Cherryville Eagle 12-28-22

The Eagle looks back at the stories 2022 brought to us

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

(Ed. Note: This is Part One of a two-part series looking back on the first six months of 2022 and how the Eagle brought your hometown, community news and local issues to you, our faithful readers.)

JANUARY

• Majority Leader Sen. Kathy Harrington (R-Gaston) has announced she will not seek re-election. Sen. Harrington is in her sixth term representing Gaston County in the North Carolina State Senate. She was elected by the Senate Repub-

lican Caucus to serve as majority leader for the 2021-22 session. Was the first woman to be elected majority leader in the Senate.

• New Year’s Shooter’s exhibit at Historical Museum redone. Moved upstairs to main floor and expanded.

• CHS hoops teams do well in 2021 homegrown

Holiday Classic. Varsity men 2021 champs; Lady Ironmen take home second place trophy.

• Cherryville New Year’s Shooter’s fire their guns in Waco. “Following the boom” and driving out evil spirits for a better New Year.

• Traditional New Year’s Shooters have large number

Cherryville New Years Shooters Inc. elects new president

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

The Cherryville New Years Shooters, Inc. elected a new president to take the reins of the group after the passing of Cherryville Shooters icon, the late Carl C. “Boozie” Dellinger, who passed on July 9, 2021, at the age of 86.

Charles Sisk President Cherryville New Year Shooters, was elected on Dec. 7, said group Secretary, Rusty Wise.

By way of introduction and telling a little about himself and his family and his love for being a New Years Shooter, Sisk said, in a recent interview, “I was the Greeter for several years. I have two children, Wayne Sisk and Phyllis Robbins and two grandchildren, Jarrett and Charli Robbins. My son shot for several years and my wife went some but neither go any more.”

He continued, “I have been going 74 years. My dad got me in with the Shooters See PRESIDENT, Page 3

of shooters this year. Start “shoot” at City Hall as they have always done for many years.

• City gets great news on financial audit for fiscal year June 2021. Also votes to annex property known as Stroup Acres

• 2021-2022 CNYSI stadium shot honors memory of “Boozie” Dellinger. Rusty Wise: “Having his red coat and hat hanging in the press box was pretty emotional.”

• Cherryville gets a few inches of snow from Winter Storm Izzy. Second blast of

Arctic air brings little snow; more winter mix.

FEBRUARY

• Retired fire chief Jeff Cash recipient of Order of Long Leaf Pine Award. He joins a long list of winners See 2022, Page 10

Traditional New Year’s Shooters group growing by leaps and bounds

New

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

To say the Traditional New Year’s Shooters group is growing by leaps and bounds would almost belabor the obvious as, well, that’s exactly what they are doing!

Regarding the group’s numbers being larger member Gary Dellinger noted that, See TRADITIONAL, Page 2

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

A woman identified as Latisha Shante Elmore and her four children were displaced by an early Sunday morning, Dec. 11 house fire at 612 S. Mountain St., Cherryville, which, according to Assistant Fire Chief Colby Heffner, did a “substantial amount of damage” to the house and its contents.

“Thankfully,” he added, “there were no injuries.”

In addition to CFD units being on scene within minutes, other fire units who gave aid and assistance were Waco, Tryonota, and Hugh’s Pond Volunteer

See FIRE, Page 2

The people and things that made our community; our lives happier, safer, and stronger

Traditional New Year’s Shooters have large number of shooters this year. Start “shoot” at City Hall as they have always done for many years. (Eagle file photos) Cherryville New Year’s Shooter’s fire their guns in Waco. “Following the boom” and driving out evil spirits for a better New Year.

Charles Sisk takes the reins of group, was elected Dec. 7

safety plan implemented and to be in force this year

Charles Sisk in this undated photo, prepares to shoot at a host’s house in or near Cherryville. (photos provided)

CNYSI new president, Charles Sisk when he was still the primary greeter, being interviewed a couple of years back by a local media representative.

Members of the Traditional New Year’s Shooter’s group line up along the railroad tracks at the Cherryville Train Depot Museum for their “shot” on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.

(photo by AFC Colby Heffner)

■ OBITUARIES

ber of Riverview Baptist Church where she was very active with the hospitality group, assisting with baptisms, and helping with the meals. She was an excellent cook and an amazing caregiver.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, William Edward Wright.

dren.

A funeral service was held Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., at Riverview Baptist Church with Pastor Barry Brookshire and Pastor Ricky Brown officiating. Burial was private. The family received friends Thursday, from 12 noon to 1:15 p.m., prior to the service at the church.

Betty C. Lane

CHERRYVILLE – Betty

Lou Canipe Lane, 83, of Cherryville, passed away Monday, Dec. 19, 2022 at her residence. She was born April 6, 1939 in Gaston County to the late Roy William and Sarah Ann Helms Canipe. Betty was a mem-

From Page 1

Fire Departments and AFC Heffner estimated the fire was “…under control within 15 to 20 minutes.”

The fire, which AFC Heffner said started in the kitchen of the home, fully engulfed the rear of the house, causing an estimated $75,000 to $85,000 in damages. Ms. Elmore was renting the home.

Heffner said so far as assistance for families hit by fires, that, “We do call for Red Cross for any families displaced from fire, but we do not typically have any other contact with Red Cross after the initial notification. We called for Red Cross before clearing the scene Sunday morning and described to them the damage and how many occupants were displaced.”

AFC Heffner noted that he was not sure of how old

Survivors include her husband, Roy Gary Lane; sons, Lewis Edward Wrights, Jr. (Becky), Gary Eugene Lane, and Michael Steven Lane (Nilsa); daughters, Janice Wright Stamey (Bill), Linda Wright Odor (Mike), and Brenda Ann Wright (Joe Sigmon); 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchil-

the house was and clarified that, “The heaviest amount of damage was located in the kitchen, which leads us to believe that the point of origin was in the kitchen, but the cause is still under investigation.”

Heffner said this is the CFD’s first structure fire in quite some time, adding, “We are fortunate that our fire safety initiatives are being heard by our citizens. This has helped reduce residential fires in our community.”

He noted they had “roughly 14 firefighters on scene from CFD” and “… we received mutual aid from Hugh’s Pond VFD, Waco VFD and Tryonota VFD, and the Cherryville Police Department. GEMS, and the Gaston County Fire Marshal’s office were also on scene.”

By way of fire safety information and rules during this season, Heffner said, “It is important to limit the use of kerosene heaters and space heaters in the home. And if

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riverview Baptist Church, 2230 Riverview Rd., Lincolnton, NC, 28092.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com.

Carpenter – Porter Funeral and Cremation Services served the family of Mrs. Lane.

they are used, to make sure they are not in contact with any combustible items such as couches, drapes, etcetera.

“Also, many residential fires are started from the lack of watering live Christmas trees. Being that we are in the holiday season, it is paramount to keep these trees watered so they do not dry out and become a fire hazard.

“Always have two ways out of every room in your home to ensure that you and your loved ones are able to escape in the event of a fire. It is also important to assign a meeting point away from the residence for everyone to meet and most importantly, once everyone is out of the house, he or she should never go back in!”

According to the CPD incident report that was generated the case is active and under investigation.

For more fire safety in-

■ POLICE

ARRESTS

12-15: Rashee Tyon Elmore, 29, 412 N Pine St., Cherryville, was arrested at York Hwy., and Old York Rd., Gastonia, by GCPD officers, on one count of an OFA (contempt of court/perjury/court violation).

INCIDENTS

12-18: Two persons report call for service at Walmart as one of them reported their cell phone (Apple iPhone 13) was lost or stolen. Est. value of phone: $500. Closed/ cleared by other means.

WRECKS

12-14: A vehicle driven by Diocelin Maria Hernandez Castilla, 23, 440 Perry Rd., Troutman, N.C., failed to reduce its speed to avoid a collision and made contact

with the rear of a vehicle driven by Annette Denise Watson, 58, 2238 Brookwood Rd., Lincolnton. According to the visual of the wreck report’s narrative, the Watson vehicle appeared to have made contact with the rear of a vehicle driven by Robert Kyle Grimes, 33, 110 Black Rock School Rd., Cherryville, which was in front of it. No injuries reported. Est. damages to the Castilla vehicle: $1,000; to the Watson vehicle: $3,000; and to the Grimes vehicle: $500.

12-15: A vehicle driven by Frank Hoyle, 63, 221 Patterson Rd., Kings Mountain, and a vehicle driven by Philip Regan McCumber, 46, 1243 Dixie St., Newton, collided on S. Mountain Street. The McCumber vehicle was

stopped at the intersection of S. Mountain and E. Academy Streets and had begun to move forward when a vehicle driven by Mr. Hoyle came up from behind and made contact in the rear with the McCumber vehicle. No injuries reported. Est. damages to the Hoyle vehicle: $7,500; to the McCumber vehicle: $1,500. The Hoyle vehicle was towed by KT Towing to KT Towing. 12-17: A vehicle driven by Robert Eugene Anthony, 84, 148 Robert Rd., Crouse, was parking in the parking lot at Walmart when it collided with a parked, unoccupied vehicle belonging to Carolyn Champion Johnson, 71, 1248 Shoal rd., Lincolnton. Minor damage to both vehicles. No injuries reported.

officers arrest Kings Mountain man in shooting into

On Dec. 14, 2022, GCPD officers reported in a media release that on Oct. 10, 2022 at around 2:40 a.m., a resident located at 2120 Tryon Courthouse Rd., near Bessemer City, called Gaston County Communications advising an unknown suspect had shot into their house. Police responded to the residence and began investigation. There were several people in the house but no one was injured.

After an exhaustive investigation, GCPD detectives have identified

hem Rd., Kings Mountain.

Mr. Alexander has been charged with one count of discharging a

a felon. He was arrested on Dec. 12, 2022 by the United States Marshalls Service Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force in Hickory. Alexander is currently incarcerated at the Gaston County Jail under a $60,000 secured bond awaiting trial.

This is an on-going investigation and the Gaston County Police encourages anyone with information related to this case to contact Detective M. Rheinson at (704) 866-3320,or contact Crimestoppers at

TRADITIONAL

From Page 1

“We started our modern-era membership list in 1996 and it had about 100 members on it. We have added new members to the list each year as they filled out a membership application and paid their dues to join. By 2007 we had 340 members on the list. This year, we are over 695 members on our list.”

As a caveat he added, “Of course, some of these members maybe only shot once a year, and others shoot every year.” However, Dellinger noted they expect “…between 250 to 300 to pay dues this year.”

The group has prepared what is described as a “new safety plan.” Elaborating on that, Mr. Dellinger said, “We have always had someone we called a safety officer, but this year we have better defined the position and given it specific requirements and expectations.

“The safety officer will be – at minimum – a certified EMT that is currently active with a local EMS unit or fire department. The safety office will carry a stocked

emergency medical bag that will have supplies that would be needed to render aid until first responders can arrive, such as an AED defibrillator, tourniquet, splints, CPR breathing mask, gauze, eyewash, and antiseptics. The safety officer will also have a radio that can communicate directly with dispatchers and First Responders.”

He continued, “We have also addressed how the group will respond in the event of an emergency where First Responders will need to travel either to or through where our group is.”

Gary noted the group has added two (2) new “shots” in town this year; one being Bradley Champion on Main Street around 7 a.m., and the other being Shane Farmer, off Old Post Rd., around 4:15 p.m.

Said Gary, “We are moving the Carpenter family back to their regular second stop location this year after moving them to the daytime shot during the COVID year.”

The group’s officers, in addition to Gary, who is the group’s vice-president, are: Dennis Devine (President); Mark Moss (Secretary); and William “Will” McSwain (Treasurer).

Dectorious Quentail Alexander

After the chanter’s cry ends, “And for good luck, we’ll fire our guns,” this Traditional New Year’s Shooter member greets the new year with a musket blast of black powder.

A group shot of the Traditional New Year’s Shooters group from their Facebook page. (photo provided)

Come out and play some chess at Your Cherryville Branch Library!

by TRACI POLLLITT Branch Manager Cherryville Branch Library

LEGO Club – Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m.

Family Storytime –Thursdays at 10:30 am (except Dec. 29 – no event that day)

Noon Year’s Eve Party – Saturday, Dec. 31 at 11:30 a.m.

CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR’S – Monday, Jan. 2

Youth Book Club –Monday, Jan. 9 at 4:30 p.m.

Craft & Chat – Friday, Jan. 13 at 11 a.m.

CLOSED FOR MLK DAY – Monday, Jan. 16

Teen Anime Club –Thursday, Jan. 19 at 4:30 p.m.

Chessmates – Monday, Jan. 23 at 4:30 p.m.

2022 is almost behind

us! We love to celebrate with our patrons and the community, which is why we’re throwing our Noon Year’s Eve party Saturday at 11:30 a.m. We’ll have a scavenger hunt in our Children’s area as well as crafts to make. We’ll also have supplies for participants to decorate cookies. And of course, everyone will get some confetti to toss at the magical hour! Fun for the entire family so be sure to mark your calendars.

Are you someone living with a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes? Register today for Living

Healthy, a 6-week workshop for those with longterm health concerns.

Participants will learn to set weekly goals, exercise appropriately, manage medications, develop healthy eating habits, evaluate new treatments, and use relaxation techniques to sleep better. The Centralina Area Agency on Aging is once again making this event possible, just as they did for the “A Matter of Balance” event we recently hosted. We still have spaces available so call us today to register. We are required to have at least 12 registrations to host this event, so be sure

THE CHERRYVILLE NEW YEARS SHOOTERS INC. 2023 Monday Jan

2nd

LOCATION TIME

1- Black’s Grill-For Dave Black Family

(1915 Linc. Hwy-150 East) 12:00AM

2- Johnny Bridges - East traffic flow from Black's to Wal-Mart (Robert Road)

3- Gas Land (E. Church St.)

4- Carpenter’s Supper(Washburn St.) 1:00-1:30AM

5- Reid Parker Family - turn left off Hwy 274 N at Flay Rd.(Flay Rd.)

6- Mark Powell - use Wehunt Brown Rd to Hwy 274(Hwy 274 N-Northbrook)

7- Hull’s Service Station (Hwy 274-27)3:00 AM

8- Billy Chatham(Hulls Grove Church Rd)

9- Peeler’s (at Creek) –across the street (Peeler Road)

10- Lisa Houser (Cedar Grove Church Rd) 4:00 AM

11- Leatherman's-Seth Hartman(Cat Sq. Rd)

12- Cat Square at Sain & Heavner Trucking(Cat Sq. Rd) 13- Robert Davis(Cat Sq. Rd) 5:00 AM

14- Houser Beam Family (Howards Creek Mill Rd.)

15- Roy Dellinger Family (Indian Creek – Johnstown Rd.)

16-David & Renee Crane (Jane St.)6:00 AM

17- Steve Sellers Family(Kenwood Rd.)

18- Ralph Sellers Service Station(Dallas-Cville Hwy)

19- Todd Jackson(Dallas-Cville Hwy) 7:00 AM

20- Dale Gates Family(Saint Marks Church Rd) 21-Mauney Family(Tyron Courthouse Rd.) 22- Ronnie Gantt (Dallas-Cville Hwy)8:00 AM 23- Floyd Wright(Eaker Circle-Delview) 24- Tom White Family(Oak Street) 25- Mrs. J.C. Beam - Neal Family(E. Academy St.) 9:00 AM 26- Blackwelders Machine(Pink St.) 27-Edwin Homesley Family(E. Academy St.) 28- C.V. Thornburg Family(Hawthorne St.) 10:00 AM 29- Don Alexander(Queens Rd.) 30- Dennis Willis-Skeet Brackett Family (S. Rudisill St.) 31-Fat Daddy Baggers (E. Main St.)11:00 AM 32- Cherryville Railroad Depot(Depot Street) 33-Shooters Heritage Mural (At the Square – Mountain & Main St) 34- Pythian Lodge Lunch (Paul H Beam Rd.) 12:00 PM 35- Town of Waco Community Center(Main St., Waco) 1:00 PM 36- Dorothy Howell(Hwy 150 W.) 37- Wise Electric Control–Wise Family Group Picture (Hwy 150 W.)- Across from Food Lion 38- Nicole Blaylock(205 W. 2nd St.) 2:00 PM 39- Howell Stroup Family - Stroup Park(W. 1st St.-In front of Post Office) 40- James Putnam Family (N. Jacob St.) 41-Blain Beam Family (Requa Rd.) 3:00 PM 42-Mercer Family(Requa Rd.) 43- Carolina Care Center (Hwy 274 N) 44-Jason Day (Fisher Rd.)4:00 PM 45-Boozie Dellinger Family(Tot Dellinger Rd.) 46-Curt Brown (Shoal Rd.) 47-Joe Bill Putnam Family(Hwy 150 E.)5:00 PM 48-Travis Walls(Masters Court - Country Club) 49- Hudson’s (S. Mulberry St.) 50- Shooter’s Statue – for all past shooters (S. Jacob St.-Uptown) 6:00 PM 51-Rudisill Football Stadium(E. 1st St.) Enter 1st St. Side6:30 PM

**Times are approximate and schedule subject to change**

All shooters are required to show their Membership ID badges at all times!

HAPPY & SAFE NEW YEAR!

Schedules Compliments of Wise Electric Control Inc.

to tell your friends and neighbors about this opportunity!

It's been mentioned before that we are always looking for event ideas. We’re very pleased to announce that we’ll be starting a monthly chess meeting at the Cherryville Branch Library – and yes, the idea was suggested by patrons! We’ll host ‘Chessmates’ every fourth Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m. We will provide four chess boards, the tables, and the room for those interested. All ages are welcome at this event as well as all skill levels. Come to practice or come

to learn!

For more information about our events as well as all other library-related information, give us a call at (704) 435-6767, or stop by the branch at 605 E. Main Street. Our public service hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

And, as always – thank you to all our patrons and the Cherryville community for a fantastic year!

PRESIDENT

From Page 1 when I was 10 years old, in 1948. At that time I could not pull the hammer back (so) my dad, Lester would do it, or my uncle, Luther Sisk, would do it.”

Sisk said he would not have shot very much powder at that time, because of his youth, but as he got older he said he “…started loading heavier loads.”

As for how his election will change things for the group, Mr. Sisk said, “Curt Brown will take over the greeting role.”

The group, he noted has “…about 450 members. We are the original group.”

As for his equipment, Charles said, “I have several Springfield muskets. The oldest one is (an) 1827 .69 caliber that I shoot.”

As for how things will be affected by his becoming President, Sisk noted, “Most of the decisions (of the group) are made by the officers. I would not change a thing.”

In addition to Mr. Sisk and Mr. Wise, other officers of the group are as follows: Mike “Little Booze” Dellinger – Vice President; Jon Abernethy – Treasurer;; and Michael Dellinger – Safety. Chanters are: Mike Ross, Warren Chapman, Justin Chapman, Donnie Alexander, Austin Gates, Jason Day, Dylan Craft, and Burgess Beam.

For more information, check out their Facebook page at the Cherryville New Years Shooters Inc.; or have a look at their website at www.cherryvilleshooters.com.

Sunny Partly CloudyAM Showers Rain

Partly Cloudy

Noon Year’s Eve Party; Chessmates coming up at your Cherryville Branch Library!

OPINION

As far as my wife and I are concerned, 2022 will be remembered by us as the “Year That Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda Been!”

Oh, don’t be mistaken. We aren’t in denial here, and, for my part, at least, I don’t believe I am slipping into a mild form of “old man brain” psychosis (though my wife might challenge that statement on its surface –just joking…). That said, so far as I’m concerned, I’m just done with this bloody year! I’m over it. I’m sick of it and all that it represents, from the war in Ukraine to what our (possible) sordid economic future is shaping up to look like, to all the negative mainstream media “news” on all things Christian, conservative, or generally different from what ‘Hollyweird’ thinks is right and proper.

By Michael Powell michael.cherryvilleeagle@gmail.com

you’ve read in this op-ed piece so far, perhaps it would be best if you stopped reading this as I might be fixin’ to hurt a feel-

ing or three... But, after all, this is America, right, and we are (last I checked) entitled to our opinions. Also, it’s my job in this piece (and others like it) to, well, generate talking points (good or bad).

Honestly folks, if there were a country that resembled the America of my youth – or at least, as I perceived it was then, I would happily ask for asylum there and move to it as fast as I could get my, wife, her mom, our cat, all my books, my guitars and all our bags packed!

TODAY’S QUOTE:

Life is a long lesson in humility.

‘swim’, as the old saying goes!

Granted, the America of the 60s and 70s was, in some folks’ minds, racist, misogynistic, and all about ‘White privilege’ (I’m still not sure just what sort of ‘privilege’ I was supposed to have as I grew up in a poor part of western Kentucky’s largest town). As it was, we poor fools there – White and Black – must’ve missed the memo because we all seemed to be blissfully and stupidly happy in our little neck of the woods and so far as I was able to discern, angry factions of each race pretty much kept to themselves, preferring to pass their hatreds around within their own small circle of haters.

As time wore on, we did have some race issues that blew up like a quick storm but soon petered out, and life went back to normal, or as normal as we all thought it was then.

one another on what was a fairly level playing field; i.e., none of us had much more than the others as we were all equally either baldfaced, blatantly poor and/or ultra-lower low class, or super lower middle class. Even those of our community who were deemed “rich” were only mildly so, with none of them just disgustingly “filthy” rich. Again, such was my young naïve self’s estimation of my surroundings.

Imagine the difference five or six decades makes!

I guess you could say

I am somewhat “woke”, though not by the liberal, White or Black progressive leftist establishment’s current definition.

I am “woke” only in the sense that I wish I could go back to sleep and become “woke” in another place and time where these issues didn’t exist (that’s probably a pipe dream), or they had been worked out to the betterment of all people, Black or White. Or Brown. Or Yellow. Or Red. Or whatever color du jour…

But, alas! Exist they do, and exist they will until we get serious about dealing with them. Seriously. Dealing.

– James M. Barrie

With. Them. And, we, as we face 2023, must deal with them without killing each other; without destroying this great country from within (which many Communists and seditious, America-hating groups have prophesied would happen, by the way…), without destroying the rule of law. Without destroying this great Democratic Republic.

We must do this, or else we perish. So, let’s really work at that this year, yeah?

God bless all y’all in 2023, and have a safe, healthy and Happy New Year!

Full disclosure here and now: For those of you who don’t like what

I would apply for citizenship there so fast it would make your head

Oh, to be sure, absolutely NONE of us were perfect – far from it. However, we were basically able to talk to

Time, please slow down!

The title of this column might sound a little odd, but it’s just the way I’m feeling right now. This is the year 2022 and it’s almost 2023, and it feels like just yesterday when we were discussing the year 2000 and how that was going to work. Of course, it worked fine, but it seems to me time is passing faster and faster.

By Anne S. Haynes

I’ve heard other adults say the same thing about time. I guess when you are young it does seem like time passes slower because there are things like birthdays and vacations and holidays to be anxiously awaiting. My mom used to say that I needed to be more patient, but being patient is not one of my best qualities. When I was younger, I used to say that I wanted

things done immediately and not one second later.

Of course, I realize now that I am older that I would like things to begin to slow down a little.

But these days it seems like time is beginning to speed up while there are so many things I would like to do and places I would like to go.

Have you ever thought about what you would do or where you would go if there were no limits?

Would you travel around the world on an airplane or buy a very fast car and tour the United States?

I’m not sure what my reaction would be, but as I think about it, I imagine all kinds of places I would like to visit.

I’ve always heard that there are many differ-

ences of opinion about things because people look at things from a variety of perspectives. As to whether time “is flying” or not, I feel sure that age certainly does make a difference in perspective. I know now that I see things differently than I did years ago.

These days it seems like one day only gets started until it’s time for it to end. Of course, there are probably many more places to go and things to do and things to see than there were a few years ago. I suppose what I really want to say here is that time is precious and should not be taken for granted. Time can slip away without us seeing our goals accomplished. Since time can’t slow down maybe we can just set our priorities straight in order to accomplish those goals. It is definitely something to think about.

Happy 2023!

by DAVID LARSON Carolina Journal

Attorney General Josh Stein announced that North Carolina would be receiving another $1 billion from opioid settlements, this time from Walgreens and CVS. This is in addition to the $3.1 billion settlement with Walmart and the $26 billion ($750 million of which is coming to N.C.) from major phar-

maceutical companies. All of these settlements involve state attorneys general seeking to hold corporations responsible for their role in the opioid crisis.

With this kind of money coming in, some real good can be done for those affected by the evil of addiction – if the money is spent efficiently and fairly. But an unnecessary focus on racial equity in North Carolina’s opioid plan is likely

to divert money away from where it will do the most good.

On the Attorney General’s “NC Opioid Settlements” website, it states near the top that “These funds will be used to support treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and other life-saving programs and services in communities throughout the state. North Carolina’s Opioid and See OPOID, Page 6

2023 - Love yourself so you can love others

You can lose about one pound a week if you try. If you don’t try you won’t lose any.

Glenn Mollette Guest Editorial

If you need to save some money then you need to pay yourself first. If you have a paycheck coming in then set a goal for $500 a month if possible. Whatever the amount is will grow if you are faithful each week and month of setting money aside. You can always find a place to spend money. Even if you don’t need it, you have it just in case you might.

What do you want to accomplish in 2023? If you do not have a goal of some kind, you will accomplish nothing. Maybe your goal is to just enjoy each day. Enjoy your food. Enjoy your family and friends. Make the best of each ay. These are good goals.

Be good to yourself in 2023. Love others as you love yourself. If you don’t love yourself, it’s almost impossible to love others. Recently we have heard of peo-

ple committing suicide. They had given up on themselves but wanted to hurt or kill others before they killed themselves. It’s tragic when people so hate themselves that they want to hurt others. If people love themselves more then they won’t have so much venom and hate for others.

One of the tools of the devil is to bring your life down to where you hate all the things you’ve done. He brings it up to you often so you can feel horrible about your life’s mistakes. People often have trouble forgiving themselves so they begin to binge drink, take drugs and hurt themselves to try to deal with their life’s pain. God has forgiveness and hope for all. People don’t always forgive but God forgives As God forgives you then you must work on forgiving yourself, loving yourself and forgiving and loving others. You see, that’s a great formula. God forgives us, loves us and we are to forgive and love ourselves and then offer this same forgiveness and love to others.

In 2023 you might do something different. Maybe you want to embark on an adventure, change careers or just do better with all you have

been handed. Often, all we need to do is focus on what we already have to do and do it a little better.

My prayer for our nation in the year ahead is that we might see politicians work together to accomplish worthy goals that will benefit our country. I hope Ukraine can overcome Russia but other countries need to step up to the plate.

America cannot fight everyone’s war physically or financially. We must get control of our border. Our nation is being overtaken by millions of undocumented immigrants. Who are these people? Do they all really have noble intentions in America? We must bring back our jobs from China in 2023.

Throughout this year may you have a continuation of what we talk about and pray for during the Christmas season. May it be ongoing every day and may we share it with all along the way. Peace on earth and good will to all people. May you first find it in your life so you can extend it to others.

Love

2023 -

God, our Great Shepherd, is looking for the lost among us

Luke 15:4;7 –

Which of you, having one hundred sheep and losing one of them does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? I tell you there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.”

This parable from Jesus is one of the more famous ones that He tells. A shepherd having 100 sheep notices that one of them is gone, lost from the flock. Well, you know that sort of thing happens, sheep after all are notoriously dim-

witted animals, they are slow, fairly lazy, and they tend to just go towards whatever catches their eye at a given time. Jesus says, who among you wouldn’t leave the ninety-nine, but the answer is no one would leave ninety-nine to go search for one that is lost. Lord, have mercy! You probably wouldn’t leave sixty to go search for forty. Yet, Jesus tells us God is like that shepherd, and He is out looking for the lost.

Now, very often when you hear that statement it sounds like good news, but sometimes even good news can be a bitter pill for us to swallow. When I was twelve my grandfather retired from preaching for the second time. After his first retirement, five years prior, he was sent to two tiny

Deck The Halls

As the holiday season continues, many of us are diligently preparing by cleaning our homes, and putting up beautiful Christmas decor. Also as we get ready for parties, events and celebrations throughout the month we make certain that our attire and our outward appearance will either be decked out or at least presentable. I believe we should make our homes and physical appearances appealing. However, we must also work on what is most important to God and that is our character. Apostle Peter states in I Peter 3:3-4 (NIV), “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Another example of this is when the prophet Samuel was searching for a king, he was convinced that Eliab, who was tall and handsome, was surely the one that God had chosen and anointed to be king. However, God had a different person in mind. I Samuel 16:7 (ESV) says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

The Most Beautiful Person Sometimes we may feel that our beauty is tainted by sin, guilt and shame. However, God wants us to stop focusing on ourselves, and learn to behold where true beauty comes from. He is the essence of beauty. The more we spend time with him, studying his word, and fellowshipping with other faith-filled believers, we will be more like him. Psalm 27:4 (AMP) “One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, To gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord. And to meditate in His temple.

PRAY THIS PRAYER: “ Lord, I praise you for being the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. You uphold the universe by the word of your power. I adore you as the majestic King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Apostle John had a vision that you were dressed in a robe reaching down to your feet with a golden sash around your chest. The hair on your head was white like wool, as white as snow, and your eyes were like blazing fire. Your feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and your voice was like the sound of rushing waters. You are the essence of beauty. I ask you to help me concentrate on pleasing you and reflecting your character. When people say that I am beautiful, I pray it’s not just an outward appearance, but an inner beauty that shows that the fruit of the Spirit is being produced in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Danyale Patterson would love to hear from you! Contact her at www.danyale.com to share a testimony, send a prayer request, or book her to speak.

rural churches in Murphy, North Carolina, where no one else wanted to go. But that year he had told them would be his last; he was preparing to retire for his final time and go to Lake Junaluska to live among all the other retired Methodist preachers.

We traveled way up to the Smoky Mountains to hear his final sermon, the whole family in tow. As the service began in little Ranger United Methodist Church, the choir, just a few folks – might have been four in all – began to sing his favorite song, “The Ninety and Nine.” It’s a song about the lost sheep; “There were ninety and nine safe in the fold.” I don’t think I have heard it since that service. It’s an old, old, hymn.

After they sang, he preached. Before he set off for Lake Junaluska, John Christy preached. His Scripture, was from Romans 8,

about the height and depth of the love of God. It was Father’s Day, so he talked a little bit about how fathers all love and cherish their children. God loves us even more than that, he said.

Then he spoke about the man who was about to die in the electric chair in South Carolina the next day. His picture had been on the news for a few days leading up to that point. Someone had held a service of remembrance for this man’s victims and their families. He had killed a couple of people, maimed others, in his rampage of terror. The preacher at that service had declared that he wished they would let him “throw the switch on this piece of refuse who destroyed these innocent lives.” John Christy went into lurid details describing the crimes of this man.

“And yet,” he said, “today’s scripture, as well as the

sweet song we have heard, says that God loves that man on death row, values his soul just as much as God values us.” The congregation got real quiet.

“Why, according to Jesus’s story of the lost sheep, God will gladly leave us ninety-nine gathered here in the fold this morning and go to Columbia, to death row, just to get hold of that one lost sheep. And when God finds him, God’s happier to have him than to have all of us safe ones here in church.”

Well, after the service, I remember that the folks seemed a whole lot more willing to let granddaddy go off to Lake Junaluska so he could retire with all the other Methodist preachers. There were even some whispers out by the old oak tree that stood in front of the church that John was too old, maybe a bit too far past his prime. I remember

Cherryville Area Places of Worship

an old man who looked cautiously out the side of his eye as my family walked by who said just loud enough for me to hear, “That was the worst dang (he didn’t say dang) sermon I have ever heard, I came to hear about Jesus, not some stark raving liberal.”

Advent is a season of preparation and a season of waiting. A season in which we are reminded that God shows up in ways we did not expect, and through his intrusion in our world brings about a salvation we didn’t deserve.

We are reminded during this season that God continues to show up in strange and amazing ways, and just when we think that we have God all figured out he does the unexpected. May we be humbled by a love so profound; by a grace so redeeming that even sinners like us have been found by the love of God. Praise be to God!

First Presbyterian Church

107 West Academy Street, Cherryville, NC

Anthony Grove Baptist Church 100 Anthony Grove Road Crouse, NC 704-435-6001

Bess Chapel United Methodist Church 6073 Flay Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-7969

Bethlehem United Methodist Church 6753 NC 182 Highway Cherryville, NC 704-435-1608

Blessed Hope Baptist Church 3357 Fallston-Waco Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-8530

Body of Christ Fellowship Center 405 S. Cherokee Street Cherryville, NC www.bodyofchrist7.com

Calvary Way Holiness Church 1017 Second Street Cherryville, NC Pastor Clifton Morgan Cherryville Church of God 810 East Main Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-2275

Cherryville Missionary Methodist Church 318 W. Ballard Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6934

Emmanuel Baptist Church 1155 Marys Grove Church Rd Cherryville, NC 704-435-5764

Fairview Baptist Church 415 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-4299

First Baptist Church 301 East 1st Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-3796

First Church of the Nazarene 301 North Elm Street Cherryville, NC 828-838-2428

First Presbyterian Church 107 West Academy Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6064

First United Methodist Church 601 N. Pink St. Cherryville, NC 704-435-6732

First Wesleyan Church 800 North Pink Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6069

Free Saints Chapel Church 813 Self Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-0949

Gospel Way Baptist Church 3904 Tryon Courthouse Rd. Cherryville, NC 866-356-3219

Legacy Church 805 Self Street Cherryville, NC 704-457-9615

Stamey-Cherryville

Funeral Home & Cremation Service 405 North Dixie Street, Cherryville, NC 704-445-8144 www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

Living Word Ministries 306 East Academy Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-3213

Marys Grove United Methodist Church 1223 Marys Grove Church Rd Cherryville, NC 704-435-5544

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church 235 A.W. Black Street Waco, NC 704-435-8842

Mt. Zion Baptist Church 112 Mt. Zion Church Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-9636

North Brook Baptist Church 7421 Flay Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-4471

Oak Grove AME Zion Church 542 Flint Hill Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3687

Oak Grove Baptist Church 219 Tot Dellinger Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3053

Revival Tabernacle 1104 Delview Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-4073

Rudisill Chapel AME Zion Church 417 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-5621

Second Baptist Church 201 Houser Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-9657

Shady Grove Baptist Church 3240 Tryon Courthouse Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-9605

St. John’s Lutheran Church 310 West Church Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-9264

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 1203 St. Mark’s Church Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-5941

Victory Life Assembly of God 1655 Shelby Highway Cherryville, NC 704-435-5539

Waco Baptist Church 262 N. Main Street Waco, NC 704-435-9311

Washington Missionary Baptist Church 1920 Stony Point Road Waco, NC 704-435-3138

Word of Faith Ministry 306 Doc Wehunt Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-5560

Zion Hill Baptist Church 3460 Zion Hill Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3355

Methodist Church of Cherryville

DANYALE PATTERSON

Meeting schedule for the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters

Rusty Wise, Secretary, Cherryville New Year’s Shooters Inc., said that the group’s 2022-23 meeting/ events schedule for the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters is: Friday, Dec. 30, at 6 p.m., at the Pythians Lodge, 125 Fish Camp Rd., Cherryville, they will have drawings for the Musket Raffle, food etc.).

On Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at 12 a.m., Sunday night, at Black’s Grill, they shoot in the New Year 2023!

On Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at 6 p.m., will be the 2023 Annual Host Dinner, at Cherryville American Legion Post 100

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 10th day of December, 2022 as Executor of the Estate of JOYCE KATHRYN DOTY, 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, Mark Olin Doty, Executor, on or before the 28th of March, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 28th day of December, 2022.

Mark Olin Doty, Executor Estate of: Joyce Kathryn Doty 1529 Padgett Road Shelby, NC 28150

CE (12/28/2022 & 1/04, 11 &18/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF EXECUTOR

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of THOMAS LARRY SUMMER deceased, late of Gaston County, hereby notifies all persons having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of March, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 28th day of December, 2022.

Tom Summer, Executor Estate of Thomas Larry Summer c/o John H. Griffing Griffing Leazer, PLLC Attorneys for Estate 518 S. New Hope Road Gastonia, NC 28054

CE (12/28/2022 & 1/04, 11 &18/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 23rd day of May, 2022 as Administrator of the Estate of JAMES REGINALD CLOUD, 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, Bruce A. Cloud, Administrator, on or before the 7th of March, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 7th day of December, 2022.

Bruce A. Cloud, Administrator Estate of: James Reginald Cloud Counsel for the Estate: McINTYRE ELDER LAW 233 E. Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150

CE (12/07, 14, 21 & 28/2022)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 22nd day of November, 2022 as Administrator of the Estate of BETTY JEAN BURNS, 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, Gregory S. McIntyre, Administrator, on or before the 14th of March, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 12th day of December, 2022.

Gregory S. McIntyre, Administrator

Estate of: Betty Jean Burns McINTYRE ELDER LAW 112 S. Tryon St. STE 700 Charlotte, NC 28284

CE (12/14, 21, 28/2022 & 1/04/2023)

OPOID

From Page 4

Substance Use Action Plan (OSUAP) lays out concrete strategies to advance prevention, reduce harm, and connect people to the care that they need.”

Much of the original settlement money (about 85%) will be spent by local governments, with the other 15% spent by the state. And the state’s OSUAP plan is obviously important to how the money will be spent or it wouldn’t be listed at the top of the settlement site. Other later settlements will likely have similar splits, with both state and local governments spending portions of the money.

So, what is the NC Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan? The site gives a link to the plan, which is laid out in detail by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. One thing becomes immediately clear as you read through the plan; equity appears like at least as big of a priority as helping those affected by opioid addiction.

The OSUAP 3.0 begins by saying it updates the 2019 2.0 version by now including “a broadened focus on polysub-

stance use as well as centering equity and lived experience.”

The very next page is titled, you guessed it, “Equity.” The page does admit that opioids are having the biggest impact on the Native American and white communities, the only two groups that are disproportionately impacted. Black residents are impacted by opioids at about their proportion of the state’s population, and Asians and Hispanics are much less likely to be faced with opioid addiction and overdose than their share of the population.

With this in mind, if equity were really about disparate impact, one would expect the OSUAP to then lay out programs to specifically target Native American and white residents. But instead, the OSUAP says “Communities of color have been systematically marginalized through decades of criminalized response to substance use,” so the plan will work with groups that fight to reverse this. A majority of counties, according to the OSUAP, report that their opioid plans now involve community-based organizations (CBOs) for historically marginalized populations (HMP). These HMP

Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the Cherryville City Council will meet on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cherryville

106 S. Jacob Street to hold a Public Hearing in consideration of Zoning Text Amendment to further clarify the process of Special Use Permits as outlined in the City of Cherryville Zoning Ordinance.

For more information, please contact Zoning Administrator Alex Blackburn at 704-435-1705 or ablackburn@cityofcherryville.com

CE (12/28/22 & 1/4/2023)

CBOs are government acronym-speak for non-profits focusing on specific non-white racial groups.

But take a look at the chart below showing white residents disproportionately overdosing and dying from fentanyl in North Carolina. With 62 percent of the population and 70 percent of the deaths, this is not an areas where white residents are “privileged” and need to be sidelined for resources in order to fix historic imbalances. If there were historic imbalances in drug deaths that favored whites, they have more than evened out.

The settlement money should be used to prevent more families from losing loved ones, not for left-wing bureaucrats to fight for their vision of social justice in ways that have nothing to do with pharmaceutical companies irresponsibly pushing pain pills. It’s insulting to all the parents fighting for their children’s lives to suggest that their child is not “centered” in the plan just because their skin is the wrong color. As someone who has lost both close friends and family to this crisis, it’s more than aggravating.

All laws should be based on the dignity of the individual human

person, including people that are part of unfavored groups in society. This is a lesson all society’s struggle to learn in a permanent way, no matter how many times they’ve been forced to face it in the past.

In the United States, we’ve certainly marginalized certain groups and this has caused disparities, some that last to today. I am very sympathetic to this and think conservatives can often downplay the problems caused by past government-enforced discrimination. But this does not mean we need to see every area of life through this lens, especially in areas where the data is showing the opposite pattern.

It’s also not the role of the government to view society as a battle among groups where they need to even out the scoreboard for cosmic justice. The Constitution requires public officials and programs to provide equality under the law. Equity, by definition, violates this obligation and has no place in the opioid response. The money should be spent directly helping people, no matter their race, to overcome opioid addiction and live a healthy life.

Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the Cherryville City Council will meet on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cherryville Community Building located at 106 S Jacob Street to hold a Public Hearing in consideration of Zoning Text Amendment to Part 4 (Definitions) and Part 5, Section 5.26 of the City of Cherryville Zoning Ordinance. The nature of the proposed text amendment would be to add Food Trucks to allowable uses and outline specific requirements.

For more information, please contact Zoning Administrator Alex Blackburn at 704-435-1705 or ablackburn@cityofcherryville.com

CE (12/28/22 & 1/4/2023)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

Community Building located at

CHS students covered over 275,000 yards, or 172.5 miles, for Yards for Yeardley

On Friday, Dec. 9, the Health and Physical Education classes at Cherryville High School participated in “Yards for Yeardley”, a program that provides awareness for dating violence and the importance of healthy relationships.

“Yards”, or “Y4Y”, is a national movement to bring awareness to victims of domestic violence. Yeardley Love was a female Lacrosse player at the University of Virginia that died some years back as a result of domestic violence. After her death her friends and family

aged to participate in the “Yards for Yeardley” movement in response to learning that over one in three females and nearly one in three males will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. The classes also received information on signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and how they can help someone who is being controlled in a negative manner.

The two classes in Coach Tim Pruitt’s first and fourth periods covered over 275,000 yards, or 172.5 miles.

event.

They were: Willow Chambers, Lynne Johnson, Madisyn Stepp and Cassidy Swanger. Steven Wyatt covered the most yards for the boys with 10,780 yards, while five others walked or ran over 6,000 yards. They were: Austin Chapman, Dalton Eaves, Daveon McCorkle, Jaylen Samuel and Camden Williams.

Coach Pruitt said he would like to take this time to thank all of his students for their attention to this serious matter and their effort in completing “Yards for

For more information on “Yards” go to the website at

CHS Ironmen Track champs get state championship rings on Dec. 16

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

The 2022 CHS Ironmen

Track championship 4x400 meter state champs received their state championship rings on Friday, Dec. 16 at a half-time ceremony at Nixon Gym during the Ironmen basketball game.

Athletic Director Scott Harrill and head track coach Justin Willyoung handed out the ornate rings to the following young men who brought honor and glory to the 2022 CHS Track men’s team: Jackson Owens, Cooper Sloan, Jack Mulvey, Mason Grindstaff, and Yandel Lazala. Grindstaff was unable to be there due to his serving his country as a United States Marine, but the ring was accepted by his father.

Coach Willyoung noted these five amazing young men “…were the nucleus for a team that made school

history multiple times last year.” Coach Willyoung added, “This was a once-in-a-generation group of young men that banded together and made history multiple times this past season.”

It was noted that Owens is attending Lenoir-Rhyne

for pre-med and is involved in their track and field program. Sloan is attending Defiance College for Exercise Science and is playing football. Lastly, Lazala is currently a senior at CHS and is returning with his eyes on another state championship.

CHS Ironmen varsity teams lose to Burns Bulldogs

Head basketball coach for the varsity men Scott Harrill said the CHS men “…lost a tough one at Burns” last week as the Bulldogs varsity men defeated the visiting Ironmen 67 to 53.

Coach Harrill said Nate Bookout led all scorers with 20 points and had 6 rebounds and 3 steals. This effort was followed by Ethan Honeyman, who had eight (8) rebounds , and senior Landon Hahn, who had 13 points and five (5) rebounds.

The CHS Ironmen boys are currently 4-5 overall; 0-2 in SPC play as they head into the Bud Black and Dennis Tate Holiday Classic, which started this week.

In Lady Ironmen varsity hoops action, the ladies lost to the Lady Bulldogs by a score of 5723. They are currently 1-8 overall; 0-2 in SPC 1A/2A play.

The CHS ladies will

On Dec. 9, the Health and Physical Education classes at CHS participated in “Yards for Yeardley”. These photos show some of the young men and women who partook of this event for the school. (photos provided )

At their presentation of their 2022 Track championship rings on Dec. 16 are (L to R): Head coach Justin Willyoung; Jackson Owens, Jack Mulvey, Yandell Lazala, Cooper Sloan, Mason Grindtaff’s father, Howard and assistant coach Houston Gilmore.

A close-up of Cooper Sloan’s 2022 CHS Track championship ring. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

also head into the Bud Black and Dennis Tate Holiday Classic, which started this week.

FOR SALE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BOYS BASEBALL TRYOUTS!

Charity Christian School will have Varsity Boys Baseball Tryouts on Saturday, January 7th and Saturday January 14th at 2:00pm at the Belwood Park Field, 147 Carpenter Grove Church Road, Lawndale, NC 28090. Homeschool Students can qualify to participate. Call the School Office for more details! (704) 419-4574 charitychristianschool@ gmail.com IS YOUR SHELBY BUSINESS LISTED? Visit www.ShelbyNCUSA.com to see if your SHELBY area business is listed on ShelbyNCUSA.com NC4Ever@ usa.com BEGINNING BEEKEEPING CLASS. Two-day Cleveland County Beekeepers Association class includes textbook,

EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL

BUSINESS SERVICES

BLANTON’S TREE SERVICE LLC. TREE TRIMMING AND REMOVAL SERVICES, STORM CLEANUP, LANDSCAPING AND SMALL GRADING JOBS FULLY INSURED. CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! (704) 692-4203

TREE, BRUSH AND DEBRIS REMOVAL. Also land clearing and dump truck service. 828289-0742.

CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS. Summer Tuneup Special, $69.95. We will check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. 704477-9119 or 704-472-9367.

WARREN AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE. State of the Art Diagnostics for Major or Minor Repairs.Trusted & Skilled Mechanics. Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 6 (828) 748-8050

EB MOBILE MECHANIC. I will come to you to repair any car, lawnmower or tractor. Honest & reliable. (704) 300-2332

YARD BUDDY. Outdoor work such as trimming bushes, small trees, spraying weeds, gutter cleaning. General property clean-up. No grass cutting or leaves. Serving Shelby & Cleveland County. (980) 2950750

JAMES BALLARD PAINTING SERVICE. Paint Kitchen Cabinets only. Pre-estimated price. References available. 828-4297511 or 828-429-3743. Ask for James.

HOMEOWNERS, CONTRACTORS, REAL ESTATE AGENTS, need a little work? Jackson Corbin Property Services, LLC. Specializing in small jobs/punch list. Carpentry, painting, plumbing, tile, etc. Need a hand for a day or two? Give me a call. Professional quality work, affordable prices. 828-980-1823 or email jacksoncorbin71@gmail.com

TRIPLE D PAINTING, LLC. All your painting needs. Free estimates. Over 25 yrs experience! Facial board replacement available!!! Many local references available !! (704) 418-5736 childresstracy1@gmail.com

J DOUGLAS TREE SERVICE LLC. Tree removal, trimming, 24 hour emergency service, 20% discount to Seniors, First Responders, Police Officers. 704-276-1114.

CONCRETE SPECIALTIES. Driveways, patios, slabs, sidewalks, Bobcat work. Kelvin Carter 864-590-8054.

RETAINING WALLS, PAVERS, GRADING, DEMOLITION, site cleanup, ponds, fencing, maintenance, irrigation, landscaping, pruning, planting, excavator work. 828-453-8113.

NO-BUG CHRISTMAS! Bob’s Pest Control. Yard sprays only. Ants, fire ants, yellow jackets, roaches, mice, rats. 704-6897024.

SHIPMAN’S MASONRY- 48 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Brick, Block & Stone, Outside Fireplaces, Foundations, Underpinnings. “Free Estimates”. 1st Quality Work! (863) 532-1587

PARSONS DINING CHAIRS, 2, GRAY, $78 OBO. Set of 2 Parsons dining chairs, gray upholstered fabric, comfortable, EC. (980) 404-0606

TRAILER-BUY-SELL-TRADE! “Must Have Title” J Johnson Sales (828) 245-5895

STORAGE BUILDINGS NEW, USED, REPOS “BUY, SELL, TRADE!” J Johnson Sales, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

BOAT & RV COVERS-WE INSTALL. 14 on Site that you can look at and touch! J Johnson Sales 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

FOR SALE

TWO CLEVELAND MEMORIAL GARDENS CEMETERY.

Two adjacent cemetery plots in Cleveland Memorial Gardens near Shelby and Boiling Springs, NC (843) 431-6640

2 SUNDASH COMMERICAL TANNING BEDS with facial tanner. 32 bulbs each. $900 ea. If interest call 336-9788819.

ASSORTMENT OF CHILTON REPAIR MANUALS. I have a large assortment of Chilton Auto Repair Manuals. Some are imports and trucks. Some Motor Manuals all are hard back copies. Best Offer! (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

1999 DODGE 1500. $800. I have ‘99 Dodge pickup, been wrecked, has some good body parts, has good 360 engine. Does not run, Parts only. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

KNITTING MACHINE FOR SALE. Can manufacture the following products and more. Compression tube socks, compression products for arms, legs and wrist where ever pain exist. Beanie caps, Scarfs, Toboggans, Banners, small flags, stockings, leg warmers, mittens, Knit cuffs for garments. Logo’s can be put on all products for your organization. You manufacture the products or we can do it for you. Contact: Jimmie, 704-750-6102

FOR SALE

FIREWOOD SEASONED 95% OAK., 1/4 cord load - $70, $85 - delivered. Bundles - $5 each. 704-435-3970 or 704-4583081.

STRONGWAY GARDEN CART. The tires are flat. $25.00. 704-692-0085.

DOZENS ENCLOSED TRAILERS 10% OFF. CASH or CREDIT CARD. “We also Rent to Own” No Credit Check! J Johnson Sales 828-245-5895. Located at 2690 US Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC.

FOR SALE

INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE NOW THRU DEC. 23rd, 2022! All Buildings & Trailers 10% Off! New, Used, Repos 10% Off! Save 100’s to 1000’s. J Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 US Hwy. 221 South, Forest City 828-245-5895

ITEMS FOR SALE. Stiel Power Auger with 2 attachments-$175, Electric Pole Chainsaw-$95, Draft Beer Refrigerator-5 Kegs and 3 Beer Gas Bottles and many accessories-$185, Weight Bench w/ bar & weights-$125. 828-2868093.

TRAILERS, LAWNMOWER TRAILERS, Flatbed Trailers, Enclosed Trailers, Horse and Cattle Trailers, Saddlery. Check our prices and quality before you buy. Bridges Riding Equipment. Boiling Springs, NC. 704-434-6389, (704) 473-0867

LARGE MIRRORED BACK GLASS CURIO $400 Mirrored back, 4 glass shelves and light. Sides are glass as well. Cabinet stands 80” tall, 16” deep and 45” wide. Has two sliding front doors. Paid $800 about 10 years ago. Comes from a non-smoking home. (704) 472-3860

48” SAW MILL BLADE (RUSTY) $200, Toro Wheel Horse (15.5hp - 44” Cut) $400. Totes $75-$100, Burning Barrels $15, Feed Barrels $20, Solid Top Barrels (Plastic & Metal) $10. Hickory, NC. Call Jeff before 6 pm (828) 3274782

FURNITURE FOR SALE. Wood canopy bed, excellent shape, $500.00; leather catnapper reclining sofa, brown, $300.00; wooden rectangle table with 6 chairs, $200.00; marble coffee table and 2 end tables, $100. Please call 704830-4965 and leave message. (704) 830-4965 ccollins1@carolina.rr.com

7 TON GOOSENECK 25 FOOT. Lay Flat Ramp “All Rubber Seal Lights” Tool Box & More! $12,900 OR No Credit Check Rent to Own. From $639 month. J Johnson Sales 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

WE’VE GOT THE KNIVES &COINS! Jake’s Knives & Coins located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby. Call 704-6006996 (980) 295-5568

TRAILERS, TRAILERS! DUMP TRAILERS, GOOSENECK, DECK OVER, EQUIPMENT, ALL PURPOSE TRAILERS, CAR HAULERS. Cash, Finance, Credit Cards, Rent to Own (No Credit Check) J Johnson Sales 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

STEEL BUILDINGS (OPEN OR FULLY ENCLOSED) 14 on Display. 12’ Wide to 40 EVEN 60 Clear Span. “We do Grading, Gravel, Concrete” TURN KEY! J Johnson Sales 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

NEW CAR SHED FOR THE NEW YEAR! Single Car $288 Down from $89 month. Double $395 Down from $123.45 month. J Johnson Sales 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

OLD GAMBLING MACHINE $150. Would make a good man cave piece. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

ALL GOOSENECKS & EQUIPMENT TRAILERS. 25 Ft. Gooseneck 10 Ton was $16,900 NOW $15,200 “Only 1 at this price til Dec. 23rd” J Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 US Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC. Ph. 828-245-5895

FREE MILITARY GRADE TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT Free! Military Grade Tactical Flashlight with self-defense features, 3 brightness levels, window breakage aspect - NC4Ever@ usa.com

HORSE QUALITY HAY. Square and round bales. Call (704) 487-6855

STORAGE BUILDING FOR SALE. 10x16 Barn Style Roof and Door, 2 Lofts, 2 Windows, Metal roof. $4,000 or OBO. 704-718-1035.

SEASONED SMALL STOVE WOOD. Cut, split and delivered. All seasoned or mixed with green oak. $75. 828-395-0758.

BOSTITCH COIL FRAMING NAILER, pneumatic(89C-1) including box of coiled nails $110. (4) 275x35x21 (103Y) Bridgestone Tires (2) new, (2) good used $120. (4) 265x50x20 Goodyear tires, mud/snow, $160. Tomy lift for pick-up, works well, sold truck $350. 828-286-8093.

ALL ENCLOSED TRAILERS 10% OFF! 8.5’ x 36’ Enclosed Auto Carrier (Three 7k Axels) with Heat & A/C was $47,900 Repo Price $31,000 til Dec. 23rd. J Johnson Sales, Forest City, NC. Ph. 828-245-5895

2022 SHOPRIDER $595.00. Shoprider Streamer, used with new batteries 275 lb wt limit, delivered, charger, tech warranty, or a New unit at $950. Scooterman John (704) 9514224 mobilityservices07@ gmail.com

10 TON HAND PUNCH $75. Heavy duty bench drill press $75. Fuel oil tank $60. Various wood carvings. 828-305-3123.

1 LOT WITH 4 ADJOINING PLOTS. $3900. Located in Rose Hill Cemetery in Fallston, NC. (704) 472-5682

GREAT

NEW BEE KEEPING PROTECTIVE GEAR. Helmet with vail-$15, Gloves-$10/pair, Suit with vail-$65. Limited sizes and quanity available. 828980-1823.

DEER CORN, 50 POUND BAG. $11. Callahan Farms. Cletus: 704-300-5341; Steve: 704-472-8865; Todd: 704-6921627

PURE RAW LOCAL HONEY. $20 quart, $12 pint. Produced in Rutherford County. Comb honey $24 quart. Call/text Jackson Corbin 828-980-1823.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE Truck and Trailer Loads. $50 - $75. Can Deliver. 704-466-7623. DOG KENNELS $449.99 NOW $399.99 til Dec. 23rd, 2022. Dog House was $150.00 NOW $100.00 til Dec. 23rd. “Delivery & Setup is Available!” J Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 US Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC. Ph. 828-551-7176

ROUND KITCHEN TABLE with 4 chairs. 42” diameter, 29” height,18” leaf. $50 FIRM. 704-477-1936.

NEVER BEFORE 10% OFF “ALL” Carports, Garages & RV Covers. Now thru Dec. 23rd. J Johnson Sales in Forest City, NC. Ph. 828-245-5895

TRACTORS, EQUIPMENT, RIDING MOWERS, GARDEN TILLERS, GO-KARTS. Ready to mow. All in excellent condition. Can deliver, 30+ years experience in repair work. 828980-0853, 704-476-9383.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! Press Room Printing. 704-482-2243. (704) 538-5788

WANT

PETS & LIVESTOCK

MED. GOLDENDOODLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. Goldendoodle pups. DOB 9/4/22. Vetted, UTD on shots, parents tested & cleared, home raised, crate trained. Approximately 35# at maturity. Ready to go. www.butterflykennels. com Call or text 704-9756226 (704) 975-6226 rwenzel54481@gmail.com

MIN PIN PUPPIES. Born 3/10/22, $400 each obo. Up to date on shots and dewormed, parents full-blooded. 1 1/2 year old male. $250. 828-289-3905.

MOUNTAIN FEIST PUPPIES. Excellent treeing stock, dewormed, 1st shots, 6 weeks old, ready now. Make great Christmas gifts! $125. 828-289-2105.

AKC STANDARD POODLE

Born 9/20/2022, fully AKC registrable. Apricot 6 males and 1 female available. Vet checked and shots UTD. Raised in home with Dam & Sire. Very smart, alert loving pups. Ready for their forever home. $1200 (252) 670-2659 Merceraudrey@ yahoo.com

PETS & LIVESTOCK

VACATIONS

SCENIC RIDGE COUNTRY CAMPGROUND. Cherryville, NC. Cabins. RV Spots, Daily Weekly, Monthly, Seasonal Sites. (704) 435-0938

OCEAN LAKES MYRTLE BEACH. Cottage N34. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, den, kitchen, dining, covered deck, near country store. Call Dorcas, 803-7182659.

REAL ESTATE

REGISTERED CHOCOLATE LAB PUPPIES. 8 wks 12/23/22, wormed & shots UTD. Ready for forever home. (704) 477-8944

POMERANIAN CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES. 1 male, 1 female, 1 longhaired, 1 shorthaired. UTD shots & worming, 8 wks old. $400. (828) 460-5372

CARS & TRUCKS

CLEVELAND COUNTY TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO CASH? I PURCHASE UNWANTED RENTAL PROPERTY AND/OR STARTER HOMES. MUST BE PRICED TO SELL! “QUICK CLOSINGS”! Call (704) 472-0006

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDING FOR RENT across the street from the hospital at 803 N. Washington Street, Shelby. Previously a dentist office and would make a great salon. Call for pricing, 704-3002820

CLEVELAND COUNTY

HICKORY CREEK APARTMENTS FOR SENIORS. (62 and older), disabled (50 and older). Shelby. Now taking applications for waiting list. 418 East Warren Street, Shelby. (704) 487-6354

117 GARVER STREET LAWNDALE, NC. 2 BR, 1 BA, Central Heat & Air, big back yard, NO PETS, non-smokers only. Criminal background check and proof of income. $600/mth, plus $350 deposit. Contact Tommy Wilson, w/Clay & Associates Real Estate. Call: 704-4181251..

2&3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Nice and clean, water furnished. Oak Grove Community, Kings Mtn. Call or text, 704-739-0259.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

PYREDOODLE

First shots and wormed. Ready now. $200 each. (828) 284-9878 cecilyanderson33@gmail.com

LABRADOODLE PUPS

Black, blond or multicolor Labradoodle pups , Father reg standard Poodle, mother large F1 Labradoodle. Shots, wormed and dew claws done by ready date. Ready Jan 1. Solid colors $600 multi-colors $800. Two females look like blond Labs like reg Lab grandma if u are looking for Lab. Taking deposits. Call 704-974-6790. Parents shown in pics. (704) 9746790 susan.mccraw55@ gmail.com

GOLDADOR

Described as Loving, loyal, intelligent and eager to please.

Goldador’s have become very popular and are now used as guide and assistance dogs, search and rescue dogs and therapy dogs. Puppies are ready to go to your home, just in time for Christmas. $600.00. Visit our website at www.goldensofdanbury.com. jmcglothlin8@gmail.com

GOLDEN DOODLE PUPPIES $500. All 10 weeks old, 2 males, 4 females. All have had first shots. 704-309-4513.

AKC STANDARD POODLES. Standard Poodle Puppies. (252) 412-2046

CANE CORSO PUPPIES FOR SALE I HAVE NINE PUPPIES I C C F CERTIFIED, TAILS CROPPED, DEW CLAWS ARE REMOVED. AAPUPPY WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION TO YOUR FAMILY. CALL TO RESERVE YOUR PUP TODAY. ASK FOR JEFFERY (919) 7634919 GIBBSJEFFERY59@ GMAIL.COM

(828) 453-0828

CAMPERS

SCENIC RIDGE COUNTRY CAMPGROUND. Cherryville, NC. Cabins. RV Spots, Daily Weekly, Monthly, Seasonal Sites. (704) 435-0938

NO HEAT BILLS HERE. 1 BR Apt., second floor, Excellent location. No Smoking or Pets. Not HAP eligilble. Heat & water furnished. $575/mth. 704-4875480.

2 BEDROOM DUPLEX, FALLSTON. Quiet area, central heat/ air, stove, refrigerator, H/W floors. No smoking or pets. Not HAP eligible. Available Jan.1st. $600 mo. (704) 487-5480

MOVE IN SPECIAL. 2 & 3 Bedroom, deposit required. $200 weekly rates. Includes power and water. NO PETS. (704) 473-4299

MOBILE HOMES & APARTMENTS. In Kings Mountain. P. Call (704) 739-4417

2&3 BEDROOM TOWN HOMES. Townhomes located in Shelby, NC. We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list. Rent is based on income (and some expenses are deducted). Please visit us today at Laurel Hill Apartments 1526 Eaves Rd., Shelby NC or call for more information 704-487-1114.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

LIONS SENIOR VILLAGE has1 bedroom HUD subsidized apartments for low income seniors. Taking applications. Age 62 or older. Equal Housing Opportunity. 211 North Morgan Street, Shelby, NC (704) 482-7723

3-4 BEDROOM BRICK HOUSE. Forest City Can be used as 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Carport, deck, central heat and air $1400 plus deposit (828) 458-7403

OFF-GRID, YOUR OWN PEACE AND PRIVACY on my 33 acres. The space is one room with large sitting balcony, outdoor kitchen, adjacent bathroom, upstairs from my shop. You can see it here - https:// airbnb.com/h/camp-as-youlike-it Month to month rent, no deposit required. Water and electric included. It’s living on the primitive side, up close and personal with nature. I live on property in the same manner. There are two large, nice dogs. Singles preferred as it’s a small space. 828-395-0709. Please leave message. (828) 395-0709 campasyoulikeit@duck.com 2 & 3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Small private park between Spindale and Forest City. Starting at $550 per month. 828-382-0475.

By JIM MILLER Editor

How to Reduce Your Medical Bills

Dear Savvy Senior, What tips do you recommend to Medicare beneficiaries dealing with hefty medical bills? My husband recently had open heart surgery and is recovering slowly, but the medical bills are coming in fast and furious and they’re putting us in medical debt. Struggling in Springfield

Dear Struggling, I’m sorry to hear about your billing struggles, but medical debt has unfortunately become a chronic problem in this country. According to U.S. Census data 19 percent of Americans households carry medical debt, including 10 percent of households headed by someone 65 or older. Even seniors on Medicare can easily get snagged in a web of complicated billing and coverage problems.

To help you slash your medical bills, here are some tips recommended by health care experts that you should try.

Double check your bills: Almost half of all medical bills contain at

least one error, including duplicate charges or charges for services you never received. If you’re facing a high bill and are on the hook for some portion of it, request itemized invoices from the hospital and other providers that detail everything you were charged for and go through them line by line. If you find something you don’t understand or find fishy contact the provider for an explanation or a correction.

Wait for your EOB: Doctors’ offices and hospitals may mail initial bills to you before they even submit them to your health insurer. So, hold off on any payment until you receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) from your provider – Medicare, supplemental Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or private insurer. This will show what you owe after your insurance has paid its portion.

If your EOB shows that your insurer is refusing to pay for services that you think should be covered, call them to see whether it’s a correctable mistake, such as a coding error for a certain test or treatment. If it’s truly a

denial of coverage, you may need to file an appeal. For details on how to file a Medicare appeal, see Medicare. gov/claims-appeals/how-do-i-filean-appeal.

Ask for a discount: Call the hospital’s accounting office or the billing staff at your doctor’s practice and ask if they can reduce your bill. You’d be surprised how often this works. Or if you have the funds to pay the entire bill, ask the hospital or provider for a “prompt pay” discount which may save you 15 percent or more.

If it’s best for you to pay your bills over time, ask the billing office to set up a no-interest payment plan for you. It’s in the provider’s interest to work with you to obtain payment.

You can also call the hospital where your husband had his surgery and ask a billing specialist if the facility offers financial assistance. According to the American Hospital Association, about half of U.S. hospitals are nonprofit. This means they are required to offer free or discounted services in some instances. This is

usually reserved for low to moderate income patients who have limited or no health insurance, but requirements vary from hospital to hospital.

Get help: If you’ve gotten nowhere on your own, contact the Patient Advocate Foundation (patientadvocate.org, 800-532-5274) who can help you understand and negotiate your medical bills, free of charge. Or consider hiring a medical billing professional to negotiate for you but be aware that these services can cost upward of $100 an hour. You can find potential candidates through the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (advoconnection.com). Be sure to choose someone who is credentialed by the Patient Advocate Certification Board.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

PUPPIES

PUPPIES Goldadors - Mom is an AKC Registered Chocolate Lab and Dad is an AKC registered Golden Retriever.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

FOR RENT

From Page 1 of the auspicious, celebrated state award.

• Gaston County Schools’ School Choice Fair of Feb. 12. Chavis Middle and Cherryville High; the two City schools making the list.

• CHS Spanish teacher Matt Smith stirs interest in students with self-made videos. “El Dedo Rojo” one in a long line of neat teaching tools/productions

• Jill Parker-Puett is the Unit 100 Ladies Auxiliary President and she wants everyone to know about a “pet” project of hers – getting Robotic Pets to America’s veterans who suffer from a host of maladies and diseases.

• Downtown Streetscape construction moving quickly. Streetscape starts soon with completion set for late summer.

• CHS’ Coach Harrill humbled by his 400th basketball win. Credits God, family, coaching staff and all the players he coached for milestone.

• Cherryville Family “Y’s” new digs coming along nicely. New location a “hop, skip, and a jump” around the corner, on Mountain Street

• CFD Capt. Chris “Pudge” Cash retires after 36 years of service. Began serving his community as a Junior Firefighter while at CHS

MARCH

• CHS senior, Cooper Sloan, son of Jim and Jayna Sloan, signs Letter of Intent (LOI) to play football as a running back for the Defiance College Yellowjackets, a Division III school, located in Defiance, Ohio.

• Student mask rules lift after legislature’s vote, Cooper’s announcement.

• Cherryville Police Chief Cam Jenks and Capt. Brian Doolittle report officers from their department were able to complete a six-month-long drug investigation involving multiple cases. As a result of these investigations, nine people were arrested and charged.

• CHS’ Kadin Beaver signs LOI to play for Methodist U’s Monarchs.

• NC American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony March 5. Two Cherryville inductions gives town 15 of its own in auspicious Hall of Fame.

• Tryon School celebrates 100 years of educating children. School has had 15 principals since its inception.

• Friday inducted into NCHS Track & Field; Cross Country Hall of Fame. One of the eight to headline the third class

• Alex Blackburn is new P&Z Director for City of Cherryville. Carries on family tradition of service to his community

• Police and Fire departments give Council Year-end reports. City employee Bingham recognized for 5 years of service to the city

• New Cherryville “Y” has March 24 ribbon cutting ceremony. “Y” CEO Padgett, staff and employees welcome city, county, state and other dignitaries to state-of-the-art facility

APRIL

• Six arrests by CPD officers bring numerous drug charges. Chief Jenks: Amount of drugs seized have

an approximate tax value of $17,800.

• Big turnout for 2022 Dixie Girls Softball opening day. Officials say they had 180 girls sign up to play this year, which was largest group to date.

• CHS; JCMS student artists’ works in Gaston County art show. Three students take First Place in juried county-wide show.

• One of Cherryville’s sports finest – Stan Crisson – is slated to be honored on May 2, be inducted into 2022 Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame.

• Miss Cherryville High School Pageant is April 30 as 25 young ladies from CHS are to be congratulated as they have been nominated as a contestant for the Miss Cherryville High School Pageant.

• MainStreet Family Care to open on May 5. Cherryville site chosen as their first NC location.

• Ironmen win two games against Highland Tech Rams. CHS men’s team currently 9-6 overall; 6-4 in SPC 1A/2A play.

• Lady Ironmen take two games from Lady Rams in last week’s diamond action. Cancer Night walk was April 29.

• Belmont’s Auten-Stowe American Legion Post 144 celebrates 100 years. Jill Puett; Monica Lockwood, from Cherryville’s Post 100 Legion group, attend ceremony.

• Gaston VISION 2040 kicks off with Cherryville workshop in Cherryville. Far-reaching agenda looking for stakeholders who want to change their future.

• CHS’ Gaston County track meet wins four years in the making.

MAY

• Cherryville High’s head baseball coach, Scott Heavner, reaches career milestone with recent victory over the West Lincoln Rebels – he got his 300th career win!

• Businesses remain open

on Main Street while construction progresses. Construction slated to be completed by late summer.

• CHS baseball men end regular season with win over BCHS. Ironmen currently 13-8 overall; 8-4 going into the playoffs.

• Lady Ironmen softball squad ends regular season with win over Lady Jackets. CHS ladies currently 13-7 overall; 10-2 in SPC 1A/2A play.

• CMA-sponsored National Day of Prayer held May 5. Theme was to “Exalt the Lord Who has established us.”

• Three “Of the Year” awards given at 2022 Chamber Annual meeting. Cherryville’s Business; Chamber Member; and Citizen of the Year honored at May 12 gala

• New business, HomeTown Healthy, opens in Cherryville. May 11 ribbon cutting celebrates new medical clinic’s start.

• “Pretty steady” turnout best describes Cherryville’s election day showing. Voting at town’s three precincts came in “fits and spurts.”

JUNE

• Coach’s health; PE students put in many yards for a good cause. “Yards for Yeardley” walk/run is an ongoing, important endeavor for Tim Pruitt’s classes

• Sunny skies make for a perfect June 4, 2022 CHS graduation. 108 students receive diplomas on a beautiful Saturday morning.

• CHS’ Jackson Owens

• Chamber, City “exceptionally excited” about this year’s ID 4 Celebration. Fireworks moved to Rudisill Stadium; will be shot off from First United Methodist Church parking lot.

• ABC Board gives $3,000 to Cherryville Shriner Club. Funds will help organization promote the impact of underage drinking in the community.

• MainStreet Family Care has ribbon cutting on June 16. New urgent care will provide a number of services and be open 7 days a week.

• Mayor Beam praises construction progress as first sidewalks poured. SIT/REP: North alley almost complete with construction still slated to be completed by early fall.

• The CHS Ironmen Spring Sports Awards Ceremony took place in May. The various teams and their athletes were honored with a number of awards.

(This ends our Part One of a two-part series looking back on the first six months of 2022 and how the Eagle brought your hometown, community news and local issues to you, our faithful readers. Look for Part Two in next week’s Eagle on Wednesday, Jan. 4. As always, thank you, faithful reader, for being an Eagle reader and/or subscriber!)

2022 Holiday Classic last day is Dec. 28, 2022

The 2022 Bud Black/Dennis Tate Holiday Classic continued providing some of the top basketball competition for small high schools during the two days of Dec. 27 and 28, 2022. Its last day is Wednesday, Dec. 28.

This is the 12th year which the sponsors of the tournament have named it to honor the many years Bud Black and Dennis Tate have coached at Cherryville High School.

The teams involved in this year’s tournament included: Highland School of Technology Girls, Gastonia; Burns High School, Lawndale; Piedmont Community Charter, Boys and Girls, Gastonia; Pinnacle Classical Academy, Boys and Girls, Shelby; and Cherryville High

School, Boys and Girls, Cherryville.

The competition was held in the CHS Nixon Gymnasium on the Bud Black Court on Tuesday, Dec. 27 and ending on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022.

The girls’ games were held Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 3 and at 6 p.m. The boys’ games were also scheduled on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. The consolation games for the teams losing on the first day of the tournament will be for the girls on Wednesday (Dec. 28) at 3 p.m., and for the boys at 4:30 p.m. The girl’s championship game will be at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022.

The championship for the boys will be at 7:30 p.m., also on Dec. 28, 2022.

The list of schools which have participated in the tournament since its beginning in 1981 include the following: Ashbrook High School, Gastonia; Ashe Central High School, West Jefferson; Australia HSE, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia; Australia HSE, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Avery County High School, Newland; Bessemer City High School, Bessemer City; Blacksburg High School, Blacksburg, S.C.; Castlewood High School, Castlewood, VA; Charlotte Catholic High School, Charlotte; CHASE High School, Forest City; Cherryville High School, Cherryville; Cloudland High School, Roan Mountain, TN; Crossroads Charter High School, Charlotte; Crest High

School, Shelby; Durham School of Arts, Durham; Elk Garden High School, Elk Garden, WV; First Assembly Christian School, Concord; Fort LeBoeuf High School, Waterford, PA; Gaston Day School, Gastonia; George Wythe High School, Wytheville, VA; Hampton High School, Hampton, TN; Haysi High School, Haysi, VA; Hibriten High School, Lenoir; Hickory Grove Christian High School, Charlotte; Hickory Ridge High School, Harrisburg; Highland School of Technology, Gastonia; Hope Charter School, Philadelphia, PA; Hunter Huss High School, Gastonia; Jack Hay Ward High School, Freeport, Bahamas; Jonesville High School, Jonesville, S.C.; Kennedy Charter

High School, Charlotte; Keysborough Cougars, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Lake Norman Charter High School, Huntersville; Madison County High School, Marshall; North Carolina School of Science and Math, Durham; North Carolina Tech, Charlotte; North Stokes High School, Danbury; Piedmont Community Charter, Gastonia; Pickering High School, Ajax, Ontario, Canada; Pinnacle Classical Academy, Shelby; Polk County High School, Columbus (NC); Ripley Central High School, Ripley, NY; Rocky Mount Academy, Rocky Mount; Rosman High School, Rosman; St. Mary Catholic Secondary, Pickering, Ontario, Canada; South Point High School, Belmont; Swansboro

High School, Swansboro; Tar Heel High School, Tar Heel; Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, Mooresboro; Unaka High School, Elizabethton, TN; West Bladen High School, Bladenboro; West Caldwell High School, Lenoir; West Lincoln High School, Lincolnton; West Stokes High School, King; Whitefield Academy, Atlanta, GA; and Woodson Charter School, Winston-Salem.

More information about the Classic is available by contacting Dr. Bud Black, Tournament Director and Assistant Basketball Coach, at (704) 898-5208 (cell) and (704) 435-2542 (home) or via Coach Black’s email address at Ironmenbasketbl@aol.com.

and Rylee-Grace Burgis are 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian.

CHS’ Coach Harrill humbled by his 400th basketball win. Credits God, family, coaching staff and all the players he

Councilwoman Jill Parker-Puett is the Unit 100 Ladies Auxiliary President and she wants everyone to know about a “pet” project of hers – getting Robotic Pets to America’s

Cherryville Family “Y’s” new digs coming along nicely. New location a “hop, skip, and a jump” around the corner, on Mountain Street.

Gaston VISION 2040 kicks off with Cherryville workshop in Cherryville. Far-reaching agenda looking for stakeholders who want to change their future.

drinking in the community.

reaches career milestone with recent victory over the West Lincoln Rebels – he got his 300th career win!

Sunny skies make for a perfect June 4, 2022 CHS graduation. 108 students receive diplomas at Rudisill Stadium on a beautiful Saturday morning.

Downtown Streetscape construction moving quickly. Street-