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SNAP Back In Time takes a look back at newsmakers from yesteryear.

Friday, Feb. 6, 1981

Building

A 30-foot by 40-foot building was under construction by Piedmont Electrical Contractors behind an old residence the firm used as a warehouse across the street from its current location at 1421 E. Main St., Albemarle. This structure would house the company’s sheet metal department, currently located in the Dun-Rite Laundry building. Jay Harwood, president, said the old residence would be demolished and a 45-foot by 90-foot structure with full basement would be built on site to house all of its operations.

School System

Dick Koontz was named assistant superintendent of Stanly County Schools with responsibility for support services, a new position.

For the past two years he was director of support services, a wide range of programs aimed at helping students achieve.

The Board of Education also re-appointed Norman Patterson to the position of associate superintendent for a new four-year term.

Building

The employment picture in Stanly County during January was “not good,” according to Curtis Mitchell, manager of the office of North Carolina Employment Security Commission.

In fact, he termed the present job outlook in the area “scary.”

There were 4,785 initial claims for unemployment compensation filed with the local office in January, an increase of 136 percent over December.

The number of weeks claimed was 8,800, or a gain of 89 percent over December, and 57 percent higher than January 1980.