INSIDE... Obituaries ........................ 2A Three Arrested in Stanley.. 4A Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville | Volume 79 • Issue 22 • Wednesday, May 28, 2014
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Business .......................... 5A Lady Wildcats Champs! .... 6A School News..................... 7A
2014-15 Budgets City of Mount Holly By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The Mount Holly city council sat down last week with city manager Danny Jackson, assistant city manager Jamie Guffey, and several department heads to discuss the FY2014-2015 budget. The talks were on budget proposals and no decisions were made regarding final figures. After council has had time to digest the proposed budget and make any adjustments to it, a public hearing on the budget will be held at the council's June 9 regular monthly meeting.
The overall FY20142015 proposed budget increased 1.3 percent from $15,398,075 last year to this year's figure of $15,595,000- a $196,925 hike. The General Fund had a 2.3 percent decrease- a reduction of $217.175. On the other hand, the Utility Fund went up 7.3 percent$388,700. One bit of good news is that this year, Mount Holly will not be sending a check to the Whitewater Center, as the city has completed its contractual obligations in that regard. Guffey explained that See BUDGETS, 9A
Photo by Alan Hodge
Belmont's Memorial Day event took place at Greenwood Cemetery. Dignitaries saluting the flag included Post 144 member Larry Norwood, Mayor Charlie Martin, Park St. UMC Pastor Gary Richardson, Fred Dixon, and former Belmont mayor Billy Joye.
Remembering their sacrifice By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Belmont held its annual Memorial Day event Sunday at Greenwood Cemetery under sunny skies and in the midst of American flags placed on the graves of veterans there. Many of the crowd that attended wore red, white,
By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The City of Belmont has crafted its proposed FY2014-2015 budget. City Manager Barry Webb says it looks like a good one. “Although we are still early into the process with the Council, I think overall things are looking well with no major stumbling blocks at this point,” Webb said. “We are looking to proceed with our riverfront park project this next budget year
as well as taking on some additional capital projects in our utility operations. Operating budgets, are essentially the same as for the current budget. No proposed change in the tax rate.” General Fund revenues are listed with a 4.62 percent increase over FY2013-2014 at $8,823,250. The proposed budget is based on the current tax rate of 47.5 cents per $100 of valuation. Total estimated valuation topped the billion dollar level at $1,141,000,000. There was See BUDGETS, 9A
Contract approved with Freightliner By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Workers at Mount Holly's biggest employer, Freightliner, have approved a new, four year labor contract with Daimler Trucks North America. Over 80 percent of employees voted yes to the deal. The new agreement will become effective once its approved by the Daimler Supervisory Board. The contract, negotiated by the United Auto Workers will include workers at Freightliner facilities in Mount Holly, Gastonia, and
Cleveland, NC. It includes a $7,000 ratification bonus, as well as a three percent pay hike for the first and third years of the contract, a three percent lump-sum bonus in the second and fourth years, a night shift bonus, and an attendance bonus. The contract also takes retirees into account including a Voluntary Employee Benefit Association that was set up by the UAW and Daimler Trucks designed to assure retiree benefits for the future. Current retirees will be allowed to take part in the program and Daimler will chip in additional funding for it. The program is subject to court approval. Daimler has 5,200 workers in the Charlotte Metro area. The truck manufacturer, which is part of Germany-based Daimler AG, is headquartered in Portland, Ore.
Charlie Martin reminded the crowd that “Memorial Day is a a time that brings people into contemplative thought for those who fought for us”. Guest speaker Gary Richardson, pastor at Park St. UMC, referenced Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. “This could have been said about all See MEMORIAL DAY, 8A
Duke Energy ‘Coal ash will be removed’ By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
City of Belmont
and blue. The ceremony was sponsored by American Legion Post 144. Former Belmont mayor Billy Joye spoke and reminded those in attendance that many soldiers had given the ultimate sacrifice so that they could assemble and didn't have to “run to a commissar” to ask permission. Current mayor
The Duke Energy coal ash storage controversy train keeps chugging along with several new developments. Last week, Duke Energy officials met with concerned citizens at Cook's Presbyterian Church near Mt. Holly to discuss what plans the utility has for removing the 4 million tons of coal ash stored at the now-closed Mt. Island Steam Station. During the meeting, citizens were able to voice ideas and concerns over coal ash storage. Duke folks also briefed the attendees on how coal is used to make electricity and how the firm manages the coal ash by-product. “I'm glad people gave their input,” said Duke spokesperson Lisa Hoffman. “We will take their suggestions back to our team.” Earlier in the day, Duke officials gave a presentation at Mt. Island Steam Station where they repeated the company's intent to remove
the coal ash there, but when, by what method, and where it will be taken is still up in the air. “We're going to excavate it one way or another,” Hoffman said at the site. Mt. Island Lake is the source of drinking water for
800,000 people in Mt. Holly, Charlotte, and Gastonia. The coal ash ponds there are near the lake shore. One idea that was briefly floated in early April would have seen the Mt. Island coal ash moved to CharlotteDouglas International Air-
port to be used as landfill. Estimates were that would take 160,000 truckloads on a route down NC16. That idea fizzled a few weeks later when airport officials said “thanks but no thanks”. Since then, a group See DUKE ENERGY, 4A
Riverbend Steam Station near Mount Holly has been closed since April 2013 but coal ash is still stored there near the shore of Mountain Island Lake.
Council considers sites for new parks By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The Mount Holly city council's most recent meeting delved into a diverse variety of subjects including conversation on much-needed parks. The parks project parlay looked at two sites dubbed Jack's Place and Glendale Park. The potential Glendale Park property is about 2.5 acres at the corner of W. Glendale Ave. and S. Hawthorne St. The other proposed property called Jack's Place is about 14 acres on the Catawba River near National Gypsum on Drywall Dr. The city had hired Charlotte-based Site Solutions to do a study of the two situations and company rep Derek Williams presented the council with his report. “The planning study for the Glendale site provides a site assessment that
confirms the site could be developed as a neighborhood or mini park,” Williams said. “The concept drawing we developed for the park is not meant to be a park plan, but simply an image showing how some of the recreational activities we discussed could be arranged on the property. The document on Jack’s Place is simply a report of our findings on natural and manmade site features that would impact development. This report will be helpful for any future development of the site; even if the scope of development is very limited based on issues with the railroad crossing.” Regarding the Glendale site, councilman Jason Gowens came up with the interesting suggestion that if it moved forward and the city bought the property, it might be a good location for a park for children with special needs. Making a park at Jack's Place is complicated by railroad tracks at the
property access. The Site Solutions report summed it up like this: “Drywall Drive crosses an active CSX Railroad right-of-way 260’ in width according to the property plat. Currently this crossingis an unsignalized gravel drive crossing. Improvements to the existing railroad crossing will be needed if the City is to use this site as a public park. From conversations with the City Attorney Kemp Michael, no permanent permit or easement has been secured to cross this right of way for recreational purposes. If the City intends to develop Jack’s Place for public recreational purposes, a property agreement and construction right of entry agreement will need to be executed with the railroad prior to any improvements to the park site and for the existing park access drive crossing the rail right of way.” The railroad crossing situation has See PARKS, 4A
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â– OBITUARIES Billie Kaye Acker Loving wife and mother HEBRON, KY- Billie Kaye Traywick Acker passed on May 19, 2014 of natural causes at the age of 78. She was living in Hebron, Kentucky. She was born in Belmont, North Carolina on October 25, 1935, the daughter of Howard Franklin Traywick, Sr. and F a y e Edith Austin Traywick. She attended B e l mont schools and later moved to Dallas, Texas after marrying in 1954.
Harold “Hal� J. Hoover Army Air Corps veteran KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC - Harold “Hal� J. Hoover of Kill Devil Hills, NC passed away on May 20, 2014. He was 88. He was the son of Giles and Eliza Hoover. He is survived by his long time companion, Jane Huffman, and his three children Ann (Mike) Shenigo, Gale Hoover, and John (Chris) Hoover; six grandchildren Amanda (Tommy) Bottomly, Michael Shenigo, Laura Hoover, K e r i Hoover, Jamie Hoover, Samantha Ard; t w o great-grandchildren Sophia and Jacob Bottomly. He is also survived by his sister, Delores Toomey. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings, Frank Hoover, Wayne Hoover, Erskine Hoover, Ralph
She is survived by her husband Kenneth Zane Acker; one daughter Lisa Acker Blair and son-in-law Randal Charles Blair; two grandchildren William Charles Blair and Elizabeth Kaye Blair; one great grandson Micah Andrew Duzan, all of Hebron, Kentucky. She is also survived by two brothers Terry Traywick of Fredericksburg, Virginia and Howard Franklin Traywick, Jr. of Belmont; three sisters Dorothy Mauldin of Cornelius, Lyda Rudisill of Belmont, and Nancy Eller of Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews. She also had a best friend/sister Lavonne Senn in Texas. Billie is to be cremated and her family will carry out her final wishes.
Hoover, and Blondina Martin. A native of Belmont, NC, he joined the Army Air Corps during World War II and trained as a bombardier. After the war, he studied art in Florida and completed his studies at the Corcoran School of Art and joined The Washington Post News Art department. He lived and raised his three children in D.C. and Arlington. In 1985, he retired from The Post after 33 years and he returned to NC, to the Outer Banks home he had built in Kill Devil Hills. He could build or fix anything, and would drop his own projects to help others with theirs. Mr. Hoover especially liked painting coastal scenes, though friends and family valued his portraits as well. He was an avid golfer in his years at the Post and in retirement fished enthusiastically. Though a quiet man, he enjoyed inviting the whole neighborhood to his home for his summer “pig pickin’s.�
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Joseph Carstarphen U.S. Army veteran MCADENVILLE – Mr. Joseph Martin “Bip� Carstarphen III, 81, of McAdenville, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. He was a beloved h u s band, f a t h e r, grandfather and dear friend to many. Mr. Carstarphen, the son of Joseph M. Jr. and Marian Grey Carstarphen, was born December 21, 1932 in Tarboro, North Carolina. He attended Augusta Military Academy, The University of North Carolina and served in the U.S. Army. He joined Pharr Yarns in 1956 and rose through several responsible positions before being named CEO and Chairman of the Board in 1981. He was also Chairman of Pharr International, Geneva, Switzerland and Veenendaal, Holland. In addition to his textile duties, he served as president of two real estate firms: Belmont Land and Development and Strand Development Corporation. He served as director on a number of textile companies, was on the Board of Advisory of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and was a board member of the former Wachovia Corporation Southern Region, the North Carolina Manufacturers Association, the North Carolina Foundation of Research & Education, Inc., the Gaston County Economic Development Commission and the Community Foundation of Gaston County. He was a past board member of Carolina Freight Corporation, Gaston Memorial Hospital, the American Yarn Spinners Association and past president of the American Yarn Spinners Association. Mr. Carstarphen also served on the Board of Visitors and the Board of Trustees of UNC-Chapel Hill, Queens College and Belmont Abbey College. In 2004, Mr. Carstarphen was the recipient of the
Spirit of the Carolinas award and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In 2008, he and his wife, Catherine Ann, were co-recipients of the Grace Award bestowed by Belmont Abbey College and in 2009, they received the Allen H. Sims Award presented by the Community Foundation of Gaston County. The Gaston Gazette named Mr. Carstarphen its Man of the Year in 2009. He was a member of The Charlotte Country Club, The Gaston Country Club and Grandfather Golf and Country Club. Also, he was a member of The Corstorphine Trust in Edinburgh, Scotland. Mr. Carstarphen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Belmont where he had served as deacon and elder. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Catherine Ann Pharr Carstarphen; one daughter, Catherine S. P. Carstarphen of McAdenville; two sons, J. Martin Carstarphen IV of Charlotte and William J. P. Carstarphen and wife Carol of Belmont; three granddaughters: Alexandra and Isabel Carstarphen and Catherine Henderson; three grandsons: William, Ben and John Carstarphen; one brother: William B. Carstarphen and wife Mattie of Tarboro, NC. In addition, his steadfast friend, Will McKinney. The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Charles Meakin, Dr. James McGrath, Dr. Magan, Dr. John Carson, Chaplain Wayne Marshall and nurse, Ronnie Pittman, as well as all the nursing staff of CaroMont Regional Medical Center for their loving care and compassion. A service to celebrate Bip’s life was held at 11am, Friday, May 23, at First Presbyterian Church of Belmont with Reverend Samuel P. Warner officiating. Interment followed in Greenwood Cemetery. The family received friends Thursday, May 22, at First Presbyterian Church of Belmont. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Belmont, PO Box 1, Belmont, NC 28012 or to Calvary Episcopal Church, PO Box
Eddie Pigg, Funeral Director
1245, Tarboro, NC 27886. Condolences may be sent online by visiting ww.mcleanfuneral.com McLean Funeral Direc-
tors of Belmont served the Carstarphen Family.
Katherine Walker Jackson Loving mother and grandmother
and wife Brooke all of Gastonia; two brothers Michael Walker of Stanley and Johnny Walker of Dallas; two sisters Martha Hegler of Denver and Tina Luther of Mooresville; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Jackson was held 2pm Tuesday May 27, at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly with Reverend John Mayberry officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC served the family.
MOUNT HOLLYKatherine Walker Jackson, 61, of 123 Spratt Drive, passed away Friday May 23, 2014. She was born in Mecklenburg County, daughter of the late Avery and Beatrice Holland Walker. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Douglas Jackson and a brother Allen Walker. She was a member and leader of the OKRA group at Stowe YMCA. She is survived by her fiancÊ William McQueen of Mount Holly; two children Angela Calebro and fiancÊ Scott Crager and Sabin Free John Hawkins GASTONIA – John Alexander Hawkins, 77, passed away May 23, 2014 at his residence. He was native of Gaston County, born, November 18, 1936 to the late Vernon and
McLean Funeral Home
Ruth McCall Hawkins. A funeral service was held 11:00 am Monday May 26, at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home Rev. Mike Criswell officiating. Interment followed the service at Evergreen Cemetery in Belmont, NC.
Cramerton FD receives grant The Cramerton Fire Department received notification May 15 that it has been awarded a grant in the amount of $29,856.00 for firefighting equipment. This grant funding will allow the fire department to replace equipment that is nearing the end of its life cycle and allow the purchase of new personal protective equipment for firefighters. These funds will aid in efforts to protect firefighters while also enhancing the overall capabilities of the department. This is the third consecutive year that the Cramerton Fire Department has received grant funding from the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal. “The Cramerton Fire Department is appreciative of the continued support of the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal. This grant will directly benefit Cramerton’s firefighters and the citizens they serve,� said Fire Chief Lance Foulk.
Call for Stories/Photographs The Gaston County Museum of Art and History is seeking stories, photographs, and artifacts for an upcoming exhibit on the history of Gaston Memorial Hospital. For more information please contact Stephanie Elliott at 704-9227681 x.104 or stephanie.elliott@gastongov.com.
Fellowship & Faith
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Featured Church of the Week Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard + $ &%)*" ) * %" +( 503 N. Main Street 704-825-9600 %+* % $* &* )* +( 124 Horsley Ave. 704-825-9516 %+* % $* ( - "" &* )* 297 Gaither Rd. 704-825-8045 %+* % $* $ * * % )* 510 Southpoint Church Rd. 704-825-4019 &( $ -%% ( - "" &* )* 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-827-7801
* (!) $ * * % )* +( 701 Secrest Ave. 704-825-8175 *%- #%( " &* )* +( 26 Kee Rd. 704-825-5987 $ */ &* )* +( 1005 Catawba St. 704-825-8730 && ( %%# $ * $* %)* " 1405 Armstrong Ford Rd. 704-825-0604 "" % % +( 513 Woodlawn Ave. 704-827-5185
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Three arrested in Stanley on theft charges Lincoln County Sheriff’s detectives have recovered stolen tools, equipment and electronic items taken mostly from Mecklenburg County. According to the Lincoln Co. Sheriff, officers went to a residence in the 2400 block of Ridgecrest Drive in Stanley last week where one person was arrested and two others fled the scene. At the residence detectives located the stolen goods valued at approximately $15,000. The items were seized by officers who are in the process of identifying the stolen goods and trying to locate the owners. During the investigation detectives developed three suspects who were charged in connection with three Lincoln County thefts. The thefts included $1,950 worth of equipment from an enclosed trailer at 1889 North Business NC 16 Highway, the theft of a debit
c a r d from a residence in the 400 block of North Pilot Knob Honaker Road and the pawning of a piece of equipment stolen from a Charlotte man. The three people charged locally on May 19, 2014 are: Christopher Miles Honaker, 32, of 2451 Ridgecrest Drive, Stanley, NC, charged with two felony counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretense and two misdemeanor counts of Possession of Stolen Goods. He is also charged with one felony count each of Breaking and Entering a Building, Larceny after Breaking and Entering, Conspiracy, Breaking and Entering a Trailer, Larceny, and Possession of
Gaston Museum event The Gaston Museum in Dallas will have a Terrific Toddler Tuesday event entitled “Make Art with Shapes� on Tuesday, June 10th from1011am. Cost is $2 per Participating Child. In this program children will explore the museum's newest art exhibit Colors Found in Nature: Artwork by Nancy Nieves and see how the artist used different shapes to make her beautiful works of art. Then everyone will gather together and make their own unique pieces of art to take home. Parental supervision is required. GCM Museum Members are free.
Stolen Goods. He was placed in the Harven A . Crouse DetenDriver t i o n Center under a $150,000 secured
b o n d and is on a hold for Mecklenburg County; Darrell L e e Stone Driver, 2 8 , 6779 Campground Road,
Denver, NC, charged with one felony count each of Breaking and Entering a Trailer, Larceny, Possession of Stolen Goods, Identity Theft, and Obtaining Property by False Pretenses. He is in jail under a $30,000 secured bond; George Allen Stone, Jr., 23, 5985 Nora Drive, Iron Station, NC, charged with one felony
count each of Breaking and Entering a Trailer, Larceny, and Possession of Stolen Goods. He was released after posting bond. Detectives F. Runyon, G. Hager and T. Laverde along with Charlie District deputies are conducting the on-going investigation.
PARKS: potential sites being eyed for City of MH From page 1A derailed Jack's Place for now. “In regard to where we are with Jack’s Place,� Mount Holly city manager Danny Jackson said. “I would say that the project is on hold until further review.� The council did not take any action at its meeting regarding obtaining either the Jack's Place or Glendale properties but is continuing to study the situation.
Contributed graphics
At right: This aerial photo shows the spot that Mount Holly officials considered for a new park. However, access to the area is complicated by CXS railroad tracks so the project is on hold for now.
DUKE ENERGY: ĘťCoal ash will be removedĘź From page 1A called We Love Mountain Island Lake has suggested that the coal ash be removed by rail to a location away from the water and placed in a lined pit. According to Hoffman, no timetable for removing the coal ash from Mt. Island Steam Station has been set. Even after all the details are worked out the job could take several years. The coal ash controversy has gained attention in Raleigh. The NC General Assembly reconvened two weeks ago and coal ash is on the legislative menu. In addition to concerns over Mt. Island Steam Station, the coal ash spill at Duke Energy's Dan River location this past winter also raised eyebrows among lawmakers. There are 14coal-fired steam stations in North Carolina with 33 ash ponds. Several ideas for dealing with coal ash will likely be discussed by the legislature. One would make Duke Energy remove the ash from all 33 ponds and move it to lined and dry storage away from water sources. Duke would also be prevented from passing costs associated with the job on to customers. Gov. Pat McCrory (a former Duke Energy employee) has a 16-page plan that would give the state more power where coal ash disposal is concerned. Some ash ponds would be closed but not all, depending on a case by case basis. McCrory's plan was the first bill introduced when the legislature went back to work on May 13. A third plan would set
deadlines for removal and safe storage for the five most critical ash ponds. Details about which ones those are continue to be nailed down. But back to who would pay for coal ash pond rehabilitation. One figure that's been mentioned to do the job is a bill of $10 billion. Another Duke Energy spokesperson, Erin Culbert, addressed that number. “The $10 billion price tag is a scenario that assumes costs that we don’t believe are necessary; rather, the company supports a prudent, environmentally sound and cost-effective solution that addresses both active and retired sites,� Culbert said. “We believe basin closure decisions should be informed by site-specific engineering, which would reduce costs and still protect groundwater. Legislators and other stakeholders were interested to understand more about what the potential costs would be if we moved to a completely dry ash handling system at all our N.C. plants and excavated and relocated all the ash in basins at our 14 plant sites.� There's also been mention of Duke Energy customers having 20 percent added to their monthly bill to help the company pay for ash pond cleanup. An article in the Raleigh News and Observed quoted James McLawhorn, director for the electric division of the Public Staff, the agency that represents the public in utility rate cases, as saying “We're talking about a substantial dollars per month increase. It scared me when I heard it, I know that.�
Should the City of Mount Holly purchase this lot to build a park, one suggestion is that it provide facilities for special needs children.
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■BUSINESS Meet MH Community Foundation members Brooke Lopez – Brooke Shepherd Lopez is in her second year as a Director with the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation. Brooke is a Mount Holly native. After her high school graduation, she left to go to Wake Forest University where she received her BA in Political Science, followed by entering Law at UNC Chapel Hill. In 2007, Brooke came back to Mount Holly to practice law at Michael, Lopez & Anders, PLLC. "When I came home, I saw the positive changes in the community and wanted to be a part of it." Brooke joined the Rotary Club in 2007 and has held various positions including President. Brooke enjoys community service and policy development. David Hamrick – David Hamrick is in his third year as a Director with the Mount Holly Community D e v e l o p m e n t Foundation. David moved to Mount Holly as a youth and graduated in 1971 from Mount Holly High School. David published Gaston Alive, a monthly magazine chock full of interesting articles about the people that call Gaston County home, from 2003 to 2013. Today, he works
for The Red Cross and continues to share his passion of helping others. David is married to Linda Waite Hamrick and together they have four children and four grandchildren. David loves music and is our Stage Manager for the Mount Holly Art & Music Festival. He also enjoys photography, reading and playing his guitar every chance he gets. When asked why he is on the Board, David exclaimed, " I am on the Board because I am excited about Mount Holly, its potential and future." Sue Camacho – Sue Camacho is in her 4th year as a Director of the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation. Hailing from Massachusetts, Sue is the owner of Time Flies Country Store on North Main Street, which was named "Business of the Y e a r , 2013." Sue is very active in the community holdi n g several positions on local boards here in Mount Holly. Sue graduated from Northeastern University in 1981 with a B.S. in Therapeutic
Recreation/Community Nonprofits. Sue enjoys community service, grant writing, fundraising, public relations, and special events. She is also a Special Olympics International Coach. Carolyn Helms – The Mount Holly Community Development Foundation welcomes Carolyn Helms to the Board of Directors this year. In 2 0 0 2 , Carolyn moved to Mount H o l l y from Charlotte and brought along with her a successful business. In November 2004, L&E Properties opened their offices at 551 Highland Street. Carolyn has been an entrepreneur most of her adult life, owning businesses from a restaurant to a successful daycare to property management and real estate sales. Carolyn met her husband, James Sears, through her business and has been blissfully married for one year now. Between them, they have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Carolyn loves the water and is drawn to it, going to the beach as much as possible with the whole family. Carolyn is very enthusiast and passionate about Mount Holly and has graciously agreed to be the Chair of the Membership Committee.
CaroMont Board wants to amend agreement On Monday evening, during a scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors of CaroMont Health, members of the Board unanimously voted to offer a proposal to amend the lease agreement with Gaston County. This proposed amendment defines financial contributions that CaroMont Health will make to Gaston County to continue to lease the building and land that houses CaroMont Regional Medical Center. Sheila S. Reilly, Ph.D., Chair of the CaroMont Health Board of Directors, submitted the official offer to Tracy Philbeck, Chairman of the Gaston County Board of Commissioners, early Tuesday morning. The proposed amendment includes a significant increase in yearly financial contributions to the County, as well as other commitments that support health services and economic development initiatives in Gaston County. According to the proposed amendment, CaroMont Health will make the
following payments and provide the following benefits to Gaston County: - CaroMont Health will purchase $20 million of corporate bonds with a 4% coupon rate for the benefit of Gaston County, which will provide approximately $800,000 in interest payments per year. - Over the next decade, CaroMont Health agrees to make $200 million in campus-based capital investments and will use its best efforts and reasonable business judgment to ensure that local contractors and construction workers are preferred for associated jobs. - CaroMont Health will contribute $450,000 per year for community health promotion and investment in the development of active lifestyle options in Gaston County. Such payments will be directed by the Board of Commissioners, provided that CaroMont Health’s current support of multiple community health projects are recognized. see CAROMONT, 9A
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Want to see your business listed here? Call Annie! 704825-0580 The Banner News is not responsible for errors in an advertisement if not corrected by the first week after the ad appears.
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Players gather together in prayer before last weeks championship match-up between the Lady Wilcats and the Lady Eagles.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Photos by Bill Ward
Lady Wildcats win title, go 12-0 By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com
The pressure was on. The question was could they do it? When the Belmont Middle School Lady Wildcats faced off against the Cramerton Middle Lady Eagles in the Gaston County Middle School Girl's Soccer Championship last week the stakes were high. Belmont was looking to take the title. They were also looking to go 12-0. To add more drama to the game Belmont Middle was also looking to repeat as Gaston County champs. In 2013 the Lady Wildcats won the championship. Belmont faced a tough challenge by any standard. Belmont Middle head coach Valerie Davis understood the pressure her girls faced. "There was a lot of hype and excitement with trying to be back to back champs," Davis said. "The girls were nervous with trying to become undefeated." Despite all the hype the Cramerton girls started the game off with class. They invited the Belmont squad to join them in a pre-game prayer. The gesture meant a lot to
coach Davis and her Lady Wildcats. "I commend the Cramerton girls for encouraging our girls in joining them in a prayer." Once the game got going both squads played hard. Belmont struck first when Haley Nixon scored in the first half. Before long Cramerton had tied the score. Things were getting dicey. Both teams undoubtedly felt a lot of pressure. With time running out the Lady Eagles and Lady Wildcats were knotted 1-1. At about the 3 minute mark #2 Zoe Bourque popped in the winning goal. After Bourque's goal the Belmont defense held off any late game Cramerton charge. As the game ended the Lady Wildcats walked away with back to back championships and an unblemished 12-0 record. In post game comments coach Davis praised her entire team's effort. "The whole team played well." Davis said. Coach Davis was very pleased with the team work the Lady Wildcats showed. Davis highlighted two players who she felt were representative of the whole team's playing style.
" Brea Barlow and Zoe Bourque really played for the team, not themselves," Davis said. "They would pass the ball to another team mate before taking a shot." Coach Davis also commended on the efforts of the Lady Eagles. "They played hard," Davis said, "Coach Kinnett should be proud of them." Many times a team can be a mirror image of their coach. That proved to be true in the case of the Lady Wildcats. After the game several of the girls post game comments were very much in line with the thoughts of their coach. "I thought it was a great game played well by both teams," Center Middle Fielder Ally Adams said. "It feels good to be back to back champions." "It feels good to win," Stopper Sophia DeMark said. "But it was a tough game." Despite the win and all the excitement DeMark was quick to point out one thing she thought was very important to say, "I had a lot of fun," DeMark said. "I met some new Cramerton girls that were really nice." Coach Davis should be proud.
Above: Zoe Bourque battles it out with the Lady Eagles goal keeper
Lady Wildcats Sophia Demark moves the ball down the field
Belmont 3v3 Soccer Tourney The Wildcat’s and the Eagle’s battled it out during last weeks match-up.
South Point Red Raiders Player of the Week
The Belmont Parks & Recreation Dept. is holding a 3v3 Soccer tournament on Saturday June 21, 2014 at Davis Park field. Only 8 teams per age division will be accepted into the tournament so get your space soon. The age divisions offered are U9, U11, Middle School, and High School division. All divisions are coed. The U9 and U11 age group will have an age cutoff of September 1, 2014 (U9 cannot turn 9 before 9/1/14). Middle School is for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and High School is for rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. The registration fee for the tournament is $75 per team. You can register in person at 37 East Woodrow Ave., Belmont NC 28012. For more information email Gil Aguirre at gaguirre@cityofbelmont.org or call 704-901-2070.
Stuart Cramer Storm
East Gaston Warriors
Player of the Week
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Harrison Mantooth Softball
Morgan Abernathy Softball
Grace Russell Ladies’ Soccer Sponsored by:
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Wednesday, May 28, 2014
â– SCHOOL
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NEWS
Russell wins Oratorical contest West Russell, a Junior at South Point High School, pictured on the far right with Optimist International NC West District Governor, Sandy Middleton, recently placed first in the North Carolina West District Optimist International Oratorical Contest. He represented the Belmont Optimist Club competing with 72 clubs across North Carolina. He was awarded a $2500 scholarship. His topic was "How My Passions Change the World". Following a successful speech at both the club and zone level, Gaston Day School student, Claire Lamadrid was selected to compete at the district level of the Optimist International Oratorical Competition.
The district composes half of the state and this is the furthest that a Claire Lamadrid G D S student speaker has made it in the competition in the past five years, so this is quite a significant accomplishment. Claire has been speaking on the topic of "How My Passions Impact the World" speaking about a combination of her passions for biology and the Spanish language. Claire is the daughter of Lucas and Beth Kreitzer Lamadrid of Belmont.
Keep Belmont Beautiful Clean Campus winners Keep Belmont Beautiful has announced its elementary school Clean Campus winners. Maggie Moore, KBB Board Member and Chairperson of the Clean Campus Committee, Denise Land, KBB Board Member, Nancy and Layton
Stamps, volunteers for KBB, did the judging which includes outside appearance of the school campuses. This is done each May and signs are placed at the school until the end of the school year. North Belmont Elementary – Kaitlyn Albergine, Gaby Nava, Gregory Sparks, II, Matthew Keever, Youthan Love, Rianna Mills, Christian Albarran-Rojas, David Mayne
Contributed Photo
Retiring Ida Rankin Elementary teacher Jennie Martin was presented with a special plaque of appreciation at last week's Mount Holly council meeting. Martin taught 30 years in Gaston Schools. was Teacher of the Year at Ida Rankin 1996-1997 and 2011-2012, and was influential in the lives of her many students.
Page Primary School – Sehar Ahmad, John Hubbard, Marly Brookover.
Belmont Central Elementary – 1st Row Ethan Barnes, Nicole Allen, Drew Cheshire, Ryley Goble, Zac Cagle, Reese Braswell, Sophie Deussing; 2nd Row – Cal Austin, Aaron Chaney, Mason Braswell, Riley Braswell, Gracie Durham; 3rd Row – Maddie Clements, Summer VanCastle, Grace Wolfe, William Hendricks, Ms. Newby – School Coordinator
Belmont Middle School: Katy Murphy, Andrea Euler, Kendall Karr, Isabella Lanford, Mary Walker, Nika Tempelis, and Mrs. Gorton
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South Point High School: Students from the classes of Mrs. Stowe and Mrs. Mobley
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Newcombe honored Gaston Day School's Hannah Newcombe won the Adams Outdoor Advertising Award as part of the MidCarolinas Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Gold Key winners' art and writing is being featured on area billboards to promote student art and writing in our community. Hannah is a student in my senior-level honors creative writing class.
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Creating easier bathtub access
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Wednesday, May 28, 2014
MEMORIAL DAY: Remembering their sacrifice
Photos by Alan Hodge
Pearl Harbor survivor Gene Reinhardt (center) was one of the folks that attended Belmont's Memorial Day service on Sunday. From page 1A men and women who died for our country,� Richardson said. “They laid their bodies on the altar of freedom.� Other aspects of the event
saw Post 144 member Larry Norwood perform the POW ceremony. Post 144 commander Ron Self gave the welcoming remarks. Music was provided by the Park St. UMC choir. Fred Dixon led
the Pledge of Allegiance and the South Point High JNROTC presented the colors. The Gaston County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard fired a 21-gun salute and Brandon Putnam played taps.
South Point High NJROTC members presented the colors at Sunday's Memorial Day event in Belmont. From left Jon Randolph, Billy Helderman, Cam Brincefield, Jaylon Myers.
Classified Ads Home for Sale or Rent MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS M O U N TA I N Prices starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704739-1425. (tfn) SMALL KM HOUSE FOR RENT. 1 BR & 1 BA on Duke St. $320/mth + $320 Deposit. Call: 828-4464985. (tfn) HOUSE FOR RENT IN CHERRYVILLE -- 2BR, 1BA, central heat & AC. Includes stove, r e f r i g e r a t o r, washer, dryer, and storage building. $450 per month. Deposit required. Call 704-4358750 and leave message. (5/07, 14, 21, 28) 2 ½ BR, 1 BA REM O D E L E D HOUSE in KM for
sical instruments. Call: 704300-0827 or 704-300-7676. (05/28)
RENT. $450/mth + $450 deposit. Call 828-4464985. (tfn) Land for Sale
CREDIT NO PROBLEM, OWNER WILL FINANCE with LOW DOWN PAYMENT, lots in Gaston, Cleveland, Rutherford and Cherokee Co., some with water & septic. Call Bryant Realty at 704-5679836 or www.bryantrealty.org. (tfn) Wanted to Buy CASH ON THE SPOT! Will buy tools, riding lawnmowers, furniture or building full of merchandise, pictures or anything of value. Will also buy mu-
Yard Sale - Ads due by 12pm Friday ESTATE SALE. Everything must go! Sat., 5/31, 7 am – 3 pm. Rain or Shine. 315 Harrelson Road, Cherryville, NC. LARGE YARD SALE. Sat., 5/31, 8 a.m. until. 611 Hillside Dr, Kings Mountain. Furniture, small appliances, household items, craft items, mens, womens, jr & children's clothes, plus sizes, pocketbooks, collectibles, a lot of good stuff!
Help Wanted NEEDED: Someone w/tractor to plow & disc lot beside house for garden. 403 Branch St. in KM. Call: 704-7391940. (5/14, 21 & 28)
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 1stt day of May as Co-Administratrix and Co-Administrator of the Estate of Linda Hedgepath Parks, deceased, of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Renea Jenkins, Co-Administratrix and/or Steve Parks, Co-Administratrix on or before the 7th day of August, 2014, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment. This the 7th day of August, 2014. Renea Jenkins, Co-Administratrix Estate of: Linda Hedgepath Parks 317 Morning Dew Lane Mount Holly, NC 28120 And /Or Steve Parks, Co-Administrator Estate of: Linda Hedgepath Parks 2524 Ashley Court Belmont, NC 28012 BN10571 (5/07,14, 21 & 28/14)
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FREEbies Name ___________________________________________ Address _________________________________________ City _________________________ State ____ Zip ________ Phone _____________________ • Giveaways or Items Priced Up to $100 Only • Price Must be Included in Ad • Ad(s) Must be Printed on Order Blank • No More Than 3 Free Ads Per Week
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COPY DEADLINE: Friday before the issue date at 2pm Mail copy to: Kings Mountain Herald • PO Box 769 • Kings Mountain NC 28086
Notice of Public Hearing Take notice that the Mount Holly City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 9, 2014, at 7 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.) The purpose of the hearing will be to take public comment concerning the proposed 2014-2015 fiscal year budget. A copy of the proposed budget can be reviewed in the office of the City Clerk, Monday—Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The hearing will be held in the Council Chambers on the first floor of the Mount Holly Municipal Complex, 400 East Central Avenue, Mount Holly, North Carolina. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to speak at the public hearing. The City’s budget is subject to change based on comments received at the public hearing and the Council’s subsequent discussion and consideration. Persons wishing to make written comments in advance of the hearing or wishing more information concerning the subject of the hearing may contact Amy Miller, City Clerk, 400 East Central Avenue, P Post Office Box 406, Mount Holly, NC 28120, (704) 827-3931 BN10572 (5/28/14)
Banner News The Banner News is sold at the following locations: Allen Drug Family Med Pharmacy QSC BB&T - Cramerton Belmont Drug Store Belmont Post Office Bright Star Grill Byrum’s Grocery Charlie’s Drugs College Park Pharmacy Cramerton Drug Cramerton Omni Mart Dales Grocery & Grill Dollar General- Mt. Holly Dollar General - Cramerton
Exxon - Times Turn Around Food Lion - Mt. Holly Fred’s Handy Pantry Jim’s Bait & Tackle Kangaroo - Belmont McAdenville Post Office Mt. Holly Post Office Nichols - S.P. Road Nichols - I-85 Quick Stop / Wimco The Banner News The Pantry #303 West View Grocery Will’s Convenience
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
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Preservationist speaks to book club 50th anniversary Clenda Lineberger hosted the May meeting of the Tuesday Afternoon Book Club at Covenant Village in Gastonia. Members were served a delicious fruit dish and coffee. Clenda then introduced Lucy Penegar who presented an enlightening, interesting program about the Firestone Mill Preservation Project. Mrs. Penegar, who is well-known as a preserver of historic buildings in Gaston County, was asked by Preservation North Carolina to help spearhead the saving of the huge Firestone Mill which was destined to be torn down. Many “ups and downs� occurred before progress was ever realized in getting this preservation accomplished. Because the mill was so large (six
Dick Cromlish and his wife Sandra of Belmont will mark their 50th wedding anniversary on June 1. They were married in 1964 at First United Methodist in Belmont.
floors, each having 100,000 square feet), each effort to interest investors met with disappointment. It was determined that the building should be made into a multi-use building. After Firestone finally donated the building to Preservation NC, a development team from California was willing to make the investment and now it is close to being finished with 190 Class A loft apartments. The apartments are on five of the six floors and the first floor and basement are being renovated to house retail establishments. Applications for the apartments and committed renters already far exceed the expectations.
Civil war encampment May 31 and June 1
At right: Lucy Penegar
Artists in residence at the Garden The work of Passmore Mupindiko, Patrick Sephani and dozens of other Zimbabwe artists will be on display beginning June 27 at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in an art exhibition called ZimSculpt. Curated within a horticultural display that will take guests vicariously from the savannahs of south-central Africa to its lush tropical high country, more than 100 sculptures will be on display and offered for sale. Led by ZimSculpt managing director and curator Joseph Croisette, the two artists will also operate a marketplace and demonstration area in the Garden through Sept. 28. The Garden’s show marks ZimSculpt’s fourth U.S. appearance. Zimsculpt represents a variety of nearly 200 artisans in Zimbabwe, exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show in the United Kingdom, Royal Botanical
Gardens in Ontario and at Naples Botanical Garden in Florida. Though there are different styles of stonework produced in Zimbabwe, the work of ZimSculpt artists is largely contemporary, produced from the geologic family of stone known as serpentine, crafted by hand, hammer, chisel and rasp and rarely from sketches. The hard stone is colorful and dense with fine grain. The plant-based exhibit will build on the sense of place identified by the African artwork and generate interest and relevance beyond simple aesthetics. The savannah plantings will be characterized by several species, including the existing Pink Muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) in the Canal Garden. Other grass species include Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) and Feather Reed Grass
(Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’). The lush and energetic tropical plantings will be focused outside the Orchid Conservatory, anchored by Red Abyssinian Banana (Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii') and the Garden’s diverse collection of palm trees. In addition, the guests will be able to enjoy an early viewing of the exhibition during the Opening Reception for only $25 per person on June 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 704829-1294 or by logging on to www.DSBG.org. The exhibition is free with garden admission. Members admitted free, $12 adults, $11 seniors 60+, and $6 children 4-12. The Garden is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week. For more information visit www.DSBG.org.
BUDGETS: Councils reviewed proposed 2014-15 city budgets
Mount Holly From page 1A this year, department heads were given a budget number to “shoot for�. “Our focus was on capital projects, salaries, and benefits for employees,� he said. Highlights of the proposed budget included retaining the current tax rate of 53 cents per $100 of valuation, no water and sewer rate increase. As far as the salaries and benefits for employees that Guffey mentioned, the proposed budget did not have a raise figured in, at this point, but he and Jackson had worked out several perks that could take its place. These include a “floating paid holiday� similar to a personal day off, a one-time $250 bonus in November, and an accelerated vacation
time accrual schedule. The pay raise issue sparked debate among council members. “It rips me we cannot give a cost of living raise,� said council member Jim Hope. Hope's peer, David Moore said he agreed city workers were valuable but as far as a raise this year, “the city cannot afford it�. The public safety section of the proposed budget included the purchase of a new fire engine. The truck could cost in the neighborhood of $500,000. How to pay for it will be decided after the final bill is tallied. The proposed budget also figures in $63,000 for new rescue equipment to replace older items. Talk of the fire engine at the budget meeting also sparked conversation regarding construction of a new North Fire Station. Estimates are that project is at least 18 months to two years in the future.
Belmont From page 1A a 2 percent increase valuation including real property, public service companies, and registered vehicles. Local option sales tax revenues added $1,650,000 to the coffers. Utility franchise tax revenues stayed flat at $700,000. As far as expenditures, the budget proposes a 2 percent pay raise for city employees. Workers went without a raise last year. This could be given as either a cost of living adjustment or a merit increase. Health insurance costs in the preliminary budget are projected to actually decrease by 4 percent. This includes dental, life, and vision coverage. The proposed budget does not include any new positions. Water and Sewer Fund revenues in the proposed budget show an increase of 2.59 percent- up from the FY2013-2014 number of $5,094,500 to $5,226,500.
Another piece of equipment slated for replacement in the proposed budget is a replacement tractor for cutting rights of way. The proposed budget also called for a couple of new positions in the police department. These would be an assistant chief and a dispatcher. Other additions to the police department in the proposed budget would be four new patrol cars, a new in car video camera system, and a cooling system for the 911 equipment and server rooms. On the community involvement front, the proposed budget increases the funds given to the Miss Mount Holly event to $1,500. Springfest's funding will remain at the 20132014 level of $2,100. Beautification and Historical Society funding is pegged at $5,000 each in the proposed budget.
The proposed budget includes hikes in water and sewer rates. For water, the base rate will go up 6.5 percent and the usage rate likewise. Sewer base rate and usage rate will increase the same. Assistant city manager Adrian Miller explained that the increases will add about five dollars to the average water/sewer bill for city customers, but the money will be used only for infrastructure improvements. “Many of the city's water and sewer pipes are old and in poor condition,� he said. “The extra funds will be used to replace these lines.� At one time, a large chunk of the city's water and sewer revenues came from textile mills. Now, the focus has shifted to residential customers who actually used less water last year watering their lawns due to higher than normal rainfall. The proposed budget will be presented in a public hearing at the city council's next regular monthly meeting set for June 2. Another workshop on the budget is set for June 9. The council could adopt it that night or set another date in June to adopt.
CAROMONT: board wants to ammend lease agreement From page 1A -Gaston County agrees to the following revisions of the terms and conditions of the current lease agreement: - The term of the agreement will be 40 years, with an option to renew for one additional term of 40 years. - The CaroMont Health Board of Directors and the Gaston County Board of Commissioners will share governance and appointments to the CaroMont Board. - The right to make business decisions on financing and joint venture arrangements will be transferred to the CaroMont Health Board
of Directors. “This agreement creates a solid foundation for growth and development at CaroMont Health,� said Doug Luckett, President and CEO of CaroMont Health. “Our goal has always been to be a provider of highquality health care, while contributing to our community. The financial contributions from this agreement will help support education, spur economic development in the County and fund needed health services, among other projects and functions. We see this as an investment in the future of Gaston County and its citizens.�
The intent of the offer is to end more than a decade of ongoing discussion and negotiation between the Commission and CaroMont Health, something that both sides have been eager to do for quite some time. Despite the ongoing lease negotiations, CaroMont Health has continued
to invest in the property at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. Soon, the system will break ground for an extensive expansion of the Emergency Department at CaroMont Regional. This project will allow better accommodation of the high patient volume seen in the Emergency Department.
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Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Rd. off Beatties Ford Rd. near Mt. Holly, will host a Civil War camp and battles on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday June 1. Travel back in time to 1864 and experience war in the trenches. In addition to a main battle each day, visitors can see ongoing demonstrations throughout the weekend, walk through soldier camps, visit the historic home, and participate in an Afternoon Victorian Tea. Guest will also be able to enjoy shopping with Civil
War sutlers and enjoy lunch from various vendors including Appalachian Smoke BBQ. Admission is $8.00 Adults, $7 Seniors and Students, ages 5 and under are free. The Plantation Home will be open all day (Closed during the 2:00pm Battle). Ongoing Cooking Demonstrations throughout the day, Soldier Camps are open to public (Closed during the 2:00pm Battle). Children may also meet all of the Latta Farm Animals.
MH class of ‘49 plans reunion Members of he class of 1949, Mount Holly High School, are planning their 74th year reunion soon. Looking through reports from past reunions, class member Sarah McIntosh Nixon ran across a column she used for the Mount Holly News and Belmont Banner about the way things were 40 years after they graduated. She and Alumni Class President Grace Morris Duckworth think it will be interesting for class members to add changes in the past 34 years at this years' reunion. In the Sept. 2, 1987 Belmont Banner-Mount Holly News Sarah wrote: When we think back to 1940 and our graduation day t h a t year, it's hard to realize that 47 years h a v e g o n e by! The Sarah Nixon o l d truth that “time flies� is becoming more real all the time for us. Most of us today admit (and thankfully) that we are the “senior citizens� we hear so much about. Thinking back on all the changes and advances in the world since we became adults it's almost unbelievable. Did you know that we were before television, the pill, polio shots, antibiotics and frisbees. Before frozen food, nylons, dacron, Xerox, radar, fluorescent lights, credit cards and ball point pens. For us, time sharing meant togetherness, not computers, a chip meant a piece of wood. Hardware meant hardware. Software wasn't even a word. In these days, bunnies were small rabbits and rabbits were not Volkswagens. We were before Batman,
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Snoopy. Before DDT, and vitamin pills. We were before pizzas, Cheerios, frozen oprtange juice, diapers, jeeps, M&Ms, disposal diapers, automatic shifts and Lincoln Continentals. We were before FM radio, tape recorders, electric typewriters, disco dancing and word processing. We were before pantyhose, and drip dry clothes, before ice makers, dishwashers, clothes driers and electric blankets. Before men wore long hair and earrings and women wore tuxedos. We got married first then lived together. We were before Frank Sinatra and way before Boy George. Before coin vending machines and jet planes, helicopters and interstate highways. In our day some did smoke cigarettes but grass was something you mowed. Coke was something you drank and pot was something you cooked in. The term “making out� was something you did on you exam. In our day there were five and ten cent stores where you buy something for 5 or 10 cents. For just a nickle you could ride a street car, make a phone call, buy a Coke or enough stamps to mail a letter and three post cards./ You could buy a Chevrolet for $600 but who could afford one? A pity, since gas was 11 cents a gallon. We were not before the difference between the sexes, but we were before sex changes. We just made do with the way we were. So here we are today, senior citizens, and a hardy bunch when you think how our world has changed and the adjustments we have made. But that’s the way it was way back in 1940- and we loved it!
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Wednesday, May 28, 2014
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To shed crocodile tears means to pretend to shed tears but not be sincerely sad. A crocodile’s eyes fill up and overflow when they eat. That is where the expression originated.
Š 2014 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 30, No. 24
lligators and crocodiles es y look a lot alike. They are both reptiles from the order mals of animals named dylia. Crocodylia. ere But there ys are ways to tell them — apart— from a safe distance, of course!
They’re potentially dangerous animals to humans. And they’re carnivores so they will catch and eat almost any creature. They don’t chew and swallow, they just tear off chunks and swallow whole.
The top row of teeth on alligators are visible when their mouths are closed.
A crocodile’s snout is V-shaped.
From above, an alligator’s snout is U-shaped.
On crocodiles, some of the bottom teeth stick up when their mouths are closed,as shown here.
Don’t bother trying to outrun a crocodile or an alligator. They have a swimming speed of 20 miles per hour and a running speed of 11 miles per hour for short distances.
But humans are also dangerous to these creatures. Habitat destruction and overhunting have made these ancient reptiles endangered species.
Crocodiles swallow stones to help them digest their food. That rocks!
How do alligators and crocodiles sweat? T S H N E RY P S D W M E J ADTHTVHFRGOHUS GQHPTSHBEMIKRS M TO P U LT W H V S C
Standards Link: Life Science: Animals have different features that help them survive in different environments.
Use the secret code! The largest recorder alligator:
feet long.
The largest recorder crocodile: Alligators have
to
feet long.
teeth. They grow new ones to replace broken
teeth. One alligator can have as many as
SECRET CODE = 0
= 4
= 7
= 1
= 5
= 8
= 2
= 6
= 9
Crocodile tears is an idiom—a phrase that has a different meaning in the English language. Can you match each of these wellknown animal idioms with their definitions?
teeth in a lifetime!
Crocs can stay underwater for
to
minutes. They close their nostrils when they swim underwater.
The American alligator is the largest reptile in North America and has been here since the time of the dinosaurs—over 80 million years ago and it still looks the same. Unscramble the letters to reveal the names of the two U.S. states where most American alliga g tors live. alligators
St nda Sta d rds d Link: Link: k Re R eadi ading ding Comprehension: Compreh Compre hensio hen sion: i n: Follow F llow Foll Fol low simple siimpl mple le written writ ritt itten ten directions. direc di rectitio tions ns. Standards Reading
Reptile Rhymes Look through the newspaper for five words that describe an alligator or a crocodile. Write a haiku poem that describes this creature.
Standards Link: Vocabulary: Understand grade level-appropriate idiomatic phrases.
Complete the grid by using all the letters in the word GATOR in each vertical and horizontal row. Each letter should only be used once in each row. Some spaces have been filled in for you.
Standards Link: Write: Write poems using haiku formula.
Standards Link: Life Science: Animals have different features that help them survive in different environments.
CROCODILE ALLIGATOR NOSTRILS SWALLOW ANCIENT DIGEST DI REVEAL RE RHYMES RH SWEAT SW ROCKS RO SPEED SP HAIKU HA TEETH TE CHEW CH SAFE SA A
Circle every other letter for the surprising answer!
Find the words in the puzzle. Then look for each word in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities. S L I R T S O N D R W A C R O C S E O T A E F O T E E T H S L V D E M P A A W E L E I Y S G I E L G O R H E I K H W S
I
W R R L U C C S O D C E L I D O C O R C K A N C I E N T R S Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
This week’s word:
CARNIVORE The noun carnivore means an animal that eats other animals. Carnivores often have large jaws to capture their prey. Try to use the word carnivore in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.
Gator News
Vicious Verbs
An alligator walked into the editor’s office at the newspaper and said, “I have a great story for you!�
Find five sentences in today’s newspaper. Replace the verb in each with another verb that is more vicious or dangerous. What verb would be kinder? How does the different verb change the meaning of the sentence? ANSWER: An investigator!
Standards Link: Grammar: Identify verbs; use synonyms.
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Finish this story.
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