Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville | Volume 79 • Issue 8 • Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Illegal dumping!
75¢
Blanketed in
snow!
On February 17, 2014, the City of Belmont’s Wastewater Treatment Plant staff discovered a suspected illegal substance had been dumped into a grease trap at 700 Park Street, which is connected to the City’s sanitary sewer system. Upon discovering this, the City’s utility staff immediately blocked all sewage flow from this location to attempt to keep this substance from reaching the sanitary sewer pipeline and the wastewater treatment plant. See DUMPING, pg 4
Above: Joey Shue, a member of Troop 49 First United Methodist Church of Stanley, loved the snow so much he camped out in it! Below: Children had a ball on the sledding hill at Mt. Holly Middle School.
Cleanup delayed Court request to delay coal ash case upsets Catawba Riverkeeper The coal ash storage conflict between Duke Energy and environmentalists continues. Last week, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) requested that a North Carolina state court delay judicial review of its consent order with Duke Energy over coal ash contamination at Riverbend Steam Station on the Catawba River’s Mountain Island Lake, which is the drinking water reservoir for 860,000 people in Mount Holly, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and Gastonia. The Catawba Riverkeeper was upset by the request. “We do not understand why DENR See DISPUTE, pg 5
Photo by Bill Ward
Snowfall tops 8� By Alan Hodge Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Two weeks ago our area had an inch of snow that had local folks on edge. Last week, the worst winter storm in many years plunged everyone over the edge and into a snowy abyss with nearly nine inches. Last Tuesday set the stage when wet snow fell much of the day. Luckily it didn’t stick to streets, so that gave everyone so inclined the opportunity to hit the stores. Grocery stores like the Food Lion in North Belmont had
conga lines at every register with folks stocking up on the usual bread and milk rations. Wal-Mart in Belmont was buzzing as well. Charcoal and propane bottles for camp stoves were stripped from the shelves there. The Belmont General Store did a brisk business in sleds. “I managed to get 30 plastic sleds from Cleveland County,� said manager Lane Adams. “I sold them all in about as many minutes.� After an overnight lull in the snow, it came back Wednesday morning with a vengeance. By
noon, streets were turning white. By Wednesday evening, most roads were covered up with snow. Bright yellow NCDOT trucks as well as those from municipalities like Belmont and Mount Holly were out and about spreading sand and other traction-aiding materials on hills and bridges as fast as they could go. David Isenhour, Belmont’s public works director, once again had his truck drivers on the beat. “We were out there running with full crews throughout the day, night and early mornings,�
Isenhour said. “We took care of major roads and steep secondary roads but reach all city streets. We had two plows and spreader trucks working. We put down about 30 tons of salt and slag to begin with and even more into the next day or two.� The snow continued Wednesday night and several more inches accumulated along with a crust of ice. When folks awoke Thursday morning, large flakes were coming down harder than ever. Even See SNOW, pg 3
Stafford to be inducted
Property Taxes
into Belmont Sports Hall of Fame
What are you paying?
By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
For some folks the phrase “hold that line� is a football game cheer, but for the City of Belmont it represents the property tax situation in the coming year. During its recent retreat, the Belmont city council got a look at the property tax rate over the past ten years as well as a comparison with how it stacked up compared to other local municipalities and Gaston County. The results showed it to be in the “middle of the road� rate-wise. Back in 2004-2005, Belmont's tax rate was 46 cents per $100 of valuation. This coming FY2013-2014 it will remain the same as last year at 47.5 cents. Overall in the past ten years, Belmont's tax rate has risen just 3.26 percent. On the low end of the scale, Gaston See TAXES, pg 5
ground equipment for kids in the five-year-old range, a fenced dog park, and an observation bridge and pier on the town center side. Preliminary cost estimates for Phase II are around $1.1 million. The largest cost is expected to be the bridge, its approaches and foundations at $543,000. Actually putting the bridge up and constructing its causeways will be around $120,000.
One of the most interesting inductees ever into the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame will hear his named called at the organization's annual banquet set for Tuesday, March 11 at 7pm at Catawba Heights Baptist Church. Belmont native Todd Stafford will be the first, and only, golfer so far to see his name on the Hall of Fame's wall- and it's been a long time coming. “It's a huge honor to be selected as a member of the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame,� Stafford said. “I was shocked when Art Shoemaker called me with the news. It was out of left field. I am usually talkative, but I was speechless.� Stafford says he came by his interest in golf as a child by catching balls hit by his father. “I caught them with a baseball glove,� he said. Later, the Stafford family moved near Lakewood Golf Course, the current site of Stuart Cramer High. “Dad would drop me and some friends off and we would stay at the course all day,� he said. “Some days we would play ninety holes as fast as we could. We carried our own bags, too.� Practice made perfect for Stafford and
See PARK, pg 4
See STAFFORD, pg 4
Photo by Alan Hodge
This sign on the banks of the South Fork River marks the spot in downtown Cramerton near where a new pedestrian bridge to Goat Island Park will be built later this year.
Phase II of park under way By Alan Hodge Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Cramerton’s Goat Island Park has proven a huge success and Phase II of the project is well under way. The Belmont Rotary Club recently received a presentation on what Phase II will offer citizens not only of Cramerton, but the entire region. Phase II access to Goat Island will be via a prefab
bridge similar to the one already in place on the island’s other side on Greenwood Place. The new bridge will have a 165’ main span with am 80’ span on the town side of the South Fork River and a 120’ approach span on the park side. The bridge will be painted black with decorative lighting. New amusements at the park will include permanent cornhole boards, permanent table tennis tables, new play-
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Wednesday, February 19, 2014
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■ OBITUARIES Billy Eugene Carlyle Loving uncle DENVER– Billy Eugene Carlyle, 82, formerly of Denver, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2014 at Huntersville Oaks Nursing Fac i l i t y. He was born in Jeffers o n , Georgia, son of the late Roosevelt and Mary Montine Carlyle. He was preceded in death by a sister Evelyn Johnson. He was a member of Crawford United Methodist Church. He is survived by two nephews, Steve Johnson and wife Gay of Iron Station and Brian Johnson of Baxley,
Ervin C. Ramsey U.S. Air Force veteran MOUNT HOLLY– Ervin Callahan Ramsey, 73, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2014. He was born in Mecklenburg County, son of the late Lonnie a n d Hazel Callah a n Ramsey. He was a US Air Force veteran having served in the Strategic Air Command in Thule, Greenland as a fire protection specialist. He is survived by his wife Teresa Abernathy Ramsey; three daughters, Betty Yocum and husband Tony of Maiden, NC, Rhonda Miskowski and husband Rob of Shreveport, Louisiana, Dawn Deck and husband John of Forest City; two sons, Randy Ramsey and wife Sonia of San Juan Capistrano, California and
Georgia; three great nephews, Trevor and Harley Johnson and Josh Johnson and wife Laurie; one great niece, Kellie Tims and husband Vaun. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Carlyle was held at 12 noon Saturday, February 15, at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A graveside service was held 1pm Sunday, February 16, at the Crawford Cemetery in Crawford, Georgia. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly is serving the family.
Jeremy Kennedy and wife Nicole of Mount Holly; two sisters, Joann Drum and Gloria Fincher both of Charlotte; one brother, Bill Ramsey of Charlotte.; 11 grandchildren, Heath, Nathan and Zachary Ramsey, Arianna and Elijah Miskowski, Haredon and Haedyn Yocum, Sidney Freeman, Karmyn and Bevin Deck, Hunter Kennedy; two great grandchildren, Rayne and Kyndon Yocum. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr. Ramsey was held at 4pm Saturday February 15, at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home with Reverend Nic Rushing officiating. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly served the family.
Hampton Inn Belmont recognized Nearly six years ago, the Hampton Inn Charlotte/Belmont @ Montcross opened its doors. The hotel will officially celebrate its anniversary on Feb. 21. Each year, the site in thoroughly inspected to evaluate all areas of the property. The hotel is rated based on cleanliness, property conditions, employee training standards, etc. Since 2008, all inspections including the most recent, has been rated “Outstanding” for this location. By scoring “Outstanding,” the Hampton Inn Charlotte/Belmont @ Montcross is rated one of the “Best of the Best” among Hilton-owned hotels worldwide.
■ MEDITATION
You matter to God T h e greatest love story ever told is, “For God so loved the world that He gave His Rev. Angela Pleasants only begotSon, First United Methodist Church, ten that whoMount Holly ever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV. I often think about our struggle to forgive others and our struggle to forgive ourselves. Sometimes there are circumstances internally or externally we have allowed to harden our heart. You put your total trust in a person only to have them betray you in the most dreadful way. Your hurt may come from parents who did not know how to show unconditional love. Your hurt may come from wrong choices you made and now Thelam Smith Beatty MOUNT HOLLY– Thelma Smith Beatty, 89, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2014. She was born in Lincoln County, daughter of the late Alvin and Ada Leatherman. She was preceded in death by her first husband Warren Smith, a daughter Arlene Smith Hammond, a sister Eva Patton, and two brothers S a n f o r d Leatherman and G a r l a n d Leatherman. She is survived by her husband Ralph Junior Beatty; two sons Roger Smith and Tim Smith both of Dallas; one daughter Renee Smith Dar and husband Tony of Gastonia; four grandchildren, Shahena Dar, Shena Ross, Stephanie Scott and Lee Barnes; three great grandchildren; two stepchildren Bobbie McClure of Alexis and Don Beatty of Columbia, SC. A graveside service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Beatty will be held 2pm Wednesday February 19, at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery with Rev. Kevin McClure officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly is serving the family.
you live a life full of regret. As a result we find it difficult to fully forgive and love others and ourselves. You may begin to question yourself saying, “Why did I make that choice? Why did I completely trust that person? Why am I still alive?” Instead of peace you begin to feel inner conflict. Instead of knowing your self-worth you feel unworthy, foolish, and unloved. You may even wonder why you matter to anyone. Your inner heart is broken and hurting. The only way you know how to deal with the hurt is to hurt others close to you or to hurt yourself. If you are at this place in your life I want you to take a moment and read John 3:16 again. Read it as many times as you need to allow the words to penetrate your heart. If you have asked yourself, “Why do I matter?” I will give you
the answer. You matter because your life matters to God. Jesus does not enter a perfect world nor come just for the privileged elite only. Jesus entered into a world that was in rebellion and opposition to God. In the midst of a hostile world that would eventually betray and crucify Him Jesus came. He came for you and for me and showed us what true love is like. You may feel like you are in a dark place. Imagine Jesus entering into your dark world and standing before you. Imagine him asking to receive your hurt, unforgiveness, self-hate and bitterness. Now imagine Him extending His hand inviting you to receive His forgiveness, His peace, His love. Sit a moment in that image. Now begin to praise God. You matter to God so much He sent His Son to the cross for you.
■ BELMONT POLICE Feb. 4: Shawn Daniel Keller, larceny, auto parts, fraud, obtain money property by false pretense., arrested by Det. A. Pullen, 201 Chronicle St. Feb. 4: Erica Lynn Meares, larceny, shoplifting concealment, trespassing, arrested by Officer J. Barnes, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. 4: Eugene Andrew Rainey, order for arrest, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, US 29/74. Feb. 4: Reginald Masceo Wright II, criminal damage to property, vandalism, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, US 29/74. Feb. 5: Sandra Luz Medina Penaloza, no operator license, arrested by Officer M. Hall, 160 Woodlawn Ave. Feb. 5: Michael Robert Carver, assault on female, arrested by Officer M. Elizondo, 6412 Wilkinson Blvd. Feb. 6: Rhonda Ann Bumgardner, assault with deadly weapon, arrested by Officer F. Bolinger, 6822 Wilkinson Blvd. Feb. 6: Joshua Shane Bumgarner, assault handicapped person, injury to real property, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 6822 Wilkinson Blvd. Feb. 6: Charles Britt Lambert, Jr., attempt obtain property by false pretense, arrested by Officer M. Hall, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. Feb. 7: Patrick Raham Durham, attempt obtain controlled substance by fraud prescription, obtain controlled substance by fraud, arrested by Officer R. Cassel, 6802 Wilkinson Blvd. Feb. 7: Ronald Dale Meeler, simple assault, arrested by Officer M. Kaiman, 7304 Wilkinson Blvd. Feb. 8: Gary Todd Armstrong, simple poss. marijuana, poss. of drug paraphernalia, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, 117 Quail Dr. Feb. 9: Jerry Bernard Steele, larceny, arrested by Officer B. Bingham, Mercy Place. Feb. 10: Christopher Donell Carter, attempt to obtain controlled substance by forgery/fraud, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 6802 Wilkinson Blvd.
Feb. 10: Orlando Alphonso Lee Jr., attempt obtain controlled substance by forgery/fraud, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 6802 Wilkinson Blvd. Feb. 12: Michael Cody Beam, possession of marijuana up to 1/2 oz., arrested by Cpl. E. Mason, 201 Howe St. Feb. 12: Felicia Ann Schull, school attendance law violation, arrested by Cpl. E. Mason, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. 13: Chad Justin Goodson, drug violations, poss./conceal, equipment/ paraphernalia, poss. sch II, poss. sch. VI, arrested by Officer B. Pickert, 701 Hawley Ave.
Charges filed Belmont Police took out charges on a Fletcher, NC man for using social media to send pornographic pictures to a minor. Belmont Police Captain Mike Ward said the investigation started when a parent complained to one of the department’s School Resource Officers (SRO). The parent said that someone had contacted her minor child through social media. She said the subject had also made contact with the minor by cell phone. An investigation determined that Terry Lee Branks, 34 of Fletcher had been using social media and or a cell phone to send pictures. Belmont Police were able to recover the messages and pictures. They also determined that Branks had tried to pass himself off as a 17-year-old high school student on social media sites. Captain Ward indicated that any complaint like this will be thoroughly investigated. The investigation is ongoing. Ward also had a message for parents, “Please be aware of what your children are doing on a computer. In this day and age anyone can try to pass themselves off as someone they are not. You can never be too careful.”
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 of the Good Shepherd 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 Unity Baptist Church Shiloh Ame Zion Methodist 1117 Old NC Hwy 27 704-827-8826
Tuckaseegee 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
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
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The Banner News | banner-news.com
Miss SP Pageant set for this Saturday South Point High School will hold its annual Miss South Point Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, February 22, 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 math teacher at South Point, and Miss Charley Woodman, the reigning Miss South Point. Contestants in this year's pageant are: Lauren Adams, a senior, who is the daughter of Kim and Shane Drumm. Lauren's talent presentation will be a vocal performance. Christina Benedict, a senior, who is the daughter of Elena and Steve Benedict. Christina's talent presentation will be a piano performance. Kennedy Concannon, a junior, who is the daughter of Jan and Scott Concannon. Kennedy's talent presentation will be a lyrical dance. Cassidy Dowell, a senior, who is the daughter of Jennifer and Cary Dowell. Cassidy's talent presentation will be a vocal performance. Taylor Foulk, a junior, who is the daughter of Leslie and Lance Foulk. Taylor's talent presentation will be a clogging dance performance. Scarlet Fretwell, a junior, who is the daughter of Robin and Mark Fretwell. Scarlet's talent presentation will be a vocal performance. Betsy Helms, a junior, who is the daughter of Cara Helms. Betsy's talent presentation will be a tap dance performance. Christiana Houser, a senior, who is the daughter of Lisa and Rick Houser. Christiana's presentation will be an acoustic guitar performance. Reagan Lamont, a senior, who is the daughter of Tina and Brad Bowen. Reagan's talent presentation will be a percussion solo. Alyssa Preidt, a senior, who is the daughter of Suzanne and James Preidt. Alyssa's talent presentation will be a vocal performance. Grace Wilson, a senior, who is the daughter of Angie and Parks Wilson. Grace's talent presentation will be a vocal performance. Miranda Wood, a senior, who is the daughter of Kelli and Ken Wood. Miranda's talent presentation will be a performance of Spoken Word poetry. Contestants will compete in the areas of interview, talent presentation, fashion wear, and evening wear. Over $9,000 will be awarded in scholarship money.
Lauren Adams
Christina Benedict
The Ward family had a great time building ‘Frosty’ after last week’s snow. Photo by Bill Ward
SNOW: storm dumped more than 8� of it From page 1
Kennedy Concannon
Cassidy Dowell
Taylor Foulk
Scarlet Fretwell
Betsy Helms
Christiana Houser
Reagan Lamont
main highways like I-85 and US 29/74 through Gaston County were practically impassable. Scores of vehicles were in ditches where they were abandoned by their owners. The roads situation didn’t even begin to improve until Friday when temps in the 40s combined with snow plows to make travel on highways such as Hickory Grove Rd. that connects McAdenville, North Belmont, and Stanley even halfway navigable. Side roads were still treacherous. The weekend saw relief in the form of rain and warmer air that melted a lot of the snow- but plenty lingered in the shadows. The mini-blizzard saw Gaston County Schools send students home early on Wednesday and they didn’t return until Monday. All area private and charter schools followed suit. Duke Energy reported nearly 135,000 power outages statewide. Most were well east of Gaston County where ice was thicker. However, about 1,700
homes in the county lost power Thursday. Duke had brought in nearly 4,000 extra workers to deal with the snow and ice, a fact that kept outages relatively low. The snow prompted N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory as well as local officials like Gaston County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tracy Philbeck to declare a State of Emergency thus setting up the execution of Emergency Plans with law enforcement and other response personnel.
Adding even more interest to the snowstorm is the fact that our area was paralyzed 27 years ago almost to the day by similar meteorological mayhem. During Valentine week 1987, a snowstorm hot on the heels of one the previous week saw nearly a foot of frozen precipitation on the ground. The Belmont Banner and Mount Holly News declared it the “biggest snow in 18 years� and that the “city was paralyzed�.
This old newspaper clipping shows the aftermath of a big snowstorm that occured in 1987. Banner News Archives
Alyssa Preidt
The road leading into McAdenville looked like a wintry wonderland after the storm. Photo by Steve Rankin
Grace Wilson
Miranda Wood
Gaston Arts Council awards grants The Gaston Arts Council awarded over $20K to Gaston County Art Service Organizations. Grassroots Arts Program grant recipients for 2013-2014 are: Gaston County Museum of Arts & History, Mt. Holly Community Development Foundation, Gaston County Public Library, Academy of the Gifted, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Gaston County Art Guild,
Gaston School of the Arts, Piedmont Chapter Links Inc., Gaston Dance Theatre, Gaston County Symphonic Band and Gaston County YMCA. The programs and activities being presented by the ASO's include festivals, concerts, dance and theater productions, artistin-schools programs, art classes, after school art programs and poetry readings.
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Wednesday, February 19, 2014
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DUMPING: of suspect substance should not impact public water system From page 1 Others responding to the site at that time included the Belmont Fire Department, the City of Gastonia Hazmat Team, and staff from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Department who have recently dealt with two incidents of this nature. Through assistance from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities and local testing labs, Belmont staff arranged to have the substance tested for any organic or chemical compounds that might be harmful to humans, the en-
vironment, or the wastewater treatment process. As an additional precautionary measure, Belmont staff also shut off all flow from the wastewater treatment plant to the Catawba River, its receiving stream, and is diverting all flow to a holding tank. Testing results revealed that the dumped substance contained PCBs. It should be emphasized that this substance is in the sanitary sewer system and has no impact on Belmont’s public water system. There is no problem at all in the public’s
use of water for drinking or any other purpose. The potential harm from this substance would be from direct physical contact, which would not occur with it in being contained in the sanitary sewer system. Anyone who may have information concerning this dumping incident should contact the Belmont Police Department at 704-8253792. Anyone with any questions or concerns regarding this matter should call the Belmont City Hall at 704-825-5586.
PARK: Phase II is underway at Goat Island From page 1 Engineering and testing will add $75,000 to the cost. Undercutting, grading and off site fill will tack on about $60,000. Other costs will include a paved trail at $55,750, electrical and lighting at $40,000, and $30,000 for playground equipment. The dog park will be $20,000, table tennis tables $10,000, and cornhole boards $10,000. Cramerton is availing itself of numerous funding sources for Goat Island Park Phase II. A N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant will chip in $500,000. The David Belmont Foundation is adding $50,000, the Community Foundation of Gaston County another $25,000. The Glenn Foundation will contribute $20,000, N.C. Adopt a Trails $10,000, and CaroMont Health $5,000. Total funding to date is $610,000. Timeline for the project has bids being open Feb. 28 and the construction contract being awarded March 20. Work should
begin April 5, with a completion date of December 15 and grand opening to follow shortly. To accommodate Phase II, parking will be made available downtown across the street from the fire station and new bridge. As many as 123 spaces in the downtown area will be available. Phase 1 of Goat Island Park opened in July 2012. Currently the park has two picnic shelters, a disc golf course, a quartermile walking trail, an observation pier, canoe and kayak landings, a playground and an amphitheater. It was named Goat Island in honor of the town’s namesake, Stuart Cramer, who released goats on the island in the early 20th century to eat the underbrush and weeds that proliferated there. Goat Island Park has proven to be a great attraction for picnicking, walking, kids, fishing, and folks generally enjoying the outdoors. Phase II should expand that popularity even more. The park is also part of the Carolina Thread Trail.
STAFFORD: to be inducted into Hall of Fame From page 1 his golf game took off. He was captain of the South Point High golf team 1979-1982. He qualified for the state tournament all three years and was All Conference as well. He was Player of the Year in 1982. During his years on the South Point golf team, Stafford was coached by Jim Biggerstaff. “I guess I was coach in name only because all the team members were better golfers than me- especially Todd,� said Biggerstaff. “The team he was on was probably the best golf team in the history of South Point.� Stafford led the way, but other players Biggerstaff recalled that made up the team included Steve Barnette, Sean Stowe, Joe Lewis, Tim Parrish, and Alan Burton. “It pleases me to see that Todd will be placed into the
Belmont Sports Hall of Fame and I am glad to say I will be the one introducing him.� After high school, Stafford continued to hit the links, and hit them hard. He won over thirty junior tournaments and played at Wingate College in 1983. He qualified for the U.S. Amateur twice. In the early 1990s he had five top ten finishes in the NC Amateur. He has been Gaston County Amateur Champion four times- 2005, 2008, 2011, 2012 and tied the record for most wins. He was Gaston Amateur runner up ten times- 1982-2013. His days at Lakewood paid off. He holds the course record of 58 and shot 59 a total of thirteen times. Golf still fascinates Stafford. “It is the only game where the ball sits still and you try to get it to go where you want it too,� he said.
With his many amateur accolades, some might wonder why Stafford never turned pro. He looked back for the answer. “For a short while I lost interest in the game and got rusty,� he said. “To be a pro golfer you have to be 100 percent dedicated every day.� These days, Stafford still plays every chance he gets, but he's also busy at his business- Stafford's Jewelry in Abbey Plaza where he's been for 27 years. “Jewelry is like building model planes or cars but with higher priced materials,� Stafford said jokingly. He's served on the NC Jewelers Board, been past president of the Belmont Chamber of Commerce, and also served on the Cancer Services Golf Committee for ten years. Tickets for the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame banquet and induction ceremony are available at the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce building and at Art Shoemaker's State Farm Insurance office in Catawba Heights. Price is $25 each.
Contributed Photo
Marcie Smith and Emily Melton accept the EPA’s LMOP Community Partner of the Year Award on behalf of Gaston County Solid Waste and Recycling Division at the 17th Annual LMOP Conference in Baltimore Maryland.
Landfill division lauded for innovation, achievement The Gaston County Solid Waste and Recycling Division, located in Dallas, was recently awarded the Environmental Protection Agency’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) 2013 Community Partner of the Year Award. The EPA’s LMOP recognizes the best in the landfill gas industry and awarded Gaston County Solid Waste and Recycling Division for its superior innovation, realization of environmental and economic benefits, and achievement in advancing landfill gas energy projects. Gaston County staff were presented the award during the Partner and Project of the Year Awards Ceremony at the 17th Annual LMOP Conference on Jan. 22, in Baltimore, Maryland. Accepting the award for Gaston County were Mrs. Marcie Smith, Solid Waste and Recycling Administrator, and Mrs. Emily Melton, Environmental Analyst, who had given a presentation highlighting the major project elements and processes during the first day of the conference. Gaston County Solid
Waste and Recycling has set sustainability goals including reducing landfill emissions, producing renewable energy, and providing infrastructure for a new Eco-Industrial Park. The county owns and operates a municipal solid waste landfill that is producing methane gas emissions. As a greenhouse gas, methane has been documented to be 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide when released into the atmosphere. As such, Gaston County chose to voluntarily reduce its greenhouse gas emissions through the destruction of the methane and conversion of landfill gas into energy. However, through a careful and deliberate evaluation process, unique to many county and municipal governments, the county chose to own and operate the landfill gas energy facility, with project development including all permitting, licensing, carbon monetization and negotiation of the power purchase and renewable energy credit agreements; and facility design, construction, start-up, and certification. In
Michael named Vice Chair of MHCDF The Mount Holly Community Development Foundation has introduced Cindy Michael who is entering her fourth year as Vice Chair of the Foundation. Cindy moved to Mount Holly in high school attending Mount Holly High School but was in the first class to graduate from East Gaston High School in 1973. Cindy attended CPCC where she received her Associates Degree-Paralegal and is a paralegal at a local law office in Mount Holly. Cindy commented, "I
live and work here, and I shop here in Mount Holly as much as possible. A friend ask me to join the Foundation and is has been a good experience. This group of volunteers is interested in helping out, and in coming together to help our community be even better. I have raised my family here and I feel this is a great place because of great schools and safe neighborhoods. I continue to volunteer with the Foundation because their committees have worthwhile goals that are intended
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this process, the county also provided the infrastructure for development of a green Eco-Industrial Park. The county’s ownership of this process also extends to include full in-house registering and verification of carbon credits through the Climate Action Reserve (CAR,) as well as self-marketing of these credits. With a voluntary gas collection system installed, a self-developed LFG electricity project (2.8 megawatts) in operation, and grading and utility hook-ups in place at the Park, the county is well on its way to realizing all of its main objectives. The county plans to make excess LFG as well as waste heat from the LFG electricity project available to future tenants of the Park, intended to help “green� businesses thrive. Gaston County Solid Waste and Recycling is excited to be honored by the EPA for its innovative landfill gas energy accomplishments, as there have been only 100 recipients nationally since the program began in 1994.
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Cindy Michael to help our community be even better." Cindy has been an important member of the Events Committee for the Foundation working to make the Mount Holly Art and Music Festival a great success. Cindy also serves as Secretary for the Mount Holly Historical Society. In the past, Cindy did horseback riding, skiing, camping, as well as quiet things like reading, hiking, cards and board games. Today, she still loves being around the water, at the lake and the ocean, but now it is swimming and walks on the beach. She still enjoys the same quiet things, plus enjoying grandchildren. Cindy goes to Zumba classes through Mount Holly Parks and Rec.
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DISPUTE: over coal ash clean up continues From page 1 continues to stall in requiring a cleanup of toxic coal ash from the banks of our drinking water reservoirs,� said Catawba Riverkeeper Sam Perkins. “The comprehensive review of Duke Energy’s coal ash ponds now proposed by DENR cannot be taken seriously. Like the sweetheart settlement proposed in August, this move allows a dire threat to linger and falls short of the cleanup these sites need and citizens deserve. DENR already has years of disturbing engineering reports and contamination data. This information, combined with the nation’s third-largest coal ash spill one week ago at Dan River, should have been more than enough to convince DENR that billions of gallons of toxic coal ash waste cannot be left piled high to leak and– inevitably – catastrophically fail into our drinking water. Compared to Dan River, Mountain Island Lake’s coal ash tower has twice the acreage stacked twice as high, with a drinking water intake twice as close. Because of the scale of the situation around Charlotte, a coal ash failure on Mountain Island Lake – or even Lake Wylie or
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Lake Norman – would be an intersection of disaster and ensuing crisis, the likes of which this nation has never seen.� DENR asked the Court to stop its consideration of the proposed deal between Duke Energy and DENR to settle the enforcement action against Duke Energy’s alleged illegal pollution of Mountain Island Lake near Charlotte, the French Broad River in Asheville, and groundwater in both communities. “The spill on the Dan River once again demonstrated that it is irresponsible to leave coal ash waste and other wastes that were dumped in these unlined disposal ponds on the banks of rivers and drinking water reservoirs,� Catawba Riverkeepers Foundation Executive Director Rick Gaskins said. “We initiated legal action and remain in court with Duke Energy to secure a cleanup of unlined disposal sites and waste storage away from water and in a lined landfill, as is required of household and municipal waste. The court actions should not be used by the State of North Carolina to delay bringing these sites into compliance with the law and eliminating the threats to our water.� The Catawba Riverkeeper Foun-
dation is represented in the case by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC). Prompted by a legal filing by the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation and SELC in March 2013, DENR in May 2013 filed a lawsuit against Duke Energy for coal ash contamination of groundwater and surface water at Riverbend. The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation filed to intervene and remains in state and federal court against Duke Energy for coal ash contamination from coal ash ponds on Mountain Island Lake, Lake Wylie and Lake Norman. Duke Energy spokesperson Erin Culbert says the utility is doing all it can in the coal ash conflict. “We are eager to complete the work outlined in the proposed consent order and recognize the state would like to re-evaluate it,� Culbert said. “The event at Dan River is a good reason to take a fresh look at our plans moving forward, and we’ve already begun to do so. We are committed to closing as basins at our retired coal plants like Riverbend in a way that protects groundwater longterm and also is prudent for our customers and plant neighbors.�
Taxes: What are you paying? FY2004-2005 rate of 35 cents per $100 valuation and an FY2013-2014 rate of 38 cents per $100. Over in Bessemer City, the FY2004-2005 tax rate stood at 41 cents per $100 and by FY2013-2014 it had inched up to 43 cents per $100 - a 4.88 percent increase. Cherryville's tax rate on the chart that the city council gazed at was 44 cents per $100 in FY2004-2005 and had risen to 46 cents for FY2013-2014. That's a 4.55 percent increase. Stanley and Lowell residents have not seen a tax rate hike. In Stanley, the FY2004-2005 rate per $100 was 54 cents in FY20042005 and is still that today. Lowell's FY20034-2005 rate was 40 cents per $100 ten years ago and has held steady as well. City of Gaston residents have seen their tax rate drop slightly from 54 cents per $100 in FY2004-2005 to 53 cents per $100 in FY20132014.
From page 1 County's tax rate in FY20042005 stood at 89.3 cents per $100 of valuation. For 20132014, the rate is expected to be 87 cents per $100. That's a drop of 2.58 percent. According to the chart that the city council looked at during their retreat, Mount Holly showed the highest tax rate increase percentage. In FY2004-2005, the tax rate in Mount Holly was 45 cents per $100 of valuation. For 2013-2014, the chart showed the rate to be 53 cents per $100. The resulting difference represented a 17.78 percent increase. Next up is Cramerton. In FY2004-2005, the tax rate in Cramerton stood at 42.5 cents per $100 of valuation. The FY2013-2014 rate is looking like 47.5 cents per $100. That works out to an 11.76 percent uptick. According to the retreat chart, the city of Dallas saw an 8.57 percent increase in its tax rate over the past ten year. That's based on a
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Wednesday, February 19, 2014
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â– SCHOOL
NEWS
The GCHS cheerleaders and Varsity Girls Basketball team present the check for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
Gaston Christian School ‘pinks out’ On Friday evening, January 31, the color pink was “splattered� across Gaston Christian School’s gymnasium as the Lady Eagles basketball team, GCS stu-
dents, and other fans were decked out in pink shirts, pants, and accessories. The cause: raising awareness for breast cancer, a disease that has touched countless
lives. Sponsored by the high school’s Spirit Club, the event raised over $1,000.00 (final tally) for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, a fund founded in 2007 in
memory of Kay Yow, former North Carolina State University women’s basketball coach who died in 2009 from breast cancer.
‘Legal Eagles’ compete
GDS SUCCESS – For the first time in many years, Gaston Day School students submitted projects to the Gaston Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Seniors (from left) Steven Allen, Gordon Ellison, and Charlie Manolakis each submitted a project designed and carried out as a part of the Research Methods class. Gordon’s project, “Child of Lightning� examined the effect of electrical current on the growth of mushrooms. Steven’s project, “Development of a Biological Machine to Detect Lead at Biologically Relevant Levels� included the genetic engineering of E. coli K12 to glow green when grown in the presence of lead won first place in the Technology and Engineering category. Charlie Manolakis’s project “Can Algae Be Used to Affordably Create Biodiesel?� examined the feasibility of growing algae as a low technology way of producing biodiesel using wastewater as a growth medium, won first place in the Life Science division. Both projects advanced to the Charlotte STEM fair on February 8.
NC General Assembly 2014 Youth Art Exhibit The purpose of the North Carolina General Assembly 2014 Youth Art Exhibit is to share with legislators and the public the exceptional creative artistic ability of the NC students. Student art from across the State will be displayed in the north lobby of the N.C. General Assembly legislative building in downtown Raleigh. The yearlong exhibit will begin in May 2014 and end in February 2015. Gaston Day School junior Kendall Carter will have a graphite drawing in the exhibit. Kendall is the daughter of Shelly and David Carter of Gastonia. Each school was allowed to submit one piece of art for selection. Kendall's piece will represent district 10 -House of Representative ( Patrick McHenry) and District 43-State Senate ( Kathy Harrington).
East Gaston Warriors
Gaston Christian High School sponsored two teams at the North Carolina Advocates for Justice High School Mock Trial Regional Competition on February 1. The GCHS White Team traveled to Charlotte and won the 1st round of competition. Rachel Putnam received a Best Attorney award for that round, and Drew Muana (Round 1) and Jacob Noblett (Round 2) won Best Witness awards. The GCHS Red Team captured the title of regional champion in Asheville with three students winning Best Attorney awards: Ashley Layne (Round 1); Jamison Brown (Round 2), and Grady Pearson (Final Round). This group will travel to Raleigh February 28-March 1 to compete in the state Mock Trial competition.
Red Team (left to right): Mrs. Jane Painter (attorney advisor), Maddie Harlan, Jamison Brown, Joe Painter, Abigail Jarratt, Ashley Layne, Grady Pearson; (kneeling): Thomas Williford Contributed Photos
The students began preparing in October for the event in February. Mrs. Jane Painter, Mr. Will Farley, and Mrs. Vickie Wiggins (attorneys and a paralegal with the law firm of Mullen, Holland,
and Cooper in Gastonia) Mr. Patrick Craig (attorney with the McGill & Hill Group in Charlotte), and Judge Michael Lands assisted as legal advisors for the two teams.
Krueger studies in Jamaica Hannah Krueger of Mount Holly completed Public School Service Learning in Jamaica for the 2014 Graceland University Winter Term. During This three-week session of specialized learning experiences students are enrolled in a single course. Hannah took part in the opportunity to travel abroad during the 2014 winter term session to broaden understandings and build relationships.
White Team (left to right): Mr. Patrick Craig (attorney advisor), Drew Muana, Jacob Noblett, Susan Colvin, Savannah Witt, Rachel Putnam, Eric Hawley, Madux Price
South Point Red Raiders Player of the Week
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Rankin Elementary Principal’s Pride winners for January
Fourth Grade - School Administrator Mrs. Kristin Kiser, Stella Herzberg, Gabby Carrigan, Gwen Campau, and Bella Peterson Kindergarten - School Administrator Mrs. Kristin Kiser, Makayla Turner, Ava Morton, Abigail Maldonado, and Kent Kido
First Grade - School Administrator Mrs. Kristin Kiser, Kayla Colon, Braxton Ernst, Bryson Walker, Sophie Roland, Kendra Hawley, and Christian Heffner. Second grade - (pictures not provided) Desiree Rodriguez, Kada Henderson, Ava Roach, and Michael Connell.
Third Grade - School Administrator Mrs. Kristin Kiser, Anhelena Bacerra, Jayden Webb, Lancey Reese Coleman, and Alyssa Lodato
Area students named to Dean’s List Several local residents have been named to Clemson University Dean's/President's List for the Fall 2013 semester. Lindsay Andrews of Belmont, whose major is Food Science; Eric Ewald of Belmont, whose major is Food Science; Sadler Gensch of Belmont, whose major is General Engineering; Alexa McCullen of Belmont, whose major is Horticulture; Charles Gallman of Gastonia, whose major is Wildlife and Fisheries Biology; Kaitlyn Huffstetler of Gastonia, whose major is Nursing; Chelsi Jolly of Gastonia, whose major is Psychology; Brandon Kiser of Gastonia, whose major is Biochemistry; Mary Miller of Gastonia, whose major is Elementary Education; Hannah Milroy of Gastonia, whose major is Biological Sciences; Dalton Williams of Stanley, whose major is General Engineering. To be named to the Dean's List, a student must achieve a grade-point average between 3.50 and 3.99 on a 4.0 scale. President's List includes: Shannon Kay of Gastonia, whose major is Industrial Engineering; Chandler Gibbs of McAdenville, whose major is Civil Engi-
neering. To be named to the President's List, a student
must achieve a 4.0 (all As) grade-point average.
Fifth Grade - School Administrator Mrs. Kristin Kiser, Kyle Hatcher, Dalton Parker, Riley Jennings, and Claire Brown (honoree from December)
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Area students honored Skidmore College – Emily Sloan, a member of the class of 2015 at Skidmore College, earned term honors for the fall semester. She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Rankin of Mount Holly, and the late Dr. David Bryan Sloan III. Term honors are awarded for a quality point ratio of 3.650 from a possible 4.0, for students who have completed 14 credit hours. Wake Forest – The following local students were named to the Fall 2013 Dean's List at Wake Forest University: Matthew Avery from Belmont; Casey Frey from Gastonia; Joseph Nelli from Gastonia; Chirag Patel from Gastonia. Students who achieve a 3.4 and no grade below a C were named to the list.
MH Historical Society news In celebration of Black History Month, the Mt. Holly Historical Society had a table exhibit at the Annual Black History Forum held on Feb. 16 at the Mt. Holly Municipal Complex. A large group of attendees enjoyed several wonderful choral performances and guest speaker, Curtis King, who recounted his experiences as a young man when he marched with civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Black History Committee of Mt. Holly always does a great job of making this annual celebration a huge success. The Tuesday, Feb. 25 monthly meeting program of the Historical Society will be on “Local African American History� presented by Teresa Greene, an MHHS Board of Directors member and MH Black History Committee member. Teresa is a dynamic speaker and the MHHS is looking forward to having her share her knowledge and research on this important part of Mt. Holly’s history. The MH Historical Society’s 4th Annual Founder’s Day Celebration will be held on Sunday, March 14 from 1PM to 4PM at the museum to commemorate the City’s 135th Anniversary of its incorporation in 1879. A 2PM program on “The Battle of Kings Mountain with Emphasis on People of Gaston & Lincoln Counties� will be presented by Mike Baxter, history professor at Central Piedmont Community College. The MHHS is pleased to be able to reschedule his presentation which was originally scheduled for their January program but was cancelled due to inclement weather. Mr. Baxter is a favorite instructor at CPCC and is known to make history come alive in his presentations, both in the classroom and elsewhere.
This event is sure to be an interesting afternoon of learning more about the Revolutionary War, touring historical exhibits, musical entertainment and refreshments. Everyone is invited. Part of the MHHS mission is to collect and document vintage artifacts and old photos of people and places in and around Mount Holly to add to the City of Mount Holly’s archives. The Textile Mill Room exhibits are in progress and the Society has a particular need for historic items and family stories about the mills in Mt. Holly. If you think you have an item of interest or a story to tell, please contact Archives Chair, Roy Vogel at 704-812-8709. With annual membership dues of only $20, the MHHS is always seeking more members and encourages all who are interested in local history to join our efforts to preserve the history of Mount Holly. The Board of Directors has recently held several long-range planning sessions to share ideas for growth, enticing more visitors to tour the museum, and ways to offer more opportunities for area residents to learn more about our historic past. Plans are in the works for docent training, opening the Museum every Saturday for tours, holding monthly meetings year round, offering genealogy classes, creating a church room exhibit, and much more. Renovations have recently been completed to the museum lobby and adjacent exhibit room to allow for more display space. The MHHS is alive and well! Meetings begin at 7PM and are held at the MHHS headquarters located at 131 S. Main Street, Mount Holly. Monthly meetings are free and open to MHHS members and the general public.
USED Advertisers buy audience exposure, but what they really want is results. They want consumers to take action.
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Rankin receives medal By Master Sgt Patricia F. Moran 145th Public Affairs Special to the Banner News
Deploying to help the U.S. Forest Service fight wild fires is nothing out of the ordinary for the North Carolina Air National Guard. As one of only four units in the United States that have C-130 aircraft capable of carrying the Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting Systems (MAFFS), these airmen are used to frequent deployments during the nation's wildfire season. During an emotional ceremony January 11, Master Sgt. Erin Wilber, Knowledge Operations Manager for the command support staff at the North Carolina National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, in Raleigh, N.C., and Master Sgt. Tracie Rankin of Stanley, 1st Shirt for the 145th Mission Support Group, were recognized for their contributions to the MAFFS 7 survivors as Family Liaison Officers. They each received the Air Force Commendation Medal, pinned on by their respective survivor, Chief Master Sgt. Andy Huneycutt and Master Sgt. Josh Marlowe of Boiling Springs near Kings Mountain. On Saturday, June 30, 2012, nothing seemed out of the ordinary when the forest service requested the help of the 145th Airlift Wing. No one knew how dramatically so many lives were about to change. When news came the very next evening that MAFFS 7 carrying six crew members, had gone down, individuals immediately called to offer their help and support. Four crew members perished in that crash and the two survivors were seri-
By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com
Things have been tough on the South Point men’s basketball team this year. But Big Red ended the regular season in winning fashion. The Red Raiders program pulled out back-toback wins over North Gaston and Cramer. Against North Gaston things went well for three periods. The 4th period turned out to be a wild ride, but coach Kody Kubbs said he was happy with the outcome. “They majority of the game we played well,� Kubbs said. “Most of the game we were up by 12 to 16 points.� Going into the 4th period the fireworks really started. North Gaston pounced on several Red Raiders’ mistakes and miscues and made
By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com
The South Point Lady Raiders ended their regular season on a winning streak with matchups against North Gaston and Cramer. They won both games and are now preparing for the Big South Conference Tournament. In the North Gaston game the Lady Wildcats played South Point tough. At the end of the 1st period
the score was 12-7. In the 2nd South Point broke loose and went on a 16-3 tear. At half time the Lady Red Raiders led 23-15. The South Point offense was led by a solid performance by senior Chrissy White. White was Big Red’s top shooter with 17 points. In the 3rd period North Gaston pushed back, scoring 14 points to South Point’s 10. The 4th period proved to be the clincher. Both teams
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were nearly identical in scoring. South Point put up 18 points to North Gaston’s 17. But the Lady Wildcats needed more; as tough as they played it wasn’t enough. South Point won 51-46. Along with White, other top scorers for South Point were fellow seniors Haley Stewart and Morgan Coker. Stewart had 14 points and Coker finished up with 8.
The Cramer matchup proved to be a tough one. Earlier in the year South Pointblistered the young Lady Storm team 72-42. The Cramer players have grown a lot in their first year to-
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A squeaker against Cramer South Point closed the door on the Wildcats and scored a 59-52 win. Like the Lady Red Raiders found out in the opening game, Cramer High is not going to be an easy win anymore. Cramer gave South Point its money’s worth. The first time Cramer
South Point edges Cramer
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sealing the victory. We made free throws down the stretch.� Davila wasn’t the only player to have a good night. Three Red Raiders were in double figures in scoring. Brandon Reeve had 13 points and 8 rebounds, JT Starr had 11 points and 7 boards. Deonte Gaston had 10 points and 5 assists. Also having a big night was the speedy Diontrea King with 5 steals, 6 assists and 8 points of his own.
and South Point met on the basketball court was in January. The game proved to be a one sided affair with South Point blanketing the Storm 64-26. Both teams went at it in the 1st period with South Point edging Cramer in scoring 9-8. Cramer pushed hard in the 2nd. Going into the half The Storm was thinking upset. Things were looking good for them. They led South Point 25-22. South Point evened things out in the 3rd and the game went down to the wire in the 4th period. That was when experience took over. South Point put up 15 points in the 4th. As hard as they played Cramer’s 8-point 4th period showing just wasn’t going to get the job done. South Point rallied and came out with a hard fought 49-43 win.
Lady Raiders win two in a row
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w w w. n e w s p a p e r m e d i a . c o m
ously injured. Chief Master Sgt. Huneycutt was flown to the burn unit in Chapel Hill, while Master Sgt. Josh Marlowe was taken to the closest hospital in Rapid City, N.D. As painful a loss as this is to our community, it pales in comparison to the grief the surviving loved ones experience. Special programs were established by the Air Force to help and provide assistance to both survivors and the families of the fallen heroes. Personal care and attention to the surviving family is a proud military tradition taken seriously by those in command. Thus the installation com-
Big Red pay. “They went on a run,� Kubbs said. “We also turned the ball over. They got within four points two different times.� North Gaston used everything they had to pull out the win. In an attempt to get the ball back they chose to foul South Point players. The strategy is sound. The Wildcats wanted to take their chances with the Red Raiders shooting from the free throw line instead of the open court. They chose wrong. When the Red Raiders went to the line they made North Gaston pay. Junior guard Garrett Davila was the player who turned the free throw line into a deal breaker for North Gaston. “Garrett was 7 for 8 from the free throw line,� Kubbs said. “That was the key to
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(Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran, 145th Public Affairs/Released)
Red Raiders beat Wildcats, edge Storm
used a circular from the paper in the past 30 days.
Sources: Frank N. Magid Associates 2011 Scarborough Research (release 2) 2010
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tracie Rankin of Stanley, 1st Sergeant for the 145th Mission Support Group, receives Air Force Commendation Medal. Family Liaison Officer to MAFFS 7 survivor, Master Sgt. Josh Marlowe pins the medal onto Rankin during a ceremony January 11, 2014.
mander appoints a military volunteer, the Family Liaison Officer (FLO), as an official link between the Air Force and the families and survivors. Master Sgt. Rankin was on location in Cheyenne, Wyoming after being activated with the 145th AW. "On the morning of July 2nd," said Rankin, "I was trying to process the tragedy of the night before, when I was told that I would be traveling from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Rapid City, South Dakota, a seven hour drive, to meet with the families of Huneycutt and Marlowe that would be arriving later that day." "When I was told I would be Josh Marlowe's Family Liaison Officer," Rankin continued, "It was overwhelming to think about the duties that came along with that statement, and how little I knew at that moment...being the FLO for the Marlowe family was an opportunity I was honored to be asked to perform. It came with its own set of challenges and rewards that most never knew existed. I am a better Airman for having the experience as a FLO, and I am honored to have been selected. Relationships formed during this experience are ones that will last a lifetime; it's comforting to know I serve with those who would step up and do the same thing if the situation were reversed." Every family is very different. The FLO must have the ability to listen, have good emotional intuition, and endless inner strength. Most importantly, they must be the connection to the military to show the families that they and their loved ones will never be forgotten.
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gether. They showed that they were not about to roll over for South Point. Things started out all South Point with South Point going into the half with a 32-15 lead. The Lady Storm came out fighting in the second half. Led by Jordan Bryant who had 18 points on the night Cramer pushed back hard. The Lady Storm put up 36 points to the Lady Raiders 25. South Point held on and pulled out a 57-51 win. Asia Jackson led all South Point scorers with 16 points, followed by Chrissy White who netted 11 points on the night. Morgan Coker and Haley Stewart contributed as well, dumping in 8 points each.
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Classified Ads Legals STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 22th day of January as Co-Executrixes of the Estate of John Louis Smith, 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 Lea Jane Smith Orr, Co-Executrix and Dana Michelle Smith Moody, Co-Executrix on or before the 29th day of April, 2014, 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. This the 29th day of January, 2014. Lea Jane Smith Orr, Co - Executrix Estate of: John Louis Smith 617 Hickory Grove Rd Gastonia, NC 28056 and Dana Michelle Smith Moody, Co-Executrix Estate of: John Louis Smith 332 Holly Circle Mt. Holly, NC 28120 BN10559 (1/29 & 2/05,12, & 19/14)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 11th day of April as Executrix of the Estate of John E. Mageras; aka: John Evangelos Mageras, 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 Lauri M. Mageras, Executrix on or before the 5th day of May,
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Page 10
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
The Banner News | banner-news.com
Š 2014 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jefff Schinkel, Graphics V Vol. 30, No. 10
Quiz Qu a friend or family member about the Olympics.
1. W What do the five rings of the Olympics mean?
A bobsled team starts the race by running and pushing their sled the first 50 meters of the track. By pushing their feet against the track as they run, they create a force that moves their sled. The gas pedal in a car is called an accelerator because pushing on it makes the car accelerate or go faster. The racers work to get the most acceleration they can before jumping into the sled for the rest of the race.
After t jump he bobsl e the fo into thei dders r r c e of g sled, takes r o v e r , p avity sled d own ulling the the tr ack. Gravityy has same the sam me amount of pull on all of the sleds in a race. That means that the bobsledders must use their knowledge of science to be the fastest.
Bobsled races started in Switzerland in the 1890s. It was called bobsledding because the racers bobbed back and forth to increase their speed.
A bobsled team uses special sleds, helmets and suits that are engineered to reduce drag. How many bobsleds can you find on this page?
Smooth move! Drag is an opposite force that slows a moving object. Streamlined and smooth objects have less drag than jagged or flat ones.
A sled with a flat front end would move much slower because there would be more drag.
When the bobsled moves against the ice and through the air, it causes friction, which causes drag and slows the moving bobsled.
Standards Link: Physical Stand hysical al Science: Science ce e: Know the relationship relatio onship o nship p between betw b the strength of a force and its effect on an object.
What does the Olympic 2. W Motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius� mean? Harder, Stronger, Faster Swifter, Higher, Stronger Better, Bigger, Bolder 3. According to the Olympic Creed, the most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but ... to play fair. to win big. to take part. 4. Where is the Olympic torch first lit? Athens Greece Olympia
Every four years, earss, Olympic figure skaters try to jump in the air and get in more spins with their triple axels and quadruple toe loops. They make it look easy, but make no mistake, leaping into the air, twirling and landing gracefully takes hours of practice and a knowledge of science.
5. Women were first allowed to compete in the Olympics in what year? 1800 1900 2000
In order to twirl well, a skater needs velocity, or speed. A skater uses his or her feet to push off the ice to accelerate. Once the right velocity is reached the skater and skate er will jump a nd twirl. tw The more velocity a skater gets for the jjum g mp, tthe higher he or she will go. jump, To og get more m spins, a skater needs to twirl tw wirl as fast as possible. To T o increase iin ncre e their twirling speed, a skater ska atter sstarts a twirl with arms arm ms out ou u wide. Keeping the body stra aiightt and bringing straight the ea arm m in close to the body arms causes cau uses a skater to twirl faster. This is a scientific scie principle called the co conservation of angular mo momentum.
Standards Link: Physical Science: Students understand forces and motion.
Sports Equipment Look through the sports section for photos of equipment - helmets, shoes, etc. Cut out one example and write a brief summary about the object’s importance to the game. Standards Link: Writing Applications: Summarize using main idea and important details.
What a drag!
Five Cities Five Countries Five Continents
... looking at everyday things in a new or unusual way.
Standards Link: Physical Science: Students understand forces and motion.
OPPOSITE FRICTION GRAVITY BOBSLED SCIENCE ANGULAR BOBBED FORCE LOOPS TWIRL SPEED SPINS TRACK DRAG GEAR
Find the words in the puzzle. Then look for each word in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities. N O I
T C I R F E G
K S P
I N S G T R E
D C P S E N I A L A E E A O C S V G R R B E E R O I
I N I D
B C E P T L E E W R O R P Y S E D N T G B O B S L E D E C A R F R A L U G N A E Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
This week’s word:
COMPETE The verb compete means to try and win a game or contest that others are also trying to win. Athletes around the world compete in the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Try to use the word compete in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.
STEM Jobs Science in your future? Look through the newspaper for people whose jobs require a knowledge of science, technology, engineering or math. Count the different careers.
Some people talk about the “spirit of the Olympics.� What do you think that means?
Standards Link: Career Education: Engineering and math.
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