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Volume 78 • Issue 31 • Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Flood waters rise

with abuse of 2-month old child

By Alan Hodge Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The Mount Holly Police Department has charged two people, William Timothy Walker, Jr., 25, and Carmen Leighann Holden, 18, both of 407 Pine Street, with multiple counts of child abuse in connection with injuries to their 2-month-old daughter.

According to Gaston County jail records, Walker was arrested last week and charged with five Carmen Holden counts of felony child abuse. He was placed under $150,000 bond.

Holden was also arrested and charged with one felony count of child abuse and four misdemeanor counts of child abuse.

She was placed under Willliam Walker $50,000 bond.

The case began when Carolinas Medical Center got in touch with officers after seeing injuries to the child that included a number of broken bones. Injuries included a skull fracture, broken leg, broken collarbone, and broken forearm.

Walker and Holden say the child fell off a sofa on July 4.

Mount Holly Detective W.D. Perry investigated the case and his narrative in the arrest warrant affidavit refuted that claim. “They both continued to say that the child rolled of the couch which based on the evidence is impossible,� he wrote.

Further investigation by Terry with a child maltreatment expert at Carolinas Medical Center- Levine concluded that the child’s arm injuries were due to separate incidents of blunt trauma force and that the broken collarbone injury had taken place before that. “The child also had a fractured skull, which would not have occurred by simply rolling off a couch,� Terry wrote in his report.

The child was placed in the custody of Gaston County DSS.

2nd Hawkettes team to be inducted into MHS Hall of Fame

Riverside Drive in Cramerton was just one of several streets in the town that were closed due to the floodwaters.

ALAN HODGE alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Continued torrents of rain struck Gaston and surrounding

counties over the weekend causing major flooding and other problems.

The South Fork River rose rapidly Saturday and Sunday

night following several inches of rain each day. By Sunday night, portions of downtown Cramerton along the river were underwater and roads impassable. Goat Is-

Photo by Alan Hodge

land Park was submerged and the parking lot under several feet of water. The fire station in Cramerton and businesses near it were See FLOOD, page 7A

CaroMont is 1st Purple Heart Hospital ALAN HODGE alan.bannernews@gmail.com

CaroMont Regional Hospital in Gastonia was named the nation’s first Purple Heart Hospital last week, in a ceremony and proclamation that saw several local wounded veterans in attendance including Mike Santmire of Mount Holly, Ron Wade of Belmont, and Larry Rick of Cramerton.

The three guys are members of the Military Order of the Pur-

ple Heart Chapter 634 and they were joined by at least a dozen of their comrades at the proclamation ceremony. “I think it was a humbling event that brought back to the front that Gaston Memorial now known as CaroMont Regional Medical Center, was paid for in part from contributions of veterans returning from WWII, to provide medical care locally for veterans, as well as the citizens of which they had become as well,� said Santmire. “It was a

grand gesture that they were willing to become the first proclaimed Purple Heart Hospital in the United States; that they were remembering the sacrifices of the generations before us. That a profession of highly skilled medical personnel would and did show remarkable compassion and caring for us returning veterans, combat wounded veterans as well. As a Purple Heart Recipient myself, I find now the sacrifices that I made, do in the end justify it.�

Wade shared his thoughts on

the ceremony and CaroMont’s involvement with veterans. “When I was invited to join the Gastonia Veterans Council and The CaroMont Veterans Council, I could share with fellow veterans things they believe would better the lives of all veterans,� Wade said. “That’s our true goal. CRMC can surely benefit us all more because we veterans expect some really modern technology at this hospital. Gaston Memorial Hospital will never See CAROMONT, page 6A

Boyce won’t seek re-election

By Alan Hodge Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

By Kathy Blake Special to the Banner

Joe Spears had a theory about girls high school basketball. The Mount Holly High School coach didn’t compromise his training regimen just because the 20 or so athletes who practiced every afternoon happened to be female. “I treat ‘em like boys,� he said. “We built pride in playing and being on the team. They worked hard to get on the team, and they worked hard to get in the ballgame. So I just treated ‘em like ballplayers. If you treat ‘em like girls, they’d play like girls.�

Spears guided the 1966-67 and 196768 Hawkettes to a combined 35-7 record and back-to-back Little Seven Conference regular-season titles. The 1967 team was the school’s first unbeaten team in league play. For that, those two teams’ members join Spears – a 2010 inductee – in the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame. “That group, they built up a pride in winning, and the younger girls would See HAWKETTES, page 5A

Filings for the upcoming municipal elections in Gaston County are complete. One of the biggest news items in that arena is the fact that Belmont’s mayor Richard Boyce will not be seeking reelection. Boyce has been mayor for the past eight years. “I feel like I’ve accomplished most of what I set out to do and eight years is long enough,� said Boyce. “It’s time for something new - for me, Richard Boyce and the city of Belmont.�

Boyce looked back on some of the things he feels he’s helped the city with during his terms. “We now have a plan for growth, when it returns,� he said. “We’re getting along well together - as members of council, and as a council with staff. I’ve tried to represent Belmont well - around the city, in the county, and in the greater metropolitan area.�

Boyce says he feels gratitude for the chance he’s had to lead Belmont. “I thank the citizens of Belmont for the privilege of serving as their mayor for the past eight years,� he said. “I have learned a great deal, and have tried to share my love of Belmont with everybody I’ve met. I wish Charlie Martin and See BOYCE, page 6A

This stretch of Dutchman’s Creek in Mount Holly was where the body of drowning victim Kelly Dean Cogdell, 59, was found last week by two boaters.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Body found in Dutchman’s Creek The body found last Tuesday in Dutchman’s Creek near NC273 and NC27 in Mount Holly was identified by the Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday as that of Kelly Dean Cogdell, 54, of River Street.

Cogdell was discovered floating in the creek by two boaters. According to police, the

cause of death was accidental drowning. It took police about 90 minutes to recover the body. “It appears alcohol was involved,� said Mount Holly police chief Don Roper. “The victim had been deceased less than 24 hours when he was discovered.�

Mount Holly CRO moving soon

By Alan Hodge Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Mount Holly’s Community Relief Organization (CRO) will soon be moving into a nice new home after

two years of providing its services from the dank, cramped basement of the former city hall.

The CRO’s new location will be in a former hair salon at 2120 Spring Street, nes-

tled between the Food Lion grocery and the ABC store.

According to Alice Bayne, CRO executive director, the organization paid $156,000 for the 2,500 sq. ft. building.

See CRO, page 6A

Call us today at 704.263.4646

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Open Monday - Friday • Located on Hwy 27 South in Stanley - across from Food Lion

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■ OBITUARIES Darrell Norris MOuNT HOLLy- Darrell Bryan Norris, 60, passed away on Thursd a y , July 25, 2013.

He was born in Mecklenburg County, son of the late Christine King.

He is survived by his wife Penny Norris and a daughter Shannon Norris of Mount Holly.

Marilyn Platt GASTONIA – Marilyn Garrett Platt, 67, went home to be with the Lord at CaroMont Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, July 24, 2013. She was born November 24, 1945 in Greenville, SC to the late Thomas Wesley and Mary Lee Field Garrett.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr. Norris was held 7pm Monday, July 29, 2013 at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Condolence messages may be left at www.woodlawnfuneral.org.

Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly served the family.

A family visitation and funeral service was held at 11am Saturday July 27, at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home.

Burial was at 2pm Sunday, July 28 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens, SC with the Rev. Richard C. Lewis, Jr. officiating.

God’s Meeting Place Saturday services God’s Meeting Place (GMP) Church, pastored by Rev. Charles Wesley Reid, has reason to give thanks to Rev. Osie Culp, the Henry’s Chapel A. M. E. Zion Church, and definitely to God! The reason for these expressions of thanks and gratitude is the generosity of Henry’s Chapel, pastored by Rev. Culp, in allowing GMP to use their church building each Saturday, beginning Aug. 3 at 11:00 a.m. for worship services.

GMP has been worshipping in Charlotte at the Steele Creek Elementary School but found the need to extend the ministry of the church in a new direction. The use of the Henry’s Chapel Church building is a temporary arrangement until a more permanent location can be established by GMP. GMP extends an invitation to everyone to come out on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 11 a.m. for the initial worship service. Persons are encouraged to come in casual attire.

183rd Rock Spring Camp Meeting DENVER–It’s a time of friends, music, fellowship and getting closer to God. With the 183rd annual Rock Spring Methodist Camp Meeting fast approaching campground officials have been busy making plans for various events that will take place between Aug. 2 and Aug. 11.

As in the past a night will be reserved for area church choirs, local groups, quartets, trios, duets and soloists. Southern, Contemporary, County and Bluegrass musicians are invited. This year’s date will be Friday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. To participate call Van Barker, Jr. at (704) 483-2710.

The following Saturday evening, Aug. 3, 7 p.m. noted Southern Gospel Music professionals will take center stage under the1,000-seat Arbor built between 1830 and 1832 for what is traditionally known as “The Big Sing”.

Saturday evening, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. there will be a Bluegrass Gospel Concert.

The Camp Meeting is held each year with religious services beginning the first Sunday in August with three services daily under the ancient arbor.

All concerts are free. Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring lawn chairs as the Arbor traditionally overflows. The Rock Spring Methodist Camp Ground is located on Camp Ground Road, 1/2-mile east of N.C. 16 in Denver.

■ BELMONT Two arrested for assault Belmont Police arrested two people last week for their role in an aggravated assault that occurred at the Heritage Inn located at 6822 Wilkinson Boulevard.

Belmont Police Captain M. Ward said that Officer C. Falls was on patrol on Wilkinson Blvd. when he saw two subjects kicking, punching and beating Dean Christopher Williamson with a pipe in the parking lot of the Heritage Inn. “Officer Falls was on patrol on the boulevard when he saw two individuals beating someone in the parking lot of the Heritage Inn,” Ward said. “Falls drove his patrol car up to the incident, got out and immediately challenged the suspects. He stopped the beating from going any further.”

Police arrested Cameron Teddy Gilliam, 1644 Nichol-

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

POLICE

son Avenue Rock Hill S.C., and his brother, Gary Wayne Gilliam of 609 Broad Street, Kannapolis N.C. According to Capt. Ward witnesses on scene said the assault stemmed from a disagreement over money.

“There was mention of someone owing the suspects money,” Ward said. “We are still trying to sort that all out.”

Both suspects were charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. Cameron Gilliam received a $100,000 secured bond. Gary Gilliam received a $250,000 secured bond along with an additional $8,000 bond on outstanding warrants.

Ward went on to commend the actions of Officer Falls.

“I have no doubt that if Officer Falls hadn’t been where he was, and did what he did the victim may have been killed.”

The victim was treated

and released at Gaston Memorial Hospital. He received a broken nose, broken leg

and several serious lacerations that required stitches.

July 22: Bradley Anderson Montgomery, communicating threats, arrested by Officer C. Falls, 23 Alice Ave. Apt. 11.

July 22: Andrea Lori Coates, FTA, simple worthless check, arrested by Officer C. Falls, 6751 Wilkinson Blvd.

July 23: Cameron Teddy Gilliam, AWDWISIWIK, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, 6822 Wilkinson Blvd.

July 23: Garry Wayne Gilliam, AWDWISIWIK, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, 6822 Wilkinson Blvd.

July 24: Andrew Carson Lassiter, possession of cocaine, larceny shoplifting, trespassing, simple poss. marijuana, arrested by Officer K. Hall, 701 Hawley Ave. July 25: Zachary Scott Lawrence, trafficking opium or heroin, PWIMSD Sch. II,

obtain CS by fraud/forgery, conspire traffic opium/heroin, arrested by Officer B. Herndon, 348 Canal Rd, July 25: Richard Logan Lingerfelt, communicating threats, DWLR, seat belt violation, arrested by Officer R. Berry, 210 Park St. July 27: Harriet Varnadore Bright, DWI alcohol, arrested by Officer M. Kelske, 6751 Wilkinson Blvd.

July 28: Ricky Dale Stevens, DWI, arrested by Officer M. Kaiman, 515 Park St. July 28: Joseph Leland Lewis, Jr., assault on a female, arrested by Officer M. Kaiman, 218 Lakeview Dr. July 28: Kayla Anne Howe, simple physical assault, arrested by Officer M. Kaiman, 218 Lakeview Dr.

CRO: Mount Holly office moving soon From page 1A Some of the funds were donated, but a mortgage had to be taken out as well.

“We are still in need of donations,” said Bayne.

The exact date for the CRO to move its food, clothes, and office equipment hasn’t been set, but Bayne says will be sometime in September.

“We hope to make the move over the course of a weekend without any disruption in services to our clients,” she said.

The new building has three stories. Bayne says the first floor will have food, the second clothes, and the top floor will serve as storage.

Converting the building from its former salon configuration has begun. Last week, Mount Holly civic activist John Hope and others removed the sinks and other fixtures. The next volunteers consisted of Max and Nancy Huntley from the Meyers Memorial Methodist Church’s “Mission Possible” group. Another group of Mission Possible folks, about 20 or so men and women, will descend on the new CRO site in the next couple of weeks for some serious remodeling work.

“We go all over the

Photo by Alan Hodge

Max Huntley from Meyers Memorial Methodist Church was doing some volunteer work at the Mount Holly CRO’s new home last week. The CRO will be moving to the new location near the Food Lion and ABC store soon. county doing work for wor- of crisis assistance in Mount limited to $200 per year per thy projects,” said Nancy. Holly. client and is given when “So far, we’ve done about “We do about 10,000- services are in danger of dis57 of them.”

12,000 pounds of food per connection or the client is in Mission Possible heard month,” Bayne said. “Dur- danger of eviction. The about the CRO project ing the months from January clients are not given through Rev. Angela Hollar through June this year we money. The company, city, from Ebenezer uMC in averaged about $16,000 in or landlord is contacted to Catawba Heights. assistance for electricity, verify the bill and then the The Mount Holly Rotary natural gas, water, and rent CRO pays the bill directly.”

Club will also be pitching in each month. Last year the Anyone else who wants to help the CRO make a new number of adults ages 18-80 to help out in any way can nest. who received this assistance contact the CRO at 704The CRO is a vital arm was 1136. This assistance is 827-0450.

In 1984 President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month at National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation’s population.

In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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Council to address moving of the ‘Fighting Yank’ ALAN HODGE alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Movement continues on plans to get the Spirit of the Fighting Yank WWII memorial statue moved from Belmont Middle School (formerly Belmont High) to a spot in Stowe Park on Main Street across from Caravan Coffee.

Backers of the plan, including Art Shoemaker and Bobby Brown who have ramrodded the idea, will attend the Aug. 5 meeting of the Belmont City Council where the topic will be on the agenda for presentation, discussion, and a possible vote of approval.

If OKed by the council, Shoemaker says the next step in the process would be raising funds for landscaping, lighting, security cameras, flag poles with national, state, and City of Belmont flags, benches, and a wrought iron fence around the statue base. “We will probably need to raise about $10,000,� said Shoemaker.

After that, the NC National Guard would step in with heavy equipment to prepare the park site and transport the Fighting Yank to his new home.

Shoemaker and his committee have lobbied passionately for the statue’s move. “I have presented the plan to groups and individuals such as the Belmont Historical Society, American Legion Posts 180 and 144, Belmont’s city manager and assis-

tant city manager, Belmont Public Works, council members, and the Parks and Recreation board,� he said. “The response has been overwhelmingly in favor of the new location.�

Shoemaker has also received letters of support from former Belmont mayors Jack Rhyne and Billy Joye, as well as nine former council members. Robert Lee Stowe III, whose family gave the park to the City of Belmont many years ago, has also given the statue’s move his blessing.

One issue did arise concerning the need to remove one cherry tree in Stowe Park to make room for the pavilion where the Fighting Yank would be placed. Parks and Recreation director Sallie Stevenson explained that situation. “On the possible moving of the “Fighting Yank� statue, City staff (myself and Adrian Miller), Councilman Ron Foulk, and Committee Chair for the Statue, Art Shoemaker, met with the family who donated the cherry trees to Stowe Park for their deceased son, TJ Dunnam, over a dozen years ago,� she said. “We met with Mr. Dunnam to get his support since the project would require one cherry tree would need to be moved and the memorial marble bench too. Mr. Dunnam did give his support and will also be on the statue committee to assist with this process should it take place.�

Shoemaker says a new cherry

tree will be planted nearby to replace the one that will need to be removed.

According to Shoemaker, one group, Keep Belmont Beautiful, had concerns over the cherry tree as well as security in the Stowe Park location and sent him a letter declining to support the move.

Judy Closson, chair of Keep Belmont Beautiful, had this to say. “Basically, KBB is not in favor of cutting down trees (Belmont has been designated a Tree City) and especially trees that were planted as a memorial which would be affected,� she said. Art was not sure how many trees would have to be cut down, but could be at least two or more. We feel that the current location is appropriate and could be enhanced with lights, trimming the trees and making the current area more attractive and visible with landscaping, etc. The present site was chosen by the citizens of Belmont, honoring those who gave their lives in the war. Stowe Park is a park where many families gather for fun; the statue is and should be a somber and a dignified reminder of those lives lost. Also, KBB is very aware of how many things are vandalized quite often and the cost that it will be to the City. At present the City has no expense with the current site. Note that the statue has only been damaged one time and the gun stolen only once in the past 67 years. There is a great pos-

sibility that the statue could even be damaged in the move and once it leaves the site it would seem that the statue would be property of the City. We know that Art has a passion and commitment to this project; however, we feel that the reasons for keeping the statue where it is far outweighs the benefits of moving it.�

In addition to KBB, Belmont City Councilmember Martha Stowe also has a couple of issues with the move. “I have serious concerns about moving the “Fighting Yank� statue from its present location to Stowe Park,� Stowe said. “There have been numerous incidents of vandalism at Stowe Park including damage to restroom fixtures, the gazebo, and fountain. These incidents of vandalism indicate to me that we should think very carefully and cautiously about putting the statue in that location. I would prefer to see limbs “lifted� and landscaping enhancements that have been proposed already be made at its present location. The statue enjoys a prominent location where it is now. Many residents of Belmont feel that it should remain where it is and see no reason to move it. I agree with them. The most recent incident of vandalism at Stowe Park occurred on July 24th. Someone used a baseball bat or a similar item to break a toilet apart and damage pipes. This will cost ap-

proximately $1000 to repair. Often the picnic tables are broken and have to be repaired. Remember also that the people who vandalized the statue the last time received minimum punishment in the form of community service instead of bearing the cost of repair. Repairs to the statue would likely be thousands rather than hundreds based on the two instances at the current location. Our park vandalism incidents occur on a weekly basis, sometimes daily. Other cost for the taxpayers with regard to the city taking responsibility for the statue would be a rider on our insurance policy. This means an appraisal would have to be professionally done that would be a cost to the taxpayers as well as the extra premium cost for the rider added once the value is determined.�

At this time, a schedule for the Fighting Yank’s move, should it be approved, hasn’t been firmed up, but Shoemaker says if everything goes as planned, the bronze warrior could be ready for a rededication and unveiling on either Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day 2014 depending on how fast the logistics could be accomplished. “We could have a citywide celebration with bands, patriotic speeches by local, state, and national dignitaries, and recognition of our military veterans,� he said. “It will be a beautiful thing for Belmont.�

Kennedy visits coal ash ponds, tears into Duke Energy

By Alan Hodge Alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The war of words over Duke Energy’s coal ash storage lagoons, specifically the ones at the now closed Riverbend Steam Station on Mountain Island Lake near Mount Holly, continued last week when representatives from several environmental groups gathered near the site and announced the release of a new report critical of the utility’s policy in the matter.

The event also included boat tours to the Riverbend location from the launching ramp near Hwy. 16. Folks that took the tour, including Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., got an up close look at seeps from the lagoons.

In a waterside speech, Kennedy tore into Duke, describing the coal ash ponds as “a witch’s brew of toxic waste, of neurotoxins, of endocrine disrupters that affect sexual behavior and sexual function of carcinogens that cause cancer – at levels that far exceed the safety levels

established by the federal government and by the state of North Carolina – that is discharging directly 100 feet from here into the drinking water source for 850,000 people.�

Kennedy was representing the Waterkeeper Alliance. Other environmental groups on hand included Clean Water Action, the Sierra Club, the Environmental Integrity Project, and the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.

The report that the environmentalists issued is entitled “Closing the Floodgates: How the Coal Industry is Poisoning Our Water and How We Can Stop It.� and examines water permits for hundreds of coal plants around the country and highlights the need for strong safeguards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to clean up toxic coal plant water pollution.

The 50-page report has chapters such as “The Toxic Legacy of Coal Plant Water

Miss Gastonia Pageant Aug. 11 The Miss Gastonia Scholarship Pageant will be held Sunday, Aug. 11 at 4:00 p.m. in Myers Auditorium at Gaston College, 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas.

Contestants will compete in interview, talent, fitness/swimsuit, and evening wear categories.

Four young women will be crowned – Miss Gastonia, Miss Gaston County, Miss

Pollution� and “ The Big Plants-Big Problems�. It also examines the toxicity of substances such as arsenic and lead that are found in coal ash. A good deal of the report consists of charts showing a state-by-state and location-by-location list of coal-fired steam plants in the nation as well as their pollution potential.

Duke Energy spokesperson Erin Culbert has studied the report and refutes its data. “We see a number of errors in facts stated and many errors of omission in the report,� she said. “In even a cursory review of the study, we identify a number of inaccuracies that call into question this study’s credibility. These issues are too important for the public to be misled. Water quality in the Catawba River remains very good, fish are healthy and drinking water supplies are safe.�

Culbert cited some of Duke’s efforts in that vein. “We voluntarily retired Riverbend Steam Station early,� she said. “We’ve already invested millions in converting to dry ash storage

Gastonia’s Outstanding Teen, and Miss Gaston County’s Outstanding Teen.

The winners will represent the region in the 2014 Miss North Carolina pageant.

The public is invited. Tickets cost $20 and will be available at the door. For more information, visit www.missgastoniapageant.c om.

Meet Your Friends at Charlie’s Mon.-Fri. • 7:00AM-7:00PM Sat. • 8:00AM-4:00PM Sun. • 8:00AM-9:30AM

Contributed Photo

Catawba Riverkeeper Sam Perkins, Sierra Club representative Maryann Hitt, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. of the Waterkeeper Alliance view one of the coal ash waste seeps at Duke Energy’s Riverbend Steam Station on Mountain Island Lake near Mount Holly. They and other interested parties visited the site last week to discuss coal ash lagoon contaminant concerns.

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at many of our sites (Marshall and Allen Steam Stations as two local examples) and installed some of the most advanced technology in the industry to protect water. We’ve also committed to responsibly closing ash basins at our retired stations. Trace metals in Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake and Lake Wylie are routinely below state surface water standards. In many cases, trace metals are at the lowest amounts lab instruments can measure just a short distance from the plants. In fact, the report indicates no impaired waters near our North Carolina facilities (Appendix III.) The idea that any coal plant can discharge an unlimited amount of metals is absurd. State regulators continually evaluate our plant discharges and reassess our discharge permits every five years. Permits do not contain limits on certain constituents when the amount discharged is very low and is not likely to affect water quality in the lake or river. Now that Riverbend is retired, its actual ash basin discharge is very minimal.

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Opinions...

“

If you don't like something, change it.

If you can't change it, change your attitude.

Let’s bring the Fighting Yank out of the shadows

Well it’s time to write another column and this time rather than ramble around I will get pretty much straight to the point.

There’s a push in town by certain folks to have the Spirit of the Fighting Yank WWII memorial statue moved from where he has stood since 1946 on the grounds of the former Belmont High School to a new spot in Stowe Park. The location will be right beside Main St. across from Caravan Coffee. The statue will be placed on a pavilion with plenty of nice landscaping, lighting at night, an American flag on a pole, benches, and security cameras on it 24/7.

The reasons proponents of the move say they want it to happen is because the Fighting Yank has been vandalized at least twice in its current location, and it is felt that more folks could see and appreciate the statue if it was downtown where throngs of shoppers and visitors now come. Opponents of the move say the Fighting Yank has been at its current site a long time and in accordance with tradition should stay put.

I did not graduate from Belmont High School but my mom did in 1950 and she told me she had no kick against the Fighting Yank being moved.

I am for moving the statue. If you read my story in last week’s paper tracing the history of its placement in 1946 you will see that Belmont High was the second choice to begin with and that the Fighting Yank was originally meant to be erected in front of the old post office. Traffic safety concerns altered the placement plans.

If the Fighting Yank is moved to Stowe Park it will be a focal point in downtown Belmont. If you go to many towns in the South you will see military statues (mostly Civil War) as a centerpiece of the main street or city park. These statues, like the Fighting Yank could be, are the anchor and heart of the community and their resolute gaze reminds everyone who sees them of valor and the sacrifices folks in those towns made in time of war.

I can see all sorts of Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day events in downtown Belmont with the Fighting Yank holding place of honor.

People in droves will come see the bronze soldier and appreciate what it means.

I think the Fighting Yank is somewhat lonely where he is now.

Back in the day, the Belmont High campus was one of the focal points of town, but not any longer. In his new home in Stowe Park he will be brought out of the shadows and into the light to receive the attention he deserves. Moving the Fighting Yank to Stowe Park is the right thing to do.

Sidewalk Survey Local residents were asked...

What do you think about the Fighting Yank statue being moved to Stowe Park?

Keith Lowe – I’m for it.

”

Quote of the week...

Alan Hodge Editor

Barry Fulp – It will be in a more visible and accessible location there.

Yours, Ours, Others

Judy Marett – It’s ok as long as it is visible and not behind trees…

Neal Winslow – I’m all for it.

~ Maya Angelou

Competition of the 2 lumberjacks

Tony Marciano Guest Editorial

Although I hear a lot of sermon illustrations, there was one that spoke deeply to my soul. Let me share it with you.

The story is told of a lumber jack who could chop a forest of trees with an ax. He was aging but still held the reputation for being the greatest lumber jack ever to

darken this forest.

Along came a younger man, who could also fell a forest of trees with an ax. Yet, he was always seen as number two, never number one.

The jealousy finally caught up with him and he

challenged the “old man” (as he referred to him) to a duel. They would start in the morning and would fell trees over an eight hour period. At the end of the day, whoever cut down the most trees would be the greatest lumber jack in the territory. The morning came and the two shook hands. Each was given an assigned territory from which to cut trees.

The younger lumber jack calculated he could cut down a tree every 15 minutes. Every time he finished cutting down a tree, he would look over and see “the old man” just sitting there, stroking the edge of his ax. He was puzzled as the afternoon wore on because he never saw the “old man” cutting down a tree, just sitting there, stroking the end of his ax.

Finally the horn blew and the eight hour period was over. The young man proudly looked at the crowd and boasted that he had cut down 32 trees.

Knowing he was the winner, he looked smugly at his

See MARCIANO, page 8A

Letters to the Editor Letter to the Editor The proposal to relocate the statue located in the yard at the middle school which honors our military personnel of many years and has been at this location for almost seventy years is an acceptable idea to me.

Letter to the Editor It was a cold night in November. My dad had come home early that morning. He and a busload of other young men had boarded a military bus painted olive drab with its headlights painted black with only a small stripe at the bottom left clear. All the cars you saw had the headlights covered or painted like this. Mama told me through her tears that it was like this because the Germans might fly over and lights would give them a location to bomb the vehicles. This really scared me because my daddy was on that bus. We didn’t have a car so I did not have to worry about the Germans bombing us in a car.

At home, we had what mama told us was air raid shades which were dark green in color and they had little clips which held them close to the window facing to keep any light from showing on the outside. This too was to keep the Germans from bombing our house.

Everybody else had them too.

At that time I was a little boy, only six years old. I could not understand why daddy had to go off and leave my mother and my two brothers at home without him being there. We had never spent the night without daddy being there. We were all afraid we would never see him again for he was going to Germany and the Germans would surely kill him for we had been told those people hated all Americans. A lot of our neighbors had watched their daddies, brothers, cousins, and their neighbors leave and a lot of them didn’t come back. They had been killed or captured by the Germans.

As the bus pulled out we watched until you could not see its taillights any longer. My mother was crying and I was too. We walked in the snow back to a house that now seemed like a strange place. We no longer had a daddy to go to bed with each night or to listen to the radio with us as we sat in a circle on the floor and listened to WCKY out of Cincinnati. In my mind I began to cherish those times that daddy had made us sit still with him and mama while President Roosevelt gave his fireside chats about the war and tell all of us that we should buy war stamps at school and buy war bonds at the post office to help our government buy guns and tanks for our troops. While this didn’t seem too important then, since daddy was going to Germany the whole war took on a different meaning to me than. That day seemed to last forever. That night

Moving it to a more visible and secure location within Stowe Park seems like a god proposal and should be generally accepted by our citizens.

City approval and the concurrence by all interested parties are prudent to avoid negative reaction since the statue is a public pride

and relocation is a worthy effort.

Site preparation, relocation, and placement must be done by experienced and competent contractors who are both bonded and insured.

we clipped all the shades shut and turned off the lights. Mama and all of us got down on our knees to say our prayers ands listen to mama ask God to watch over daddy and all our troops. She began to cry again and we all cried with her.

When she got into bed there was dead silence. It was about 11 o’clock. None of us except Don, the youngest, dropped off to sleep almost as soon as we had gone to bed. Mama got up and when I asked her why she told me she had heard something outside and for me to listen too, I heard it too. It sounded like someone walking in the snow. We, me and mama, walked to the front door and looked out very cautiously. We could see someone walking toward our house. The snow was so white we could see his outline clearly. In only a moment we recognized it was daddy! We were all so excited, even Don, whom we had woke up. We all ran out in the snow to meet him. We were all overjoyed to have daddy back.

Mama, half laughing and half crying, asked him how he had got to come back home. Daddy grinned and told us the Germans heard he was coming and gave up. Mama believed him for a while! Shortly after daddy told us that the army had turned him down because of his feet. They asked him if he had polio when he was a child. But it was true that the Germans had surrendered that very night. He had heard the announcement on the radio on his way home. America had gone to war on December 7th, 1941 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. They had killed many Americans and sank the main part of our navy defense ships. Here in Belmont, the Great Depression was slowly beginning to come to an end then came World War II. Our people had been brought up in a time when food was scarce and you couldn’t buy a job. Many went to bed hungry and slept in cold houses. Some had no home at all. With the coming of the great war came rationing. You and your family got some many ration stamps. You had to have a stamp to buy sugar, flour, meat, which was extremely limited, chocolate of any kind and anything that required metal like toys. You couldn’t buy tires or anything made of rubber. All these items were need for our troops. It was a difficult time for those who remained at home and an almost impossible time for our fighting men and women. Most of our doctors ands nurses had been drafted to serve in the military. Every day we received word that someone

we knew or were kin to had been killed, wounded, or missing in action. The people who fought this war were not ready to fight but fight it they did with courage blood and very many of their lives.

If you travel over Europe, you can’t travel through any countries without finding the graves that contain the remains of our American troops, all heroes who laid down their lives for our freedom and for our current children. We don’t even teach them about theses heroes who gave there all for out country.

In Belmont, a bronze statue of a soldier was placed for a time on the lawn of the old post office. I passed it every day on my way to high school where it was later moved. Each time I passed it, I thought of all the folks I knew who had given their lives for our country and our way of life, men like Ben Burch, who was raised on the Majestic Mill village. You never saw Ben without a chew of tobacco in his mouth. He was every little boy’s friend. Men like two of my cousins who were both killed when the Germans sank the submarine they were serving on. I’m sure you can remember a friend or relative who never came home alive. This statue which has been vandalized and damaged several times now stands in the Belmont Middle School yard in a place where few even noticve it and most of their students don’t know about the meaning of it. I have heard that a group of people in Belmont is trying to get the statue moved to a more prominent place.

I think this is a great idea and I hope and pray that they will move it to a place back downtown where everyone who goes there will see it and be reminded of all those great American Heroes who fought for our freedom in World War II. I urge the Mayor and City Council to help in any way they can to make this great idea become a reality. We can never repay the debt we owe to those who served, who bled, lost sight and limb in an effort to let you now sit in peace as a Mayor and City Councilmember and vote to give them this small favor. DO IT AND DO IT NOW. Let our veterans know how much we appreciate what they did for our great country and its people.

George Q. Hall

Jack Rhyne Former Belmont Mayor

See more Letters, page 8A

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Page 5A

The Banner News | banner-news.com

HAWKETTES: more to be inducted into MHSHF From page 1A look to the older ones and pick up on it and carry it on,� said Spears, who also taught 8th grade. “I won their respect, I think. They knew I’d look after them.�

The girls remember his work ethic, but also his kindness, even though he ran his girls through the same drills as his boys teams. He made them stronger; made them faster. “I’m telling you, we ran. I remember a lot of running,� said Ronda Martin Barker, who played for Spears four years before graduating in 1968 as team MVP. “He kept us in shape, but I think it was because he was so committed. He would make you run the bleachers until you felt you would fall over, but he was a wonderful coach.�

These are some of the girls who shared the experience: * Ronda Barker, a 5-foot-4 rover/point guard, started on the varsity as a freshman, in the era when girls still played six-on-six, with only two players allowed to go full court, across the center line.

Spears had a deep bench, so when Barker found herself in a game once against Dallas, it didn’t seem unusual. The team was on a mission to avenge a previous loss, Barker said, and she brought the ball down court and looked to the sidelines for advice. “He just shrugged his shoulders,� she said, “and I thought, if the guards don’t come out, I’m supposed to shoot.�

She said she remembers being at half-court, the pressure on, and launched the ball. It went in. “I don’t think that was what I was supposed to do,� she said. “He about fell over.�

Barker, 63, attended Gaston College, then married Benny

Barker in 1973 and had three sons and a daughter. The children all were high school athletes, and her daughter also became a cheerleader for the Charlotte Hornets and Bobcats.

Barker said her years with high school basketball taught her more than how to play a game. “Coach Spears expected everybody to be the best they could be. Everyone loved him dearly,� she said. “He would teach morals, too. It was so much more than basketball. “In my life, he is one of the finest examples of a man, in every aspect of his life, that I have ever known.� * Jan Williams McKellar, 64, practiced with the varsity as an 8thgrader, then played four years before graduating in 1967. “Basketball was my love,� she said. “I grew up playing outside – back when children played outside, instead of on computers – and I played in the neighborhood, with the boys, so I didn’t get under the goal much. I learned to shoot from the outside.�

McKellar, a 5-foot-4 ½ rover/forward, was voted Most Athletic in her senior class. “Coach Spears was wonderful, but he was tough. After practice, we had to run up and down the bleachers. I didn’t appreciate it then, but what great shape we were in,â€? she said. “Sometimes, I still dream about playing.â€?

McKellar went to Columbia College (“It was a girls’ school.

They didn’t even have a gym.�) then became a stewardess for Delta Airlines, based in New Orleans, before moving to Columbia. She worked as a lobbyist for the South Carolina Medical Association and married Henry McKellar, an attorney and former circuit judge. They

1967-68 Mount Holly girls basketball team. have a daughter, who lives in Florida.

She has a stack of pictures from her Hawkettes days, and newspaper clippings from Little Seven Conference games.

And she found that her connections to those times can be closer than expected.

Once at a work conference, with South Carolina Adjutant General Stan Spears, she mentioned she had played high school ball in Mount Holly, for a guy named Joe Spears. “He called him up,� she said. “It was his brother.� * Lynne Williams Jessen, 62, Jan McKellar’s sister, played for Mount Holly from 1966 to 1969.

She remembers the toughness of Spears, but also the camaraderie of the girls and the fun they had. “Oh, my gosh, it was fun. He was a great coach, and there were a lot of rivalries we played, but we were just kids‌we had so much school spirit,â€? she said. “Coach Spears made it fun. He’d get after you, but if he got after you it just

meant he cared about you. He didn’t treat us like a bunch of little sissy girls, not at all.�

Jessen, who works at a boutique in Mount Holly, was a back-up rover behind Ronda Martin, then played first string her last two years. What Spears may not have known is that Jessen combined being an athlete with dating the man who is, literally, the love of her life.

She and Richard Jessen “started talkingâ€? in fifth grade. They went steady in seventh grade and got married right out of college (he was a walk-on basketball player at Gardner-Webb; she attended Central Piedmont Community College). They had three children and have been married 41 years. * Starr Dowdle McCorkle, 62, a 5-foot-7 ½ forward who graduated in 1968, said her fondest memories of those times was the fun, the sisterhood of the girls. “It was just a fun time, getting on the bus and riding to the games,â€? she said, “and everyone got along, it didn’t matter

if you were a 10th or 11th or 12thgrader or one of the younger ones.�

She remembers one particular game at Dallas, when the Dallas team hung a paper banner on the gym wall proclaiming “We’re No. 1.� Mount Holly won the game, and the Hawkettes side started tearing the paper off the wall. “You could just hear the noise, from the people at Dallas. I think they had to escort the ballplayers to the bus,� she said. “What got me was that we were usually the calmest ones, but that game they had to escort us out.�

It also was against Dallas that McCorkle had her career high – 10 points.

After high school, she attended Gaston College for two years and took an office job in Gastonia. She and Gary McCorkle married in 1970 and had two sons – Steven and Casey – who, like them, live in Denver. They have three grandchildren. “Basketball was about the only See HAWKETTES, page 6A

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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 Stowe Memorial Baptist Church Shiloh Ame Zion Methodist 1117 Old NC Hwy 27 704-827-8826

Tuckaseege Baptist Church 511 Tuckaseege Rd. 704-827-4301

Springfield Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-820-0193

Way of the Cross Baptist Church 238 Lanier Ave. 704-827-8111

Ridgeview Baptist Church 105 Pine Rd. 704-827-3856

St. Anthony of Padua Traditional Catholic Church 108 Horseshoe Bend Beach Rd. 704-827-8676

Wesley Chapel Holiness Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-1993

Second Baptist Church 740 Rankin Ave. 704-827-5181

St. Paul FHB Church 1529 Old Hwy 27 Rd. 704-827-5851

Westview Presbyterian Church 1020 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-2026

Notice In order to accommodate the number of churches in our communities, we will print two alternating lists of churches each week. If you don’t see the church you’re looking for, be sure to check next weeks paper.

Page 6A

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Banner News | banner-news.com

CAROMONT: named nationĘźs first Purple Heart Hospital From page 1A cease to be, it will only get better. We, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 634 really feel good about CaroMont Regional Medical Center. So much so, that we invited them to become the first “Purple Heart Hospitalâ€? in the nation. They accepted and presented us with a beautiful proclamation.â€?

CaroMont Health interim CEO Doug Luckett presented Chapter 634 commander Mike Stubbs with the proclamation. During his remarks, Luckett shared that his grandfather had died during the D-Day invasion in WWII and was thus a Purple Heart recipient. “This is a very special evening and my chest swells with pride,� Luckett said. “CaroMont Regional is a very patriotic hospital and we consider it an honor that it has been named a Purple Heart hospital. We offer a kind heart, a warm hand, quality care, and

welcome our veterans with open arms.�

The Purple Heart beat continues. Next month Chapter 634 will approach the City of Gastonia about joining all the other communities in Gaston County that have been proclaimed Purple Heart Cities. With Gastonia on board, the county will be the first in the nation to have all its municipalities so designated.

Chapter 634 Military Order of the Purple Heart draws its 130 or so members from Gaston, Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Cabarrus, and Rowan counties. The Purple Heart is the oldest decoration currently in use and was first created as a Badge of Military merit by George Washington in 1782. The Purple Heart was the first American service award made available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to any member of the United States armed services wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States.�

BOYCE: Belmont mayor wonʟt seek re-election From page 1A to assist them in any manner they see fit�

Charlie Martin has filed to fill Boyce’s seat. He currently serves on the city council.

Other Belmont filings include: City Council, Marion McClain, Ryan Schrift, Irl Dixon, Richard Turner, and Robert Gantt.

Cramerton filings: Mayor, Ronald Worley, Sue Carpenter. Town Commissioner, Ricky Houser, Demetrios Koutsoupias, William Cauthen, Thurman Linker, James Burr, Eric Lowe.

Lowell filings: Mayor, Judy Horne, Larry Simonds.

Council Member, Rickie Bush, Martha Burris,

Samuel Mitchem, Pawan Aggarwal, Michael Gault, Joshua Robinson, Terry Benson.

McAdenville filings: Council Member, Kevin Lamp, James McCosh, Aaron Devinney, Carrie Bailey, Jesse Bachman.

Mount Holly filings: Council Member, Benjamin Taylor, Jerry Bishop, Jimmie Hope, David Moore.

Stanley filings: Mayor, Judith Johnson, Andrew Quinley. Council Member Ward 2- Charles Withers, Cathy Kirkland; Ward 5Brittany McDaniel, Kerry Hart.

Important dates to remember in the municipal elections: Sept. 6, mail-out absentee voting begins; Oct. 11, last day to be registered to be eligible to vote on mu-

nicipal election day; Oct. 17, One-Stop absentee voting (early voting) begins for municipal elections; Oct. 29, last day to apply for mail-out absentee ballot for municipal elections; Nov. 2, One-Stop absentee voting (early voting) begins for municipal elections; Nov. 4, last day to apply for absentee ballot for voters who expect to be unable to vote due to sickness or physical disability, deadline for receipt of mail-out absentee ballots for municipal elections; Nov. 5, municipal election day polls open 6:30am to 7:30pm; Nov. 8, deadline for mail-out absentee ballots postmarked Nov. 5, sample hand-to-eye count of municipal elections; Nov. 12, canvass of municipal elections.

Everything you need

1966-67 Mount Holly girls basketball team.

HAWKETTES: more to be inducted into MHSHF From page 5A sport girls had to play back then,� she said. “I remember Coach Spears worked us hard, but he was a good coach. We had some good times.� * Janet Rick Pate, a 5foot-6 guard, was one of the younger ones. She graduated in 1969 and was team captain her senior year. She still can name most of the girls on the team, and the fun they had. But she also remembers the pranks – mostly at games with Dallas. “They and Cramerton were the toughest teams,� said Pate, who turns 62 in August.

After the girls games, the team would return to the locker room to change, then go back to the gym to watch the boys play. “Playing Dallas, we’d beat them, and they’d go down and put our uniforms in the toilet,� she said. “Sometimes, we’d have to walk out (after the games) with protection (from security guards) because we beat them all the time. Those were the good ol’ days. “We’d always have fun on the bus rides, and we always said a prayer before we played. We played as a team and helped each other,

whether we won or lost.�

She said Spears was tough, but it was worth it. “He had a stick, and he’d tell us, ‘You have to jump this high,’ and he made sure we hit our foul shots. And if we missed, we’d better grab that ball,� she said.

Pate went to nursing school after graduation, married, and lived several years near Myrtle Beach, where she and her husband had a real estate company. She lives in Belmont now, and takes care of her mom. She has one son, and a grandson. “The basketball years, those were good years. We had a lot of fun,� she said. “We all looked after each other. It was a close-knit family.� * Spears, 82, and his wife Marie, have two children and four grandchildren. He still follows basketball – he likes Duke, and Mike Krzyzewski. “I had a philosophy,�

Spears said, “that if the 9thgraders and the junior varsity worked hard, they could get on the team. I’d dress out 18 every game. Once they got to playing, they just had a certain spirit about them.

There were a lot of good things about it. “Do I miss it? Yes, I do.

But I enjoyed it, though.

That’s why I taught school. I love kids.� * Members of the 196667 and 1967-68 teams (courtesy of Ronda Barker): 1966-67: Karen Estridge, Jan Williams, Debbie Haverty, Nancy Sexton, Etta Helton, Jo Ann Cochran, Dianne Moore, Ronda Martin, Barbara Moore, Rachel Helms, Wanda Adams, Starr Dowdle, Phyllis Terry, Teresa Huitt, Debbie Priest, Carol Hart, Debbie Baker, Lynne Williams.

1967-68: Lynne Williams, Starr Dowdle, Dianne Moore, Barbara Moore, Ronda Martin, Wanda Adams, Teresa Huitt, Rachel Helms, Phyllis Terry, Debbie Shehan, Nancy Fuller, Judy Moore, Nancy Duckworth, Mary Cox, Marilyn Helton, Debbie Pruitt, Debbie Baker, Carol Hart, Etta Helton, Debbie Grier, Debra Little, Janet Rick, Carolyn Helms.

Tickets for the seventh annual Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame banquet are available at Charlie’s Drugs and from committee members for $20. The event will take place Saturday, August 17 at 6pm at the Mount Holly Municipal Complex.

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D I R E C T O R Y

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Page 7A

The Banner News | banner-news.com

FLOOD: waters rise From page 1A also flooded.

Cramerton Town Manager Michael People issued a statement on the flood situation on Monday around noon. “The severity of this flood has not been experienced in the Town of Cramerton for many decades, and the third highest crest recorded.

The water inundation forced the closing of Riverside Drive and Greenwood Place, followed later by Mayflower Avenue, Eighth Avenue and Cramer Mountain Road, all of which remains closed as of 12:00 noon today. Goat Island Park and Riverside Park will also remain closed until further notice.

Approximately one hundred citizens volunteered to fill and place sandbags alongside volunteer firefighters from Cramerton and neighboring departments including New Hope, Community, Lowell, Gastonia, Belmont, Ranlo and others. From 7:00pm to 1:00am, this group filled

hundreds of sand bags and placed them around the fire department building, Cramerton Drug and Floyd & Blackie’s Coffee and Ice Cream Shop. All Town of Cramerton departments, including the Mayor and Board members assisted in the efforts. The Cities of Belmont and Gastonia delivered truckloads of sand while Gaston County Emergency Management provided bags. Bessemer City sent in a crew with a water pump truck and several local businesses assisted in the effort by providing bottled water and food to help keep the volunteers energized and hydrated. Riverside Baptist Church also offered an emergency shelter for those in need.

As of 11:30am, waters are receding and the Town is assessing damages, monitoring conditions, and directing traffic. The Town appreciates all of the agencies that assisted in the effort to minimize loss of property and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism that was displayed. No injuries have been reported and no

Photos by Alan Hodge

Aubrey and Kailey Pope came to McAdenville on Sunday morning with their parents Brian and Amanda Pope to see the floodwaters and dam. mandatory evacuations took place.

Updates on street closures and information on the condition of the fire department facility will be provided via the Town’s Facebook page, Cramerton, NC, and directly to the citizens of the Town through the Blackboard Connect call

system.�

In McAdenville, onlookers stood on the bridge over the South Fork to gaze at floodwaters roaring over the dam. “I’ve never seen anything like it,� said Brian Pope of Dallas, who had brought his family to view the spectacle.

The National Weather Service office in GreenvilleSpartanburg said the South Fork Catawba River crested at about 17.3 feet at 4:45am Monday near Lowell. That’s more than seven feet above flood stage. That is the third-highest crest in river history at that location, surpassed only by levels of

21.3 feet in August 1940 and 17.38 feet in August 1970.

In addition to the flooding, Saturday’s deluge caused power outages in some areas of Mount Holly and North Belmont. The power was out for about four hours along portions of Hickory Grove Road.

Photo by Pat Rooney

Workers scrambled Monday morning to protect downtown Cramerton businesses from the flood.

■BRIEFS BELMONT POLICE NIGHT OUT – The Belmont Police Department will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 7-10pm at Stowe Park. The event will feature free food, live music, games, the police dog mascot McGruff, K9 demo, kids fingerprint demo, and more. A film, “Courageous� will also be shown and the Ironmen will be collecting backpacks for local children in need.

HOLY ANGELS - CHAMBER NETWORK AFTER WORK: The Chamber “Network After Workâ€? planned for Holy Angels on Aug. 8, from 5:30 until 7 p.m. will be held at Cherubs CafĂŠ at 23 N. Main Street in Belmont. The cafĂŠ has undergone extensive renovations, and Holy Angels residents and other staff members who work there are eager to show it off at the Chamber event. Come see the fresh new look and other changes, enjoy good food with friends and make business contacts at the Network After Work event. Holy Angels is hosting and both Cherubs CafĂŠ and Cherubs Candy Bouquet will be open. There’s no charge for Network After Work, but online registration is requested. For more information on Cherubs, call 704-825-0414.

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The parking lot to Goat Island Park was under several feet of water by Monday morning.

Nearby homes were surrounded by the flood as well.

Page 8A

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Banner News | banner-news.com

■ BRIEFS Stanley seeks volunteer firefighters

Belmont Moose Lodge music benefit

The Stanley Volunteer Fire Department is accepting applications for part-time Firefighters.

Working hours will be Monday through Friday.

Minimum qualifications include: 21 years of age, High school diploma, or GED, North Carolina Firefighter I, II & EMT, North Carolina Driver/Operator Pump Certification, North Carolina Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification, North Carolina Class B Non-CDL Driver license.

Performs fire prevention, answers calls, establishes command, performs fire suppression, rescues victims, provides appropriate medical care, operates/maintains all department equipment/station facilities and works in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Town of

The Belmont Moose Lodge will host a special musical event Saturday, Aug. 3 from 8pm until midnight to benefit Gaston Residential Services, an organization that supports and empowers people with developmental and other disabilities to live their lives as respected members of the community.

The show will be held at the Moose Lodge, 122 Robert Russell Rd., Belmont and will feature the Fantastic Shakers and Carolina Beach Party’s Johnny B. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Doors open at 6pm. There will be a cash bar, ATM, 50/50 raffle, and food.

Stanley and Stanley Fire Department. Maybe required to perform other related duties and assignments. Must maintain good physical condition to safely enter immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments and perform strenuous workloads for extended periods.

Selection Process for qualified applicants meeting the minimum qualifications includes: Applicants must complete an employment application, applicants must complete a physical agility assessment and oral interview, if selected, applicants must pass a criminal background investigation, certified driving record medical/physical exam and drug screening test.

Interested parties can download an application at www.townofstanley.org.

FUMC Mt Holly class First United Methodist Church, Mount Holly, will be having a Grief Education Class entitled “Myth vs. Reality: The Truth about Grief” on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. The speaker will be Chemarra Bryant, Bereavement Counselor for Gaston Hospice. To register, contact Donna Small, RN, FCN, at 704577-2450 by Aug. 20.

Classified Ads FREE ADS! Have something to sell (under $100) or give away? Just fill out the form below & run your ad for FREE!

Homes For Rent/Sale MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS MOUNTAIN-Prices starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704-7391425. (tfn)

Land For Sale LOW DOWN PAYMENT. PRICES REDUCED! LOTS in Gaston, Cleveland & Cherokee Co., some with water & septic, owner will fin with low DP. Call Bryant Realty 704567-9836 or w w w. b r y a n t r e alty.org. (7/31)

Misc. For Sale RED STRADA LEATHER PURSE with wallet for SALE. Asking $30.00 or O.B.O. Call: 704-616-2782.

(7/31) GUITAR for SALE. Harmony Electric with AMP. $95.00. Call: 704-739-5064 or 704-477-7489.

(7/31) LEATHER MULTI-COLORED PURSE with tan strap for SALE. Great condition. $20.00 or O.B.O. Call: 704-616-2782.

(7/31) CHILD SIZED GUITAR for SALE. Good for a learner. $65.00.

Call: 704-739-5064 or 704-477-7489.

(7/31) TWO CELL PHONE HOLDERS for SALE.

$10.00 each. Excellent condition. Very nice. Call: 704-6162782. (7/31) SINGER ANTIQUE PEDAL SEWING MACHINE for SALE. $60.00. Call: 704739-5064 or 704477-7489. (7/31) MAGNAVOX TELEVISION for SALE. Great working condition.

Asking $10.00. Call: 704616-2782. (7/31) POLAROID CAMERA FOR SALE. 7.1 mega, Pixel- Digital.

Cost : $30.00. Call: 704-458-4851.

(7/31) LIQUID FOUNDATION MAKEUP for SALE. $2.00 a bottle or donations accepted. Call: 704616-2782. (7/31) CNA TOPS & BOTTOMS for SALE. $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. Call: 704458-4851. (7/31) BLACKBERRY CELL PHONE BATTERY for SALE + 2 phone chargers and 1 car charger. $10.00 each or $50.00 for all. Call: 704-6162782. (7/31) COMPUTER DESK for SALE. Lots of Space for extras. $75.00.

Call: 704-458-4851.

(7/31)

Yard Sale - Deadline Noon Friday KM YARD SALE – 802 Cleveland Ave., Sat., Aug. 3rd. 8 am – 12 (noon). Furniture, Clothes, and misc. items.

KM YARD SALE – 809 Hillside Drive, Sat., Aug. 3rd. 7 am – Until. All sorts of stuff: Household items, clothes, shoes, cleats and etc. Something for everyone. Come

and see for yourself. PLEASE NO EARLY BIRDS! 2 KM FAMILIES YARD SALE – 803 Williamsburg Ct. , Sat., Aug. 3rd, 6 am – Until. Clothes, toys for all ages, riding toys and so much more. Come and check it out.

Rain Date: Sat., Aug. 10th.

CHERRYVILLE YARD SALE – Oakdale Dr. (off Mary’s Grove Church Rd.) Sat., Aug. 3rd. 7 am – 1 pm. Toddler’s bed, sewing machine, microwave, TV, jukeboxes, household items, antiques and odds & ends.

INDOOR ATTIC SALE at KM WOMAN’S CLUB on Saturday, AUGUST 17TH – 8 AM – 12(noon).

Come to buy or sell. Tables provided at $10.00 each. Send check to reserve space.

P.O. Box 1343, Kings Mtn., NC 28086. For Friday night set up at 6:00 PM. Saturday sale begins at 8 AM at 108 E. Mountain Street, Kings Mountain. (7/31, 8/07 &14).

Help Wanted DRIVERS, CDL-B: Great Pay, Hometime!

No-Forced Dispatch!

Moving Freightliner Trucks out of Mt Holly/Cleveland, Tow vehicle A+.

TruckMovers.com, 1-877-606-7083.

(7/24,31, 8/7 &14) CLASS A LINEMAN NEEDED - Position will require advanced level of technical work in the construction, maintenance, and

repair of underground and overhead lines in the electrical distribution system. Work is differentiated from lower levels of line work by the variety of more difficult secondary and primary high voltage line work, independence of action, troubleshooting knowledge and skill, and by inspecting and performing tasks at a high level in line work. Employee must know and understand all safety aspects, and standards of line work along with appropriate work methods regarding secondary and primary work. On call time and overtime work will be required. Employee must also have a class A CDL license or ability to obtain a Class A by end of probation.

Employee must have graduated from high school or equivalent and supplemented by training in electrical principals and considerable experience as an electrical line worker.

Employee must be classified at a second class level or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicant can obtain an application and a full job description at City Hall or the Public Works Department. (7/31)

FREEbies Name ___________________________________________ Address _________________________________________ City _________________________ State ____ Zip ________ Phone _____________________ • Giveaways or Items Priced Up to $100 Only • Price Must be Included in Ad • Ad(s) Must be Printed on Order Blank • No More Than 3 Free Ads Per Week

• Must Include Phone Number • Start Ad with Name of Item • Only Free Animals Accepted • One Item Only Per Ad • Maximum of 10 Words Per Ad • Not to be Used For Businesses

First Freebie Second Freebie

Legals RESOLUTION OF INTENT A RESOLUTION declaring the intention of the City Council of the City of Mount Holly to exchange real property belonging to the City for other real property belonging to Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 160A-271.

WHEREAS, N.C.G.S. 160A-271 authorizes the City Council to exchange any real property belonging to the City for other real property by private negotiation if the City receives a full and fair consideration in exchange for its property; and, WHEREAS, the City owns a certain parcel of real property located at 201 N. River St., Mount Holly, NC, and also locally known as tax parcel # 123471; and, WHEREAS, Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County owns certain parcels of real property located at 416 Lee St., Mount Holly, NC, also known as tax parcel # 123322; Dutch Avenue, Mount Holly, NC, also known as tax parcel # 198248; and Dutch Avenue, Mount Holly, NC, also known as tax parcel # 198247; and, WHEREAS, the Habitat parcels described above are adjacent to River Street Park, and the City Council intends to exchange its parcel at 201 N. River St. for the Habitat parcels in order to expand the park and benefit the citizens of Mount Holly; and, WHEREAS, the City would receive full and

fair consideration in such an exchange as contemplated, as the reasonable value of the Habitat parcels are approximately $25,810.00 based upon the tax values, and therefore exceeds the reasonable value of the City’s parcel, having a tax value of $15,000.00.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that: 1.

A regular City Council meeting will be held at 7:00 PM on August 12, 2013, in the Mount Holly Municipal Complex to consider a resolution to authorize the exchange of 201 N. River St. for the three parcels owned by Habitat described above.

2.

The City Clerk is hereby directed to publish this Resolution of Intent once in the Banner News, or another newspaper of general circulation in the area, to give 10 days’ public notice of intent to authorize the exchange at the next regular meeting.

Upon motion duly made of Councilperson Toomey and duly seconded by Councilperson Bishop, the above resolution was duly adopted by the City Council at the meeting held on July 22, 2013, at the Mount Holly Municipal Complex. Upon a call for a vote the votes were unanimous in the affirmative.

BN10545 (7/31/13)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of William Marshall Rumfelt, 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 on or before the 10th day of October, 2013, 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 10th day of July, 2013.

Kathy Rumfelt Bailey, Executrix ESTATE of: William Marshall Rumfelt 808 Martha’s View Dr. Huntersville, NC 28078 BN10541 (7/10, 17, 24 & 31/13)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Archie Taylor Russell, 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 on or before the 24th day of October, 2013, 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 24th day of July, 2013.

Larry E. Henkle, Executor ESTATE of: Archie Taylor Russell 146 Rollingwood Dr. Stanley, NC 28006 BN10544 (7/ 24, 31, 8/07, 14/2013)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Irvin Thomas Garrett, 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 on or before the 10th day of October, 2013, 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 10th day of July, 2013.

Alma T. Garrett, Executrix ESTATE of: Irvin Thomas Garrett 1924 Chesterfield Drive Belmont, NC 28012 BN10543 (7/10,17, 24 & 31/13)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Lizzie Jane Hayes, 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 on or before the 10th day of October, 2013, 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 10th day of July, 2013.

Elbert Moser Vassey, Executor ESTATE of: Lizzie Jane Hayes PO Box 125, Alexis, NC 28006 BN10542 (7/10, 17, 24 & 31/13)

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COPY DEADLINE: Friday before the issue date at 2pm Mail copy to: Kings Mountain Herald • PO Box 769 • Kings Mountain NC 28086

Banner News 128-C N. Main Street, Belmont 704-825-0580

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Page 9A

The Banner News | banner-news.com

Belmont’s Lee earns state 4-H award Three Gaston County 4H’ers earned awards during the recent State 4-H Congress. This year’s 4-H Congress, held in Raleigh June 22-25 at NC State University, attracted 521 youth and their adult leaders for activities including presentations on a variety of subjects, leadership and citizenship training, service opportunities, officer elections and more.

Margo Lee, 17, was a state winner in the ARIE competition. ARIE – Application, Resume, Interview and Essay competition – is a four-step process by which youth are chosen to attend national 4-H events including National Congress, National Conference and International Leadership Conference. Lee, the daughter of Jeff and Tricia Lee of Belmont, will at-

tend the international conference.

Reagan Humphries, age 10, daughter of Clint and Amy Humphries of Lincolnton, won the 9-to-10-yearold division of the horse presentation contest. Madison Dodd, age 9, daughter of Charles and Leann Dodd of Dallas placed second place in the 9-to-10-year-old division of the livestock presentation contest.

The 4-H program is the youth education program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, based at North Carolina State and North Carolina A&T State universities.

More than 237,500 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the help of 20,780 adult and youth volunteers.

GCS Superintendent L. Reeves McGlohon announces retirement

Roaming Gnome Contributed Photo

Jackson and Patrick Blee found the Belmont Branch Library’s Roaming Gnome last week and concluded this summer’s series of fun searches for him. The Gnome was discovered in Cherubs CafÊ.

Gaston County Schools Superintendent L. Reeves McGlohon announced his retirement at the Board of Education meeting July 15 effective December 31, 2013. McGlohon took the reins as superintendent on April 1, 2006 and has served for the past seven and a half years.

A veteran 43-year educa-

tor, McGlohon has been with Gaston County Schools since 1991. He began his career as a teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and later served 15 years as deputy superintendent for the State Department of Public Instruction (1976-1991) before joining GCS as assistant superintendent of human resources in 1991. He was

Letters to the Editor Letter to the Editor _ I would like to see the Fighting Yank moved to Stowe Park.

Only seen by a few at Belmont Middle School but would be seen by thousands at Stowe Park.

I served in the Korean Conflict and am a member of Letter to the Editor – The undersigned would like to add our voices with others expressing support for the relocation of the WWII Fighting Yank statue from the existing middle school site to a more visible location on Main St. In the Stowe Park area it will be street level, lighted, landscaped, and with security cameras.

In this modern time in Belmont this area is where people gather, walk, and ride. Since many of BelLetter to the Editor – I am pleased to endorse your proposal to move the World War II memorial statue from the Belmont Middle School campus to Stowe Park. There is no question that it will make the statue Letter to the Editor Dear Mayor Boyce & Members of Belmont City Council: The Executive Committee of the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce has authorized me to write this letter in support of the proposal for the City of Belmont to assume ownership of the “Spirit of the Fighting Yank� World War II memorial statue and relocate it to a prominent location in Stowe Park.

The committee thinks this unique statue, one of only five in the country and the only one in the South, should be in a more visible location, where it will be seen by more local residents and by visitors to Belmont.

A Stowe Park site would provide that visibility and better protection for the statue from damage by vandals.

In Stowe Park, the statue immediately would become an additional attraction in the business district and a

the American Legion. My uncle was killed in WWII in France serving his country.

My father was 1st Sgt. In the National Guard during this time.

Lets move the Fighting Yank Joe Messer

mont’s current residents were not born in 1946, we wish they would become more aware of our veteran’s sacrifices.

We, the Founders of the Belmont Historical Society, Inc., support this moving of the proud statue to the proposed new location.

Signed Jack Page, Bobby Brown, Allen Millican, David Robinson, Max Robinson, Yates Abernethy, Jack Cannon

more visible to Belmont residents and visitors alike. The proposed landscaping and lighting will enhance the beauty of the statue as well.

Please let me know if I can assist your efforts.

Robert L. Stowe focal point for visitors to Belmont, contributing in a unique way to the special character of our community.

While the statue always has been an asset to Belmont since its installation on the then Belmont High School campus in 1946, its value will be greatly enhanced by moving it to Stowe Park and adding brick pavers, benches, a flag pole and other planned features to the site.

The Chamber Executive Committee understands leading veterans’ organizations in Belmont have endorsed the proposal along with the Belmont Merchants Association and other groups, and that the relocation is to be accomplished entirely with private funds.

With those understandings, the Chamber Executive Committee endorses the proposal.

Sincerely, Ted B. Hall President, Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce

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(704) 825-6099

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Letter to the Editor After graduating from Belmont High School and serving in the US Army, I became more aware of the special things that mean a great deal to our community‌. specifically, the battle soldier statue.

There is conversation about relocating the statue from Belmont Middle School Letter to the Editor _ On a recent visit to Belmont, I was informed of the effort to relocate the WWII memorial from the old high school yard to Stowe Park.

For many years I have been honored to view this wonderful insignia of patriotism and support to our past and present military.

However, I feel it appropriate, not only for the protection from further damage,

named GCS deputy superintendent of administration in 1996 and superintendent of schools in 2006.

Board of Education Chairman Kenny Lutz, Jr. said, “Reeves McGlohon has been an outstanding superintendent who has carefully guided Gaston County Schools and moved us to higher levels of achievement

and expectations. Due to his excellent leadership, student attendance is up. Scholarships earned are up. The graduation rate is up, and the dropout rate has decreased.

The district was one of the first in the state to achieved system-wide accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.�

MARCIANO to downtown Belmont..which is a great idea! With a lighted walkway and flagpoles, it would certainly draw more attention and be more visible at night.

If relocated, more people would be drawn to the importance of the statue and enjoy it.

Don Hyde

but also for the placement to where more citizens and visitors can show proper and continued respect.

Irvin E. Ellington, Jr. Colonel (ret.) USAFR Note. Col. Ellington was born and raised in Belmont.

He served as Dep. Chief of Staff for the Air National Guard and was a military Aide-de-Camp for Gov. Martin from 1990-94

From page 4A competition, waiting to hear he had only cut down a few trees. Instead the judge reported that the “old man� had cut down 40 trees and was pronounced the winner. The crowd shouted with glee.

When the celebration was over, the young man looked at the old man and said to him, “I don’t understand. I never saw you cutting down a tree. Every time I looked over at you, you were sitting down, stroking the end of your ax. How did you do that?� The “old man� looked at the younger man and said, “I wasn’t just sitting there stroking the end of my ax – I was sharpening the blade�.

As the pastor shared the story, I knew what he was saying.

It is so important that we are passionate, methodical and systematic in our pursuit of the heart of God. Daily, we need to pause and “sharpen our blade�.

There are two new starts to a “new year�. The first is January 1st. The second is August when school resumes. Let me challenge you to sharpen your blade. Don’t let your service to God (going on a Mission trip, etc.) replace your need for Christian fellowship, education and worship. Make this the year you are a part of the life of a church. Systematically set aside time to pray and read God’s word. Let me suggest you begin in the book of Romans.

Scripture reminds me that “God’s mercies are new every morning�. Let today be the start of a new chapter in your life.

Have a great new “school� year I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend.

Submit your letter to the editor to Alan.bannernews@gmail.com You must include name/phone number.

All letters subject to editorial review

Rev. Tony Marciano is the Executive Director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group.

Go to www.charlotterescuemission.org and go to contact usjust ask for Pam.

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Page 10A

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Banner News | banner-news.com

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