BN 121113 by Community First Media

75Â˘

Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville

Volume 78 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 50 â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Martin takes over reins in Belmont By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Following a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and celebration in front of city hall last week, the Belmont council and other officials filed into their chamber and got down to the serious business of running the municipality. First up was the swearing in of Charlie Martin as the new mayor, and new council members Richard Turner and Ryan Schrift. Outgoing mayor Richard Boyce, who had served for eight years, made a few heartfelt remarks to the council as well as the audience before stepping down from the dais. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to thank you sincerely for the deep privilege of serving you,â&#x20AC;? Boyce said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to thank you as well for how well I feel we worked together in this town. To the current and future councils, I hope and pray we continue to work together.â&#x20AC;? Boyce went on to remark about the growth Belmont had seen during his term in office and a need for diversity in local government- especially racial diversity on the See BELMONT COUNCIL, 4A

New laws aimed at child abusers

Photo by Alan Hodge

The new Carolina Thread Trail section south of Belmont near Seven Oaks and DSBG was dedicated last Friday. Seen cutting the ribbon are Harding Stowe, Tom Okel, and Pamela Kimbrell Warlick.

Stroll the Thread Trail Seven Oaks Preserve new addition to Carolina Thread Trail

By Alan Hodge ALAN HODGE

alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Dozens of new laws took effect in North Carolina on Dec. 1 and two of them are designed to lower the boom on child abusers. More than 134,000 children in North Carolina were referred to county social service agencies in the state for possible abuse and neglect for the year ending June 30, 2012. One new law would increase maximum prison terms for the most serious child abuse charge from 15 years to 33 years. Another creates a requirement that parents alert authorities when they neither know the location of their child under 16 nor had contact with them for 24 hours. Failing to do so will be a low-grade felony, with no jail time on a first offense. The other new law is named for Kilah Davenport of Concord, who authorities say was severely beaten in May 2012, when she was three. Her stepfather was charged with felony child abuse. Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina helped craft "Kilah's Lawâ&#x20AC;?. The other law is in remembrance of Caylee Anthony, the Florida girl whose dis-

Folks who like to take a stroll in the woods now have a new place to enjoy the wonders of nature with the opening of a fresh segment of the Carolina Thread Trail, just south of Belmont. The 2.8 mile section of trail,

known as the Seven Oaks Preserve Trail, was officially dedicated last Friday. The trailhead is located at 6900 S. New Hope Road, across from the Seven Oaks Preserve near Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The trail features beautiful views of Lake Wylie,â&#x20AC;? said Randi Gates, Carolina Thread

Trail community grants coordinator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are also two trails that connect with the Garden and lets hikers make a loop of 4.6 miles.â&#x20AC;? A number of dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon cutting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a great day and a beautiful trail,â&#x20AC;? said Tom Okel, executive director of Catawba

Lands Conservancy and the Thread. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been looking forward to it for a long time.â&#x20AC;? Harding Stowe, nephew of the late Daniel Stowe, also spoke. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The trail fits well with the Garden,â&#x20AC;? Stowe said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Daniel would be thrilled with this.â&#x20AC;? See THREAD TRAIL, 4A

$50k needed to move Fighting Yank

See NEW LAWS, 4A

BHS to host play Dec. 13 In conjunction with a new exhibit entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Carolina Backcountry Woman: Hero of the American Revolution- A Love Storyâ&#x20AC;?, the Belmont Historical Society will feature a play on Friday, Dec. 13 starting at 7pm and lasting for about a half hour. The event will feature local historian Dan Seufert who will read letters of colonial characters Harold and Eileen that were written during the American Revolution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through Eileen's journal entries there unfolds the seldom spoken story of a backcountry woman's battles and struggles, her victories and defeats, her pain, sorrows, and sacrifice, as well as her contributions to winning America's fight for freedom,â&#x20AC;? said Seufert. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While the exhibit and play tells of one woman's experiences during the Revolution, it also portrays a universal story of women throughout North Carolina and the thirteen colonies.â&#x20AC;?

Photo courtesy Millican Pictorial Museum

This group of folks standing in front of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fighting Yankâ&#x20AC;? statue are just a few of those who have contributed time and money to help see that the bronze soldier is moved to his new spot in Stowe Park next spring. A fund raising effort is now underway to finance moving of the World War II Statue â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spirit of the Fighting Yankâ&#x20AC;? from its present site on Central Avenue at Belmont Middle School to its proposed new location on Main Street in Stowe Park, downtown Belmont.

The statue is one of only five like it in the nation. It was dedicated in 1946 on the campus of what was then Belmont High. Cost estimate for the project is $50,000 which will include a stone pavilion with benches and flags, landscaping, and security. The project â&#x20AC;&#x153;Veterans Memo-

rial Pavilionâ&#x20AC;? featuring the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fighting Yankâ&#x20AC;? was initiated by Art Shoemaker, Bobby Brown, and Ron Foulk. A tentative date for dedication and unveiling of this project is set for Memorial Day 2014. Funding this project comes from donations by area veterans

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of Stanley

and citizens. No city tax monies will be used for this project. All donations are tax deductible. Contributions should be made payable to American Legion Post #144 Belmont, marked â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fighting Yankâ&#x20AC;?. To invest in this historic event or for more information call Shoemaker at 704-827-8433.

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Call us today at 704.263.4646

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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â&#x2013; OBITUARIES Forest City, NC; one stepson, Frank Carothers and wife Sarah of Winston Salem, NC; one sister, Bobbie Pugh of Maryland; four grandchildren, Courtney Ritchie and husband Steven of Charlotte, Chris Piercy and fiancĂŠe Heather Toth of Alexandria, VA, Kyle and Savannah Rose Piercy both of Mount Holly; and one great-granddaughter Tuuli Rose Ritchie. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Carothers was held at 2pm Monday, December 9, at the First Baptist Church, Mount Holly with Reverend Kendell Cameron officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 300 South Main Street, Mount Holly, NC 28120. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly was in charge of arrangements.

Rosemary Carothers Loving mother and grandmother Mount Holly - Rosemary Piercy Carothers, 85, 207 Madison Drive, passed a w a y Friday, December 6, 2013. She was born in Caldw e l l County, daughter of the late Lawrence and Emo Curtis. She was preceded in death by husbands, William Monroe Piercy, Jr. and Luther Franklin Carothers; two sisters, Madge Compton and Billie White; and two brothers, James and June Curtis. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Mount Holly. She was a retired lab technician with Sodeyco Chemical Corporation. She is survived by two sons, Bill Piercy and wife Linda, and Keith Piercy and wife Tami of Mount Holly; one step-daughter, Judy Carpenter and husband Dan of

granddaughters, Mrs. Dana M. Jackson of Mt. Holly and Mrs. Allison C. Aros of Tucson, AZ., seven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. There will be a private family burial at Hillcrest Gardens followed by a memorial service at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 9000 Mt. Holly Rd, Charlotte, on Thursday, Dec. 12th at 4 pm. Friends will be received 1 hour prior to the memorial service at the church.

Willine Luckey Loving mother and grandmother Mount Holly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Willine Tarlton Luckey, 301 N. Hawthorne St, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 6 at 10:05 pm at Carillon Assisted Living in Shelby. She was 86. She is survived by her daughter, Ms. Barbara L. Usery of Mt. Holly; her grandson, Mickey Dale Stowe, Jr of Mt. Holly; two

Pancakes with Santa Saturday CaroMont's Discover You, 420 E. Central Ave. in the Mount Holly Municipal Complex, will be hosting a pancake breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 14 from 8:3011am. The flapjacks are free for kids, adults pay $5. Seating times are 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00. Call 704-827-6770 or visit www.discover-you.org to reserve your seating. Santa will be available for photos.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Angel Bake Shopâ&#x20AC;? Dec. 14 St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UMC, Belmont, annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Angel Bake Shopâ&#x20AC;? is being held Saturday, Dec. 14, 9AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2PM. All proceeds go to support the missions of the United Methodist Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group. On Dec. 15 at 11AM, the choir will perform their annual Christmas cantata entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bethlehem Morningâ&#x20AC;?. At 6PM there will be a birthday party for Jesus Christ, and a visit from a very special jolly ole man. On Dec. 24, everyone is invited to a special Christmas Eve service at 5PM. St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is located at 701 Secrest Avenue in Belmont at the corner of Main Street and Secrest.

Marjorie Wilson A Yankee at heart Belmont â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marjorie Virginia Ketchum Johnson Wilson, 92, Belmont, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House of Huntersville. Born in Brooklyn, NY, to Harold B. Ketchum and Virginia Weaver, she always considered herself a Yankee even though she moved to Mt. Holly at the age of 3. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Edwin R. Johnson of Mt. Holly and Claude G. Wilson, Jr. of Belmont and two brothers, Harold â&#x20AC;&#x153;Budâ&#x20AC;? Ketchum and John Ketchum and son-

in-law Clarence L. Herron, Jr. She was Executive & Legal Secretary with Sodyeco in Mt. Holly for 40 years, charter member of St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church in Mt. Holly where she served as Treasurer and Scribe for several years. She served as Treasurer of the American Legion Auxiliary in Belmont and was a proud member of the William Gaston Chapter of the DAR. Marjorie was also Miss Mt. Holly 1937. Marge was a life-force who will be remembered for her quick wit and distinctive laugh by her survivors which include four daughters, Gail Johnson Jones and husband Bill of Raleigh, Claudia W. Crist and husband Will of Mt. Holly, Carole W. Jolliff and husband Reade of Niceville, FL, Lisa W. Herron of Belmont; and one son Claude G. Wilson III and wife Teri of

McLaan Funeral Directors

Audit numbers encouraging for both Belmont and Mount Holly By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The cities of Mount Holly and Belmont received their FY2013 audited financial statements recently and the numbers were encouraging. Martin-Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. did the crunching and prepared the reports for both municipalities. Mount Holly's total fund balance was pegged at $5,767,984, minus $77,420 non-spendable and $679,691 stabilization by state law, leaving an available fund balance of $5,010,873. This was a $656,749 increase over the 2012 available fund balance of $4,354,124. The top revenue makers

â&#x2013; POLICE Dec. 2: Quintonia Brice, larceny, drug violation, arrested by Officer K. Hall, 217 Sterling St. Dec. 4: Thomas Beasley Jr., habitual DWI, RDO, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 312 Forest Ln. Dec. 4: Daquan Thompson, fraud, obtain money/property false pretense, arrested by Officer M. Stroupe, 701 Hawley Ave. Dec. 4: Jamil Ramon Reviere, fraud,obtain

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for Mount Holly included ad valorem taxes at 55 percent of general fund revenues, unrestricted intergovernmental funds at 27 percent, other revenue at 13 percent, and permits and fees at five percent. Mount Holly held the line on property tax rates this year with no increase. In dollars, ad valorem taxes totaled $5,772,072 in 2013 versus $5,703,828 in 2012. Unrestricted intergovernmental dollars in 2013 came to $2,866,271, while 2012 showed $2,980,222. Permits and fees income fell about 17 percent, from $571,395 in 2013 to $687,737. Regrading expenditure percentages, public safety consumed 45 percent of the

Mount Holly general fund. Other expenditures took 21 percent, transportation and environmental protection 19 percent and general government 15 percent. Expenditure dollars for public safety in 2013 came to $4,636,994 compared to $4,365,253 in 2012. Transportation and environmental protection expenses worked out to $2,118,260 in 2013 and $2,187,044 in 2012. General government dollars spent in 2013 came out to $1,763,776, a drop from 2012's expense tally of $1,998,673. In Belmont, the 2013 audit showed general fund cash at $2,850,878, general fund revenues of $8,481,288, and general fund expenditures of

$8,449,121. This compared to 2012 general fund numerals of $8,494,704 revenues and $8,403,244 in expenditures. Belmont's available general fund balance was $2,669,932. This was a $284,865 increase over the 2012 figure of $2,385,067. In 2013, Belmont took in $5,365,736 in ad valorem taxes compared to the 2012 tally of $5,202,434. Public safety expenditures in Belmont for 2013 were $3,870,039 versus the 2012 figure of $4,057,882. Transportation expenditures for 2013 worked out to $1,185,176 compared to $1,115,494 in 2012. General government expenses were $1,234,092 compared to $1,241,763.

Dec. 7: Crystal Gayle Case, failure to comply, order for arrest, arrested by Officer M. Hall, 605 Park St. Dec. 8: Jeffrey Allen Church, misdemeanor lar-

ceny, arrested by Officer M. Elizondo, 6507 Wilkinson Blvd. Dec. 8: Joshua Blanton, DWI alcohol/drugs, no insurance, arrested by Cpl. M. Harris, 300 Keener Blvd.

- CRIME money/property by false pretense, arrested by Officer M. Stroupe, 701 Hawley Ave. Dec. 4: Sammy Bruce Davis, parole and probation violations, arrested by Det. J. Mull, 11 Garrison St. Dec. 4: Elliot, Jennie Lee, contempt of court, perjury, arrested by Det. J. Mull, 11 Garrison St. Dec. 4: David Thompson, felonious larceny, arrested by Officer K. Seigler, 701 Hawley Ave. Dec. 4: Joseph Arrowood, larceny, arrested by Sgt. J. Quinn, Belmont Abbey College. Dec. 6: Dave Madison Odom, order for arrest, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, I-85 southbound. Dec. 7: Kenya Thompson, harassing phone calls, arrested by Officer K. Seigler, 65805 Wilkinson Blvd.

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Belmont, twelve grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. The family wishes to convey their deepest and most sincere gratitude to the extremely dedicated and professional caregivers of the Levine & Dickson Hospice House, Huntersville, for their care and sensitivity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Levine & Dickson Hospice House, 11900 Vanstory Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078 A celebration of her life will be held 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at McLean Funeral Directors, Belmont, officiated by The Rev. Ron Taylor. Visitation will follow at McLeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Stanley man cleared in deaths Jordan Arwood, 31, of Stanley was cleared last week of charges related to the April 7, 2013 deaths of his daughter Chloe Arwood, 7, and nephew James Caldwell, 7. The children died when the sides of a pit they were playing in collapsed. Arwood had been digging the pit at the time and was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Arwood The tragedy took place on Cedarbrook Court in Lincoln County near Stanley. It was 12 hours before the bodies were unearthed by rescue personnel. Superior Court Judge Ali Paksoy ruled last Thursday that Arwood was not criminally negligent and that the incident was an accident. Paksoy dismissed the case.

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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Belmont council sets committees The Belmont city council committee appointments for 2014 have been made. Appointments are as follows: Public Safety- Charlie Flowers, Ron Foulk, and Ryan Schrift; Public WorksMayor Charlie Martin, Flowers, Martha Stowe, Richard Turner; Water and Sewer- Martin, Flowers, Foulk; Centralina Council of Governments Board of Delegates- Foulk as Delegate, Schrift as Alternate; Tourism Development AuthorityTurner, Stowe; Keep Belmont Beautiful Board of Directors- Stowe; Technical Review Committee- Flowers; Personnel CommitteeMayor and Council; Business Recruiting CouncilMartin, Foulk, Schrift; YMCA Board of DirectorsTo be named at a later date.

ENJOYING THE SEASON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Two-year-old Payton Mashburn and her grandmother Robin Mashburn took in the sights at the McAdenville tree lighting ceremony. Photo by Alan Hodge Photos by Alan Hodge

Charlie Martin took the Belmont mayoral oath of office from Gaston County Board of Commissioners chair Mickey Price at last week's city council meeting. Martin was joined by his wife Dot during the ceremony.

Do you need a gun trust? By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Ryan Schrift is seen being sworn in for his first term on the Belmont city council. Schrift garnered more votes than any council candidate. He was accompanied by his fiancĂŠe Andrea Grenier during the oath.

Richard Turner was sworn in by Gaston County Board of Commissioners chairman Mickey Price for his first term on the Belmont city council last week. Turner's family- wife Marie and sons Vincent and Matthew- watched as he was administered the oath.

Last week's Belmont city council meeting saw outgoing mayor Richard Boyce present a plaque honoring former city employee the late Homer Pryor recognizing his many years of service. Homerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife Vickie Wiggins and her niece Sara accepted the honor in his name.

Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce president Ted Hall (right) presented outgoing Belmont mayor Richard Boyce with a plaque at last week's city council meeting for his work with local businesses and communities over the past eight years in office.

BELMONT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; president Marty Barnes (center) accepted a check for $11,400.70 from Chad Nelson and Walk and Run Belmont owner Julie Seligman at last week's city council meeting. The money was raised by the third annual 5K run on Thanksgiving morning to benefit the BCO. Nelson said that over the past three years, the event has raised about $20,000 for the relief agency. Belmont assistant city manager Adrian Miller and BCO board member Jonathan Logan were just two of the scores of participants and donors. Photo by Alan Hodge

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Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt that more than a few folks in our area will be finding a gun of some sort under their Christmas tree as a gift. But not all guns are given new, some are family heirlooms that the owner would like to pass down to future generations and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where a relatively little known thing called a gun trust can come into play. Belmont attorney Andrew Brandt with the Stricker Law Firm says gun trusts can protect folks who want to keep firearms that are part of an estate protected. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A gun trust is designed to pass firearms from an individual to heirs,â&#x20AC;? said Brandt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The purpose is to keep the asset out of probate and away from creditors.â&#x20AC;? A gun trust also protects firearms from being part of a legal settlement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For instance, if a doctor gets sued, the firearms could not be part of a judgment,â&#x20AC;? Brandt said. Another aspect of a gun trust that some folks might find interesting is the fact that it can allow people to pass down National Firearms Act (NFA) Title II weapons such as full auto guns or silencers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People still need to get an ATF sign-off for Title II,â&#x20AC;? said Brandt. Gun control is a hot topic these days, and Brandt thinks it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be cooling off any time soon- another reason to have a gun trust. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I see gun laws tightening up and becoming more strict,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;North Carolina is pro-gun, but still subject to NFA Title II and ATF laws.â&#x20AC;? But that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean the

gun trust that Brandt worked to create is a shield behind which folks can shirk the law either. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did research on NFA Title II and ATF laws and then reviewed other gun trusts to use as a model,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our trust is designed to make sure the proper person gets the firearm. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see a criminal paying an attorney to set up a gun trust.â&#x20AC;? Like everything from wills to divorce papers, gun trust blank forms can be pulled off the internet and filled out by an individual, but Brandt says thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always a good idea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to have an attorney draft a proper trust,â&#x20AC;? he said. Brandt says the recreational demographics of Gaston County means that gun trusts are something local folks should think about. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of sportsmen and people with antique guns in Gaston that might want to leave family members a firearm,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main goal is to make sure the heirs get to use the firearms without breaking the law and that people can exercise their Second Amendment rights.â&#x20AC;? Folks who are thinking about a gun trust might want to step lively as possible legal changes are in the wind. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the text of the proposed rule by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau on dated Sept. 9, 2013 and published on the Federal Register for public comment regarding machine guns, destructive devices and certain other firearms. Also included in the proposal are background checks for responsible See GUN TRUSTS, 4A

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Page 4A

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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THREAD TRAIL: take a stroll on BELMONT COUNCIL: Martin takes over rein as mayor BelmontĘźs new addition over the front entry facade. From page 1A From page 1A The Carolina Thread Trail, Catawba Lands Conservancy, and DSBG worked together to make the trail a reality. A number of other groups and contributors also teamed up to create the trail including Pam Warlick Foundation, Seven Oaks Farm LLC, W. Duke Kimbrell Family Foundation, NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund, and the NC State Parks initiative Recreational Trail Program. The pathway itself was carved in the forest by Dino Contos of Benchmark Trails. Eighty employees from Rodgers Builders, Inc. volunteered their time and efforts, 750 man-hours over four days, to construct three pedestrian bridges on the trail as part of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th anniversary.

This saved the Thread Trail about $26,000 in construction materials alone. Tarpon Construction built the trailhead parking lot. Other groups that pitched in to help build the trail included DSBG, Premiere Healthcare, Bank of America, and Duke Energy. The City of Belmont provided use of a dump truck and recycling for nearly a ton of trash and 32 tires that were cleared from the trail. Gregg Antemann and Carolina Wetland services loaned a bush hog as well as advice on how to get rid of kudzu. Goats were eventually brought in for that job thanks to $26,000 in grants from Duke Energy Habitat Enhancement Program. The Seven Oaks Preserve Trail is one of 14 Carolina Thread Trail segments totaling 21.3 miles in Gaston County.

NEW LAWS: aimed at child abusers

From page 1A appearance went unreported by her mother for a month in 2008. Remains of the 2year-old were found six months later. Caylee's mother was acquitted of murder in her daughter's death in 2011 but convicted of lying to investigators. Prior to passage of the new law, North Carolina didn't have an exact time period after which a parent was required to report a missing child to authorities. One of the new bill's sponsors was Representative Kelly Hastings of Gaston County. The law also makes it a misdemeanor for any person who fails to report to police within a "reasonable time" the person's suspicions that a child has disappeared or may be in danger. Neighbors and others are presumed to have acted in good faith are

immune from prosecution when they report a possible disappearance. Other new NC laws designed to help kids that went into effect on Dec. 1 included one that will require a minimum $500 fine for motorists convicted of passing a stopped school bus picking up or dropping off students. A driver who hits a child will face a felony charge and a $1,250 minimum fine, rising to at least $2,500 if the collision results in death. The law is named after 11-year-old Hasani Wesley, who died last December at a Forsyth County bus stop. Other new laws would increase punishments for those who make methamphetamine when children are present and require those convicted of human trafficking to register as sex offenders if the victim was under 18.

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council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Growth is returning,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are coming here with new ideas and new visions.â&#x20AC;? In other business, the council approved designating the circa 1910 R.B. Suggs House at 207 N. Main St. as a Historic Property and added it to the local register of historic properties. A proposal to have the house so designated was submitted to the Gaston County Historic Preservation Commission. The vote was preceded by a public hearing. The issue was sent to the Gaston County Board of Commissioners who heard it on Dec. 10. The Suggs House is currently owned by Thomas Petrea Smith, Jr. It was built by Robert Bailey Suggs on a .52 acre lot he had purchased in 1907 from A.F. and Cora L. Suggs in 1907 for $1,540. The two and a half story home is constructed in the Colonial Revival style. In addition to its stately appearance, one of interesting features of the structure are the initials â&#x20AC;&#x153;RBSâ&#x20AC;? crafted in colored glass appear in the pediment

Behind the home is a twocar garage built circa 1922. Suggs himself one of Belmont's most noteworthy early 20th century citizens and the home reflects his power and prestige. The son of a Confederate veteran, Suggs was a druggist and one of the organizers of the Belmont Building and Loan in 1915. His involvement with the local textile industry was prodigious. He helped organize the Acme Spinning Co., was vicepresident of Perfection Spinning Co. and was also director at other mills such as Crescent, Eagle, Majestic, Stowe, Climax, Sterling, National, Linford, and Belmont Processing. In addition, Suggs was a director of Belmont Ice and Fuel Co., Gaston County Textile Manufacturers' Association, and the Southern Combed Yarn Spinners Association. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I'm very pleased with the City of Belmont recommending the designation,â&#x20AC;? said Smith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The house is a family house and has been passed down through generations. We've been very passionate about the project and have high hopes of it being designated as a local historic landmark. My wife

Photo by Alan Hodge

The Belmont City Council designated the 1910 R.B. Suggs House at 207 N. Main St. a Historic Property last week. The home was built by early 20th century Belmont business leader Robert Bailey Suggs and is currently owned by Thomas Petrea â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tannerâ&#x20AC;? Smith. and I were very particular in the renovation project. We tried to bring the house back to it's glory days by removing the artificial siding and exposing the original wood siding. We love the historic character the house exhibits. Our plans are to continue to live there and enjoy the benefits, character and feel a historic property has to offer.â&#x20AC;? Several proclamations and presentations were also part of the council meeting. A plaque honoring city employee the late Clyde Homer Pryor for his service to the

town was given to his wife. Another plaque was given to Boyce in recognition of his work with the business community from Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce chief Ted Hall. Boyce also received a watercolor done by local artist Dot Groner of City Hall. The council set the dates for its 2014 regular monthly meeting dates all of which will begin at 7pm in city hall. The meeting dates are: Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 3, Apr, 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 2, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1.

GUN TRUSTS: Do you need one? From page 3A persons of a corporation, trust or other legal entity with respect to making or transferring a firearm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Department of Justice proposes amending Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regulations that concern the making or transferring of a firearm under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The proposed changes include: Defining the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;responsible person,â&#x20AC;? as used in reference to a trust, partnership, association, company, or corporation; requiring â&#x20AC;&#x153;responsible personsâ&#x20AC;? of such legal entities to submit, inter alia, [among other things] photographs and fingerprints, as well as a law enforcement certificate, when the legal entity files an application to make an NFA firearm or is listed as the transferee on an application to transfer an NFA firearm; modifying the information required in a law enforcement certificate, so that the certificate no longer requires a statement from the certifying official that he or she has no information indicating that the maker or transferee of the NFA firearm will use the firearm for other than lawful purposes; and adding a new section to ATFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regulations to address

the possession and transfer of firearms registered to a decedent. The new section would clarify that the executor, administrator, personal representative, or other person authorized under state law to dispose of property in an estate may possess a firearm registered to a decedent during the term of probate without such possession being treated as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;transferâ&#x20AC;? under the NFA. It also would specify that the transfer of the firearm to any beneficiary of the estate may be made on a tax-exempt basis.â&#x20AC;? Brandt says the Dept. of Justice proposal highlights the need for gun trusts. â&#x20AC;&#x153; These regulations could open the floodgates to changes in gun law across the board, underscoring the need to act before our rights to use them and their usefulness are done away with,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although the proposed regs attempt to clarify an estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to

possess and transfer a NFA firearm, they missed their mark. The Bureau wants to defer to state law and allow an executor to possess and transfer a decedentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s firearms to his or her heirs, but only during the time that the probate estate is open. Beyond the federalism questions that this inevitably raises, many other questions arise such as what if an executor comes into possession of the firearm before the probate estate is opened, like we see with so much other property such as cars and antiques â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is the executor violating federal laws then? State laws? And which law will control in determining an executorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s liability? NFA trusts generally avoid this mess in the first place by retaining ownership of the firearms in the trust, thus eliminating the need to transfer ownership of them.â&#x20AC;?

Entertainers needed for variety show PFLAG Gaston is presenting a variety show on Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. The venue is St. Marks Episcopal Church, Gastonia. PFLAG is looking for singers, dancers, actors, magicians, comedians, dramatists, etc. Interested acts should contact Jim Kellogg, jamesrkellogg@yahoo.com. It's an evening of entertainment and just plain fun. There is no admission and it is open to the public.

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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The Banner News | banner-news.com

â&#x2013; MEDITATION How to Tame Your Inner Critic

Cherubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrates renovations, new look Cherubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ and Cherubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Candy Bouquets unveiled new logos, showcased recent renovations and celebrated â&#x20AC;&#x153;Giving Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;? on Dec. 3, with a Montcross Area Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony. Both businesses are vocational outreach programs of Holy Angels, and Holy Angels CEO Regina Moody addressed a large group of Chamber members, supporters and staff members during the event. The new logos are prominently displayed

on new red awnings recently installed above the businesses on Main Street in historic downtown Belmont. The logos were designed by Lyerly Agency, which also is located on Main Street in Belmont. Charlie Martin, who was sworn in as Mayor of Belmont on Monday night, also addressed the group during the ceremony. After the ribbon cutting, Cherubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ served free lunches between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in observance of the nationwide

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Giving Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;? initiative to call attention to the need for financial support of service organizations such as Holy Angels. In the photo, Holy Angels residents and Cherubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff members watch as Regina Moody cuts the ribbon. Holding the ribbon are Chamber Board members Candi Lethcoe (left) of Stress Free Home Care and Shannon Prince of Holy Angels. Mayor Charlie Martin is on the second row at right. Montcross Chamber photo

Living nativity set for Dec. 22 On Sunday December 22 at 6:00 pm, First Presbyterian Church in Belmont will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Living Nativity.â&#x20AC;? Performed out of doors with live animals and a volunteer cast, A Living Nativity is a re-enactment of the Christmas Story beginning with the prophesy of Isaiah through the birth of Christ, the announcement of the birth to the Shepherds, and the arrival of the Wise Men from the East. The performance lasts approximately thirty minutes and is narrated by Reverend Wilson Rhoton. There is no charge for the performance and the congregation of First Presbyterian Church invites all to come share in this special celebra-

tion of Christmas fellowship with neighbors, family and friends. Cookies and Hot Chocolate will be served before and after the performance. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, and for children young and old to see the animals before the Living Nativity begins at 6:00. Please dress warmly and bring lawn chairs for comfortable seating. There will be no flash video or photography permitted during the performance. For more information, please contact the Church Office at (704) 825-3357 or visit the First Presbyterian Church website www.fpc-belmont. org/livingnativity.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a critic!â&#x20AC;? I recently heard this phrase in a meeting and it left me in deep thought. It reminded me of a conversation with a young man who was very critical of himself. He considered himself a â&#x20AC;&#x153;bad kid.â&#x20AC;? He made many mistakes in his young life. Therefore, his family labeled him the â&#x20AC;&#x153;bad seed.â&#x20AC;? As a result he deRev. Angela Pleasants veloped an inner critical voice. First United Methodist Church, Hurting people often hurt other Mount Holly people. Bullies are often insecure people. Usually a bully has been bullied at some point in their life. We all will face criticism eventually. A critic can give us insight into areas of growth. A critic can also use opportunities to tear down and destroy with their words. An article by Ryan Connor posted in the Christian Standard states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Criticism is an insult attached to a complaint.â&#x20AC;? (How to Handle Criticism by Ryan Connor). What causes a critical spirit? When the Israelites were critical and grumbled against Moses it was because their heart was rebellious. They would rather go back to Egypt than trust God. What is your Egypt that keeps pulling you back into bondage? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fall prey to a critical heart that pulls you into the oppression of Egypt. Begin the process of taming your inner critic. Confess to God any hidden sin in your heart and pray for healing. God has blessed us with His grace and mercy. Therefore, we should be gracious to others and show mercy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.â&#x20AC;? Ephesians 4:2-3 NKJV. Be more intentional of the words that flow from your heart through your mouth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.â&#x20AC;? Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV. Practice patience with one another. God will help us to be patient and kind. He will develop a humble heart in us if we seek Him above all things.

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Fellowship & Faith

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

First United Methodist Church of Belmont 807 South Point Road 704-825-2106 Forest Pointe Church Meets at Stowe Family YMCA Bldg. 704-825-1709 Fresh Anointing Church of God 71 McAdenville Road 704-825-7283 Friendship Baptist Church 5008 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-3276 Full Gospel Church 106 School St 704-827-9621 Gaston Christian Church 5339 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-8252 Goshen Presbyterian Church Roper Street 704-827-6280 Grace Korean Chr. Assembly-God 124 Georgia Belle Ave 704-829-1091 Grace Wesleyan Church 6014 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-7959 Henryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel Ame Zion Church 151 Henry Chapel Rd 704-825-0711 Holy Comforter Lutheran Church 216 N. Main St. 704-825-2483 Hood Memorial Ame Zion Church 455 Sacco St. 704-825-6007 Loves Chapel Presbyterian Church 204 Lincoln St. 704-825-8342 Message of Love Church 306 Pearl Beaty Dr. 704-827-6500

Mount Moriah Baptist Church 110 Lincoln St. 704-825-2046 Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist 212 South Street 704-825-7269 New Hope Presbyterian Church 4357 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia 704-824-1697 New Life Baptist Church 201 Oak Trail 704-822-6195 New Mills Chapel Fire Baptised 104 Morning Glory Ave. 704-825-5457 North Belmont Church of God 2316 Acme Rd. 704-827-4092 Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Conner Grove Church Ame Zion 613 N. Main Street 704-825-5576 Park Street United Methodist 120 Park Street 704-825-8480 Power of the Spirit Church 118 School Street 704-827-7071

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

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

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The Banner News | banner-news.com

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Gaston Christian High School fall sports awards On Thursday, October 31, the following GCHS athletes were recognized for special accomplishments during the fall season. Photos submitted

Jr. Varsity Volleyball â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (left to right): Lauren Adams (Coaches Award), Amber Loftin (Defensive Player of the Year)

Varsity Boys Soccer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kneeling left-right: JP Rooney (Iron Man Award), Hudson Tankersley (Christian Character); Standing left-right: Aaron Shepard (Coaches Award, All Conference), Justin Melton (MVP, All Conference), Noah Hartley (Offensive Player of the Year, All Conference), TJ Morrison (Defensive Player of the Year)

Cross-Country â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (left to right): William Anthony (MVP), Nathan Foxx (Coaches Award, Christian Character), Nicholas Revels (Most Consistent Runner), Clara Ellington (Coaches Award, MVP, All Conference)

Congratulations South Point Red Raiders

Varsity Volleyball â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (left to right): Mary-Madison Goforth (Defensive Player of the Year), BreeAnna Foster (Coaches Award), Jessie Prescott (Christian Character), Emily Woodward (MVP), Alanna Freeman (Offensive Player of the Year, All Conference)

Varsity Girls Tennis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (left to right): Bailey Stewart (Coaches Award), Lindsay McGraw (Coaches Award), Marianne Wright (Christian Character), Rachel Putnam (MVP)

and coach Mickey Lineberger on a great 2013 season Big South 3A Champions! Overall Conference National Rank

13-1 6-0 500

Regular Season

11-0

State (NC) Rank

SCHOOL CHOICE PARENT SURVEY - is posted on the GCS website and on school websites. The survey offers parents an opportunity to give their input concerning School Choice options. To complete the survey, go to the school district website homepage or your schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and click on School Choice Parent Survey.

South Point Red Raiders Player of the Week

Sumner scores career high 27 points University of Maine at Farmington junior guard Pet Sumner from Cramerton and a grad of Gaston Day School netted a career high seven 3-pointers for a game-high 27 points in UMaineFarmington's 83-74 win over St. Joseph's College (Me.), and was named North Atlantic Conference Player of the Week. Sumner was 8-of-14 overall from the field and was 4-of5 at the free-throw line. This is his second Player of the Week selection of his career and his third NAC weekly award. He was also named Rookie of the Week once during the 2010-11 season. CAREER AND COLLEGE PROMISE CLASSES at Gaston College - high school students and counselors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the deadline to register for spring semester (CCP) classes at Gaston College is Friday, January 24, 2014. The CCP

program gives students an opportunity to take collegelevel courses while in high school. Students and parents who want more information about the CCP classes should contact their high school counselor.

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