🌱 Dog Fighting Ring In Statesville + New Owners Of Pizzeria

Hey, everybody. It's Thursday in Mooresville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in our community. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• Dog fighting ring.
• Award winners.
• New owners.

But first, today's weather: Rather cloudy. High: 74 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories in Mooresville today:

1. Dog fighting ring uncovered in Statesville. Two Statesville men along with 10 others are wanted on felony dog fighting charges as well as other charges. "According to the Mooresville Tribune, on Saturday, Iredell County deputies received information from an anonymous caller about a possible dog fighting event happening on Sena Lane east of Statesville. Deputies and Iredell County Animal Services went to the 1200 block of Sena Lane to investigate. The deputies found more than 20 vehicles parked in the field. As the deputies approached, multiple people fled on foot, the sheriff’s office said. The deputies found a fighting ring in the nearby woods, with sides of the ring numbered one through four, which was used for a dog fighting event to take place, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies also found medical supplies to care for the dogs after fighting and a hanging scale to weigh the dogs, the sheriff’s office said. Due to evidence at the scene and the number of people involved, deputies determined that this location has been used for these types of events multiple times in the past, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies and Iredell County Animal Control rescued five dogs on the scene. One dog was locked inside a vehicle that was left on the scene, the sheriff’s office said." (Subscription: Mooresville Tribune)
2. Congratulations to Gordon and Barbra Bryan, owners of The Goddard School of Mooresville. It has been announced that they are the recipients of the Schumacher Resiliency Award, which is named after former Goddard executives Joseph and Phil Schumacher for their trailblazing leadership and dedication to the Goddard School system. According to Iredell Free News, "[Each year] the award honors a franchisee with a 10-plus year tenure who use their capabilities to foresee, plan for, act on and adjust to incremental change or challenges to endure and thrive." (Iredell Free News)
3. Steven Hackett and his wife Megan bought Sebastiano’s Pizzeria on Brawley School Road in Mooresville and changed the name to Rocco’s Pizzeria & Spirits. Steven had worked at Sebastiano's on and off since he was 17 years-old, now he is 35. Regulars don't need to worry, if you loved the menu, according to AOL, nearly every appetizer, entree and pizza variety remains on the menu. Good luck with your new endeavor Hacketts! (AOL)

Today in Mooresville:

• Senior Art Show — Pine Lake Preparatory (5:30 PM)
• The Compassionate Friends of Mooresville 2023 Butterfly Release (7:00 PM)
• Butterfly Release (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Mooresville Patch: "5 Open Houses For You In And Around Mooresville." (Mooresville Patch)
• Mooresville Police Department: "Thank you to Mooresville Target for the thoughtful gift bags! Hailey delivered them to several of our officers this morning. We are truly grateful for all our community's kindness and support!" (Mooresville Police Department via Facebook)
• Feed NC: "We’re spilling the tea! Well, not really, but we are serving it up for a delicious way to start your day! Join us for loose leaf tea at FeedNC from 9-11 a.m., Monday through Friday." (Feed NC via Facebook)
• Mooresville Patch: "Mooresville Area Pets Who Need A Home: Rabbits, Dogs & More." (Mooresville Patch)

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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Mooresville Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com