Former Army “helo” Capt. Cody Spiker switching to fixed wing aircraft

His career move?

Leaves off flying for the Army to becoming a civilian airline pilot

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

Many little kids want to grow up to be, well, any number of things, most of which start out as firefighters, policemen or women, nurses, doctors; some even want to be cowboys or, in the case of Gen X-er kids, some Star Wars character or Sci-Fi person.

Even for guys like Capt. Cody Spiker, who said he remembered always want- ing to be in the military, if you don’t count the time he wanted to lay professional sports.

Spiker, 31, is a retired U.S. Army helicopter pilot, who is now working on becoming an civilian airline pilot, said of his life in Cherryville, “My family moved to Cherryville when I was one, so I do consider myself a Cherryville native. My parents, Patrick and Jeanna, moved my sister, Katie, and myself here because they were looking for a safe place with good schools for us to grow up.”

He said that in my free

See SPIKER, Page 4

Kings Mountain couple trip the light fantastic during “Night To Shine”

Feb. 10 event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, was held at Anthony Grove Baptist Church

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

The famed Cherry Blossom 5K and Bubble Run is scheduled for April 29

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

Officials, “Y” members and staff, and anyone who has ever run the now-famous Cherry Blossom 5K race and Bubble Run want everyone interested in running for a great cause to know… it is almost time for the big race to take place!

According to information received from Sarah Shriver, Marketing and Communications Director for the Gaston County Family YMCA, “The Cherryville Family YMCA is passionate about health and wellness and what being part of the community can do for your physical and mental health. We believe that everyone in the community should have a ‘Y’ experience through ‘Y’ membership and programs no matter their ability to pay.”

Shriver continued, “Cherry Blossom 5K sponsorships support ‘Y’ programs and services in the Cherryville community, including summer day camp and afterschool. In 2023, the YMCA is working to raise funds to strengthen the foundation of community by providing access to ‘Y’ programs and services, creating access to much needed financial assistance, and collaborating to provide access to programs while sustaining the YMCA throughout Gaston County. With your help we can better support our community.”

Shriver said this year’s race is presented by Piedmont Lithium, adding, “It’s spring and a great time to get outside. We are excited to get back together and challenge you to run or walk through the rolling hills of Cherryville!”

As it has always done in the past, this year’s race will begin and end at the First Presbyterian Church of Cherryville, which is located on the corner of See YMCA, Page 6

For handsome Chad Gunter, Jr., and his beautiful date, Katie Reese, dancing the night away among friends and family at the Feb. 10, 2023 Tim Tebow “Night To Shine” event, was a night they will never, ever forget. The event was hosted by Anthony Grove Baptist Church, located in Crouse, N.C. That said, it’s not every day a guy gets to take his best girl out, twirling her around to tunes meant to make you tap your toes and shake a leg, but

Over 100 students, along with their parents attended the ball, the school’s 14th non-consecutive FTB

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

There were princesses, princes, knights, and damsels galore at this years’ Cherryville Elementary Fairy Tale Ball.

Meeting with everyone in the school’s large gym/ sports court, the Royal Proclamation was read by Mayor H.L. Beam, III, of Cherryville, who read the decree, as follows: “Royal See BALL, Page 11

Feb. 10, 2023 was that “night of all nights” for the young Kings Mountain couple.

According to Tebow’s web site, “Night to Shine” is a “…complimentary event for people with special needs hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Although each event is a little bit different, some activities included are a red-carpet entrance, limousine rides, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, a crowning ceremony where every honored guest will receive a crown or tiara, and more – Night to Shine is a celebration of God’s love for YOU, our Kings and Queens!”

Chad’s father, Chad Gunter, Sr. said his son is 23, and his girlfriend Katie See NIGHT, Page 9

■ OBITUARIES

■ POLICE

ARRESTS

Michael F. Lineberger

LAWNDALE – Michael

“Mike” Franklin Lineberger, 58, of Lawndale, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Atrium Health – Cleveland, Shelby.

Born in Catawba County, on Dec. 24, 1964, he was a son of Franklin Arthur Lineberger and Ellene Bingham Lineberger of Lawndale. He was employed by Westmoreland Printing as a graphic designer.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Cindy Short Lineberger; son, Steven Lineberger and Mysteria Herron of Cherryville; daughter, Laura Lineberger and Dyllion Costner of Lawndale; two brothers, Marcus Lineberger and

Tracy Riddle of Lawndale and Marty Lineberger and Bruce McKay of Spencer; sister, Paula Eaker and husband, Terry of Lawndale; two grandchildren, Michael Thomas Lineberger and Levi Darrell Costner; brother-in-law, Michael Short and wife, Lori of Hickory; niece, Abby Potter and husband, Shawn; and two nephews, Jesse Johnson and wife, Michelle, and Zion Short.

The family received friends on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 2 to 3 p.m., at Stamey – Tysinger Funeral Home.

The funeral service was be held on Thursday, March 9, at 3 p.m., in the Stamey – Tysinger Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Lail officiating. Burial followed the service in the Cherryville City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, at www. stjude.org.

A guest register is available at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey – Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Fallston, N.C.