Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville
Officer, woman wounded during scuffle
Volume 78 • Issue 1 • Thursday, January 3, 2013
75¢
Revisiting the top stories of 2012 By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
A Belmont police officer and a woman were both wounded after a round was fired from another officer’s weapon during a scuffle on New Year’s Eve. At 6:09 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2012 the Belmont Police Department answered a road rage with possible shots fired call at the corner of South Point Rd. and Reflection Point. When officers got on the scene they spoke to Rod Singer who said that a subject, later identified as 21year-old Brandon Watts, driving a black Honda had been driving aggressively by tailgating him. Singer also said Watts had fired a shot and reported seeing a “muzzle flash.” Based on tag information provided by Singer, officers located the suspect vehicle at 3260 Lake Pointe Drive, the home of its registered owners Glenn and Andrea Verner. Officers soon located Andrea Verner and Watts in the driveway at 3260 Lake Pointe Drive, near the Honda. Due to the nature of the call and the report of gun fire officers had their duty weapons out. Once the subjects were encountered they were told to get on the ground as a safety precaution. The two subjects complied. While officers dealt with them a female later identified as 24-year-old Melissa Verner, Watts’ girlfriend, came out of the house and started arguing with the officers. Not knowing if she was involved in the incident, officers told her to get on the ground. However, according to police, she became belligerent and started cursing at the officers. Verner was told several times to get on the ground, but refused. A struggle ensued as Verner fought the officers. During the struggle Sgt. Pickert’s 9mm submachine gun discharged. When a 9mm round from Pickert’s weapon hit the concrete where the struggle took place the round broke apart. A piece of shrapnel hit Officer Berry in the leg. Another piece of shrapnel hit Verner. Berry and Verner were transported to Gaston Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. They were both later released.
The year 2012 is behind us. It was a year marked by a U.S. economy that stumbled along like a person chasing a shimmering oasis of “help wanted” signs, a Presidential election equaled by few in its rancor, and ended on a note of shocking tragedy with the murder of 26 children and adults at an elementary school in Connecticut. On the local scene, 2012 saw unemployment remain around 10 percent throughout the year, yet folks still seemed to have enough money to pack the stores at Christmas. Other news saw towns like Belmont, Mount Holly, Cramerton, and McAdenville continue to blossom and attract new residents and businesses. In sports, South Point High came tantalizingly close to another football championship but fell just one game short of that goal. For the particulars on these and other stories that made the BannerNews in 2012, here’s a month by month wrap up to remember it by.
November 21, 2012
Mt Holly named Purple Heart City Mount Holly was named a Purple Heart City in honor of its recognizing local military veterans who had been wounded in combat. The group that accepted a proclamation from the City Council was Chapter 634 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. East Gaston high schools ran. The final score of the seesaw game was 71-68, South Point. February 2012 brought sadness with the announcement that former Belmont mayor Kevin Loftin and his friend Donna Deitz had been killed on the 22nd, Ash Wednesday, after Kevin’s car was hit broadside by an SUV being driven by a person trying to elude police. The crash took place at the intersection of NC273 and US 29/74. The SUV was driven by Lester Norman, Jr. Other distressing crime and law news in February reported that an East Gaston High teacher had been charged with indecent liberties with a student, that three juveniles had been arrested in connection with the vandalism and toppling of the “Fighting Yank” statue in front of Belmont Middle School, and that a Belmont man had been charged with stabbing his girlfriend. On the brighter side, the BannerNews covered Black History Month celebrations and forums in Belmont and Mount Holly that saw participants extol the contributions African-Americans have made to our area over the decades. A large contribution of cash from Food Lion to the Belmont Community Organization was reported. The BannerNews also brought to light a story that would have national consequences. The article
January 2012 kicked off a new year and with it a story reporting on the flood of tributes that had come pouring in for Judge Harley Gaston, Jr. who had passed away Dec. 31 at the age of 82. In addition to his role on the Belmont City Council, Gaston had been City Attorney for many years. Everyone remembered him, from Mayor Richard Boyce to the average citizen, for his honor and fairness. Another January story was the sad revelation that East Gaston High’s beloved counselor Cindy Cloninger had passed away. Cloninger was described as being someone who truly cared about others. In McAdenville, the BannerNews stayed on top of a story announcing that the elementary school would be spared the wrecking ball. Local business news highlighted the opening of a new Caravan Coffee and Dessert Bar in Mount Holly to go along with the one already percolating in Belmont. In sports, a front-page feature on what was described as a “nail biter” basketball game between archrivals South Point and
outlined the upcoming fight between Belmont Abbey College and the Obama administration over a requirement in the Affordable Care Act requiring employers to provide birth control insurance coverage to workers. March 2012 saw none other than US President Barack Hussein Obama make a visit to Mount Holly and the Freightliner truck factory there. Obama’s visit brought a flurry of excitement to town, but only handpicked folks were allowed to actually hear the
President Barack Obama made a trip to Mount Holly in March and gave a speech at the Freightliner truck factory on the economy and energy conservation. Obama would go on to be re-elected to a second term in November. speech on the factory floor that touched on subjects such as jobs, gas prices, and electric trucks. Excitement at South Point High
was also reported in a story centered on a punch-up between students over “seating arrangements” in the lunchroom. Both combatants were arrested and taken to jail. Also in March, the BannerNews featured a nice article outlining the work that Girl Scout Troop 293 from Belmont’s First Presbyterian Church did in sprucing up Davis Park. A happy picture with the article showed a group of the Scouts beaming with pride at their handiwork. A story appeared about the late journalistic legend Dwight Frady who had not only devoted his life to the BannerNews but whose influence extended far beyond the written word and whose grave in Greenwood Cemetery lacked a headstone. The story also mentioned some of Frady’s awards such as Order of the Longleaf Pine and NC Sportswriter of the Year 1968, and featured a photo of his sister Mildred Richardson and great nieces Lilly and Laura Gregory placing flowers on the new marker. On the sports scene, it was revealed that due to structural issues, Lineberger Stadium at South Point High was to be shut down until repairs could be completed. The job would eventually stretch into August and cost about $400,000 to complete. See 2012, 3A
See OFFICER, 8A
Making music is his gift to others By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
When Lowell native Darrell Bumgardner sits down with his bandmates Vernon Harris, Carroll Trull, Dale Cash, Dean McCoig, and Don Smith, at the East Gaston Adult Day Care Center near Mount Holly, it’s a win-win situation for him and the audience. “When we do a song right,” Bumgardner said, “Seeing the reaction of the older people brightens their day and mine too.” The adult day care center combo calls itself the “Vernon Harris and the Four-Ds”. “That’s because there are four of us in the group whose first name starts with a D,” he said. A talented musician who has been playing a variety of instruments for half a century, Bumgardner got his musical start in the land of pineapples and took it from there. “I was in the Navy stationed in Hawaii,” he said. “I had some friends that played music and they invited me to join them. I taught myself how to play the mandolin
by reading books, sitting down and practicing. Now, you can learn on the Internet.” The first real band Bumgardner was in went by the name of “The Merry Makers” in 1962 and he played the drums. One of the other members was Darrell Garver. “I’ve played with a lot of good musicians,” Bumgardner said. “But he is the finest guitar player I ever saw.” Garver still joins in with Bumgardner in a group they call “Sonshyne”. The group performs at the Adult Recreation Center in Gastonia as well as Jackson’s Cafeteria. “Whoever wants us and has a little money,” Bumgardner said. But Bumgardner has another facet to his musical folio. He can not only pluck out other folks’ tunes, he can write them as well. “The shower is a good place to come up with tunes,” he said. Seriously, Bumgardner reckons he’s written over two-dozen tunes. One of the most popular is entitled “My Dad Dale” and is penned from the perspective of Dale Earnhardt Jr. talking about his late father and NASCAR legend. But perhaps Bumgardner’
biggest hit is a tune he’s been belting out quite a bit over the past few weeks entitled “Christmas in Carolina.” “I needed a title song for a Christmas CD in 2003 and just sat down and wrote it,” he said. The lyrics to Christmas in Carolina mention snow in the Blue Ridge Mountains, church bells ringing, kids o n sleds, and of course, M c A denville. “ Yo u can’t
have a Christmas song about North Carolina without mentioning M c A denville,” Bumgardner said.
Photo by Alan Hodge
When the Four-Ds and Vernon Harris belted out the song recently at a holiday gathering at the adult day care center, everyone was tapping a foot and a few folks even got misty-eyed. As far as he’s concerned, and no doubt his bandmates feel the same, being able to make music is a gift he hopes he will able to keep giving for a long time to come. “I’ll play as long as people want it and until I can’t make music no more,” he said. In addition to being a tunemeister, Bumgardner has also written a book about growing up in the Art Cloth section of Lowell. The tiny tome traces his youth cavorting in the South Fork River, his Navy days, and his musical career. It is an interesting look at how one’s old neighborhood always holds special memories no matter where life might take someone. For those so inclined, Bumgardner can be reached at Darrellb50@bellsouth.net or 704-865-4174.
Darrell Bumgardner has been playing music for over 50 years. He’s part of the band that entertains folks at the East Gaston Senior Day Care Center near Mount Holly.
OBITUARIES, 2A Thurman Bingham, Gastonia Doris D. Pearson, Mount Holly Joyce C. Thomas, Gastonia
INSIDE Obits.............................................Page 2
School News.................................Page 5
Calendar of Events........................Page 2
Classifieds ....................................Page 6
Church Page .................................Page 4
Service Directory ..........................Page 7
Page 2A
The Banner News
■ OBITUARIES Margie W. Adams Wife and mother Mount Holly–Margie Walker Adams, 83, of 208 Tomberl i n Road, died Satu r d a y, Dec. 29, 2012. She was born in Gaston County, daughter of the late John D. Walker and Katie Stewart Walker. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.W. Adams. She was a member of the former Catawba Heights Wesleyan Church. She is survived by three daughters; Peggy A. Wood of Belmont, Dixie
Howard E. Bailey Howard Eugene Bailey, 80, went to be with Jesus on Dec. 27, 2012 at Gaston Memorial Hospital. He was born in Robeson County, NC; son of the late John M c Queen and Florence B a i l e y, and was p r e ceded in death by two sons Robert M. Therrien and Harry Wolfe. He served in the US Army with the 82nd Airborne, and was retired from General Electric in Charlotte. Survivors include his wife of 54 years Betty Guyton Bailey; his children Cheryl Peed and husband Mike of Lake Wylie, SC,
Edwin J Eccles, Jr. Served in WWII Mount Holly–Edwin Johnston "Ed" Eccles Jr., 90, 1110 Woodhaven Drive, died on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. He was born July 11, 1922 in Columbus, Ohio, youngest child of Edwin J. Eccles, Sr. and Carrie Hesse Eccles. Edwin grew up in Kanawha County, W e s t Virginia. I n addition to his parents, he was p r e ceded in death by his wife Carolyn, sister Elizabeth Marie, and brothers Robert, Lloyd, and Marion Albert. Ed is survived by children Sue and Ned, grandson Tucker Grabau and a number of nieces and nephews. Edwin graduated from East Bank High School and West Virginia University with a degree in chemical engineering. He served in the Army Air Corps European Theater during WWII. Upon his return from Europe, he and Carolyn were married July 20, 1946. Early in his career Edwin worked for Monsanto Chemical Company. The family moved to Mount Holly, NC in 1962 when he came to work for Southern Dyestuff Company (SODEYCO) where he was an integral part of their environmental Compliance Program. Ed was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Holly where he was a longtime member of the Chancel Choir and over the years has served as Deacon, Elder, Clerk of Session, and Sunday School Superintendent. He
Kara B. Kinard Kara Brooke Kinard, 24, passed away Dec. 28, 2012. Kara was a native of Gastonia and was born in Char-
Adams of Mount Holly, and Donna Walker and her husband Stan of Miami, Florida; a son, Robert Adams and his wife Jan of Gastonia; a sister, Barbara B. Moore of Cramerton; six grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Adams, was held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home with Reverend Joe Harding officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Cemetery. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly served the family.
Stuart Bailey and wife Annie of Stanley, Karen King and husband Ronnie of Stanley, Crystal Bailey of Lincolnton; two sisters Marie Rich of Jackson, Ga., Virginia Holloway and husband Frank of Morrow, Ga; 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. The funeral service, conducted by Rev. Dr. Richard King was held at 2 on Monday, Dec. 31, in the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mt Holly. The family received friends from 12:301:30 Monday. Interment followed in Hillcrest Gardens. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 4701 Hedgemore Dr, Suite 810, Charlotte, NC 28209.
served in the Men of the Church and wherever else he was needed. One of his lasting contributions was a handmade cross that graces the sanctuary to this day. He was proud to be a fiftygallon blood donor and loved showing his "pins” to prove it. Ed was a member of the Gaston County Last Man Club Honor Guard providing military honors at funerals of fellow veterans. He was a Mason, Shriner, and former member of the Oasis Shrine Chanters, also a former member of the Mount Holly Rotary Club. Ed loved baking and making candies; there were many regular recipients of his fruit cake cookies, cinnamon rolls, or caramels. He was always ready to make something, fix something, or try something new. After his retirement, Ed spent time traveling, gardening, working on projects, and spending time with family. The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff of Carolina Care Center in Cherryville, especially Sonya. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Eccles was held at 2 on Sunday, Dec. 30, at the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Holly with Reverend Wilson P. Rhoton, Jr. officiating. The family received friends in the fellowship hall following the service. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or to the American Red Cross, Greater Carolinas Chapter, 2425 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28201. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly served the family.
lotte on July 3, 1988. The family received friends and family from 2-3 on Monday, Dec. 31. A service followed at 3 pm at Withers and Whisenant Funeral
Athalee B. Ramsey Loved her pastor and church Gastonia - Athalee “Lee” Brendle Ramsey, 73 of 2874 Beaty Road went home to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012 at the Robin Johnson House surrounded by her loving family. She was a native of Gast o n County, N C , b o r n May 15, 1939 to the late Willard Manuel and Ila Moten Brendle. Lee was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a faithful member of East Belmont Baptist Church, where she enjoyed prayer meetings on Wednesday nights and loved her pastor and church. Lee retired from Pharr Yarns with over 31 years of service, she also loved working with the Visiting Angels. Survivors include her loving husband of 55 years, Carl Ross Ramsey; her son, Carl Jeffrey Ramsey of Gastonia; and her daughter, Janet R. Bowen of Gastonia; her grandchildren, Bradley and Luvina Bowen, Jeremy and Amanda Bowen, Jeffrey
and Stacey Ramsey, Brittany and Jason Tessier; nine great grandchildren, Gracie, Mallory, Joseph, Alex, Cameron, Carter, Donivan, Wyatt and Lily; and her brother, Ronnie Brendle and wife Connie of Henderson, NC. The family received friends from 12:30 until 2 pm on Saturday, Dec. 29 at East Belmont Baptist Church. Celebration of Life service was at 2 pm on Saturday, Dec. 29 at East Belmont Baptist Church with Reverend Jeff Taylor officiating. Interment followed at Gaston Memorial Park with the Releasing of the Doves. Pallbearers were Jeff, Bradley, Brad, Scotty, Jeffrey and Jeremy. Honorary Pallbearers were Richard Cherry’s Sunday school class. Memorials may be made to the Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054. Condolences may be made to the family at w w w. w i t h e r s a n dwhisenantfuneral.com. The family was cared for by Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Rd Gastonia, 704-864-5144.
Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home
BHS blood drive South Point High School Student William Grant recently organized a blood drive at the Belmont Historical Society that netted 25 units. The Holiday Heroes Blood Mobile was an opportunity for William to qualify for a $1000 scholarship. The blood mobile was held by the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. Pictured L-R: Doug Gosa and student William Grant. Contributed photo
Thursday, January 3, 2013
go! Your guide to area events
Government Gaston County Board of Commissioners meets the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the commissioners' chambers, second floor, at the Gaston County Courthouse, 128 W. Main Ave., Gastonia. The Gaston County Board of Education conducts its regular meeting on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. The Board Operations and Instruction Committees also meet monthly. Board meetings are held at the Central Administrative Center, 943 Osceola Street, Gastonia, N.C.
Club Meetings The Quiltmakers Club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. All skill levels and ages are invited to the Lucile Tatum Center, 959 Osceola St., Gastonia. Please call the center (704) 865-3291 to speak to Pam Bryson for further information.
Hospice Fresh Start Widowed of the Greater Gaston Area meets the second Saturday and the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m., at the Gaston County Citizens Resource Center, Dallas-Cherryville Hwy. For more information, call Shirley at (704) 865-5663. The Compassionate Friends – Death of a Child (any age) Support Group, local chapter. A monthly support group for people who have lost a child. For more information, call Rose and John Stanley at (704) 865-7229, or John's cell (704) 616-6000. The group
Do you have news to share? Community Events? Sports
meets at First Presbyterian Church, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Gaston Hospice is now offering free advance directive clinics to discuss living wills, health care powers of attorney and the new M.O.S.T. form, (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment). A medical social worker will explain these forms and help you complete them and then notarize them. These clinics can be offered off-site at an office or church. For more information, contact Cindy Harry at (704) 861-8405. Sessions will be offered the first Thursday of every month from 11:30 until 1p.m., and the third Thursday from 4 until 5:30 p.m.
Education Learn how to be a Master Gardener this spring by enrolling in the Master Gardener Program offered by NC Cooperative Extension in Gaston County. The six-week class begins Tuesday, Feb. 5, and ends Tuesday, March 19. It will be held at the Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.– 12 noon. The cost is $105. Deadline to register is Jan. 21. Upon completion of this program, interns will be expected to give 40 hours of volunteer service to Gaston County, through the Extension Service, to help meet the horticultural needs of urban homeowners. Interns will be certified as Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. For applications and more information, call Julie Flowers, Consumer Horticulture Agent, at the NC Cooperative Extension Service.
ASK YOUR PRESCHOOL/CDC DIRECTOR ABOUT
Scores?
Whatever your news is we want to know!
Send it to: alan.banner news@gmail. com Home, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia. The family is being cared for by Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Gastonia.
William F. Lewis Gastonia – William Frank Lewis, 89 of 783 Log Cabin Drive, Gastonia passed away Sunday, Dec.30, 2012 at his residence. He was a native of Banks County, GA born April 24, 1923 to the late Andrew Walton and Frances Bennett Lewis. Celebration of Life service will be at 2 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013 at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brian Matherlee officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2 prior to the service. Interment will be private at Hollywood Cemetery The family is being cared for by Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Gastonia.
#1 Children’s Enrichment Program NOW REGISTERING NEW CLASSES “Mr. Bill” Ward - 13 years serving Western NC***(704)880-0705
Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Banner News
Page 3A
Buroughs’ wed on 2012: A look back at last year’s top stories Crowder’s Mtn. From page 1A
Photo by Bill Ward
Perry and Angel Buroughs of Mount Holly (center in matching camo) decided to hold their nuptial event in the open air so they and the wedding party clambered top the top of Crowder’s Mountain where they exchanged vows and enjoyed the spectacular view.
April 2012 still had a hint of chill in the air but the BannerNews continued its hot pursuit of the news with a front page feature showing hundreds of folks protesting the Garden Parkway highway project–the so-called “Road to Nowhere.� The protest had taken place in front of Belmont City Hall where the vociferous crowd chanted its opposition to the proposed 21-mile stretch of pave. Over in Cramerton, things were quieter at its City Hall in April what with workers moving back into their freshly renovated and updated digs. In sports and recreation for April, the BannerNews reported that South Point High had won the Gaston County baseball tournament by defeating Forestview High. The paper also reported on local athletes like Kathie Anthony and Jane McLean who took part in the Gaston County Senior Games. Also featured was a display of military uniforms at the Belmont Historical Museum. Uniforms ranged from the American Revolution to the modern era. Digging into the local culinary scene for, a big
Contributed Photo
Santa and Mrs. Claus paid a visit to the Belmont Historical Society Museum in Belmont and sat on the porch a spell. While the jolly old pair was at it, they greeted visitors who came to see the exhibits.
Going, going, gone. After being vandalized earlier in the year, the Fighting Yank WWII memorial statue in front of Belmont Middle School was repaired and returned to his place atop a stone base. The statue was first erected in 1946. story and photo announced that Simonetti Pizza had come in 21st place out of 400 entries in the world Pizza Expo 2012 contest. In police and crime news, an arrest had been made in connection with a recent bank robbery in Cramerton. Also, Mount Holly police were reported to be on the lookout for persons who were breaking and entering cars in the area.
Photos by Alan Hodge
This house on Kenwood St. in downtown Belmont caught fire last summer and the owner decided not to rebuild. A crew from Farr Landscaping and Grading made short work of it last week and created an instant vacant lot.
Contributed Photo
The Belmont Historical Society Cultural and Learning Center, 40 Catawba St., was founded in 2005 and finally has a sign befitting its place in the community. The bricks came from the 1907 Imperial Mill in Belmont and funds for the sign were raised by a silent auction and dinner.
May 2012 came in on cool spring breezes and the BannerNews had some pretty cool stories as well. One Memorial Day article reported on a ceremony in Greenwood Cemetery featuring a patriotic speech by “Theodore Roosevelt� who was actually BannerNews editor Tom Lark. Other remarks by former Belmont mayor Billy Joye and current mayor Richard Boyce all recalled the sacrifices our service men and women have made to keep the nation free. In sports, baseball player Chris Harkey who was a standout pitcher at South Point High before going on the bigger things with the Catawba Valley Community College team was profiled. In police news, the paper profiled the man/K9 team of Belmont PD’s Officer K. Wingate and his Czech shep-
herd named Dutch. The story featured a photo of Dutch in action showing teeth no bad guy would care to test. Another Belmont police story during June reported on extra training officers received in street survival skills. The accompanying
was in the form of no tax increases for residents of Belmont or Mount Holly.
July 2012 saw this writer return as editor of the BannerNews after a hiatus of six years. The transition was an
A train wreck in Cramerton scattered about 20 rail cars along a long stretch of track in Cramerton and forced the evacuation of local residents. It was two months before the mess was finally cleaned up. picture had Lt. Basil Marett playing the role of a crook and being cuffed. Not to forget the work Mount Holly police do, the BannerNews was on the scene when David Sisk was named Officer of the Year by his peers and the Mount Holly Rotary Club. Spring weather had folks out and about and the BannerNews made the scene at Belmont’s annual Garibaldifest. As usual, the event was a big success and filled Stowe Park with participants. On the human-interest scene, the BannerNews profiled Miss Mount Holly Mallory McCarn and recorded her recollections of life in Belmont and how she came to earn her crown. June 2012 drifted in with plenty of coverage to local high school grads and graduation ceremonies. One article profiled South Point High’s top grad, Sam Thompson, and his guitar skills. Another article covered the East Gaston High graduation ceremony and declared the school handed out 312 diplomas. A photo with the article by Bill Ward showed students throwing their hats in the air. Another story announced that 160 local NC Army National Guard personnel would soon be leaving for the sand of Kuwait. Also on the international scene, a story about a mission trip from First Baptist Church of Stanley to South Africa was featured. Mission team members returned with a renewed awareness of how good life is in the US compared to other places. On the local front, the BannerNews was there when Cramerton’s new Goat Island Park was dedicated with a big celebration and ribbon cutting. No sooner had local officials put up the scissors than hundreds of folks streamed across the new pedestrian bridge across the South Fork River and began enjoying the park’s amenities. Finally, the BannerNews reported on how local government fiscal budgets fared. Good news
easy one and the warm welcome back by local officials and readers made it an especially heart warming one. News-wise, the BannerNews covered the tragic crash of an NC Air National Guard C-130 aircraft that went down while dumping a load of fire retardant over a burning forest in South Dakota. One of the four crewmen killed was Maj. Joe McCormick of Belmont. During the days following the crash, the BannerNews was on the scene at a memorial ceremony for the fliers held at the 145th Airlift Wing’s base at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and at a funeral for McCormick in Belmont that including a dramatic and touching “missing man� formation fly-past of C-130s. In other July events, the BannerNews reported on progress related to construction of the new Harper Park in Stanley. The park is the first of its type in Stanley. Other good tidings included the return of the ‘Fighting Yank� WWII memorial statue to its rightful place in front of Belmont Middle School. to the stone base where it had stood since 1946. Another nice article was a visit with Belmont’s Jethro “Bicycle Man� Mann who was in town visiting friends and relatives. Mann’s work fixing broken bikes and giving them to poor kids had earned him national acclaim by folks such as famed journalist Charles Kuralt. August 2012 came in hot and was hotter still when a train hauling phosphoric acid and other chemicals jumped the tracks in Cramerton forcing the evacuation of area neighborhoods. The wreck scattered over a dozen cars in the ditch and along a several hundred yard long section of torn up tracks. Dozens of fire, rescue, police and other emergency personnel swarmed the scene along with a large contingent of news reporters and TV crews. The BannerNews got up close pictures of the catastrophe and eyewitness reports for its coverage. On the human-interest
side of the things, the August issues ran several good articles. One profiled champion swimmer Reg “Moon� Huffstetler and his record setting stroking, another looked at an Eagle Scout project completed by Dylan Thompson where he built a new sign for a local community relief organization. Yet another personality profile was of Mount Holly’s police chief David Belk who was set to retire. Filling a page beside Belk’s article was another one introducing Ryan Smith as the new principal at North Belmont Elementary. Also in school news, Gaston County School announced the launch of a big anti-bullying campaign called Rachel’s Challenge. On the business scene, the BannerNews reported on the rapidly rising price of gasoline and how it was hurting pocketbooks among readers. A sampling of drivers stopping by Rollins service station in North Belmont showed everyone frustrated with the direction prices for fuel had headed over the summer. September 2012 saw the BannerNews chronicle the WWII experiences of Belmont residents Stanley and Jasia Dudko. Natives of Poland, the Dudkos had been children at the time and recalled episodes ranging from Stanley working as a slave laborer in a Nazi tank factory to nearly dying on the side of the road after a horse ate the last bread Jasia’s family had for themselves. On the police beat, Mount Holly announced the selection of former Belmont PD chief David James to serve as interim leader in the wake of the retirement of David Belk. James had served as Belmont chief from 20042011 and had been filling his own retirement time teaching law enforcement classes and taking care of his kids. A sad note came to the BannerNews, Kings Mountain Herald and Cherryville Eagle when owner/publisher Ron Isbell passed away on September 7 following a long fight with cancer. Isbell was an inspiration to all who knew him. Also in September were updates and features connected with the Democratic National Convention being held across the Catawba in Charlotte. One story profiled a chap named Tom Banks from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania who was part of the DNC stage crew and who was visiting friends in Belmont while he camped in Kings Mountain. Yet another human interest type story looked at Stanley brothers Joey and Brian Duckworth who had taken part in a recreation of the Civil War Battle of Antietam at Sharpsburg, Maryland and the living history lessons they experienced there for several days. Wrapping up the September offerings was a story announcing the fact that See 2012, 10A
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING The members of Belmont Federal Savings and Loan Association (you are a member by reason of having a savings account or loan with us) are hereby notified that the annual meeting of Belmont Federal Savings and Loan Association will be held on January 9, 2013 at 1:00 pm in the office of the Association. Additional information and proxies are available from: Michael F. Anthony, President Robin Clanton, Assistant Secretary
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Page 4A
The Banner News
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Opinions...
“
Yours, Ours, Others
Quote of the week...
Your success and happiness lies in
”
you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you
shall form an invincible host against difficulties.
-Helen Keller
Sidewalk Survey Local residents were asked...
What is your New Year resolution?
Betsy Goins: “To reduce stress in my life.”
Melinda Silvers: “To be better organized.”
Dorus Woodward: “To lose some weight.”
Ruby Buchanan: “To try and stay healthy.”
My opinion of gun control
Alan Hodge Editor No need to explain what prompted me to write this column as we have all sat before our TV sets over the past two weeks in shared shock and sadness at the events at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. The topic for this week is gun control. I saw a poll last week that said the nation was divided with half wanting more gun control laws and the other half against the idea. I reckon that pretty well sums up how I feel too. Torn. I am not strictly against firearms. During the course of the past 15 years or so I have taken part in War Between the States battle and living history reenacting events at places such as Gettysburg, Antietam, and Chickamauga where over 10,000 muskets and upwards of 100 field pieces were blasting away all at the same time. In fact, I have lost a good bit of hearing in one ear thanks to this pastime and my trusty P1853 Enfield rifle/musket is one of my prized possessions. Not only that, but on a more modern note and closer to home, we have a couple of Roscoes at the house and Sharon took the concealed carry course and is a crack shot. On the other hand– A lot of the debate surrounding the gun control argument centers on the Second Amendment to the US Constitution (the so-called Bill of Rights) and the “right to bear arms.” I have a theory in that regard and it
came to me when I realized that when the Second Amendment was written in 1791, the long-arm used by folks and armies world-wide was a single-shot, flintlock musket either rifled as in a ‘squirrel gun’ by the general populace, or the smoothbore variety as carried by soldiers of the line. Folks, it takes a full minute, steady hands, and over nine separate actions to load and fire a smoothbore flintlock musket and if the weather is damp or rainy it still might not go off. A rifled musket of the same period is even slower to load because you have to include putting a cloth patch down the barrel before the ball to make a tight seal in the rifling grooves. Compare this, if you will, to what a modern semi-automatic assault type rifle can do. It can empty a 30 round clip in seconds. By simply altering a little piece in the firing mechanism called a ‘sear’ (illegally I might add) it can go full auto and blaze through hundreds of rounds a minute. I contend that the folks who wrote the Bill of Rights could never have conceived of a day when one person equipped with something like an AR-15 or AK-47 would have in their hands, for good or evil, the firepower of an entire 18th or early to mid-19th century infantry regiment. I contend that if they could have peered into the future, they would have not given a blanket endorsement to the “right to bear arms” as in meaning anything you cared to own in that regard such as assault rifles, machine guns, drum magazines, 15-round pistol clips etc. etc. Simply stated, assault rifles are designed for one thing- to kill people. Not to shoot paper targets although most are used that way, but to fire a round that has such devastating power as to literally tear a human body
to pieces, so I think ownership of these devices by civilians should be heavily regulated at the very least. Some of you will disagree with me on that but that’s my theory, and as a gun owner, I am sticking with it. But wait! Someone hollered. “If law-abiding folks have their gun rights monkeyed with, then only crooks will have guns and the government can come and take over the country and citizens will be defenseless and naked!” Do you really believe that shrill cry? Not me. Of course over the next weeks folks on both sides of the gun control debate will squeal and clamor and each side will say the other is wrong and crazy and over-reacting. But I am afraid the uproar will fade sooner or later until another tragedy happens like the one in Sandy Hook then what will everyone say? The gun law round-andround is like a dog chasing its tail with a lit stick of dynamite attached. Shifting gears a bit, I don’t think that all the blame for the horrible mayhem that visits our news all too frequently can be laid solely at the feet of an inanimate object such as a gun or at gun owners. Ball bats and golf clubs and knives can be bad news too. But, a lot of it has to do with where our culture has been, where it is now, and where it is going. I once read a statement, “America is a nation of warriors”. Guns blasted our nation into being, blasted it apart, blasted it back together again, and blasted it into a world power. Every little boy has “shot” his fair share of Indians or enemies while playing army-man. Few, myself included, have actually seen what really happens when a person shoots a person, but the TV and video game movie versions of this act glorify it just like dropping bombs on folks from 25,000 ft. and only seeing black puffs on the ground below and not the sight of the twisted bodies and
BannerNews Periodicals postage at Belmont, NC 28012 USPS 049-700 by Gemini Newspapers, Inc. Postmaster, send address changes to: P. O. Box 769, Kings Mountain NC 28086 Phone (704) 825-0580 • Fax (704) 825-0894 Office:128-C N. Main St. • Belmont, NC 28012
burned houses below. We need to look at guns and how to get a handle on limiting access to weapons of war, but we also need to look inside of ourselves individually and collectively as a na-
tion and world to figure out how to keep certain persons from turning their darkest, fondest, fantasies of revenge, hate, and madness into our living nightmares.
■ LETTER TO THE EDITOR December 27, 2012 To the Editor of The Belmont Banner: In a press release issued Friday, December 7 and quoted in the December 12 edition of The Belmont Banner, Belmont Police Chief Charlie Franklin made several misleading statements about the police chase which led to the deaths of Kevin Loftin and Donna Deitz. Franklin claimed that “Norman accelerated his vehicle and feloniously assaulted one of the officers there by driving his vehicle toward him.” Yet the charge that Norman assaulted a police officer at the checkpoint was dropped by the prosecution, District Attorney Locke Bell said, because the dashcam video of events at the checkpoint did not substantiate the claim of assault. Chief Franklin wants to claim a “felonious assault” occurred because only such a serious crime justifies a pursuit, according to Belmont City policy. No such assault has been proven. There remains no basis for the pursuit that took two innocent lives. Franklin made another statement that is simply false. He said that when officers pursued Norman onto I-85 and Norman failed to yield to them, Norman “accelerated to a dangerously high speed. Trying to catch up, the pursuing officers were still a considerable distance behind Norman when the collision occurred.” But the truth is that the pursuing officers caught up with Norman by the time he had traveled about a half a mile on I-85. The lead patrol car then drove in the middle lane of the freeway, flanking Norman’s vehicle, which was in the right lane. Moreover, the pursuing officer used a passing motorist, driving in the right lane just ahead of Norman’s vehicle, to try to block Norman in. After Norman had driven onto the grass to get around the innocent motorist, the pursuing officer forced Norman off the road again, by nearly slamming him into a guardrail. These actions, all clearly visible on the dashcam video of the pursuit, violate both Belmont’s own pursuit policy and nationally recommended procedures for police pursuits. As Norman drove downhill and uphill through the bumpy grass of a drainage area, the pursuing officers slowed to watch. Here Norman was driving alongside the off-ramp at exit 27, and when he reached the top of the drainage area and got back onto the exit ramp, he took the most natural option available if he was to continue to evade his pursuers: turning right onto Park. The officers made the same right turn, accelerating their vehicles as they followed Norman toward the busy intersection of Park See LETTER, 10A
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Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Banner News
Page 5A
■ SPORTS
Radford takes the helm at Cramer Mount Holly Sports Hall of forward to working with the color purple." The purple Radford is referring to is the new color scheme the school has adopted. The colors were selected by a panel of middle school students who would be attending the school. The panel chose the colors silver, black and purple. The same panel also took the name "Storm"
By John Wilson John.bannernews@gmail.com
Just about any real sports fan would love to start his own team. You get to design uniforms, pick coaches and set things up so your team can hit the field. Terry Radford is getting the chance to live that sporting dream. Recently Stuart W. Cramer principal Audrey Devine announced the selection of Terry Radford as the school’s new athletic director. Radford currently serves as the Hunter Huss athletic director. Radford will be the person that will get the Cramer Storm teams off the ground. Coach Radford started coaching in 1982. He will bring a wealth of experience to the Cramer program. He will need that experience to get the Storm going. "Getting a chance to start a school is going to be fun, getting started will be a big challenge," Radford said. "We will have to get coaches in place, order equipment such as goals, balls and helmets." The task of getting a fledgling sports program started may be daunting to some. But not for Radford. He is taking everything in stride. The long time coach already has a plan. "I'm looking forward to designing the uniforms," Radford said. "I'm looking
Contributed Photo
Terry Radford will be the first Athletic Director at the new Cramer High when it opens next August. The school’s name will be “Storm” and colors will be purple, silver, and black. Coach Radford likes the colors. "I've seen some nice use of purple," Radford said." A good example is Kansas State. No one in Gaston County will have those colors." Once the coaches and uniforms are picked the Storm will be ready to take
the field. The first teams will start playing at the junior varsity level. Those teams will be made up of new 9th and 10th graders that will be attending Cramer. Coach Radford has a lot of teams to put together. "In the fall we hope to have football, soccer, volleyball, tennis and golf." Radford starts his new job in January of 2013. He is hoping to form solid relationships with the people in the community. He is also looking forward to working closely with new Cramer principal Audrey Devine. "I'm looking forward to working with the community, " Coach Radford said. "I'm also really looking forward to working with Ms. Devine." Once the Storm teams start playing it won't take long for rivalries to form. With many of the new Cramer students coming from parts of Mt. Holly and Cramerton Coach Radford thinks he knows who the Storms new rivals will be. "I think it will be South Point and East Gaston." He said. With coach Radford at the helm the landscape of Gaston County sports is going to change in the next 8 months. That change should be exciting and fun to watch. Go Storm!
Fame Names 2012 Patronage The Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce its 2012 patronage of the following educational and charitable organizations: The Mount Holly Community Relief Organization will receive a $250 donation, the Mount Holly Optimist Club will receive $250 and Mount Holly Middle School Football will receive $200. In addition, the Ida Rankin Safety Patrol will receive $150. This organization provided services for the MHSHOF at the induction ceremony in August. The Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame
would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the sponsors and patrons who supported its banquet, making these donations possible. The Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame, a 501c3 charitable organization, was established to honor our community’s rich sports history and to recognize the outstanding individuals and teams who have excelled over the last century on behalf of our city. For more information contact Gary Neely 704-827-4005 or 704-214-3780 gmneely@bellsouth.net.
Photo by Bill Ward
Duke University Blue Devil player Carson Ginn is seen during last Thursday’s Belk Bowl game at Panther’s Stadium in Charlotte. Before attending Duke, Ginn graduated from South Point High in 2011 where he was a three-year letterman under coach John Devine. Ginn helped South Point to three state playoff berths including the 2009 state championship (3-AA). He also guided South Point to a 23-6 record over his final two seasons there. Carson was an all-conference pick and team captain as a senior. He earned first team all-county honors from the Gaston Gazette in 2010 and also participated in basketball and track and field. He earned county top-10 finishes in both the discus and shot put in 2010. He is the son of Anna and the late Eddie Ginn.
SP seniors in running for Coca-Cola scholarships South Point High School seniors Ashley Mull, Kristin Rivera and Sadler Gensch have been selected as 2013 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation semifinalists. Selection is based on leadership, character, academic achievement and community service. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to 1,400 students annually in amounts totaling over $3.4 million dollars each year. Their mis-
sion is to "provide scholarship programs and enrichment opportunities in support of exceptional young peoples' thirst for knowledge and their desire to make a difference in the world." These seniors were selected from 111,000 applications nationally. They hope to advance to the Scholars weekend in Atlanta this spring when The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 50 scholarships valued at $20,000 each and 200 scholarships worth $10,000.
Ashley is the daughter of Greg and Angela Mull, Kristin is the daughter of Ken and Kim Rivera, and Sadler is the son of David Gensch and Sharon Gensch, all of Belmont. These students are athletes, members of Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bible Club and National Honor Society at South Point. They are also involved in their churches and community.
Wo uld yo u like to gi ve t h e gi f t o f lo c a l ne ws?
Ca l l K at hy to day at 704 -739-7496
Photo by James Brown
Golfer Wes Anthony decided to take advantage of a recent warm day and hit the links at Green Meadows golf course near Stanley. In this photo Anthony is seen putting on the 10th hole.
Fellowship & Faith
Church Service Directory MT. HOLLY Bethel Baptist Church NC Highway 273 704-827-9846 Burge Memorial Methodist Church 312 W. Glendale Ave. 704-827-2726 Catawba Heights Church of God 122 Tomberlin Rd. 704-827-4225 Cbc-Memorial Apostolic 230 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-0968 Chapel Baptist Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-5526 Community Christian Fellowship 2560 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-5881 Covenant United Methodist 110 Underwood Dr. 704-820-0603 Family Worship Center 1013 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-7656 First Baptist Church-Mt. Holly 300 S. Main St. 704-827-2481 First Free Will Baptist Church 841 Noles Dr. 704-827-7461 First Presbyterian Church 133 S. Main St. 704-827-0521 First United Methodist Church 140 N. Main St. 704-827-4855
Goshen Free Will Baptist Church 1300 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-3076
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 339 S. Hawthorne St. 704-827-4320
Grace Baptist Church 300 Westland Farm Rd. 704-827-8600
New Covenant United Methodist 14514 Lucian Riverbend Hwy. 704-827-4468
Harvest Time Church of God 707 Westland Farm Rd. 704-822-8033
New Providence Baptist Church 1104 Old NC 27 Hwy. 704-827-0822
Hickory Grove Baptist Church 3717 Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-3939
North Main Baptist Church 1304 N. Main St. 704-827-6141
Jehovah’s Witnesses 1736 Kelly Rd. 704-263-0199
Restoration & Deliverance 804 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-820-0954
Lighthouse Full Gospel Church 530 N. Hawthorne St. 704-827-1442
Revival Tabernacle of Mt. Holly 826 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-2999
Living Witness Ministries 541 Costner St. 704-827-0004 Lutheran Church-Good Shephard 110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751 Macedonia Baptist Church 1951 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-9224 Mt. Holly Church of God 208 Rankin Ave. 704-827-8596 Mt. Holly Noles Baptist Church Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-2013 Mt. Holly Pentecostal Holiness 406 Scott St. 704-827-8201
Featured Church of the Week Catawba Heights Free Will Baptist Church Shiloh Ame Zion Methodist 1117 Old NC Hwy 27 704-827-8826
Tuckaseege Baptist Church 511 Tuckaseege Rd. 704-827-4301
Springfield Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-820-0193
Way of the Cross Baptist Church 238 Lanier Ave. 704-827-8111
Ridgeview Baptist Church 105 Pine Rd. 704-827-3856
St. Anthony of Padua Traditional Catholic Church 108 Horseshoe Bend Beach Rd. 704-827-8676
Wesley Chapel Holiness Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-1993
Second Baptist Church 740 Rankin Ave. 704-827-5181
St. Paul FHB Church 1529 Old Hwy 27 Rd. 704-827-5851
Westview Presbyterian Church 1020 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-2026
Notice In order to accommodate the number of churches in our communities, we will print two alternating lists of churches each week. If you don’t see the church you’re looking for, be sure to check next weeks paper.
Page 6A
The Banner News
Wild Card Games January 5-6, 2013
AFC - NFC Div. Playoffs January 12-13, 2013
CINCINNATI Avery Insurance HOUSTON Allen Drug
DENVER Quilted Thimble
INDIANAPOLIS Belmont Federal Savings & Loan BALTIMORE Badcock & More
NEW ENGLAND Brightstar Grill
MINNESOTA Mater’s Motors GREEN BAY Watson Insurance
SAN FRANCISCO Stowe Insurance
SEATTLE Anytime Movers WASHINGTON Robert Black Insurance
ATLANTA Family Med Pharmacy
Conference Championships January 20, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Super Bowl XLII February 3, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Banner News
Page 7A
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Page 6A
The Banner News
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Classified Ads Wanted to Buy MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS MOUNTAIN-Prices starting at $100/ week. Call 704-7394417 or (evening) 704-739-1425. (tfn)
Homes For Rent/Sale 2 Unfurnished rooms for rent in house to share in Shelby. One room - $375/ mth. and smaller room - $300/mth. Both rooms in-
water and septic, owner financing. Call Bryant Realty 704-567-9836 . w w w. b r y a n t r e alty.org . (1/03)
cluded utilities and internet. No deposit. Call: 704-4192152. (1/03 & 9)
Land For Sale LOTS in Gaston, Cleveland, & Cherokee Co, some with water & septic, owner will fin with low DP. Call Bryant Realty 704567-9836 . w w w. b r y a n t r e alty.org. (1/03) LEASE with option to purchase, MH lots in Cleveland and Rutherford Co. with
merchandise, or pictures, or anything of value. (704)300-0827 or (704) 300-7676. (1/03)
Misc. For Sale
Help Wanted
Couch, café table and four chairs, chest of drawers for sale. Call (704) 4193419. (tfn)
DENTAL ASSISTING POSITION AVAILABLE* Growing dental practice is seeking motivated & friendly individual to join their team. Experience is preferred. Please fax resume to (704)263-4696. (12/12,19,27,1/03)
Wanted to Buy CASH ON THE SPOT! Will buy tools or building full of
ATTENTION DRIVERS EPES Transport has positions for dedicated. Home weekly, Full Time in the Charlotte, NC area. Up to $1000 a week, Excellent Benefits, Paid Vacations and Holidays!! Class A CDL & 1 year T/T exp. req. Also hiring for Company Drivers & OO-Regional, Short Haul, & Independent Contractors. EPES Transport System Inc. 888-2933232 or www.epes transport.com. (1/03 &09)
LEGALS be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 19th day of December, 2012. Grady Earl Brittain, Executor Estate of: CLARA MAUDE BRITTAIN, aka: CLARA MAUDE COSTNER BRITTAIN 6327 Hill Gates Trl Cherryville, NC 28021 CE1627 (12/ 19, 27/12, & 1/03,1/09/13)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 30th day of November, 2012 as Executor of the Estate of Clara Maude Brittain, aka: Clara Maude Costner Brittain, deceased, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit the same to the undersigned Grady Earl Brittain, Executor on or before the 19th day of March, 2013 or this notice will
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF CHARLES K. SANSOM, (AKA CHARLES KENNETH SANSOM) Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Charles K. Sansom, aka Charles Kenneth Sansom, deceased, of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of
April, 2013, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 3rd day of January, 2012. Kimberly L. Sansom Artemyev. Executrix Estate of: Charles K. Sansom, aka Charles Kenneth Sansom, 2925 Heather Ridge Rd Dallas, NC 28034 CE1628 (1/03, 09, 16, & 23/13)
Would you like to give the gift of local news?
Call Kathy today at 704-739-7496 and send the gift of the Banner News! LEGALS bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 19th day of December, 2012. Gene Dellinger, Co-Executor Estate of: JEWEL C. SMITH, aka: JEWEL CRAWFORD SMITH and JEWEL DEAN SMITH 701 Vista Drive Cherryville, NC 28021; Or Sandra Eaker, Co-Executrix 301 W. Main St.. Cherryville, NC 28012 CE1626 (12/ 19, 27/12, & 1/03, 09/13)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 7th day of December, 2012 as CoExecutor and Co-Executrix of the Estate of Jewel C. Smith, aka: Jewel Crawford Smith and Jewel Dean Smith, deceased, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit the same to the undersigned Gene Dellinger, Co-Executor and Sandra Eaker, Co-Executrix on or before the 19th day of March, 2013 or this notice will be pleaded in
OFFICER: wounded in scuffle
Coop Extension accepting applications for Master Gardener class
From page 1A At this time Sgt. Pickert is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the NC SBI and a Belmont Police Department internal investigation. The circumstances sur-
Learn how to be a Master Gardener this spring by enrolling in the Master Gardener Program offered by NC Cooperative Extension in Gaston County. The six-week class begins Tuesday, Feb. 5, and ends Tuesday, March 19. It will be held at the Citizens Resource Center,
S E R V I C E
rounding the initial call are still under investigation by Belmont Police. No charges have been filed so far in the incident but that could change as the investigation continues.
ASSISTED LIVING
AUTOMOTIVE
SOMERSET C o u r t
“We buy salvage cars & trucks”
Assisted Living
Mac’s Auto Parts
1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas. Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.–12 noon. The cost is $105. Deadline to register is Jan. 21, 2013. Upon completion of this program, interns will be expected to give 40 hours of volunteer serv-
ice to Gaston County, through the Extension Service, to help meet the horticultural needs of urban homeowners. Interns will be certified as Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, and be required to volunteer 20 hours a year thereafter to remain in good standing.
CABINETS Cabinets At Their Finest Custom Cabinets & Woodworking Cabinet Refacing - Countertops
Morrison’s
For applications and more information, call Julie Flowers, Consumer Horticulture Agent, at the NC Cooperative Extension Service, Monday through Friday, at (704) 922-2112, between the hours of 8 a.m.–5 p.m., or visit our website at www.gaston.ces.ncsu.edu.
ELECTRICAL
Electrical Services
3038 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
Custom Cabinets
Trouble Shooting Specialist • Residential & Commercial
Medicaid Rates & Private Pay Accepted
Used parts for most makes & models!
112 Wes Cook Rd. • Lawndale, NC 28090 Office/Fax 704-538-7011
• New Construction or Remodel FREE ESTIMATES!
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704.861.0676 or 704.861.1331
All Private Rooms
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BRAD MORRISON 704-477-9812
CHAD GUY 704-913-8273
Dewey’s Electrical Service 704-739-5770
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ELECTRICAL
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FUNERAL SERVICES
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PETS Dog Boarding • Doggy Wash
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704-820-0608
Off Hwy. 216, between Kings Mtn. & Cherryville, next to Midway Lakes II
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We don’t lock the door & leave at night - we live on the property so your dog has round the clock care!
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ROOFING
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Scrap Iron • Metals • Recycling • Aluminum Cans Appliances • Household Plastics Grades 1 & 2
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Woodlawn
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704.825.8648 709 S. Main St., Belmont
Call us today to see how your business can be listed in our Service Directory! in Cleveland County call Rick • 704739-7496 in Gaston County call Pat • 704825-0580 or Steve 704750-1125
The Banner News, Cherryville Eagle and Kings Mountain Herald are not responsible for errors in an advertisement if not corrected by the first week after the ad appears.
D • I • R • E • C • T • O • R • Y
Thursday, January 3, 2013
The Banner News
Page 9A
■ SCHOOLS
Contributed Photos
Lowell Elementary School announced its Students of the Month for December. The Character Trait was Trustworthiness.
Contributed Photo
Cameron Boyd, a senior at South Point High School, just completed his 2nd annual independent service project for the homeless in Gaston County. "Warming the Soles of Gaston County" was started by Cameron in 2011. During that year, he collected 475 pairs of socks for the homeless. In 2012 he collected over 1,000 pairs with help from local schools and generous citizens in our area. All the socks were donated to As One Ministries to help the homeless in our county. Cameron Boyd is seen with As One Ministries staff member “Tammy” and some of the socks he helped gather for the needy.
Contributed Photo
The students at Pinewood Elementary in Mount Holly recently held a penny drive to raise money for the United Way. They did this in memory of Rachel Joy Scott of Rachel's Challenge. The amount raised was $130.00. Seen with Pinewood student Tucker Martin is Carmen Schultz with United Way of Gaston County.
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“Dad can’t live alone anymore” Joe Seidel, Area Director Bayada Home Health Care There were three daughters living miles apart from each other with ailing parents living about 350 miles from the closest daughter. The call came that their dad, Norman Wenzl, was in the hospital, my wife and daughter flew to Ft. Walton Beach, FL to help take care of my wife’s mom, Rachel. Norman was finally discharged from the hospital and within hours of his discharge, Rachel was admitted to the hospital. Thus began multiple trips by Gale Seidel, Shelby, and Becky Katz (formerly living in St. Augustine, FL, now living in Shelby) back and forth to Ft. Walton Beach until the passing of their mom. Their sister Audrey Noce, Las Vegas, NV was not in a position to travel back and forth. Norman was suffering from San Joaquin Valley Disease and was receiving hospice services at home. The sisters began to discuss how they could best take care of their dad. It was not an option for any of them to move in with him. Norman decided he wanted to live with us, in Shelby. Just being a little vulnerable here, even if I lived in the Biltmore Estates, my house wasn’t big enough for me and Norman. Becky really wanted her dad to move in with her, but Norman didn’t want to move in with Becky because of her dogs. Her three dogs would start a bark fest for almost any reason, and Norman wanted nothing to do with that. After much discussion and convincing Norman that he live closer, Becky found an apartment about a mile from her house that would work well for Norman. On the same day that Norman arrived at Becky’s house (with all the dogs), while his furniture was being packed and moved, he decided he really liked Becky’s house and wanted to stay there. After all the talk about the dogs, Norman and the dogs bonded and it was a sight to see the dogs sitting on his lap. There were challenges that had to be worked through as Norman settled in with Becky and her husband, Harvey. Norman and Harvey were both opinionated and would gladly offer their opinions which were usually opposing opinions. Norman was on oxygen but also wanted to be free to move around the house. Oxygen tubing was all over the house, I am convinced if that tubing was stretched out we could have hooked up to the International Space Station. Since Norman was on hospice, a legion of people came to Becky’s house, the hospice nurse, the hospice aide, the hospice social worker, the hospice manager, the hospice… Becky was a saint through all of this, and was really glad her dad was living with her. Becky worked from home which was good and bad. Good, because she could be right there if an emergency came up, but bad because she was also right there when Norman decided he needed something. Norman fell a couple of times, Becky was right there and able to call 911 to help get Norman off the floor and back into his bed or chair. Becky managed all of Norman’s doctor appointments, picked up his medications from the pharmacy and managed his finances. When Becky had to be out of town for business, Gale would come and take care of her dad. Becky was also thankful that when Gale would speak to her via phone and hear that she was a bit frazzled, she would come and give her a break as well. They worked together to help each other and their ailing father. When we look back on this situation we were very fortunate to have three sisters that worked well together, they communicated with each other and had a dad who willingly cooperated with them in his care. That is not always the case. Sometimes siblings don’t work well together, sometimes the parent is combative or uncooperative and sometimes the living arrangements just can’t be worked out. As a Certified Senior Advisor and as someone who has lived through this situation I am available to help you navigate through these tough decisions. Call me at Bayada Home Health Care at 704-669-4000.
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The Banner News
2012: A look back at last year’s top stories From page 3A Belmont would host a national-level bicycle race on its streets in May 2013. Promoters said the event would bring hundreds of bike riders and big bucks to the city. October 2012, the BannerNews followed the South Point Red Raiders football team as it swept aside the competition Friday after Friday. Rabid fans at Lineberger Stadium cheered the chaps on as they made short work of rivals and gained the Big South Conference crown. On another sports note, members of Red Raiders teams from the 1950s that got together for a big reunion. Just a few of the former stars that showed up included Carroll Trull, Jim Poag, Barry Rumfelt, and Ronald Lamar “Pineknot� Helton. Other October features included a report on efforts by Mount Holly police to revisit two “cold case� murders that had taken place several years ago. In McAdenville the BannerNews was on top of things when a special alcohol referendum election took place on October 2. After the votes were counted, McAdenville went from dry to wet in one fell swoop. The vote had been preceded by loud debate on both sides of the alcohol issue with those against it worrying about the town’s image and those for it citing the need for diversified economic development such as restaurants and a grocery store where alcohol could be purchased. Lastly, October saw the passing of 99-year-old Clyde
Deitz, one of Belmont’s most beloved and influential civic leaders. Deitz had served many years on the city council as well as numerous boards and committees. November 2012 issues featured a variety of stories spread over the month honoring our military veterans. The series kicked off with an article about Belmont’s Steve Keener who was killed in Viet Nam in 1967 and for whom Keener Blvd. is named. A story on Nov. 14 featured a photo of several WWII, Korean War, and Viet Nam War vets gathered in front of the Belmont Historical Society museum where they had made speeches. In Mount Holly, city officials had worked to have the municipality declared a “Purple Heart City.� A photo with the story showed a group of guys who had been awarded the Purple Heart, including Mount Holly employee Mike Santmire, posing with their medals and a proclamation. Other stories for November included an update on progress on the Dawson Bridge replacement project on the South Fork River at Cramerton. An interesting aside was that workers had found evidence of an earlier bridge dating to the late 19th century. Also, the search continued for Elizabeth Stonger who had driven away from her job at Belmont’s Wal-Mart on October 14 and was still missing. An article on the day after Thanksgiving reported that Black Friday shoppers had spent freely with local merchants. Of course the local and
national elections got coverage in the BannerNews during November. Even though the majority of local readers voted Republican, President Barack Obama was reelected on the national level by a slim margin. While campaigns for local offices like school board seats were civil, the Presidential race was more than a little rancorous. December 2012 kicked off with news that Belmont had been named the #3 Small City in America by a Florida-based researcher. The town was recognized for its quality of living, weather, and overall economic outlook. Also in December, unemployment in Gaston County was reported to have risen to 11.4 percent. A story in the BannerNews reported that Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks, had once lived with her uncle in a cabin off of what is now South Point Road. Local history buff Frank Traywick was pictured next to a monument where the cabin once stood. Other stories included the sobering news that the person responsible for the deaths of former Belmont mayor Kevin Loftin and his friend Donna Deitz back on Feb. 22 was sentenced to 2531 years in prison. Also, a body found in a car near Marion was positively identified as Elizabeth Stonger of Lowell who had been missing for over two months. Topping the terrible side of the news was the Dec. 14 shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., that saw a lone gunman kill 20 students and six adults. The reaction by
Wednesday, January 3, 2013
Gaston County police and schools, as well as the local police in the BannerNews circulation area was swift in stepping up school patrols and reassuring everyone that the safety of our kids was their first priority. In a series of interviews, the BannerNews featured a
holiday story where several WWII veterans recalled where they were and how they spent a memorable Yuletide season in the service. Stories included hardships and heroism on land and sea as they did their duty. On a happier December
2012 note, local merchants reported brisk sales of Christmas gifts and all the towns in the area held happy and colorful Christmas parades which drew the year to a close in a strange mix of celebration and sadness.
LETTER to the Editor From page 4A and Wilkinson. Conducting a pursuit into such a highly trafficked intersection explicitly violates Belmont’s pursuit policy. The dashcam video of the pursuit shows the officers driving into the intersection at Wilkinson only three or four seconds after the collision. Chief Franklin’s false account of the chase concludes in his statement that “the actions of Belmont officers in their effort to stop Norman and remove him from the road were compliant with . . . departmental policy.� Police actions on February 22, 2012 violated policy in multiple ways. We believe adherence to policy on that night would have saved two lives. Yet Belmont police department policies with regard to both traffic checkpoints and vehicular pursuits could be made even stronger and more practical to better in-
sure public safety. Worried that the Belmont Police Department is not applying its own written rules, my brother and I sent Chief Franklin a letter of complaint on September 1, 2012. We sent copies of this letter to the City Manager, the Mayor, and every council member. For now, we are still patiently awaiting the city’s response. We hope to see a review of the events on February 22, 2012, conducted by responsible representatives of city government along with concerned citizens. We also remain optimistic that more facts will come to light than we already know, and that positive change to police department policy and practice will result. Sincerely yours Ellen Deitz Tucker
Solve a Mystery Q: These local fishermen hit the jackpot on red drum. Some of the names on the back of the picture read “Ira Wentz, Fat Reep, Mack Helms, and Rubber Null�. Anyone know the other guys and where/when the whoppers were reeled in? If you know, or have a guess, please email Alan.bannernews@gmail.com. Solve a mystery Dec. 26 answer: Marjorie Goins identified the “tall man� as Paul Neal, English teacher and later school principal.
South Point High School’s Red Raiders football team won its conference title but fell one game short of making it to the state championship.
Do you have questions or concerns about what’s happening in your community? Are there good things happening in your neighborhood? Did you like a story? Let us know in a Letter to the Editor. We welcome your comments*! Send us your Letters to The Editor at: The Banner News P.O. Box 589, Belmont NC 28012 or e-mail us at: alan.bannernews@gmail.com
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