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INSIDE..........

Sports

Belmont Police review pursuit policy 5A

Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville

Volume 78 • Issue 7 • Wednesday, February 13, 2013

75¢

1971 Red Raiders to be inducted into Belmont Sports Hall of Fame By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

In 1971 the unemployment rate in Belmont was around 1.1 percent, a fact that made folks smile with happiness. That same year the South Point Red Raiders football team basically stomped every opponent they faced into the turf and that made folks delirious with joy. Recognizing that undefeated team, the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame will add it to the hallowed roster of local sports legends at a banquet and awards ceremony slated for Feb. 19 at 7pm at Park St. United Methodist Church. Guest speaker will be UNC-Charlotte football coach Brad Lambert. The 1971 Red Raiders football team was led by coaches Mike Hudock, Jim Biggerstaff, Earl Lingafeldt, and Phil Tate to a perfect 10-0 record in regular season conference play. It was the first time that record had been achieved in Belmont since 1953, and ironically, Coach Biggerstaff was a player on that squad. In addition to having the whole 1971 team added to See RED RAIDERS, 4B

Benefits could be slashed By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

People drawing unemployment checks in the future in North Carolina got some bad news last week when the NC House voted 77-42 along party lines to approve a Republican-backed bill that would see their benefits sharply slashed. The bill was forwarded to the Senate floor last Thursday for further consideration. Republicans also hold a majority of seats in the Senate. Gaston County Republicans Dana Bumgardner and John Torbett voted “aye” on the bill. The bill is designed to pay down the $2.5 billion that the state owes the federal government for money it borrowed during the height of the Great Recession and tens of thousands of unemployed North Carolinians were availing themselves of benefits extensions that at one time went as high as 99 weeks total state and federal combined. With the unemployment rate still hovering around 9 percent, the state is still borrowing around $25 million a week to pay benefits. The bill that the House passed would cut the maximum benefits to unemployed workers by one-third. Maximum benefits would drop from $535 to $350 a week. The number of weeks a person could draw benefits would shrink from 26 to a shifting scale of between 12 and 20 weeks based on the unemployment rate. However, according to Larry Parker, acting public relations director at the NCESC, folks currently drawing a check will not see their weekly amount reduced. “The proposed reductions will apply to those who file new claims after July 1, 2013,” Parker said. Democrats had tried to get an amendment to the bill to make the date it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2014. See UNEMPLOYMNENT 5A

Photo by Alan Hodge

African-American Quilters Guild of Gaston County members are seen at the Belmont Historical Society with one of their hand made creations. The group currently has a featured display of other works inside the museum. From left, Jasha Crystal Hunter, Barbara Hart, Louise Keets, and Flossie Fox

From scraps of cloth to works of love By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Most people take old scraps of cloth and turn them into dusting rags, but members of the AfricanAmerican Quilters Guild of Gaston County turn them into works of art that warm folks’ hearts and bodies. The group currently has about

fifteen members and got its start back in 2005. Quilter Barbara Hart was one of the founders and described how the ladies searched for a home base. “We first started meeting at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Belmont where Rev. Kenneth Alexander and his wife extended a warm welcome,” Hart said. “After about six months we moved to a meeting place in a little house on Devine

St., also in Belmont. We finally moved to Unity Place in Gastonia at St. Stephen’s AME Zion Church where we’ve been for the past two years.” According to Hart, members come from a diverse geographical area that includes Belmont, Gastonia, Charlotte, and even South Carolina. Hart and several other members including Jasha Crystal

Hunter, Louise Keets, and Flossie Fox recently met at the Belmont Historical Society Museum where they talked about how what led them to the art and craft of quilting. “As a child I saw my mother and grandmother quilt, but it didn’t excite me all that much,” she said. “However, as an adult I took a quilting class at the Lucille See QUILTERS 5A

How hazardous is coal ash disposal? By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Last month Duke Energy representative Tim Gause went before the Belmont City Council and gave his firm’s side of the coal ash safety and disposal debate. Last week the council heard the other side of the coin from Catawba Riverkeeper rep Rick Gaskins who declared the coal ash ponds at Duke’s steam stations such as Riverbend near Mount Holly and Allen below Belmont were like a “sword of Damocles” hanging over the heads of the local populace. Now, for those of you who don’t know, Damocles was a courtier of the 4th century King Dionysius II of Syracuse, Italy. Damocles kept saying how swell it must be to have all that power and luxury and how gladly he would sit on the throne. For an answer, Dionysius gave Damocles a shot at the seat, but suspended a huge sword right over his head held

Photo by J. Wes Bobbitt Flight by Southwings

This aerial view of the Riverbend Steam Station coal ash ponds shows their proximity to Mountain Island Lake. by a single hair from a horse’s tail. In other words, what Gaskins meant was, in his opinion, the Duke Energy ash ponds are

something that look relatively benign, but could prove hazardous in ways such as water See COAL ASH, 2A

Rowing Club considering River Park as ‘home base’ By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

When most folks think of rowing, or sculling as it’s also called, the image that pops up is that of Ivy-league college boys from Harvard or Yale straining at the oars of a skinny boat. However, there’s a chance that a recreational form of that activity could find itself taking place at Belmont’s planned River Park. “The Charlotte Youth Rowing Club coach, Byron “Doc” Walthall, gave an informative

OBITUARIES, 2A

presentation at the City Council’s Annual Retreat on Saturday, Jan. 26,” said Belmont Parks and Recreation Director Sallie Stevenson. “He proposed their club’s great interest in working with the City to make the future River Park their home base due to the river location there that is better suited for their sculling. The City is taking this under consideration.” Walthall is a semi-retired physician who lives in Charlotte and is executive director of the Carolina Rowing Foundation. He is also a US Rowing Level 3 coach.

Contributed Photo

Talks are underway concerning the possibility of having a rowing facility in Belmont near the planned River Park. This photo shows Charlotte Youth Rowing members enjoying a day on Lake Wylie. According to Walthall, the Park is to be located near WilkinCatawba River section in East Bel- son Blvd. would make a good mont where the proposed River See ROWING CLUB, 3A

INDEX

Patricia Eudy, Mount Holly

Belmont Police .....................................2A

Abbey Sports .......................................2B

Rachel Patterson, Gastonia

Business ..............................................3A

Miss SP Pageant ..................................3B

Opinions...............................................4A

Special Offers for your Valentine.......2,3B

Sports ..................................................1B

Classifieds............................................4B

Page 2A

The Banner News

■ OBITUARIES Patricia Eudy MOUNT HOLLy – Patricia Ethel Bishop Eudy, 49, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 at home. She was born in Gaston County, daughter of Mary Welch Bishop and the late Lawrence Wilkins Bishop. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Buddy Bishop and a sister, Janice Caulder. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister, Shelia Holland of Dallas; a brother, Bobby Bishop and his w i f e Terri of Gastonia; a sister-inlaw, Melanie Bishop; her life partner, Dale Davidson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a 1981 graduate of East Gaston High School. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Eudy will be held at 11a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, at The Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly with Pastor Junior Welch officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly is serving the family.

Rachel Patterson GASTONIA – Rachel White Patterson, 98, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 at her residence. She was a native of Caldwell County NC, born Oct. 30, 1914 to the late John C. and Minnie Chester White. Memorial service was Saturday Feb. 9 at 11am at Goshen Presbyterian Church Belmont with Rev. Mike Moreau officiating. Burial was private.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Belmont PD responds to over 20,000 calls in 2012 By Alan Hodge Editor alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The Belmont Police Department stayed busy during the year 2012. According to recently released figures, Belmont PD had 20,414 calls for service during the year. During 2011, the department responded to 20,485 calls. “If you compare the last two years our call volume has stayed about the same,” Chief Charlie Franklin said. “We did see an increase in some areas. This included misdemeanor assaults, general alarm calls, domestics, disturbances and suspicious activity. “But then again we also saw a decreases in aggravated assaulted, burglar alarms, property damage and harassment calls.” The largest number of calls for service in 2012 involved vehicle stops with 2,928 recorded. The next highest number involved special checks with 1,908 tallied. This was followed by community police patrol calls at 1,889. Checking out suspicious persons sent Belmont police on 890 calls in 2012. Checking suspicious vehicles added 609 calls to the 2012

Contributed Photo

Belmont Officers answered over 20,000 calls in 2012. During this animal assistance call Officers Floyd Bollinger (L) and Brent Herndon (R) try to help an injured goat at the site of River Front Park.

score. Checking on the welfare of elderly or sick folks accounted for 285 Belmont PD calls in 2012. Belmont police were also involved in serving warrants and made 231 calls for this purpose. Belmont police also responded to a total of over 200 calls for help from surrounding law enforcement such as Belmont Abbey police and departments in Cramerton, McAdenville, Mount Holly, Gaston County police, and Charlotte Mecklenburg police. Calls for as-

City recycles tree branches as mulch The City of Belmont street department put new mulch in Stowe Park this week. The mulch is a result of the Duke Energy tree-trimming project in town several weeks ago. The Duke Energy contractor, Asplundh Tree Expert Company, trimmed the trees and limbs that Duke determined could interfere with reliable electricity delivery. Asplundh then put the limbs through a chipped creating mulch and delivered the mulch to the Belmont public works department. This saved Asplundh from transporting the mulch out of town and allowed the City of Belmont to gain hundreds of dump truck loads worth of mulch. The street department will spread this mulch in other city parks over the next several weeks.

sistance from EMS and the fire department came out to about 180 responses. Folks getting rowdy kept Belmont police busy in 2012 with 55 fights in progress, 46 discharging firearms, 191 domestic arguments, 51 harassments, 54 communicating threats, and 371 civil disturbance calls in 2012. There were also 123 cases of misdemeanor assault. Loud disturbances made for 105 calls and loud music 86 calls. Auto accidents accounted for around 750 calls for serv-

ice in 2012 with five of those involving a deadly weapon. Breaking and entering generated 176 calls for service. Intoxicated drivers and pedestrians resulted in a total of 142 more calls for service. Radar license checks ran up 123 calls. Just a few of the other calls that Belmont PD found themselves involved in during 2012 included removing debris from the road, K9 search, fireworks, stranded motorist, shoplifting, skateboarding juveniles, and ABC violations.

■ BELMONT Feb 4: Lashanta Seigle, failure to appear, arrested by Officer R. Cassell, US29/74. Feb. 4: Roger Dale Baker, failure to appear DWLR, arrested by Officer P. Hunter, 902 Laye Ct #2. Feb. 4: Erica Renee Lyles, shoplifting by concealment, arrested by Officer M. Kaiman, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. 4: Brient Najee Frink, shoplifting by con-

Overall, the Belmont Police Department has maintained a high level of professional service over the past year with a high workload. “Our officers did a good job in 2012,” Franklin said. “We have increased our visibility downtown and instituted a new emphasis on community policing. Our response time to calls is also one of the best in the area. The year 2012 showed once again that Belmont is still a safe place to live and work.”

POLICE

cealment, arrested by Officer M. Kaiman, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. 5: Gary Van Snipes, DWI- alcohol, DWLR, rear taillight required, arrested by Officer M. Stroupe, 38 E. Catawba Ave. Feb. 6: Katelyn Brooke Ledford, simple assault, arrested by Officer Wingate, 1617 Bishop Ct. Feb. 7: Terry Scott Lee, DWLR, arrested by Officer

Elizondo, 6751 Wilkinson Blvd. Feb. 8: Ashley Danielle Cook, identity theft, larceny, FTA 2nd degree trespass, arrested by Officer M. Kaiman, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. 9: Kylie Anne O’Connell. Consuming alcohol by person less than 21, arrested by Officer J. Davis, Belmont Abbey College.

COAL ASH: how safe is the disposal? From page 1A

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and ground pollution, as well as a potential inundation of nearby property if the dams and dikes holding them back should fail. Gaskins’ presentation was thorough in its examination of Duke Energy’s coal ash program. Charts he showed the council ran the gamut from thermal impacts of the company’s coal-fired steam plants to aerial photos of ash ponds, to the number of bass fish a person could safely eat each week from Lake Wylie. The answer was one. Gaskins also gave the council a hard look at seepage from the coal ash ponds at Riverbend and Allen steam stations. The photo he showed of a seepage from Allen station looked like chocolate pudding scattered with leaves. Another aerial shot of what Gaskins said was groundwater contamination at the Riverbend plant declared it exceeded standards for boron, iron, manganese, and sulfates. “Duke told you that the amount of water lost through seepage is minimal,” Gaskins said. “We estimate that each of the larger individual seeps discharge about 50,000 gallons per day which is roughly 28,000 times less than the peak discharge from the Marshall Steam Station, but it is still a lot of contaminants going into a drinking water reservoir.”

Gaskins also said that the seeps are unpermitted and unmonitored discharges. “Duke stated that it was in compliance with its permit,” Gaskins told the council. “But the permit contains no limits for the contaminants of most concern such as arsenic, selenium, and mercury. Thus, to say that Duke is in compliance is to say very little.” Gaskins’ presentation didn’t totally damn Duke Energy. He seemed pleased regarding the recent decision by the company to shut down the Allen Steam Station on Mountain Island Lake in April- two years ahead of schedule. “The closing is great news,” he said. “I commend Duke for closing that plant. It was one of the dirtiest, if not the dirtiest plant in their system.” Overall, Gaskins urged the council to stay informed and in contact with Duke Energy regarding any potential impacts that might arise from the storage and/or disposal of coal ash. “It is appropriate for towns to be concerned about the quality of their water,” he said. Gaskins closed his remarks with a quote from broadcast personality Paul Harvey. “Now you know the rest of the story,” he said.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The Banner News

Page 3A

Local landscaping company wins business services worth thousands at Chamber event A $4,200 package of business services was won by Absolute Turf & Landscape Management of Belmont during the Montcross Area Chamber’s recent 53rd Annual Celebration. “Because of our Chamber’s commitment to growing jobs in Gaston County by helping small businesses grow and helping entrepreneurs start new businesses, Contributed Photo

Roger and Candace Edwards of Absolute Turf & Landscape Management receive a packet of free business services certificates valued at $4,200 from Montcross Area Chamber President Ted Hall (left).

we thought it appropriate during our annual celebration to give a business a package of free services a member could use to achieve those objectives,” said Chamber President Ted Hall. “Absolute Turf & Landscaping owners Roger and Candace Edwards are long-time Chamber members and strong supporters of many community organizations and causes, Hall said. “They are a most deserving winner of the prize.” Ten Chamber members contributed valuable gift certificates for free business services to the prize package. Some of the services provided include outdoor

and print advertising, business training, graphic design, printing and much more. Participating businesses are: The Banner News; ImageMark Business Services; Bedgood Outdoor Advertising; ActionCoach Tony Marder; The Awen Group; The Gaston Gazette; Gaston Alive! Magazine; Image Gallery Photography; Creative Solutions Special Events; The Montcross Area Chamber. For more information on Absolute Turf & Landscape Management, call 704-6082788, or visit www.absoluteturfmanagement.com.

ROWING CLUB: considering River Park as ‘home base’ From page 1A

POTATO TRUCK TAKES OUT POWER LINES – Electricity to many businesses and homes along Wilkinson Blvd. was knocked out Friday afternoon when the tractor-trailer truck in the background that was hauling potatoes downed a power pole. Crews worked to restore service while the spuds were transferred to another truck with a front-end loader. Staff Photo

NEW CIRCLE K COMING SOON – Good weather has helped workers make excellent progress on the new Circle K store being built in Catawba Heights near Belmont Abbey. Last week crews were pouring concrete curbs, drilling a well and plumbing gas pumps. Photo by Alan Hodge

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place for a rowing facility for several reasons. “Currently we have a rowing facility at the Catawba Yacht Club near the NC 49 bridge at Lake Wylie,” Walthall said. “Due to the success of the youth rowing program, we are outgrowing that location and looking to establish a larger one.” Walthall also feels the waters near Belmont are better for rowing. “The water quality as far as wind-generated waves and boat wakes is better at Belmont,” he said. According to Walthall, rowing is a sport that is beneficial to a variety of people and Belmont’s location near a large metropolitan center would also make it ideal for attracting them. “Men and women can both participate in rowing,” he said. “Though youth rowing is more numerous here, adults of all body types and ages can enjoy it as well. There are groups for races going up to 80 years of age.” So, how could Belmont benefit by having a rowing facility to call its own? Walthall says one way would be to tap into the sport’s upper class image.

Also, the fact that drivers on the I-85 and Wilkinson Blvd. bridges could look down and see rowers in colorful outfits gliding along in their slender watercraft would give a positive image not only to the sport but the city as well. Having a new recreational experience for local youth would also be a plus for rowing in Belmont. According to information that Walthall provide to the council, rowers have the highest GPA among collegiate athletes. Rowing is also considered to have a low impact on the environment. Adults could also benefit from a rowing facility in Belmont by having it serves as not only an individual sport such as kayaking or canoeing, but by also using it as a corporate team building exercise. But there’s still a long way to go before rowing in Belmont becomes a reality. “We are in the exploration phase,” Walthall said. “There are issues to be considered such as funding and the size and capacity of a boat house. The idea now is to work with city officials and consultants to see what we can do to help each other. The devil is in the details, but everyone is hopeful and excited about the concept.”

“Mr. Bill” Celebrating 15 Years in 2013!

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Page 4A

The Banner News

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Opinions...

“

Yours, Ours, Others

Quote of the week... A friendship that like love is warm; A love like friendship, steady.

Books and kids...

Alan Hodge Editor Recently I went to the Belmont branch of the Gaston County library system to do some ‘research’ for the article in last week’s paper about the story time special programs for kids held there and at other locations and how important they are to the intellectual and social growth of the attendees. This got me to thinking about the importance of books and reading in the lives of kids and how the abundance or lack of it can have a profound impact on young lives and how they turn out. My own love of the written word began with those little things called “golden books”. They had a gold-colored spine and inside were pages filled with stories and pictures about all sorts of stuff. The glue that held the books together was pretty tasty too as I enjoyed teething on them or so I am told. Next came the Dick and Jane books in school. How many of you can name the dog in those books, or the cat? Spot and Puff were the names in case you didn’t know. When I was in elementary school we went to what’s called the media center today and got to check out books. My favorites were biographies of people like Robert E. Lee and Winston Churchill. I liked anything to do with history but shunned mystery books as I lacked the patience to read the whole thing to find out who done it. For a spell we lived near the East Branch library off Central Avenue in Charlotte. It had central air conditioning when most homes did not and I would go there in summer to sit in the cool oasis and look at books. By and by when I was about 12-years-old my great aunt

Louise Smith Surratt got me a subscription to National Geographic magazine and my little world suddenly expanded. Many hours I sat down with eyes riveted on those yellowbound pages. My favorite articles and photos dealt with ancient Egypt. I still have a fascination with that culture and time period and once spent a whole day at the British Museum looking at mummy after mummy and statue after statue and pondered what it must have been like to have been a pharaoh and if you wanted to you stand on the steps of your palace and tell everyone to kiss your foot and they would have to do it. Another National Geographic favorite topic was mine were natives from places like Borneo or the South Pacific islands. Once I saw picture of a Borneo chap with a ball point pin in his noise crossways. Another photo showed some of his pals jumping off a huge homemade scaffold

with nothing but some vines around their ankles keeping them from shining the ground below with their faces. Yet another National Geographic pic that sticks in my mind was that of a native girl from Polynesia propped up in the doorway of her hut eating a yam and wearing a big ol’ smile and fluffy grass skirt and that was it. Besides the National Geographic, another influence on my early brain development was the set of Colliers encyclopedias my mom went in debt for. Having a short attention span (still do), meant I could not sit down and start at “A” and work my way to “Z” but I read most of the set by flipping along until I saw something interesting and stopping there to read all about it. Overall, I recall devouring everything to read I could get my hands on. This included my mom’s movie magazines like Modern Screen with ads by June Wilkinson and Fredricks of Hol-

lywood and Boy’s Life and Popular Mechanics that showed you how to fish and fix lawn mowers. As my school days progressed through the years I eventually became interested in the works of Lake District poets such as Coleridge and Wordsworth, Beatnik poets like Gregory Corso, anything by Papa Hemingway, and non-fiction by the tons on any and all subjects. Anyway, I am convinced that reading at an early age and being exposed to an eclectic blend of material in print formed my love of the written word and led me to my work in journalism, for better or worse! Anyway again, what I am saying is that too many kids today have little to no exposure to books and reading. Maybe computers get part of the blame. You can certainly read a book online but it’s just not the same as actually holding it in your hands and feeling the paper and when you are done reading putting a nice

Political send-off

The Montcross and Greater Gaston chambers of commerce hosted a political send-off event at Belmont Abbey recently. Seen on stage answering questions from the crowd are, from left: Rep. John Torbett, NC House District 108; Rep. Dana Bumgardner, NC House District 109; Gaston County School Board At-Large Jeff Ramsey; and moderator Tim Gause with Duke Energy. Topic discussed ranged from taxes to the Garden Parkway project. Photo by Alan Hodge

marker at that page and putting the book away with lots of others on a shelf. I know parents are busy these days and working and running around driving the kids to whatever game or lesson happens to be on the menu for that day and then cooking some food and getting stuff lined up for the next round, and so actually sitting down with the offspring to read together gets put on the back burner but in my humble opinion it would be nice if a slice of the day could be set aside a couple of times each week for some inhouse non-electronic intellectual stimulation. In the meantime, the story tellers at our local libraries are helping out as best they can planting seeds of knowledge and hopefully a love of books and reading into as many little bodies and minds as care to come to the free programs they offer which is about as valuable a service as can be found anywhere at any price.

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor – My name is Kirsten Ward; I am seventeen years old and live in Statesville. I am an online student with Laurel Springs School and have been since the fifth grade. This year I am a junior taking three AP classes along with other subjects and am maintaining a 3.9 unweighted GPA. I have a part time job, volunteer at Iredell Wound Care Center in the office and Crossroads Tennis Academy teaching beginner tennis. I also train with Crossroads Performance Tennis Academy and compete in USTA tennis tournaments in the Southern Section. I am interested in pursuing a career in the medical field and have been offered the opportunity to participate in the National Youth

Sidewalk Survey Local residents were asked...

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Benny and Betty Brown married 52 years... Sure!

Rita and Tim Fargo married 31 years ago on Valentines Day... Yes!

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

Carroll and Mary White married 53 years... Ours took a while but really blossomed!

” Thomas Moore

Carrol and Jo Ann Trull married 47 years... Yes, sir!

Leadership Forum on Medicine associated with George Mason University this summer. I am very excited about attending this forum and learning all facets of the medical field. I will take part in simulations and activities for ten days centered on a broad range of topics. My session is scheduled in July in Chapel Hill. I am reaching out to my community and surrounding areas to ask for sponsorship to help with my endeavor. The cost to attend the forum is $2895.00. This cost covers tuition, room, and some meals. I made a deposit in December of $650.00 towards my tuition. My next payment is due in February. If you have any questions either my dad (Bill Ward resident of Stanley, NC 704-8800705) or I will be happy to provide you with additional information or speak to you about me or the upcoming forum. My g-mail address is kirsten.ward@gmail.com. Any questions regarding academic performance can be directed to Laurel Springs School in Ojai, Ca. at 1-800-377-5890. Any consideration given towards sponsorship would be greatly appreciated. In advance, thank you for your time and consideration regarding sponsorship for the medical forum. Sponsorships can be sent to my attention at P.O. Box 5551 Statesville, N.C. 28687.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The Banner News

Belmont Police review pursuit policy By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The Belmont Public Safety Committee met Monday afternoon to discuss possible alterations to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Non-Routine Vehicle Operation Policyâ&#x20AC;?. In other words, what happens if police are involved in a situation such as a pursuit. The meeting was prompted at least in part by concerns relating to the deaths last Feb. 22 of former Belmont mayor Kevin Loftin and his friend Donna Deitz. The couple was returning from a church service in Charlotte when Loftinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Audi was struck broadside at the corner of US 29/74 and NC 273 by an SUV being driven by Lester Norman who was trying to elude police after he had sped away from a police checkpoint at I-85 at Exit 26. Norman was on federal probation at the time and said the reason acted as he did was because he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to go back to jail. However, he was sentenced to at least 25 years in prison for the deaths of Loftin and Deitz. Deitzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister, Ellen Tucker of Monterey, California, has said several times she thinks Belmont police could have acted differently regarding the pursuit of Norman, such as breaking off the vehicle chase, and perhaps prevented the deaths. On the other hand, Belmont Police Chief Charles Franklin has declared that proper procedure was followed throughout the incident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to take into account the totality of circumstances in each pursuit,â&#x20AC;? Franklin said. At Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting Franklin presented the Public Safety Committee with

an updated version of the non-routine vehicle operation policy that included a number of revisions. The main changes and clarifications related to justification for pursuit of a vehicle and made clear that before officers can chase they must have certain circumstances in place before it begins. This includes if the person is â&#x20AC;&#x153;reasonably believedâ&#x20AC;? by police to have committed or attempted to commit a rape, murder, kidnapping, arson, robbery, felonious assault, crime with a deadly weapon, or is wanted on charges with any of the aforementioned crimes. The revised policy also included traffic checkpoints. One change would require traffic checkpoints to be authorized in advance by an officer with the rank of lieutenant or above. Another change would require a minimum of three officers with marked patrol cars for each approved checkpoint. Also, a field supervisor with the rank of sergeant or above must be at the checkpoints at all times. In addition, all police cars at the checkpoints must have a working â&#x20AC;&#x153;dashcamâ&#x20AC;? placed in a position top record the actions of officers and motorists at the location. For the purpose of definition, Belmont police have three types of traffic checkpoints. They include a roadside safety check, impaired driving checkpoints, and fugitive checkpoints. The policy changes will be discussed this week by the Public Safety Committee and if approved could go into effect March 1. However, there is the possibility that more evaluation, review, and investigation could go into them as time goes by and further talks on the subject are held.

Page 5A

QUILTERS: creating works of love From page 1A Tatum Center and I was hooked. It was a joy putting scraps of fabric into a thing of beauty.â&#x20AC;? Hunter came from a long line of quilters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My grandmother and great grandmother taught me the basics,â&#x20AC;? she said â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I learned a lot from my fifth grade teacher at Belmont Central Miss Beatty. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always making things, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a crafter.â&#x20AC;? Fox says a quilt she saw at a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house turned her on to the art. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t grow up around quilters,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I went to visit a friend who was making a quilt and knew right then I wanted to give it a try.â&#x20AC;? A native of New Jersey, Keets is a skilled seamstress and decided to delve into quilting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been sewing since childhood and mostly made my own clothes,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I moved to North Carolina I started looking for a quilting group and found this one online.â&#x20AC;? Each lady in the AfricanAmerican Quilters Guild of Gaston County brings their own style to projects. Several have made quilts depicting scenes from the Underground Railroad. Others have made quilts for folks that tell a story of the recipientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We made a quilt for a woman who was a hairdresser so it had designs of hairbrushes and driers stitched in,â&#x20AC;? said Hunter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Another was for a teacher and it included crayons and rulers.â&#x20AC;?

Contributed photo

Missionary Kayley Rivera of Belmont is seen with children from the Kenyan Orphanage who are wearing â&#x20AC;&#x153;pilliowcase dressesâ&#x20AC;? hand made by members of the African American Quilters Guild of Gaston County. Fox says she made a quilt for her brother who is an outdoorsman that included hunting and fishing scenes. The African-American Quilters Guild doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe in just making lovely quilts to be looked at or displayed, they share their work with those who could never believe in their wildest dreams that they could wrap up in something so wonderful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are also a service organization and give quilts to the homeless shelter as well as those who are sick and shut-in,â&#x20AC;? Hart said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So far weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve donated over thirty quilts to these and other causes.â&#x20AC;? The guildâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talents arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just limited to quilts. Other items theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made and donated include knit caps, socks, bootees, and scarves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have also made quilts to raffle off for money for Relay for Life,â&#x20AC;? said Hunter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have made a quilts as a door prize for the Survivors Dinner to be won by

a survivor. That dinner as you probably know is given each year by the Relay for Life committee.â&#x20AC;? Guild members also help needy children overseas in a most imaginative way. First they take a pillowcase or a yard of other material, then add buttons and ribbons to it, then fashion openings on the top and sides, and voilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a nice little dress is made. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sent over 200 pillowcase dresses to children in Kenya and Haiti,â&#x20AC;? said Hunter. Anyone interested in joining the African-American Quilters Guild can contact Hunter at 704860-0415 or Hart at 704-8669840. The group also has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AfricanAmericanQuiltGuildofGastonCounty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We meet the fourth Saturday of every month at Unity Place from 12-3pm,â&#x20AC;? Hart said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We welcome beginners as well as experienced quilters. This is a group of phenomenally talented, Christian women.â&#x20AC;?

UNEMPLOYMENT: benefits could be slashed From page 1A With recent news from the NC Employment Security Commission that nearly 11,000 people in Gaston County are out of work, that the county unemployment rate is stuck at around 10 percent- higher than the state rate- and that Freightliner is planning to lay off hundreds of workers from its Mount Holly factory, the prospect of

benefit cuts has people nervous. A Freightliner spokesman from Mount Holly, Robert Riggins, told the Raleigh News and Observer that the benefit cuts were wrong. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That bill is devastating to North Carolina families and North Carolina workers,â&#x20AC;? he said. Riggins also told legislators they should try living on unemployment benefits to see how they liked it.

Justin Wilkinson of McAdenville has been collecting unemployment benefits while he looks for work and thinks the bill in the General Assembly will have a trickle down effect it passed as currently written. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will hurt a lot of families, not just the individual that gets the check,â&#x20AC;? Wilkinson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will put their homes and vehicles in jeopardy. It takes a certain amount to keep a family

going and if the cuts are as much as they are talking about people will be devastated.â&#x20AC;? Wilkinson also looked beyond the dollars and cents of keeping a home afloat financially. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I coach youth sports and if I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have money for gas to get to the gym or field then I guess I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be coaching. This means the benefits cuts can impact other people besides me.â&#x20AC;?

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Once the federal debt is repaid, the state would eliminate the increased unemployment tax, but the benefit cuts would be permanent. Opponents of the bill argue that it will put even more hardship on those who are out of work. Gov. Pat McCrory said he would sign the bill if passed.

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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

Jehovahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Tuckaseege 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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the church youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for, be sure to check next weeks paper.

Page 6A

The Banner News

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

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1B The Banner News

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

East Gaston wrestlers post final match of the season East Gaston ends Mega 7 run with win By John Wilson John.bannernews@gmail.com

The East Gaston Warriors wrestling team finished their last team match in the Mega 7 Conference with a 57-16 win over Charlotte’s Olympic High. The Warriors had no problem making short work of the overmatched Trojan squad. The Warrior wrestlers posted five wins on the night. Four came off of pins. One was decided with a decision. The Warriors also posted five wins by forfeit. Over all head wrestling coach Scott Goins was satisfied with the results. “Things went well,” Goins said. “They only had 3 wins. Two by pin and one by major decision. Posting wins for East Gaston were Eric Harvey, Tristan Frazier, Alex Ledford, Jack Reep and Mark Bedard. With the Olympic win the Warriors ended the regular season with a impressive 18-3 record. They ended the year second in the Mega 7 with a 5-1 record. They only lost one conference match up. That was to Charlotte Catholic. With the last Mega 7 team match in the books coach Goins is looking forward to moving back to the Gaston County based Big South Conference next year. “I’m thankful to be going back to the Big South,” Goins said. “That’s where our rivalries are. The fan support and crowds are so much better.”

Scott Goins Photo

Contributed photo

East Gaston’s Mega 7 Conference Champion Jacob Griggs slams an opponent into the mat in action earlier this year.

East Gaston’s Mega 7 Conference Champion Jacob Griggs slams an opponent into the mat. Griggs proved a powerful opponent all season long.

Place 2nd in Mega 7 tourney

Alex Lapiana of Charlotte C a t h o l i c . In the Heavy Weight title match up East Gaston freshman Jordan Wilson took the conference championship with a pin over Charlotte Catholic’s Matt Kowalewski. Goins had high praise Wilson and fellow freshman Tyler Spurling. “Tyler had a good year,” Goins said. “He earned a varsity letter as a freshman. He went 31-20 on the year. Jordan also came on at the right time this year.” The Warriors had three wrestlers end up taking runner up honors. Three East Gaston wrestlers ended their

The East Gaston wrestling team placed second in the Mega 7 conference tournament held last week at West Mecklenburg High School. The effort put forth by the East Gaston wrestlers pleased head coach Scott Goins. “We had a good day,” Goins said. “A lot of teams were not full.” After the final match the Warriors walked away with four wrestlers being crowned conference champions. When the 120-pound

wrestlers battled it out in the finals East Gaston’s Michael Bedard was pitted against Olympic’s Asher Goodwin. Goodwin and Bedard had met before. “Goodwin won earlier in the year, “Goins said. “But this year in the finals Michael beat him 3-1.” East Gaston’s 126-pounder Jacob Grigg had a strong showing on his way to his conference title. “He won with pins all the way through. “Goins said. Grigg is now 51-1 on the year. In the 145-pound class East Gaston senior Alex Ledford won his title by posting pins over Brandon Addison of Garinger and

tournament run placing 3rd Mega 7 Match Results Mason Lewis (0-1) 106: Nathan Wheeler (Olympic) won by pin over Mason Lewis (East Gaston) 0:00. Eric Harvey (2-1) 113: Blake Jackson (Charlotte Catholic) won by major decision over Eric Harvey (East Gaston) 8-0. 113: Eric Harvey (East Gaston) won by pin over Tri Lee Rash (West Mecklenburg) 0:00. 113: Eric Harvey (East Gaston) won by pin over DeShawn Patterson (Garinger) 0:00. Michael Bedard (2-0)

120: Michael Bedard (East Gaston) won by tech fall over Danny Sardo (Charlotte Catholic) 0:00 19-4. 120: Michael Bedard (East Gaston) won by decision over Asher Goodwin (Olympic) 3-1. Jacob Grigg (2-0) 126: Jacob Grigg (East Gaston) won by pin over Korey Atkins (Garinger) 0:00. 126: Jacob Grigg (East Gaston) won by pin over Clark Edwards (Berry, Philip O Academy of Technology) 0:00. Jared Bassett (1-1) 132: Jared Bassett (East Gaston) won by pin over See WRESTLERS, 2B

Match Results 106: Nathan Wheeler, OLYM, pinned Mason Lewis, EG. 113: Eric Harvey, EG, pinned Matthew Rumfelt, OLYM, 120: Michael Bedard, EG, forfeit 126: Jacob Grigg, EG, forfeit 132: Jared Bassett, EG, forfeit 138: Tristin Frazier, EG, pinned Wallace Koon, OLYM, 145: Alex Ledford, EG, pinned Winston Garrison, OLYM, 152: Jack Reep, EG, pinned Jerry Harris, OLYM, 160: Tyler Spurling, EG,forfeit 170: Marshall Abernathy, EG, forfeit 182: Mark Bedard, EG, dec. Tony Quinn, OLYM, 7-3. 195: Zackary McElveen, OLYM, maj. dec. Sam McInnis, EG, 16-8. 220: double forfeit 285: Evan Patrick, OLYM, pinned Jordan Wilson EG,

Photo by Bill Ward

East Gaston basketball player Morgan Ensley is seen grabbing another rebound during the game with South Point last Friday. The Warriors won by a tally of 78-57.

East Gaston Warriors

Photo by Bill Ward

East Gaston High player Raven Brooks is seen scrambling for the ball with South Point players Callie Poll and Ashley Mull during last Friday’s game. South Point came out on top by a score of 47-37.

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Page 2B

The Banner News

From page 1B Terrence Thompson (Garinger) 0:00. 132: Ben Litton (Charlotte Catholic) won by decision over Jared Bassett (East Gaston) 6-3. Tristin Frazier (0-2) 138: Terrel Thompson-Bell (Garinger) won by pin over Tristin Frazier (East Gaston) 0:00. 138: Irwin Williams (West Mecklenburg) won by pin over Tristin Frazier (East Gaston) 0:00. Alex Ledford (2-0) 145: Alex Ledford (East Gaston) won by pin over Brandon Addison (Garinger) 0:00. 145: Alex Ledford (East Gaston) won by pin over Alex Lapiana (Charlotte Catholic) 0:00. Jack Reep (1-1) 152: Peter Lapiana (Charlotte Catholic) won by decision over Jack Reep (East Gaston) 2-0. 152: Jack Reep (East Gaston) won by pin over Winston Garrison (Olympic) 0:00. Tyler Spurling (1-1) 160: Tyler Spurling (East Gaston) won by tech fall over Fontavius Harding (West Mecklenburg) 0:00 18-1. 160: Chase Hayes (Charlotte Catholic) won by pin over Tyler Spurling (East Gaston) 0:00. Mark Bedard (1-1) 170: Mark Bedard (East Gaston) won by tech fall over Yusuf Baskin (Berry, Philip O Academy of Technology) 0:00 21-5. 170: Spencer Hayes (Charlotte Catholic) won by pin over Mark Bedard (East Gaston) 0:00. Marshall Abernathy (1-1) 182: Tony Quinn (Olympic) won by pin over Marshall Abernathy (East Gaston) 0:00. 182: Marshall Abernathy (East Gaston) won by pin over Steven Gaudio (Berry, Philip O Academy of Technology) 0:00. McInnis (0-1) Sam 195: Nick Elchert (Charlotte Catholic) won by major decision over Sam McInnis (East Gaston) 17-4. Jordan Wilson (1-0) 285: Jordan Wilson (East Gaston) won by pin over Matt Kowalewski (Charlotte Catholic) 0:00.

■ ABBEY

SPORTS

Photos by Bill Ward

At left: Belmont Abbey lacrosse season is getting underway. In this photo Dan Morrissey is seen on the field practicing his throw. Above: Belmont Abbey lacrosse coach Chris Barrett has high hopes for his team in the coming season. Here he’s seen discussing practice with two of his players.

Crusaders baseball team comes from behind to win The Belmont Abbey Crusaders baseball team defeated the Mars Hill Lions 10-8 at Abbey Yard last week in a come from behind victory. Mars Hill jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first with Thomas Timmerman tripling to center over the head of Kennan Stanley. Phillip Carroll then drove a pitch from starter Tim Crawford deep over the 370’ sign in right center for a two run shot. The homer marked the first lead an Abbey opponent held in the 2013 season. Adam Venditti, making his first start in 2013, hit a RBI single, and reached second with heads up base running on the subsequent cut off throw. Gabby Amor knocked a double over the head of third baseman Marc Marsh to send Venditti home. The hit was the first of three for the infielder on the day, giving him a .353 average.

After Mars Hill reclaimed the lead in the third, Kyle Buchanan doubled in the third scored Kennan Stanley and Quinn Hawksworth to give the Crusaders its first lead of the day. The Crusaders would stretch the lead to go up by three runs in the sixth. A pair of defensive mistakes for the Crusaders let the Lions rally and they trimmed the Abbey lead to a single run in the top of the sixth. The bottom of the seventh began with a single by Amor that was nearly caught by Carroll in right. Emilio Pagan hit a homer that cleared right center field with room to spare. The homer was the first to leave the yard for Abbey batters this year. The other homer, by Vazquez against Claflin, was an inside-the-park homer. Mars Hill staged a comeback in the sev-

enth with a three run rally. Kyle Rogers inherited runners on the corners, but walked Matt Mayo to load the bases. When the damage was done, both inherited runners scored with Mayo, to tie the score at eight runs each. In the eighth inning Stanley got a hit over the head of Tommy Scala that advanced Dimino to third. Quinn Hawksworth’s third hit of the afternoon drove home Anthony Dimino to break an 8-8 tie, followed by a long hit from Kyle Buchanan that scored Stanley. The hit accounted for Buchanan’s fourth RBI on the day. The two run eighth marked the first time the Crusaders won in their final at-bat. Emilio Pagan closed the door with a perfect ninth to earn his first save. Kyle Rogers was credited with the win.

The History of Valentine's Day

Don’t Forget Your Sweetheart on Feb. 14th...

Every February candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

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One legend contends that Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death According to one leg-

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end, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — possibly his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The Banner News

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Backpack program provides weekend meals for children

2013 Miss South Point Pageant Kristin Agee

Rachel Abernathy

Ashlyn Alexander

Christina Benedict

South Point High School will hold its annual Miss South Point Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 7:00pm in the Gerald Cortner Auditorium at the school. Tickets are available in the school office for $8 (adults) and $4 (children), and will be on sale at the door on the night of the pageant. The pageant will be hosted by Mr. David Grimes, a teacher at South Point, and Miss Abbey Stuckey, the reigning Miss South Point. Contestants in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pageant are: Rachel Abernathy, a junior, who is the daughter of John and Dixie Abernathy. Rachelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a jazz dance. Kristin Agee, a senior, who is the daughter of Phil and Shannon Agee. Kristinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a musical theatre dance. Ashlyn Alexander, a senior, who is the daughter of Scott and Angie Alexander. Ashlynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a piano and saxophone performance. Christina Benedict, a junior, who is the daughter of Steve and Elena Benedict. Christinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a piano performance. Samantha Blevins, a senior, who is the daughter of James and Lori Blevins. Samanthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a lyrical dance. Amanda Hancock, a senior, who is the daughter of Jay and Diane Hancock. Amandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a piano per-

formance. Heather Howard, a senior, who is the daughter of Michael and Angie Howard. Heatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a vocal performance. Landon Jones, a senior, who is the daughter of Tony and Renea Jones. Landonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a vocal performance. Reagan Lamont, a junior, who is the daughter of Brad and Tina Bowen. Reaganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a percussion solo. Hannah Phillips, a junior, who is the daughter of David and Paula Phillips. Hannahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a ballet performance. Maddison Russell, a senior, who is the daughter of Matthew and Donna Russell. Maddisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a flag routine. Lyndsey Stephens, a junior, who is the daughter of Craig and Windy Stephens. Lyndseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a lyrical dance. Elizabeth Traywick, a senior, who is the daughter of Scott and Kelli Traywick. Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a vocal performance. Charley Woodman, a junior, who is the daughter of Stuart and Jennifer Woodman. Charleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent presentation will be a guitar and vocal performance.

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anniversary of Valentine's death or burial others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt through-

being touched with the hides because it was believed the strips would make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would then each choose a name out of the urn and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a

out their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. The boys sliced goat's hide into strips, dipped them in the sacrificial blood and took to the streets, gently slapping both women and fields of crops with the goathide strips. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed

poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415 to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the end of the century,

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printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged. Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America.

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A community program is doing its part to ensure that needy Gaston County school children do not go hungry on Saturdays and Sundays. The Backpack Weekend Food Program serves more than 500 students at 25 schools. Each Friday, the children receive a backpack filled with non-perishable, easy-toprepare food that is enough for three meals a day. The food is placed in backpacks so it is discreetly distributed to the children. Volunteer Carolyn Niemeyer began work in 2011 to establish the program and recruited volunteers to help. She partnered with CaroMont Health to assist with bulk food purchases and had a hospital dietician to develop a healthy meal plan. Niemeyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s church, Holy Trinity Lutheran in Gastonia, provides space for the program to operate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The backpack program is a perfect example of how civic groups, churches, businesses and individuals come together to meet the needs of children and their families, who are struggling in difficult economic times,â&#x20AC;? stated Superintendent L. Reeves McGlohon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These students depend on our school cafeterias to provide nutritious and well-balanced breakfast and lunch meals during the week. This wonderful program goes the extra mile to make sure the children have something to eat on the weekends when they are away from school.â&#x20AC;? The Board of Education recently honored and thanked Mrs. Niemeyer and her husband, Charles, for coordinating the worthwhile program for children.

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The Banner News

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

RED RAIDERS: team of 1971 to be inducted into Hall of Fame From page 1A the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame this year, seven individuals from it have been inducted in the past. “The 1971 team was the best one I ever coached in 20 years at South Point,” Biggerstaff said. “They began the winning tradition at the school that lives on today. They went through a lot of hell to be what they were in ’71.” The gridiron exploits of the 1971 Red Raiders was chronicled game by game in the pages of the Belmont Banner starting on September 1 of that year beginning with a huge, full-page ad introducing the team and coaches and touting the upcoming game with Cherryville. Players featured on the front page were quarterbacks Bill Hannon and Butch Harris. The Raiders went on to melt the Cherryville Ironmen by a score of 46-0. The next game for Belmont was against Crest, a team Biggerstaff warned his men had “size and speed”. Alas for Crest, that was not enough to prevent a 29-22 defeat at the hands of the Red Raider crew including several key plays by Scott Crawford. Game three of the 1971

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The 1971 South Point High football team will be inducted into the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame at a banquet Feb. 19 at 7pm at Park Street UMC. The team was undefeated in conference play and produced many outstanding players. football season saw Belmont battle South Rowan, and come away with a 42-6 win including three touchdowns by Crawford and one by Mike McWhirter. Moving along their path to glory, the Raiders next took on Kings Mountain and disposed of that team by a score of 20-0. This was followed by a 42-0 skinning of the Lincolnton High Wolves and a 28-0 win the following week against Central. The undefeated Shelby Golden Lions came to Belmont in late October to try

and break the Raider’s seven game winning streak. Key players that Belmont was counting on to see that didn’t happen were Mickey Lineberger, David Gibson, Danny Clawson, and Tony Beale. When the dust settled, the Lions limped back to Shelby with tail between legs after a 27-6 defeat. The next game of the 1971 Red Raiders football season saw the team blow the East Rutherford team away 60-0 to take the Southwest Conference Championship. The game saw South

Point’s total points scored in the season reach the 300 mark. Scott Crawford scored four times in the rout. In a rematch, the Raiders traveled to Lincolnton to meet the Wolves who were hungry for some Belmont burger. Too bad, because the Red Raiders won that game as well by a score of 34-20. This was followed by trip to Fallston and another 42-13 win over the Burns Bulldogs. Moving into post-season play in the 1971 football year, the Red Raiders met

Newton-Conover on the field at Lenoir-Rhyne College where Belmont bested them by a score of 41-0. For his work, Coach Biggerstaff was named Southwest Conference Coach of the Year. Scott Crawford was also named to the Shrine Bowl team. Belmont Mayor declared Nov. 24-31 as “Red Raider Week”. The grand finale’ of the 1971 South Point Red Raiders football season came when the team butted heads with Boyden High from Salisbury in the WNCHSAA

title game that ended in a 1414 tie with both teams sharing championship honors. This left the Raiders with a season total of 12 wins and the tie capping a remarkable season that folks still talk about. Tickets to the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet are $20 and are available at Art Shoemaker State Farm Insurance office in Catawba Heights and the Montcross Area Chamber office in the Stowe Building in downtown Belmont.

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of ERNEST STOWE, JR, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, hereby notifies to all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 7, 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 6th day of February, 2013. Ernest Renard Stowe Estate of: Ernest Stowe, Jr. 419 Creston St., Charlotte, NC 28214 BN10528 (2/06,13, 20 & 27/13)

MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS M O U N TA I N Prices starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704739-1425. (tfn) KM MOBILE HOME for RENT on Linwood Rd – Rec e n t l y remodeled throughout. Very nice & clean. 2 BR & 2 BA. References required and background check. $425/mth + Deposit. 704-

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS The undersigned, having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of RANDY EARL PRICE, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, hereby notifies to all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before April 30, 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 30th day of January, 2013. Marilyn Smith Price Estate of: Randy Earl Price 315 Ridge Drive, Mount Holly NC 28120 BN10526 (1/30, & 2/06, 2/13 & 2/20/13 )

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Month + deposit. Call: 704-8066686. (2/13) Land For Sale PRICES REDUCED! Lease with option to purchase, MH lots in Cleveland and Rutherford Co. with water & septic, owner financing. Call Bryant Realty 704-567-9836 or www.bryantrealty.org. (2/13) Misc. For Sale BATHROOM VANITY FOR SALE – 5 ft. Long w/single bowl & new chrome facet. Light oak. Excellent condition. Call: 704-2595118. (2/13) Couch, café table and four chairs, chest of drawers for sale. Call (704) 419-3419. (tfn) Public Auction AUCTION -February 21, 2013 at 10:00 A. M. Units 122, 207, 220. Bluejay Self Storage, 2006 Shelby Road, Kings

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS The undersigned, having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of CHARLES LEE ROY NOLEN, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, hereby notifies to all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before April 23, 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 23rd day of January, 2013. Kathy McKee Nolen Estate of: Charles Lee Roy Nolen 84 Wallace Ace, Belmont, N.C. 28012 BN10523 (1/ 23, 30/2013) & (2/06, 13/2013)

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The Banner News

Page 5B

St. Mark’s UMC is WMU “Blessing Bookworms” focus St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Belmont is helping local schools and students by feeding students through a local weekend backpack program; gathering supplies and books; and helping other local Methodist churches plan their first annual summer day camp. Now through March 24th, St. Mark’s is taking monetary donations to help with the backpack ministry. They are also accepting donations of specific school supplies and BOOKS! And finally, we are looking for adult and teen volunteers to assist with a week-long summer day camp. We are asking the community to help with these ministries. You can make monetary donations to St. Mark’s UMC and memo “Blessing Bookworms” or drop off any of supplies at the church in a designated bin on the Fellowship Hall porch. These supplies will be forwarded on to pre-determined elementary schools before Spring break. The list of supplies includes: new or gently used elementary-age books, crayons, colored pencils, regular #2 pencils, pencil erasers, large bottles of hand sanitizer, adhesive bandages, and facial tissue. You can contact the church and we can provide you with a book list that has been compiled by elementary school teachers. I’m sure all books are appreciated, but the schools now have specific curriculums that require specific books, fiction and non-fiction. St. Mark’s is one of the

S E R V I C E

32 partners who help Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Gastonia and their BackPack Weekend Food Program. St. Mark’s feeds 13 students at a local Belmont elementary school each weekend. The backpacks include enough food to provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks over the weekend. To feed one child for a 2-day weekend costs approx $6.25; to feed one child for a month costs approx $30; to feed 13 children for one weekend costs a little over $80. No donation is too small or too large. Local area Methodist churches are planning a week-long summer day camp July 15th – 19th from 9AM – 3PM. All children are invited to this FREE program but spaces will be limited. Registration for this summer camp has not started. Right now, the top priority is to recruit volunteers – adults and teenagers who can volunteer to work the entire time or just part time. The number of volunteers will dictate the number of elementary-age students who can participate in this “super-sized” vacation bible school. St. Mark’s UMC church family thanks you in advance for your help with these very important ministries to benefit the children of the local community. If you have questions about a monetary donation, donating supplies or volunteering for the summer day camp, please contact St. Mark’s at stmarksbelmont@yahoo.co m or call Rev Michael Binger at 704-825-8175.

ASSISTED LIVING

Sunday East Belmont Baptist Church, 501 East Catawba St., will celebrate Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) Focus Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 11am. Heather White McCormick, the widow of Air Force pilot, Major Joseph McCormick, who gave his life in service for our nation, will be the guest speaker. All are invited to hear this delightful young woman. For additional information, you may contact the church office at (704) 8255780.

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The gospel quartet We R Forgiven will be performing at the Country Kitchen restaurant, 116 E. Main St. Dallas, on Tuesday, February 19 beginning at 6pm.

Miss Mount Holly Pageant set for March 10 The Miss Mount Holly Pageant will be held Sunday, March 10 at 3pm at East Gaston High School located at 1744 Lane Road, Mt. Holly, NC 28120. Miss Mount Holly is an official preliminary to Miss North Carolina Pageant and Miss America Pageant. This pageant is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 24 who live, go to school or work full time in Gaston, Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Cleveland and Union counties. The pageant consists of four categories: personal interview, swimsuit, talent and evening gown. Among other prizes the young lady chosen as Miss Mount Holly 2013 will be awarded a $1,000.00 Education Scholarship. There is no entry fee. Miss NC, Arlie Honeycutt will emcee the event.

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The Miss Mount Holly’s Outstanding Teen Pageant is an official preliminary to Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, and is open to young women ages 13 to 16 that live in any of the 100 counties in North Carolina. This pageant is Sunday, March 10 3:00 PM – The entry fee is $125.00. We also have a Carolina Princess Program, each contestant will crown a young lady ages 6 to 12 years old. This is a mentoring program; this is not a competition only participation. The fee is $50.00. The girls will get a crown, pizza party and be on stage with all contestants. Both young ladies chosen will represent this organization as they travel promoting their own personal platform as well as Children’s Miracle Network

The Miss contestants have no entry fee, although the Outstanding Teens do have a $125 fee. The deadline to enter is February 24, 2013. Email for paperwork. To learn more about this pag-

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eant, please contact Debbie McCaleb Executive Director at office: (980) 833-1562, cell: 704.574.0821, or missmounthollypageant@yahoo. com. Follow us on Facebook – missmounthollypageant.

For All Your Medication and Pharmaceutical Needs . . .

Turn To Your Hometown Pharmacy

ALLEN DRUG Open: M-F 8am-6pm Saturday 9am - 1pm 220 S. Main St. • Stanley NC (beside The Woodshed)

704.263.4876 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!

401. W. Academy St., Cherryville

704.861.0676 or 704.861.1331

All Private Rooms

704-445-1554

BRAD MORRISON 704-477-9812

CHAD GUY 704-913-8273

Dewey’s Electrical Service 704-739-5770

www.morrisonscustomcabinets.com

ELECTRICAL

FUNERAL SERVICES

Gaston, Lincoln & Cleveland County’s On-Time Electrician!

“It’s all taken care of...”

FUNERAL SERVICES

* Licensed in NC & SC

MONUMENTS

A Family Tradition Since 1957 All Types of Cemetery Work • Bronze • Granite • Marble

Mc Lean

Gaston 704.865.9669 Lincoln 704.736.4229 Cleveland 704.481.2985

Funeral Directors !

Belmont - 704.825.5301 www.mcleanfuneral.com

PETS Dog Boarding • Doggy Wash

Funeral Home 375 Woodlawn Ave. • Mt. Holly

704-820-0608

Off Hwy. 216, between Kings Mtn. & Cherryville, next to Midway Lakes II

www.parkyourbarkllc.com kvathome@hotmail.com

We don’t lock the door & leave at night - we live on the property so your dog has round the clock care!

1615 W. Dixon Blvd. • Hwy 74 By-Pass - Display/Sales Office www.riverhillmonuments.com

704-481-1198

ROOFING

Scrap Iron • Metals • Recycling • Aluminum Cans Appliances • Household Plastics Grades 1 & 2

CONTAINER SERVICE FOR INDUSTRIALS Tin • Coppers • Brasses • Radiators • Zinc • Cast Iron • Steel

734.1020 Doug & Kathy Toomey

1113 Polkville Rd. (Hwy 226 N.) Main Office & Plant

WEBB METALS LTD. - SINCE 1966

159 Sellars Rd. Kings Mountain

704

Woodlawn

RECYCLING

Does your dog need a vacation too?

PARK YOUR BARK

Locally Owned & Operated by Ron & Cathy Ledbetter

We Would Like to Earn Your Business EDDIE L. WEBB & NATHAN DAVIS 8AM-NOON • 1PM-5PM PH: 704-922-5211 • FA: 704-922-7151 1305 PHILADELPHIA CHURCH ROAD • DALLAS, NC

STAFFING

ULTRASOUND

––– LET US HELP YOU –––

ULTRAFORCE STAFFING SERVICES

Applications Accepted - Resumes Required Monday - Thursday • 9 am - 12 pm

Three Locations to Serve You! 915 N. New Hope Rd, Suite G, Gastonia (704) 671-2337 302 E. Dixon Blvd, Suite 1, Shelby (704) 406-9766 518 N. Generals Blvd, Suite B, Lincolnton (704) 735-5667 www.ultraforcestaffing.com

GENDER PACKAGE $89.00 From 15-20 Weeks

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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

Page 6B

The Banner News

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

■ SCHOOLS WC Friday Students of the Month W.C. Friday Middle School has announced its November Citizens of the Month. Standing (left to right): Shelby Herrin, Aesha Bah, Kade Christian, Riley Thornburg and Allurious Watson. Sitting (left to right): Drew Shaw, Cody Bryne, Madalyn Tate, Ashlee Jenkins and Hope Ramsey.

Friends of Rachel Club

Three selected for NC Honor Chorus

Contributed Photo

The Cramerton Middle School Friends of Rachel Club recently prepared gift baskets for Robin Johnson Hospice House. Seen with the baskets are club officers Crystal Prine, Allison Marlowe and Kayla Burchfield.

Gaston County Schools recently had three middle school chorus students who auditioned and were selected, for the NC Middle School Honor Chorus 2012. Approximately 1000 students auditioned, from across the state, and 157 were selected. GCS students are, from left: 8th Grader Dakota Jones from Belmont Middle School, Katherine Carpenter is his teacher; 8th Grader Blake Santiago from Holbrook Middle School, this is Blake’s second year of being selected, Amy Daniels is his teacher; 8th Grader Hannah McAferty from Cramerton Middle School, Patty Fayssoux is her teacher.

Wasson honored in art competition

Gaston Christian homecoming Gaston Christian High School celebrated Homecoming 2013 on Friday, January 18. The highlight of Spirit Week, Homecoming activities included a parade that spotlighted the members of the Homecoming Court and class floats, a pep rally, and crowning activities that preceded ball games against Westminster Catawba Christian School that evening. Miss Haley O’Brien, daughter of Richard and Tammy O’Brien of Stanley, N.C., was crowned the 2013 Homecoming Queen. Members of the Homecoming Court included the following seniors (pictured from left to right): Ashley Moore, Lindsey Mackey, Taylor Cherry, Haley O’Brien, Kathryn Painter, Carlee Colvard, and Cassidy Bailey.

Jewel Wasson, a Gaston Day School sophomore and daughter of Department of Social Services employee Laura Wasson, won honors for two pieces she submitted to the recent National Arts Program contest. The first piece, “Chained”, was a collage made from a photograph of a friend. This piece won a second place ribbon in the teen category and a $50 cash prize. Her second entry, “The Commitment”, is a block print piece depicting an engagement ring worn on her cousin’s finger. This year’s scholarship award is a very special honor

from the judges. The awards are for those participants that they saw the most potential for artistic advancement. There were only three of these awarded to recipients in the adult and teen category. Each recipient received a gift certificate donated by a local business and a matching $500 scholarship to an art class of their choice. These pieces, as well as all the pieces entered, are displayed through the end of February in the lobby of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.

Gaston Graduate Team praised The Gaston County Board of Education recognized the Gaston Graduate Team during its recent meeting. Through the hard work of this group, principals and teachers, the graduation rate went up and the dropout rate decreased. The Gaston Graduate Team was created to respond to the needs of high school students who are at risk of dropping out of school. The team includes Sy Pugh, coordinator of social work and mental health; Grant Sparks, director of counseling and media services; Timberly Thornton, behavior intervention specialist; and our social workers and counselors. Also, students who dropout and attend Gaston College must meet with the team before the Gaston College waiver form is signed by the Superintendent. The number of GCS dropouts for 2011-2012 school year was at the lowest point since the 2000-2001 school year. There were 336 students who dropped out in the 2011-2012 and 448 who dropped out in 2009-2010.

UNC Greensboro graduates WSGE welcomes GREENSBORO, NC – Chancellor Linda P. Brady Barnett to staff has announced the names of December 2012 graduates, and of students who attained Deans’ List and Chancellor’s List honors at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro during the Fall 2012 semester. Graduates are Carolina McDonald of Belmont and Vanessa Griffith of Mount Holly graduating with Master’s degrees; and Jasmine Byrd of Mount Holly, Hunter Heath, and Lauren Heath (cum laude) of Stanley graduating with Bachelor’s degrees. Dean’s List: Shela Harris, Taylor March, Kelsey Pate, Kayla Regeis, Michael Wells, and Crystal Windham of Belmont; Michael Bass of Cramerton; Lynh Le of Lowell; Emily Barnes, and Parnian Ghassemi of Mount Holly; and Montana Fenske, and Lauren Heath of Stanley. To make Dean’s List, students carrying at least six hours of course work must earn an academic grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, with no grade lower than a B-. Students are eligible after they have completed 15 hours of coursework. Chanellor’s List: Michael Wells, and Crystal Windham of Belmont. To make Chancellor’s List, full-time undergraduates must have a cumulative grade point averages of at least 3.65 of a possible 4.0. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of course work. They also must have completed 30 hours of coursework.

Gaston College’s radio station, WSGE 91.7 FM is pleased to welcome Scott Barnett as the station’s new Production Director. Scott joined the station on November 19th and will also serve as the afternoon announcer. He is a native of Chicago and comes to WSGE by way of Arizona. He has more than 15 years of experience in the radio business. Tune into WSGE 91.7 FM weekdays from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. to hear Scott playing an eclectic mix of music on the Afternoon Blend, including his new feature called “From the Archive,” highlighting favorite tunes from the WSGE vault. Owned and operated by Gaston College, WSGE began broadcasting on October 27, 1980. Located on Gaston College’s Dallas campus, WSGE operates 24 hours per day under the slogan, “Your Eclectic Music Station.” Listen to WSGE on 91.7 FM or through the live stream at www.wsge.org.