INSIDE... Obituaries ................. 2A HS Graduation Times . 3A Opinion ..................... 4A Police - Crime ........... 5A Sports - Schools ....... 6A
Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville | Volume 79 • Issue 23 • Wednesday, June 4, 2014
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Bullying Schools get proactive By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Ask Belmont police School Resource Officer Joel Lutmer what he thinks of how the bullying scene has shaped up this past year and two words stand out- social media. Time was when bullying meant shoves on the playground, but now, as Lutmer has seen this past year on his beat at Belmont Middle, it's hurtful messages sent via hand held devices that are a recurring challenge. “Instagram and Twitter are the worst of all,” Lutmer said. “Facebook is for old folks.” Lutmer says the gossip runs the gamut. “It can be things like saying someone has ugly hair,” he said. “The kids have been given a tool and they can go in any direction with it. For those that are gossiped about, it can be devastating.” Lutmer says the kids are so computer and smartphone savvy, sometimes it's hard to keep track of the flying messages. “Unless you are a computer science major, it's hard to monitor what they do,” he said. See BULLYING, 9A
BHS to honor Jethro Mann
Photo by Alan Hodge
Hundreds of kids from Ida Rankin Elementary marched the Main St. sidewalk in Mount Holly last week to celebrate Memorial Day and the over $900 they donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Elementary students honor veterans By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Hundreds of students from Ida Rankin Elementary in Mount Holly dug deep into their pockets and donated one dollar each for the Wounded Warrior Project. Their reward? Know-
ing they had done a good deed for their nation, and an old time, flag waving, patriotic parade of their very own last week down Main St. The parade itself stopped Mount Holly in its tracks- in a good way. Folks lined Main St. and waved at the horde of kids
as they marched along wearing Uncle Sam hats, waving flags and chattering excitedly. Spectators smiled broadly at the spectacle. Mount Holly City manager Danny Jackson called the fundraiser “outstanding”. Martha Russell's five-year-old granddaughter Sherri Russell
was one of the marchers. 'She was so excited,” said Martha. The idea for teaming the school with the Wounded Warrior Project sprouted at the Mount Holly Police Department. Chief Don Roper See STUDENTS, 9A,
Dawson Bridge expected to reopen in July By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Jethro Mann The late Jethro Mann (1917-2013) was born in Georgia, however, he spent most of his life in Belmont. As a youngster he worked on a farm and on a saw mill. He was educated at Lincoln Academy in Gaston County. Jethro was talented in many ways. He was a builder, designer, teacher, and a spiritual leader. He started his Belmont career with Mr. Sam Moore who was a much sought after building contractor. After spending two years in the Navy, he returned to Belmont and organized Mann Construction Company. He designed and built a number of buildings in this area. Eventually he became a teacher in the Public Schools and at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. He married a Reid School teacher, Emma Twitty, and they had three children. In his retirement he created what became known as See BICYCLE MAN, 9A
The long-awaited completion of the new bridge on Lakewood Rd. in Cramerton is just around the corner, or straightaway as the case may be. Construction on the 425-foot span over the South Fork River began in September 2012 and the original completion date was set for April 2014. However, bad weather, as well as numerous construction challenges such as metal debris and railroad spikes on the river bottom that made drilling 7-foot diameter holes for the bridge's concrete supports difficult, slowed things down by several weeks. Frequent flooding of the South Fork during last summer's torrential rains also stymied progress on the $4 million project. Now, it looks as if the end is finally in sight. Not only has the roadbed been paved, but decorative lights similar to those in place at the NC7 bridge in McAdenville have been installed. Finishing touches and landscaping are being worked on now. “The NCDOT is telling us it will still be July 2014 before it is done,” said Cramerton City Manager Michael Peoples. According to Peoples, Cramerton plans some festivities to go along with the bridge reopening, but the exact date is still in the air. “I have asked that NCDOT provide us as much notice as possible so that we can have a bridge opening celebration,” he said. “We are looking at having some ribbon cutting opportunities and attempt to find a relative of C.C. Dawson who the bridge is dedicated to.” Dawson was a textile magnate who came to Cramerton in 1908 and whose name was given to the 1952 bridge that was torn down to make way for the new one. While crews were removing the 1952 bridge, they found a large stone with the date 1871 carved on it where yet another See BRIDGE, 9A
Contributed Photo
Crews are putting final touches on the new Dawson Bridge in Cramerton. The date set for completion is late July.
Photo by Alan Hodge
FIGHTING YANK – A team of experts including Belmont artist Juan Logan (black t-shirt) gathered Friday on the campus of Belmont Middle School to finalize logistics connected with moving the Spirit of the Fighting Yank statue to Stowe Park. The actual move could come any day now, weather permitting.
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■ OBITUARIES Willie Joe McLemore GASTONIA - Willie Joe McLemore, 70, 207 Hailey Lane, passed away Monday, May 26, 2014. He was born in Macon, Georgia, son of the late Joseph Lee and Pearlie Louise Cranford McLemore. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Cope McLemore; one son, Chris McLemore and wife Crystal of Gastonia; t w o daughters, Tammy Adkins a n d h u s band Bryon of Belmont and Wendy Martin and husband Mickey of Belmont; three grandchildren, Kayla Elliott and husband Joe of Mount Holly, Jordan McLemore of Belmont, and Heather Eudy and husband Kevin of BelGertrude Blackwell MOUNT HOLLY Gertrude Lackey Blackwell, 92, formerly of Mount Holly, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2014. She was born in Alabama, daughter of the late George and Callie Lackey. She was the wife of the late Woodrow Perry Blackwell. She was a member of Sharon Freewill Baptist Church.
mont; one great grandson Braylon Eudy; one sister Darlene Middleton of Clover, SC; two brothers, Gene McLemore of Belmont and Frankie McLemore and wife Carolyn of Clover, SC. A graveside service to celebrate the life of Mr. McLemore was held 11am Thursday, May 29, at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery in Mount Holly with Rev. Jeff Johnson officiating. The family received friends from 7-9pm Wednesday at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly and at other times will be at the home of Tammy and Bryon Adkins, 33 Barnes Drive, Belmont. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly is serving the family.
A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Blackwell was held at 3pm Saturday, May 31, at Sharon Freewill Baptist Church with Reverend Odell Cook officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org
Leamon Hardin GASTONIA- Leamon Woodrow Hardin, 75 of Gastonia passed away peacefully Thursday, May 29, 2014 at his residence. The family received friends from 6-8pm Friday at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service. A funeral service was held 11am Saturday, May 31, at Calvary Baptist Church. Interment was private.
Sisk-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Service We offer funeral packages and we honor existing pre-need funerals.
Stowe Park horse event Victory Farm, a nonprofit that introduces children with disabilities to the fun of horseback riding, will have a special event in Stowe Park on June 7 from 11am-6pm. The day “Horses in the Park”, will feature a photo booth with Victory Farm horses, a miniature horse for folks to pet, horseback riding for all ages, entertainment, and vendors. For more information, visit www.VictoryRides.org or visit Victory Farm Inc. on Facebook, or call Dory Pell at 704-241-2270.
704-629-2255 www.siskbutler.com Eddie Pigg, Funeral Director
■ MEDITATION
YOLO The 2007 movie entitled Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman became a popular catch-phrase. I even had my bucket list which included traveling around Europe, skydiving and helping to plant crusades in varies cities. In today’s vernacular we have a new internet slang entitled YOLO. YOLO means “You only live once.” This often involves self-absorbed and reckless living. YOLO is often used when college kids load up on alcoholic drinks to see how much they can hold before their reflexes say it is enough. YOLO is used when high-school kids go on spring break and think it is the time to let loose on everything including the morals their parents taught them. I would like to challenge how we view the term YOLO.
Instead of reckless living You Only Live Once so live it for God! “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrec- Rev. Angela Pleasants tion, and the First United Methodist Church, Mount Holly fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11 NKJV. We just celebrated Easter. It was great to see all the familiar faces, some not so familiar and some we only see this time of year. If Easter is the only time we come to worship we have missed out on YOLO living for God. Easter is a glorious reminder of the resurrection of our Lord and Sav-
ior, but resurrection is not a onetime event. Resurrection is about the on-going power that is a dayto-day experience with Jesus Christ. Paul said, “That I may know Him.” In other words to live a full meaningful life with God is to know intimately our Lord Jesus Christ. To live a full meaningful life with God is to know the ongoing power every day. We are raised from lifeless living to abundant living. Through Jesus we are saved, empowered and sanctified to live a holy life. Every morning when I gradually awaken I say these words, “Christ is alive in me!” If you want to live YOLO living begin with the realization it is no longer you but Christ living in you. Then allow yourself to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led. It will be one thrill of a ride. It will be a life on purpose, with meaning and lived in abundance. YOLO – so live it for God!
East Belmont Baptist Homecoming East Belmont Baptist Church, 501 East Catawba Street, will celebrate its 102nd Homecoming on Sunday, June 8 at 11am. Pastor Don Whitener, who was licensed to preach and ordained at East Belmont Baptist Church, will return to deliver the homecoming message. The service will include moments of remembrance, recognition, history, highlights and special music. A fellowship luncheon will take place immediately after morning worship. Former members and guests are invited to attend.
Paston Don Whitener Don Whitener is a graduate of South Point High School, Western Carolina University, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
EMS VEHICLE INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT – Gastonia, NC, June 2, 2014 – At approximately 15:27 a Gaston County EMS System ambulance operated by Stanley CD Rescue squad was involved in a motor vehicle accident. The location of the accident was near 256 Stanley Spencer Mountain Road, Gastonia. The ambulance was enroute to an emergency call when the accident occurred. It is reported that the other vehicle involved had possibly maneuvered around a moped when the accident occurred. A total of 5 patients were transported to Caromont Regional Medical Center from the scene. The North Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.
Don has pastored Holly Springs Baptist Church in Wake County, Sandy Plains Baptist Church near Shelby, and First Baptist Church of Blacksburg, SC. After a nineteen year ministry at Shiloh Baptist Church in Monroe, NC, he has recently retired. Don served two terms as moderator of Union Baptist Association (UBA), and served on the Executive Committee of North Carolina Baptist Men. He is a recipient of the Bivens-Fuderburke Award for Excellence in Missions presented by UBA.
POT PIE SALE – The Presbyterian Church of Lowell will be having a chicken pot pie sale on Wednesday, June 4 from 4:30-6:30pm, and Thursday, June 5 during the same time frame in the church activity center. The men of the church will be preparing the pies. The pies are handmade the night before the sale and use only the finest ingredients. The nine-inch diameter pies will sell for $10 each with proceeds going to the eventual completion of the Family Fellowship Park in Lowell for all the community to enjoy. For more information call 704-824-3807 or reserve by email at chickenpotpies@ymail.com state name and number of pies to be reserved.
Don’s love of athletics was shaped as a youth in Belmont, and he has been able to use that interest to become a leading expert in sports evangelism. He has even been invited to share this expertise and passion at Cape Town Baptist Seminary in Cape Town, South Africa. He is married to Elizabeth, the daughter of Rev. Elvin Jones, former pastor of East Belmont Baptist Church. For additional information, you may contact the church office at (704) 8255780.
JETHRO MANN WEEKEND – The first annual Jethro R. Mann, Sr. Friends and Family Weekend will take place June 7-8 in Belmont. Activities begin Saturday, June 7 from 5-9pm at First Foursquare Baptist Church. On Sunday, June 8, more festivities will be held at Reid Park on Sacco Street from 1-3pm at the Festival of Creative Worship and Cookout. The events are sponsored by Hood Memorial AME Zion Church, Rev. Dr. Bernard Sullivan, Pastor. Donation of $25 for adults and $5 for children covers all activities and food.. For more information, call Celina Graham at 704-825-6007 or Oscar Reid at 704825-2055.
Fellowship & Faith
Church Service Directory MT. HOLLY Bethel Baptist Church NC Highway 273 704-827-9846 Burge Memorial Methodist Church 312 W. Glendale Ave. 704-827-2726 Catawba Heights Church of God 122 Tomberlin Rd. 704-827-4225 Cbc-Memorial Apostolic 230 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-0968 Chapel Baptist Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-5526 Community Christian Fellowship 2560 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-5881 Covenant United Methodist 110 Underwood Dr. 704-820-0603 Family Worship Center 1013 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-7656 First Baptist Church-Mt. Holly 300 S. Main St. 704-827-2481 First Free Will Baptist Church 841 Noles Dr. 704-827-7461 First Presbyterian Church 133 S. Main St. 704-827-0521 First United Methodist Church 140 N. Main St. 704-827-4855
Goshen Free Will Baptist Church 1300 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-3076
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 339 S. Hawthorne St. 704-827-4320
Grace Baptist Church 300 Westland Farm Rd. 704-827-8600
New Covenant United Methodist 14514 Lucian Riverbend Hwy. 704-827-4468
Harvest Time Church of God 707 Westland Farm Rd. 704-822-8033
New Providence Baptist Church 1104 Old NC 27 Hwy. 704-827-0822
Hickory Grove Baptist Church 3717 Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-3939
North Main Baptist Church 1304 N. Main St. 704-827-6141
Jehovah’s Witnesses 1736 Kelly Rd. 704-263-0199
Restoration & Deliverance 804 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-820-0954
Lighthouse Full Gospel Church 530 N. Hawthorne St. 704-827-1442
Revival Tabernacle of Mt. Holly 826 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-2999
Living Witness Ministries 541 Costner St. 704-827-0004 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751 Macedonia Baptist Church 1951 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-9224 Mt. Holly Church of God 208 Rankin Ave. 704-827-8596 Mt. Holly Noles Baptist Church Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-2013 Mt. Holly Pentecostal Holiness 406 Scott St. 704-827-8201
Featured Church of the Week Macedonia Baptist Church Shiloh Ame Zion Methodist 1117 Old NC Hwy 27 704-827-8826
Tuckaseegee Baptist Church 511 Tuckaseege Rd. 704-827-4301
Springfield Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-820-0193
Way of the Cross Baptist Church 238 Lanier Ave. 704-827-8111
Ridgeview Baptist Church 105 Pine Rd. 704-827-3856
St. Anthony of Padua Traditional Catholic Church 108 Horseshoe Bend Beach Rd. 704-827-8676
Wesley Chapel Holiness Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-1993
Second Baptist Church 740 Rankin Ave. 704-827-5181
St. Paul FHB Church 1529 Old Hwy 27 Rd. 704-827-5851
Westview Presbyterian Church 1020 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-2026
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Historical log cabin discovered in Gaston County Special to the Banner News by Anna Chambers This story begins with potter Anna Chambers looking for old barn wood for one of her projects and leads to the preservation of the log home of one of Gaston County's early South Point families. Several years ago, property owned by the Leeper family was sold out of the family for the first time. It was obtained by a land grant in early days. The location is at the Lower Armstrong Bridge. The land was marked for development, so I contacted the company. As I was looking for barn wood on the land I became curious about the future of the old farmhouse. When I asked about it, the developer replied it would be used as a practice burn for the fire department, but I could have it if I wanted it. My curiosity was aroused and I went inside
the house and what I saw took me back in time- a rich time full of history, porch sitting, farming, and family. While investigating the home, I noticed a hole in the living room. I looked closer and there was a log of great size behind the sheetrock. The window sills were deep as well. There was a log cabin built into the house. A friend of mine named Joe White and I took a crowbar and began removing sheetrock. Soon, the cabin was revealed in all its hand hewn beauty. We hired Cam Beam from Cherryville to remove the farmhouse portion which encased the cabin. The logs were then numbered, dismantled, and stored by Structural Components. We believe the cabin was possibly original to the Armstrong family, but we are unsure. In those days there were many marriages between the Leepers and Armstrongs. Another interesting fact regarding the history of the cabin came from an his-
torical sketch written by Lottie Fite Hall. Her story tells of the South Fork Boys gathering on the land at Lower Armstrong Ford before they marched to fight in the Battle of Kings Mountain. Why save the cabin? I believe there is so much more rich history to be found about it. I invite local historians to share what they know as well. In the meantime, I have become involved in the Smith Cemetery Historical Preservation Association. It is the wish of Leigh and Melanie Ford, who established the group, to rebuild the cabin and put it on a small part of the cemetery grounds on Belwood Rd. near Belmont where numerous Leepers and Armstrongs are buried, beginning with James Leeper in 1765. If the cabin can be placed there, it could be the focal point for annual homecomings as well as a chance to see how our ancestors lived as they carved out a great
Contributed Photo
Anna Chambers is seen with pieces of the log cabin she found near Belmont. With Chambers are Tim Reid (left) of South Fork Farms who donated time and machinery to take the cabin apart, and husband Randy Chambers. nation. We have contacted experts on the restoration process who will be advising us us on the procedure and cost. Smith Cemetery
Historical Preservation Association is 501C3. Anyone who feels moved by this project can make tax deductible contributions. Call
Leigh Ford at 704-392-4355 for more information. Edited by Alan Hodge/Banner News
Schedules set for 2014 GC schools graduation ceremonies
GIRL SCOUT AWARDS – The Juniors of Girl Scout Troop 2531 from South Point United Methodist Church in Belmont have earned their Bronze Award. The girls earned this award by planting a vegetable garden for the low income residents of Mercy Place. This honor was achieved on 5/29. All girls are in the 4th grade at Belmont Central Elementary. The leaders are Melissa Borkowski and Kelly Ivan. Pictured from left to right: Mia Ward, Lauren Ivan, Madeline Borkowski, Autumn Deal, Ashleigh Burns.
Graduation for Gaston County Schools is Saturday, June 14, and nine public high schools will conduct ceremonies that day to present diplomas to the Class of 2014. This year, 2,121 seniors will graduate from Gaston County Schools. Ashbrook, Bessemer City, Cherryville, East Gaston, Forestview, Hunter Huss, North Gaston, and South Point will hold high school graduation on June 14 at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony for the Highland School of Technology is at 11:00 a.m. on June 14. Graduation exercises for Webb Street School and Warlick Academy take place on Tuesday, June 10. The Webb Street ceremony is at 9:00 a.m. and Warlick’s cere-
mony is at 1:30 p.m. The Gaston Early College High School held its graduation on May 15. Thirteen students received diplomas from the Early College. To ensure safety at graduation, all high schools will have additional security personnel and metal detectors will be used. Students, parents, relatives, school personnel, and guests will be subject to metal detection screening – this includes the screening of handbags. Because the security screenings take time, attendees should arrive early and be prepared to stand in line.
County Police Dept. grants annual awards On May 22, the Gaston County Police Department held its annual Citizen and Police Awards Ceremony at the Schiele Museum located at 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. Gastonia. Awards and recognition were given to the department’s officers and civilian employees as well as members of the public for accomplishments during the past year. Gaston County Manager Earl Mathers was the guest speaker. 2014 Annual Award Winners Sworn Employee of the Year, Officer R.L. Waldrop; Civilian Employee of the Year, Telecommunicator Supervisor Tim Kull. Chief’s Commendations: Outstanding Performance Animal Control, Supervisor Steven Hay; Outstanding Performance 911 Communications, Telecommunicator Chase Fowler; Outstanding Performance Criminal Investigations, Detective Matt Sampson; Outstanding Performance Special Investigations, Detective Joe Burch; Outstanding Performance Support Serv-
ice Section, Sgt. J.D. Hamlin; Outstanding Performance Zone 1 Service Area, Officer Ian Martin; Outstanding Performance Zone 2 Service Area, Officer Eric Knupp; Outstanding Performance Zone 3 Service Area, Officer Tommy Towner. Explorer of the Year: Kohl Scott. Citizen of the Year: Matt Smetak. Outstanding Service By Citizen: Charlotte Dragoneez Bike Club. Community Watch of the Year: Lincoln Academy Community Watch. Chief’s Commendations: Officer Brian Nelson, Officer Michael Pease, Telecommunicator Paula Cloninger, Detective Chris McAuley, Officer Matt Ormsby, Officer Rodney Hamrick, Officer Grant Kendall, Samaritans Feet, Kindness and Compassion Club W.A. Bess Elementary School, Claire and Camille Weiss and Lucas Larrazabal. Retirees: Animal Control Aide Boyd Best, Senior Telecomm. Paula Cloninger, Animal Control Administrator Reggie Horton, Officer Bonita Nache, Telecomm. Supervisor Anne Putnam, Sgt. Mike Rohm, Detective Jim Workman.
Movies in the park Mount Holly Parks & Recreation will be hosting Movies in the Park on Saturday June 7 at Tuckaseege Park. The event will be showing the movie “ Despicable Me 2”. Pre-movie activities begin at 630pm, while the movie will begin at dusk. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to this night of free family fun.
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Opinions...
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Yours, Ours, Others
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Quote of the week
“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them to the impossible.� ~ Arthur C. Clarke
Graduation time... now what?
Well, it's almost time for high school graduates to march down the aisle or across the field or whatever and receive the curled up Alan Hodge piece of paper that Editor declares they have satisfied the NC Dept. of Public Education's requirements of book learnin'. I was looking through past bound volumes of the Belmont Banner and Mount Holly News and ran across numerous columns by the late, great Dwight Frady where he offered his advice to grads on what to expect and do in the coming years. Good ol' Dwight. Taking that as a cue, I came up with a list of “thoughts� I would like to share with the cap and gown crowd. So here they are: don't think anyone owes you anything, don't think you are a failure it you can't afford to go to an expensive university, avail yourself of a community college, your parents or whoever you live with may not be perfect but odds are they do the best they can, try to get a job this summer it will be tough but give it a shot anyway and if you get one don't drop it in favor of your social life. Here's some more: go somewhere out in the woods or on a mountain or at the coast and marvel at the creation you see and realize it didn't happen by accident, listen to some good music such as Johannes Brahms or Richard Wagner, or Johann S. Bach, or Sergei Rachmaninoff, or Jimi Hendrix, or the Beatles but stay away from socalled music whose lyrics would have gotten the “singers� mouth washed out with soap back in the day, thank your teachers, don't get pregnant, don't get someone pregnant, don't get arrested for anything, don't text and drive, don't drink and drive, don't smoke weed and drive, if you don't want to read the Bible for religious reasons look at its poetry, read some Romantic Era poetry, read some Beatnik poetry, read a good novel or story collection by a classic Southern author such as William Faulkner, get plenty of sleep, cut back on fast food, you don't need lots and lots of friends but one good friend you can confide your deepest thoughts to is plenty. Help an elderly person. Help a poor person. Now that I have gotten that out of my system, I thought I would convey a couple of recollections from my own graduation from Garinger High way back in 1970.
Those of us, especially the guys, who were leaving high school behind and entering the world in that year had a heavy cloud hanging over our heads called the Vietnam War and the draft. Your choices were- join the military and hope you didn't end up in the infantry, get a college deferment so you would not be drafted, run off to Canada, or do nothing and cross your fingers you would not be drafted. The draft system involved a lottery and your birth date was linked by random drawing with a date on the calendar for each of the 365 days. Make sense? It didn't then either. In other words, if your birth date of say January 21 (me) was linked with anything below 100 days you were a goner, and the higher number out of 365 you were linked with lessened the chances you would be drafted. My number was 206, but a friend of mine had a number of 60-something. I warned him “Marty you had better get to CPCC and get a deferment or you will be drafted this summer�. Marty did not go to CPCC. He went straight to the US Army and a firebase in the central highlands of Vietnam. He came home in one piece physically but a hundred pieces otherwise. Today it is different. I would encourage high school grads to consider a military career. I have several relatives who have gone that route and they have reaped enormous personal and financial benefits not to mention having seen a large part of the world. On a lighter note, the 1970 summer of my graduation also brought an eye and mind opening event in the form of the Love Valley Rock Festival. This three day extravaganza was North Carolina's version of Woodstock and took place over three days in June 1970 at the western-style town of Love Valley built by the late Andy Barker in the foothills near Statesville. About 100,000 hippies and wanna be hippies and other ilk packed the place and the Allman Brothers and other groups played music on a stage built in a rodeo arena. It was fantastic and my friend Brutus Casey and I had a blast and got blasted in the process. I was free! I was hip! I had long hair! I had a tie-dyed t-shirt and bell bottom jeans! I was 18 years old! Woo Hoo! But reality set in a couple of months later when I went to work at UPS. Kerplunk. Anyway, my hat is off to all grads. You have worked hard. As the Indian in the movie “Josie Wales� said “You have endeavored to persevere�. You are big boys and girls now. So peace brothers and sisters and good luck 'cause you will surely need it.
You can’t be a theatre major; you’ll never get out of my checkbook This is the time of year when parents of graduating college students comfort their checkTony Marciano books. Guest Editorial They pull it aside and speak warmly and tenderly to it as if it were a person. They cradle it and say, “I know my child promised to be on the four year plan and changed majors three times so now they are on the five year plan. I have worn you out writing checks for tuition, books, food, laundry, internships, etc. I have taken too many checks out of you over the last five years. But it is over. They graduate tomorrow. You can have a good rest. You have done your job. I won’t be seeing as much of you as I have in the future.� If you find yourself talking to your checkbook that way, I need to inform you that you are delusional. Not because you are talking to your checkbook, but your kids will NEVER GET OUT OF YOUR CHECKBOOK. Ok – let me catch my breath and tell you a story. When my daughter went off to college, I wanted her on the four year plan. Not only that, I wanted her to major in pre-law. She argued with me so much, I thought she'd be a great trial attorney. At the end of her first semester, she wanted to have a meeting with me about her major. Pre-law was over. Then she told me to sit down. She was going to be a theatre major. I smiled and did externally what every loving parent does – I smiled. I also
Sidewalk Survey Q: What advice do you have for graduating high school seniors
Gary Farmer Go to college then get a job
Dumas James Become a lawyer then a politician
Dicky Franks Stay away from liberal colleges
BannerNews Periodicals postage at Belmont, NC 28012 USPS 049-700 by Gemini Newspapers, Inc. Postmaster, send address changes to: P. O. Box 769, Kings Mountain NC 28086 Phone (704) 825-0580 • Fax (704) 825-0894 Office:128-C N. Main St. • Belmont, NC 28012
Brad Sawyer Listen to your heart it will not lie to you
Ronnie Cloninger Think real estate buy a lot while you are young
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gasped internally. A theatre major – you are never going to get out of my checkbook. I flashed back to her childhood Christmas plays when she was the director and my mother played the Virgin Mary (don’t ask) and our dog played baby Jesus (he was not cooperative). Every year the plays got bigger and bigger. I hoped it was a phase. It wasn’t. There is a scripture verse that says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will never depart from it.� Many people think it’s about taking your child to church. The thought is if they go regularly, they will continue their faith in God. I’ve heard a different perspective on that scripture verse. Cynthia Tobias in her book “The Way They Learn� challenges parents to understand how their children learn and then work with them from that perspective. For my daughter, it’s those meal time conversations when we discuss theology and world events. For my middle child, he observes everything I do. His understanding is better caught than taught. We don’t talk about anything. My youngest and I would have long discussions in the car while we were going to the auto parts store. Each child is different and each required me to work with them from their learning perspective rather than mine. This hit me many years ago when my middle child made comments on his “My Space� page (predecessor of Facebook) on a sermon he heard. The pastor wasn’t pleased with what he wrote and demanded I make my son take down his writing. After reading my son’s comment, I explained to the pastor I couldn’t ask my son to do that. He had nailed my theology and to ask him to remove it would be asking me to recant what he had caught from me over so many years. My daughter graduated as a theatre major with a focus on costume design. I am in awe of her artistic ability. She is alive when she sews. You need to see the costumes she creates. I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend. Rev. Tony Marciano is the Executive Director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Go to www.charlotte rescuemission.org and go to contact us- just ask for Pam.
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Wednesday, June 4, 2014
â– BELMONT
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POLICE
May 19: Mary Lee Clark, DWLR, speeding, arrested by Officer K. Wingate, Pleasant St at Perfection. May 20: Stacey Danyhell Miller, common law obstruction of justice, fraud attempt obtain money/property false pretense, failure to comply, arrested by Officer K. Hall, 402 Hawley Ave. May 20: Tamika Shonte Clark, larceny shoplifting OFA, attempt obtain money/property false pretense, arrested by Officer K. Hall, 402 Hawley Ave. May 20: William Spencer Watkins, DWLR, arrested by Officer R. Berry, Nixon Rd. at Wilerene Dr. May 21: Kristopher Shane Nixon, RDO, drunk disruptive, arrested by Officer B. Pickert, 1813 Hickory Grove Rd. May 22: Jennifer Lynn Wilson, poss. heroin, poss. drug paraphernalia, arrested by SRO J. Lutmer, 318 S. Main St. May 23: Joseph Mitchel Cannon, simple poss. Sch. II and Sch. III, arrested by Officer K. Seigler, 924 Cathedral St. May 24: Brett Alexander Keller, larceny, arrested by Officer K. Hall, 701 Hawley Ave. May 26: William Garrett Cooper, DWI alcohol, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, NC27 at Highland St. May 27: Sherry Demetria Grier, larceny from a merchant, OFA, arrested by Officer M. Stroupe, 701 Hawley Ave. May 27: Eric Scott Dent, larceny shoplifting, fraud obtain money property by false pretense, contempt of court, court violations, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, 701 Hawley Ave. May 29: Shaquieta Hamilton, larceny of infant formula, trespassing, arrested by Officer D. Wingate, 701 Hawley Ave. May 29: Ashton Reve Reid, larceny shoplifting, arrested by Officer K. Hall, 701 Hawley Ave. May 30: Margaret Pardee Ricks, drunk and disruptive, escape from custody or resist arrest, arrested by Officer M. Pickert, 12 Johnson St.
Belmont woman arrested in break-in Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies and detectives have arrested three people in connection with break-ins to outbuildings at a residence in the 4700 block of Foxchase Lane, Alexis early last Wednesday. Deputies were dispatched to the residence when a neighbor called the homeowner and told him someone was breaking into his outbuildings. The homeowner then called the Communications Center. According to police, the neighbor told deputies he heard noise around the outbuildings around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday and went to investigate. He saw three people near the buildings but they fled the scene into a wooded area when he yelled at them. Shortly after daybreak, the victim went back to the storage buildings to check them out and no-
ticed a black B u i c k p a r k e d nearby with a stolen fourwheeler attached to the back and a stolen air Whitehead compressor inside. One of the suspects, Jessica Leah Whitehead, 34, of Apt 12 Johnson Street, Belmont, returned to the scene and unloaded the air compressor and removed the four-wheeler from the vehicle and attempted to leave. The victim tried to stop her and she struck his knee with the car causing only minor injury. The suspects broke into two storage buildings and a trailer. A torch was used to cut the lock off of one building while a wall
panel was removed to gain entry into the other. Stolen in the break-ins were three electric Hoyle drills, and two fourwheelers valued at approximately $10,000. An attempt was made to open a gun safe by using a cutting torch. Both four-wheelers were recovered. The three suspects were arrested later by Gaston County officers on Charles Raper Jonas Highway in Alexis. Jessica Leah Whitehead, 34, of Apt. 12 Johnson Street, Belmont, Antonio Maurice McClure, 27, 478 South King Street, Gastonia, and Quan Artavius Hoyle,
3201 Spring Valley Drive, Gastonia, are charged with one felony count each of Safecracking by Opening a Safe, McClure Breaking and Entering, Larceny after Breaking and Entering, Possession of Stolen Goods, Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, and Attempted Larceny. Whitehead and Hoyle are being held in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $60,000 secured bond while McClure is being held without bond. The Major Crimes Unit investigated the incidents.
This huge object that made its way slowly through Mount Holly last week got plenty of stares. According to Mike Santmire who took the picture and asked a CSX railroad employee, it is a remanufactured nuke pump generator for the Duke Energy McGuire Nuclear Plant. Photo by Mike Santmire
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Page 6A
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
The Banner News | banner-news.com
â– SCHOOL
â– SPORTS
NEWS
Gaston Christian School announces Valedictorians and Salutatorians Co-Valedictorians are Abigail McGettigan Jarratt and Parker Ross Ramsey. Abigain plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Parker will be attending High Point University.
Contributed Photo
Abigail McGettigan Jarratt
Parker Ross Ramsey
Nicola Rae Matthews
Bailey Elizabeth Stewart
Runners of all ages get ready for the Fun Run at the Belmont 5K.
Belmont 5K, 10 years & running By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com
10 years ago Belmont Police officer Lt. B. Marett thought it would be a good idea to bring a 5K race to Belmont. That race drew fewer than 50 people but showed that there was an interest in an event of that nature. Ten years later the race that came to be known as the Belmont 5K celebrated its anniversary in grand fashion. Runners from all over the Carolina's came to this year’s event. The 5K is put on by the Belmont Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association or BCPAA. The BCPAA is a grass roots organization dedicated to helping local law enforcement. Proceeds from the race are sometimes used to help purchase much needed equipment for Belmont PD. Event coordinator Karen Wardwell was pleased with the turnout. "We had 199 finishers for the 5K," she said. “And we had about 50 people participate in the fun run." Wardwell has been getting things organized for the Belmont 5K for five years. Event planning for the 2014 race began right after the 2013 race ended. To put on a production with over 200 runners requires a lot of help. Many individuals, local businesses and organizations helped to sponsor and put on the event. Without them the race would not have happened. Wardwell was appreciative of the effort put in by all. She highlighted two groups that were especially helpful. "The BCPAA helped with getting people
registered and also helped with water and the food tables. The South Point High School Junior ROTC helped with traffic control and an assortment of other things as well." Wardwell also wanted to express her thanks to the Belmont PD. "I want to thank all of the BPD Officers who came in on their day off to help." In the 10 years the Belmont 5K has been run there has never been a serious injury. Once the race started everything went off like clockwork. Runners ranging in age from 7 to 71 came out to run in this year’s race. Matthew Longworth won the event when he crossed the finish line at the 16.60.8 mark. The top woman finisher was 35-year-old Melissa Orr. Orr broke the tape with a time of 20.46. After the race was over Captain Mike Ward of the Belmont Police Department handed out awards. Based on the cheerful faces in the crowd there can be little doubt that everyone had a good time, and that is what the race is all about. With that said, each year there is usually an assortment of colorful people who come out for the race. There are dogs pulling people on roller blades, people on bounce shoes and an assortment of other creative ways to get around. Those people are there to run and have a little bit of fun. This year proved to be a little boring when it came to that a flair for the dramatic. When asked about unusual characters Wardwell took the question in stride. "I didn't see any unusual ones this year.�
Best Fan! Trent Walden was recently named as the recipient of the Joe Steele Fan Appreciation Award in support of the athletics of South Point High School by the Big Red Booster Club.
Co-Salutatorians are Nicola Rae Matthews and Bailey Elizabeth Stewart. Nicola will be attending the North Carolina State University, School of Engineering and Baily will be attending North Greenville University.
Local students graduate college THOMAS WELLS, of Belmont, NC, earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C. Wells was among 1,081 undergraduate and graduate candidates for degrees at Coastal Carolina University's Spring 2014 commencement ceremony. U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey, the commencement speaker, urged the Class of 2014 to embrace the responsibility their education has given them, to pursue the truth, and to cultivate a sense of historical awareness and civic duty. Clemson University held its graduation on May 9, 2014. LINDSAY ELIZABETH ANDREWS of Belmont, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science. More than 3,200 students received degrees from President James P. Clements, who presided over his first graduation ceremony at Clemson and was inaugurated in three stages at the morning, afternoon and evening ceremonies.
Contributed Photo
AARON D. THRAMS of Stanley was among the 471
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students receiving degrees from Piedmont College at the recent May Commencement ceremonies in Demorest. Thrams earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration with high honors. Piedmont College is an independent liberal arts college of about 2,600 students with campuses located in Demorest and Athens, Ga. Founded in 1897, the college offers undergraduate degrees
in more than 50 major areas, master's degrees in education and business, and doctoral degrees in education. Belmont resident JESSICA HARGETT was among the nearly 800 students who graduated from Bob Jones University earlier this month. Hargett graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in English Education.
Students named to Dean’s List Aaron D. Thrams of Stanley was named a Dean's Scholar at Piedmont College after completing the recent spring semester with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. Piedmont College is an independent liberal arts college of about 2,600 students with campuses located in Demorest and Athens, Ga. Founded in 1897, Piedmont offers undergraduate degrees in 50 major areas, master's degrees in education and business, and doctoral degrees in education. The following Washington and Lee students have earned Dean's List status for the recently ended winter term 2014. Dean's list status at Washington and Lee represents a term grade-point average of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale. Edward Allison of Belmont; Giles Beal of Gastonia; Marian Rhyne of Gastonia. Located in Lexington, Va. Washington and Lee University, the nation's ninth oldest institution of higher education, is among the nation's premier liberal arts colleges and universities. Clemson University has announced the names of local students who are on the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester. Lindsay Elizabeth Andrews of Belmont, who is majoring in Food Science; Eric James Ewald of
Belmont, who is majoring in Food Science; Sadler N. Gensch of Belmont, who is majoring in General Engineering Undeclared; Alexa Cowling McCullen of Belmont, who is majoring in Horticulture; Dalton C. Williams of Stanley, who is majoring in General Engineering Undeclared. To be named to the Dean's List, a student achieved a gradepoint average between 3.50 and 3.99 on a 4.0 scale. Clemson University also announced the names of local students who are on the spring 2014 President's List. They are: Chandler Lee Gibbs of Mc Adenville, whose major is Mechanical Engineering. The following students have been named to the Honor Roll for the spring semester of the 2013-2014 academic year at Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina. Deanna Canipe of Stanley and Janet Widenhouse of Belmont. To be eligible for the Honor Roll, students must be enrolled full-time and earn a grade point average of 3.0 to 3.49 during the semester. Brevard College (www.brevard.edu) is committed to an experiential liberal arts education that encourages personal growth and inspires artistic, intellectual, and social action.
EG forms bowling team East Gaston High School launched a bowling team program to encourage students to become involved in bowling as a sport. The team members plan to host high school bowling competitions at Liberty Lanes in Gastonia and seek college scholarships awarded by the United States Bowling Congress.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
â– SCHOOL
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NEWS Gaston Christian High School 9th graders spent several exciting days touring the nation’s capital (May 7-9). While in Washington, the group visited the Smithsonian museums, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, and the monuments and memorials. The group is pictured here on the steps of the Capitol building with Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC 10th District). Contributed Photo
During National Library Week (April 14-17th) Springfield Elementary in Stanley showed how much the students and staff loved their library by having a spirit week. The days events were as follows: Monday: Springfield Shirt Day, Tuesday: Book Character Dress Up Day, Wednesday: Wacky Tacky Day, and Thursday Pajama Day. Students and staff also met children's author Jonathan Miller. Contributed Photo
GC Schools good news GCS students chosen Ida Rankin Elementary for Commissioners’ Students of the Month
Gaston County Schools had 10 students chosen to receive scholarships from the German Foundation of Charlotte to fund their visit to Gastonia’s sister city of Gotha, Germany. Bailey Chavis, Breezy Howe, Emil Gravley, Jaji Watson and Anne-Marie Farrier from Ashbrook High School and Nick Aguilar, Daniel Burgess, Melic Cleveland, Maximilian Flores and Marthaluz Velez from Forestview High School received the scholarships.
Gaston County Schools has 12 students chosen for the prestigious Governor’s School of North Carolina: Tyler Rapp, East Gaston High School; Jeffrey Friday, Claire Neinast and Roshini Amarasinghe, Forestview High School; Adedayo Adelekun and Mara Hayes, Highland School of Technology; Zachary Templeton and Kylelyn Underhill, Hunter Huss High School; and Charles Dixon, Faith Granade, Maxwell Neisler and Thomas Matthew, South Point High School. Stuart W. Cramer High School student Stephen Moore was chosen to attend the National Flight Academy this summer at Fort Pickett in Blackstone, Virginia. He is a Cadet First Lieutenant in the Gastonia Squadron of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol and aspires to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. East Gaston students Kaylee Seeley and Tyler Rapp took top honors at the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
state conference. Kaylee won third place in the medical assisting category and Tyler finished fourth in the medical math competition. Students Shareena Broome, Kellyn Reese, Amanda Angstadt and Harley Bourgeois also attended the conference. Mount Holly Middle’s Seth Sturgis captured first place and Hailey Newman claimed third place in the Arbor Day Poster Contest. Mount Holly Middle had two winners in the Gaston County Art Show. Kaylie Nelson took second place in the mixed media category and Melissa Schleicher captured second place in the color drawing category. South Point senior Katie Scruggs received the prestigious Park Scholarship from N.C. State University. Senior Quinn Barnette was one of only 15 students to receive the coveted Levine Scholarship from UNCCharlotte. The South Point High School chorus participated in the WorldStrides Heritage Musical Festival in San Diego. The concert choir, chamber choir, men’s chorus and women’s chorus achieved gold award status for earning a score of 90 or higher. Additionally, the concert choir placed first in the division and received the Adjudicator’s Award for having a score of 95 or higher, and the chamber choir captured a third place divisional finish. Melissa Glover is the choral director.
School of Excellence Fifty-eight students from Gaston County Schools will attend the James S. Forrester Commissioners’ School of Excellence (CSE) June 15-27 at Belmont Abbey College. CSE is a unique, two-week summer residential learning experience for rising tenth graders in Gaston County. It is similar to the prestigious Governor’s School of North Carolina program, which is for high school juniors. CSE students are chosen based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, self-motivation, and written expression. The number of students selected from each school is based on the school’s size. Participants have an opportunity to attend seminars, take field trips, work with community leaders, hear renowned guest speakers, participate in a variety of performances, and enjoy many hands-on experiences. Lessons and activities involve problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and community service. The program is funded by the Gaston County Commissioners and operated by Gaston County Schools in cooperation with local colleges – there is no cost to students. It is named for the late Senator James S. Forrester, who was an adamant supporter of the school and helped to ensure its early success. Here are the local students from Gaston County Schools selected for the Commissioners’ School Class of 2014: Stuart W. Cramer High School- Kierian Digsby, Jacob Dyksterhouse, Julia Kim, Mattie Lee, Nathaniel Manun, Bradley Parrish, Holly Shropshire. East Gaston High School- Jameson Bodenheimer, Katie Cobb, Haley Conner, Joshua Kaskay, Meredith Poole. South Point High School- Jacob Boyd, Olivia Devine, Evon Houser, Victoria McAlister, Madeline Sloan, Hunter Smith. Two students from private schools – Nicholas Deely from Gaston Day and Clara Ellington from Gaston Christian – also were selected for Commissioners’ School.
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Ida Rankin Elementary announced its Students of the Month and Principals Pride students for April. These include: Fifth Grade Student of the Month; Shaun Miller, Jamayah McCorkle, Caden Hopkins, and Logan Allen. Fourth Grade Student of the Month; Mea Wyatt, Pierre Harrison, Shamya Gleaton, and Macy Ballard. Third Grade Student of the Month; Luigi Bortolussi, Nathan Smith, Ty'Qwailyn Cunningham, and Hayden Ellis. Second Grade Student of the Month; Victoria Davis, Autumn Farr, and Alexis Clemmer. First Grade Student of the Month. Dawson Lemonde, Khamrin Lowrance, Jacqueline Talamantes, Katie Beth Russell, Michael Morgan, and Cooper Scales. Kindergarten Student of the Month; Kemara Horton, Matthew Hedricks, Ava Brooks, Jadae McCrary, and Kendall
Mace. Fifth Grade Principals Pride; Lily Crouch, Mehak Sharma, Alexis Rose, Kristin Kiser, and Trey Chavers. Fourth Grade Principals Pride; Camury Reid, Madison Blanton, Nickolas Vause, Kristin Kiser, and Gracyn Harte. Third Grade Principals Pride. Issac Alexander, Collin Collins, Kristin Kiser, and Mika Chaney. Second Grade Principals Pride; Alex Blackmon, Cody Sysomboune, Kiya Henley, Kristin Kiser, and Nathan Miller. First Grade Principals Pride; Sincere Timpson, Anne Shuler, Gage Stevens, Michael Pridgeon, Coby Vaughan, Kristin Kiser, and Ari'Yana Cunningham. Kindergarten Principals Pride, Connor Lodato, Zaylah Church, Elizabeth Wakestar, Max Hamilton, Kristin Kiser, and Hayden Owens.
Meet Your Friends at Charlie’s Mon.-Fri. • 7:00AM-7:00PM Sat. • 8:00AM-4:00PM Sun. • 8:00AM-9:30AM
Page 8A
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
The Banner News | banner-news.com
CAROMONT COMMUNITY CHALLENGE – The first annual CaroMont Community Challenge held May 17 was a success and saw about 700 participants assemble at Forestview High School for fitness and fun. In partnership with the Gaston County Rotary, the run, walk or bike event raised more than $15,000 that will benefit Gaston County Schools’ robotics program, a school initiative that teaches students skills in science, technology and math.
Little Women at Little Theater of Gastonia Witness the beloved classic of Louisa May Alcott come to life in the Little Theater of Gastonia’s musical production of Little Women. Belmont Abbey Theatre and English professor Simon Donoghue directs this show-stopping musical. Shows are June 5-7; 2:30pm Regular ticket prices are $15 for adults and $12 for student/senior adults; a $10 ticket special is offered on June 5. Tickets are available for purchase on Carolinatix.com or at the box of-
fice at 704-865-0160; reservations suggested. The theater is located at 238 S. Clay Street in Gastonia. For more information, visit www.littletheaterofgastonia.com.
BBQ, Summer Praise Fest Frontline Worship Center, 324 N. Main Street in Stanley, and We R Forgiven praise group are hosting a BBQ sale Friday, June 6, from 11 a.m. until, and Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Plates are $8 each. A free Summer Praise Fest concert will be Saturday from 4-8 p.m. featuring The Pathfinders from Alexis, Parables of Christ from Conover, Blood Bought from Lincolnton, Jordan's Crossroads from Hickory, Praisin' Hands for Christ from Gastonia, and the host group We R Forgiven from Stanley. More than 500 attended last year's event with an even bigger crowd expected for this great line-up of gospel music in various styles. Concessions will be available during the concert. For more information go to www.thepathfinders.com;
www.parablesgospel.com; www.werforgiven.com, or search "blood
bought" &"Jordan's Crossroads" on Facebook.
Memorial Day marks the traditional start of the summer recreation season. Duke Energy encourages everyone to practice safety while boating and enjoying other activities on the lakes along the Catawba River. Each year, thousands of people die or are injured, and millions of dollars of property damage occur because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. Everyone can make a difference by knowing and following all state-required safety rules and guidelines for boat operation, and ensuring each boat has the required safety equipment for the number of occupants and activities planned. Duke Energy reminds people overnight camping, fires, littering, removal of any vegetation and permanent structures are strictly prohibited on any of the lakes’ public recreation access areas, islands or along the shoreline. Please follow these other guidelines while enjoying the lakes: Parking at public recreation access
areas is permitted in marked spaces only. Vehicles and trailers should not park along the highway. Vehicles found in prohibited areas may be towed without prior notice, at the owner's expense. Keep the environment safe and clean by leaving no trace of your visit to the lakes. Handle gasoline and oil with care to avoid spills. Please don't litter and consider recycling plastics, glass, and aluminum containers. Always wear a personal floatation device – one should be available for every passenger. Ensure children are wearing the appropriate size. Remember to stay hydrated, and keep children hydrated. Wearing a flotation device for a long period of time can accelerate dehydration. Don’t overload a boat. Seats do not indicate capacity. Keep track of the weather. If caught in rough water, keep low in the boat and head the boat’s bow into the waves. Alcohol and water don't mix. Alcohol distorts a person's judgment and slows down reaction time. Don’t mix
alcohol with boating or swimming. Always be attentive on the water, and focus on operating the boat. Remember an accident can happen very quickly. Stay alert for other boaters, skiers and swimmers. § Use caution upstream and downstream of hydro dams due to strong currents, and observe posted signage. Carry all the proper equipment including a cell phone, drinking water (to prevent dehydration) and develop a float plan to let your friends and family know where you are going and when you will return. Take advantage of the boating expertise that is available. The American Red Cross, SC Department of Natural Resources, local marine commissions and other organizations offer a variety of safe boating and swimming courses. Free boat inspections are also available through local U.S. Coast Guard auxiliaries and Power Squadrons. For questions, please call Duke Energy Lake Services at 1-800-443-5193.
Members of the praise group We R Forgiven
Anytime, anywhere. Duke Energy encourages boating safety this summer
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Citizens Police Academy for youth The Gaston County Police Department will hold its annual Citizens’ Police Academy for Youth from Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 18. Class sessions will be held at County Police Headquarters located at 420 W. Franklin Blvd. Gastonia. The Gaston County Police Department Citizens’ Police Academy for Youth is designed to introduce students 12 through 15 years of age to the law enforcement profession and to provide
them with first-hand information as to how the Gaston County Police Department functions. Students will learn about police operations, to include community policing, police patrol procedures, criminal investigations, crime scene and fingerprinting, special investigations, Hazardous Devices Unit, Marine Enforcement Unit, community service, Police K-9, and the Emergency Response Team. Students will be given
tours of the police department, 911 communications division, animal control division, the court system, and the county jail. Students will also be involved in hands on demonstrations to include simulated police vehicle stops, Teen Court, and participation in the Fatal Consequences D.W.I. program. The Academy session will select fourteen students from applicants who will be selected based on three letters of reference from a teacher, a principal, and a
guidance counselor. Applications are available at County Police Headquarters 420 W. Franklin Blvd. Gastonia and online through the department’s website at www.gastoncountypolice.org . The Gaston County Police Department is in its fourteenth year of conducting the Citizens’ Police Academy for Youth. For more information contact Sergeant Josh Hamlin at 704-866-3320.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
BRIDGE: expected to reopen in July From page 1A bridge had stood in the same spot. The bridge being out has caused a slew of headaches for Cramerton residents and folks trying to get there from Belmont. Businesses in downtown Cramerton have also suffered. A couple of weeks ago, Center Street Tav-
ern in downtown Cramerton closed, the owner citing the bridge's effect on business. The Town of Cramerton is looking forward to the reopening of the C.C. Dawson Bridge so that everyone can be better connected to the new high school, Goat Island, and Belmont said Peoples. “While the bridge replacement project has been
an inconvenience, the new structure should stand for many generations to come and also serve as a beautiful welcome to our historic downtown area. The Town has focused on marketing the South Fork River as a quality of life asset that enhances the Cramerton experience and this bridge will only further that effort.�
JETHRO MANN: to be honored by BHS From page 1A his “Bicycle Lending Library�. For this he gained world wide recognition. He took in old bicycles, rebuilt them, and loaned them to children in the community. This taught these children responsibility, honesty, and pride. The Belmont Historical
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Society’s library has two hours of taped oral histories on video in which he recounts his life experiences. His portrait will be permanently displayed along with other deceased citizens of Belmont who have made significant contributions to the Belmont Community and beyond.
A reception honoring Mr. Mann will be held on Saturday, June 7, at the Belmont Historical Society’s Cultural and Heritage Learning Center. The Center is located at 40 Catawba Street in the former home of Mr. Robert Lee Stowe, Sr. The event will be at 2pm and the public is invited.
BULLYING: Schools get proactive From page 1A “On some sites you have to be a 'friend' to follow it.� But Lutmer, a 14-year veteran of the Belmont PD and a former US Navy sailor, isn't a pushover. If someone is the victim of bullying in any form, he encourages them to come forward and/or bring the parents too. “This year I was able to intervene in several cases,� he said. In a proactive mode, Lutmer got on the Belmont Middle School in-house TV channel last February after several cyber bullying incidents popped up. “I addressed the student body and gave them a lecture about how whoever was doing it would be in big trouble,� he said. “That stopped it in its tracks.� Now that this school year is winding down, Lutmer is looking forward to being an anti-bullying bulwark next year as well. “I plan to do programs educating stu-
dents on bullying and its effects,� he said. On a broader scale, according to Gaston County Police spokesperson Sgt Josh Hamlin, no arrests were made in the schools in the past year under the NC General Statutes relating to bullying. “Most cases are handled at a school administration level,� he said. “Because the incidents have not reached the level or elements of the NC General Statutes for bullying or there has not been a physical assault or communication of a threat that reaches the standard set forth in the Statutes.� While Lutmer is at Belmont Middle, other officers from Gaston County Police are on duty in other locations- including South Point and and East Gaston high schools. “We have 11 full time officers in the 10 schools,� Hamlin said. Overall, thanks to School Resource Officers like Lutmer and others, Gaston schools saw incidents of crime and bullying drop for the third year in a row.
STUDENTS: honor veterans, donate to Wounded Warrior Project From page 1A explained. “The PD was looking for an idea to recognize Memorial Day in our city, and wanted to find a way to involve the community in the effort,� he said. “We thought that we could partner with one of the local elementary schools, and have a “student parade� in honor of those that have died in service to the country. "The idea was readily supported by the staff and students at Ida Rankin. As we were brainstorming, we thought that we would like for this celebration to have several dimensions. We would come together as a community, have the children actively participate in the function, the students would learn about the meaning of Memorial Day, we would honor the sacrifice of our fallen heroes, and we could perform a service by contributing to a worthy cause. "With the focus being on remembering Memorial Day, the Wounded Warrior Project seemed to be a good fit for our civic contribution portion of the celebration. The idea was that the students would learn about giving to a worthy cause, and about service to others, so we decided to request they collect $1 each to participate in the parade. This was with the understanding that if they were not able
Photo by Alan Hodge
Mount Holly police helped direct traffic and guide Ida Rankin Elementary students back to campus after their parade down Main St. last week. to bring a dollar, their participation to honor our servicemen would allow them to be in the parade as well.� The Ida Rankin kids donated a staggering $920.25 to Wounded Warriors. The students plan to speak at the next City Council meeting, June 9, about the success of their efforts. The morning of the parade, police Sgt. Kelly Hoyle went to the
school and discussed the meaning of Memorial Day with the entire school during morning announcements. Another city employee, Mike Santmire, who is himself a Purple Heart recipient, led the parade. A local company, Conder Flag Co., provided flags for all the students in the parade. “We hope that anyone that is inspired by these young patriots will take a moment to remember the sacrifices that have been made for
our country, and will find a suitable way to commemorate and honor those that have died in our service,� Roper said. Ida Rankin assistant principal Donna Kelly called the event a win-win for the kids, school, the City of Mount Holly, and wounded veterans. “When the police came and asked us to help we were super excited,� she said. “Over 600 students donated a dollar each. The
event also brought awareness to the students of the true meaning of Memorial Day and helped them understand why it is a holiday.� Miranda Pennington who works in the police records department, was also proud of the kids. “It's terrific that they have donated for the Wounded Warriors,� she said. “They could not have given it for anything better.� For more information go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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) 2 ½ BR, 1 BA REM O D E L E D HOUSE in KM for rent. $450/mth + $450 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. Referenced required. Call (704) 435-8750 and leave message. (604,11,18 & 25) 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) Lost Pets LOST DOG in CHERRYVILLE – Black dachshund; has a bad right front paw. Name is Tippy. Call (704) 4359857. Ask for Marsha. ( 6/04) REWARD for LOST DOG – Male Rat Terrier. 13 years old. Half Blind & Deaf. Last seen on May 27th near Hwy. 161. Any information call 704-7397730. (6/04) 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 musical instruments. Call: 704-300-0827 or 704-300-7676. (6/04) Auto for Sale 2004 Buick LeSabre for SALE. Call (704) 435-2153. (6/04) Misc. for Sale LAZYBOY RECLINER for SALE. Color- Blue and in good condition. $75.00 or OBO. Call: 704739-5570. (6/04) CRAFTSMAN GAS HEDGE TRIMMER for SALE. Good condition. $50.00. Call: 704827-1212. (6/04) T R O Y - B I LT WEEDEATER for SALE. Straight shaft. $40.00. Call: 704-8271212. (6/04) ECHO HAND HELD LEAF BLOWER for SALE - $40.00. Call: 704-8271212. (6/04)
Yard Sale - Ads due by 12pm Friday THREE FAMILY YARD SALE. Sat., June 7th at 305 Old Post Rd. in Cherryville. CHERRYVILLE YARD SALE – 417 Carol Rd., Sat., June 7th, 7 AM -until .No early birds. Baby items, household items, miscellaneous. KM YARD SALE – 1119 Bethlehem Rd., Sat., June 7th. 7 am – 11 am. Small TVs, Baby Crib, clothes and other household tiems.
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Page 10A
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
The Banner News | banner-news.com
© 2014 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 30, No. 25
Here are some fun games to play while camping or anytime you have a group of friends together.
Hawaiian Day! Make a colorful lei and dance the hula. Enjoy refreshing pineapple and other island treats.
own our very Create y course. Use lf mini-go ups, planks c ts bucke , to make a e r o and m ing, challeng e. s fun cour
Lazy Stay i Day! n you paja r Curl umas all day with a p in a corn . er good book.
Gently capture an insect and observe its behavior for a little while. Then, set it free!
Give your bike a tune-up. Clean it with a rag, oil the chain, and add air to your tires.
Draw a rait in chalk ort f-p sel sidewalk. ur yo on w your dra en Th ily. Take fam ole wh it before of oto a ph away! s she wa it
Make a lemonade stand. Work out how much it will cost to purchase lemonade and cups and price your drinks accordingly.
of you and Make a recording favorite song. ur a friend singing yo and dance to it! up it k an cr , Then
Make b your famreakfast for menu the ily. Plan the and set th night before e table, to o.
Invite some friends over tonight to make s’mores and watch movies.
Find a at really gree for c la p hiding .” Write “treasure for your out clues try and friends to it. find
Be a weather forecaster.
Opposite Headlines
Rewrite three or Write more newspaper down your headlines to mean weather just the opposite. Try predictions not to laugh as you for the week read them aloud to a ahead. Were you friend or family correct? member.
Make some jewelry. Color some pasta and thread it on a string.
Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Use the skills and strategies of the reading process to follow written directions.
On little pieces of paper, write things like TREE, MOUNTAIN, ROCK and other things that could be found on a camping trip.Tape one of these on each person’s back without letting them see the word. Then they can ask others YES or NO questions to try and figure out what they are. figu
Blindfold a player and Bl ta take them to a nearby tree. Let them touch tr the tree, feel the leaves lea or pine needles, for f as long as they wish. Then bring them wis back to the starting b point and remove the po blindfold. Can they find blin their tree again?
Create your own recipe for an ice cream sundae. Be sure to include lots of fruit.
itting Try sp on seeds el waterm cup. Who into a the target t can hi he greatest t m fro stance? di
Have a group of friends stand in a close circle. Have each person place one hand in the center. Then have everyone grab someone else’s hand at random. Everyone should work together to slowly untangle and try to create one big circle.
Standards Link: Writing: Use skills of the writing process to convey the main idea.
Have a group of friends sit in a circle. The more friends the better for this game! Have everyone start passing a small ball around as fast as they can without throwing it. It must be handed from player to player. Then add a larger ball and have that passed from player to player in the same direction. The player that winds up with the large and small ball at the same time is OUT!
Armchair Arnie travels the world without leaving home. He reads books about people and places in different parts of the world, in the past and even in the future! Do each math problem to see where Arnie’s book will take him.
Making Headlines Newspaper headlines tell the main idea of a story. Look at some of the headlines in today’s newspaper. Write a headline for a book you have read. Example: BOY TRAVELS TO WIZARD SCHOOL (Harry Potter). Standards Link: Literary Analysis: Summarize main idea.
LEMONADE OBSTACLE BOREDOM AWESOME JOURNAL JEWELRY SUNDAE COLOR CHALK DANCE BIKE DRAW BOOK SONG MENU
Find the words in the puzzle. Then look for each word in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities. T H E B O O K E L E
Standards Link: Physical Education: Use locomotor skills as components of games; follow rules for games.
R E I O D I C A E L S K N R O N N G M C E T A E A R N K O A A W C D U O H L N T D E M O S E W A A S N I
J M L N G H D B
U N E M T O O C E O S J E W E L R Y D O Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
This week’s word:
BORED The verb bored means to be tired and restless because of having nothing to do. Kid Scoop kept me from being bored this summer. Try to use the word bored in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.
I Was SO Bored! Write a funny story about a time you were incredibly bored. How did you get through it? Did you escape into your imagination?
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