BN 022713 by Community First Media

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

Volume 78 • Issue 9 • Wednesday, February 27, 2013

75¢

The 1971 South Point High football team was undefeated in regular season conference play with a 10-0 record. They were inducted in the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame last Tuesday during the 26th annual awards banquet. Photo by Roxanne Rankin

New members added to Belmont Sports Hall of Fame By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The Belmont Sports Hall of Fame added three new members to those hallowed ranks during its 26th Annual gala banquet and in-

duction ceremony held on Feb. 19 at Park Street United Methodist Church. Inductees included Mike McWhirter, Dick Suggs, and the entire 1971 South Point Red Raiders football team. A huge crowd of coaches past

and present, civic leaders, politicians, Belmont Sports Hall of Fame members, family members, friends, and well wishers packed the church Family Life Center to capacity. The event kicked off with a home run opening remark by Joe

Lawing who declared the evening “a tremendous gathering of sports fans”. This was followed by a heartfelt remembrance of former Belmont Mayor the late Kevin Loftin who had served as emcee at many previous Belmont Sports Hall of Fame

celebrations. Lanny Ford, general manager of ESPN radio, introduced the featured speaker of the evening, Brad Lambert, coach of the UNC-Charlotte 49ers football team. “Here is a man of integrity that See HALL OF FAME, 5A

Drivers feeling the ‘pain at the pump’ By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Photo by Alan Hodge

A large crowd turned out for Mount Holly’s recent 10th annual Black History Forum. The ladies wearing the colorful traditional garb were singers with Macedonia Baptist Church who performed during the event.

City of Mount Holly hosts Black History Forum By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The City of Mount Holly recognized and honored local African-American accomplishments and heritage at the 10th annual Black History Forum on Feb. 17. The event took place in the Mount Holly Municipal Complex where a large crowd filled the Great Hall with music, prayers, and praise. The theme for 2013 was “Celebrating a Decade of Service”, a

reference to the tenth anniversary of the Mount Holly Black History Committee. “We are thankful for this organization and what they do for the city,” said Mayor Bryan Hough. The committee chairman, John Hope, was on hand and he and his fellow members were given a proclamation by Hough extolling the work they had done over the past ten years. This included projects such as the Memory Walk and monument on the site of the Rollins School where

Mount Holly’s African-American children were educated prior to integration in the 1960s, helping the Community Relief Organization, and working with local military veterans. “They work really hard,” said City Manager Danny Jackson. The event saw Nancy Gibson receive the Mount Holly Black History Committee Achievement Award. Gibson was the second African-American hired at Burlington Mills and the first at Duke Power’s office in Mount

Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Some pretty impressive acts were seen on the Ed Sullivan television show during its day including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Jefferson Airplaneand the Cramerton Square Dance Team. It was August 14, 1955 when the square dance group hit the

national spotlight on Sullivan’s CBS-TV “Toast of the Town” entertainment variety show, but team members Doris and Mack Stowe who currently live in Belmont and were in their 20s back then, remember the sensations quite well. “It was an incredible time,” Doris said. “We were young and had never been anywhere. To be transported to New York in high style was something we could never have dreamed of.” The dance team’s “day jobs” were at Burlington Mills in Cramerton and the firm footed the bill for the trip. Originally, the idea was to fly the team to New York on the company plane, but Hurricane Connie blew in

See GAS PRICES, 3A

Loftin remembered

See BLACK HISTORY, 6A

Stowes remember thrill of Ed Sullivan Show By Alan Hodge Editor

Just when drivers thought their wallets were getting a bit of relief at the pump, gas prices are on the rise once again to the highest levels in months. Just over the past few weeks, gas prices in our area have gone up nearly 30 cents per gallon with the average price for regular unleaded hovering around $3.75. Unleaded premium is over the $4 a gallon mark at around $4.05 a gallon. “This is the 33rd day in a row that we’ve seen a consecutive increase,” said AAA spokesperson Nancy White. Back on December 20, 2012, gas prices were at their lowest point in

quite a while at “just” $3.22 a gallon for regular. In 2012, the highest gas prices were recorded on April 6 when a gallon of the precious liquid hit a yearly high of $3.91 a gallon. For folks who care to travel across the South Carolina state line for a few cents off their gas purchase, the price down there is hovering around $3.35 a gallon. Local drivers are steamed over the price hike. Rodney Huffstickler was at Rollins 76 station on Hickory Grove Rd. and smells a conspiracy. “Everybody in Washington has stock in oil,” he said. Vicki Cauthen was also at Rollins. “People won’t be able to get to work because of the prices,” she said. “It’s hard.” Garrett Harwood agreed.

and the flight was scrubbed, meaning the round-trip journey to and from the Big Apple was made by train. Arriving in New York on the morning of August 13, the team took a tour of the United Nations building then went to Radio City Music Hall and watched the Rockettes. They also took in a Broadway show, “Pajama Game”. Another place they visited was a nightclub called the Latin Quarter. But the trip also included some hard work. The team had a series of rehearsals before the televised performance took place. When the long awaited time See STOWES, 6A

Photo courtesy Steve Rankin

A bronze plaque in memory and honor of former Belmont mayor, the late Kevin Loftin, was unveiled Feb. 22 at the Stowe Family YMCA. Several dignitaries spoke at the event marking the one-year anniversary of Loftin’s death.

Plaque dedicated in memory of Loftin Approximately 30 people attended a brief memorial and dedication service for Kevin Loftin on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Stowe Family YMCA in Belmont. This date marks the one-year anniversary of the death of the former Belmont mayor and YMCA board member. Current Belmont Mayor Richard Boyce led the dedication with many fond memories of Kevin’s vision and leadership for Belmont and the Stowe YMCA. Tony Sigmon, CEO of the Gaston County YMCA and Jim Sell with

Pharr Yarns shared a few stories about Kevin. Kevin had served on the Stowe and Metro boards for the YMCA. Bill Carstarphen, president of Pharr Yarns, and Tony Sigmon unveiled the plaque that will hang in the hallway at the Stowe YMCA. Kevin left his mark in many areas of Belmont and Gaston County. This plaque will be a reminder to all who enter the Y of his enthusiasm and hard work to establish the East Gaston Branch of the YMCA.

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■ OBITUARIES Geraldine Gerri Bowlin Known for her spirit of gratitude GASTONIA–Geraldine Harris Bowlin (Ms. Gerri), 67, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was born Dec. 27, 1945, daughter of late Claude Columbus Harris and Ruth Williams Harris. Ms. Gerri was known for her spirit of gratitude, her strength, her character and her unwavering faith. She was a mother, sister, wife, friend, grandmother and greatgrandmother. Ms. Gerri retired from early childhood education in 2010. She had a heart for children of all ages. She was a member of Belmont Foursquare Church, where she served in many capacities over the years, most recently teaching an adult Bible study. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, William Timothy Bowlin, Sr., of the home; daughter Teresa G. Bowlin of West New York, NJ; stepdaughters Kay Harris, Belmont (Mason), Sharmie Gray (Jeff) Gastonia; sisters Esther Costner of Cherryville, NC, Janie Homesley of Dallas, NC and brother Bobby Harris of Lincolnton; daughter in law Cathy Carswell;

Crystal Marlowe FOREST CITY – Crystal Lynn Marlowe, 39, passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2013 at her residence. She was born Feb. 3, 1974 to the late Darrell Sr. and Kay Reynolds Packer. Funeral service was at 12 noon Saturday Feb. 23, at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home with the Rev. Ritchie Doss officiating. Visitation prior to the service. Interment was at Sulphur Springs Holiness Church in Forest City.

grandchildren, Jennifer Lee Bowlin, Sonnie Ford and Angela Bowlin Ford, Melisa Bowlin Harrell, Jerome Harris, Sean and Tyler Pilkington; great grandchildren, Megan Tomlin, Haley, Honor and Hayden Ford, Cadence Jaden Bowlin, Cameron and Carter Harrell. She is also survived by her friend, neighbor and “songbird” Jo Ann Burgess and devoted friend Lora Morgenstern; by extended family and her church family. Brothers and sisters-in-law Gus & Linda Bowlin, Gastonia; Max & Joyce Bowlin, Lowell; Ken and Jo Bowlin, Heiskelle, TN; Jack and Jackie Bowlin, Georgia. Mary Dellinger (My Miracle) of Mt. Holly and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, William Timothy Bowlin, Jr., sister, JoAnne Goins and brother, Claude Columbus Harris, Jr. A celebration of her life was held at Belmont Foursquare Church on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 2pm with Rev. Kevin Ford and Dr. Charles D. Aldridge officiating. The family received friends from 12 until 1:45pm prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Belmont Foursquare Church, 8 Elizabeth Ave., Belmont, NC 28012. McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is caring for the Bowlin family.

McLean Funeral Home Olivia Ramos CHARLOTTE – Olivia Janikua Ramos, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 at Carolinas Medical Center. She was born Feb. 17, 2013 to Antonio Ramos and Brittany Jones. Funeral service was Thursday, Feb. 21 at 3pm at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home with the Rev. James Chambers officiating. Visitation was prior to the service. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery Belmont.

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■ CRIME Fuller “Russ” Russell US Navy veteran STANLEY- Fuller Millard Russell “Russ”, 80, died on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. He was born in Alamance County, son of the late Edward Glenn and Louzetta Allred Russell. He was preceded in death by a sister Ruth Russell Marek, three brothers Donald, Johnny, and Bill Russell, a half sister M a r y Smith, and a special family Ernest and Ruby Coley. He was retired from Sears Roebuck Company after 36 years. He was a US Navy veteran serving aboard the USS Onslow, and was a member of Craig Memorial Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jo Ann Kennedy Russell; two daughters, Brenda Russell Preston and husband Kenneth of Iron Station and Sherry Russell

Webb and husband Mike of Mount Holly; one brother James Russell; one half brother Kenneth Russell; one half sister Janice Collins; two grandchildren, Jennifer Preston Hybarger and husband Matt of Iron Station and Christopher Preston and wife Liz of Iron Station; three great grandchildren, Rylan Preston, Layton and Jaycie Hybarger. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Russell was held at 2pm Saturday, Feb. 23, at Craig Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Rankin and Rev. Trent Rankin officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends from 7-9 pm Friday at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lincoln County, 107 North Cedar Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount served the family.

Mildred Neagle

band Jim of Fayetteville, NC, Edwin Yates Neagle III First president of the and wife Rebecca of Belmont Garden Club Raleigh, Jayna Marie Neagle and husband Sam of MontLake Wylie, SC–Mildred clair, NJ, John Hewitt NeaWright Neagle, age 103, gle and wife Laura of passed away peacefully on Pittsboro, NC; great grandSunday, Feb. 24, 2013 at her children, Kate Leslie, Erin home. Leslie, Josh Cloninger, Brian A native of Gaston Cloninger, Mary Katherine County, she was a daughter MacRae, Jim MacRae, Coyt of the late David W. Wright Neagle, Jace Neagle, Bailey and Hannah Jane Wilson of Ruff, Anna Ruff; great greatthe South Point commugrandchildren, Ryder, Shane nity. Mildred was a 1928 and Merritt Cloninger. She is graduate of Belmont High also survived by greatSchool nephews Morris and Oren and atTeeter; great-niece, Paula tended Phillips, and many extended t h e family. In addition to her North parents, Mildred was preCarolina ceded in death by her husCollege band, Edwin Yates Neagle, f o r Sr., three brothers, three sisWomen, ters, and son-in-law, Thomas now UNC- Greensboro. She Huffstetler. was an active member of The family will receive First United Methodist friends from 2–3pm, Church, Belmont where she Wednesday, Feb. 27 in the was awarded a lifetime sanctuary of First United membership and a Special Methodist Church, BelMission Recognition in the mont. A funeral service celUnited Methodist ebrating Mildred’s life will Women. She was a charter begin at 3pm, officiated by member and the first presiDr. Chuck Baker. Burial will dent of the Belmont Garden follow in Greenwood CemeClub. tery. She is survived by her Memorials may be didaughter, Mary Neagle Huffrected to FUMC, P.O. Box stetler of the home; son, 748, Belmont, NC 28012. Edwin Yates Neagle, Jr. and Arrangements have been wife Cathy of Morehead entrusted with McLean FuCity; special nephew, Herneral Directors of Belmont. man Teeter and wife Sue of www.mcleanfuneral.com. Submission of news items and social notes Gastonia; grandchildren, Evans H. Leslie and husband Roger oftoLansing, Letters the Editor NC, Jane H. Cloninger and husband Randy of Henderson, NC, Funeral Home Julia H. MacRae and husWeddings & Engagements

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Obituaries

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Man shot by Mount Holly police By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

A Charlotte man was shot by Mount Holly police last Tuesday night following a traffic stop. According to police, on Feb. 19, at approximately 11:40 p.m. Officer Taylor Hager of the Mount Holly Police was posted on NC 273 running radar speed checks. He clocked a gray 2003 Nissan at 80 mph in a 35 mph zone. Hager and Officer Darryl Barnes, who was in a different vehicle, stopped the vehicle on NC 273 headed toward downtown Mount Holly. Both officers approached the vehicle, driven by Jamar Demontae Davis, 28, 4644 Coppala Dr., Charlotte. The officers had an encounter with Davis and both officers fired at him. Davis was struck by several shots, at least one in the neck, and was taken into custody. The officers rendered medical aid until EMS and Mount Holly Fire arrived on the scene. He was transported to Gaston Memorial Hospital where he was first listed in stable but serious condition. According to police, Davis had a gun, but just exactly how or if the gun was deployed has yet to be determined. Davis was charged with two counts of assault on an officer with a firearm. Davis made his first appearance before a District Court Judge on Thursday at the hospital. His bond was set at $300,000 secured. Upon his release from the hospital he was transported to the Gaston County Jail where he posted bond. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was called in and interviewed the

Belmont Police Log Feb. 18: Penny Moore Self, financial card theft, obtaining property/money false pretense, arrested by Cpl. M. Harris, Belmont Police Dept. Feb. 19: James Kenneth Simmons Jr., DWI, arrested by Officer M. Stroupe, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. 20: Patrick Ryan Walters, larceny, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. 21: Edward F. Capparelli, shoplifting, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. 22: Amy Coffey Nester, larceny shoplifting, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. 22: Robert Neal Campbell, DWI alcohol or drugs, arrested by Officer P. Hunter, Belmeade Circle and South Point Rd. Feb. 24: Matthew Shelvie

We invite you to join us in thanking Freda for over 40 years of service! Thursday, February 28 ~ 2-5pm ~ Belmont Office 508 Park St., Belmont, NC 704.825.2620

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Jamar Davis officers involved in the shooting. Mount Holly Police are assisting them. The investigation is ongoing. “This is a very active criminal investigation,” said interim Mt. Holly Police Chief David James. “I am waiting on the outcome which will be presented to the Gaston County District Attorney. As in all criminal cases, we need to have patience until this investigation is totally completed by an impartial agency.” In December 2011 Davis was charged by CMPD with two counts of drug possession, driving while impaired, and driving with license revoked. In July 2012, he was charged with possession of marijuana and carrying a concealed weapon. On December 11, 2012 Davis was charged with injury to personal property. He was released on bail following each incident. Hager is a K-9 Officer and has been employed with Mount Holly PD for seven years. Darryl is a Patrol Officer and has been employed with the Mount Holly PD for approximately five years. Both will be placed on administrative leave with pay while the incident is being investigated, according to police department procedure.

Morales, criminal damage to property, vandalism, communicating threats, arrested by Officer Cpl. J. Pierson, Spruce Street. Feb. 24: Dennis Keith Talley, DWI alcohol or drugs, hit and run, arrested by Officer B. Bingham, N. Main St.

■ BRIEFS Rankin Elementary 5K run Ida Rankin Elementary School, 301 W. Central Ave., Mount Holly, will be the site of the upcoming “Shamrockin’ for Rankin” 5K and Fun Run event on Saturday, March 16. The starting time will be 8am. Proceeds will go to the school. For more information, including event maps and registration, visit http://www.racingtoes.com/ pages/Events.html.

Park Street UMC to host seminar Park Street Methodist Church will host a seminar on Saturday, March 16 from 10 am until 2pm entitled Parenting your Parents. The Reverend Jim Westmoreland, from First United Methodist Church, Gastonia will be presenting this seminar. Child care will be provided and we will offer a boxed lunch. Interested persons are asked to contact the church office at 704-8258480 and make a reservation by March 13. The only cost will be $5.00 to cover the lunch.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The Banner News

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Sturkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s years in film put to paper Kudzu beware, goats are coming to Mount Holly By Alan Hodge Editor

Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

By Alan Hodge Editor alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Kudzu, that trailing vine that has swallowed whole houses, is set to make its annual springtime return in just a few weeks and Mount Holly officials are determined to not let it get the upper hand, or leaf, on city-owned property. Ergo, the city council heard a report Monday from Shannon Horton on how Horse Shoe, NC-based Wells Goat Farm can deliver its animals and have them devour the kudzu in Mount Holly before it gets out of hand, or hoof. Council approved a plan, contingent upon a mutually agreeable contract, to have the creatures come to town in mid-March and bring their appetites with them. Mount Holly would like to see the goats give a crewcut to kudzu at Highland and Central avenues. Other areas that will be on the goatsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gastronomic radar are five-acre plots at Tuckaseege Park and River Street Park. The idea would be to turn about 20 goats loose on the locations to do the job. Wells Farm often has a dog with them to discourage other canines or people from harming or harassing them while they chew their way through

the weeds. The projected estimate for goats-gone-Mount Holly would be in the range of $2,000 for the herd to take care of the .68-acre lot at Highland and Central. A dose of herbicide after the goats leave would finish off the kudzu for good. The price would include fencing and extra feed for the goats and dog. However, Horton said the city would get a discount on the five-acre areas with a projected bill at each plot of $4,640 for the spring grazing and $2,355 for a return trip in the fall. Wells Farm has been hiring out goats for kudzu control since 2007. Using goats to eat kudzu has come into vogue in recent years as a way to rid property of the green menace and reduce the need for herbicide sprays or machinery. The City of Belmont turned a small herd of Wells Farm goats loose on kudzu-overgrown land slated for the planned River Park and they ate it with great gusto. Thirty goats tackled the tangle and made it disappear in just a few weeks. Goats also made quick work of the kudzu at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center in Fletcher and at Davidson College.

GAS PRICES: causing drivers pain at the pump From page 1A â&#x20AC;&#x153;The oil companies are making way to much money,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They know people need gas.â&#x20AC;? According to AAA Carolinas, things on the gas price front will probably get worse before they get better. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The unfortunate news is we expect gas prices to continue to rise incrementally in coming weeks,â&#x20AC;? said David Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. Parsonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; prediction is based on the assumption that no major storms or unrest in the Middle East will disrupt oil supplies any time soon. Nationally, the average cost of a gallon of regular was around $3.75 last week. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a 40 cents per gallon hike over last month and the highest average on record for the calendar date. Ironically, the increase in gas prices comes at a time when the U.S. is actually producing over half of the oil it consumes. The average amount pumped in the U.S. from 2011 to 2012 increased by 800,000 barrels per day. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the largest increase since the first commercial oil well was drilled in 1859. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in November 2012, 6.89 million barrels were pumped per day in the U.S. compared to a predicted pumping rate of 8.15 million barrels by December 2014. However, as has happened nearly every time gas prices spike, oil speculators on Wall Street and other financial institutions are being blamed for it. Another cause of higher gas prices is the fact that several U.S. refineries have either closed or announced they plan to close in the coming months. The price of gasoline is hitting consumers hard. Recent increases in tax withholdings for workers combined with the gas price

jump have combined to see even a moderate income wage earner out at least $20 a week in disposable income. Gasoline expense as a percentage of U.S. household income in 2012 hit the highest mark in thirty years and the current trend is looking like there will be no improvement in the situation.

Belmontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Don Sturkey doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t toot his own horn very often, but the things he did and the people he rubbed elbows with during 40-year career as a professional news photographer would certainly allow him to blow as long and loud as the angel Gabriel. In fact, Sturkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work earned him the honors of being named Southern News Photographer of the Year and National Newspaper Photographer of the Year. In addition, he was Chief Photographer at the Charlotte Observer for 26 years and his pictures also appeared in such prestigious publications as Look, Life, Time, and Newsweek magazines. A native of Alabama and a resident of Belmont since 1989, the 81-year-old Sturkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career as a photojournalist was literally launched by the U.S. Navy in 1950. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had never shot a roll of film before I went to the Navy photography school,â&#x20AC;? he said. Sturkey graduated second in his class and went on to serve on the aircraft carrier USS Boxer from 1950-1951 as it patrolled the waters off Korea taking pictures of the action on board ship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was part of a huge naval task force,â&#x20AC;? said Sturkey. Back home and out of the Navy in 1952, Sturkey took a job as the first staff news photographer at the Shelby Star, but left after four months due to the low pay. But things soon began looking up for the young shutterbug when Sturkey signed up for some classes at Gardner-Webb University. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I met my wife, Rachel, there,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was the best thing I got out of college.â&#x20AC;? After a couple of years at the High Point Enterprise,

Photo by Alan Hodge

The look on Tony Rollinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; face says it all concerning the recent rapid rise in gas prices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awful,â&#x20AC;? Rollins declared. For folks out of work it is even more dire. North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed a bill last week slashing unemployment benefits effective July 1. That means people who apply for bene-

fits after that date will have less money to spend on gas, not to mention those already drawing unemployment and trying to get by on the current amount they receive each week.

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Don Sturkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career as an award-winning news photographer spanned four decades. He has collected over 200 of his best pictures in a new volume thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just been released. Sturkey took a job at the Charlotte Observer in 1955 and his career took off. Over the course of the next three decades or so he traveled far and wide shooting pictures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had some of the best assignments ever,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the best was going to Normandy for the 40th anniversary of D-Day with World War II veterans from the Carolinas.â&#x20AC;? Other assignments werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as glamorous. Many times Sturkey found himself photographing people living in destitution or tragic circumstances. Sometimes the situations were somewhat â&#x20AC;&#x153;complicatedâ&#x20AC;? such as when he was trying to get a shot of Jessica Hahn, the woman whose relationship with TV preacher Jim Bakker led to his downfall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was in New York and the house was surrounded by media people,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hid my camera and acted as a pastor to get through the crowd to get closer. Unfortunately, the only picture I got was of her looking out the back door.â&#x20AC;? During his career, Sturkey rubbed elbows with some

pretty famous folks. Just a few of them include presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Carter and Reagan, entertainers Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, and sports figure Richard Petty. Also, a slew of others like Martin Luther King Jr., Morganna, Jesse Jackson, Sweet Daddy Grace, Harry Golden, and Ed Sullivan. Sturkey was on the scene during the 1960s and photographed clashes between the KKK and blacks, hippies, protest marches, and he covered the War on Poverty with pictures of the poor living in sharecropper shacks. He was on the scene at the launch of Apollo 8 and in 1974 when Eastern Flight 212 crashed in Charlotte killing 69 people. Sturkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work is voluminous and the collection of it in the library at UNC-Chapel Hill contains over 100,000 photos and 24-feet of linear shelf space. He recently donated several boxes of slides to the school. Now people everywhere can see Sturkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just released a second volume of photographs entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;This Old Wheel Will Roll Around

Again: A Pictorial History of the South 195-1990â&#x20AC;?. The book contains over 200 of his most famous photos as well as commentary by famed journalist Frye Gaillard and Sturkey himself. The book is a companion piece to Sturkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first photographic collection â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Slice of Timeâ&#x20AC;? that also chronicles life in the South during the period 1950-1990 and has an introduction by Kays Gary. Copies of â&#x20AC;&#x153;This Old Wheel Will Roll Around Againâ&#x20AC;? have already been sold to 16 libraries in five states including Vanderbilt University, the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Clemson University, the University of Tennessee, and Auburn University. For people who have an interest in seeing how a master of the photographic art plied his trade during the mid and late 20th century, and how the people and places that changed the South during that time looked through the lens of a camera, a copy of Sturkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book is a must. Call him at 704-825-1253 for more information.

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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

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”

Quote of the week... If your actions inspire others to dream more,

Alan Hodge Editor Last week’s mini-blizzard caught a lot of folks by surprise, including TV weather boffins who said our area would most likely remain snow free. But it did snow for the first time in two years and as I sat at home staring out the window at the billowing, feathery, snowflakes covering the ground and trees with an alarming rapidity I started thinking about how not just weathermen but people of our region in general go berserk at the first flake and how that berserk-ed-ness travels like a shock wave through food stores and the drive-up window at banks, and vibrates out onto the road where drivers dash to and fro like ants in an anthill that’s been kicked over and some of the ants wreck their cars. The food stores get the worst of it when snow comes. Why the sudden obsession with milk and bread? Can you make a milk sandwich? Shall ye sop thy bread in milk like toothless people? Others focus their attack on the beer aisle and can been seen racing to their cars clutching 12packs and cases of wobble pop to their bosoms like it was liquid gold. Snow brings out the kid in adults and the kid in kids. Kids of all ages enjoy sledding and the last time I tried to do it was on the slope beside our house and I got on the sled and it shot down the hill and would not stop and I went into some briars but it was fun. Another fun sledding event was the time a bunch of us kids took one sled to a local park that had a really steep hill and took turns riding on it but that got bor-

learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

John Quincy Adams

I say ‘let it snow!’ ing waiting in line so we got my pal named Brutus who was the biggest of us all to get on the sled first and we all piled on top of him and the sled shot down the hill and when it got to the bottom instead of going on across the flat dug into the ground and we all smashed the face of Brutus into the ice and he stood up with a nose that looked like someone had glued a strawberry on it. Many years later near the Charlotte Country Club (of which I was not a member) a bunch of folks had gathered for night sledding on a long street called appropriately enough Country Club Drive and some of them got up the idea that whoever would bravely ride a sled down that posh pave in their underwear would get a $20 prize. I needed that $20 badly and won it at the risk of frostbite and to this day call that street Underwear Hill. The best snows are the ones like we had last week where it is lovely and white one day and gone the next. Kind of like Christmas or a birthday or something like that. The worst kinds are those deep ones that cause people to be cooped up in the house for several days. I don’t see how in the world those who live in such a climate keep from going nuts. I was talking on the phone here at the office with a press relations girl in upper Minnesota and she said they were going to have high temps around 16F and snow was everywhere and oh how she wished she lived in the Southland. Being snowed in was the very reason I bought the Isuzu Trooper 4 wheel drive vehicle many of you have seen me flog around for ages since it goes in snow like dry pavement. And once we were snowed in and could not get to the store and Sharon and I and her dog the poodle named GiGi (aka Goo-Goo or Coo-Coo) had to enjoy one another for what

seemed like an eternity- (GiGi has since gone to Eternity) and now with the Trooper getting around in snow is no big deal hallelujah. Making snow cream has become something of a lost art. As some of you know I also write for Our State magazine and a recent issue featured snow cream lore in North Carolina and gave several recollections by folks of how much they liked the stuff. All I remember about snow cream was that we stopped eating it in the 1960s because my grandmother said the Russians were shooting atomic bombs and the snow was falling through radioactive clouds and it would kill us. Since the Russians aren’t shooting any more A-bombs maybe the next time we have a big snow I might whip up a bowl for old times sake. Since the recent snow was on a Saturday and mostly gone on Sunday, the kids didn’t miss any school. Nowadays even if there is a good chance of snow during weekdays the kids stay homebetter that than a bus wreck or them falling down on the way to or at school. However, in darker times such was not the case as happened when I was in third grade and it was supposed to snow but school was a ‘go’ and my sister and I walked there wearing thin clothes and during the morning it began snowing and by the time school was dismissed there was about a foot of it on the ground and we had to trudge home through the drifts and nearly froze. Thank god we didn’t have iPods or they might have been damaged by the cold. Anyway, maybe it will snow again as in my humble opinion there are few things prettier than the pines trees in Belmont, Mount Holly and the surrounding area laden with snow and bending their branches over like ballerinas bowing, acknowledging the cheers of a grateful audience when the show is done.

Sidewalk Survey Local residents were asked...

What do you think about unemployment benefits being slashed in NC?

Rodney Huffstickler – “People paid their money in and should be able to get it all back.”

Yours, Ours, Others

Frank Fullam – “It will mean some people will have to decide between buying gas or buying food.”

Garrett Harwood – “Let them draw at current rate for full 26 weeks before cutting benefits back.”

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

Jason Marlowe – “It was a hard decision between balancing the budget and people trying to survive.”

Letter to the Editor To the Editor, Every year someone with ties to Belmont are voted into the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame. As I looked at the list of names that were inducted year by year and there was one more name that I didn’t see that should be there and that is Charlie Martin. Why Charlie Martin? I can give you a few reasons. Charlie Martin has been announcing South Point Raider games for many years and is devoted to the Raiders and his play by play at every game. He has fought the elements when he would go to an away game. Charlie has did a lot to help Belmont grow. Him and his

wife Dot have always been a mainstay for Belmont and its citizens and its government. Charlie is knowledgeable in sports and government among other topics. The first time you meet Charlie you know that you have a friend for life. Yes Charlie is my friend and I believe that he deserves to be inducted into the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame. Charlie Martin gives his all and never asks for anything in return except maybe to stand behind the Raiders as a fan and supporter. Perhaps Charlie Martin may never be but he will always have my vote. William Langley Belmont

Greener Pastures Rolling about in manure... again Not by choice anyway. Not every day. Shelley Eagan Not necessarily in the clothes I would Proffit Farms choose if I knew this was going to happen. But, it does indeed happen. Somehow no matter what work there is to be done I end up covered in mud and manure while my co-worker, Dad, remains spotless when doing the same task. How does this happen? We get back to the house and I have streaks of manure down my pants sides, boots caked in mud, and the knees and legs of my pants are saturated in wet goop. My face with a smear that came from the manure I got on the glove I used to scratch my nose. I have to shed overalls in an entirely separate room, not allowed in the house, while he simply changes from boots to everyday shoes, just like Mr. Rogers used to on TV, and strolls on inside! How does he do this?! I was alone today when I discovered a break in the black poly plastic irrigation tubing used to run water to a 300-gallon water tank in one of our pastures at the Shelby farm. The freezing temps overnight must have caused the joint in the tubing to come apart, loosening the 2 hose clamps on each side of the joint and pushing them apart. Water was streaming steadily down the hill and had been leaking long enough to create a nice mud bog of the truck path in the pasture. Naturally, the break would happen at a joint in the tubing located with a manure pile, or four, and a once dirt pathway right under it. This made for a lovely work space as the poly pipe is too stiff to move more than a few inches in either direction. It would have to be repaired right there where it laid. I was so focused on getting the flathead screwdriver into the hose clamps to tighten them back on and pulling for all I was worth to fit the 2 ends of the tubing into the joiner that I didn’t notice the utter smelly surroundings right off. Why am I sliding around? What is that smell? Ah-ha! The fresh manure piles I am nestled in and the mud from the flowing water was all over, and under, the break in the hose I was repairing. And now, on my pants, knees, and hands. Jeez! A few curious cows had come to sniff about and watch me roll about with a tube in each had, pushing them together, grunting with all my strength, wondering why I had chosen to lay about in this particular place when there is such lovely grass elsewhere. I’m sure they thought me insane watching this wrestling match of farmer vs. these mysterious pipes. Who was winning, they likely wondered….do we root for the farmer or what? One got closer and closer, slowly making her way to my hands gripping the uncooperative pipes. She was smelling them for some unknown offense and finally gave up interest when there was no apparent winner of this grappling match between pipe and farmer. Nothing to see here folks….just another crazy farmer rolling about in manure, again. Here’s to greener pastures, Shelley

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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Photos by Alan Hodge

South Point High football standout Mike McWhirter (left) was inducted into the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame last week. McWhirter was introduced by coach Phil Tate (right) who said McWhirterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;motor ran all the time.â&#x20AC;?

The Banner News

Page 5A

UNC-Charlotte football coach Brad Lambert was the featured speaker at the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet last week.

HALL OF FAME: welcomes new members From page 1A knows what success looks like,â&#x20AC;? Ford said. Lambert declared the experience of addressing the crowd a â&#x20AC;&#x153;very humbling oneâ&#x20AC;?. He went on to recount his career as a coach and his philosophy on life in general as it related not only to the gridiron but the family as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about who you surround yourself with,â&#x20AC;? Lambert said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rules without relationships results in rebellion.â&#x20AC;? The ceremonies continued with the induction of McWhirter who was not only an outstanding player in his own right, but also a member of the undefeated 1971 South Point football squad. During his years at South Point, the football team amassed a 26-6-1 record with his help. McWhirter went on to grace the gridiron at Lenoir Rhyne College from 1972 to 1975 where he was named team MVP in 1973 and Lutheran College All American in 1974. He was inducted into the Lenoir Rhyne Sports Hall of Fame last year. He began coaching at South

Point in 1992 and is still active in that regard. At Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s banquet, coach Phil Tate introduced McWhirter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once in a while a special player comes along,â&#x20AC;? Tate said of McWhirter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His motor ran all the time from the snap to the whistle. He was like a Tasmanian devil and would fight a circle saw. As a coach, he drives his men with love and caring.â&#x20AC;? McWhirter took the microphone to express his thanks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humbling to stand up here,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All my heroes are here tonight.â&#x20AC;? McWhirter also shared his formula for making a difference on and off the field. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The success we have is based on how we love, trust, and fight for one another.â&#x20AC;? Next up was the induction of Dick Suggs who was introduced by Bobby Brown. Suggs graduated from Belmont High in 1957 where he had excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was voted Best Athlete Belmont High Class of 1957. In addition to his high school greatness, Suggs played for four years on the Gastonia American Legion

team as well as at Clemson University where he manned third base on the team that won the ACC Championship and went on to compete in the College World Series. Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humorous yet heartfelt introduction alluded to Suggsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; having grown up on a dairy farm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anyone who can excel in all high school sports and is available all the time to milk thirty cows was one heck of an athlete,â&#x20AC;? he said much to the merriment of the throng. Suggs took the podium and gave thanks all around for his talent as well as the honor of being inducted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tonight is the highlight of my life and career,â&#x20AC;? Suggs said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to thank all my former teammates, family, friends, and my wife Jean. I especially want to thank God because without Him I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done much.â&#x20AC;? The evening wrapped up with the induction of the entire 1971 South Point High football team whose undefeated season that year saw them sweep all opposition aside for a 10-0 conference play record and culminate in a tie game for the state championship game against Boyden High from Salisbury

that ended in a 14-14 deadlock. The team is considered by many aficionados to be the premier South Point High football squad. Coach Jim Biggerstaff introduced them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the team that started the winning tradition at South Point,â&#x20AC;? said Biggerstaff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are the reason South Point is the way it is today.â&#x20AC;? Nearly 30 of the 1971 original 40-member team or a family member showed up to receive their induction awards. Sadly, a number of the team had either passed away or were unable to attend due to travel constraints. Overall, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Belmont Sports Hall of Fame event was a perfect combination of remembrance and recognition that saw everyone involved enjoy an evening of high spirits and honor. The Belmont Sports Hall of Fame selection committee consisted of Bobby Brown, Jim Biggerstaff, Scott Lee, Director Jeff Gibson, Lee Hyde, Sallie Stevenson, and Director Emeritus Art Shoemaker. The event was sponsored by McKenney Auto Dealerships.

Dick Suggs (left) was inducted into the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame last Tuesday during the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 26th annual banquet. Bobby Brown is seen with Suggs as he accepts the honor.

Belmont Parks & Rec has busy spring line up The Belmont Parks and Recreation department has several events coming up. Call the numbers given or come on down to join in the activities. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt: Thursday, March 28, Ages: 38 years 7:15pm Easter Bunny will arrive. Call 704-825-8191 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rail Trail 5K: Saturday, March 9, 9AM Belmont Abbey Campus. Call 704-901-2067 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Shag classes: Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7pm Beginners, 8pm Intermediate. New class starts March 9. Six-week session. Call 704813-4783. Classes held at J. Paul Ford Rec Center. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cheerleading classes: Saturday mornings. Call Lori 704536-3586. Classes held at J. Paul Ford Rec Center. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Card Making class: Monthly classes on 4th Friday. Info/register call 704-460-9292. Must pre-register. Classes held at J. Paul Ford Rec Center. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lil Bit Crafty class: Classes meet Monday and Thursday at 1pm. at J. Paul Ford Rec Center. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Community Trip Caribbean Cruise , Jan. 25 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Feb. 1, 2014. Eight days and seven nights aboard Carnival Cruise Line ship â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fantasyâ&#x20AC;?. Ports of call will include Nassau, Bahamas; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Grand Turk Island; and several days at sea. The ship leaves and returns to Charleston, SC. Special Early Bird Pricing until April 1 of $725 per person inside cabin, $865 per person outside cabin. Payment plan available. Call Reba Edwards at 704-901-2069 for information and reservations.

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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 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 Lutheran Church Of The Good Shepherd 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 27, 2013

Cramerton Square dance team members are seen on the stage with Ed Sullivan in 1955 including: Mack Stowe, Doris Stowe, Joel McCurley, Dot McCurley, Martha Holland, Bert Holland, James Cunningham, Frances Cunningham, Ralph Barrett, Margaret Ford, Jimmy Haynes, Sue Ford, Ben Cunningham, Effie Byers, Max Bost, Becky Queen, Ramon Carter, Spencer Love, Meg Love. Contributed Photo

STOWES: remember thrill of being on the Ed Sullivan Show From page 1A to go before the cameras arrived, the team put on a great show. “It was awesome,” Mack said. “We had danced all over the southeast but now the whole world could see us.” Doris recalled the reception the team got to its “down home” dance act from the New York audience. “I’m sure it was quite unusual for that part of the country,” she said. “But Mr. Sullivan had given us a big build-up to the crowd and we got some nice applause.” After the team had performed and the show was over, they had a meet and greet session with Ed and other stars such as Rosalind Russell that had appeared on the same show. “Mr. Sullivan and the others were very nice and made us all feel very welcome,” Doris recalled. The next morning, the team’s New York adventure continued with a tour of Manhattan and a ferryboat ride where the tour guide

pointed out the team over the loudspeaker. Since the team was wearing gingham shirts and dresses like the ones they had sported on the Sullivan show the night before, several other passengers had already guessed who the group was. After the boat ride, the team headed for their hotel, packed up, and left Penn Station at 7:45pm. An all night train ride had them back in Charlotte on August 16 at 8:25am. An after action report of the trip that was written by B.M. Haynes and dated August 18, 1955 described what went on during the adventure and gave thanks to persons such as Burlington’s Cramerton Division Manager J.D. Barbee and Mrs. John Harden for their help in making it a success. Overall, the jaunt was one that left an indelible mark on everyone involved that has lasted over 60 years. “Even today I get chills thinking about how privileged we were to have been part of something like that,” Doris said.

ASSISTED LIVING

BLACK HISTORY: Forum honored local accomplishments and heritage From page 1A Holly where she retired with over 27 years on the job. She has served as a teacher assistant at Pinewood Elementary and still works as a substitute teacher for Gaston County Schools. She has also put in many years at the Mount Holly voting polling place. “It was a great honor and one I didn’t expect,” Gibson said. “You do things not to get an award but because you want to help people. That’s the way we were raised.” Also honored at the event was Barbara Grier. She received the Jessie Mae Robinson Humanitarian Award for her career as an educator. Grier began her teaching career in 1961 at Rollins Elementary School. She had attended the same school as a child and is the first and only graduate of that institution to also teach there. After school integration, she taught at Mount Holly Elementary and Ida Rankin elementary schools. She retired in 1993 with 32 years as a teacher. Davis is a member of the NC Association of Educators, National Educa-

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tion Association, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. “It was wonderful to be honored by the Black History Committee with such a prestigious award,” Grier said. “It was a complete surprise. I didn’t think I had that much of an impact on Mount Holly.” Other aspects of the Black History Forum this year included a rousing invocation by Minister Bobby McCorkle of Burge Memorial United Methodist Church, singing of the Black National Anthem by Doris Graham, the National Anthem by Men of Note, more music by Macedonia Baptist Church and New St. Paul choirs, a tap dance by Devin Gibson, and sharing of little known black history facts by Deborah Davis. The Mount Holly Historical Society also had a display at the event. BSA Troop 59 provided the color guard and Kemp Michael’s law firm donated $500 to the Black History Committee. Following the program, everyone feasted on a huge buffet lunch. For more information on Mount Holly’s Black History Committee, contact John Hope at 980-522-0248.

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The Belmont Rail Trails 5K will take place March 9, beginning at 9am on the campus of Belmont Abbey College. For information visit www.cityofbelmont. org. The Green Run will take place March 16, at 4pm. This event starts at Walk and Run Belmont store, 200 N. Main Street, and benefits ARC Gaston County. For more information visit www.capabilities.com facebook: The Green in Belmont, NC.

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D • I • R • E • C • T • O • R • Y

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The Banner News

â&#x2013; SCHOOLS

Page 7A

â&#x2013; SPORTS

East Gaston falls to Lake Norman By John Wilson John.bannernews@gmail.com

Yelton wins regional Optimist essay contest Gaston Day School student Porter Yelton was recognized by the Optimist Club as the winner of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Optimist International Essay Contest. The Optimist Clubs give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal experience, the experience of their country, or a more historical perspective. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme was, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How Can I Help

My Friends Realize Their Value?â&#x20AC;? Caroline Lim and India Mackinson were also acknowledged for being selected to represent Gaston Day in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event. Dr. Rankin joined all three students at a breakfast with the Optimist Club where Porter received a certificate and gift card. His essay now moves on to the district level judging. Pictured right to left: Caroline Lim, Porter Yelton, India Mackinson and Dr. Rankin

MHMS Beta Club students win top awards The Mount Holly Middle School Beta Club attended the North Carolina State Convention held in Greensboro the first weekend in February and competed in numerous events. Congratulations to the following students who placed and won in

the events listed: Caleb Shermanâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1st in Charcoal Sketching; Lexi Trull and Kelston Ganttâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2nd in quilting; MHMSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; 3rd overall in all arts and crafts; Quentin Hooker, Grayson Epperson, Bobby Mageau and Jennifer

Piercy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3rd in Battle of the Books; Mikayla Blackwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; 3rd in poetry writing. School sponsors are Stacie Bell and Lori Collins.

The East Gaston wrestling team took an impressive 18-4 record into the first round of the state 4A wrestling playoffs. The Warriors squared off against a tough Lake Norman Wildcat squad that boasted a 29-4 record. Just as the Warriors took second place in the Mega 7 tournament the Wildcats also took second place in the tough I-Meck Conference Championship. Both schools have a proud wrestling tradition. In the end the Wildcats proved to be too much for the Warriors to deal with. Lake Norman won the match 49-21. Posting wins for East Gaston were Michael Bedard, Jacob Grigg, Jack Reep and Tyler Spurling. Grigg and Spurling won with pins. Grigg pinned Lake Normanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RJ Cloninger in 1:58 seconds. Spurling took a little longer to score but he pinned Lake Normanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alex Morales in 4:22. Several Warrior wrestlers will move on to wrestling individually for shots at a state championship.

Match Results 106: Chase Kominek, LN, Forfeit 113: Conner Kominek, LN, Pinned Eric Harvey, EG, 1:42. 120: Michael Bedard, EG, Forfeit 26: Jacob Grigg, EG, pinned RJ Cloninger, LN, 1:58. 132: Kyle Greenwald, LN, Decision. Jared Bassett, EAGA, 9-5. 138: Michael Ready, LN, Technical Fall Frazier, EG, 20-4. 145: Eddie McGrail, LN, Decision. Alex Ledford, EG, 4-0.

152: Jack Reep, EG, Decision. Justin Wilson, LANO, 3-0. 160: Tyler Spurling, EG, Pinned Alex Morales, LN, 4:22. 170: Ryan Devlin, LANO, Pinned Marshall Abernethy, EG, 0:43. 182: Luke Parsons, LANO, Decision. Mark Bedard, EG, 5-1. 195: Matt Ready, LN, Technical Fall Sam McInnis, EG, 0:00 16-0. 220: Jackson Dowless, LN, Forfeit 285: Brendan Latham, LN, Pinned Jordan Wilson, EG, 1:13. Technical Fall

South Point Red Raiders

East Gaston Warriors

Bolynn raises $500 for St. Judeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Photo by John Wilson

East Gaston wrestler Mike Bedard won his match against a tough Lake Norman High opponent last week, but the Warriors lost the contest by a 49-21 margin.

Player of the Week

Erika Noblett Basketball

Tanner Muse Basketball

Photo by Alan Hodge

Emma Bolynn was the top fundraiser in the Catawba Heights Elementary Bike-a-Thon. She raised $500 for research at St. Judeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital and is seen with coordinator Christine Wingo and Assistant Principal Dr. James White.