Cherryville Eagle 5-17-23

Legion Hall of Fame inducts six new members

PA man Danny Eaker of Cherryville inducted by son, Allen Eaker

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

At the Saturday, May 6 induction of six men into the North Carolina American Legion Hall of Fame, Cherryville native Danny Eaker, a.k.a. “The PA Man”, was inducted into the Hall of Fame by his son, Allen Eaker. Looking on was Danny’s wife of, as he put it, “…almost 59 years”, Judie.

The event was held at the Christian Outreach Center of Cherryville’s First Baptist Church with the church hosting the BBQ meal for the many folks who attended.

In addition to Eaker, the other inductees were:

Local author said she had great fun writing about her friends, family, profession

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville author and former educator Sadie Broome had a book signing at the 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival. The event, noted Mrs. Broome, was held at Carpenter’s Gifts and Victoria Cole.

Said Mrs. Broome, “Both stores had lovely decorations and refreshments that were based on scenarios in the book.” She also noted many friends came by and talked with her about the book and how she came to write it.

The information contained within, noted Broome, deals with her career as an educator and her growth in that field as well as her escapades with friends on numerous occasions while both working

See BROOME, Page 2

by DANIEL WALTON Carolina Public Press

Some blueprints outline how to build a house.

But a blueprint released in February by the Institute for Southern Studies and N.C. Voters for Clean Elections described how to build a House – as well as a Senate, state Supreme Court and local governing bodies throughout North Carolina.

The “Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy” report examines the proverbial studs and joists of elections in the state: elements such as voter registration, district maps and campaign finance. Its authors conclude that North Carolina’s electoral struc-

ture needs a serious renovation, and they offer many ideas for how to carry out the work.

“We continue to see such rampant efforts to undermine elections and democracy across the South and across the country,” said Ben Barber, one of the blueprint’s coordinators and a research associate with the Institute for Southern Studies. “With this report, we really wanted to offer a contrast and a more positive vision for democracy in the state of North Carolina, specifically, but really as a model for across the South as well.”

Barber and his fellow blueprint coordinator, Melissa Price Kromm, updated a similar document produced in 2021 that features many of the same

See BLUEPRINT, Page 9

City also recognizes three employees; LL’s Donald Alexander

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

At the Monday night, May 8 city council meeting, council continued their public hearing on the property relinquishment from the ETJ to Piedmont Lithium issue, with as number of citizens to be heard coming forward and speaking about their many concerns.

Before that, however, council voted to approve the agenda and the previ-

Bruce Bolick, Ric Cook, Benedict Lee (posthumously – accepted by his wife, Bonnie), Phil Tate, and Gerald Young. The emcee for the event was Legionnaire, Mr. Ned Yates, Post 100’s Athletic Director. Dr. Vince Hefner, of

Cherryville first Baptist, opened the ceremony with a prayer and Post 100 Commander Mike Robinson, spoke about the significance of the POW/MIA empty chair. Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Jerry Hudson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Hudson

also introduced the six inductees, giving a brief description of why they were being inducted. Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam, III also welcomed everyone to the event. They were followed by keynote speaker Mr. Rusty Stroupe, retired See HALL, Page 10

ous minutes from the April 10 regular session and the April 25 work session.

Mayor Beam then spoke, given his comments regarding the possible sale of the museum building, which he said is still in the bid process. “No decision has been made at this time by the council until all bids are received,” he said.

He spoke about his involvement and his speaking at a Cherryville Rotary meeting last week where he and City Manager Brian Dalton spoke with Gaston County’s Donnie Hicks on various issues affecting the city; he spoke about the See COUNCIL, Page 6

Third Thursday evenings to see food trucks; live music in the Mini-Park

Cherryville’s Main Street will come alive on third Thursdays of the summer and fall months with food trucks, live music, and special shopping deals. The first event will be Thursday, May 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. That evening, in the Mini-Park, the featured food trucks will be set up, the wine and beer garden will be going on, and the music will be by Blew Money. Main Street merchants will be open and of-

fering special deals as well.

“We want to make Main Street a summer evening destination for our citizens,” said David Day, Cherryville’s Downtown Director.

Day said that in addition to the food, music, and shopping deals, residents can enjoy the ever-improving amenities of the MiniPark.

“We’re working on new and more seating for our summer events,” said Day. “Plus, we now have free WiFi in the Mini-Park. Our new living art wall is beginning to grow and will make a beautiful natural art piece for the Mini-Park.”

Post 100 Legionnaire and Hall of Fame Banquet host Jerry Hudson prepares to introduce the members who were honored at the Legion’s Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, May 6.

(photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

■ POLICE

ARRESTS

5-3: Ronnie Douglas Costner, 34, Streets of Cherryville; two counts misdemeanor B&E; and one count each misdemeanor simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. $1,000 secured bond.

5-4: Jessie Lee Ullom, 42, 704 North Dr., Cherryville; one count misdemeanor child abuse. $5,000 unsecured bond.

5-4: Dana Marie Merriam, 41, 118 Angle St., Cherryville, was arrested at 425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, by GCPD officers on one count of an OFA (contempt of court/perjury/court violation).

5-6: Brandy Michelle Patterson, 41, 608 North Dr., Cherryville, was arrested at this same address by GCPD officers on one count of resisting arrest or escaping from custody, and one count of an OFA (contempt of court/perjury/court violation).

5-6: Shannon Ray Royal, 42, 111 Pruitt Rd., Cherryville, was arrested at 109 Pruitt Rd., Cherryville, by GCPD officers on one count of simple assault.

5-7: Colt Dean Mathis, 31, 317 E. Sixth St., Cherryville, was arrested by GCPD officers at Black Rd., and Lee Black Rd., Cherryville, on one count of an OFA (contempt of court/ perjury/court violation).

5-8: Jeffery Burton Lowery, 22, 809 Sugar Hill Rd., Cherryville, was arrested at 131 Evans Lake Rd., Gaston County, by GCPD officers on one count each of a drug equipment violation, and a drug/narcotic violation.

INCIDENTS

4-26: Cherryville business reports listed suspect trying to obtain property (TV) by false pretenses. Suspect tried to return wrong item for money. Case status listed as “active” and under further investigation.

5-1: Cherryville man reports false pretenses/ swindle/con game by listed car rental (Toro Car Rentals) who committed fraudulent activity on his cards (GO2 Bank Debit card and Walmart debit card). Est.

amount stolen: $963.95). Case is active and under further investigation.

5-2: Cherryville woman and Cherryville apartments report burglary/B&E and larceny after B&E by listed suspect who broke into listed residence. Possible damages to a door frame and $15,000 thick chain necklace stolen. Case is active and under further investigation.

5-2: Cherryville credit union reports listed suspect trying to obtain property by false pretenses; uttering forged instrument; and possessing stolen goods. Counterfeited/forged, and stolen: check (no amount listed); and four non-negotiable instruments. Case is active and under further investigation.

5-3: CPD officer reports simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia by listed suspect who possessed a narcotic and drug paraphernalia. Seized: 0.5 dosage units of Hydrocodone; one spoon w/residue; one syringe; and three cotton ball pieces. Closed/cleared by arrest.

5-3: CPD officer reports call for service re: a lost wallet being found w/narcotics. Seized: 1.00 gram of methamphetamine; $15 (money); and assorted financial, debit, credit, insurance, SS, and other cards, along w/wallet. Case is active.

5-4: Cherryville man reports unknown suspect trying to obtain property by false pretenses and ID theft by accessing victim’s financial records. Stolen: $10 and identity (intangible). Case is active and under further investigation.

5-5: Cherryville man reports call for service (CFS) as an unknown suspect shot his dog. Case is listed as inactive.

5-5: Cherryville man reports call for service (CFS) due to subject’s overdose. Case status listed as inactive. No other injuries reported.

5-5: Two Cherryville women and one Kings Mountain man report simple assault at a Cherryville gas and convenience mart. No injuries reported. Responding officer’s report states “…all parties in-

“Cooking Across Cultures”; Summer reading starting at Your CBL

by TRACI POLLITT Manager – Cherryville Branch Library

Coming up at your Cherryville Branch Library!

LEGO Club – Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m.

Family Storytime –Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Teen Anime Club –Thursday, May 18 at 4:30 p.m.

Chessmates – Monday, May 22 at 4:30 p.m.

CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY – Monday, May 29

The program is aimed at children ages 8 to 14, but those a bit younger or older are also welcome to attend, as are the caregivers of participants.

volved engaging in argument and assaulting one another.” Closed/cleared by other means.

5-5: GCPD officers report a new investigation into a larceny/all other incident at 1405 Shelby Hwy., Cherryville.

5-6: GCPD officers report closing/clearing by arrest a Resist Arrest or Escape from Custody incident at 608 North Dr., Cherryville.

5-6: GCPD officers report closing/clearing by arrest a simple assault at 109 Pruitt Rd., Cherryville.

5-8: GCPD officers report exceptionally closing/ clearing a disorderly conduct/disturbing the peace incident at 103 S. Chavis Dr., Cherryville.

WRECKS

5-6: A vehicle driven by Charles Steve Gantt, 82, 107 Mel Ln., Crouse, was parking in a Walmart parking space when it collided with a parked vehicle owned by Teresa Wells Moore, no age given, 3689 Cypress Dr., Little River, S.C. No injuries reported. Est. damages to the Gantt vehicle: $200; to the Moore vehicle: $500.

5-7: A vehicle driven by Albert Randolph Abernathy, 68, 200 Crown Creek Dr., Cherryville, and a motorcycle driven by John Allen Bowers, Jr., 61, 803 W. Church St., Cherryville, were involved in an accident at Westgate Dr., ad Mary’s Grove Road. The Bowers vehicle (motorcycle) was traveling west when the Abernathy vehicle pulled out from Westgate Dr., making a left turn. Mr. Bowers applied his brakes causing 47.7 feet of skid marks and then he laid the motorcycle on the ground causing a further 46 feet of gouge marks. No damage occurred to the Abernathy vehicle. Mr. Bowers, Jr. was treated at the scene by GEMS and was then transported to CaroMont Medical in Gastonia. Est. damages to the Abernathy vehicle: $0; to the Bowers motorcycle: $4,800.

We’re trying something a bit different this summer here at the Cherryville Public Library. You may recall that we’ve partnered several times with our friends at Gaston County Cooperative Extension, bringing various workshops and events to our adult patrons. We’re happy to announce that this summer we have an offering for the school-aged children in our community. Presented by Alyssa Smock, EFNEP Program Assistant, “Cooking Across Cultures” invites youth to come learn about nutrition and physical activity while experiencing food around the world. Sessions meet every Tuesday beginning June 13; the final wrap-up session will be Tuesday, July 25 (the library will be closed on Tuesday, July 4). Each session will begin at 11 a.m., and last for one hour. This is a free

What is EFNEP? It’s the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, offering free (income guidelines apply) nutrition classes to help families and youth cook healthy meals at home, be more active, save money on food costs, and handle food safely. In partnership with the Eat Smart Move More NC initiative, EFNEP Educators help families and youth adopt positive health behaviors. EFNEP is a program of Cooperative Extension through NC State University and NC A&T State University.

Summer reading starts at Your CBL in June!

“Cooking Across Cultures” looks to be a fun thing for people of all ages!

To learn about all the offerings we have this summer, stop in and pick up your 2023 Summer Reading Event brochure. One brochure for ALL events this year!

To register for this opportunity, you can call staff here at the Cherryville Branch Library, register online via the GCPL Calendar of Events, or contact Ms. Smock at (704) 922-2121. You can also email her at alyssa.smock@gastongov. com. The deadline for registration is Tuesday, June 6.

For more information about events, Summer Reading, library card information, and all other library-related questions, call us at (704) 769-8190, 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. All Together Now – WE LOVE LIBRARIES!

Hot Dog sale, church fundraiser is May 20

The Ladies Circle of Cherryville Missionary Methodist Church will have their annual Hot Dog Fundraiser on Saturday, May 20, starting at 10 a.m., in the new fel-

her book can be purchased in both stores or on Amazon, adding that any books purchased at Carpenter’s and Victoria Cole can be autographed by the her, if so desired by the book’s owner. Broome, who loves hats, noted, “The Derby hat embellishment was done by ‘All About Flowers’.”

ter in the book, and Lena Clark Copeland, after purchasing a book and getting it signed by the author, Sadie Allran

Cherryville High School senior Rileigh Kiser presented a check for $1,000 to June Laubinger of the Atrium Health Foundation. The donation is from the boys’ volleyball tournament that she organized in November 2022 to benefit Levine Children’s Hospital. (photo provided)

Mountain Street murals add even more “pop” to colorful Downtown

blossom

Progress continues as Cherryville’s image continues to artfully brighten and

by MICHAEL E. POWELL

Editor michael@cfmedia.info

For those folks in Cherryville who have been watching and keeping up with what is going on with the buildings and murals on Mountain Street, next door to the Cherryville Family YMCA, here’s the “scoop”.

According to Cherryville

Realtor Mrs. Vickie Spurling, a graphic artist from Statesville came into town a while back and did the designs on the walls. Mrs. Spurling said the artists’ name is Ron Dorsey, better known to all as “Paintbrush.”

To quell some of the rumors, Mrs. Spurling noted The Fish Box building being worked on is not named after her (Vickie’s) father, but is rather client Tracy Holsonback’s father.

“She will own The Fish Box,” noted Spurling, who added, “Her dad was Pete Heavner, and she is naming it Pete’s Fish Box.”

Spurling noted also, so far as building renovations ongoing on Mountain Street are concerned, “Inside the buildings on Mountain we are updating and have leased this space. They (the future owners)plan to have a boutique and an antique furniture store. The two-story building now painted blue may be offered to the museum. That will be

decided at a later date.”

(Editor’s note: It is not yet known what is going to happen with the museum. It will be late April – or later – before anyone knows.)

Mrs. Spurling did note that Mr. Patrick O’Leary’s Cherryville Main Street LLC does own these (Mountain Street) buildings, adding that he is updating them. She also noted that on the lower building below the mural they added more artwork for photo spots.

As for the artist, Spurling said, “I do not know where else he has painted. He is great with lettering. He has painted lettering on store fronts for years.”

Additionally, Spurling said they are also doing Phase 2 and 3 of the Cherryville Family YMCA, as well as work being done on the Fuzzy Cow yogurt shop on Main Street now under construction.

In April Mr. Patrick J. O’Leary noted via an email, that the color palette for their mural was selected by digitally extracting the colors from the visible Heritage Mural at 108/110 N. Mountain Street.

“This ensured color coordination and compatibility with the existing Heritage mural,” he noted, adding, “The design is by Erica de Flamand, principal of 'The Summer House’. We went through three rounds of design with Erica, Vickie Spurling and myself.” He continued, “We consulted with Gary Freeman, Artist and Adjunct Faculty at Gardner-Webb University and also a City Council Member, on sizing and location. The mural was unanimously approved by City Council

members and Mayor H.L. Beam, III, before work (actual) began.”

selected for the background is “Spacious Skies“, and the wall background was prepared and painted by Donald Alexander, A&A Painting, said Mr. O’Leary. the mural was Mr. Ron Dorsey who goes by 'Paintbrush’, or just 'Brush’.

Rainwater Furniture. It was noted the reason for the crowd in the old picture church Feed & Seed (203 N. Mountain St.) Mr. O’Leary per ad is how they dated the Lastly, he said the mural is on the wall – incidentally – that marks the start of The

The Cherryville Ice & Fuel sign painted on the inside wall of the building across the street from the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum. It was a pleasant surprise to find the old sign as crews worked on clearing the inside of the building a few months

One

It should be noted here that the wall previously had a sign advertising Rainwater Furniture. There is a March 12, 1955 photo showing the original newspaper ad for

The work on the wall murals is finished and now the work awaits the inside of the Mountain Street buildings. As of now, no timeframe has been announced on those yet.

CHS 1968

55th reunion is May 20

The 55th Year High School Reunion for CHS, Class of 1968 and friends will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. (Social Time), with dinner at 6:30 to 7 p.m., at the American Legion Post, 215 N. Pink St., Cherryville, NC, 28021. The cost is $25 per person. Please send money to confirm attendance by May 1, 2023. Make checks payable to: CHS Class of 1968, and mail to: Libby Brackett, 108 S. Rudisill St., Cherryville, NC, 28021. For questions, please call Mr. Glenn Burgess at (704) 435-5278, or Mrs. Libby Brackett at (704) 435-3368.

The group of buildings located on Mountain Street which are next up for work as part of the Downtown district’s “reno” work, stretching from Main Street around to Mountain Street. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media or provided)

back.

Mural artist Mr. Ron “Paintbrush” Dorsey, taking a minute this past March from working on the Cherryville mural on the north side of the three Mountain Street buildings, next to the new Cherryville Family YMCA’s parking lot.

A graphic of the Cherryville, North Carolina Downtown Historic District sign painted by muralist, Ron “Paintbrush” Dorsey.

of the many designs painted on the side of the north wall of the three Mountain Street buildings being renovated. The work was done by muralist, Mr. Ron Dorsey.

OPINION

Remembering my mother on her special day – redux…

Mother’s Day has come and gone and, as always, I seem to be (proverbially speaking) a day late and a dollar short of thanking all the right people…

My mother… where do I begin? Where does anyone begin when talking about the woman who gave them life?

Anyway… here goes…

By Michael Powell michael.cherryvilleeagle@gmail.com

My darling wife tells me she wishes she could have met my mother. I agree. I wish she could have too. Of course, she would then wonder how someone as selfish as me could come from such a sweet little lady as my mom, but that’s another story.

Alas, my memories of my mother are few; getting fewer the older I get. There are snippets I remember before her and my father’s untimely 1970 deaths, but only a few. See, while I should have been busy making memories with them and trying my best to remember all I could, I was too busy being self-absorbed; too busy being what I was… an only child and a spoiled little kid.

Thing is, I never saw

their demise coming. There was no way I could have – obviously. Were that possible I would have done anything within my power to savor each moment, or try to change fate or the future by stopping the wreck that killed them and almost killed me. I would have done literally anything to prolong the few years (15) I had with her and with him. That is, of course, a fantasy; the stuff of which novels are written and (maybe) movies and television shows are made. I have written in the past about my mom and dad, to honor them whenever their special days, or a birthday comes around. Truth is that’s the only way I can do it nowadays. I can’t pick up a phone and call them. Nor can

Love cares enough to try…

Hon-

esty is not always the easiest path but it’s usually the most loving path.

Glenn Mollette Guest Editorial

Let’s say you have a loved one or friend who is diabetic but they eat crazy stuff every day from pizza to cookies to soda pop without regard for personal health. Is it best for you to treat them to treats containing white flour and sugar every chance you can or to have a talk with them?

Of course, you run the risk of hurting feelings or making the person angry but chances are they are going to die sooner than they should. It’s best to try to save the person’s life by being honest. You don’t have to cut the person’s head off with a verbal assault or face slapping rhetoric.

Love doesn’t attack people. You shouldn’t get “preachy” because this runs most people away. Simply preface your remarks by saying, “I’m your friend. I care about you and your life. I want you to live a long time. However, if you don’t stop eating what you eat all the time you are probably going to shorten your life.” This could pertain to any negative activity or addiction.

Having serious con-

versations with people is not easy. We are all busy. We aren’t close enough to most people to be this direct. Plus, we really must care a lot about someone to be lovingly honest. We run the risk of the friendship becoming strained or evenly totally severed. The bottom line is do you care enough to be honest? Plus, don’t ever start making life recommendations to someone unless you truly love the person and are willing to help the individual work through the issues.

It’s easier to let people continue on their negative path to self-destruction. Fast food and unhealthy food items are unfortunately much more affordable. It’s not cheap to eat healthy.

It’s not cheap to be sick either. Medical bills can pile up quickly. Trips to the doctor are expensive. Diabetic medications are expensive. Kidney issues result in death for many Americans every year.

Funerals are expensive. Giving up a good friend or family member is life changing.

Disease happens to us all in some way. These bodies are very vulnerable to cancer, diabetes and so on.

Chances are you may have tried. Most likely you have talked your head off to someone you love but they continue in their negative behavior.

It seems many people under 50 can’t fathom

sickness or death. The consequences of their behavior seem remote or even impossible. Thus, they continue on their way.

Of course, we all have to look in the mirror. We all wrestle with our private and public demons. Most of us know we aren’t perfect and if we take a serious inventory of our lives and habits we realize we all come away short of perfection, this is especially true of me. I have lots of personal work to do and it’s all I can do to try to do my own daily diagnosis and repair work. This is why we don’t take the time to try to help others; we have enough problems of our own.

Therefore, this is why you have to really care a lot about someone to take the time to try to help the person.

If you had the gift of premonition and could keep someone from being killed in an accident you wouldn’t hesitate to speak with them about it. So, why, if you can help someone address personal issues/ addictions that might be deadly, wouldn’t you try?

Unfortunately, addictions and mental illnesses are issues that people seem to be afraid to address. If someone you love was inside a burning building, most of us would risk our own lives to rush in and save them.

Why is it so hard to risk hurt feelings to save a life?

I send them an email or Facetime with them. There is no Facebook in heaven. But that’s okay. I know where they are today. I know they are smiling down not only on me and my little slice of the Powell family, transplanted back into the state from which we originally came – North Carolina by way of Wales, Germany, and all those other countries of our past and origins (the European side, that is…).

Bottom line for all this sentimentalism?

Whoever is your family this Mother’s Day; whoever and/or wherever your mother is, call her, text her, Facetime with her, or, assuming you can do so, just walk out your door, get in your car and drive over and wish her a great

Mother’s Day, even if it after the fact. She’ll appreciate it no matter how she carries on.

How do I know this?

Because the one memory I do have of my mom’s reaction to me wishing her a happy Mother’s Day happened the year before she died. I drew her a goofy little, cartoony Mother’s Day card and gave it to her. She had this funny little way of touching her top lip with her tongue and tearing up when she was happy. That’s what she did when she saw it. That’s what I remember. That was her Mother’s Day gift to me. I treasure it still. I will never – CAN never; want to NEVER, EVER – forget it.

So, to all you mothers and “Mommy II’s” out there, here’s hoping

something special and loving you do or have done, however small, remains in your children’s memories for long, long years to come. Until time and times are done.

Also, a note here: I am blessed because I have a mother-in-law who is the greatest mother-in-law in the world.

I’m prejudiced; I admit it. She’s a treasure. She lives here in North Carolina so we get to see her every day and she gets to be here with her daughter, my dear wife.

So, to all you kids out there – old and young –always remember mom on her special day and beyond!

Remember her always – now and forever!

Someday, I promise you – you’ll be glad you did.

Remembering Mom after Mother’s Day

I know without a shadow of a doubt that my mother was one of the best mothers who ever lived. When I was just a little girl, I would tell her that she was “the best mom I ever had.” My two brothers, David and Doug, laughed at me as they were quick to remind me that she was our only mother. They didn’t bother me because I know what I meant.

By Anne S. Haynes

Mothers play such an important part in today’s world. They provide life and support and encouragement to children who may never receive it anywhere else. They work hard from morning until night at home and often times at a job outside the home.

My mother knew how important mothers were because she lost her own sweet mother after her mother died shortly after childbirth. I know it was such a sad time because my mother told me all about it when I was old enough to understand. As the oldest daughter in the family my mother took over the responsibility of her youngest brother, James until she married my dad a few years later. She still tried to check on him as much as possible.

It might seem strange to dwell on this topic since Mother’s Day has passed, but it’s never too early or late to honor our mothers. When I was young, I was always ask-

ing my mother to read stories to me. I loved to listen to her, and I cherished those special moments. She was never too tired or too busy to take care of her children.

Some of my friends had some great mothers too who got up very early and went to jobs so they could be home when their children arrived home from school. I always thought they were special in that way as well. They also worked with children at Shady Grove Baptist Church of Cherryville just like my mother did in the Beginner’s Class of fourand five-year-olds. I still hear people talking about that class and those special teachers.

My mother has been in heaven for many years, but she will always hold a very special place in my heart every day.

QUOTE: It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.

–Theodore Roosevelt

The counterfeit $100 dollar bill…

(Read: Genesis 3, 1 John 1 & 2, Romans 1 & 3 & 10, John 3 & 5 & 17, Jude 1, Psalm 51)

If Christianity were true, would you become a Christian? Depending on how a person answers that question it may give an indication of the state of one’s heart and soul on the issue of spirituality. If a person is unwilling to accept Christianity, even if it were true, then they may be in a rare state Biblically known as the unforgivable sin or the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Which is: a complete and utter rejection of the work of God. This spiritual condition is spoken about in the gospels by Jesus. It happens when a human attributes the work of God as if it were the devil’s work and ultimately rejects truth.

In Romans 1, Paul says that all humans can clearly see God’s Creatorship and that some humans exchange truth for their own lie which is: to freely live in sin. Living in such a state can eventually create a scenario where God ceases to convict mankind and gives man up to their reprobate mind – a state in which He no longer strives against the corrupt spirit of man. To be clear, all humans are bound to an eternity separated from God (hell) with or without committing the unforgivable sin. After all, this is exactly what humans want: to have nothing to do with God; that’s what He gives those who reject His free offer of pardon. The beautiful thing, however, is the good news that “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (like me!).” Faith is the substance of the

Take the job

(Part 3 of

“The Invitation” Series)

I had the opportunity to be a nursery director at a church that had about 150 children ages 0-4 years old in two Sunday services. They had gone through several directors in just a couple of months. Also, they had trouble recruiting and keeping volunteers. I was a parent volunteer with them, but I didn’t like the climate of the nursery and was thinking about moving to another department. However, someone told me that there was a position open to be the director and that I should apply for it. In my mind I was like no way I don’t want to deal with all of that, but God had a different plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

God’s Path

A few days later, I read one of Joyce Meyers’ books, and she stated that just because something is difficult doesn’t mean God doesn’t want you to do it. In fact, he may be leading you to it. As I reflected on what she said, in my head, I heard, “Take the job!” The Lord reminded me that he is always inviting his children to walk in faith and obedience. He promises to be with us and to empower us! Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT) “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Yes Lord!

I applied for the job, and they hired me to be the nursery director. It was one of the best experiences that I have ever had in a leadership position. We went from 23 volunteers to 70, and we went from one leader to a team of 5 leaders. Our nursery team prayed together, supported each other and fellowshipped outside of church. God blessed us and those little children who needed us, because I yielded to his will instead of my own. What is God asking you to do? Will you say yes? You never know whose life will be positively impacted because you said YES to the Lord.

PRAY THIS PRAYER:

“Father, I exalt your holy name. Your praise will continually be in my mouth. You have invited me to walk in faith, but sometimes I am afraid. Please forgive me for missed opportunities to do your will when it required a huge leap of faith. I didn’t do it, because of fear. I realize now that I was disobedient, and I ask you to forgive me. Lord, strengthen me and help me to trust you even when everything around me is screaming it’s going to be too difficult. I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit until I am overflowing with your Presence. May I walk in great faith and obedience in order to please you. 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.

things that we hope for and it’s the evidence of all that we do not see. So, repenting and placing your faith in Jesus Christ is not a feeling – it is a certainty that Jesus is Who he says He is, did what He says He has done, and He will do what He has promised to do. Faith quickens our dead spirit, births new life, seals our adoption, and unleashes the ferocious grace of God upon our lives. At that moment, a great exchange takes place. When you repent and accept the truth you forfeit your lie by accepting that Jesus exchanged His righteousness for your filthy rags.

The Bible says, at this moment of conversion, every believer is “sealed unto the day of redemption.” Jesus says we are passed from death to life. Not that we will be passed and not that we are passing, but that we have passed from death to life. Thus, the book of Jude reminds us to “contend” for this doctrine. Jude tells us that we are to keep ourselves in the love of God, knowing that it is God who keeps us. Jesus reminds

us how that we are lovingly kept in the mighty hand of God – by God. That He will in no, thinkable or unthinkable scenario, cast us out of His hand. Rather, “there is nothing that can separate us” from the love of God, and “there is therefore now no condemnation to those in Christ”. The good news of the preservation of our salvation is found throughout the Old and New Testaments. The same God Who has adopted us will not forfeit His adoption of us – we are His. We can be so certain of our salvation that we are to “comfort one another” with this assured hope. He is the propitiation for our sins, and sin’s wage has indeed been satisfied on the cross of Calvary, The payment itself is proven by the resurrection of Jesus like a receipt that proves you paid for your Lottaburger. And because He lives – you now live eternally too. So, let us “make our calling and election sure.” Let’s not question whether or not God can keep us, but whether or not we know God at all. Has the “truth set me

free?” Have I truly repented and placed my faith in the Biblical Christ or a god of man’s making? Oftentimes, the very folks who earnestly question their salvation are thereby proving that the Spirit of God truly dwells in them!

Still, sometimes, it seems to me, we Americans are prone to imagining a god of our own –like a jigsaw puzzle taken from TV shows, country music lyrics, and presidential speeches; a god of our own Greco-Roman, western making. Hermeneutics states that we understand the difficult passages of Scripture by filtering it through the clear passages (like the ones quoted in paraphrased above). The Bible cannot teach the preservation of salvation in some areas and the loss of salvation in others. After all, remember this: God does not lie, He stays the same, and He is not the author of confusion.

You see, if Christianity were a crisp $100 bill, is it possible you have grown content with a demonic copy or watered-down counterfeit? That is to say: a

Cherryville Area Places of Worship

lowercase “jesus” who was kind, wise, a carpenter Jew in the Middle East 2,000 years ago, a martyr at the hands of Rome and Pharisees – but could it be that your “jesus” allows you to come to him by moral obedience and yet live your life however you want as it seems good in your own eyes? My friend, this is not the God the Bible describes. We are to come to Jesus humbly by faith, acknowledging that we are sinners, and knowing that no act of obedience could save us. Then, we are to “keep ourselves in the love of God” by obedience not so that we would be saved, but because we are saved. We are to fear and tremble before a holy God who lovingly and graciously gave us His own Son so that we might live and thrive in His creation. The true gospel is this: that we “would know God and be known by God.”

So, do you know Him?

pray.

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

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

DANYALE PATTERSON

COUNCIL

From Page 1 National Day of Prayer; the proposed city budget discussions; about recognizing Mr. Donald Alexander’s 45 years of service to the city’s Little League programs (Mr. Alexander was given a proclamation at the previous week’s Little League opening day ceremonies); and he mentioned attending the American Legion Hall of Fame Banquet last week where long-time sports

announcer Danny Eaker and five others were honored with plaques by the Legion organization.

Council recognized three city employees for their years of service to the city; they were Denise Boyce (5 years);

CPD Patrol Officer Derek Thom (5 years); and Capt. Brian Doolittle (15 years).

Mayor Beam presented each of them with a certificate and thanked them for their hard work and selfless service to the City of Cherryville. In the “Citizens to be

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF JERRY WAYNE PALMER

Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Jerry Wayne Palmer, 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 at 106 North Cherry Street, Cherryville, North Carolina, on or before the 26th day of July, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 26th day of April, 2023.

Wilma June Palmer

Executrix

Counsel for the Estate: PALMER E. HUFFSTETLER, JR.

ATTORNEY AT LAW

106 North Cherry Street Cherryville, NC 28021

Telephone: 704-435-4907

CE (4/26, 5/03, 10 & 17/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK

In the Matter of the Estate of:

BILLY D. PARKER aka BILLY DAVIS PARKER, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 19th day of April, 2023 as Administratrix CTA of the Estate of Billy D. Parker aka Billy David Parker, deceased, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned Administratrix CTA on or before the 5th day of August, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This the 3rd day of May, 2023.

Joyce Bundy, Admin CTA

819 Dallas/Bessemer City Highway Dallas, NC 28034

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr, CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS

P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086

CE (5/3, 5/10, 5/17 & 5/24/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE OF EXECUTOR

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the estate of Lorine Williams Cathey deceased, late of Gaston County, hereby notifies all persons having claims against this estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 13th of August, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to this estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 10th day of May, 2023.

Harry Vernon Cathey, Jr., Executor

Penelope Cathey, Executor

Estate of Lorine Williams Cathey

c/o John H. Griffing

Griffing Leazer, PLLC

Attorneys for Estate

S. New Hope Road

518

Gastonia, NC 28054

CE (5/10, 17, 24 & 31/2023)

Heard” section of the agenda, Mrs. Pat Sherrill, of the Cherryville Historical Museum, took the podium and thanked the city for all they have done, and continue to do, for the museum. She gave the following update: “Our board is getting more organized. Our president, Al Putnam, and our vice-president, Linda Barger, are both doing a good job.” Mention was made also of three-year term limits on the board with people rotating on and off the board as they are supposed to. Mrs. Sherrill noted again how all those council members and city staff, past and present, who have all done a great deal for the museum, adding, “We can learn from our mistakes.”

Sherrill noted the museum is in the process of doing a fund raiser and doing a book on “Granny,” the 1922 LaFrance fire truck currently housed in the museum.

At the heart of this month’s agenda however, was the ongoing issue of the Piedmont Lithium ETJ situation and a number of concerned citizens were present to speak their minds on it. Before that though, Planning and Zoning Director Alex Blackburn told council his department had “nothing

new to add (to the topic) from the previous meetings.”

Mayor Beam inquired if he or any of the staff have heard from other municipalities in the area as to what they are doing or have done in the past concerning their ETJ’s, to which Mr. Blackburn noted there is a bill in the works for all ETJs to be eventually relinquished by July 2025.

Those citizens who came forward to speak primarily voiced concerns, as they have done in the past to the council, about their well water and its drinkability once mining work begins; about traffic increases and/or clogging in the area and along area roads (with heavy equipment and trucks moving around said roads); any sort of possible county takeovers of property and such; what might happen traffic-wise should there be any sort of train issues or derailments there; and general health and safety concerns for the citizens living in the area impacted by the mine’s eventual opening and ongoing operations.

A couple citizens asked the council if they planned to “listen to your citizens’ complaints”, or if a decision has already been made. Council was reminded by the concerned citizens who spoke

that zoning regulations were put in place by cities and municipalities “to protect the citizens” from any sort of harm caused by a city’s actions.

“The ETJ’s purpose is to protect us,” noted citizen Michael Canipe, of Crouse, who noted he had worked in the mining industry for 16 years.

City councilman Jon Abernathy read from a prepared statement about the relinquishment noting that the city currently “… does not have an ordinance that would address the proposed use (of the ETJ) in a manner such as Gaston County. If the subject parcels are not relinquished this would create two separate oversite jurisdictions for the same use that not prove a seamless alignment.”

Farther down in the statement it is noted, “The decision to relinquish the five parcels in the Cherryville ETJ is not a decision of approval or denial of the aforementioned project. It is rather simply a decision to put the most stringent requirements in place covering the entirety of the project (should it be approved by the Gaston County Board of Commission in the future).

In closing, Councilmember Abernathy read, “Based on all the above (of the entire ma-

terial read at the meeting), the Cherryville City Council feels it is in the best interest of citizens and the City of Cherryville to relinquish these (5) parcels located in our ETJ to Gaston County.”

City Manager Dalton stressed to the Eagle afterwards that council did not approve or disapprove the project, adding that Gaston County will now make the decision to either rezone or issue a special use permit to Piedmont Lithium. Council then voted to unanimously relinquish these five parcels located in the ETJ to Gaston County.

Cit Manager Dalton said, “Gaston County will eventually decide whether to grant a rezoning and special use permit or not for the project.”

Council also discussed amending the city ordinance approving alcohol sales for Third Thursday events. The unanimously approved said sales. Council also set a date of June 12, 2023 as a public hearing sate to hear about the proposed 2023-2024 city budget.

After further discussion about the upcoming Memorial Day parade and some discussion about how the Westgate Park renovation was coming along, council voted to adjourn.

Mayor Beam also shakes the hand of another five-year city employee, Patrol Officer Derek Thom, of the Cherryville Police Department. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

Cherryville Police Department Captain Brian Doolittle with Mayor H.L. Beam, III. Captain Doolittle holds his 15-year certificate celebrating his 15 years with the City of Cherryville.

Cherryville Historical Museum Director Mrs. Pat Sherrill speaks to the council at the Monday night, May 8 regular session.

Baseball Ironmen defeat Mtn. Island; S. Stanley in playoff games

Took on Union Academy Cards on Tuesday, May 16

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

In last week’s playoff games held at Fraley Field on Tuesday, May 9, and Friday, May 12, the CHS Ironmen baseball squad won their games against a couple of good clubs in the Mountain Island Charter Raptors and the South Stanley Rebel Bulls by scores of 6-1, and 6-1.

In the game against the Raptors the winning pitcher was Eli Newsome, who struck out 11 Raptor batters and walked only one. The Ironmen got their six runs off of six hits in this matchup.

Hitters for Coach Heavner’s crew were Landon Hahn (1-4); Kanon Willis (2-2, hit by a pitch); Bryson Withers (1-2, a walk); Will Fowler (3-4, an RBI, and a walk); Will Heavner (2-3, a walk, and hit by a pitch); Tobias Miller (3-3, a double, 3 RBIs, and a walk); Collin Huss (2-3, an RBI, and put on base);

an RBI); and Chase Miller (1-3, a walk).

In the game on Friday, May 12, against the visiting Rebel Bulls of South Stanley, the Ironmen pitching game was started off by Brayden Reynolds, who struck out six and walked two. He was followed on the mound by Chase Miller, who struck out one and walked one.

Hitters for the Ironmen in this one were Hahn (4-4, scored on a wild pitch); Collin Robinson (2-4); Willis (hit by a pitch); Fowler

W. Heavner (an RBI); T. Miller (walked twice); Huss (2-3, a walk); and C. Miller (2-3, a walk, and scored on a wild pitch).

The Ironmen rapped out eight hits in this one to get their six runs.

They played the Union Academy Cardinals on Tuesday, May 16.

(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell

JCMS baseball boys win county baseball championship

On Tuesday, May 9, John Chavis Middle School’s Wolverines baseball squad took the county championship title with a 2-0 win over Stanley. It was the school’s county-record, 10th overall title.

Head coach Tony Owens said his Wolverines were the No. 3 seed in a season that saw no team go unbeaten in the 10-game regular season. He noted that the number one seed (Belmont) and the

number two seed (Cramerton) were knocked off in the postseason semifinals.

Pitcher Parker Anderson had a one-hitter with 13 strikeouts for the 10-2 Wolverines, helping himself at

the plate with two hits. Others having hits for the JCMS team were Kenan Fowler and Jackson Heavner. The team has won nine county championships, the most recent being in 2015.

Ironman pitcher Brayden Reynolds winds up to sling one toward the South Stanley batter in last week’s playoffs at Fraley Field. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

CHS’ Collin Robinson sets up to lay down a bunt.

CHS batter Will Fowler lines up a shot at the Ironmen/Rebel Bulls playoff matchup last week at Fraley Field.

CHS Ironman Landon Hahn comes into home for the score.

Ironman batter Will Heavner fouls one off into the dirt at home plate.

The John Chavis Middle School Wolverines championship baseball team and their coaches at Fraley Field on Tuesday, May 9.

(photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

located at 104 Oliver Ave. (behind El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Boiling Springs), Shelby 704-297-0102 or 704-297-0103

EMPLOYMENT

LOCAL CDL DRIVERS

NEEDED. Home everyday full or part time, 2 years experience, clean driving record, 53’ trailers, excellent pay and benefits. Apply in person at Cyclone Trucking, Inc. Cherryville, NC. 704-530-7489, (704) 236-4095

NEEDING A CLASS A CDL

DRIVER Hauling scrap metal. Apply in person at Auto Parts

U Pull & Scrap Metal of Shelby, 1025 County Home Road, Shelby, NC 28152. 704-472-4666

LAUNDROMAT ATTENDANT

PART TIME. 10AM-3PM

Keeping the laundromat clean and tidy, including but not limited to mopping floors, cleaning washers and dryers, cleaning tables, cleaning restrooms, and doing wash dry fold for customers who wants this service. The candidate needs to be responsible and require minimum supervision to perform the duties, be prompt, and enjoy working with people. Please apply at www. mountainwashlaundryshelbync.com under “APPLY FOR EMPLOYMENT”. mantendra la lavandería limpia y ordenada, lo que incluye, entre otros, trapear pisos, limpiar lavadoras y secadoras, limpiar mesas, limpiar baños y lavar y secar para los clientes que desean este servicio. El candidato debe ser responsable y requerir una supervisión mínima para desempeñar sus funciones, ser rápido y disfrutar trabajando con personas. Favor solicite en www. mountainwashlaundryshelbync.com bajo “SOLICITUD DE EMPLEO”. laundryhelp@ carolina.rr.com

NEED SOMEONE TO HELP

BORE WELLS and install pumps.

General knowledge of hand tools. Will train if willing to learn. Call to text Tony, 704-740-6604.

ONE ON ONE CARE, INC. Is hiring for Day Program Activity Coordinator. Includes some transport. Mon- Fri- 7am-3pm Also hiring for 2nd and 3rd shifts in the Residential homes, rotating schedule. Off every other weekend. If interested, apply at 203 Lee St. Shelby, NC 28150

PIANO/ORGAN PLAYER. New Salem Church of Shelby needs piano/organ player 9:30am to 10:30am Sunday mornings for non-denominational church.

Play 3 hymns and opening and closing music (chosen by church). For info call James at 704-482-6319 (704) 482-6319 jamesejohnson10@yahoo.com

NOW HIRING LANDSCAP-

ERS FOR FULL TIME YEAR

ROUND EMPLOYMENT. Must have valid driver’s license and transportation. Over time available. (704) 473-0341

BUSINESS SERVICES

D&S LAWN CARE. Give me a call for all your lawn care needs. Mowing, trimming, edging, mulch, bush hogging. 828582-0314.

CLEVELAND COUNTY GA-

RAGE 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.

JAMES BALLARD PAINTING

SERVICE. Paint Kitchen Cabinets, Stain Decks, Outside

Painting. Pre-estimated price.

References available. 828-4297511, 828-429-3743. Ask for James. (828) 287-9272 jballard591@gmail.com

WILL CLEAN HOUSES AND BUSINESSES. Reasonable rates. Call or text me at 704419-9016 or email me at sgacsa@aol.com (704) 419-9016

RETIRED GENERAL CONTRACTOR available for deck repairs and small repairs. Stairs, deck and porch railings, etc. Call Bob 828-476-6058. (828) 476-6058

SURGE PRESSURE WASHING, INC. House washing starting @$99. surgepwinc.com (704) 284-9292

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

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

YARD SALES CLEVELAND COUNTY

UNIQUE YARD SALE.

FOR SALE

SHIPPING CRATE $35.00. I have wood shipping crates for sale with lids. 3 different sizes I can send pictures of them. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@ bellsouth.net

16’ HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT TRAILER. New floors, lights & wiring. $1500. Call for more info. (704) 751-7312

GASTON MEMORIAL PARK.

2 cemetery plots in Garden of Four Seasons. A prestigious plot. Reduced $2000. Call Johnny (704) 867-5834

NEW KOBOLT PUSH MOWER. PAID $350, asking $200. Used 1 time. Set of industrial aluminum auto ramps. Paid $500, asking $200. (704) 6007614

JOHN DEERE RIDING MOWER. 22hp, twin cyl., 42” cut. Like new, 1 year old, only 42 hours. (828) 302-5177

TOOLS FOR SALE 506 College Ave, Shelby, NC .Sat., May 13th. 7 am - Until. Don’t Wait!

LOTS OF ITEMS: Baby strollers, lots of kids toys, Power Wheels, bikes, etc. Also 2 free cats. Call 828-200-7441. 60-90% OFF NEW STILL IN BOX MERCHANDISE. Household, decorative, kitchen, children’s, jewelry and toys at former BJ’s Gift Shop. Call and leave message for appointment. 704-300-3050

FOR SALE

SONOTUBE. Sonotube for concrete forms. 18 inch diameter by 72 inches long. Pictures available. (704) 418-5779 LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT for sale. Call 704-571-8213 for more information.

OAK END TABLES 3 PIECE SET. EXCELLENT CONDITION (828) 429-9172 DTWEBB63@ GMAIL.COM

CUB CADET 1554. Mower runs, deck needs work. $200. Also 2002 Chevy Blazer $2000. 980-341-9491.

WINSTON CIGARETTES ELECTRIC CLOCK. Call or text: (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

FREEZER Upright White-Westinghouse. Nice only $60! (828) 429-9172 dtwebb63@gmail.com

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 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

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 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

FOR SALE

TRAILERS, LAWNMOWER TRAILERS, Flatbed Trailers, Enclosed Trailers, Horse and Cattle Trailers, Saddlery. Check our prices

before you buy. Bridges Riding Equipment. Boiling Springs, NC. 704-434-6389, (704) 473-0867

TWIN FIRM MATTRESS Like New! Two sided. 704-6928845.

STANDING TIMBER 3 to 4 acres of standing timber for sale. Mainly consists of Oak, Poplar and Pine. Trees are 70 years old, very tall. Located Cleveland Avenue near Buffalo Creek. Call Billy Greene to come take a look. 704-472 5444. (704) 472-5444 billyrgreene@gmail.com

2 CEMETERY PLOTS at Cleveland Memorial Park. $1000/ea. 828-755-1578.

USED CAMPER TOPS: BUY/ SALE/TRADE. Various sizes and styles. 828-980-0788 or 828-286-8674. DISCOUNT APPLIANCES Refrigerators, washers, dyers and stoves. 704-477-4766. 1205 Earl Road, Shelby, NC. (704) 477-4766

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.

15’X30’X54” OVAL ABOVE GROUND POOL. Complete with pump, filter and Skimmer. 1 left. $5,900. KM Pools, 704739-1000

WANT TO BUY

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

CASH FOR YOUR CAR. Running or not, title or no title. Call Charles Dellinger at Red Road Towing. 704-6926767, (704) 487-0228

FARM & GARDEN SQUARE BALES OF GRASS HAY. $5.00 a bale infield. Will help Load. Call soon for baling date. 704-482-6010 or 704300-2502.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

CKC GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. 5 girls, 1 boy. Ready to go. Dewormed and first shots. Parents on site. $350 each. Call or text 704418-2934 (704) 418-2934 AKC LAB PUPS FOR SALE. AKC registered labs. Sir is also HRCH titled champion. Great parents with great bloodlines. Will be great hunting labs or a wonderful house pet. Looking for their forever homes. Call Tommy @ 980429-0873 for all info or pictures. (980) 429-0873 wyantfarms1@icloud.com

AKC/CKC REGISTERED BOXER PUPPIES. Total price $500 READY TO GO! 3rd shots and 3rd deworming. Call/txt for more info 1/M 2/F Location: Shelby, NC (704) 477-3900 wbmanning33@gmail.com

ANTIQUES

ANTIQUES & MORE. MOTH-

ER’S DAY SPECIALS, 30% Off-Glassware, China, Lamps. 20% Off- Furniture, Pictures, and Mirrors. 4135 Fallston Road, Thursday, Friday & Saturday. 10 am-5 pm.

FOR SALE

LARGE PRIDE HD. $895.00. 400lb capacity, 22” wide seat, delivered, warranty. Over $1500 in new parts, good batts. Call Scooterman John (704) 951-4224 mobilityservices07@ gmail.com

PLANTS FOR SALE. Hosta, Daylily, Iris, Yellow Bells, Crape Myrtle, Blooming Cherry Trees. 206 Woodburn Drive, Forest City. 828-245-0245.

MEN’S BRAND NEW Cruiser Bicycle. $100. Must sell. 828782-7221.

FOR SALE RAINBOW VAC-

UUM. PURCHASED IN 2008 FOR $2000 USED VERY LITTLE SO IN GREAT CONDITION INCLUDES ALL ATTACHMENTS ASKING $900 CASH. (828) 287-3412 TEDDYBEAR93_890@YAHOO.COM

4-HANKOOK DYNAPRO ALL TERRAIN TIRES. 285/70/17 10-ply with 11/32 tread. Had 15/32 tread new. Never been off road. Roughly 30-40 thousand miles tread left. Asking $500.00 (704) 718-9122 scubasteve258@carolina.rr.com

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

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

I PAY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Up to $10 per 100ct. Must be Unused, Unexpired. I’m local and pay fast. (828) 577-4197

WANTED: OLD AND NEW AMMO. Reloading supplies. Call 828-245-6756 or cell # 828-289-1488.

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BLUEPRINT

From Page 1 recommendations and organizational partners. Over a dozen state and national groups contributed to the report, such as Democracy N.C., the League of Women Voters of N.C., the N.C. Black Alliance and N.C. Budget & Tax Center. Kromm, who also directs the nonprofit N.C. Voters for Clean Elections, says a new version was needed in response to the country’s rapidly changing electoral landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted how many voters cast their ballots, she said, placing more importance on early voting and voting by mail. Election disinformation and threats against election officials are also on the rise, she added, as exemplified by the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the U.S. Capitol.

A closer look at the blueprint Barber and Kromm organized the report’s recommendations by topic, not importance, and they are reluctant to prioritize any given proposal as the most critical for North Carolina.

“I believe that they all need to be done,” Kromm said. “We can’t do bits and pieces of [the blueprint] and think that we’ve actually accomplished something; we need a kind of writ-large overhaul of democracy.”

Some parts of the blueprint are likely to move forward more quickly than others, said Kromm, especially in an N.C. General Assembly deeply divided along party lines. Republicans control both chambers of the legislature, and while Democrats have filed bills that would enact many of the report’s recommendations, the Republican Party has the power to keep those proposals from being considered.

Kromm suggested that several provisions could gain bipartisan support. She pointed to elements in the Safeguard Fair Elections Act, proposed in the legislature as Senate Bill 313, that would protect the per-

CLASSIFIEDS CONT’D

FROM PAGE 8

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sonal information of election officials. Other parts of the act would spend more state funds on security training and threat monitoring for the N.C. Board of Elections. The blueprint notes that Wake County election officials have experienced stalking and harassment, while the NCBOE itself has received threatening emails. Barber said another recommendation that’s gathering bipartisan momentum is a constitutional amendment to repeal the state’s voting literacy test. Election officials selectively enforced this test during the Jim Crow era as a reason to refuse voter registration to Black residents. The federal Voting Rights Act made the test illegal in 1965, but advocates still want it removed from the constitution as a gesture of acknowledging past racial injustice.

Eliminating the literacy test would be a symbolic win for voters of color, but it wouldn’t change anything about how they actually vote. Marcus Bass, deputy director of the N.C. Black Alliance and a contributor to the report, sent an email to Carolina Public Press, with other recommendations that would have a more tangible impact on the democratic process.

“Automatic voter registration, voter enfranchisement of formerly incarcerated people,

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resources for local elections, fair redistricting through independent committee and nonpartisan judicial elections are arguably the strongest measures that could bring all residents to closer political parity,” Bass told CPP via email. “Implementation of these measures alone would ensure access to the ballot for hundreds of thousands of [Black, Indigenous and people of color] voters regardless of party affiliation.”

Even changes that would perhaps benefit lawmakers aren’t likely to make progress. For example, the blueprint recommends that North Carolina raise its pay for legislators – currently under $14,000 per year, one of the lowest rates in the country – to make it easier for younger, less well-off people to serve in the General Assembly. But Kromm said that House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Kings Mountain, has entirely ruled out this proposal.

“We’ve seen legislators drop out and choose not to run again because it’s just not financially feasible,” Kromm said. “You can either be wealthy or you can be retired to be a legislator, and that really skews what kind of issues are taken up and decided upon in the legislature.”

wDemocracy in a divided legislature

Kromm said that achieving all the blueprint’s goals will be

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a long-term effort. This is especially the case given the makeup of the GA. After N.C. Rep. Tricia Cotham of Mint Hill announced April 5 that she would leave the Democratic Party and join the Republicans, the GOP now holds a supermajority in both the House and Senate. That means Republicans can potentially override vetoes by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper through a party-line vote without any support from their Democratic colleagues.

“We haven’t gotten a good response,” Kromm said about efforts by the report’s backers to connect with Republicans on issues of democracy reform. Instead, she said, GOP lawmakers are proposing changes that would make it more difficult to cast a ballot. House Bill 303, for example, would reduce the state’s number of early voting days, while House Bill 304 would eliminate the three-day “grace period” for county boards of elections to accept mailed ballots after Election Day.

CPP reached out to the primary sponsors of both bills: Reps. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City; George Cleveland, R-Jacksonville; Ted Davis, R-Wilmington; Chris Humphrey, R-Kinston; and Harry Warren, R-Salisbury. None responded to multiple requests for comment about their reasons for supporting the changes.

Chris Cooper, a professor of political science at Western Carolina University, said Republicans generally frame their proposals as matters of election security. “We need to make it harder to vote, to make sure that only the people who should [be voting] are voting,” he explained as the GOP stance. Democrats, he continued, emphasize the importance of voting access and say concerns over fraud are overblown.

Partisan disagreement over how democracy runs is a relatively new phenomenon in North Carolina, said Cooper. Experts have recognized the state for well-managed elections since at

least 1949, when political scientist V.O. Key Jr. praised North Carolina in his “Southern Politics in State and Nation.” The state’s leaders, Cooper adds, were among the first to adopt practices like same-day registration for early voting.

Former Republican President Donald Trump’s rhetoric about elections and voting has contributed to the shift in attitudes about America’s democratic process, Cooper said. Cooper used the example of mail-in ballots, which prior to Trump had been used more by Republicans than Democrats in North Carolina. That changed after Trump cast doubt on the security and legitimacy of voting by mail in 2020.

“[Mail-in voting] became polarized partially because Donald Trump told people that it should be polarized,” Cooper said. “So you had Republican leaders calling in question things that before were just the normal course of doing business.”

By making election administration another topic of partisan debate at the national level, Trump made it nearly impossible for state lawmakers to pursue common ground, said N.C. Sen. Julie Mayfield, D-Asheville. She’s a primary sponsor of SB313, the Safeguard Fair Elections Act. Mayfield said Republicans haven’t responded to the bill.

“I put this in the category of issues that we, as Democrats and Republicans, are not allowed to publicly agree on,” Mayfield said. “They have to go to their extreme or semi-extreme place, and our job is to say no to that.

“Everything is caught up in a bigger, partisan political conversation, and it sadly prevents any level of real conversation and real problem-solving on these issues,” she said.

A long path toward change

In light of the current political climate, Bob Phillips said, it’s best to consider the report as an “aspirational blueprint” for change. He’s the executive director of Common Cause N.C., one of the state’s leading gov-

MOTORCYCLES & ATVS

ernment affairs nonprofits and a partner on the report.

Phillips said the blueprint can serve as a key educational tool for Common Cause and other advocates as they hold events and interact with the general public. Its explanation of different reforms, he suggests, will move conversations beyond quick partisan responses toward more thoughtful ways to strengthen democracy.

“What is our ultimate goal?

It should be to enhance and increase voter participation,” Phillips said. “It’s about helping people understand that these attacks on our democracy, particularly with regards to how the maps are drawn and what voting laws we have, are a danger to us all, not just a particular party.” Although progress in the legislature may be hard as Democrats and Republicans continue to disagree, people are talking about the basics of how democracy works in ways they weren’t talking before, said Kromm. For those who want to be better informed in their conversations, the blueprint can give good background on topics like voter registration list maintenance and election audits – subjects that were once niche but are now part of mainstream political discourse.

As people learn more, Kromm said, they’ll eventually demand reform. “These issues, historically, were ivory-tower issues. They weren’t accessible to a broad base of the public,” she said. “[The blueprint] is about educating the people of North Carolina to actually advocate for these issues so that the winds do change.”

(“Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy,” a report released in February by the Institute for Southern Studies and N.C. Voters for Clean Elections, lays out a path to make North Carolina a national leader in voter access and election administration. But many of its ideas face challenges in the state’s current political environment.)

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A variety of social concern groups hosted “A People’s Rally” at the state Capitol on March 14. The rally focused on concerns over voters’ rights and redistricting as well as a number of other talking points ranging from abortion to race relations.

(photo: Melissa Sue Gerrits/Carolina Public Press)

in the North Carolina City & County Communicators (NC3C) 2023 Excellence in Communications Awards last week in Wilmington. Gaston County collected a state-best six awards, including three first places.

The awards were announced May 4, during NC3C’s annual conference. All 144 award program entries were judged by professional communications peers from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators.

“To win an award in this field of outstanding commu-

congratulations to those working so hard to reach their communities in creative and effective ways.”

Gaston County won first place awards for a public service announcement on tips to protect your vehicles from break-ins; for a photography series partnership between the Gaston County Museum of Art & History and the Animal Care & Enforcement Shelter entitled “Curators, Cats & Canines”; and for the weekly podcast, “Savvy Citizen”.

“Savvy Citizen” started in the fall of 2020 as joint effort between the Communications

county government, but also broader entertainment and cultural topics of importance to the community. The show is hosted by Budget & Strategy Director Janet Schafer, Communications Director Adam Gaub, and Budget Analyst Elizabeth McGee, the latter of whom judges raved about as having “…a voice that contends with expert podcasters.” One judge also wrote that the quality of the show rivals that which is produced in the private sector, noting, “I had to remind myself that it was produced (by) government. This is a lot of

work, and it’s so well done.”

“Savvy Citizen” is available for streaming and download on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and many other streaming platforms, along with being online at SavvyCitizen.Podbean.com.

The PSA was a collaboration between the Communications Office and the Gaston County Police Department. Starring Officer Chad Owens and Sgt. Ronnie Parsons, the short video takes a lighthearted approach to providing three basic tips on how residents can better protect their vehicles. One judge called it “…a great PSA about something simple, but in a humorous enough way for folks to keep thinking about it.”

The Curator, Cats and Canines photos are taken and edited by Digital Media Specialist Joshua Braswell. The monthly program highlights adoptable animals by bringing them to the Gaston County Museum of Art and History for unique photo shoots. The program has seen a 100 percent success rate in that all of the animals featured have been adopted.

Judges praised the photos and called the idea for the campaign “genius marketing.”

Gaston County also won second place awards for a video produced with the Tax Office letting residents know how tonavigate the appeals process for property revaluations; the Communications

Office’s news update video series ‘Eye on Gaston’; and for its monthly employee newsletter, ‘Gaston County Close Up,’ which is edited and produced by Deputy Communications Director Dandria Bradley.

About NC3C

The purpose of North Carolina City & County Communicators is to encourage professional development and networking among local governmental communications professionals. The organization was formed in March 2007, and consists of professional government communicators from around the state. For more information about NC3C, visit www.nc3c.com.

HALL

From Page 1 baseball coach of the Gardner-Webb University Bulldogs, and a former CHS and Post 100 baseball player.

Beam noted the AL’s HoF was instituted in 1967, adding there were then 257 members.

“There will be six more added after tonight,” he said.

Mr. Hudson took the podium and thanked Legion Auxiliary member and current Cherryville city councilwoman, Jill Parker Puett for help, saying, “I couldn’t have done this without her.” He also thanked current Post 100 Legion Commander Mike Robinson and other Legion dignitaries in the audience.

Said Hudson, “These inductees all had goals they strived for and they are all well deserving of this honor.”

Stroupe is the all-time winningest coach at GWU, noted Ned Yates, who introduced the guest speaker.

Yates also noted Rusty, a Cherryville native son, chalked up 430 wins as the head Bulldog at GWU.

Stroupe said the best day of his life was Aug. 16, 1981, when their team won the NC state title by defeating Snow Hill in a 4-0 best-of-seven series.

When it came Eaker’s time to be inducted (he was third down in the lineup), his son, Allen, did so by telling a couple of humorous anecdotes from his mom, Judie, who said their summer vacations were always at the ball park. Allen added he didn’t think his mom and dad would have had it any other way as

“…they both love baseball so much.” Allen said his father is his hero.

It was noted that Danny took over the announcing job at Fraley Field after long-time announcer Ronald “Scoop” Kiser stopped in 1987. His radio career came later, he said, as his own career began “…right next door in 1953.”

Eaker said in his introduction that the greatest thing he ever learned in the business of announcing is to “…do it right and don’t take shortcuts.”

He continued, “I want to

say thanks to my family and my wife of almost 59 years, Judie. She is a trouper! I am so proud to be involved in American Legion baseball. Thank you for having this faith in me.”

Eaker spoke about he and his wife being ambassadors and has informed him that he is not going to retire.

Eaker concluded by looking to his wife in the audience, holding up his plaque and saying, “Judie, this belongs to you also. I love you so much!”

City’s Main Street Program scores eighth consecutive national accreditation

Main Street America recognizes program for high quality

According to Downtown Director David Day, Cherryville’s Main Street Program (CMSP) has been recognized by Main Street America as one of North Carolina’s top tier programs for the eighth year in a row. Day noted only about half of eligible programs win the coveted designation. Once again, Cherryville’s program met rigorous standards including: maintaining a strong organizational structure, maintaining public and private partnerships, tracking progress, and preserving historic buildings.

The designation comes just weeks after the grand reopening of Cherryville’s Main Street and in the midst of tremendous progress in revitalizing multiple buildings in the city’s Central

Business District.

“We owe this honor and our progress to our volunteers, city leaders, and entrepreneurs,” said David Day Cherryville’s Downtown Director. “For years, they’ve worked tirelessly together to revitalize our downtown.”

Day continued, “At any one time, we have about 35 community volunteers working on our team. They all do a great job.”

Cherryville City Manager Brain Dalton also praised the detailed work of the CMSP team.

“It’s a tribute to the many volunteers and leaders, past and present, that we’ve won this designation again,” said Dalton.

Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam, III, looked to the future in praising the work of the CMSP.

“As we knew we would from the beginning, we’re seeing a total transformation,” said Beam. “Our

new downtown will be a huge draw for even more business. Future generations will benefit from what we’re accomplishing.”

Donna Beringer, chair of the Cherryville Main Street Program, also praised the program’s supporters. “Our whole community can take pride in this designation,” said Beringer. “It reflects hundreds of hours of work from the city, business owners, and citizens alike.”

Interim President & CEO of Main Street America Hannah White praised the impact that Main Street programs have nationwide. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions,” said White.

Since 1980, N.C. Main Street programs have leveraged $4.52 billion in private and public investment.

Bill would prohibit compelled speech when hiring state employees

by DAVID N. BASS Carolina Journal

The North Carolina Senate is advancing a bill that would prohibit applicants for state employee positions to affirm their support for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda.

Senate Bill 364, Nondiscrimination & Dignity in State Work, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 26. The measure ensures that prospective state

employees are not required to “endorse or opine on” any belief as a condition of employment.

“No one seeking a job at a state agency should have to be worried about whether they are woke enough to secure the position,” said Sen. Warren Daniel, R-Burke, the lead sponsor on the measure.

Daniel referred to scenarios at UNC System schools where job applications required people to

affirm DEI. Daniel added the bill does not infringe on anyone’s free speech rights.

The measure closely mirrors the UNC System policy recently enacted. The wording only applies to state non-exempt employees.

A second part of the bill applies to what Daniel termed “indoctrination” trainings that many employees are now required to take as a condition of their employment.

Legion Hall of Fame Banquet guest speaker Rusty Stroupe addressing the crowd at the event, which was held at the Cherryville First Baptist Church’s COC.

Post 100 Athletic Director Ned Yates speaking at the NC American Legion Hall of Fame Banquet at First Baptist Church of Cherryville. Sitting at the main table listening to Yates were Cherryville councilwoman and Legion Auxiliary member and President, Jill Parker-Puett; Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam, III; Post 100 Commander Mike Robinson; and guest speaker Rusty Stroupe. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

Post 100’s Jerry Hudson shakes the hand of plaque recipient Danny Eaker after Mr. Eaker received his award.

An aerial photo of Downtown Main Street, looking west toward the old bank building.

NC3C 2016 Excellence in Communication Awards winners proudly show off their awards. (photo provided)