Cherryville Eagle 1-11-23

CNYSI group wraps up another year with successful “shoot”

Secretary Wise said they saw 477 members come out for this year’s event

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

The Cherryville New Year’s Shooters, Inc. group wrapped up their 2022-2023 “shoot” where they always have for many years – at the home of the CHS football Ironmen, Rudisill Stadium.

Prior to that final shoot of the New Year, Secretary and long-time member, Rusty Wise noted they were at the iconic New Year shooter statue in the park behind the Chamber of Commerce building.

During the shoot, it was noted there were a number of younger and smaller children shooting this year, by way of possibly keeping the tradition alive by usher-

Stock proceeds; dividends associated with old insurance policy found in NCCash.com

State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, a staunch advocate of public education who strongly supports the work of classroom teachers, showed up at the State Board of Education (SBE) meeting last week with a check for the Department of Public Instruction exceeding $500,000 in misdirected funds that were placed with See $500K, Page 2

The Cherryville Fire Department and the Cherryville Police Department recently made the presentation of the proceeds from 2022’s PD/FD “No Shave November” event.

Spokespersons for the two departments said the proceeds this year were split between CFD Driver/Engineer Chad Duvall and Haylee Harrelson.

A representative from the Cherryville Fire Department reported that D/E

by

For Gary Dellinger and the Traditional New Year’s Shooters group shooting in the New Year 2023 was as exciting now as it has always been for the past decades – a happy family of like-minded men and women all having a great time being with each other and passing on a great tradition.

Gary said that keeping

the tradition alive by ushering in a newer generation has always been one of their “first and foremost” things on their list when things get going.

That manifests itself as them seeing more youngsters coming out to shoot.

Said Gary, “We have had a lot of kids shoot with our group for years, but we did have an exceptional number of kids this year. We are a very family-oriented group that allows for a good safe environment for the kids to participate.”

He continued, “We had two parents sign up kids this year that are younger than six months old. Obviously, they can't shoot, nor did they even bring them out, but they want them to be members. I joined at 15, but it would be pretty cool

to say I’ve been a member since I was born.”

Dellinger and his fellow TNYS members started their shot early at the Lincolnton Apple Drop shoot. No issues there, he said, but noted, “The weather kept the attendance down a little for the Apple Drop, but the shooters made a good showing, with about 75 attending the event.”

Overall, Dellinger, who is VP of the TNYS group, said, “We had the largest group of shooters for the New Year’s route ever. We ordered and sold 250 membership badges. We even pulled out some alternate badges and used them after we sold out.”

The group put together a new plan to help EMT and emergency and first

ing in a newer generation. Rusty said, “We are seeing a lot more children getting

involved with their parents. I would say we had approximately 25 more younger

children than usual this year.” He continued, “We

also had a new 13-yearold Chanter this year, Curtis Kester. Curtis is the

great-grandchild of the late John ‘Sheriff’ Neal, who See CNYSI, Page 9

A wide shot of the Cherryville New Year’ Shooter’s, Inc. (CNYSI) group as they began their 2023 Rudisill Stadium shot, shortly after 7 p.m. on Jan. 2. (photo provided)

Vice-President Gary Dellinger: “We are a very family-oriented group that allows for a good safe environment for the kids to participate.”

MICHAEL E. POWELL michael@cfmedia.info

(photo by Susan L. Powell)

Treasurer Folwell (left) presents the check to Catherine Truitt, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Eric C. Davis, State Board of Education Chairman. (photo provided)

Cherryville Police Lt. Brandon Parker, CFD Capt. Nathan Bowman, CFD Driver/Engineer Chad Duvall, and CPD Patrol Officer Jason Parton. Capt. Bowman presented the check to D/E Duvall. (photos provided)

■ OBITUARIES

Bob Austell

CHERRYVILLE –

Robert Donald “Bob” Austell, 83, of Cherryville, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 at his residence. He was born March 20, 1939 in Gaston County, a son of the late James Petty Austell, Jr. and Nell McGinnis Austell Daggerhart. He was a 1957 graduate of Cherryville High School where he was selected Best Male Athlete.

Bob spent 38 years in management with Carolina Freight Carriers and retired as Vice President of Terminals. Bob is fondly remembered by the townspeople for his 10 consecutive years that he served as Mayor of Cherryville. He spent his life in service to others. He held many civic duties over the years, including coaching senior Little League baseball for eight years and was selected to the Cherryville Sports Hall of Fame. He was President of East Elementary PTA, President of Cherryville High School Boosters Club, Chairman of the Miss Cherryville Beauty Pageant, President of the Cherryville Jaycees, President of Cherryville Country Club, President of Cherryville YMCA, board member of Gaston County YMCA Metro-Board, board member of Gaston County Cancer Society, Chairman of Cherryville Economic Committee, board member of Cherryville Community Development Corporation, advisor to the Gaston College School of Nursing. He served 10 years on Lake

Norman Rural Planning Board with two years as vice chairman and two years as chairman; 10 years on Centralina Council for Government with four years as an officer, Board of Gaston Together Strategic Council for Government, Gaston 2012 Board, co-chairman of Gaston 2012 Collaborative Partners Transportation Committee, and organized and served on the City of Cherryville Finance Committee.

Bob was also involved with a number of organizations where he held memberships with the following: Cherryville Masonic Lodge #505 A.F.&A.M, Scottish Rite of Charlotte, Oasis Shrine Temple of Charlotte, Battle of Kings Mountain SAR, and a longtime member of the NC State Wolfpack Club. He was awarded with the prestigious and exclusive “Order of the Long Leaf Pine.” Bob was a devoted Christian and active member of First United Methodist Church of Cherryville where he served as Chairman of the Staff Parish Committee, member of Parsonage Committee, President of Methodist Men, member of Church Administrative Board, and a counselor for the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

He was an individual of momentous personal accomplishment and public service. He was a kind and gentle man of sterling character, commendable personal attributes, and deep, abiding Christian faith. Bob was a natural-born leader, a man of vision, and was gifted with a determined spirit and phenomenal work ethic. He was a warm and personable man who was a model husband, father, grandfather, public servant, church leader, businessman, and friend to all. He enjoyed genealogy and truly treasured all his family; past, present, and future.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife

of 38 years, Caryl Beam Austell; stepfather, Paul Daggerhart; and brotherin-law, David Spencer.

Survivors include his daughters, Teesie Smith (Danny), Kim Crane (Stephen), Amy Turner (David), and Elizabeth Shuford (Lee); grandchildren, Charlie Smith (Clare), Robert Smith (Danielle), Adam Crane (Rachel), Stephanie Crane (Jon), Kelly Setzer (Will), Dave Turner (Jamie), Rachel Turner, Riley Shuford, Henry Shuford, and Ella Shuford; great-grandchildren, Kate Setzer, William Setzer, Daniel Setzer, Ada Smith, Maggie Smith, Joel Smith, and Wilson Smith; sister, Mary Ann Spencer; niece, Sharon Ariosto; nephew, Dee Spencer; and brother-in-law, James L. Beam III (Becky).

A memorial service was held Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023 at 3 p.m., at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Zack Christy officiating. Burial followed at City Memorial Cemetery. The family received friends Sunday, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m., prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 601 N. Pink St., Cherryville, NC, 28021.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the caregivers Kay Edmondson, Loretta Shull, Charlotte Cook, Sandra Bowen, Nadine Butler, Dee Patterson, Candace Brannon, Brenda Anthony, Leanne Morris, Kim Alexander, and Willietta, as well as Dr. James Greelish, Dr. Ronald Digby, and Dr. Charmaine Luvis for their excellent care over the years.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com.

Carpenter – Porter Funeral and Cremation Services served the family of Mr. Austell.

Bessemer City man charged for child porn

On Jan. 3 and 4, 2023, Gaston County Police officers, assisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations, conducted an operation involving over 17 different cyber tips received through the Internet Crime Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and National Center Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

The operation included a search warrant for 214 West Hwy. 161, Bessemer City, NC.

■ POLICE

ARRESTS

12-28: Kenneth William Smith, 30, 106 Pruitt Rd., Cherryville, was arrested by GCSO deputies at 425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, on one count of a warrant from another agency.

12-30: Johathon Blake Deaton, 28, 707 Hillwood St., Shelby; one count shoplifting/concealment of merchandise. $2,000 secured bond. Vehicle towed by KT Towing and stored at there as well.

12-30: Johathon Blake Deaton, 28, 707 Hillwood St., Shelby; one count felony possession of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. $2,000 secured bond. Vehicle towed by KT Towing and stored at there as well.

1-1-23: Michael John Westbrook, 36, 705 S. Mountain St., Cherryville; assault on a female. No bond type/amt. listed on arrest report.

1-3: Lorenzo Alberto Biddy, 56, 209 S. Mulberry St., Cherryville, was arrested at 2200 N. I-85, Gastonia, by Gastonia PD officers on one count of a warrant from another agency.

1-4: William Shane Calaway, 54, 439 Tot Dellinger Rd., Cherryville, was arrested at 2525 Court Dr., Gastonia, by Gastonia

$500K

the Department of State Treasurer (DST) for safeTreasurer Folwell presented a check for $519,029.16 to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt.

PD officers on one count of a warrant from another agency.

INCIDENTS

12-29: GCPD officers report investigation of larceny from motor vehicle and motor vehicle theft at 1114 Sunset Rd ., Cherryville. 12-29: GCPD officers report clearing by arrest a drug (IBR) narcotic violation 251 St. Mark’s Church Rd., Cherryville.

12-30: Cherryville man reports motor vehicle theft by unnamed/unknown suspect(s) who stole man’s vehicle. Est. value of vehicle (Dodge Dakota) and handicapped placard: $5,025. Case is active and under further investigation.

12-30: Cherryville business and employee report shoplifting and concealment of merchandise by listed suspect who concealed and stole listed items. Est. value of items: $274 (various clothing items and backpacks). Closed/cleared by arrest.

12-30: CPD officer reports felony possession of methamphetamine by listed suspect who was in possession of listed controlled substance (0.04 grams amphetamine/methamphetamine).

1-1-23: Cherryville woman reports assault on

change a person’s trajectory in life to achieve upward mobility and the joy of achievement, I am honored to return this money to its rightful owners so that it can be put to use where it’s most needed,” Treasurer Folwell said.

have charged Scott Charles Beam, 35, of 214 W. Hwy. 161, Bessemer City, NC, with possession of child pornography. Mr. Beam is held in the Gaston County Jail under a $225,000 bond.

The investigations continue, and anyone with further information is asked to contact Det. M. Rheinson at (704) 866-3320, or Crimestoppers at (704) 861-8000.

There is no further information available at this time.

a female by listed subject who assaulted her during a domestic disturbance.

Minor injuries reported. Closed/cleared by arrest. 1-1: GCPD officers report exceptional clearance of a fraud-false pretenses/ swindle/confidence game at 125 Grandpaw Ln., Cherryville.

1-2: Bessemer City man reports larceny as his cell phone was stolen from a Cherryville address. Est. value of cell phone (iPhone 14 Pro): $1,500. Case is active and under further investigation.

WRECKS 12-30: A vehicle driven by Jessica Dawn Black, 31, 506 S. Maple St., Dallas, was traveling southwest on Church St., and made a left and a vehicle driven by Chandler Austin Wilson, 25, 2545 Rock Dam Rd., Lincolnton collided with it. Ms. Black was cited for failure to yield rightof-way. The injured were treated at the scene by Cherryville Fire Dept., and GEMS and taken to CaroMont Gastonia, in Gastonia. Est. damages to the Black vehicle: $1,000; to the Wilson vehicle: $2,000.

NO SHAVE

From Page 1 with breast cancer this past year (2022) and underwent a double mastectomy. Also, Ms. Haylee Harrelson, who is an employee of the City Water Plant, lost her oldest son to cancer this past year as well.

The “No Shave November” fund raisers are worthwhile events and provide a way for employees of the City and their departments who wish to do so to be a blessing to their fellow workers and staff.

The money resulted from shares of stock issued in the name of “Department of Education State of North Carolina” based on a Prudential Financial group life insurance plan that SBE held at some point. Upon the shares and accrued dividends being deemed unclaimed and held by Prudential for the required holding period, the property was placed with DST’s Unclaimed Property Division (UPD), commonly called NCCash.com.

“At a time when so many schools are in need of money and resources, especially in rural and inner-city districts, every penny found to further North Carolina’s educational mission is a blessing,” said Treasurer Folwell. “I see that need not only as a member of SBE, but as chairman of the Local Government Commission, which reviews and approves financing for school projects throughout North Carolina.”

“As keeper of the public purse, a North Carolina taxpayer and a believer in the power of education to

The money originated from a process called demutualization. That occurs when a private business, owned by its members, such as a mutual life insurance company, changes its structure to a public-traded company owned by stockholders.

Prudential went through that transition in 2001, and policy holders at the time became shareholders, with or without the policy holder’s knowledge. Prudential Financial shares were issued in the name and address on file for the policy. Any correspondences related to the shares were being sent to a previous address of SBE. In 2012, the shares and any accrued unclaimed dividends were deemed unclaimed and subsequently reported to DST in October 2015 after the required three-year dormancy holding period. During a recent review of data in the system, UPD staff identified these funds.

UPD paid 178,857 claims amounting to more than $105 million during the 2022 fiscal year that ended June 30. Both numbers were historical records. The returns are on pace to set another record this fiscal year.

Through Nov. 30, UPD has paid 74,979 claims totaling just over $44 million from NCCash. Part of that total has been disbursed through the NCCash Match program, a no-hassle, expedited system that eliminated paperwork processing. As of Nov. 30, DST paid 44,200 Cash Match claims totaling nearly $12.6 million.

Under state law, UPD receives and safeguards funds that are escheated, or turned over, to DST. The unclaimed property consists of bank accounts, wages, utility deposits, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, bonds and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned.

Unclaimed property can result from a person or entity forgetting they are due money, or from a move of location and forgetting to provide a new address. It also could result from a typing error in a house number or zip code in an address, a name change, or data loss from a business converting its computer system. As society becomes more mobile and steadily moves to electronic transactions, the risk of having unclaimed property has increased.

More information, including how to find out if you are owed money, can be found at https://www.nccash.com/.

As a result of the operation, Gaston County Police

SCOTT CHARLES BEAM

Lieutenant Brandon Parker, Captain Nathan Bowman, Ms. Haylee Harrelson, and CPD Patrol Officer Jason Parton. Capt. Bowman presented the check to Ms. Harrelson. (photos provided)

January happenings coming up at your Cherryville Branch Library

by TRACI POLLITT Branch Manager Cherryville Public Library

LEGO Club – Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m.

Family Storytime –Thursdays at 10:30 a.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.

Happy New Year! We’re starting off with two new book displays for our patrons. Did you make a resolution to try different foods or recipes? How about reading more this year? Our Li-

titles that also have recipes included! We’ve noticed over the years many recurring themes on book covers such as women looking out to sea, dogs, cats, and of course, colors.

For January, we give you books that “blue” us away – and yes, ALL the covers are blue! If nothing on either display strikes your fancy, ask us to help you pick out your next read. It’s the best part of our day!

If you’re a goal-setter, stop by and pick up your 2023 Reading Challenge for adults. Beginning this month, choose and complete at least one of the three (3) challenges for each month. You must start and finish the challenge in the same month for it to count. For example, you could complete all three of the January challenges but will still not be able to

of the book you read under the challenge you choose to complete. Turn in your completed challenge card at the end of the year to be entered into our prize drawing. Completing more challenges earns you more entries! For all the details, pick up your challenge card during public service hours.

For all library-related information, give us a call during our public service hours at (704) 435-6767, or stop by the branch at 605 E. Main Street. We are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Check out our events by visiting the GCPL Online Event Calendar at www.gastonlibrary.org, or by visiting our

Lame-duck N.C. Supreme Court strikes down voter ID law, state Senate election map discussed

by MITCH KOKAI Carolina Journal

Two weeks before they’re set to lose their majority, N.C. Supreme Court Democrats issued rulings last Friday striking down the state’s photo voter identification law and the election map used for state Senate races.

Both rulings featured party-line 4-3 splits, with the court’s four Democrats outvoting their three Republican colleagues.

Voters unseated one of those Democrats in the Nov. 8 election and elected Republicans to fill both his seat and an open seat. The state Supreme Court will have a 5-2 Republican majority in January.

Democratic Justice Anita Earls wrote the majority opinion in Holmes v. Moore. The decision throws out North Carolina’s 2018 voter ID law. Earls and fellow Supreme Court Democrats affirmed a three-judge trial court’s 2-1 ruling that the law discriminated against black voters. Two Demo-

cratic judges overruled a Republican colleague.

“Plaintiffs challenged [Senate Bill] 824, which requires a photo identification (ID) to vote, under article I, section 19, of the North Carolina Constitution, alleging the law was enacted at least in part with the intent to discriminate against African-American voters,” Earls wrote. “While most people who have one of the acceptable forms of photo identification do not run the risk of being disenfranchised by this statute, the experiences of plaintiffs and other witnesses at trial showed that for themselves and others like them, the risk of disenfranchisement is very real. But the guarantee of equal protection of the laws means that a law enacted with the intent to discriminate on the basis of race is unconstitutional even if no voter ultimately is disenfranchised because ‘[r] acial classifications of any sort pose the risk of lasting harm to our society.’”

“We hold that the threejudge panel’s findings of fact are supported by competent

evidence showing that the statute was motivated by a racially discriminatory purpose,” Earls added.

Justice Phil Berger Jr. wrote for dissenting Republicans.

“In November 2018, the people of North Carolina overwhelmingly amended their constitution to include a voter-ID requirement based upon a simple belief — that would-be voters should be required to identify themselves prior to casting a ballot,” Berger wrote. “Enabling legislation in the form of S.B. 824 was passed to effectuate the requirements of that constitutional amendment.”

“The plain language of S.B. 824 shows no intent to discriminate against any group or individual, and there is no evidence that S.B. 824 was passed with race in mind, let alone a racially discriminatory intent,” he added. “The majority relies, as it must, on a misapplication of relevant case law and on its own inferences to reach a contrary result.”

Let’s make 2023 your best year of reading yet!

MOSTLY CLOUDY SHOWERSPARTLY CLOUDY SHOWERS

(photos provided)

A shot of the interior of the NC Supreme Court. (photo provided by Carolina Journal)

OPINION

Okay… help me out here.

It’s a little late to make New Year’s resolutions, right?

Right?

Well, anyway; I sure hope so! Because that’s a weight off my shoulders, to say the least! This year, and so far, since I haven’t made any at the outset of 2023, I don’t have to constantly go back and re-read what I’ve written and promised and no one can hold the silly things (made usually in moments of desperation, no less!) over my head to remind me of what I said, wrote, or otherwise promised in a moment of weakness.

By Michael Powell michael.cherryvilleeagle@gmail.com

stupid; some of them were funny, in a sad and stupid way, but most of them were (“sorry” ahead of time to all my friends who sent said resolution info to me to begin with) completely and totally not do-able, especially in light of who these particular friends are… just saying, y’all.

TODAY’S QUOTE:

You get a new year, you get a new start, you get a new opportunity.

–Billy Butler

our members of Congress, et al, have made; or even what sorts of resolute promises the rest of our fellow Americans have made as we stumble toward the great as-yetunknown ‘Year 2023’.

Full disclosure here?

One resolution I do have is rather a silly (and selfish) one and it is: I resolve to get off my keister and try to get (finally) streaming television on all our home sets so my wife and her mother can get caught up (somehow) on the beloved soap, “Days of Our Lives”.

resolutions and more action by withholding our dollars from as many advertisers as need be to get someone in mainstream TV’s attention, if such a thing is possible. If nothing else, pester your Congressperson to do something to make the situation a bit more tenable to the generation that doesn’t stream anything but coffee from the pot into their cup, or who wouldn’t know a Roku from a rhino or a Firestick from a fire extinguisher!

I had a few friends text me and email me their versions of their 2023 “resolutions” – many of which read more like they were New Year’s “restitutions” (as I called them way back when I started writing these crazy columns) than anything else. Some were just plain sad and, well…

I saw the standard ones, i.e.: “I resolve to lose weight”; “I resolve to be a better person, husband, wife, employee, father, mother, son, daughter, pet owner, grandkid, or, well, (insert person or thing of choice at this point)”; “I resolve to…” Oh, never mind! You get the idea, right?

Speaking of resolutions, one can only imagine what the ones our President and First Lady may have made, or what

Why? Because the wienies who control it saw fit (for some reason known only to them) to take it off prime-time TV and ensconce it on their not-too-reliable site known as Peacock. And, let’s be real here… streaming TV is primarily for people who were not born earlier than 1970, at least, so as I’m concerned. Older folks who grew up watching television back in the day don’t like having their bread and circuses events messed with, so I’m thinking we need less of any more useless

You know folks, young or old, at some point the law of entropy, or some form of it, is going to overtake all our modern

electronic devices and eventually degrade them to the point of making them all just so much dead plastic in our hands. There is always going to be something new; some new and cooler device coming along. And, sadly, the more things change, oddly enough, the more they stay the same, so… why not make television shows more easily accessible. At least, without having to have a PhD in electronic engineering or a NASA-quality device that can make your favorite shows and stations appear on your home television screen? I mean, what would be the

harm in that? So some of the rich old fools will not get exponentially richer; so what? Who cares? I know I don’t.

I just want for my wife to be able to keep up with her favorite soap.

Streaming execs, here’s an adage you would do well to remember when it comes to all the ladies who you all have dissed out there in TV Land: Happy wife’ Happy life!

Remember that, you boneheads, the next time you want to upset a soap lover’s apple cart.

Resolve THAT, jerks!

Well, here we are – in the year 2023.

When I was a teenager there was a very popular song entitled “In the Year 2525”. I thought it sounded so strange back then to really be talking about such a date. My last column talked about how strange even 2023 sounds these days.

By Anne S. Haynes

Amazingly enough though that date now is beginning to sound less awesome than it did. But whether we accept it or not does not change its reality.

I know many people immediately begin to think of making resolutions for improvements in the new year. I have made many such resolutions through the years. However, I can’t relate to many of them, as to whether I kept them or not. I do know that most of the ones I do remember were more about how I treated others as well as my

relationship with God and His church, and what my life would look like as an adult.

Having said that, I really feel that one of my main resolutions was answered. I was a second grader at Tryon School between Cherryville and Bessemer City, and Mrs. Lula Belle Robinson was my teacher. It was in her class that I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be a teacher, and I never changed my mind. Mrs. Robinson was actually my first-grade teacher as well, and my second year with her was a combination of the first and second grade classes. She was a great inspiration to me, and I shall be grateful to her forever.

Needless to say that I have actually experienced many New Year Days making that same resolution to somehow become a

teacher one day.

I must also pay tribute to my sweet mom here in these words. She was always a great mom as she encouraged me to work hard and reach for my goals and dreams. She helped me realize that I could really became a teacher. Upon graduating from high school, I received scholarships and grants and attended Appalachian State University and graduated and spent my entire career teaching elementary school.

My point I am trying to make is decide, if possible, what you would like to spend your life doing and then pursue it. Also remember if you are not following your dream that it’s not too late to make a change.

One of my closest teaching friends became a teacher when her kids were grown. It’s certainly never too late in 2023 to follow your dream.

Throughout the years, many of us watched Barbara Walters from NBC to ABC. I always tried to watch her special interviews. Often, the people she interviewed on primetime television specials were “the” high profile people at that given time. She became the highest paid journalist of her day being the first to sign a million-dollar contract with ABC.

Glenn Mollette Guest Editorial

grieving. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, freezing temperatures, and snow have wreaked devastation on our country in the last twelve months. Loss of life can come from disease, weather, accidents or unconscionably by design.

Regardless of what we do in life we are still confronted by difficulties that often debilitate us. Walters had survived her own personal struggles, like we all do, including four divorces. Unfortunately, her reported battle with dementia took its toll on her health. We can all accomplish much in life. Maybe not as much as Walters or maybe even more. Regardless, there is much about life we can’t do anything about other than try to deal with it and do the best we can.

At least 37 people died from the recent winter storm in Buffalo, New York. Families are

We all have been horrified by the death of four college students in Moscow, Idaho. It’s been beyond us how four beautiful people could be stabbed to death in their beds reportedly between 3 and 4 in the morning. A young man who is a student at nearby Washington State University on the Pullman campus has been arrested at his parents’ house in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania. Moscow police believe they now have the murderer in custody.

How anyone could commit such a heinous crime is beyond our comprehension. I’m sure it was beyond the scope of thought for these innocent young adults. We never know who is taking note of our lives, whereabouts, and activities. Regardless of how calm and safe your community seems you can’t take anything for granted. Lock your doors.

Lock your bedroom door. Keep your handgun on your lampstand and try your best to create an environment that protects you as much as possible. With so many people sleeping in the rental house in Moscow, I’m sure these young college students felt safe. What appeared to be safe for them became an opportunity for an evil mind.

Typically, the attacker has the element of surprise on his side. It’s always best to try to think ahead. Sadly, four Idaho University students were killed by someone who planned, plotted, and was patient enough to find the right moment to carry out the murders.

Accepting and dealing with what we cannot change is one thing.

Preparing for life but rolling with the punches, the turns and twists is another. Being watchful, careful, and never taking anything for granted could make the difference between life and death

Pray for these families and all the many friends and loved ones as they grieve and suffer from such devastating loss.

Welcome to 2023 everyone, and follow your dreams!

To those who are grieving and suffering loss…

Grounded in His love and knowing Who He is!

Hasn’t that been some unusual weather we’ve been experiencing lately.

The cold wind blew so hard that many of our outside Christmas decorations blew over and, at worse, blew away. I had to drive five tent pegs in the ground and use 10 bungee cords to secure my nativity scene in the front yard!

Much like the culture in which we live, the values, assumptions, and practices embedded in everything everywhere push and pull with

surprising power too. It would seem wiser to just “go with the flow.” The culture says Christmas was over on December 25th. For those of us who follow Christ it is a season that begins on December 25th!

It’s hard not to be blown away when the rest of the world has already packed away the symbols in order to make way for something else!

Paul has written in Ephesians, “…we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” (Eph. 4:14) And

Move Forward

How often do we find ourselves looking back either longing for the good ole days, beating ourselves up for past mistakes, or lamenting over not being further along in life than we are? Guilt, loss, fear, doubt, unpreparedness, and even success can keep us stuck in a place that hinders us from progressing and advancing in life. However, we have to shake off the past, and keep moving forward toward the next goal that God has assigned to our lives. In fact, I believe the reason our Heavenly Creator designed our bodies with two eyes in front of us, is because he desires us to always be moving forward and looking ahead. In Philippians 3:13-14 (CEV), Apostle Paul states, “ My friends, I don’t feel I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done.”

There is a story in the bible about a lady and her family in which Jesus commands us to pay attention to. In Luke 17:32 (NLT) he says, “Remember what happened to Lot’s wife!” Why is this lady important? Well, her husband Lot was commanded by two angels to get his relatives and get out of that city quickly, because of the judgment God was about to pronounce on the wicked city they were living in. By the mercy of God, the angels even took them by the hand and led them out, because they were moving too slow. However, there was one condition their new life was contingent on: they could not look back at the place that God was taking them from. What do you think she did? Genesis 19:24, 26 (NLT) says, “Lot reached the village just as the sun was rising over the horizon. Then the Lord rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah. But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.” The lesson from Lot’s wife is that we must wholeheartedly and obediently walk in the plan of God for our lives; we won’t get there by looking backwards. Our focus must be in front of us.

PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Lord I give you praise for the plans that you have for my life. They are greater than I could ever imagine. Forgive me for settling for less than your best and perfect will for my life. Father, teach me to pursue you with tenacity in order to find out your goals and assignments for my life. Help me to keep my eyes straight ahead, and to ignore all sideshow distractions. Give me strength to leave evil in the dust and to never give up on your plans for my life, no matter how hard the road may be. In Jesus’ name. 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.

that brings home the issue of how our values are shaped, our practices formed, our assumptions generated. Who or what influences our thoughts and behavior? Is it every doctrine of man which blows down our way or the Christ of Christmas? If we truly acknowledge Jesus as Lord, if we genuinely do not withhold obedience to Him, if we whole-heartedly welcome Him, we will not struggle with standing still when the windstorms of life hit!

Because our society is organized around a calendar that begins with January, we look forward to a fresh start. Perhaps instead of resolutions, we might begin a new year by examining our values, practices and assumptions in the light of who we know Jesus to be!

“Meet Dr. King” performance at Joy Theatre, January 16

To honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mauney Memorial Library, and the City of Kings Mountain welcome Bright Star Touring Theatre to perform, “Meet Dr. King” at the Joy Performance Center, January 16, at 2:00 pm. .

“Meet Dr. King” is a wonderful introduction to the life and work of one of America’s most influential men. Perfect for younger audiences, this production serves to introduce students to major concepts of Black History like freedom, integration, and equality. “Meet Dr. King” helps young people begin to understand the importance of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. This special play takes us from Dr. King’s life as just a

young boy experiencing racism for the first time, to meeting his wife, Coretta, to becoming a pastor and finally a national inspiration.

Joining us for the performance as guest speaker is WBTV’s own Emmy winning journalist, Steve Crump.

Cherryville Area Places of Worship

The event, scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm, is free and open to the public. The Joy Performance Center is located at 202 South Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain.

For more information, please call Mauney Memorial Library, at 704-7392371.

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

LOWE

Pastor

First Wesleyan Church 800 North Pink Street, Cherryville, NC

DANYALE PATTERSON

Bright Star Theater actor brings to life the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Photos provided

Tillis, Burr help pass same-sex marriage bill

by CAROLINA JOURNAL STAFF

North Carolina U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis has been working on fellow Republicans to support the Respect for Marriage Act, and found success last week as it passed the chamber, 6136. North Carolina’s senior senator, Richard Burr, was among the 12 Republicans who voted for it.

While the act does not require states to permit same-sex marriages, it does require that states recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Tillis played a pivotal role in negotiating the finer points of the bill and generating Republican support. He called it “a good compromise.”

“It’s one that’s based on mutual respect for our fellow Americans, protecting the rights of Americans who may have different lifestyles or different viewpoints,” he said on the Senate floor last week.

The U.S. House is expected to pass the bill by the

VOTER ID

From Page 3

Without any additional legal action, the 2018 voter ID law would be unenforceable. Legislators would have to try again to approve a law that withstands court scrutiny.

Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, responded to the ruling. He is the father of the dissenting Republican justice.

“If Democrats on the state Supreme Court can’t respect the will of the voters, the General Assembly will,” Berger said in a prepared statement. “Regardless of the policymaking goals of the activist justices, the people of North Carolina overwhelmingly support voter ID laws. I look forward to respecting their wishes and passing a new voter ID law next year.”

end of the year. It will then go to President Biden’s desk for signature. The House passed its version in July 2022 with a vote of 267157, including 47 Republicans.

Tillis was a negotiator on the final version’s details, which include protections for nonprofits and religious organizations from being required to support same-sex marriages with services, facilities, or goods.

“One, it maintains the status quo with respect to

John Locke Foundation President Donald Bryson took aim at the Supreme Court’s four Democrats.

“Once again the Usurper Four have proven their loyalty to partisanship over a commitment to the North Carolina Constitution and the voters who gave them the privilege to sit on the state’s highest court,” Bryson said.

“Their ruling to overturn the constitutionally passed voter ID law shows how little they think of our constitution and people. Thankfully, voters are smart and they saw fit to give hyper-partisan justices the pink slip this past November. We expect the new conservative Supreme Court to honor the will of North Carolinians in 2023. The new year can’t come fast enough for those who care about the rule of law.”

In Harper v. Hall, the court’s 4-3 Democratic majority tossed out North Carolina’s state Senate election

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

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

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)

same-sex marriage that was set forth by the Supreme Court decision, but then we make a lot of progress on ensuring that religious-affiliated institutions are still able to observe their faith and the way that they have for decades or centuries, and I think that we’ve struck that balance,” Tillis said in a virtual press conference earlier this month. “We put together a bill that has been endorsed by a religious freedom coalition that includes the Church of (Jesus Christ) of Latter-day Saints, the Seventh-day Adventists, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Evangelicals, and they believe that what we’ve done here is a good step forward for protecting religious freedom.”

The Respect for Marriage Act repeals the Defense of Marriage Act, signed into law in 1996 by President Bill Clinton, which defined marriage for federal purposes as the union of one man and one woman and allowed states

map. At the same time, Supreme Court Democrats upheld a map for N.C. House elections and affirmed a three-judge panel’s decision to throw out a congressional map drawn by legislative Republicans.

Retiring Democratic Justice Robin Hudson wrote the majority opinion in Harper.

“We determine that the trial court properly concluded that the Remedial Congressional Plan fell short of constitutional standards and that the Remedial House Plan met constitutional standards,” Hudson wrote.

“These conclusions of law were supported by adequate factual findings, which were in turn supported by competent evidence. However, we hold that the trial court erred in its approval of the Remedial Senate Plan.”

“Unlike the trial court’s conclusions regarding the other plans, the trial court’s conclusion of law regard-

to refuse to recognize samesex marriages granted under the laws of other states.

Groups like the Heritage Foundation and Alliance Defending Freedom disagree with Tillis’ assessment of the bill and call it “deceptively named.” They say the legislation puts a target on religious organizations who believe marriage is between one man and one woman.

“The issue is not the ability to believe in man-woman marriage, but the ability to live out those beliefs meaningfully in society and not be labeled a bigot by the government for doing so,” said Roger Severino of the Heritage Foundation.

Severino and other opponents believe that the measure is an effort to head off the U.S. Supreme Court from revisiting the 2015 Obergfell v. Hodges decision, in which the court decided 5-4 that several states violated the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment in bans on samesex marriage or refusal to

ing the Remedial Senate Plan lacked adequate factual findings supported by competent evidence. Indeed, the evidence dictates the opposite finding and conclusion,” Hudson added.

Hudson’s 57-page opinion prompted a 72-page dissent from Chief Justice Paul Newby, writing for all three Republicans on the state’s highest court.

“To which branch of government does our constitution place the role of redistricting? The constitution expressly gives that responsibility to the legislative branch; even the majority so concedes. While paying lip service to this express grant of authority, the majority retains for itself the ultimate redistricting responsibility,” Newby wrote.

The chief justice reminded readers that Supreme Court Republicans warned back in February that Democratic colleagues

recognize legal same-sex marriages that occurred in jurisdictions that provided for such marriages.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas indicated in his concurring opinion in the Dobbs case overturning Roe v. Wade that the Obergefell decision could be on the table.

“In future cases, we should reconsider all of this court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell,” Thomas wrote.

“I do think the Supreme Court decision changes the factors that lead you to a conclusion to support or not support the bill,” Tillis said in the press conference. “It certainly did for me. I mean, when you have a population that is growing, when you have people who are experts at arguing cases before the Supreme Court that believe that decision is going to hold at the SCOTUS level, then why not take some time to provide certainty to these families and take the opportunity to provide greater protections for reli-

planned to take over redistricting authority from state lawmakers.

“Today this prediction is fulfilled,” Newby wrote. “[T]he majority effectively amended the state constitution to establish a redistricting commission composed of judges and political science experts. When, however, this commission, using the majority’s redistricting criteria, reached an outcome with which the majority disagrees, the majority freely reweighs the evidence and substitutes its own fact-finding for that of the three-judge panel. Again, as predicted, ‘[t]he four members of this Court alone will approve a redistricting plan which meets their test of constitutionality.’”

State lawmakers already had planned to redraw North Carolina’s congressional map after voters faced a court-imposed map for the November elections. That

gious freedom?” The N.C. Values Coalition released a statement on Wednesday opposing the bill.

“The misnamed ‘Respect for Marriage Act’ is completely unnecessary, as it does nothing to change the legal status of same-sex marriage,” said Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the Values Coalition. “It is a dangerous, direct attack on Americans who believe marriage is the union of one man and one woman and threatens their First Amendment rights by subjecting them to predatory lawsuits by activists, seeking to use the threat of litigation to silence debate and exclude people of faith from the public square. By choosing to disregard legitimate concerns about the undeniable harms of this bill and by rejecting amendments offered by Senators Lee, Rubio, and Lankford to protect religious freedom, Senators Tillis and Burr have betrayed their own voters and their party’s platform on marriage.”

map helped produce a 7-7 split between the major parties in the state’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2023.

Now the three-judge trial court overseeing Harper v. Hall could force lawmakers to redraw the state Senate map. The current map produced a 30-20 Republican majority in the November election. With 30 seats, the GOP will hold a veto-proof supermajority in the legislative session that begins next month.

A separate case dealing with North Carolina’s congressional map sits at the U.S. Supreme Court. In Moore v. Harper, the nation’s highest court will determine whether state courts overstepped their authority in throwing out legislators’ congressional map in February.

SENATOR THOM TILLIS of North Carolina

Ironmen basketball squads have back-to-back losses

Boys are currently 4-8 overall; girls are currently 2-11 overall

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

The Holiday Classic is over, and now it’s back to regularly scheduled basketball as the Ironmen teams look to pick up some wins as the season moves on.

Such was not to be however, as the CHS Ironmen basketball men and women lost two recent matches to the East Gaston Warriors (away) and to their rivals, the BCHS Yellow Jackets (at Nixon Gym).

Against East Gaston

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the Ironmen traveled to Mt. Holly to play the East Gaston Warriors. The Lady Ironmen lost their game to the Lady Warriors by a score of 4746. High scorer for the ladies in this one was Gabbie McCorkle, with 26 points, followed by Krista Davis with seven (7) points.

Emily Allen had three (3) points, and Evionna McDowell, Kate Bookout, and Layla Davis each scored two (2) points apiece.

The varsity boys’ team fared little better as the Warriors handed the CHS men an 85-54 defeat.

Against Bessemer City

The BCHS Yellow Jackets hoops teams traveled to Cherryville on Friday, Jan. 6 to take on the CHS Ironmen

winners in these matchups as the Lady YJ’s bashed the Lady Ironmen 66-18 while the varsity YJ men took a 20point win over the CHS men, 76-56, to hand the CHS men another loss at home.

High scorers for the Lady Ironmen were Gabbie McCorkle, with 12 points. Newcomer Raylei Gidney scored four points for the ladies, while Krista Davis had two (2) points.

In varsity men’s action, the Ironmen’s highest scorer was Carson Kelly with 18 points, followed by Numarius

it into the elite 1,000 Points Club of Ironmen “shooters” in this game as he amassed his 1,000th point of his CHS basketball career. Coach Harrill gave him the game ball at that point.

Nate Bookout had 9 points and Chance Hunt had 3 points while Ironmen players Rayshawn Sewell, Hunter Jackson, and Adrian Patterson had two (2) points apiece.

The Lady Ironmen are currently 2-11 overall and 0-4 in SPC 1A/2A play and the Ironmen varsity boys are 4-8 overall and 04 in SPC

1A/2A play.

The

6 p.m.

Lady Ironman Krista Davis looks to pass the ball to teammate Gabbie McCorkle at the game against the BCHS Lady Yellow Jackets at Nixon Gym last week. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

CHS player Gabbie McCorkle goes up for a shot against the Lady Yellow Jackets defender

Lady Ironmen player Gabbie McCorkle shoots for two points against the BCHS Lady Yellow Jackets who came to Cherryville last Friday to take on the CHS ladies.

CHS Ironmen Chance Hunt passes the ball to a teammate in last Friday’s Nixon Gym home game against the visiting BCHS Yellow Jackets.

In the first half of the CHS/BCHS game last Friday, Ironman Carson Kelly goes for the layup against the defending Yellow Jackets men.

CHS Ironman Numarius Good dribbles the ball, earnestly looking for a way around the zoned-in BCHS Yellow Jackets player.

CHS Ironman player Carson Kelly made it into the elite 1,000 Points Club of Ironmen “shooters” in this game as he amassed his 1,000th point of his CHS basketball career. Coach Harrill gave him the game ball at that point

Ironmen basketball teams played Highland Tech at Highland Tech on Tues-

day, Jan. 10, and are set to play Pinnacle at Pinnacle on Wednesday, Jan. 11. All varsity games are scheduled to

begin at

(Additional stats and information by Susan L. Powell)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR SALE

2022 ENVY NEIGHBORHOOD CART. Road ready, blinkers, brake lights, headlights, horn, power steering, must sell. $9500. 828-9801187, for pictures/details.

Call (704) 482-7000

COMPLETE CARE INC. Is seeking CNAs / In Home Aides for Cleveland and Gaston Counties. Apply M-F, 8am-4pm at 404 W. Warren St, Shelby, NC 28150 or call (704) 480-9340

BUSINESS SERVICES

NEW RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING SERVICES are now available. Badger Plumbing is now open to service you at reasonable rates. Call 704-524-3387.

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

BRAND NEW BEST BRAND grey leather rocker recliner. Still has tags. $625. 21 inch Samsung color TV with stand and remote. Like new. $125. 828-286-4426.

NEW WASHER & DRYER No attachments. Still in boxes. From Lowe’s in Forest City. Paid $1248 will take $1000. Cash only! 704-484-1639 ask for Stephen or email darrylager@gmail.com

FOR SALE

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

NEW 6X12 TRAILER “RENT TO OWN” No Credit Check! $582 Down-$161 per month. Includes Tax & Title Fee. J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC. (828) 245-5895

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. 704434-6389, (704) 473-0867

FOR SALE

PETS & LIVESTOCK

GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES 6 males. 6 weeks old, UTD shots & dewormed. Text for more pics and information (407) 921-2012 samarabuelna@gmail.com

GOLDEN DOMERS TOY AND HOBBY. Visit our NEW LOCATION .....Model Cars, Die-cast Cars & Trucks, Tractors, Hot Wheels, Construction Toys, Sports Memorabilia, Autographed Items, Hard to Find Items! See Mike & Brandon Willis. We’re located at 104 Oliver Ave. (behind El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Boiling Springs), Shelby 704-297-0102 or 704-2970103

I CLEAN HOMES AND BUSINESSES. I do standard cleanings, deep cleanings, move cleanings, and office cleanings at reasonable rates. Email me at sgacsa@aol.com call or text me at 704-419-9016 (704) 4199016 sgacsa@aol.com

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

CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS. Summer Tune-up Special, $69.95. We will check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. 704-477-9119 or 704-472-9367.

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) 295-0750

MECHANIC WORK. We do Mechanic Work. Foreign and Domestic. Diagnostic fee, $50. Call 704-481-7502

MONITOR HEATER WITH TANK & STAND, $700 OBO. Feed barrels $20, Solid top plastic & metal barrels $10, Totes $75, Burn barrels $15, Metal cages $25. Call Jeff in Hickory before 6pm (828) 327-4782

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

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

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

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

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

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

30 FOOT CAMPER TRAILER FRAME. Made of steel. Would be great for a tiny home frame. $800. 828-429-3892.

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

FIREWOOD FOR SALE Truck and Trailer Loads. $50 - $75. Can Deliver. 704466-7623.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! Press Room Printing. 704482-2243. (704) 538-5788

CKC GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES $600. I have 9 beautiful CKC German Shepherd puppies that will be ready for a new family on 1/26/23. They were born 11/28/22. They have all been checked and dewormed by a Veterinarian. First shots scheduled along with another checkup at the Veterinarian as well. Registration papers included. Dame and sire are on site. The dame is 75 lbs and Sable. The sire is 110 lbs and traditional black and brown. They have been handled and socialized since birth. Please call or text for more information and pictures. (828) 305-1014

AKC FEMALE MINIATURE SCHNAUZER PUPPY for sale. Beautiful markings. Salt and Pepper. Vet checked and has first shots. $900. 704-915-0004.

BEGINNING BEEKEEPING CLASS. Two-day Cleveland County Beekeepers

class includes textbook, class materials, association membership, mentor program, & more. $45/person or $70/couple sharing class materials. Class Dates: Saturday, January 28, 2023 & Saturday, February 4, 2023 (both classes required). Please contact us for more information or to register. (704) 487-7731 clevelandcountybeekeepersnc@ gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT

POSITION AVAILABLE FOR Lead Person for Commercial Landscaping Company located in Kings Mountain, NC. Must be Mature & Seasoned. A valid drivers license is required and have experience hauling trailer and equipment. Travel is required every day with early mornings and some late afternoons, especially in spring and summer months. There are no overnight stays. This position will start immediately. Only serious inquiries need apply. Please send email with resume to zerobugs@bellsouth. net or leave a voicemail at 704-734-5370 and your call will be returned.

EB MOBILE MECHANIC. I will come to you to repair any car, lawnmower or tractor. Honest & reliable. (704) 3002332

TREE,

JAMES BALLARD PAINTING SERVICE. Paint Kitchen Cabinets only. Pre-estimated price. References available. 828-429-7511 or 828-4293743. Ask for James.

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

RETAINING WALLS,

GREAT FOR GIFTS OR COLLECTING SILVER, GOLD & COINS! SILVER Bars & Rounds 1Oz., 5 Oz.,10 Oz., 32 Oz., 50 Oz.. and 2022 Silver Eagles. GOLD 1 Gram, 2.5 Grams, 5 Grams, 10 Grams, 1/10 Oz., 1/4 Oz., 1/2 Oz. & 1 Oz. “We Buy, Sell & Trade”! Jake’s Knives Coins, Collectibles & Antiques located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC. Call 704-600-6996 or (980) 295-5568

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

2022 SHOPRIDER $550.00 Shoprider Streamer, used with new batteries 275 lb wt limit, delivered, charger, tech warranty, or a New unit at $950. Scooterman John (704) 951-4224 mobilityservices07@gmail.com

TRACTORS, EQUIPMENT, RIDING MOWERS, GARDEN TILLERS, GO-KARTS. Ready to mow. All in excellent condition. Can deliver, 30+ years experience in repair work. 828-980-0853, 704476-9383.

BOAT & RV COVERS-WE INSTALL. 14 on Site that you can look at and touch! J Johnson Sales, 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 2455895

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

WANT TO BUY

WE BUY Cars, Trucks, Vans. Running or not. Lost titles or have titles. We take over payments. 704-524-3387.

WANT TO BUY CARS, TRUCKS. Trailers, Tractors, Farm Equipment. Must have ID and proof of ownership. Callahan’s Towing. (704) 6921006

BUYING COMICS & VINYL RECORDS. Looking for 1950s-80s Comics in any condition. I want to buy your comics that are sitting and collecting dust and taking up room as well as old Rock and Roll records. Cleveland and Gaston County, Kings Mountain, Shelby and Charlotte areas. Call Tim 661-312-6159 (661) 312-6159 saveyourearth@live.com

WANT TO BUY. ATV’s, PopUp Campers and Small Travel Trailers. Call 828-429-3935.

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From Page 1

was a member our group starting in 1959.”

As for the Stadium shoot, Wise noted they had, “…over 300 shooters and the stands were pretty full of spectators,” adding, “We were running approximately 20 minutes behind by the time we got to the stadium.”

As for the group getting a bit off schedule in getting from one pace to the next, Rusty said, “After lunch the shooter and spectator count really increased. This increased traffic, as well as shooters time getting to the stops. We only got behind and shot closer to 7 p.m., at the stadium. We had no issues or problems during the entire shoot. Everything went well.”

Additionally, Wise said he and the group wanted to thank the following for helping in some and fashion make their “shoot” go well: Gaston County School System for the use of the Stadium; City of Cherryville – Mayor H.L. Beam and the City Council; City of Cherryville Police Department and Interim Chief Mark Stout and Brian Dolittle; Gaston County Sherriff Department and Sheriff Chad Hawkins; Gaston County Police; Gaston County EMS; North Brook Fire Department; American Legion Post 100 for the use of their facility; and last but not least, Phil Camp and the Pythian Lodge for the meeting, food and lunch.

Rusty said their group added the following new hosts/shots on their schedule: Don Alexander (Queens Rd.) and the Dale Gates Family (St. Mark’s Church Rd.).

“They were added this year,” he reiterated, adding, “We had 51 total shots this year.”

The group has not, according to Rusty, seen any changes in dues because of overall inflation in the economy.

Said Wise, “Our member dues are $15 and have been for a few years. To keep the member cost down we have a musket raffle every year. We also receive donations. What really helps is our member count. If we keep the

member count high then that should help offset any rising costs we may have.”

Wise said the group’s membership is growing every year.

“We had 477 members this year, which is a record, I believe. This just shows the strength of the tradition and the importance that people have in it. We create history every year. New Year’s Shooting is

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PETS & LIVESTOCK

Savannah Wise and her dad, Rusty, who is the Secretary for the CNYSI group. They were at the Rudisill Stadium 2023 shoot, where she helps him by being in charge of the music.

Cherryville New Year’s Shooter’s, Inc. President Charles Sisk with member Tom Martin at the Shooters Statue in the small park behind the Chamber of Commerce building.

Some of the crowd in stands for the CNYSI 2023 Stadium shot, on Monday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m.

a living history event that people can participate in. It is the longest running

thing in Cherryville. Nothing else in Cherryville, NC, has lasted as long as

New Year’s Shooting and we are honored to keep it going.”

TRADITIONAL

From Page 1

responders be able to get through their group should the need arise. Regarding how that went, Gary noted, “Times change and we have to adapt. We try to keep changes to a minimum and behind the scenes as much as we can, but when we identify ways to do New Year Shooting safer and better, we do.

“We have been working with law enforcement for years with route planning, traffic flow, and public safety, but now we are taking it a step further by working with Emergency Management agencies with both Gaston and Lincoln counties. We, as shooters, know there is an inherent danger involved with shooting these old guns, but there are steps we have identified

to make the shooters and community safer.

“In the 36 years I have shot, I have seen several times when emergency vehicles have needed to pass through where our group is parked. Luckily, there has never been a time when they were blocked from passing through, but sometimes it was by luck. We implemented a new Emergency Action Plan this year that is geared at addressing situations like this and other emergencies the group has identified as potential problems.”

He continued, “The key to the plan is communication. We are trying to do better in letting these agencies know where we will be and at what times. We are working harder at keeping travel access open through major travel roads, and having means to quickly communicate with the group

in an emergency and communicating directly with first responders. We also have certified EMTs with our group with extensive medical supplies at their disposal. The good news is, with all that extra preparation this year, we once again had no reported injuries and no incidents.”

As for adding any new hosts or shots scheduled, Dellinger said, “We have added two new shots this year; one for Bradley Champion on East Main Street (in Cherryville) and the other was for Carolina Heating and Cooling on Academy Street (also in Cherryville). Both shots were good adds to the schedule.”

Regarding whether or not the economy has changed the groups dues or anything like that, Gary said, “Our dues have remained the same for years, and the group is in very good finan-

cial shape. Our big expenses for the year are the banquet, breakfast, and lunch we provide for the members, and our scholarships. Luckily, we get enough donations to pretty much cover the scholarships each year. It takes a lot of money to operate the club. We can easily spend upwards of $10,000 on powder and caps each year.

“We are really frugal with the group’s money, and do all we can to keep expenses of the club down. New Year Shooting is expensive. Powder is $20 a pound, and it’s not uncommon for someone to go through five pounds or more a year; caps are $16 for 100. The cost of guns has gone through the roof with people paying from $500 to $1,500 for a gun. Raising dues will be a last resort until we just have to in order to pay our bills.”

Rusty Wise, Secretary, Cherryville New Year’s Shooters Inc., said that the group’s 2023 meeting/ events schedule for the Cherryville New Year’s

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

Meeting schedule for the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters American Legion Post 100 meetings news

Post 100 meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday of every month with a meal at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting at 7 p.m. Exceptions are the months of November and December, when the Legion only meets on the second Tuesday of those months.

The Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.) meets on the second Tuesday

By JIM MILLER Editor

after the Legion meeting – they usually come to dinner with the Legion and stay for the regular Legion meeting.

The Ladies Auxiliary Unit 100 meets on the third Monday of every month with a meal at 6 p.m., and meeting at 6:30 p.m. They do not meet in June or July.

A Checklist of What to Do When a Loved One Dies

Dear Savvy Senior, What steps need to be taken after a loved one dies? My 71-year-old uncle, who’s divorced with no children, has terminal cancer. He’s asked me to take care of his affairs so I would like to find out what I need to do after he passes away.

Unsure Nephew

Dear Unsure, I’m very sorry to hear about your uncle. The death of a loved of can bring about a host of different tasks and responsibilities. Here’s a list of some things you can do now, and after his death, that can help keep a sad event from becoming even more difficult.

Before Death Occurs

There are several tasks you can do now while your uncle is still living that will make things easier for you after he dies.

For starters, find out where he keeps all his important papers like his trust and/ or will (also make sure it’s updated), birth certificate, Social Security information, life-insurance policies, military discharge papers, financial documents, key or combination to a safe deposit box

or a home safe. Also make a list of his digital assets (including usernames and passwords) like his email account, online banking accounts, social media accounts, etc.

If your uncle doesn’t have an advanced directive, help him make one (see CaringInfo.org for free state-specific forms and instructions). An advanced directive includes a living will that specifies his end-of-life medical treatments and appoints a health-care proxy to make medical decisions if he becomes incapacitated. In addition, you should also make a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. Your uncle’s doctor can help you with this.

You should also pre-arrange his funeral, memorial service, and burial or cremation.

Immediately After Death

Once your uncle dies, you’ll need to get a legal pronouncement of death. If no doctor is present, you’ll need to contact someone to do this.

If he dies at home under hospice care, call the hospice nurse, who can declare his death and help facilitate the transport

of the body.

If he dies at home without hospice care, call your uncle’s doctor. You’ll then need to call the funeral home, mortuary or crematorium to pick up the body. If your uncle is an organ or tissue donor, contact the funeral home or the county coroner immediately.

Within a Few Days

If funeral plans were not pre-arranged, you’ll need to make arrangements and prepare an obituary. If your uncle was in the military or belonged to a fraternal or religious group, you should contact those organizations too, because they may have burial benefits or conduct funeral services.

You should also notify family members, close friends and his employer if he was still working, and make sure his home is secured.

Up to 10 Days After Death

To wind down your uncle’s financial affairs, you’ll need to get multiple copies of his death certificate, which are typically ordered by the funeral home.

If you’re the executor of your uncle’s estate, take his will to the appropriate county or city office to have it accepted for probate. And open a bank account for your uncle’s estate to pay bills, including taxes, funeral costs, etc.

You also need to contact your uncle’s estate attorney if he has one; tax preparer to see if estate or final income taxes should be filed; financial advisor for information on financial holdings; life insurance agent to get claim forms; his bank to locate and close accounts; and Social Security, the VA (if he’s a veteran) and other agencies that provided benefits in order to stop payments.

You should also cancel his credit cards, delete or memorialize his social media accounts and, if relevant, stop household services like utilities, mail, etc. His home and personal belonging will also need to be dealt with in the coming weeks.

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.

Two members of the Traditional New Year’s Shooters at their afternoon shot at Dennis Devine’s house on E. Ballard Street. (photos by Susan L. Powell)

Fire shoots from the barrel of the shooter’s musket on the left as he and his friend, both members of the TNYS group, blast in the New Year!

The musket smoke surrounds the American flag handkerchief tied to this shooter’s musket at the Dennis Devine house shot on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.

Lots of smoke, lots of loud noise, and, well… a colorful costume or two (or more) as this merry group, a.k.a the Traditional New Year’s Shooters, blasts in the New Year 2023 at member Dennis Devine’s house in Cherryville.