INSIDE... Hope honored ............. 2A Opinion ....................... 4A Obituaries ................... 5A EG Graduation ............. 6A SP Graduation ............. 7A SP athletes honored .... 8A
Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville | Volume 79 • Issue 25 • Wednesday, June 18, 2014
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Graduates march into next stage of life By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Students from South Point High and East Gaston High joined hundreds of others in Gaston County
who took their diplomas on Saturday. East Gaston held its exercise in the school auditorium while South Point students marched into Lineberger Stadium for an outdoor event.
East Gaston graduated 320 students. The valedictorians were Lanie Summerlin, Mark Bedard, and Samuel Casciani. The salutatorian was Jodie Winchester. Students did their
Fighting Yank is on the move! The base for the Spirit of the Fighting Yank WWII memorial statue was finally put in place in Stowe Park at 1pm Monday June 16. The statue itself will be put atop the pedestal sometime this week after a minor repair is made and new mounting pins fabricated. Photo by Alan Hodge
East Gaston seniors mourn loss of classmate By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
East Gaston High's graduation ceremony Saturday had a somber undertone with the fact that one senior, 19 year old Jaquez D’Andre Hunter-Cathey, had drowned in Mountain Island Lake just a few days earlier. An emotional moment of silence was held in D'Andre's honor during the graduation ceremony and his mother was in attendance to accept his diploma. Last Tuesday at 6:24pm the Gaston County Police Communications Center received a 911 call in reference to a drowning at Mountain Island Lake near Mount Holly. According to police, when officers arrived they found three teenagers who stated they last saw Hunter-Cathey swimming in a cove near the Mountain Island dam. One friend told police that Hunter-Cathey began to struggle as he was swimming across a cove. Another witness stated he possibly saw Hunter-Cathey exit the
Jaquez D’Andre Hunter-Cathey water on the other side of the cove. The friends began searching for him in the woods and after searching for approximately an hour and a half called 911. Fearing Hunter-Cathey may still be in the water, two friends began diving back into the water of the cove attempting to locate him but were unsuccessful. Gaston Emergency Medical Service, Lucia Riverbend Fire Department, Cooks Lake Fire Department, Dallas Rescue Squad and Stanley Civil Defense Rescue Squad responded to assist in the search. Divers located the body of HunterCathey near the area he was last seen swimming at approximately 8:12pm. Police say the investigation into the drowning is still continuing, but drugs and or alcohol are not believed to have been factors in the
processional to the tune of Sir Edward Elgar's familiar “Pomp and Circumstance.” East Gaston JROTC Color Guard posted the colors. Kaela Lipscomp sang the National Anthem. The welcome was delivered by senior class president Lunden Elizabeth Farris. Principal Cristi Bostic recognized honored guests. Bostic, assistant principals Rebekka Powers, Lisa Pennington, GCS attorney Sonya McGraw, and GCS Board of Education member Kevin Collier presented diplomas. The senior chorus and class sang “Fair East Gaston.” Marshals included Tyler James Rapp, Alexis Brooke Arnold, Claire Emily Biggerstaff, Emily Lynn Davis, Alyssa Lane Hampton, Gabriel Lucas Hutson, Delanie Faye-Ann Knight, Theresa Renee Martin, Claire Marie Paluszak, Zachary Alan Spainhour. South Point High graduated 306 students under sunny skies at Lineberger Stadium. Co-valedictorians were Madeline Killen and Quinn Barnette. Co-salutatorians were Kathryn Scruggs and Makayla Lund. Marshals included Kendrick Icenhour, Shelby Basham,
South Point High School students and dignitaries watch the students filing in to begin graduation. See more graduation photos on page 8A (East Gaston HS photos may be found on page 6A). Photo by Alan Hodge Ryan Furukawa, Katie Henninger, Morgan Mahaffey, Allison Clayton, Ashley Harrill, Hoaithuong Ho,
Thomas Matthew, Kennedy Concannon, Zachary Hayes, Arlyn Locklear, Bailey See GRADUATES, 9A
MH Council approves budget By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com The Mount Holly city council approved the municipality's FY20142015 budget at its meeting last week. The balanced budget amounts to $15.1 million and includes $9.4 million in general fund revenues and expenditures and $5.7 million in utility fund revenues and expenditures. Highlights of the budget include keeping the current tax rate of 53 cents per $100 of valuation. At this time, there is no cost of living raise for city employees, but staff is still looking at other compensation such as a “floating holiday”. Employee healthcare coverage will remain the same. New positions will be added. “In regard to the budget, there are three new positions that have been approved," said city manager Danny Jackson. “The Police Department will have a new position of Deputy Police See MH COUNCIL, 9A
Photo by Alan Hodge
At last week's Mount Holly city council meeting, Ida Rankin Elementary student body VP Caroline Worley and principal Kristen Kiser presented police chief Don Roper with a check of $922.25 that the school kids donated to the Wounded Warrior Fund.
Wells hopes to ride the rails of history By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
If Nathan Wells has it his way, Belmont could become a trolley car Mecca. Wells, a member of Belmont Trolley, Inc., a non-profit group that's working to bring a fully functional trolley from Charlotte and run it on tracks between downtown and See TROLLEY CARS, 11A Photo by Alan Hodge
Nathan Wells of Belmont is seen in the circa 1923 trolley he hopes to restore.
See DROWNING, 9A
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Hope honored for service to community By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
At last week's Mount Holly city council meeting Mayor Bryan Hough presented retiree John Hope, 61, with a key to the city, and a new watch, and read a proclamation honoring him for his many years of employment with the municipality. However, in some ways the deeper story is what Hope has done not only on, but “off the clock� for his community. “I was completely surprised and happy,� Hope said about getting the plaque, watch, and key. “I've always tried to do the right thing for the city.� Hope was touched by the gifts and recognition. “I got emotional,� he said. “I couldn't hold back.� Hope grew up in Mount Holly and attended Rollins School. He went on to St. Augustine University in Raleigh. He started working for the city in 1990. Hope began in the streets department then moved into utilities taking care of pump stations and water towers. He then transferred into a spot supervising meter read-
ers. After that Hope moved into code enforcement and became a city inspector checking out infrastructure in new developments. “I made them do the job right,� he said. Hope's dedication to the job earned him accolades. “John has been a fixture in Mount Holly for many years,� said Hough. “His service both with the City of Mount Holly and his contributions to the community have been invaluable. John is an incredible person and is committed to improving Mount Holly.� City Manager Danny Jackson also praised Hope's service. “He and I spent a number of years working together before his retirement,� Jackson said. “John, while under my supervision, was an employee that I could count on to get the job done. Once he was assigned a task I didn’t have to worry about constantly checking on him. As a supervisor that’s a comforting feeling when that happens.� Not content with going to work and coming home, Hope began casting his eyes around looking for other
ways to serve the citizens of Mount Holly. At the suggestion of former city manager David Crouse, Hope formed the Black History Forum to chronicle and celebrate the city's African-American Heritage. It started out with just a few members but now its annual banquet packs the Grand Hall at the Municipal Complex. In addition, Hope and other BHF members have worked hard to preserve the legacy of the Rollins School where local black students attended class prior to its closing in the late 1960s. “The Black History Forum is like my baby,� Hope said. Jackson recognized Hope's work with the BHF. “John and I also spent a fair amount of time discussing objectives when the Black History Committee was created in 2003,� he said. “From our conversations he understood that we have to assume roles of leadership and affect our community in a positive way. The manifestation of having that mentality has resulted in all of the accolades that John has received.� In addition, Hope has
Photo by Alan Hodge
John Hope (center) was recently honored by the City of Mount Holly for his many years of service to the municipality and community. Seen with Hope are his wife Lessie and Mayor Bryan Hough. been active in the Community Relief Organization as well as the Mount Holly Historical Society where he is a board member. He was named Mount Holly Man of the Year in 2011. A hard blow fell on Hope in 1996 when he suffered kidney failure. A 1999 trans-
â– NEWS
plant failed in 2006 and he goes to dialysis several times a week while looking for another donor. Hope turned that lemon into lemonade by working with the Kidney Foundation giving lectures on how to not only survive, but thrive under those health conditions.
BRIEFS
Lucy Penegar PFLAG at BAC tonight picnic There will be an entertaining evening with local preservation enthusiast, Lucy Penegar, on June 18th at 6:30pm on the campus of Belmont Abbey College in Grace Auditorium. (3rd floor of St. Leo's Hall). Lucy will be discussing the many benefits of preservation including: the state and local historic tax benefits, other economic and cultural aspects of preservation. The event will be entertaining and informative. Sponsored by the Historic Belmont Foundation
Main Street meeting set for Thursday
Photo by Alan Hodge
Necks were craning.....pun intended...in Belmont last week when workers hoisted an antenna mounting rack to the top of the city water tank behind First Baptist Church. That speck up high is a man standing on the tank top guiding the rack into place for welding.
Representatives of the North Carolina Main Street Team (NC Office of Urban Development) will be holding a public meeting on Thursday, June 19 starting at 6:30pm at First Presbyterian Church, 102 S. Central Ave., Belmont. The NC Main Street Center works to stimulate economic development within the context of historic preservation, using a comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and utilized by the National Trust Main Street Center to assist communities across the country. Email Reba Edwards at redwards@cityofbelmont.o rg or call 704-813-2922 to RSVP the public meeting.
Meet Your Friends at Charlie’s Mon.-Fri. • 7:00AM-7:00PM Sat. • 8:00AM-4:00PM Sun. • 8:00AM-9:30AM
Overall, Hope's humility, positive attitude in the face of adversity, and hard work has earned him many friends near and far. “It's not about being recognized,� he said. “It's about educating and helping the community. Mount Holly is my home town and I love it.�
PFLAG Gaston will have a Garden of Gratitude, meeting, and dessert extravaganza at the picnic shelter in Stowe Park in Belmont on Thursdsay, June 19, at 6:30pm. Bring a dessert to share. Paper products and drinks will be provided.
Praise Day The Rotary Centennial Pavilion in downtown Gastonia will be the site on June 21 from 2-6pm of the Praise Day event. There will be music by Blessed Assurance, Blood Bought, Lifeline Youth Band, and Lisa Humphrey. Pastor Tommy Buchanan and others will speak. Food will be hot dogs, cotton candy, snow cone, popcorn, drinks. Giveaways will include bikes, crafts, Bibles, other prizes. Free parking on W. Main Ave and both sides of the pavilion at N. South St. More information call 980329-7474.
Belmont Juneteenth Event Belmont will holds it annual Juneteenth event on June 21 in Stowe Park from 2-8pm. The Juneteenth celebration will feature local entertainers, artifacts, a variety of vendors and a fish fry. This event is free and open to everyone. The schedule will include: 2:00pm Call to Celebrate; 3:30pm Musician Bayou Butch; 4:30pm Line Dancing by Ewanda Thompson of Fit 4 You; 5:30pm Hollerin' Contest and Dance group; 6:008:00pm EWP Family Band (jazz); 7:00pm Intermission performance by saxaphonist William Hannon. Juneteenth is the oldest
known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. For more information visit www.juneteenth.com
Baseball signups The North Belmont Blast baseball team is having summer sign ups for players ages 13-15 years. The sign ups will be held at North Belmont Park on Hickory Grove Rd. at 7pm, June 20. Cost is $50 players will get a cap, shirt and a participation trophy. Come ready to practice. Call Scott at 704-718-3188 or email reddhead25@yahoo.com.
VBS starts June 22 Riverside Baptist 171 S. Main St, Cramerton, will be having Vacation Bible School June 22-25 from 68pm. Ages babies-teens. Call 704-824-3182 for information or directions. The VBS Kickoff will be Saturday June 21 at 10am. Meet at Gazebo downtown Cramerton. Scavenger Hunt- will start at Gazebo and end at church. Refreshments will be served.
Mount Holly fireworks The City of Mount Holly will be hosting its First Annual Fireworks Display on Thursday, July 3rd. The fireworks will be set off at Ida Rankin Elementary ball field beginning after dark. The fireworks should be visible for most of Mount Holly. For questions please contact City Hall.
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Opinions...
“
Yours, Ours, Others
�
Quote of the week
What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Father’s Day and always, time spent with your children is time well spent
Teachers... a most valuable asset School is out. The hallways and classrooms are silent. There are no aromas of french fries or chocolate sheet cakes wafting from the lunchroom. The computer screens are black. Parking lots are empty. Athletic fields are quiet and the weenie stand shuttered up. The teachers have left- some to summer jobs and others to further their own education. Others to bum around for a couple of months. I was pondering the impact that teachers have on students. If you think about it, teachers spend just about as much time during the school year with kids as the parents or whomever they live with do. I thought about some teachers I have had over the years and came up with a list. I went to first grade at East Belmont Elementary. My teacher was Mrs. Page. Her son is Jack Page. I recall her as a kindly lady. For the first couple of weeks of school she gave us Orange Crush and graham cracker cookies as a treat. Then, suddenly, the goodies stopped. I realize now that the reason she gave us that stuff was to ease our transition from mill hill urchins to school kids in as soft a way as possible. After I finished first grade, my sister Beth, who would later become a teacher and Teacher of the Year her first year at Page Elementary, and I were force marched to Charlotte to live. My second grade teacher at Midwood Elementary was named Miss Minogue and looked like Nikita Khruschev. She acted like the Soviet dictator too. She used to shake me violently for squirming in my seat and staring out the window. In third grade the teacher was Mrs. Wilson. All I recall about her was that she was tall and skinny. Fifth grade was at Shamrock Gardens Elementary and a teacher named Mrs. Rollins. She wore cat-eye frame glasses and picked up with the shaking where Miss Minouge left off. Sixth grade brought a nice looking lady named Mrs. Mayhew. I will skip Middle School because I can't seem to recall any teachers that stood out for good or ill. At Garinger High three teachers shaped me.
One was Miss Philecta Rhinehart. She was 11th Alan Hodge grade English Editor teacher. She had served in the Navy in WWII and swore that she had ridden across Russia in a motorcycle side car. She was about five feet tall and tough. She chided me constantly about my scrawling, scribbling, penmanship and once asked if I had the “palsy�. The other Garinger teacher was Miss Wilma King. Miss King was the art teacher. She gave me four straight Fs in art...but it was part of a deal. She knew I was working 11pm to 3am at UPS and could not get up for 8am class. She knew I had to work. She traded the Fs in exchange for not squealing on me for not showing up for class. I took typing in summer school to get the credit I needed to graduate. Finally, there's Mrs. Grace Hall my senior year English teacher. She assigned book reports and essays one after another. The other punks groaned. I thrived. I learned that words are like musical notes. Put them together in the right way and something touching or funny or whatever would be created. One fine day Mrs. Hall took me outside in the hallway. She told me I had something called talent and that I needed to do something with it. I never forgot her words or her face when she told me that. She set me on a course that led to my work as a writer. There are lots of teachers out there that are like Mrs. Hall. They see something in a kid and launch it. Too bad that teachers struggle with low pay, politics from above, parents who could care less, and those students who act like fools. I think teachers are one of our society's most valuable assets and deserve support and recognition for the hard job most of them love doing. They are after all the farmers growing the next crop of those who will eventually lead our nation and world.
I wish I had been a better father. I wonder if anybody else has felt this way? It seems like yesterday that my two beautiful sons Jared and Zachary were only small children. What happened to those days when we played in the yard, swam, or just spent time together? The days of telling silly nighttime stories, tucking them in Glen Mollette bed and just hanging out flew by faster than a breath of air on a frosty day. If I could reach Guest Editorial back and pull a few of those days back to the present I would stop the clock and savor every moment of those beautiful childhood years. I've heard that fathers on their deathbeds do not wish they had spent more time at the office. Most fathers do regret not spending more time with their families. We get preoccupied as dads. I've heard great spiritual leaders like Billy Graham and Charles Stanley talk about being totally preoccupied and consumed with their speaking, writing and vocational interests to the point that they knew they had neglected their families. It's not easy being a dad. We know we have to bring payroll into the house, keep a roof over the family and try to keep the family fed. In and around those daily duties there are the desires to give to your children. We want them to do well in school and enjoy music and sports. Dads want to provide vacations, an occasional fun weekend, and comforts to the family. Often the stresses of work, personal goals and life's problems make dad's life a juggling act. Most every dad feels the pride of fatherhood. I was right "there" when both of my sons were born. I leaped for joy on both of those occasions. I have leaped many times since. My two sons are now in the military. My oldest has served almost eleven years and my youngest is starting his fourth year. I am very proud of them both. While I can't go back and try to be all that I wish I had been for my kids I can keep trying today. I never miss a chance to hug and kiss them and tell them how much I love them. More than ever I want to spend quality time with them but now the time is relegated to a few days a year. In the remaining years of my fatherhood I want them to know I am on their side. I am their father regardless of what comes their way. I am here to help if I possibly can but will always encourage their independence and personal goal setting. I want them to be happy and fulfilled. I know time is passing. My dad passed on several years ago. He lived to be eighty-five. However, life was quick and the time we had together seems like a vapor, here for a moment and then gone. Dads, today, before the vapor of life is gone, do the most important thing that you can do for your children - spend time with them.
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■ OBITUARIES Mount Holly- Dwight Beaty, 66, 300 Mauney Street, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife Va l d a Arlene B e a t y. He was a member of the Belmont Moose Lodge and the Belmont American Legion Post. He attended New Life Baptist
James L. Blackwell U.S. Navy veteran Mount Holly- James L. Blackwell, 87, 318 Walnut Avenue, died Friday, June 13, 2014. He was born in Gaston County son of the late R e v . James Arthur Blackwell and Margaret Iva Lee Dereberry Blackwell. He was a WWII U.S. Navy Veteran.
Walter S. Cowart U.S. Navy veteran
in Stanley with Pastor Bo Osborne officiating. Burial followed in Hollywood Cemetery in Gastonia. The family received friends from 7:00-8:30pm Wednesday at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly. Memorials may be made to New Life Baptist Church, 527 North Buckoak Street Stanley NC 28164. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC served the family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Banner Hager Blackwell; and sister, Faye B. Gainey. He is survived by two children, Roger Blackwell and wife Faye of Lake Wylie, SC; and Donna Simmers and husband Joe of Chesapeake, VA; one brother, Rev. Eugene Blackwell and wife Elizabeth of Mount Holly; one sister, Senora Grindstaff-Wiens and husband Wayne of Stanley; six grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. A private family service to celebrate the life of Mr. Blackwell was held at 2p.m.
Monday, June 16, at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly with Rev. Mark Etchison and Rev. Eugene Blackwell officiating, assisted by his sister, Senora GrindstaffWiens. A public graveside service was held at 3p.m. at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery with military rites performed by the Gaston County Honor Guard. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly served the family.
Diane Mullinax; five brothers and two grandchildren. Walter was a WWII Navy veteran, a member of the Belmont Moose Lodge and Belmont American Legion Post 144. Most importantly, he was a loving husband and father. Walter is survived by his daughter, JoAnne Parton and husband, Jack, of Bryson City; sister, Betty Gibson and husband, Charles of Lois, NC; six grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; special friend, Fred Cochrane of Bryson City. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont. A Celebra-
tion of Life Service was held at 2pm, Thursday, June 12, in the Bumgardner Chapel with Pastor Scott Patterson officiating. Interment followed in Hillcrest Gardens, Mt. Holly, NC with military rites rendered by Gaston County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC, 29605 Hospitals@OasisShriners.org Condolences may be sent online by visiting www.mcleanfuneral.com McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Cowart Family.
McLean Funeral Home
More obituaries may be found on page 11A
Seized money turned over to school system The Gaston County Police Department recently reviewed cases that had been adjudicated by the court that involved seized money. In this review nine cases were identified involving $14,755.05 in seized funds which were then turned over to the Gaston County School Board by court order pursuant to North Carolina General Statute.
Carol A. Long Loving wife and mother Mount Holly- Carol Abernathy Long, 86, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. She was born in Gaston County, daughter of the late Hester W. and Pearl Smith Abernathy. She was preceded in death by five brothers and five sisters. Mrs. Long was a member of First Baptist Church in Mount Holly. Ronald W. McConnell A Shriner Belmont- Ronald Wayne McConnell Sr., 71, passed away at home on Monday, June 9, 2014. He was born in Newp o r t News, V i r ginia, son of the late Wa l t e r Alexander and Margaret Grice McConnell. He was preceded in death by two infant sons, Jeffrey Wayne McConnell and Kurtis Lee McConnell. Mr. McConnell was a member of the Mount Holly Masonic Lodge #544 and was a member of the Scottish Rite and Shrine Club. He was President of the Charlotte Traffic Club in
She is survived by her husband Howard Asbury Long; three children, Linda L. Smith and husband Charles of Mount Holly, Donna L. Hawkins and husband Van of Belmont, and Sandi E. Langdon and husband John of Charlotte; six grandchildren, Amy Smith of Belmont, Janet Smith of Charlotte, Julie Reid and husband Jeremy of Belmont, Jonathan Hawkins of New York City, Lindsey Hawkins of Savannah, Georgia, and Caroline Langdon of Charlotte; one brother Earl Abernathy of Gastonia, and one sister Nancy Webb of Greenville, NC. A graveside service to
celebrate the life of Mrs. Long was held 10:30am Saturday June 14, at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery in Mount Holly with Rev. Dr. Kendell Cameron officiating. The family received friends immediately following the service at the cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 300 South Main Street Mount Holly, NC 28120. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC served the family.
1982. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the nurses of Gaston Hospice and to all of the doctors and nurses that showed care and compassion. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Caldwell McConnell; three children, Ronald Wayne McConnell Jr. and wife Sherri of Huntersville, Kevin Alexander McConnell and wife Tracy of Mount Holly and Melissa Mathis and husband Shawn of Mount Holly; one brother Walter McConnell and wife Vickie of Mount Holly; one sister Mackie Ray and husband Wayne of Belmont; eight grandchildren, Kellie, Shanie, Murphy and Davis McConnell and Wesley, Taylor and Alex Mathis; four great grandchildren, Kayden, Hunter and Adleigh McConnell and Brylynn Morris and many
special nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr. McConnell was held 1pm Thursday June 12, at the Catawba Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Raymond Johns Jr. and Reverend Daryal Mayfield officiating. The family received friends immediately following the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Gaston County, PO Box 3984, Gastonia NC 28054 or to Catawba Heights Baptist Church, 311 BelmontMount Holly Road, Belmont NC 28012. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC served the family.
Two charged in meth lab bust Amy Lynn Lewis, 30, and Michael Shane Gardner, 41 were charged by Mt. Holly police in connection with a meth lab investigation at 97 Oak Trail. Both were charged with manufacturing methamLewis phetamine, and possession of precursors. Bond was set at $300,000 each. Police Gardner
Chief Don Roper said detectives executed a search warrant at the residence on Oak Trail and said officers had confirmed meth production at the site.
Gaston County police and the SBI helped in the investigation, with Mount Holly Fire and Rescue on hand as well.
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Bryson City NC-Walter Stevenson Cowart, 87, formerly of Belmont, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2014 at Harris Regional Hospital, Silva, NC. A native of Belmont, he is the son of R o s s a n d Ocie Hansil Cowart and husband to the late Eddie Shuler Cowart. In addition to his parents and wife; Walter is also preceded in death by his loving daughter,
Church in Stanley. He is survived by one daughter, Kathy Ballard Carpenter and husband Doug of Stanley; two brothers, Wayne Beaty and wife Gail of Charlotte and Elvis Lane of Mount Holly; one sister, Kelly Lane Correll of Gastonia; three grandchildren, Crystal Ballard Heglar and husband K.C. of Belmont, James E. Bond of Washington state, Cecil Bond of Gastonia, and a number of great grandchildren. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Beaty was held 3pm Thursday June 12, at the New Life Baptist Church
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Dwight Beaty American Legion member
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Fellowship & Faith
Church Service Directory MT. HOLLY Bethel Baptist Church NC Highway 273 704-827-9846 Burge Memorial Methodist Church 312 W. Glendale Ave. 704-827-2726 Catawba Heights Church of God 122 Tomberlin Rd. 704-827-4225 Cbc-Memorial Apostolic 230 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-0968 Chapel Baptist Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-5526 Community Christian Fellowship 2560 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-5881 Covenant United Methodist 110 Underwood Dr. 704-820-0603 Family Worship Center 1013 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-7656 First Baptist Church-Mt. Holly 300 S. Main St. 704-827-2481 First Free Will Baptist Church 841 Noles Dr. 704-827-7461 First Presbyterian Church 133 S. Main St. 704-827-0521 First United Methodist Church 140 N. Main St. 704-827-4855
Goshen Free Will Baptist Church 1300 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-3076
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 339 S. Hawthorne St. 704-827-4320
Grace Baptist Church 300 Westland Farm Rd. 704-827-8600
New Covenant United Methodist 14514 Lucian Riverbend Hwy. 704-827-4468
Harvest Time Church of God 707 Westland Farm Rd. 704-822-8033
New Providence Baptist Church 1104 Old NC 27 Hwy. 704-827-0822
Hickory Grove Baptist Church 3717 Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-3939
North Main Baptist Church 1304 N. Main St. 704-827-6141
Jehovah’s Witnesses 1736 Kelly Rd. 704-263-0199
Restoration & Deliverance 804 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-820-0954
Lighthouse Full Gospel Church 530 N. Hawthorne St. 704-827-1442
Revival Tabernacle of Mt. Holly 826 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-2999
Living Witness Ministries 541 Costner St. 704-827-0004 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751 Macedonia Baptist Church 1951 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-9224 Mt. Holly Church of God 208 Rankin Ave. 704-827-8596 Mt. Holly Noles Baptist Church Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-2013 Mt. Holly Pentecostal Holiness 406 Scott St. 704-827-8201
Featured Church of the Week Unity Baptist Church Shiloh Ame Zion Methodist 1117 Old NC Hwy 27 704-827-8826
Tuckaseegee Baptist Church 511 Tuckaseege Rd. 704-827-4301
Springfield Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-820-0193
Way of the Cross Baptist Church 238 Lanier Ave. 704-827-8111
Ridgeview Baptist Church 105 Pine Rd. 704-827-3856
St. Anthony of Padua Traditional Catholic Church 108 Horseshoe Bend Beach Rd. 704-827-8676
Wesley Chapel Holiness Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-1993
Second Baptist Church 740 Rankin Ave. 704-827-5181
St. Paul FHB Church 1529 Old Hwy 27 Rd. 704-827-5851
Westview Presbyterian Church 1020 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-2026
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The Banner News | banner-news.com
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
EAST GASTON HS CLASS OF 2014
Photos by Bill Ward
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
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The Banner News | banner-news.com
SOUTH POINT HS CLASS OF 2014
Photos by Alan Hodge
L Let’s et’s R Raise aise a Glass Glass and and We Welcome W lcome Beverly Young! Beverlly Y oung! Please join Carillon Assisted Living of Cramer Mountain as we start a new chapter with our new Executive Director, Belmont resident Beverly Young. Let’s toast Beverly as she sets out to serve Gaston County seniors and families.
W Wine ine & Cheese Cheese Reception Reception T Thursday, hursday, June June 26 26 • 4:00 4:00 - 6:00 6:00 p.m. p.m. 5 500 00 Cramer Cramer Mountain Mountain Road Road Come taste and tour our beautiful community for seniors.
To RSVP, call or email to RSVP.Cramer ton@carillonassistedliving.com
www www.carillonassistedliving.com .carillonassistedliving.com • 704-823-0500
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Wednesday, June 18, 2014
The Banner News | banner-news.com
South Point athletes honored South Point High School held its annual spring sports awards banquet on Tuesday, May 27th. Awards were presented for junior varsity and varsity baseball, varsity softball, ladies junior varsity and varsity soccer, men’s golf, men’s tennis, and men’s and women’s track. Also, presented were the following major awards: the Jack Huss Scholar Athlete Award, Male and Female Sportsmanship awards, the Jack Lineberger Scholarship award and the Joe Steele Fan Appreciation Award. The Jack Huss Scholar Athlete Award is presented to a senior who has participated in at least two sports during the past year. The award winner must have the highest academic average of those who qualified. Jack Huss was a longtime resident of Cramerton, and outstanding athlete and coach and a WWII veteran. This is a very appropriate award to be named for Jack Huss because as a coach, he knew the value of athletics in the lives of our youth, and as a teacher and later principal at Cramerton High School, he also knew the importance of academics in the lives of young athletes to prepare them for their future. The winner of the award this year is Quinn Barnette. Quinn has been a NCHSAA Scholar Athlete all four years at South Point. He was All Conference in cross country and swimming and was named Most Valuable Male Runner on the men’s cross country team at the fall sports banquet. Quinn is also the defending Gaston County Cross Country men’s champion. He is the winner of the Levine Scholarship and will attend UNCC in the fall. Quinn was recently named the CoValedictorian of the senior class. Jacob Hoyle was the winner of the Jack Lineberger Scholarship Award. The Jack Lineberger Scholarship is a $2500 scholarship presented each year to a senior member of the football team. It is given in memory of Jack Lineberger who played football at Belmont High School during 1953-54 and graduated in 1954. He was named to the 1953 All State Football team and played in the Shrine Bowl where he was
the runner-up for the MVP award. He went on to play varsity football at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was the starting guard until an injury ended his career. Jacob was All Conference in football and received the Bobby Brown Unsung Hero Award at the fall sports banquet. He will attend Gaston College in the fall. The Male and Female Sportsmanship Award are presented to a senior who has participated in at least 2 sports. Those nominated are then voted on by the coaches. This award expresses much more than physical achievement. It exemplifies and embodies the actions and attitudes of the recipient. To be chosen for this award, the student-athlete has to exhibit the qualities of fairness, courtesy and grace – in winning and in defeat – on and off the field. The recipient must be a person of integrity. To win this award you have to stand apart from the crowd. You have to lead others by your attitude, your hard work and your example. You cannot be like everyone else. You have to realize that, as someone wisely put it, “a man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.” The winner of the Female Sportsmanship Award is Blair Griffin. She participated in softball and basketball. In softball she received the Coach’s Award. She has been an NCHSAA Scholar Athlete. She will attend UNCC in the fall. The winner of the Male Sportsmanship Award is Quinn Barnette. Quinn participated in cross country and swimming and was All Conference in both sports. He is the Gaston County men’s champion in cross country and the Most Valuable Runner for the men’s cross country team. He is an NCHSAA Scholar Athlete. Quinn was named the CoValedictorian of the senior class and the winner of the Levine Scholarship and will attend UNCC in the fall.
LADIES SOCCER – L-R – Front Row – Savannah Shaney, Varsity Most Valuable Defense; Haley Stockton, Varsity Most Valuable Offense; Rimal Ternanni, Varsity Most Improved; Amber Anthony, JV MVP; Lauren Howell, JV Offensive MVP; L-R – Back Row – Victoria McAlister, JV Co-Coach’s Award; Alayna Salazar, JV Defensive MVP; Constantina Hug, Varsity Most Valuable Player; Grace Russell, Varsity Heart and Hustle Award; Caroline Hyde, JV Co-Coach’s Award. NOT PICTURED – Cydni Fowler, Varsity Coach’s Award
Quinn Barnette - Jack Huss Scholar Athlete and Male Sportsmanship Award TRACK – L-R – Aurora Zeimer, Ladies Track MVP; Destiny Moore, Most Improved Ladies Track; Kayla Karr, Ladies Track Coach’s Award; Joe Flynn, Men’s Track Most Improved NOT PICTURED – Jeffrey Pearsall, Men’s Track MVP; Kai Pringle – Men’s Field Events MVP
The Joe Steele Fan Appreciation Award is given by the South Point Booster Club to a volunteer who goes beyond expectation in support of South Point Athletics. The winner this year See AWARDS, 11A
Blair Griffin – Female Sportsmanship Award Winner MEN’S TENNIS – L-R – Sam Killen, Co-MVP; Clay Gwaltney, Coach’s Award; Carlos Morales, Co- MVP
Classified Ads Home for Sale or Rent MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS MOUNTAIN-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/mo + $320 deposit. Call: 828446-4985. (tfn) HOUSE FOR RENT IN CHERRYVILLE -2BR, 1BA, central heat & AC. includes stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, and storage building. $450 per month. Deposit required. Referenced required. Call 704-435-8750 and leave message. (6/04,11,18 & 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.br yantre a l t y . o r g . (6/04,11,18,25) Pets FREE CATS – Have 5 CATS to give away. Please save them from the pound. 1 female adult, 3 female and 1 male kittens. Call after 5 pm at 704-4184935. Ask for April. 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: 704300-0827 or 704-300-7676. (6/18, 25) Yard Sale - Ads due by 12pm Friday COMAN LANE YARD SALE – (KM Country Club Area-Off of Merrimont) 7 families participating. Sat., June 21. 7 am – 12(noon). Something for everyone. KM YARD SALE – 1427 Bethlehem Road, Sat., June 21, 7:30 am – Until. Toys, Furniture, Clothes, collectibles and
lots of items. KM YARD SALE -320 Oak Grove Rd – Sat., June 21, 7 am – 12(noon). Household items, collectibles, clothes, children’s books, games and etc… Plus much more! KM YARD SALE – 123 Earney Rd., Sat., June 21. 7 am – 12(noon). Boy’s, girl’s, men’s & women’s clothes, 2 night stands, computer desk and etc. M U LT I - FA M I L I E S YARD SALE in KM – 1005 Oak Grove Rd, Sat., June 21. 7 am – 12(noon). Household items, Toys, some furniture, baker’s rack and lots more. 108 COLONIAL DRIVE YARD SALE – (White Plains Development in KM).
Sat., June 21. 7 am – 12(noon). Lots of baby clothes and other baby items, some furniture and other miscellaneous items.
NEIGHBORHOOD M U LT I - FA M I LY YARD SALE-on Willcort Dr, KM. Sat., June 21, 7am until. Household items, children's
clothes & toys, furniture (off of Bethlehem Rd) YARD SALE in KM, 406 Alan Drive (off Bethlehem Rd) Saturday, June 21,
8am - until. Glassware, clothes, antiques, furniture, too much to list! If rain - no sale.
Legals STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 5th of June as Executor of the Estate of Geneva Abernathy, aka: Mamie Geneva Abernathy, 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 Herman E. Parnell, Executor, on or before the 18th day of September, 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 to the undersigned. This the 18th day of June, 2014. Herman E. Parnell, Executor Estate of: Geneva Abernathy, aka: Mamie Geneva Abernathy 102 Fairway Drive Belmont, NC 28012 BN10574 (6/18, 25/14 & 7/02, 09/14)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 3rd day of June as Executor of the Estate of Bernice Bramwell, aka: Bernice Beatty Bramwell, 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 Charles A. Bramwell. Executor, on or before the 11th day of September, 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 to the undersigned. This the 11th day of June, 2014. Charles A. Bramwell, Executor Estate of: Bernice Bramwell, aka: Bernice Beatty Bramwell 117 Colvard Drive, Gastonia, NC 28056 BN10573 (6/11,18,25& 7/02/14 )
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
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The Banner News | banner-news.com
MH COUNCIL: approves budget ment when it comes to telephone calls from the public. The Planning and Development Department will hire a new Code Enforcement Officer. The duties of a such an officer are currently being handled by our plan-
From page 1A Chief. They will also add a new dispatcher to their department. The new dispatcher will help to create more coverage and efficiency within the depart-
ners, which in some cases does not allow for more efficiency in handling their main duties. The new position will be a part of a reorganization plan within the Planning Department.� Jackson praised the work
the various city departments put in to craft the budget. “All of the city employees played a tremendous part in preparing the budget, as usual and as expected,� he said. “The department heads have worked real hard and have been very cooperative and sensitive to the budgetary constraints that we have had to endure. Special thanks to Jamie Guffey, assistant city manager, and Africa Otis, finance officer, for their diligent oversight during the budget process.� In addition to approving the budget, the council also set the Fee Schedule for FY2014-2015. This in-
cluded everything from the cost to rent the Municipal Complex Grand Hall (resident full hall $1,000, north half hall $500, non-resident full hall $2,000, north half hall $1,000; group with primary purpose of promoting Mount Holly full half $500, north half hall, $250) to privilege license fees of all types up to and including $1,000 for a mind reader shop. Other action at the council meeting saw retiree John Hope presented with a watch, plaque, and key to the city for his service. Ida Rankin Elementary School principal Kristen Kiser and student body vice president
Caroline Worley presented police chief Don Roper with a check for the Wounded Warrior Project to the tune of over $900 that was raised by the classrooms. For their efforts the Ida Rankin kids held a victory parade through down Main St. a couple of weeks ago. Also receiving funds at the council meeting was the Mount Holly Community Relief Organization (CRO). Their check of $4,000 was presented by SpringFest committee chair Heather Oplinger who also gave the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation a sum of $200.
GRADUATES: march into next stage of life From page 1A
Mount Holly SpringFest committee chair Heather Oplinger (second from left) presented the Community Relief Organization with a check for $4,000 at last week's council meeting. Seen with Oplinger are Jeff Taylor, Nancy Accipiter, Alice Bayne, and Peggy Putnam.
Arlyn Locklear, Bailey Thomasson. Opening remarks were by student body president Yash Arun Patel, and senior class president Kathryn Nicole Scruggs gave the welcome. Principal Glynis Brooks introduced guests and presented
Photos by Alan Hodge
honor medals and diplomas with GCS board member David Philips. Guests included principals from the elementary and middle schools that feed South Point as well as Dr. Dixie Abernathy, assistant superintendent of elementary education and Gary Ford, executive director of middle school education.
DROWNING: EG seniors mourn loss of classmate From page 1A incident. Cathey was on the wrestling team for several years. He had plans to join the Marines after graduation. Grief counselors were available at East
Heather Oplinger, SpringFest committee chair, also presented a check of $200 to the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation at last week's city council meeting. Accepting the check are Jeff Taylor and Nancy Accipiter.
Gaston Wednesday morning for staff and also for any student who wanted to talk with someone. Anyone who would like to help with funeral expenses for D'Andre please send donations to: Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, 223 E. Fisher St., Salisbury, NC 28144, 704-636-2711.
Thanks for reading the Banner News!
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Wednesday, June 18, 2014
The Banner News | banner-news.com
© 2014 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 30, No. 27
The Constitution of the United States has a Bill of Rights that lists the rights all Americans enjoy. Kid Scoop believes in a Bill of Rights for children that gives them the right to enjoy nature, spend time outdoors and have a fit and fun un summer vacation.
Give yourself a star each time you complete one of the 10 outdoor activity listed here. Give yourself a cool reward for completing them all.
How many fish?
Visit a local lake, river, stream or a nearby ocean. Observe the wildlife around you and list them in your notebook with notes on where, when and what was happening.
Your sta te, city, tow ar discove ich heritage. D n or commun rs ity o that havome local histosome research has to e r y e v a iden nd v Take a p hoto of ce of a rich cu isit locations ltur an o tree and do a rub ld building, st al past. at bing or a sketchue or .
Swimming is great exercise and will improve muscle strength and flexibility. Your local pool will provide lessons throughout the summer months. If you can’t swim, sign up now. If you can swim, enjoy some time at a pool. Camping out takes organization. If you are going to a campground, you probably need to book your space. Make a list of the things you’ll need to take. If you can’t go away, camp in your backyard. Take time to look at the stars. Can you spot the North Star and the Big Dipper?
Sit quietly on the banks of a river, lake or stream. You may not catch a fish but what do you see? Are there tadpoles or frogs, water striders, dragonflies?
Find a local park with playground equipment. Take a picnic and enjoy the sunshine.
Playing on a team is a good way to make new friends and get some exercise. If there are no organized sports in your area, make your own team and create a game of Frisbee or catch.
Pick one feature of your outdoor summer and draw a picture showing the event. Mail it to a friend.
Be a nature detective. Look at a field guide or go online to identify birds, wild flowers, insects and trees. List them in your notebook.
start with the letter i rhyme with sips are the name of an insect contain the letter m Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow written directions.
Make a map of a local trail or bike path. As you follow the trail, mark points of interest along the trail. The next time you take that hike, see what’s changed at your points of interest.
Scavenger Hunt Look through the newspaper to find: A picture of someone playing a sport A place to exercise A local park A fun place for the whole family to visit together Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.
Draw the other half of this butterfly.
To find the question, cross out the words that ...
Clip the coupons below and put them in a hat. Without looking, pull one coupon from the hat and read it to your friend. Can they perform that activity? If so, they get 1 point. If not, YOU have to do it to earn a point. (For even more fun, gather more friends and form two teams.)
SWIMMING NATURE FISHING GAME FIELD CAMP PARK BIKE BIRDS TRAIL STAR POOL HIKE PAST NOTEBOOK
Find the words in the puzzle. Then look for each word in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities.
Standards Link: Physical Education: Understand the health benefits of physical exercise.
S F P V W G L O L G T T B A A N C F N K S T A M R Y A I A O A R E R T K M E T O P A G K B M P L U B F I S H I N G D R E J L U W R B V H E T K Q S B D L O O P O H I K E S K P L Z N Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
This week’s word:
OBSERVE The verb observe means to see or notice something especially when watching carefully. By sitting quietly near the edge of the pond, I was able to observe a frog catching an insect. Try to use the word observe in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.
Nature Journal Collect articles from the newspaper about local parks and recreation areas in your area. List any special events and plan your summer vacation to include those activities. Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.
You are out playing with your friends one summer morning when you find a very old map on the ground. Where does it lead?
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AWARDS: South Point athletes honored From page 8A
proved.
was Trent Walden.
Men's Track: Jeffrey Pearsall – MVP Track; Kai Pringle – MVP Field; Joe Flynn – Most Improved.
Listed below are the award winning athletes and their sports: Major Awards: Quinn Barnette – Jack Huss Scholar Athlete; Quinn Barnette – Male Sportsmanship Award; Blair Griffin – Female Sportsmanship Award; Jacob Hoyle – Jack Lineberger Scholarship Award; Trent Walden – Joe Steele Fan Appreciation Award. Men's Tennis: Sam Killen – Co-MVP; Carlos Morales – Co-MVP; Clay Gwaltney – Coach’s Award. Ladies Track: Aurora Zeimer – MVP Track; Kayla Moore – Coach’s Award; Destiny Moore – Most Im-
Men's Golf: Nick Stafford – MVP; Landon Isaacs – Most Improved; Wesley Davis – Unsung Hero. JV Ladies Soccer: Amber Anthony – MVP; Laura Howell – Offensive MVP; Alayna Salazar – Defensive MVP; Victoria McAlister – Co-Coach’s Award; Caroline Hyde – Co-Coach’s Award. Varsity Ladies Soccer: Constantina Hug – MVP; Haley Stockton – Most Valuable Offense; Savannah Shaney – Most Valuable Defense; Cydni Fowler –
Coach’s Award; Rimal Ternanni – Most Improved Award; Grace Russell – Heart and Hustle Award. Softball: Haley Stewart – MVP; Haley Stewart – Best Offensive Award; Morgan Mahaffey – Best Defensive Award; Allison Moody – Most Improved; Morgan Mahaffey – Co-Coach’s Award; Blair Griffin – CoCoach’s Award. JV Baseball: Davis Ray – Best Offense; Tyler Hall – Best Defense.
MEN’S GOLF – L-R – Landon Isaacs, Most Improved Men’s Golf; Nick Stafford, MVP Men’s Golf; Wesley Davis, Unsung Hero
Varsity Baseball: Tanner Muse – MVP; Adam Andrew – Best Defense; Tanner Muse – Best Hitter; Aaron Mauldin – Mary Scott Barnes Award; Dan Johnson – Billy Potter Character Award; Ryland Etherton – Co-Most Improved.
Jacob Hoyle receives the Jack Lineberger Scholarship Award from Don Lineberger
■OBITUARIES Richard D. Rhyne U.S. Air Force veteran STANLEY– Born March 22, 1934, in Charlotte, Richard Daniel Rhyne died Thursday, June 12, 2014 after a long good-bye following a stroke in 2012. He was the youngest child and only son of Richard (Dick) and Edith Abernethy Rhyne. After graduating from Stanley High in 1952, he joined the Air Force a n d served f o u r years as a radar mechanic on B-36s flying missions to North Africa during and after the Korean War. While stationed in Ft. Worth, Texas, he met a college student and Texas native who became his wife of 57 years, Barbara Lowe Rhyne. They returned to Stanley to run the family farm and raise their family of three children who all still live in the area. Surviving blessings are son Robert and wife Marcia Evans Rhyne, and granddaughters Kasey and Amber Rhyne; daughter MaryLynne and husband Rusty Cloninger, with grandsons Charles and Adam Cloninger and his wife Laura of Hillsborough; and James and wife Kimberly Lee Rhyne, and grandchildren Michelle, Meredith, Thomas Rhyne (now of
Boone), and Jessica Rhyne Williams and husband Rev. Russ Williams of Oak Ridge, N.C., and the first great-grandchild, James Wade. He is also survived by his sisters, Helen Lieurance of Stanley and Ruth Smull of Virginia Beach and loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary B. Cannon. Richard was a farmer, a cattleman, and also a mechanic with a long list of customers who trusted and relied on his honest and fair work for decades (beginning at Belmont’s Dixon Ford through the 60’s) and then Rhyne’s Garage in Stanley until he begrudgingly retired due to failing health in 2010. He had a quiet humor, and folks that knew him often commented that he was the hardest working man they had ever known. He was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church, Stanley, where he served many terms as deacon and elder. He was a godly man and loving father, believing in the saving grace of Jesus Christ alone. He lead by example a humble and kind life that he learned about from his mother, Sunday school teachers and his daily reading of his wellworn Bible. Thank you Dad for leading us by example. Happy Father’s Day. The family wishes to say a special thanks to Christine Polk who assisted Mary-
Lynne in his home care and the Hospice caregivers, especially Myra Potts Walzburger. The family gathered at the home of Rusty and MaryLynne Cloninger, 123 Dugar Ct., Gastonia. Family Receiving of Friends was Sunday (Father’s Day) in the sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church Stanley from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., with funeral celebration beginning at 5:00. Interment followed at Hillcrest Gardens in Mt. Holly. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either The Missions Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 512 Old Mt Holly Rd, Stanley, NC 28164, or Gaston Hospice, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC served the family.
Mary Nell Jenkins is finishing up her sixth grade year at Cramerton Middle School and was asked to sing the National Anthem at the Grizzlies Baseball Game June 9th. Photo by Annie Jenkins
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SOFTBALL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; L-R FRONT ROW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Morgan Mahaffey, Best Defensive Player & Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award; Allison Moody, Most Improved L-R BACK ROW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Haley Stewart, MVP & Best Offensive Player; Blair Griffin, Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award
BASEBALL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; L-R FRONT ROW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ryland Etherton, Varsity Baseball Most Improved; Dan Johnson, Billy Potter Character Award; Aaron Mauldin, Mary Scott Barnes Award; L-R BACK ROW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Davis Ray, JV Best Offense; Adam Andrew, Varsity Best Defense; Tanner Muse, Varsity MVP and Varsity Best Hitter NOT PICTURED â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tyler Hall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; JV Best Defense
TROLLEY: Wells hopes to ride the rails of history From page 1A Belmont Abbey, has saved a derelict trolley he found in Virginia and trucked it to his father's yard in Gastonia. From that rusty acorn, he hopes a mighty trolley oak will grow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was looking at a website called American Chicken Coops and saw information about a trolley near Richmond,â&#x20AC;? Wells said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I then contacted the Richmond Railroad Museum and they told me the exact location of the trolley which was Providence Forge.â&#x20AC;? When Wells got to where the trolley was, he found not one, but two vintage cars being used as the core of a dilapidated house that had been abandoned for at least 20 years. The trolleys had a rotting roof over both of them and had been used as a hunting shack among other things. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I contacted the family that owned them and we worked out a deal that let me knock down the house and clean up the lot in exchange for the cars,â&#x20AC;? Wells said. The next step was to get the prizes home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I loaded the first one on a 28-foot gooseneck trailer and took it to my father's property in Gastonia,â&#x20AC;? Wells said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope to bring the other one there
soon.â&#x20AC;? Nathan's dad, David, doesn't mind the trolley in his yard. He's a railroad buff too and often volunteers at the NC Transportation Museum Spencer Shops restoring vintage rail engines. As it sits now, the first car is bolstered inside by a framework of 2x4s. The roof is sagged in but the main metal body and its valuable hardware, fittings, and mechanisms are sound. One side of the body still has remnants of its original cream and blue paintwork and the car's number â&#x20AC;&#x153;1540â&#x20AC;?. A faded â&#x20AC;&#x153;VTâ&#x20AC;? logo is also visible. Wells thinks that could stand for Virginia Transit or Virginia Transportation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a 1923 model built by the J.G. Brill Company,â&#x20AC;? said Wells. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it operated in Richmond from the 1920s to the 1940s.â&#x20AC;? The job of restoring 1540 and the other car will be a massive one, but it's doable. It might involve cobbling bits from both cars to make one good one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just to do the body will take $25,000 to $40,000 in materials,â&#x20AC;? Wells said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even with volunteer labor it could cost $100,000 to get it operable.â&#x20AC;? According to Wells, if he had a professional trolley car restoration firm do the job parts and labor could run
$400,000 and take years to complete. A restored car similar to 1540 is currently on display at the Virginia Historical Museum. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This car predates mine by a few years, but it is still the exact same body style or in effect the same car,â&#x20AC;? said Wells. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Interestingly, it ran on the "Belmont" line in Richmond (which is a street name in downtown Richmond). Theoretically, this is how my cars should look if and when they are restored." So, what does Wells plan after working on the cars? One idea is to build a museum in downtown Belmont to house them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would be a great attraction,â&#x20AC;? he said. Interestingly, trolleys aren't new to Belmont and Mount Holly. In the early part of the 20th century a line ran between the towns. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rails between Gastonia and Charlotte had a spur that was between Belmont and Mount Holly,â&#x20AC;? said Wells. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are the tracks still in place today. Textile workers rode the cars to get to their jobs in the mills.â&#x20AC;? Wells is looking for volunteers to help restore the trolleys. Call him at 704-689-4297 if riding the rails of history sounds appealing.
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