The State Highway Patrol encourages motorists to drive safely this Thanksgiving week. With one of the busiest travel times of the year on the state's roadways this week, troopers encourage motorists to focus on safety. Triple-A reports nearly 51 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more away from home, with 89% traveling in vehicles. In partner ship with other states, the NC Highway Patrol will again participate in the I-40 Thanksgiving Challenge - pushing for a zero-fatality rate along the more than 2500 miles of the interstate. Last year, NC experienced no fatalities on I-40 during the two-day campaign. The safety initiative involves stationing troopers every 20 miles along the interstate during the most heavily traveled times during the Thanksgiving holiday. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, check for traffic updates prior to beginning a trip, limit distractions, wear seatbelts, and obey speed limits. Travelers can assist authorities by reporting dangerous drivers by dialing *HP.

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office is offering training sessions for church representatives in Catawba county interested in learning about church security. Scheduled training sessions include:
* Tuesday, November 28 - 6:30 to 8pm at the Maiden High School Auditorum, 600 West Main St.
* Thursday,December 21 - 6:30 to 8pm at Christ Church, Mt.View Campus Sanctuary, 2416 Zion Church Road, Hickory
* Tuesday, January 9 - 6:30 to 8pm at Mt.Pleasant UMC Community Center, 4136 Mt.Pleasant Road, Sherrill's Ford.
* Thursday, January 25 - 6:30 to 8pm at Tri City Baptist Church, 1409 NC Highway 16 North, Conover
It is suggested that church security teams, greeters, ushers, or any other church leadership should attend the session. Those with additional questions may call Lt.John Helton at 828-465-8336. 

At the November 14th Lenoir City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Gibbons declared Tuesday November 28th to be Giving Tuesday in the City of Lenoir. Giving Tuesday is a day for people to come together to give back to causes across the city and county.