BN_043014 by Community First Media

INSIDE...

History Comes to Life May 3-4

Obituaries................. 2A Congratulate Your Graduate! ......... 4A Comm. Challenge...... 5A Red Raiders Win ....... 8A Business................... 9A

Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville | Volume 79 • Issue 18 • Wednesday, April 30, 2014

75¢

Breaking ground! Work begins at new home of the Fighting Yank

Photo by Alan Hodge

Caleb Carpenter, 9, from Sherwood Elementary was on hand with his bag of clubs ready to pick up some pointers from the Clemson University golf team last week at O'Darcy Mountain View Golf Center.

Sticks for Kids Clemson golf team shares knowledge By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The Clemson University golf team made a stop last Wednesday at O'Darcy Mountain View Golf Center off Hickory Grove Rd. near Stanley where the players as well as coach Larry Penley shared their knowledge of the game with nearly fifty kids. The event was part of the Sticks for Kids program, a national endeavor to teach youth the ins and outs of the

game of golf. The Golf Course Builders Association of America established the GCBAA Foundation to provide the necessary tools and opportunities to allow the next generation of golfers to learn and enjoy the game. Since its establishment, the GCBAA Foundation has taken a special interest in supporting children by launching Sticks for Kids, a junior golf outreach program. The program provides clubs, bags, teaching materials,

Photo by Alan Hodge

Ground was finally broken last week in Stowe Park for the Fighting Yanks statue and pavilion. In this photo crews work while Art Shoemaker, Carlton Rouse and Adrian Miller confabulate. By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

After months of debate and delay, ground was finally broken last week in Belmont's Stowe Park where the Spirit of the Fighting Yank WWII memorial statue will be relocated from the place it has stood since 1946 on the campus of the former Belmont High School (now Belmont Middle). Early last week two backhoes were busy in the park digging footings for

the pavilion where the Fighting Yank will be placed near Main St. across from Caravan Coffee. Carlton Rouse of Rouse Builders was overseeing the progress. “The first phase will be getting the footings in,” he said. “Then we will put in rebar, pour concrete and start laying blocks.” The blocks will be faced with decorative stone and form a low wall around the perimeter of the pavilion with the statue and its granite base in

the center. Pavers will form the floor of the pavilion. Other features of the pavilion will be benches, plantings, lighting, and patriotic flags. Originally, the plan was to have the statute in place in the park in time for a Memorial Day dedication ceremony. However, bad weather this winter pushed the timetable back. “Now, it has to be done by July 4,” said Rouse. When the rededication event takes See FIGHTING YANK, 7A

Folks work together to Deteriorating Keep Belmont Beautiful See GOLFERS, 7A

Waters film finds new life By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

One of Mount Holly's most important historical artifacts smells like a pickled pig foot and that's not good for a variety of reasons. The aforementioned aroma is emanating from a can containing a 16mm film showing clips of Mount Holly life shot in 1936 by North Carolina cinematographer H. Lee Waters. The film is a slice of life type thing that shows local Mount Holly kids pedaling bikes, couples strolling the downtown area, and textile workers heading to work. The film was part of a

series Waters shot called “Movies of Local People”. He traveled throughout the southeast making movies of towns and showing them in locals theaters to make some extra cash. His “day job” was that of a photographer in Lexington, N.C. The Mount Holly film was found in some city archives by members of the Mount Holly Historical Society. When the can was opened a strong aroma of vinegar came blasting out. MHHS member Roy Vogel explained the cause of the stench. “It's called a vinegar syndrome,” he said. “The smell comes from the deterioration of the material that the film is made of.” In addition to the film that's going bad, there was another copy in a similar can but it has not yet reached the vinegar stage. According to See FILM, 7A

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews

Most everyone agrees that Belmont is a beautiful town, and there's a group of over 100 folks dedicated to keeping it that way. Known as Keep Belmont Beautiful, (KBB) the organization celebrated its thirteenth anniversary last week. KBB can trace its roots back to a time when it consisted of just five folks- Dick and Sandra Cromlish, Judy Closson, Carol Strange, and Harold Fite. Now, the group has not only grown by leaps and bounds, it has a website and an office in the Belmont Public Works building with Closson as its director. “We started in 2001 in a closet in Dick's business,” Closson said. “I used to be in a similar organization in Fort Worth, Texas and was interested in trash so we met and started KBB.” KBB is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Founded in 1953, Keep American Beautiful is a national, nonprofit (KBB is also nonprofit), public education organization dedi-

Contributed Photo

This picture gives an idea of how much trash Keep Belmont Beautiful gathered up on one of its Big Sweep campaigns. cated to protecting the natural beauty of the land and improving waste handling and management practices in communities across the country. KBB is one of over

500 of its affiliates. Closson sees KBB as an important player in putting Belmont's best face forward. “Main Street is like our town's front porch,” she

said. “When people come downtown they don't want to see trash.” KBB is active in other See KBB, 7A

Spread Some Natural Beauty. Mulch

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

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■ OBITUARIES Jenelle Gallman Retired from Page Elementary Mount Holly- Jenelle Brannon Gallman passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the Robin Johnson Hospice House on Tuesday,April 22, 2014. She w a s born on June 12, 1929 in Great Falls, SC to the late Pinckney Odell and Ione Robbins Brannon. She was preceded in death by her sister Joyce Cantey. Mrs. Gallman graduated from Great Falls High School and attended Furman University. She graduated from Kings Business College in Charlotte, NC. She began her career at WBT and continued working in various administrative positions in the Chester County and Gaston County school systems. She retired as the secretary at Page Elementary School. Until her recent illness she was an active member of Mount Holly First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed bridge, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her husband of fifty-four years Charles William Gallman, Sr.; daughter and son-in-law

Meredith and David Gaddis; son and daughter-in-law Charles and Kathy Gallman; and grandchildren Ben, Will, and Harrison Gaddis and Will and Mac Gallman; brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Joye Brannon; sister-in-law Nancy Dixon and her husband Jack; numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend and caregiver Irene Lopez. The family wishes to thank Dr. Stuart Garner and the staff of Presbyterian Pulmonary and Critical Care and the staff of Gaston Hospice and the Robin Johnson House for their compassionate care. A graveside service was conducted 2pm on Friday April 25, at Chester Memorial Gardens in Chester, SC with Reverend Dr. Jody C. Wright officiating. The family received friends from 79pm on Thursday April 24, at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Gaston Hospice, 258 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, NC; First United Methodist Church of Mount Holly NC, 140 N. Main Street, Mount Holly, NC 28120. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly served the family.

Carillon of Cramer Mountain to host Jazz and Julep event Carillon Assisted Living of Cramer Mountain will be holding a Southern themed Jazz and Juleps on the Terrace, on May 3 from 2-4pm

Sisk-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Service We offer funeral packages and we honor existing pre-need funerals.

to raise funds for Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The event will feature live jazz, mint juleps, and hors d'oeuvres on the rose terrace patio at 500 Cramer Mt. Road. Guests should dress to impress and bring the family for the event. Funds raised will help DSBG grow and expand. For more information, contact Rick Moore at 704823-0500.

704-629-2255 www.siskbutler.com Eddie Pigg, Funeral Director

Send information on events to alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Billy R. Perkins Enjoyed gardening Mount Holly- Billy Richard Perkins, 83, passed away Wednesday April 23, 2014 after a brief illness. H e w a s born in Lincoln County, son of the late Sullivan T. and Sally Esther Hovis Perkins. He was the last survivor of seven children. He attended Goshen Freewill Baptist Church. Mr. Perkins loved his kids, grandkids and family. He enjoyed raising a garden each year and loved sharing his bounty with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Iva Bass Perkins;, three children Ronald Stephen Perkins of Dallas, Richard Eugene Perkins and wife Rebecca Wagstaff Perkins of Mount Holly, Sharon Perkins Helton and husband Paul Jack Helton of Concord; five grandchildren Matthew Brian Perkins and

wife Casey Griffith Perkins, Kevin Michael Perkins, Jacquelyn Blythe Helton, Daniel Lane Helton, and Anthony Drew Helton Sr.; six great grandchildren Anthony Drew Helton Jr., Leah Elizabeth Helton, Harper Rose Helton, Logan Wells Bush, Sophie Grace Perkins, Gabriel James Perkins. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Perkins was held 3pm Saturday April 26, at the Goshen Free Will Baptist Church with Reverend Clayton Burch officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Gaston County, PO Box 3984 Gastonia NC 28054. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly served the family.

Wendell "Chet" Spruill, Jr. Deacon at Alexis Baptist Church Alexis- Wendell Chester Spruill Jr. "Chet", 71, passed away Tuesday April 22, 2014. H e w a s born in Wa s h ington County, son of the late Wendell Chester Spruill, Sr. and Mildred Mae Spruill. Mr. Spruill was a member of Alexis Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School for over 30 years, was an active deacon, and served on several committees. He was a former member of the Mount Holly Rotary Club and Stanley Lions Club. He was the owner of Spruill Chevrolet in Mount Holly for 20 years. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Helen Tripp Spruill; one son, Wendell Chester Spruill III and wife Crystal of Hickory; one daughter, Leigh

Ann Hager and husband David of Stanley; six grandchildren, Kristin Gary and husband Darik, Parker Spruill, Jacob Spruill, Zach Hager, Jade and Gwynith Brooks; one great grandchild Bennett Gary. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Spruill was held 3pm Friday, April 25, at the Alexis Baptist Church with Dr. Sandy Marks officiating. Interment followed at the church cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lincoln County, 107 North Cedar Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 or to the Gideon Bible Fund, Alexis Baptist Church, PO Box 39, Alexis, North Carolina 28006. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly served the family.

■ POLICE Apr. 21: Thomas Stover Jr., trespassing, arrested by Officer M. Stroupe, 603 Park St. Apr. 21: Gary lee McCaskill, larceny shoplifting, resist, obstruct, delay, arrested by Officer M. Elizondo, 6700 Wilkinson Blvd. Apr. 21: Crystal Michelle Dowdle, larceny shoplifting, arrested by Officer K. hall, 701 Hawley Ave. Apr. 22: David Todd martin, order for arrest, failure to appear, B&E and larceny Place of Worship, arrested by Officer R. Berry, 6507 Wilkinson Blvd. Apr. 22: Stephanie Amanda Shaw, drug violations, poss. less than ½ oz. marijuana, equipment/paraphernalia, arrested by Officer K. Wingate, 2001 Castleton Ct. Apt. C. Apr. 23: Robert Eugene Spurlock, att. to obtain property false pretense, arrested by Officer R. Cassell, 701 Hawley Ave. Apr. 24: Albert Michael

Bullock, resist, delay, obstruct, arrested by Sgt. J. Davis, 315 Drexler Ct. Apr. 24: Melissa Shawn Tittle, larceny, obtain property/money by false pretense, arrested by Officer J. Barnes, 6750 Wilkinson Blvd.

Apr.26: Megan Michelle Woods, drive after consume under 21, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, NC273/Browntown Rd. Apr. 27: Gloria Jean Hughes-Serano, DWLR, order for arrest, arrested by Officer K. Wingate, I-85

Exit 26. Apr. 27: Charles Glen Trotter III, possess/manufacture fraudulent ID, financial card forgery, failure to appear, criminal possess financial transactions.

Four charged in restaurant drug conspiracy On April 22, the Gaston County Police Department Special Investigations Unit charged four individuals following a drug conspiracy investigation that began in November 2013. According to police, the investigation centered around Smokey’s BBQ Restaurant located at 1030 Lower Dallas Highway, Dallas, and its owner/operator Donnie Allen Wooten. Police say that during the investigation an undercover agent of the Gaston County Police Department purchased in excess of 30 pounds of marijuana from in and around the BBQ restaurant. The street value of the marijuana was over $137,000.00. The restaurant is also located across the street from a child daycare center. Gaston County Police have charged Donnie Allen Wooten of 2016 Old Spencer Mtn. Road, Dallas; Michael Gene Huffman of

206 Terry Street, Dallas; and Tausha Michelle Mixon of 206 Terry Street Dallas in connection with this case. Wooten is charged with selling marijuana, deliver marijuana, manufacture marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana (3 counts), maintain a dwelling (5 counts), manufacture/sell/deliver/possess controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school (2 counts), conspire to sell (4 counts), conspire to deliver (4 counts), possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking in marijuana (5 counts), and conspiracy to traffic in marijuana. Huffman is charged with selling marijuana (6 counts), delivering marijuana (6 counts), possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana (7 counts), manufacture See FOUR CHARGED, 4A

Fellowship & Faith

BELMONT Alexander Memorial Baptist Church 208 South Main Street 704-825-3216 Brotherhood/Sisterhood Wncc. 120 Park Street 704-825-1333 Catawba Heights Baptist Church 311 Belmont Avenue 704-827-8474 Catawba Heights Wesleyan Church 101 Beaty Rd., Belmont 704-827-8381 Centerview Baptist Church 2300 Acme Road 704-827-2061 East Belmont Baptist Church 501 Catawba Street 704-825-5780 East Belmont Church Of God 320 E. Catawba Street 704- 825-8845 East Belmont Free Will Baptist 909 Edgemont Ave 704-825-5346 East Belmont Presbyterian Church 901 Catawba Street 704-825-8822 Ebenezer United Methodist Church 120 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road 704-827-3366 First Baptist Church 23 N. Central Avenue 704-825-3758 First Foursquare Gospel Church 8 Elizabeth Street 704-825-5811 First Presbyterian Church 102 S. Central Ave 704-825-3357 First Presbyterian-Belmont 112 S. Central Ave 704-829-0668

First United Methodist Church of Belmont 807 South Point Road 704-825-2106 Forest Pointe Church Meets at Stowe Family YMCA Bldg. 704-825-1709 Fresh Anointing Church of God 71 McAdenville Road 704-825-7283 Friendship Baptist Church 5008 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-3276 Full Gospel Church 106 School St 704-827-9621 Gaston Christian Church 5339 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-8252 Goshen Presbyterian Church Roper Street 704-827-6280 Grace Korean Chr. Assembly-God 124 Georgia Belle Ave 704-829-1091 Grace Wesleyan Church 6014 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-7959 Henry’s Chapel Ame Zion Church 151 Henry Chapel Rd 704-825-0711 Holy Comforter Lutheran Church 216 N. Main St. 704-825-2483 Hood Memorial Ame Zion Church 455 Sacco St. 704-825-6007 Loves Chapel Presbyterian Church 204 Lincoln St. 704-825-8342 Message of Love Church 306 Pearl Beaty Dr. 704-827-6500

Mount Moriah Baptist Church 110 Lincoln St. 704-825-2046 Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist 212 South Street 704-825-7269 New Hope Presbyterian Church 4357 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia 704-824-1697 New Life Baptist Church 201 Oak Trail 704-822-6195 New Mills Chapel Fire Baptised 104 Morning Glory Ave. 704-825-5457 North Belmont Church of God 2316 Acme Rd. 704-827-4092 O’Conner Grove Church Ame Zion 613 N. Main Street 704-825-5576 Park Street United Methodist 120 Park Street 704-825-8480 Power of the Spirit Church 118 School Street 704-827-7071

Featured Church of the Week Catawba Heights Freewill Baptist Church Queen Of The Apostles Catholic Church 503 N. Main Street 704-825-9600 South Point Baptist Church 124 Horsley Ave. 704-825-9516 South Point Freewill Baptist 297 Gaither Rd. 704-825-8045 South Point United Methodist 510 Southpoint Church Rd. 704-825-4019 Springwood Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-827-7801

St. Marks United Methodist Church 701 Secrest Ave. 704-825-8175 Stowe Memorial Baptist Church 26 Kee Rd. 704-825-5987 Unity Baptist Church 1005 Catawba St. 704-825-8730 Upper Room United Pentecostal 1405 Armstrong Ford Rd. 704-825-0604 Will of God Church 513 Woodlawn Ave. 704-827-5185

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

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Arbor Day Representatives from Belmont, Cramerton, the NC Forest Service, and Boy Scout Troop 62 gathered Saturday morning to plant a trio of Kousa dogwoods on the campus of Stuart Cramer High in honor of Arbor Day. The event was a joint operation of the Belmont and Cramerton Parks and Recreation Departments. Both Belmont and Mount Holly are part of the Tree City USA program. From left: Asher Neumann, Cramerton Mayor Ronnie Worley, Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin, NC Forest Service Ranger Henry Kunzig, Cramerton Commissioner Tammy Lawrence, and Erick Neumann. Photo by Alan Hodge

Loftin at Montcross holds grand opening Laurel Street Residential, private developer in partnership with the Belmont Abbey Benedictine Monastery, held a grand opening of the Loftin at Montcross, a mixed-income, senior living community, last Thursday. The community, located in Belmont N.C. was named to pay homage to late former Belmont Mayor, Kevin Loftin. The celebration included a dedication to the former Mayor and remarks from Mayor Charlie Martin, Senator Kathy Harrington and Bob Kucab from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. “Our aim is to utilize our property to fulfill development initiatives to benefit our local community and college,” said Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey Benedictine Monastery. “We’re so pleased to be able to provide a development that is consistent with the intent of the monastery to provide quality housing for seniors, so that they can affordably live with a healthy, connected lifestyle with dignity.” The apartment community consists of 72 one and two bedroom, mixed-income units that are housed in a mid-rise equipped with elevator access. Building amenities include a multipurpose room, exercise room, computer center, several lounge areas, management offices, a maintenance shop, covered entry and laundry facilities, along with external amenities that include raised bed garden plots, a gazebo and outdoor sitting areas. The community officially opened its doors in February to its first residents. As of the grand open-

ing event, 66 of the 72 units will be occupied with elderly singles and couples. Only 6 1-bedroom units remain at rents of $620 per month. Apartment units, which range from 670 –903 square feet, include a fully equipped kitchen, pantry, spacious closets, patios and balconies. The pet-friendly community offers convenient access to the neighboring Abbey Plaza Shopping Center along with nearby Wal-mart, Lowe’s Home Improvement and a Charlotte Area Transit System Park and Ride location. “We are excited to present Loftin at Montcross Apartments which provides seniors with fixed incomes a new home with easy access to practical amenities to enhance their overall quality of life,” said Dionne Nelson, principal of Laurel Street Residential. “We are delighted by the end result in Loftin at Montcross and are pleased to pay homage to Mayor Loftin for his contribution to the Belmont community.” All of the rental units in the new community are privately managed by property management company, S.L. Nusbaum, which is leading the leasing efforts that started in October. People who would like to receive more information can email the property manager at montcrossapts@slnusbaum.net or call toll free at 866-656-5464 to hear about move-in specials. The grand opening celebration included a dedication to the community’s namesake, former Belmont Mayor, Kevin Loftin, who was killed in a traffic accident on Feb. 22, 2012. The monastery and Laurel Street Residential chose to name

the community to honor Loftin who served as the mayor of Belmont from 1992-1997. He was a driving force in the revitalization of downtown Belmont and was always dedicated to working to improve his community. Prior to becoming mayor, Loftin worked in the textile industry for over three decades. “It’s an honor to be a part of a wonderful community event to honor Mayor Loftin,” remarked current Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin. “Kevin did great things for the city of Belmont and I am humbled to be able to pay tribute to him in this way.” The apartment community was built by MCIII as general contractor, on land that is owned by Belmont Abbey. The three-story, 79,000-square-foot building provides fixed-income seniors affordable housing based on income. WGM Design was the architect and focused on integrating key design elements that cohesively blend the development with the architectural history of Belmont and the Montcross community. Loftin at Montcross received an allocation of $615,500 in annual federal housing tax credits and a $1 million Rental Production Property (RPP) loan from the N.C. Housing Finance Agency. In exchange for the tax credit, Laurel Street Residential has agreed to maintain affordability to lower income residents for a minimum of 30 years. Bank of America Merrill Lynch has purchased the federal housing credits, providing $6.2 million in equity to the project. Bank of America Merrill Lynch also provided a $5.8 See GRAND OPENING, 4A

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WWII living history event May 3-4

â&#x2013; BRIEFS BIG BREW 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday, May 3 starting at 9am; 1500 River Dr. Suite 104, Belmont will be having a Big Brew 2014 event on. The day will feature a communal brewin where homebrewers are invited to set up their kettles, cookers, and other equipment to brew a batch of beer. A chilling station will also be set up as well as free meat cooked by Jimmy Hardin. Participants are invited to bring side dishes, desserts, drinks, lawn chairs, frisbees, yard games, and beer. Sorry, no pets. The fun will take place in the grassy, riverside area in front of Alternative Beverage. There is no charge, but donations for a charity will be accepted. Alternative Beverage will match the donations. For more information call Alternative Beverage at 704-527-2337 or 704-825-8400 or visit www.ebrew.com. Since 1988, when Congress announced the first National Homebrew Day would be acknowledged on the first Saturday in May, the American Homebrewers Association has been sanctioning an annual event called Big Brew. SPRING CONCERT AT BELMONT ABBEY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Abbey Chorus and Wind Ensemble present the end of the college year concert Sunday May 4, at 3pm in the Abbey Basilica. Sacred and secular vocal selections will include Edward Elgarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ave verum corpusâ&#x20AC;?, several settings of the Twenty-third psalm, contemporary composer Eric Whitacreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seal Lullaby and arrangements of jazz and folk songs. Several works will be familiar including Pachelbelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canon. The Chorus is directed by Abbey organist Karen Hite Jacob. Samuel Stowe directs the instrumental ensemble. There will be music for most every taste! Admission is free. Do-

nations are gladly accepted. For additional information: 704-4616813, or www.bac.edu. RECRUITING DAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Marines from Recruiting Station Gastonia are calling on the class of 2015 to come and learn more about the many opportunities of serving in the most prestigious military organization in the world. Parents, family, and educators are encouraged to attend. Food and beverages will be provided. Please RSVP by May 5th by calling Sgt Whelan at 704-689-6904, or messaging on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rssgastonia and Checking-in for the event. Event Location: George Poston Park, 1101 Lowell Spencer Mountain Rd, Gastonia, NC Event Time: 10:00am to 1:30pm. CATAWBA RIVER WOMENS GROUP â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Catawba River Women's group will have a discussion on the subject of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women in Leadershipâ&#x20AC;? on Thursday, May 8 at First United Methodist Church, 140 N. Main St., Mount Holly. The event will start at 11:30am with lunch at noon. Special guests will be Mount Holly City Council member Carolyn Breyare, FUMC Rev. Angela Pleasants, and Carolyn Helms who is owner of L&E Properties and a board member of Mount Holly Community Development Foundation. Cost is $15 per person. Register by May 5, 2014 at catawbariverwomen.org or call 704-605-2461.

Historic Latta Plantation, located on Sample Rd. off Beatties Ford Rd. near Mt. Holly, will be having a WWII living history event May 3-4. Experience the DDay invasion of France. The plantation will be transformed into a French farm and the battle that will take place each day will be a representation of what happened after the Allied forces landed on the beach and pushed inland. Meet reenactors portraying the contingents of Allied and Axis, French Partisans, demon-

strations throughout the weekend, a main battle each day, and more.

Admission is $8 per person, ages 5 and under free.

Wednesday is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cruise Inâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; night

DAYSTART TO HOST CRABB â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grammy award winning Gospel artist Jason Crabb will be singing at Daystar Family Worship center, 115 Industrial Park Dr., Lincolnton at 7pm on May 15th. Tickets are $10 with limited availability and can be obtained via the church web site www.daystarnc.com

Congratulate

The "Spy Tech Classic Car Cruise In" has started its second year. This event is held every Wednesday from 6 till 9 PM in the parking lots behind Spy Tech, Friends, Belmont General Store and South Main Cycles. Admission is free, with a DJ on deck, free $35 gift card drawing for drivers and 50 -50 drawing for spectators. Shag dancing with a DJ spinning tunes is free at the Loft during the event. All proceeds go to the Children's Hospital Via The Keystone Kops (Shriners). Contributed Photo

GRAND OPENING: celebrated for Loftin at Montcross From page 1A million construction loan to the project.

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In addition, Belmont City Council supported the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request to pay deferred water and sewer impact and development fees through property tax revenues. Laurel Street Residential will provide City of Belmont residents with preference on the wait lists for leasing. Laurel Street Residential is a leading mixed-income housing development company experienced in developing high-qual-

FOUR CHARGED: in drug conspiracy From page 2A marijuana (7 counts), maintain a dwelling (9 counts), manufacture/sell/deliver/possess controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school (4 counts), conspire to sell (4 counts), conspire to deliver (4 counts), possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking in marijuana (5 counts), and conspiracy to traffic in marijuana. Mixon is charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver (2 counts), manufacture marijuana, maintain a dwelling (2

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counts), conspire to sell, conspire to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Gaston County Police are still looking for Jessica Dannette Plummer, 2016 Old Spencer Mtn. Road, Dallas. Plummer has outstanding warrants for possession with intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance, manufacturing marijuana, maintaining a dwelling, and possession of drug paraphernalia. For more information contact Captain A. S. Mauney-Smith at 704-866-3381 or by email at smauney@gcps.org

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ity, mixed-income communities for working families and seniors throughout the Southeast. Notable current projects include The Renaissance in Charlotte and Highland Grove in Richmond. Another Laurel Street Residential development, Park Terrace in High Point, N.C., was awarded the 2013 Housing NC Award for best rental housing development by the N.C. Housing Finance Agency. Laurel Street Residential, based in Charlotte, N.C., has a current development pipeline of approximately 700 units and more than $100 million in development costs.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

CaroMont Community Challenge set for May 17 Walk, run or bike your way to better health CaroMont Health has announced the inaugural CaroMont Community Challenge that will take place on Saturday, May 17 at Forestview High School, 5545 Union Road in Gastonia. In partnership with a number of community groups in Gaston County, the run, walk or bike event aims to inspire the community to be healthier in a fun and enjoyable way. Proceeds will benefit Gaston County Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; robotics program, a school initiative that teaches students skills in science, technology and math. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Health and wellness is our mission at CaroMont,â&#x20AC;? said Doug Luckett, President and CEO. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to lead the charge in taking health and wellness to a higher level for our community through a fun, interactive and educational experience.â&#x20AC;? Poor health is no stranger to Gaston County, 79th out of 100 counties in North Carolina according to new health rankings in the 2014 County Health Risk Assessment. The growing number of obesity rates, as well as high levels of type II diabetes and other chronic disease, show thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still is a lot of work to be done to get the community healthy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taking care of your health is so important, but

we understand in order to motivate people to change behavior, you have to make it accessible, attainable, and worthwhile,â&#x20AC;? said Luckett. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to take this same philosophy out into the community.â&#x20AC;? The Community Challenge offers a one-mile fun walk, 5K, 39- and 50-mile bike rides, and familyfriendly festival all rolled into one. Regardless of anyone's activity level or interest, there is a portion of the event for everyone to enjoy. Each race will start and finish on the campus at Forestview High School. The bike rides will start the Challenge off early at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. and the one-mile fun walk at 10 a.m. To train for the Challenge, CaroMont is offering a Couch to 5K running and walking program every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Martha Rivers Park, 1515 Neal Hawkins Road in Gastonia, from now until May 10. The training programs are designed to get anyone from the couch to runningâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or walkingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a 5K in just nine weeks. While the running portion is already underway, people can join a walking session on any Saturday. To learn more about how to train for a 5K or for more

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The Banner News | banner-news.com

information about other training programs being offered, visit caromontcommunitychallenge.org. Registration fees are $20 per person or $75 for a family rate (4 or more) for the 5K and $25 for the 35 or 50mile bike race before April 15, with rates increasing thereafter. The one-mile fun walk is free to all participants and is not timed. Race registration is available online at caromontcommunitychallenge.org or can be mailed to CaroMont Community Challenge, 1700 Camden Rd., Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28203. Bike participants get a t-shirt and virtual goody bag. Cycling shirts will also be available online for purchase. The event is expected to draw a large a crowd, so volunteers are welcomed for a number of positionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; registration, water station, bike ride sweepers and more. Volunteers should register in advance online at caromontcommunitychallenge.org. Designated sponsorship opportunities are also available online. To learn more about the CaroMont Community Challenge, please visit caromontcommunitychallenge.com or the event Facebook page, www.facebook.com/events/48515067

â&#x2013; MEDITATION Christ in Me I was in the sixth grade when I first read about a man born into slavery named George Washington Carver. The oppression of othRev. Angela Pleasants ers did not limit the First United Methodist Church, plans God had for Mount Holly him. George Washington Carver said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;God tell me the mystery of the universe. But God answered, that knowledge is for me alone. So I said, God tell me the mystery of the peanut. Then God said well George thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more nearly your size.â&#x20AC;? Since then George Washington Carver went on to become an American scientist, botanist, chemist and inventor. He invented hundreds of uses from peanuts including butter, mayonnaise, and other food substitutes, dyes, paints, plastics, gasoline and much more. Who would have thought all those uses in one small peanut? Who would have thought all that knowledge from one man? For George Washington Carver it all began with prayer. Do you sometimes feel inadequate? Do you feel like you are a failure and you just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t measure up? Do not believe the lies from the enemy. Believe in

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.â&#x20AC;? Galatians 2:20 NKJV. To be crucified with Christ means our flesh nature has been put to death. Now, Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; resurrection power is worked out through us. We have a higher moral compass through Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word. We now see through the eyes of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love. The world compromises with sin and darkness. We can overcome the temptations of the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.â&#x20AC;? I John 4:4 NKJV. It is a great miracle to say Christ dwells in us. If you begin to feel inadequate just remind yourself Jesus came and suffered and died that we may be united with Him. With Him comes forgiveness, freedom, acceptance, peace, love, joy, righteousness, and blessings in the heavenly places, presence, and power. I can continue but you get the picture. Jesus changed my life and He can change yours. If you have not received Him into your heart just ask Him in and He will make His home in you.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

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FIGHTING YANK: ground finally broken on new home for statue From page 1A place, plans are for it to include plenty of speeches by dignitaries and veterans as well as patriotic music. Art Shoemaker was one of the organizers of the plan to move the Fighting Yank to Stowe Park. He and others formed a committee last year and obtained permission from Gaston County Schools and the City of Belmont to carry out the project. Funds were raised from individuals as well as businesses to help with the estimated $50,000 cost. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I walked by the park last week and saw the

backhoes finally breaking ground I was thrilled,â&#x20AC;? Shoemaker said. While the pavilion is being built, a strategy for the actual moving of the statue to Stowe Park is being finalized. Shoemaker's committee is working on that part of the project. One of the challenges will be deciding exactly what technique will be used - to hoist the statue from its base or to leave it attached and move the whole thing as one unit. What prompted Shoemaker and others to come up with the idea of moving the Fighting Yank to Stowe Park was the fact that it was

seriously vandalized in July 2011when three youths pulled the bronze soldier down and chopped off the head. After the trio was arrested, they revealed they had thrown the head in Dutchman's Creek in Mount Holly. At that point, Washington, D.C.-based Conservation Solutions, Inc. was called in and the Yank was restored and returned to his stone base in late July 2012. Cost of that episode was $30,000 which was paid for by Gaston County Schools. A few months later, a replica of the Yank's submachine gun, which had been stolen

GOLFERS: from Clemson Univ. share knowledge at Sticks for Kids From page 1A marketing materials, and instructors for participating courses. Children age 5-18 are taught the fundamentals of the game as well as life lessons such as etiquette, integrity, sportsmanship, safety, and respect for themselves and others. Last week's program was also made possible by a Gaston County Parks and Recreation grant. Pat Cowell, who co-owns Mountain View with his brother Rich, hosted the players and kids. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it's great they came here,â&#x20AC;? Pat said. As the Clemson team members worked with the kids offering pointers and demonstrating proper driving and chipping technique, Penley looked on and gave words of encouragement and advice as well. He is not only the Clemson golf team coach, he's also a member of the Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame and a graduate of North Gaston High. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This event allows the players a chance to give lessons to and interact with the kids,â&#x20AC;?

he said. The Clemson contingent had stopped by Mountain View on its way to New London to take part in the ACC championship at Old North State Golf Club. Clemson is seeded fifth in the tourney. Penley's cousin, Hal White, also happens to be the Gaston County Parks and Recreation director. He was at Mountain View busily signing up participants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had forty-eight kids signed up to take part,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was even a waiting list. Any time an ACC school comes in and gives back to the game of golf the way these players have with the kids it is a great opportunity.â&#x20AC;? One of the kids that showed up was Caleb Carpenter, 9, who attends Sherwood Elementary. Caleb was decked on in snazzy sunglasses, white shorts, Adidas hat, and a Clemson orange shirt. He had a bag of clubs slung over his shoulder and looked ready for some golfing action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The players from Clemson are teaching us things like how to swing better and improve our stance,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it's a pretty cool thing.â&#x20AC;?

aspects of trash pickup. One of its biggest projects is the annual Big Sweep that takes place in October and sees dozens of volunteers fan out across the Belmont area gleaning trash of every sort. Big Sweep has seen some pretty interesting finds in recent years ranging from an old safe on the banks of the Catawba River to tires to $100 that was laying on the side of the road near Belmont Abbey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We gave the money to KBB,â&#x20AC;? Closson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need money.â&#x20AC;? Currently, KBB gets an office space from the City of Belmont but no funds. At a recent city council meeting Closson went before the panel and inquired if the municipality might start helping out in that regard. She gets no salary for her job as director. Even though it operates on a shoestring, KBB

pitched in a few years back and raised funds for the planting of pansies in downtown Belmont. In April, City Pride Day also sees KBB vols out and about sprucing up the area. Another KBB initiative is the Yard of the Month. This gives several home and business owners the opportunity to showcase the hard work they've put into their landscapes. The contest takes place in March, April, May, and June. Yet another KBB program is the Clean Campus contest where local elementary schools vie for the cleanest landscape with the winner getting the honor of placing a sign out front until the end of the school year. A recent KBB involvement was with the planting of the Angel Oak tree on the campus of Holy Angels. The sapling is a direct descendant of the ancient Angel Oak in Charleston. For more information on

How the statue came to be placed on the school campus is an interesting story in itself and goes back to 1946 when the Belmont Jaycees and others purchased the sculpture as a memorial to local folks who served in WWII. Originally, the idea was to place it in the middle of the road in front of what is now City Hall. However, fears of someone hitting it with their vehicle caused a rethink. Since Belmont High was fairly new

FILM: of Mount Holly found deteriorating in can to be restored at Duke University

Keep Belmont Beautiful, including programs and volunteer opportunities, visit www.keepbelmontbeautiful.org or call Closson at 704-825-8587. Shirts and hats with KBB logo are available at Belmont General Store and the Surprise Me shop.

Vogel, a DVD had also been made of the film by MHHS members Richard and Melissa Thompson, but the question remained what to do with the one that smelled. That's where the MHHS and the Mount Holly city council came together. Technically, the film belongs to the City Of Mount Holly, so Vogel went before the council recently with a plan. He asked council for permission to send the deteriorating film to Duke University's Rubenstein Library where it could be restored to its former black and white, silent glory. A non-compressed DVD will also be made. The council gave the idea a green light. Vogel says the plan is to take the film to Duke sometime in May. He estimates restoration will cost $10,000 and take a year to complete. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Duke can restore the film cell by cell,â&#x20AC;? said Vogel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We don't have the know how or money to do it.â&#x20AC;? In exchange for fixing the film, it will remain at Duke where it will join other flicks in the series made by Waters. The DVD can be seen at the MHHS museum on Main Street.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Mount Holly Historical Society archives overseer Roy Vogel is seen with the 1936 films that will be sent to Duke University's Rubenstein Library for restoration. The plan is to send the films to Duke in May.

Thanks for re ading the Banner News!

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TOM KEIGHER TUESDAY, MAY 6TH A FISCAL CONSERVATIVE FOR

G ASTON C OUNTY B OARD â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

The county added almost two thousand new jobs and over $200 million in new manufacturing during Tomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two years as chairman.

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â&#x2DC;&#x2026; â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

Tom has been accountable and has held county workers and department accountable. He has served Gaston County for nearly sixteen years as commissioner and has been a leader in economic development. Tom also serves our county as a member of the department of Health and Human Services, Gaston College Board of Trustees, Gaston County Parks & Recreation Board, Board Member of the Gaston

C OMMISSIONERS

County Museum of Art & History, The Council on Aging, and the NCACC Health and Human Services Steering Committee.

â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Has worked to find state and federal grant funding for a county senior center and will continue so we can build more facilities for our seniors.

â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Encourage the school district to get more funding

into the classrooms so teachers have what they need at all schools.

â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

The County Commissioners have either lowered or kept the property tax rate level for 12 of the past 13 years.

â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Continue to cut spending and use LOGIC

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and a prominent landmark in town, the idea was hatched to place it there and with the school board's blessing, that's what happened. The Fighting Yank is unique. It's one of just five similar statues in the U.S. and was crafted by Ernest Viquesney in 1943. The other copies are located in Chicago, Bloomington, Ind., Port Huron, Mich., and Oil City, Pa.

From page 1A

KBB: celebrates 13 years of folks working together for their community From page 1A

years ago, was crafted by the same company and put in place under his arm. Another factor Shoemaker cited for the drive to move the Yank was exposure- or rather a lack of it. He and committee members felt that the statue would be better seen and appreciated at the park. It would also be easier to keep an eye on the bronze fighter, literally and also with security cameras, and so hopefully avoid any more vandalism events.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;RE-ELECT A PUBLIC SERVANT, NOT ANOTHER ELECTED OFFICIALâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Dependable â&#x20AC;˘ Accountable â&#x20AC;˘ Hard Working â&#x20AC;˘ Accessible How many elected folks do your know that publish their phone numbers in the newspaper?

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TOM KEIGHER (H) 704-864-2797 (C) 704-718-8747 Paid Political Advertisement. Paid for and Approved by the Committee to Elect Tom Keigher, County Commissioner

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

â&#x2013; SPORTS

Photos by John Wilson

A North Gaston runner sneaks back to 1st base before North Gaston's Tyler Hannifin can make the tag. East Gaston played East Gaston in the Gaston County Baseball Tournament held at Sims Legion Park in Gastonia.

Coach Randy Sellers goes over the East Gaston lineup with his team just prior to taking the field at the Gaston County Baseball Tournament.

East Gaston makes noise in Gaston tournament By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com

The East Gaston Warriors had a heck of a run in the Gaston County tournament. East Gaston played well throughout the tournament and secured a shot at

the third place game. The Warriors lost to North Gaston 6-0 but that didn't take away from what they had accomplished. Early on in the tournament the Warriors were turning heads. The East Gaston squad started out very strong. They won their first two

games, including a come from behind 7-6 game over Ashbrook. And then things started to fizzle. In the last two games the Warriors would face a daunting task. They went up against teams that would eventually place second and third in the tournament. Those teams,

Red Raiders take Gaston tourney By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com

Last week South Point took on all comers and took home another Gaston County Baseball Tournament championship. Going into the game, South Point had won the Gaston County tournament two of the last four years. In this year's title game the Red Raiders took on a tough Highland Tech Rams team. The Rams earned some tough wins to make it to the big game. Before the game the Highland players were in the bleachers watching the North Gaston vs East Gaston game. As they talked to each other they had a relaxed air of confidence about them. They were excited. They appeared ready with each other about the upcoming game against South Point. But as things turned out the Rams would need more than confidence to beat the Red Raiders. South Point beat Highland Tech 12-6 at Sims Legion Park in Gastonia. The Red Raiders came out of the gate fast. They took advantage of Highland miscues. The score was 6-0 at the bottom of the 1st inning. The mistakes really did the Rams in. Highland Tech

was riddled with errors. Including three in the first inning alone. They also walked five batters in the first inning as well. In the end the Rams just couldn't match the Red Raiders' firepower. South Point coach Jason Lineberger was pleased with his team's effort. "I felt like going into the game we were starting to play better," he said. "That carried through to the tournament." Throughout the tournament the Red Raiders played well. But two players did exceptionally well. "Tanner Muse was the tournament MVP," Lineberger said. Muse went 3-for-5 with a double, two runs and two RBIs in the Highland game. Muse was also 9-for-15 in his four tournament games. He slammed out 10 RBIs, seven runs, four doubles and a homer. Another player that did well was senior Dan Johnson. "Dan did a number of things well," Lineberger said. "He pitched well, and he played well at the plate." Despite the play of Muse and Johnson, Lineberger stressed that the team as a whole were the real stars. "Overall this was more of

Stuart Cramer Storm

a team effort," Lineberger said. "We had enough players each game who stepped up and carried it." South Point (16-4) is now going to focus on taking home the Big South Championship. Their next game will be a face-off against Lake Norman.

Highland and North Gaston both had exceptional outings. Highland in particular played beyond expectations. "The last two games we faced two good pitchers,â&#x20AC;? East Gaston coach Sellers said. He believes his team represented themselves well.

"We finished up 2-2," he said. Two Warriors played well enough to earn themselves honors. Matthew Fletcher and Tyler Price made the all tournament team. The Warriors will head back to Choctaw Field and prepare for a run at a playoff spot.

Farmer, Geraghty honored

GC softball Gaston Christian softball defeated First AssemblyConcord in their match last week by a score of 9-0. The Gaston Christian offense was led by Faith Wilson (2-4, double, 3 RBIs), Gabbi Wilson (2-2, triple, RBI), and Alanna Freeman (double). Madison Ramsey pitched a one-hitter with 13 strike outs for the win. In another game, Metrolina topped Gaston Christian 13-12. Gaston Christian's offense was led by Alanna Freeman (4-4, home run, 2 RBIs), Carley Price (2-3, double), Tiffany Cobb (home run, 2 RBIs), Lauren Adams (2 hits, 1 RBI), and Madison Ramsey (2 hits). Madison Ramsey had the loss despite seven strikeouts. The Lady Eagles played Monday in the MAC tournament at home. Their record is now 8-4 conference and 98 overall.

Gaston Day School has announced that the following students earned national recognition in the 2014 scholastic art and writing awards: Mason Farmer for writing and Robert Ger-

Health Fair Information on health and wellness, nutrition, and other lifestyle improvement programs will be provided for the community at the Gaston College Annual Health Fair on Thursday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Myers Center Breezeway, Dallas Campus. This event is free and open to the public. For information, call 704.922.2257

South Point Red Raiders Player of the Week

Player of the Week

aghty for art. These students have been identified by panels of creative professionals as the most talented young artist and writers in the nation. This year, almost 255,000 works of art and writing were submitted. Only the top 1% were recognized at the national level. These students have been invited to attend a national

ceremony at the world-famous Carnegie Hall on Friday , June 6. The national ceremony at Carnegie Hall will also be webcast live at 6pm EDT. Learn more at www.artandwriting.org. Since 1923, the awards have recognized creative teenagers from across the country. Students receiving a scholastic medal join an impressive legacy.

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