on Morning Joe, talks Lexington BBQ

Lexington Medical Announces Rehab Center

Congratulations to Lexington Medical Center and the Hospital Foundation for their work on th newly announced Rehab Center.

This will be a great addition to what our community hospital. In terms of Rehab for our citizens, this is outstanding and will be a state-of-the-art center.

**photo at right: Donnie Roberts/The Dispatch

Thank you to Donnie Lambeth, the management team, Sara DeLapp and the Foundation for all of their work in making this possible.

>> Rehab Center Announcement

>> Foundation's Success

Veteran Housing Project for Lexington

I continue to ask the council and community to look for opportunites to be as Veteran Friendly as we can be as a community.

Congratulations to Mr. Gerald and the Lexington Housing Authority for working on and providing affordable housing for our Veterans.

See the article link:

>> Dispatch Article

YVRCA to Open this Fall

The Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy is set to open it doors in the fall of this year.

Students are starting to apply. Thank you to all that have made this possible and continue to make this possible.

>> Dispatch article

>> YVRCA Website

Youth Council Formed

After a few months of discussion the first Lexington Youth Governmental Council is formed.

I would like to thank the council and staff for helping me make this possible, I believe this will pay off in the long run for our community and the younger generations involved.

>> Dispatch Article

>> Editorial

Ward 3 Town Hall

I would like to thank the citizens in Ward 3 and North Lexington Baptist Church for hosting our third community Town Hall.

The questions and dialogue were great and I appreciate the council turning out in numbers. Councilman Alley, Bunce, Myers, Phillips and Callicutt along with Councilwoman Lanier were all present and I felt as if the session was productive.

I look forward to Ward 4 next month as we continue to reach out to all our citizens.

>> Town Hall Schedule

Lexington named one of America's Best BBQ Cities

"A little more than an hour's drive northeast of Charlotte, you'll find the peaceful enclave of Lexington."

This is how the article begins in describing our town of Lexington as one of the best BBQ cities in America. US News and Travel has named Lexington in their top 7 and according to the article we rank 4th behind Memphis, TN, Lockhart, TX and Kansas City, MO.

See the article link below.

Also remember our 2nd annual BBQ cook-off coming in April on the 27th and 28th in Uptown, Lexington.

>> US News/Travel Article

>> BBQ Capital Cook-off, Uptown Lexington, NC

Youth Council Formed

Last night the City Council adopted my proposal to establish a youth council for the City.

Nine High School students from Lexington Senior High will be chosen to serve on the original board for one year and if they are underclassman they can be reappointed.

I look for great things coming from our youth. Their ideas and energy will be welcomed.

>> Dispatch Article

Community Depot Meeting

Last night we had an outstanding turnout from our citizens for our first of three public meetings about the redevelopment of our Depot District.

I would like to thank all citizens, along with city staff for making the event possible. I look forward to hearing and seeing more from our citizens in terms of their views and vision for our future.

>> News 14 profile

>> Dispatch Article

Davidson County Realtors

Today I had a chance to speak to the realtors of Davidson County at their monthly luncheon hold at the Lexington YMCA.

I wanted to thank the group and my aunt, Judy Lanier, for inviting me. I took the time to talk about my vision and the city's plan for the future. The group was very gracious and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss Lexington's plans.

It is important that we understand where we are before we can decide where we are going.

Thanks again and continue success to all the realtors in this area.

Hometown TV interview

Recently I had a chance to sit with Willie Edwards on Hometown TV Today's front porch and discuss the state of our community.

See the interview on HTVT's by simply clicking the link below.

>> HTVT Link

Thank you to Willie and the gang at Hometown TV Today for the chance to spread the good news about what is happening in our city.

MLK awareness Walk

This Saturday, March 3rd in Lexington the citizens turned out to show support for re-naming one of our city streets to Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

** photo at right by: Donnie Roberts/the Dispatch

Well over 200 citizens walked two miles of Raleigh Road and 6th Street to show their desire to memorlize Dr. King.

I was honored to be apart and appreciate the efforts shown by all citizens. This is the first step towards the possible renaming of the street. The process will now move to the Lexington Planning Board before it moves onto the city council for a public hearing and vote.

>> Dispatch Article

Revitalization of the Depot District

Recently I had a chance to speak publicly about our efforts to redevelop our depot district as well as talk about our up coming community workshop.

On March 8th between 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Lexington Civic Center, Shook Kelly will be conducting the first of three community workshops.

I hope you can join us and provide your input into the future redevelopment of Lexington.

>> Fox8 News featuring Mayor Clark

MLK Walk Planned

Coming this Saturday, I will be joining several community leaders, as we have organized a MLK Jr. walk to draw awareness to the community's desire to have Raleigh Road changed to MLK Jr. Blvd.

On March 3rd at 10:00am on Raleigh Road citizens, along with numerous community leaders will be gathering at Young Drive and Raleigh Road to walk the two miles to Winston Road.

During the walk volunteers will be stopping off at homes and businesses to help answer any questions regarding the possible change.

I hope you all can come out and join us.

>> Dispatch Article

Busy Month

I have been busy this month and will be writing about more soon. I have a Town Hall coming up in Ward 2 on March 5th. Freedom Baptist Church in Green Needles at 7pm.

We have an MLK walk Saturday, March 3rd at 10pm. We will be meeting down below the local prison camp and walking Raleigh road to bring awareness to the possible name change of Raleigh Road and 6th Street to MLK Blvd.

On Thursday March 8th we are having our first community meeting for all citizens at the Civic Center at 5:30pm to 8:30pm and at this forum we will be asking for feedback and input from the citizens on the redevelopment of the depot and Plant One area.

Mark your calendars.

New Golf Rate for Veterans

This week the City Golf course started a military and veteran rate for golfers.

The idea was brought to me by Ward 6 councilman, Lewie Phillips. On Wednesday, Feb. 1st we launched the new rate. To mark the ceremony Councilor Phillips, myself, the Lexington Golf Pro and two veterans (Johnny Bass and Bruce Cross) joined me on the first tee to get it started.

** photo at right: Donnie Roberts/The Dispatch

Thank you to the staff and council for helping make this possible for our military personal.

>> Dispatch Article

American Legion Post #255 Speech Contest

I would like to thank Robert Curlee and American Legion Post #255 for organizing a speech contest for LSHS students.

I was honored to be asked and glad that I was able to attend the event. Keep up the positive work for our children and the community. We all appreciate your years of service to our country and our city.

Also attending were City Manager John Gray, Reading/Speech Teacher Scott Plaster, Principal Travis Taylor, Superintendent Rick Krieski and Robert Curlee.

Mayoral Town Hall, Ward 1

Last night I started a series of Town Hall style meetings for all citizens. This first in the series was conducted in Ward 1 at 1st Baptist Village Drive.

I wanted to thank all the citizens that attended and also thank my fellow council members for attending as well.

** photo at right: Donnie Roberts/Dispatch

The turn-out was impressive and your suggestions are already starting to be worked. It is with this type of open dialogue that I hope to build a more inclusive city.

>>Dispatch Article

MLK Holiday

I had the opportunity to attend numerous events this past weekend in celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

All the events were will attended. I really appreciate all the messages from the key-note speakers talking about community and our ability to build this city through community.
Below are several articles from the weekend and a photo from the parade.

Photo at right by: Donnie Roberts/Dispatch

Article Focus on Leadership >>

Article Delta's breakfast >>

Article NAACP Dinner >>

New Lexington City Council takes their seats!

Here is the new Lexington City Council, our first photo together.

Police Promotions

Congratulations to four of our PD officers for being promoted.

I was able to attend the ceremony and was honored to have a few words and congratulate the newly promoted officers. For each level they had to pass several levels including years of service, written and oral testing and several other task. Congratulations on a job well-done.

** photo to the right: Donnie Roberts/Dispatch

The promotions were the following:

Chris Kirkwood to the rank of sergeant

Mike Hunt to lieutenant

Billy Scarboro to Captain

Heather Frazier promoted to police communications supervisor

Dispatch Article >>

Prison Service Chapel Completed.

The other day I was able to attend the dedication ceremony for the New Life Service Center at the Davidson County Correction prison camp.

Thank you to my grandfather, Ardell Lanier, and his co-chair, Dr. Max Walser, for their leadership, time and guidance in making this possible.

** photo at right: Donnie Roberts/Dispatch

I was proud to serve on the steering committee and glad to see our work has produced a wonderful facility for the D.O.C. and a transitional space for the men entering our community.

Dispatch Article >>

Additional Davidson Vision Articles

Let me say that I am proud of the work of Davidson Vision and have been impressed with the efforts by Mr. Ben Ross and Dr. Lewie Phillips.

I am grateful to my co-chair (Vicky Holder), the board of directors, donors and supporters for the chance to have served the past several years as the Co-Chair of Davidson Vision.

>> Editorial

>> Letter to the Editor

Davidson Vision Closes Up Shop.

Thank you to Ben Ross and Councilman Dr. Lewie Phillips for all of their work in the last several years for Davidson Vision. Also, Thank you to Dawn Titus for her earlier work with DV.

The cities and county thank you all for making Davidson County a better place and wish you well in your future endeavors.

>> Dispatch Article