Cherryville Eagle 9-28-22

Cherryville High School’s 2022 Homecoming Friday, Oct. 7

12th Annual Carolina Freight Reunion attendance better than expected

by MICHAEL E. POWELL michael@cfmedia.info

Considering this was their first reunion attempt since the pandemic hit, C. Grier Beam Truck Museum co-director Kathy Bumgarner said she was “…pleased at the number of former employees and their family members” who attended the 12th Annual Carolina Freight Employee Reunion held last Saturday, Sept. 24 at First Baptist Church of Cherryville’s Christian Outreach Center.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

Five CHS senior ladies have been selected by their classmates to make up the 2022 Homecoming Court. They are (in alphabetical order): Kendall Chupp, Sarah Eaker, Payton Godfrey, Gabrielle McCorkle, and Kaitlyn Newsome. One of them will be crowned on Oct. 7 as the 2022 CHS

is the daughter of Jess and Leanna Chupp. Her sibling is Rylon Chupp, a ninth grader at CHS. She has been active in the following: Varsity cheerleader, yearbook editor, Metal Heads, FCA, Interact Club, and is a youth member at Westview Baptist Church. She hopes to obtain a Bachelor’s in biology and wants to become a medical doctor. Of her selection to the 2022 Homecoming Court, she said, “I am honored to be chosen by my peers as one of the five girls on Homecoming Court.”

Sarah Elizabeth Eaker, 17, is the daughter of Allen

The Bumgarner’s first year overseeing the museum and the venerable reunion breakfast and lunch was in 2019, after taking over operations from Sandy and Joe Dismukes, who were in charge of things for many years.

This year’s event was sponsored by the Truck Museum as well as by Carolina Federal Credit Union.

Kathy said a welcome reception was held at the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum

from 9 to 10:30 a.m., with coffee and light refreshment provided before the actual luncheon.

Said Kathy at the COC last Saturday, “All former employees of Carolina Freight, as well as their spouses, guests and any family members, were invited to attend. We had a great many sign up as well as attend. We loved seeing all of those who were able to be here. I believe we counted 135-plus!”

Mrs. Bumgarner said this was the first time since the

pandemic shut things down so suddenly back in 2020 and kept everyone “bottled up”, sheltering in place, all through that year and the following year, 2021 that they have been able to host the beloved reunion. Because of that, the co-directors were excited about getting to see everyone again, though it was noted by some of the attendees there were several who couldn’t make it for one reason or another.

The Bumgarners said the event was once again

sponsored by the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum and the Carolina Federal Credit Union, adding, “There were old photos, lots of Carolina memorabilia, and door prizes given out.”

Everyone’s favorite emcee, John Rudasill, himself a former CF employee, took the podium and welcomed everyone. The Rev. Dr. Vince Hefner, pastor of Cherryville’s First Baptist Church said the opening prayer, asking God’s blessing on all who worked for See REUNION, Page 4

Chamber says sponsorship opportunities available for upcoming City events

by MICHAEL E. POWELL michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville Chamber of Commerce Director and City of Cherryville Program Coordinator Mary Beth Tackett noted in a recent media release that upcoming events sponsorship opportunities are rapidly being scooped up.

As she put it in the release, “The Autumn Season is upon us and we’re ready for some fun!”

The ‘fun’ she refers to is the always popular Hocus Pocus Parade, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Cherryville’s beloved “Scary-Ville”, scheduled for the following Friday, on October 21, from 5 to 10:30 p.m.

Cherryville

She began her teaching career

by MICHAEL

Tackett said Downtown Cherryville – 219 East Main St. – will “… uniquely celebrate the fall holiday with all the fun that

Halloween has to offer, transforming Main Street and Downtown into a spooky good time,” with all that entails.

“Of course, these celebrations of community and Halloween are expensive promotions,” said Mrs. Tackett, adding, “The City of Cherryville and

the Cherryville Chamber of Commerce underwrite most of the expenses associated with these events, but additional funds are needed. Thus, sponsorships are made available each year to help cover the cost of these special events.”

She continued, “So, we hope that you will take advantage of the following sponsorship opportunities.”

A float sponsor in the

Hocus Pocus Parade is $250, with a candy sponsorship costing $100, noted Tackett.

Sponsorships for the Scary-Ville event are as follows: to be a Presenting Sponsor is $5,000, with a Scary-Ville Costume Contest Sponsorship being $1,000.

Of the two Stage sponsorships, Mrs. Tackett said one remained, as of this

writing, at $750.

She continued, “There are two Band sponsorships still available at $300 apiece; the Ghostly Hayrides sponsorships are $300; and the unlimited number of general ScaryVille sponsorships are $150 apiece.”

Said Tackett, “The Halloween Season approaches, so let us know right away if

See SPONSORSHIP, Page 2

Co-directors, reunion committee very pleased with post-COVID turnout

Former CF VP of Marketing, Jim Eaton (right, in plaid shirt) arrives with family members, for the 12th Annual Carolina Freight Reunion, held last Saturday, Sept. 24. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

Five senior girls say they are all excited to have been selected to be on the Court

Kaitlyn Newsome, Gabrielle McCorkle, Sarah Eaker, Kendall Chupp, and Payton Godfrey; these five ladies are the members of the CHS 2022 Homecoming Court. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

The 2020 Cherryville Hocus Pocus Parade, held on Friday, Oct. 23, featured the notorious “Sanderson Sisters” (from the movie, “Hocus Pocus”), played by Mary Beth Tackett (‘Winnie’), Hannah Garrett (‘Mary’) and Amber Dellinger (‘Sarah’). Gary Dellinger was ‘Billy Butcherson’ and Bailey Tackett was ‘Dani Dennison’. (Eagle/CF Media file photo by Michael E. Powell or provided)

POWELL

CHS Assistant Principal, Mrs. Heather Parrish (right), meets with and introduces herself to Mrs. Wendy Holt’s class last week. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

■ OBITUARIES

served as a mechanic. After the military, he attended Mars Hill College, and received his degree in auto mechanics from Nashville Auto Diesel Trade School in 1948. He was a devoted member of Crouse United Methodist Church.

Adams, Carol McMahan (Danny), Lisa Hovis (Roger), Laura Lowery, Robert Rhodes (Shaye), and Cathy Rhodes Katz (Mark); 14 great-nieces and nephews; and 23 greatgreat-nieces and nephews.

■ POLICE

ARRESTS 9-11: Joshua Douglas Kaylor, 42, 601-A North Dr., Cherryville; felony B&E of a motor vehicle; two counts felony financial card theft.; and felony conspiracy. $10,000 secured bond.

Oscar F. Sappenfield

CROUSE – Oscar Franklin Sappenfield, 96, of Crouse, passed away Monday, Sept. 19, 2022 at Summit Place in Kings Mountain. He was born Nov. 2, 1925 in Gaston County to the late Oscar Lorenzo and Pearl Barrier Sappenfield.

Oscar was a WWII veteran of the United States Army Air Corps where he

Mr. Sappenfield was an agent with Western & Southern Insurance Company. He also owned and operated Merry Oaks Antiques for 25 years, along with his wife, Kathryn.

Oscar served as the first Chief of Crouse Volunteer Fire Department.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Kathryn Eliza Beam Sappenfield; sisters, Edith Hickey and Catherine McArthur; and nieces, Julee Wolfe and Susan Rhodes.

Survivors include his nieces and nephews: Jodi

Funeral services were held Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 at 3 p.m., at Crouse United Methodist Church with Rev. Troy Howard officiating. Burial followed at Hollybrook Cemetery. The family received friends Thursday, from 2 to 2:45 p.m., prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Crouse UMC, 3311 Crouse School Rd., Crouse, NC, 28033.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com.

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

9-11: Taisha Diane Hamrick, 36, homeless, Cherryville; one count misdemeanor stolen goods. Subject was located inside the residence of 416 N. Pine St., Cherryville. Released on a written promise.

9-12: David William Sisk, 40, 159 Hallman St., Cherryville; one count each felony probation violation, larceny of a motor vehicle, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Taken into custody, no bond amt/type listed.

9-13: Amy Elizabeth Slaughter, 45, 416 N. Pine St., Cherryville; one count misdemeanor WSOJ (possession of drug paraphernalia). $2,000 secured bond.

9-18: Garrett Deongelo Wilkes Chalk, 36, 1093 Sunset Rd., Cherryville; one count misdemeanor assault on a female. No bond/ taken into custody.

9-18: Daisy Elizabeth Rudisill, 24, 178 Millers Park Ln. Vale; one count felony possession of methamphetamine and one count misdemeanor simple possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance. $1,000 secured bond.

9-19: Jorge Gabral Trejo, 39, 103 Allen Ln., Cherryville, was arrested at 425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, by GCSO deputies on one count of an OFA (contempt of court/perjury/court violation).

9-19: Peter Robert Lagrow, 30, 705 Requa Rd., Cherryville; misdemeanor larceny and RDO. $1,000 secured bond.

9-20: Garrett Lane Edwards, 23, 803 Meadowbrook Dr., Cherryville; one count misdemeanor assault on a female. No bond/taken into custody. Mr. Edwards went before Magistrate Brown and received a Domestic Violence Hold.

9-21: Jeffrey Allen

SPONSORSHIP

From Page 1 you’re interested in a sponsorship. Signs or banners will be displayed with

Jones, 46, 424 Hephzibah Church Rd., Crouse, was arrested at 425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia by GCSO deputies on one count of a warrant from another agency.

9-21: Brigette Susannah Lynn, 21, 311 Brown St., Cherryville, was arrested at 425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, by GCSO deputies on three (3) counts of a warrant from another agency.

INCIDENTS

9-12: CPD officer reports WSOJ on listed subject who had an OFA on outstanding warrants. Closed/cleared by arrest.

9-13: CPD officer reports WSOJ (possession of drug paraphernalia) on unnamed subject who had the outstanding warrant. Closed/cleared by arrest.

9-14: Cherryville grocery store reports shoplifting by listed suspect who took items out of store w/o paying. Stolen/recovered: $124 in consumable goods/ food. Closed/cleared by arrest.

9-15: Cherryville man reports ID theft by unnamed suspects who used his identity. Stolen: one ID document. Case listed as “inactive” on report.

9-16: Cherryville woman reports simple assault by unnamed/unknown female suspect who assaulted her at her residence. Minor injuries reported. Closed/cleared by other means and under investigation.

9-17: Cherryville woman reports assault on a female and call for service as victim was assaulted by listed suspect. Minor injuries reported. Case is active and under investigation.

9-17: Cherryville women report destruction/damage/vandalism of property by unnamed subject who damaged window. Case is active and under further investigation.

9-18: CPD officer reports possession of methamphetamine and simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substance by listed suspect who possessed listed illegal

sponsor’s names on them!”

For those who are interested just call (704) 435-3451, or stop by The Chamber office at 220 East Main St., and talk to Mary Beth Tackett.

narcotics (1.3 gms. of methamphetamine; 10 dosage units/Clonazepam; and 9 dosage units of an unknown type drug). Closed/ cleared by arrest.

9-19: Cherryville superstore and CPD officer reports larceny and RDO by listed suspect who stole a scooter from Walmart. Est. cost of stolen/recovered Ninebot scooter ($539). Closed/cleared by arrest.

9-20: Cherryville man reports motor vehicle theft by listed suspect who broke into his car, damaging the steering column. Case is active and under further investigation.

9-20: On Sept. 19, 2022 a Cherryville woman reported trespass of her real property by listed suspect who trespassed on her property. Case is active.

9-20: Lincolnton woman reports assault on female by listed suspect who assaulted the victim and inflicted minor injuries during a domestic argument. Closed/cleared by arrest and under further investigation.

9-22: GCPD officers reports further investigation into two incidents of larceny from a motor vehicle at 955 Tot Dellinger Rd., Cherryville.

WRECKS

9-16: A vehicle driven by Josie Walker Davis, 75, 6365 Bill Ledford Rd., Vale, and a vehicle driven by Caroline Homesley Frady, 56, 2018 Lincolnton Hwy., Cherryville, collided in the Walmart parking lot, resulting in minor damages to both vehicles. The Frady vehicle was traveling down a row in the parking lot when the Davis vehicle pulled out from a parking space, making contact with it. No injuries reported.

“Please help us make Cherryville’s Autumn Season memorable!” she said, adding, “And Happy Halloween!”

PARRISH

From Page 1

adding, “I previously spent 13 years in the classroom teaching various high school science courses, but (I) primarily taught Biology.”

As for how her career path evolved, Mrs. Parrish noted, “Upon graduation, I attended Gardner Webb University to pursue a career in nursing, but ultimately, life led me down a completely different career path. After transferring to Mars Hill College, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Biology in May 2007. I began my teaching career that fall at Bessemer City High School as a lateral entry biology teacher. Additionally, I have taught science at McDowell High School and Lincolnton High School. I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership Studies from Gardner Webb University in May 2022.”

She and her husband, Lance, who works remotely in Mortgage IT as a Business Applications Specialist for a bank based out of Texas, and son, Seth, 8,

live in Dallas, NC. Heather said in her spare time, she enjoys watching Seth play sports; spending time with family; cheering on the Clemson Tigers; and traveling.

Parrish noted that as a North Gaston Wildcat, she was a four-year Varsity Cheerleader, a member of FCA, HOSA Club, Student Council, Pep Club, and Spanish Club, and was also selected as an Outstanding Senior representing the Class of 2001.

Heather said Seth plays baseball year-round and enjoys playing basketball, and has expressed an interest in playing football and golf.

Regarding her love of Clemson, Mrs. Parrish said, “I was raised from birth to love the Clemson Tigers because my PawPaw was a Clemson graduate, Class of 1957. I bleed orange and faithfully cheer on the football team every season! My husband is a Carolina Tarheel fan so we are a house divided during football, but I have agreed to support UNC during basketball season. Our son takes after his Daddy and will only wear Carolina Blue!”

Said Parrish of her position at CHS, “I am loving every minute in my current role and working at CHS.

Every day brings new opportunities for personal growth and learning. Becoming a Principal in the future would be an incredible opportunity, but for now I am happy, blessed, and honored to be working with Mr. Hubers and the amazing faculty and staff at CHS.”

She continued, “Cherryville is a special community that has welcomed me with open arms, and for that I am extremely grateful. Right now, my focus is on the present and doing everything in my power to ensure success for all of our students.”

Mrs. Parrish was candid about what precipitated her career change.

“I was encouraged in high school to pursue a career in medicine, so that is what I did. I was accepted into nursing school at Gardner-Webb University, but after my first semester of college, I was placed on academic probation due to failing grades.

“After transferring to Gaston College and completing core academic courses, I made multiple attempts to pursue a nursing degree at various programs in the area with no success due to the extreme competitiveness to get into those programs. On a whim, I

decided to transfer to Mars Hill College because of a program I read about in a book that featured all the different medical programs North Carolina colleges and universities offered.

“Ironically, after moving onto campus early for cheerleading, and eventually meeting with my academic advisor, I learned that the program I was in pursuit of was no longer in existence. Despite the bad news, I decided to stay at Mars Hill and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Biology. It took me six years to complete my fouryear degree, and by the time I graduated I was so over school and being a student!

“My senior year at Mars Hill, I had a rare opportunity to assist with teaching intro psych courses for a professor that was going on maternity leave. I enjoyed being in front of a classroom, so I thought to myself, ‘Hey, why not become a teacher?’ A couple months later I was hired as a lateral entry teacher with Gaston County Schools, and had enough hours of college science courses to qualify for a science teaching position.”

Chatting a bit and waiting for class changes at CHS last week are Mrs. Carrie Dalton (left) and the high school’s new AP, Mrs. Heather Parrish.

A close-up of the notorious “Sanderson Sisters” (from the movie,

“Who ya gonna call?” The Ghostbusters, that’s who! The iconic hearse, courtesy of Mr. Tom Moss and family, makes a showing at the Oct. 23, 2020 Hocus Pocus Parade.

GASTON COUNTY’S

Darise Hartman’s love of Legion baseball never wavered

by MIKE POWELL Special to the Eagle

According to his friends and relatives, Darise Hartman “fell in love” with American Legion baseball in 1953 when Cherryville Post 100 made a run to the Little World Series in Miami, Fla.

And his love of the game never wavered.

Hartman, who died Sept. 15, at the age of 89, put together an attendance streak that rivals any American Legion baseball fan in the country.

A U.S. Army veteran who spent his working life as a textile machinery specialist, the Dallas resident attended the American Legion World Series for 33

HOMECOMING

From Page 1 are Noah Eaker and Katie Eaker, both CHS grads. Eaker is a 4-year Varsity cheerleader and is in the Interact Club, the Metal Heads pep club, and the FCA. She said she plans to attend either Appalachian State University or North Carolina State University and major in Business.

“I feel honored to be chosen by my peers and thankful to have this opportunity (to be on the 2022 Homecoming Court),” she said.

Payton Abigail Godfrey, 17, is the daughter of Janelle and David Godfrey and the sister of CHS grad Colton Godfrey. Payton is a threeyear Varsity cheerleader and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Metal Heads pep club, and the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Her college plans are to attend East Carolina University and major in biology. Of her selection to the Homecoming Court, she said, “I feel honored and thankful to be a part of my hometown tradition.”

Gabrielle McCorkle, 17, is the daughter of Vincent and Amanda McCorkle. Her sister, Logan McCorkle, is a 9thgrader at CHS. She is active in Lady Ironmen basketball and track. Is in the National Honor Society, FCA, Interact Club, the SGA, the Game Club and is the Senior Class President as well as being in the Marching Ironmen band.

She wishes to attend NC A&T University to major in English and minor in Business.

“I am just excited and honored to have this opportunity to represent my school!” she said.

Kaitlyn Newsome, 18, is the daughter of Tripper and Candie Newsome. Her siblings are Eli Newsome, an 11th-grader at CHS, and little sister, Paisley Newsome, who is 4.

Kaitlyn plays volleyball and softball (9-12th grades); was crowned Miss Sweetheart 2022 in the CHS Pageant; and has participated in the Metal Heads pep club (9th grade) and the FCA (12th grade).

DARISE HARTMAN

years in a row.

Hartman’s travels took him across the country several times. No venue was too far. He journeyed to the Pacific Northwest for tournaments in Spokane and Yakima, Wash., to Corvallis, Ore., and once to Las

nament in which Post 100 logged a national runner-up finish.

Hartman attended his first World Series in 1987, and he kept coming back year after year. He was in Bartlesville, Okla., in 2003 when Cherryville once again played in the sport’s premier event.

At every tournament, Hartman made sure that he took home a baseball from the venue. He collected hundreds over the years, and sometimes he would bring back a souvenir for friends.

“I can’t imagine how many baseballs he collected, probably hundreds of them,” said Danny Eaker, a close friend of Hartman’s

dress announcer at Fraley Field. “He would run down foul balls to make sure he got his souvenir.”

Hartman planned his vacation for August every year so he would have time to travel and attend the week-long tournament. Occasionally, he had traveling companions. Eaker joined him for several junkets, as did Troy Thomas, another familiar figure at Fraley Field over the years.

On and off for more than 20 years, Hartman served as a scoreboard operator for Post 100 games and for Cherryville High School games.

In the beginning, Hartman was just a fan in the bleachers. But thanks to his friendship with Eaker,

who introduced himself to Hartman on the urging of his wife, Judie, the press box “music lady,” Hartman moved to the press box to help with scoreboard duties.

The most compensation Eaker could offer was free admission and a hot dog from the concession stand. The deal was struck.

Hartman always had a pen and pad on hand so he could keep up with stats and scribble notes. He occasionally commented on the action his own soft-spoken way, but never in a harsh manner.

“I never heard Darise say a negative word about anybody or any player,” Eaker said. “He was a low-

The 2021 national tournament at Shelby’s Veteran Field at Keeter Stadium proved to be Hartman’s last. In April of this year, he fell from the roof of a house and never recovered from the accident.

At Hartman’s funeral service, the photo collage marking the trajectory of his life opened with images of baseballs and a baseball diamond. He was buried in a red American Legion World Series jacket that he bought in 1987. A Post 100 cap and a baseball were placed in his coffin.

Fittingly, Hartman’s final resting place was Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery, right across the

Currently, she is undecided about where she plans to attend college.

“I’m truly honored and very excited to be chosen by my fellow classmates to be a part of Homecoming Court!” she said, adding, “Win or lose, this will be such an awesome experience that I will remember forever!”

The CHS 2022 Homecoming activities will start with the school’s Spirit Week, which is Oct. 3 – 7, with the always popular Homecoming Parade being held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, in downtown Cherryville.

As for the parade, Ms. Pope noted that hopefully Main Street construction will be at least most of the way completed, but if not, she said there is a “Plan B,” which is discussed below in this article.

Additionally, the Homecoming Football game will be that Friday night (Oct. 7), starting at 7:30 p.m. The Ironmen are scheduled to play the Highland Tech Rams.

According to information received from CHS, at the halftime Homecoming activities all the following students will participate in the listed activities as noted: the Homecoming Queen will be crowned by last year’s Queen (miss Khya Brooks) and the five senior girls who have been selected by the senior class to be on the HC Court will be on the field, along with their escorts.

Kendall Chupp will be escorted by Will Fowler; Sarah Eaker will be escorted by Kanon Willis; Payton Godfrey will be escorted by Carson Kelly; Gabrielle McCorkle will be escorted by

Numarius Goode; and Kaitlin Newsome will be escorted by Eli Newsome.

The following students were selected by their class to represent the class for Homecoming: Freshmen – Logan McCorkle and Talon Dalton; Sophomore – Ebelin Gomez and Javier Moran; Junior –Ceniya Powell and Chance Hunt; and Senior – Lani Philbeck and Will Heavner.

The following club representatives were selected by their class to represent the class for Homecoming: Art Club – Kelly Diaz and Justin Johnson; Band – Taylor Chapman and Hayden Maiers; Bible Club – Camryn Cash and Hunter Griffin; FCA – Layla Davis and Logan “Judd” Ervin; National Honor Society – Katie Diaz and Joseph England; and Metal Heads: Rileigh Kiser

and Roy Powers.

The senior football team sponsors are the girls who are being sponsored by the senior Ironmen football team players. They are listed as follows: name of participant, sponsored by, and escorted by: Savannah Christian, and Corey Alston; Hallie Jackson, Abram Avery, and Davin Digh; Briley Wright, Kam Bolin, and Robbie Bowman; Emily Allen, Jack Dellinger, and Will Allen; Kylie Perry, Dawson Frady, and Harry Lawson; Mikayla Sigmon, Elijah Gibson, and Elis Sloan; Kylie Reynolds, Landon Hahn, and Colin Robinson; Taylor Digh, Bryson Huffman, and Tyler Blalock; Anna Leigh Jones, Collin Huss, and Peyton Huffman; Addie Breese; Seth Kahler, and Blake Cochrane; Chloe Stroupe, Chase Miller, and Aaron Heavner; Ava Miller, Tobias Miller, and Braydon Reynolds; Gracie Truesdell, Tanner Sisk, and Billy Carroll; Kate Bookout,

Jibri Starr, and Nate Bookout; Maddie Jenkins, Ben Street, and Bryson Withers; and Sadie Boyd, Gage Vernon, and James Bell.

By way of an update on the parade route, Ms. Pope said, “We will be making the final decision about the parade route closer to the parade date. If Main Street is not ready, our parade route will be as follows: cars will still line up in the First Baptist Church parking lot. Cars will still make a left out of the lot onto First Street” turn left on Mulberry and cross the bridge. They will continue down Mulberry until Ballard Street where they will make a right onto Elm Street. They will continue down Elm, crossing the railroad tracks and turning right at the Storage Center/Post Office on First. They will then go down First and turn back into the parking lot at First Baptist Church.”

Cloudy RainShowers Rain

AM Showers

or softball. They are (L to R): Kaitlyn Newsome, Sarah Eaker, Gabrielle McCorkle, Payton Godfrey, and Kendall Chupp.

Sitting on the steps of CHS, the five 2022 Homecoming Court ladies are – front row: Sarah Eaker, Kaitlyn Newsome, and Gabrielle McCorkle. Back row: Kendall Chupp and Payton Godfrey.

From Page 1 the “House that Grier Beam built”, as CF has been referred to in the past, and thanking all who came.

After a brief excursion into humorous repartee’, Mr. Rudasill thanked the family of Arthur Green for allowing them the use of his collection of CF memorabilia. He thanked Dr. Hefner and First Baptist for the use of their facility and then he introduced a couple of long-time

CF personnel: John Fraley and Steve Lynn, who spoke about their time at Carolina Freight and what it meant to them to be able to come back and see old friends. Mr. Lynn is the son-in-law of Jim Eaton, former Vice President of Marketing at Carolina Freight (1976-1990), who came to the reunion.

Mr. Fraley recalled his late father, John “Buck” Fraley, a veteran of the U.S. Army, noting how his dad “…dearly loved this company”, adding his beloved father always told him, “Nothing happens unless you sell something.”

“I am glad to be here today,” he continued. “We had a good, long run didn’t we?” He recalled – as did Mr. Lynn – that Mr. Eaton, 95, was the first professional sales executive who came to work for Carolina Freight, adding that Mr. Eaton also created the CF sales seminars at Appalachian State University.

To the CF Reunion committee, Fraley said, “I’m glad you all started these reunions back up,” adding to all in general, “And I wish you all God speed and the best of luck!”

A number of reunion folks were there for the

first time, and Mr. Rudasill recognized them as well as all those in attendance with military, law enforcement and firefighter and EMT connections, as well as all those who have attended every year, COVID years notwithstanding.

Rudasill also recognized those with longevity at CF and those who came from farthest away to attend (Oak Island, Tennessee, and Florida, to name a few).

Fredrick Gene Barnette, from Taylorsville, was a long-line driver for Carolina Freight, and said he has seen a lot of changes in the industry. But one con-

stant for him was the fact he loved working at CF, which he described a like being in a “big family.” He added that he comes every year to the reunions, missing only the two pandemic years. His boss at CF was Howard Harrill, he said.

In addition to Stan and Kathy Bumgarner and John Rudasill, the 2022 CF Reunion committee members who worked on this year’s reunion were: Pat and Dan Ginn; Cheryl McGinness; Pam Anthony; Marie and Howard Harrill; and Andrew and Carol Bumgarner.

Mr. Rudasill also thanked the catering folks

For further details about the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum, contact the Bumgarners at the museum at (704) 435-3072, or visit their web site at www.beamtruckmuseum. com, or visit the museum’s location at 111 North Mountain St., Cherryville.

– Party Girls Catering –comprised of owner Susan Eason; her daughter, Nikki Gardner; her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Doug Underwood, niece, Haley Craft; and dad, Klent Craft (BBQ cook extraordinaire!) for the great “Cue!”

The view looking down toward the stage at last Saturday’s 12th Carolina Federal Reunion at all the folks in attendance. The COC filled up quickly. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

Reunion committee members Marie Harrill and Cheryl McGinnis sell half and half tickets at the door of the CF Reunion.

Most of the Party Girls Catering crew handling all the food prep and serving were: left to right – Doug and Mary Underwood, Susan Eason (owner), Haley Craft, and Nikki Gardner.

Arriving early and getting a table up near the stage are (L to R) Jerry Shepherd, William Upton, Judy Graves, Pat Black (50 years at CF!), Phyllis Philbeck Burleson, and Earlene Heafner.

Jocular emcee for all previous Carolina Freight reunions, former CF employee, local author, comedian, and businessman, John Rudisill, always manages to get the crowd going by cracking a joke or two (or three…).

Heeding the command to “preach the Word”

This is a command that every preacher in God’s church needs to abide by! This is not a suggestion by Paul but a command: “Preach the Word.” Preach scripture; stick with scripture when you stand before your people. That is what Paul was saying to Timothy and that holds true for God’s church today.

Why would Paul even need to say this?

Well, as you read through Second Timothy you get the impression that Timothy was beginning to waiver. We know that he had a bashful streak. Both letters written to Timothy by Paul remind us that the false teachers were coming

into the church at Ephesus, and they were constantly seeking to intimidate Timothy while persecution of the church was peaking during this time. Timothy was backing off from the Word of God; maybe not standing firm in the preaching of the Word; maybe giving in to the pressures that surrounded him. So, we find in Second Timothy where Paul writes to Timothy saying, “Do not be ashamed to give testimony about our Lord.” And, by the end of the letter Paul says, “Preach the Word Timothy. Don’t waiver, don’t falter, don’t cave to the pressure to preach.”

Paul was not saying,

Salt adds flavor

stand up and share stories with your church. However, he did say, “Tell your church to open their Bibles, turn to a text, and get ready to be taught what God has to say!”

Now you may be asking, “Why is this so important?”

I would respond by saying the Word of God needs to be preached so that God can be heard. If God’s Word is never opened in the church, if the preacher never takes it and teaches from it, then don’t expect to hear from God. I would also say that we must understand that the Word of God is our only source of spiritual truth. Nothing else speaks to us about God; nothing else speaks to us regarding the ways of God; nothing else speaks to us about God’s expectations; nothing else speaks

to us about the truth of our condition and our need for Christ. Without the Word of God being preached, then spiritual truth will never be revealed.

Finally, the Word of God must be preached so that the church will become more like Jesus. Without preaching the word, the church will stagnate, the church will remain immature, the church will live immorally, and the church will continually blend in with the world.

If you are a preacher reading this message, my prayer is that you can say, “I preach the Word.” If you are a member of a church and you are out in the congregation Sunday after Sunday, my prayer is you can say, “My pastor preaches the Word.”

If he doesn’t preach the word, then pray for him,

carry your Bible, and ask questions when in doubt. It is that simple! If you are not in a church membership somewhere and you want to find a church that preaches the Word, come on over to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Cherryville, 112 Mt. Zion Church Road, and be filled with God’s Holy Word!

Paul’s command was a serious call to the church and needs to be followed.

Now, will there be pressure to preach something other than the Word? The answer is, “Of course there will be.” My prayer is that all preachers simply preach the Word, and as they do, the result will be a church that looks more and more like Jesus!

Cherryville Area Places of Worship

Mt. Zion Baptist Homecoming Celebration is October 2

Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Cherryville, located at 112 Mt. Zion Church Rd., will be celebrating 165 years of ministry with a Homecoming Celebration Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. The worship service begins at 9:30 a.m., with the gospel group, “Emmaus Road”, in concert. For more information, call (704) 435-9636. Church office hours are: Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.., and Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Give Blood Help Save Lives

The semi-annual Blood Drive at First Presbyterian Church of Cherryville, located at 107 W. Academy St., is on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. A $5 e-gift card is available to all donors in October.

DANYALE PATTERSON

There is nothing like sitting down to a delicious meal that has been seasoned properly with salt. I don’t like my food to be bland or tasteless, but just the right amount makes me happy. In fact, after a great meal, I am joyful, comforted, and strengthened. Similarly, as the salt of the earth, Christians are are supposed to flavor people’s lives with hope, healing, and salvation, by demonstrating the love of Christ, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Christians are called to be salt shakers and darkness breakers! Jesus states in Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT), “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world— like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Salt not only adds flavor, but it offers many benefits. Check out the following list as it relates to what God does for people when Christians, who are the salt of the earth, bring people to Jesus.

Necessary for Life - Jesus said in John 10:10b “I came so everyone would have life and have it fully.

Improves Sleep Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Improves Heart Health - Ezekiel 36:26 “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Helps Remove Toxins John 15:3 “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”

Preserves - Psalm 121:7 “The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.”

PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Lord you are good and your mercy endures forever. I praise your holy name for who you are and all you have done. Forgive me when I have misrepresented you with hurtful words, wrong attitudes and disobedient behaviors. I pray that people will be able to see you in me. Help me to guard my tongue and control my emotions. I submit my will, mind and body to you now! Please give me the boldness and strength to proclaim the good news of the gospel. Most importantly, help me to live a life that shows everyone I meet who you are. Lord, I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit. I love you. In Jesus’ name I pray - Amen.”

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

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

Living Word Ministries

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

OUR MISSION: Moms in Prayer International impacts children and schools worldwide for Christ by gathering mothers to pray.

EDSTEIBELIMPORTS

www.edsteibelimports.com

NC)

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

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

Stamey-Cherryville

Funeral Home & Cremation Service

405 North Dixie Street, Cherryville, NC 704-445-8144

www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

REV. KEITH HUSS Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Cherryville

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

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

306 East Academy Street, Cherryville

4th and final Part of the “Hunger and Thirst” series

Can’t vote in person? Here’s how to vote by mail in NC

by BEN SESSOMS Carolina Public Press

The midterm elections are coming, and there are a few ways to vote in North Carolina from early voting to casting your ballot on Election Day.

But if those don’t work for you, voting by mail is an option.

Any registered voter in North Carolina, for any reason, can request an absentee ballot to complete and mail to that voter’s local board of elections by Election Day.

Here are the details for the mail-in voting process in North Carolina.

How do I request an absentee ballot?

Before you can request a mail-in ballot, you have to register to vote.

A detailed, step-by-step walk-through for voting registration from Carolina Public Press can be found here.

The deadline for registration in North Carolina is Oct. 14. If you’re not registered by then, your only option is same-day registration during the early voting period from

Oct. 20 to Nov. 5.

Once you’re registered, you can request an absentee ballot either online or on paper, available in English and Spanish.

When requesting an absentee ballot, you must provide your date of birth and either your driver’s license number, your official N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles identification card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

The request must be signed by the voter, the voter’s near relative or a legal guardian.

Paper requests can be

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 24th day of August, 2022 as Executrix of the Estate of CAROLYN JEAN MOTTLEY, 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, Amy Lynn Childers, Executrix, on or before the 7th of December, 2022 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 7th day of September, 2022.

Amy Lynn Childers, Executrix

Estate of: Carolyn Jean Mottley 912 Brooklee Drive Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Counsel for the Estate

McINTYRE ELDER LAW

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BN (9/08, 15, 22, & 29/2022)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 6th day of August, 2022 as Administrator-CTA of the Estate of KARLEEN G. PRICE; AKA, KARLEEN GASKINS PRICE, 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, Brenton S. Begley, Administrator-CTA, on or before the 14th of December, 2022 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 14th day of September, 2022.

Brenton S. Begley, Administrator-CTA

Estate of: Karleen G. Price; aka, Karleen Gaskins Price 233 E. Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150 Counsel for the Estate McINTYRE ELDER LAW

CE (9/14, 21, 28 & 10/05/2022)

BN (9/15, 22, 29 & 10/06/2022)

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: GEORGETTE CECILE TRAINER, Deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS and DEBTORS

Having qualified on the 2nd day of September, 2022 as Administrator of the Estate of Georgette Cecile Trainer, 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 Administrator on or before the 16th day of December, 2022 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 14th day of September, 2022.

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr.

P.O. Box 515

300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086

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can be a witness unless that person is a candidate. Exceptions include if the candidate is a near relative or guardian or if the voter is a patient with a disability at a hospital, nursing home or some other medical facility requesting help from the candidate due to the disability.

If you received assistance due to a disability, the assistant must also sign and print their name along with their address.

If you need assistance, here’s who can help

If you need assistance with your ballot, typically only a near relative or a verified legal guardian can assist you.

a request, anyone not affiliated with the facility or a political party can assist the patient through the voting process.

When should I mail by absentee ballot?

An absentee ballot must be postmarked by Election Day, which is on Nov. 8 this year, and received no later than 5 p.m. Nov. 14.

The N.C. State Board of Elections recommends that voters mail their ballots well before Election Day.

You can also return your absentee ballot in person to your county’s board of elections office or to an early voting site during the early voting period.

son, are tabulated and reported on Election Day.

Is mail-in voting secure?

Following the 2020 general election, during which there was a spike in mail-in voting due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, misinformation spread about mail-in voting, particularly from former President Donald Trump, who lost the 2020 election to current President Joe Biden.

But there are many safeguards in place to ensure the security of mail-in voting in North Carolina, according to NCSBE.

mailed or submitted in person at your county’s board of elections.

Requests must be made by Nov. 1, a week before Election Day on Nov. 8.

If you make a mistake on your absentee ballot, you can contact your local board of elections to request a new one.

You can track your mail-in ballot online through BallotTrax.

How do I fill out my mail-in ballot?

Once you fill out your vote on the mail-in ballot, you must either have two people or one notary public witness you marking your ballot. The witnesses do not need to see how you vote.

Once filled out, seal your ballot, and nothing else, inside the return envelope provided.

Then sign your name on the back of the envelope. Your witnesses will then sign and print their name, along with their addresses.

Anyone 18 years or older

If a voter is unable to read or write, and a relative or guardian can’t assist, another person can help the voter with the ballot. That assistant, however, must fill out the assistance section on the absentee ballot request form.

If you have a disability, however, anyone that you choose can assist you in filling out the request form.

Patients in a hospital, nursing home or some other medical facility can request a multipartisan assistance team, or MAT, from the county’s board of elections to assist them in the mail-in voting process.

If the patient does not have a disability, it is illegal “for any owner, manager, director or employee of the facility other than the voter’s near relative, verifiable legal guardian or member of a MAT to request an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter,” according to N.C. State Board of Elections.

If a relative or guardian isn’t available or a MAT is unable to assist within a week of

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the Cherryville City Council will meet on Monday October 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cherryville Community Building at 106 S Jacob Street to hold a Public Hearing in consideration of a Zoning Map Amendment for Parcel 129868, further identified as 109 S Jacob Street, from its current zoning classification of Central Business (B-1) to Residential Office (R-O).

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

CE (9/28 & 10/5/22)

You can also take it to your board of elections office on Election Day, but you must do so by 5 p.m.

You cannot submit your absentee ballot at a voting site on Election Day.

Only you, a near relative or a legal guardian can mail or submit your ballot in person.

If you have a disability, however, anyone of your choosing can deliver the absentee ballot as long as they sign the voter assistant certification on the back of the sealed envelope.

How do I know my ballot will count?

Every ballot that is properly filled out, returned and postmarked by Election Day on Nov. 8 will be counted.

If an absentee ballot is rejected for some reason, your local board of elections will contact you.

Your ballot can also be tracked online at BallotTrax.

In all North Carolina counties, results from all ballots, those cast by mail and in per-

Voters must be registered to request a mail-in ballot.

They must provide their driver’s license number and the last four digits of their Social Security number when requesting.

Ballots must be marked in the presence of two witnesses or one notary public.

The voter or a relative or legal guardian are the only ones who can submit the mail-in ballot. The only exception is if the voter has a disability.

Once a ballot is accepted, the voter is marked in the system and will not be able to vote in person if an attempt to do so is made.

NCSBE also has an investigations division that investigates “credible allegations of elections fraud and refers cases to prosecutors when warranted by the evidence,” according to NCSBE.

NCSBE also audits election results after Election Day several times to ensure there are no inconsistencies.

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the Cherryville City Council will meet on Monday October 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cherryville Community Building at 106 S Jacob Street to hold a Public Hearing in consideration of a Zoning Map Amendment for Parcel 215920, further identified as 109 S Jacob Street, from its current zoning classification of General Business (B-3) to Single and Two-Family Residential (R-9).

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

CE (9/28 & 10/5/22)

Any registered voter in North Carolina can vote by absentee ballot through the mail

Buncombe County election workers prepare mail ballots for review by the county’s elections board. (File photo by Victoria Loe Hicks/Carolina Public Press)

Ironmen gridders suffer third straight loss this season

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen visited the East Gaston Warriors last Friday, Sept. 23, and suffered another heartbreaking defeat; this one a 38-0 romp at the hands of the 2A Warriors.

The loss was reminiscent of the previous two games in which the overmatched, injury-plagued Ironmen battled valiantly but couldn’t get on the board despite some shining examples of play by many of the young men.

The game was plagued by penalties from both teams, and it should be noted the Ironmen are missing some key players out due to the afore-mentioned injuries. It should

also be noted the CHS men played well at the beginning of the game, yet the Warriors scored in the first quarter, going up 10-0. The Warriors scored two more TDs in the second quarter, and when the teams came back onto the field after half-time (it was the East Gaston’s Homecoming game), they scored one additional TD in the third and the fourth quarter.

Ironmen QB Chase Miller attempted 18 passes, completing 7 of them for a total of 100-plus yards on the night. Miller’s targets were Joshua Ward (three passes for a total of 53 yards); Collin Huss (three passes for a total of 41 yards); and Tanner Sisk (one pass for 10-yards).

In the ground attack for the Ironmen, Kam Bolin carried the ball six times, as did Ward and Shamyr Moss. The overall yards on the ground, due to the number of penalties called on the Ironmen, amounted

to a great deal of negative yardage the youngsters tried to give their team in this battle.

Varsity Lady Ironmen volleyball squad drops two SPC 1A/2A matches last week

Currently the varsity ladies’ overall record is 8-7, with a conference record of 2-6

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

Coach Leigh Kiser said her Lady Ironmen varsity volleyball squad “… dropped two (2) conference matches” last week, hurting them in the overall scope of things.

Said Kiser, “We lost a hard-fought match to Thomas Jefferson (lady Gryphons) on Tuesday, Sept. 20, by a 3-2 score.”

Kiser noted scores were 25-23 (TJCA), 25-20 (CHS), 25-21 (TJCA), 25-19 (CHS), and 15-10 (TJCA), adding that Krista Davis “…played good defense, with 13 digs, and Emily Allen did well with 12 kills. Carson Reed’s 10 kills led the (Lady Ironmen) offense and Rileigh Kiser also played well with 5 aces, 32 assists and 14 digs,” said Coach Kiser.

Next up for the CHS ladies was the Burns Lady Bulldogs, who traveled to Nixon Gym and gave the ladies another defeat on their own home court by a 3-1 score. Match scores, noted Kiser, were 25-19 (BHS), 26-24 (CHS), 25-23

(BHS), and 25-19 (BHS).

Said Coach Kiser, “Krista Davis again was good on defense with 13 digs, and freshman Kate Bookout had 3 serve aces.” Kiser said the offensive leader in this one was Rileigh Kiser with 7 kills, and she also had 17 digs and 17 assists.”

Emily Allen’s 4 aces also led the CHS Lady Ironmen, noted Kiser.

In other volleyball court news, Coach Kiser said the JV ladies lost 2-0 at home to Thomas Jefferson’s JV Lady Gryphons, as Kennedy Weathers’ 6 aces and Kate Bookout’s 7 digs led Cherryville’s JV ladies.

Sadly, the ladies again lost on Thursday, Sept. 23, to Burns’ JV Lady Bulldogs spikers by a score of 2-0.

Said Kiser, “Kennedy (Weathers) again was strong at the serve line with 5 aces!”

The teams were away at the Shelby Lady Golden Lions on Tuesday, Sept. 27, and will be away at Bessemer City’s Lady Yellow Jackets on Thursday, Sept. 29.

Currently the varsity ladies’ overall record is 8-7, with a conference record of 2-6.

( Information and stats by Brian Kiser)

RONMEN

BOLIN

2A East Gaston Warriors’ 38-0 win another hard blow to CHS team

Houser (#54), Cameron Lee (#56), Tobias Miller (#57), Jack Dellinger (#59), Gage Vernon (#60), Amir Starr (#61), Corey Alston (#65), Connor Hawkins (#68), Dawson Frady (#70), Jibri Starr (#71), Jordan Lowrance (#75), Tyler Foley (#77), and Noah Hollingsworth (#89). (Eagle/CF Media file photo by Michael E. Powell)

The Ironmen have an open date next Friday, Sept. 30, and their next game is at home at Rudis-

ill Stadium in their Homecoming 1A/2A conference matchup against the visiting Highland Tech Rams.

The game starts at 7:30 p.m. (Additional information by Danny Eaker)

The varsity Lady Ironmen volleyball squad during pre-game warm-ups last week against visiting Thomas Jefferson. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

As her teammates watch, Lady Ironman spiker Emily Allen does her part in getting the ball back across the net against the Lady Gryphons of TJCA.

Carson Reed (#8), of the CHS Lady Ironmen volleyball squad, has her eye on the return by the TJCA Lady Gryphon player during last week’s match at Nixon Gym.

Carson Reed hits the ball back across the net as the volleying gets heated between the Lady Ironmen and the Lady Gryphons of TJCA.

All eyes (including the referee) are on Lady Ironmen spiker Emily Allen (#17) as she drives a shot back across the net in last week’s game against the visiting TJCA Lady Gryphons.

Lady Ironman Laila Davis goes up against two TJCA Lady Gryphons players as she puts the ball back across the net.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPECIALS THIS WEEK. Butterfly Set For Outdoor Garden - Bikers Support TRUMP - Get thousands of woodworking plans. TheUncleBobby@mail. com

REUNIONS

SHS CLASS OF 1970 REUNION. The Shelby High School Class of ‘70 Reunion will be held the evening of Saturday, October 15. For details, contact Judie Young Davidson at Gator222@icloud.com (352) 339-1801 gator222@icloud. com

EMPLOYMENT

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) 4809340

EMPLOYMENT

BUSINESS SERVICES

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

FOR SALE

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

NOW HIRING TENT INSTALLERS & Warehouse Manager. Must be able to pass drug screen and Valid drivers license. Call (704) 692-4576

BUSINESS SERVICES

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

YARD SALES

SPECIALS THIS WEEK. Visit NC4Ever.com or email for a link to see the current specials TheUncleBobby@mail.com

CHARITY BAPTIST

CHURCH YOUTH RALLY. Charity Baptist Church will have a Youth Rally on Saturday, October 1st at 5:00pm with Bro. Jay Taylor Preaching and Straight and Narrow Singing! There will be a meal following the service. The church is located at 113 Charity Church Rd, Lawndale, NC. For More info Call 704-419-4574 or 704466-8774 charitychristianschool@gmail.com

HOTDOG BENEFIT FOR CRYSTAL HENSON at Boiling Springs Masonic Lodge October 8th from 12-6 pm. Plate includes 2 hotdogs, chips and drink, deserts. Price is $6.00, all proceeds go to family for donations. Contact Jennifer Moore 828-744-1095 also doing Raffle.

WE ARE SEEKING A MAINTENANCE TECH FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS TECHNICAL SKILLS, ABILITY TO TURN UNITS ON SCHEDULE, PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE, RESPOND TO WORK ORDERS AS WELL AS MAINTAIN GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. MAINTENANCE EXPERIENCE IN RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT COMMUNITY OR SIMILAR A PLUS. FULL TIME POSITION, BENEFITS. COME JOIN AN EXCELLENT WORK ENVIROMENT!!! PLEASE REMIT RESUME TO Clevelandridge1@ gmail.com or call for an appointment 704/739/6591 or (704) 734-4000 clevelandridge1@ gmail.com

NOW HIRING FULL TIME Maintenance technician for Lanier Pointe Apartments in Shelby. Painting, cleaning, carpentry, routine maintenance, some knowledge of plumbing and electrical helpful. Must have reliable transportation and valid drivers license. EOE. Please call for more info. Resumes may be emailed to: maintenanceposition28150@gmail.com (704) 300-1294

GENERAL MAINTENANCE/ GROUNDSKEEPER. Must have valid drivers license. Call 704-473-4299. (704) 473-4299

RV AND BOAT STORAGE. Your Toy Box LLC RV and Boat Storage. 24/7 access, on line lease and payments. Gated, fenced with security cameras. Wide roads with angled parking spaces for easy parking. Yourtoyboxllc.com. 136 Elm Rd., Grover, NC. (704) 470-5816 yourtoyboxllc@yahoo.com

NEED YOUR HOME CLEANED? Did you know that having a clean home is one of the secretes to happiness? Let me make you happy by making your home sparkle and shine. I do basis or deep cleaning at reasonable rates. Email me at sgacsa@aol.com call or text me at (704) 419-9016

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

CLEVELAND COUNTY ROLLINGWOOD COMMUNITYWIDE YARD SALE. Sat, Oct 1st, 7am until. HWY 150 between Spake’s Strawberries & Dover YMCA. So many families... So many treasures.

COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALE AT CRYSTAL SPRINGS ESTATES (Off Hwy. 18 North, Shelby) Sat. Oct 1st, 2022 from 7am til 1pm. Rain Date: Sat. Oct. 8th, 2022 at T.R. Harris Blvd. and Crystal Springs Lane, Shelby, NC 28150

YARD SALE/GARAGE SALE Sat Oct 1st, 2022 from 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Come out and see us!! Clean up sale! Outdoor power equipment, furniture, etc. 102 Fairdale St, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

SAT. MORNING OCT 1ST Sat Oct 1st, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM at 434 Leander Street Shelby, NC 28152

ANTIQUES

JOHN DEERE COLLECTION. Must see to appreciate. (704) 564-1382

FOR SALE

FREE POWER WHEELCHAIR Free! Small power wheelchair for a child or small adult. Needs batteries. Worked when parked the garage. Got a new chair so no longer needed. Could also be used for parts. Call 704-4777787 to arrange a time to pickup. Heavy so plan accordingly. (704) 472-9274 kim@shelbyinfo.com

FOR SALE

4” STEEL PIPE. Schedule 60, 134’, 6 pieces 20’ to 24’. $500. Call 704-692-9415.

USED CAMPER TOPS: BUY/ SALE/TRADE. Various sizes and styles. 828-980-0788.

16 FT. ALUMINUM WALK

BOARD New. 1000 watt generator, Never used. (704) 7358998

WANT TO BUY

WANT TO BUY STAIR LIFT in good condition. Call 828-4293712.

WANT TO BUY. Mobile home wheels or tires. 14.5”. 704-4773537

WANT TO BUY INEXPENSIVE, FULL mattress and boxsprings. Absolutely no memory foam. Hal, (828) 4477476

BUYING BASEBALL CARDS AND RECORDS LOOKING FOR 50S, 60S, AND 70S BASEBALL CARDS IN ANY CONDITION. PAYING TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR CARDS THAT ARE SITTING AND COLLECTING DUST AS WELL AS OLD ROCK AND ROLL RECORDS. CLEVELAND AND GASTON COUNTY KINGS MOUNTAIN SHELBY AND CHARLOTTE AREAS CALL TIM 661-312-6159 (661) 3126159 SAVEYOUREARTH@ LIVE.COM

JAZZY SELECT 6 $475. Mobility chair, delivered, warranty & charger. 245 lb wt capacity. Call Scooterman John. New Jazzy, 275 wt Ltd, $1195. Jazzy with lift seat, 225 wt Ltd, $650. (704) 951-4224 mobilityservices07@ gmail.com

TRAILERS. 5X8 LANDSCAPE, DUMP TRAILER, ENCLOSED TRAILER, 40 FT. GOOSENECK TRAILER, 40 FT. ENCLOSED TRAILER. RENT TO OWN. NO CREDIT CHECK. J. JOHNSON SALES, INC. FOREST CITY, NC. 828-245-5895.

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

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

ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW. Saturday, Oct. 1st, 2022. At T&H EQUIPMENT located at 1721 South Post Rd., Shelby, NC. “FREE Admission” Tractors Welcomed! Call Hal at 704300-3071 or Neal at 704-4815800, 10am-2pm

CREST CLASS OF 1970 REUNION. The Crest High class of 1970 is holding a 50th class reunion on Saturday Oct. 22, 2022 at the Legrand Center in Shelby from 6pm to 10pm. Price per person will be determined by the number of commentments. Respond to either crestclassof1970@gmail.com or text/call Allen Gold at 704418-1403.

MAINTENANCE POSITION. Salary: $13 - $17 an hour Job Type: Full-time Experienced Maintenance Technician for a busy apartment complex with at least 1 year experience working with Apartment Maintenance. Must be willing to be on call. Work hours are 9 to 5 Monday through Friday. Must pass Back Ground and Drug Test. Please email resume: ascott@eagleviewcap.com

ONE ON ONE CARE is hiring for full/part time in the group homes for 2nd shift. Transport experience recommended not required. Hrs are 2p-11p weekdays and 8p-8a weekends. Apply in person at 203 Lee St. Shelby

MOTOR WINDER Experienced AC motor winder needed. Competitive pay, benefits, and relaxed atmosphere (704) 947-1811 bcase@citycompressor.com

HELP WANTED JN Greene

THE SCREEN SHOP. For Windows and Doors. Can make, repair, and recover any screen for your windows and doors. For three generations, The Screen Shop has been serving Cleveland and surrounding counties. (828) 381-1422

GRAVEL $170 / TON. Miscellaneous junk removal, Trenching excavator, $75 / hr, $50 / unload. Firewood $65-$85 shorted truck load, tree-trimming except over house. Estimate, 864-490-9803 complaints or problems.

COPPERHEAD ROAD LAWN AND FIELD. Give us a call for prompt friendly service. Offering lawn care and field services (bushhogging, box blade and loader work) at reasonable prices. (704) 692-0662

JAMES BALLARD PAINTING SERVICES. Exterior painting only. We also stain decks. Free estimates. You will be pleased with our work. We have references. 828-287-9272. (828) 429-7511

EXTRY HEAVY DUTY TRAIL

FX BULL GUARD. For pickup truck. $350 obo. (704) 4725973

FIREWOOD FOR SALE Good hardwood. 8 ft. bed pickup load. Deliverable. $75. 704284-1694.

2005 HONDA RUCKUS MOPED. Broken. Needs Work. $150. 704-419-5054. Leave Message.

MISCELLANEOUS HUNTING EQUIPMENT. Bowtech compound bow $300. Free fly fishing lessons. 828-748-2027.

RIDING MOWERS, GARDEN TILLERS, TRACTORS, EQUIPMENT, GO-KARTS. Ready to mow. All in excellent condition. Can deliver, 30+ years experience in repair work. 828-980-0853, 704-476-9383.

DIECAST FOR SALE. CARS, TRUCKS, PLANES, BANKS, HOT AIR BALLOONS, TROLLIES, TRACTORS, ETC. Call Tom, Shelby, NC. (704) 4736384

MORGAN’S FIREWOOD. Small hardwood mix for small wood stoves. Cut, split, delivered $85/load. 828-395-0758.

BURNING BARRELS $15. Water Totes $60 to $100. Plastic Barrels with Lids & Rings $20. Solid Top Plastic Barrels $10. 15 Gallon Plastic Barrels $10. (828) 327-4782

RENT TO OWN TRAILERS. ENCLOSED, DUMP, GOOSENECK, CAR HAULERS. Thursdays - Fridays 10-5, Sat. 10-12. J Johnson Sales, inc. (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

DANNY’S AUTOWERKS. Buying used or junk cars. Competitive prices. Call Danny 828-2893081 or Jimmy 828-289-1175.

WANT TO BUY CARS, TRUCKS. Trailers, Tractors, Farm Equipment. Must have ID and proof of ownership. Callahan’s Towing. (704) 692-1006

FARM & GARDEN

5’ BUSH HOG BRAND FINISH MOWER. Been kept under shed, excellent shape and used very little. $2000. 704-6920500, (704) 487-0057

ROUND BALER, VERMIER 405H. Field ready, shed kept, ready to bale. $5500. Gill twin V rake, 8 wheels $2500. (704) 472-4450

BOATS

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 704-297-0103

SHS CLASS OF 1977 REUNION. Shelby High Class of ‘77 will hold there 45th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 22nd at Izzi Q Barbecue located at 127 W. Marion St., in Uptown Shelby. $25 per person and that’s all inclusive; venue, food and music. Desserts by Betsy Lutz McPherson. Checks can be mailed to Donna Blanton Rash at 1045 Allison Dr., Shelby NC 28150

Electrical Contracting is seeking full time electrician and laborers. Experience is preferred but not required. Electrician starting pay $15.00 – $30.00 based on experience Laborers starting pay $10.50 - $15.00 based on experience. Please contact Joe Greene for more information. (704) 473-6862 jojoe5656@outlook.com

EXPERIENCED GARMENT AND TEXTILE SEWING. Experienced sewing positions. FT 1st-Shift. M-F 8:30-5. Parttime also available Competitive pay. Great Environment. English and Spanish-speaking staff. Located in Lincolnton (310) 874-8516 contact@ hodgesinternational.net

TRIPLE D PAINTING, LLC. All your painting needs. Free estimates. Over 25 yrs experience! Facial board replacement available!!! Making your home, building or business look new again. (704) 418-5736 childresstracy1@gmail.com

RETIRED GENERAL CONTRACTOR AVAILABLE. “SPECIALIZING IN DECKS” Repairs and New Construction. Rutherford/Cleveland County areas. Contact Bob at (828) 476-6058

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

SWISHER TRAIL MOWER. 60” cut, electric start, 13HP Honda engine. Adjustable deck, off set to left or right or pull straight behind. Can pull behind ATV, Golf Cart, side by side etc. Excellent shape. Used very little. $1800. 704-692-0500, (704) 487-0057

ALL METAL GARAGES. Big Discounts! Zero down. Call for more details. 828-382-0455.

JOHN DEERE zero turn, 42 in. cut, 400 hrs. Looks, runs, cuts good. $1800 or OBO. 704487-0500 or 704-678-3954.

STORAGE BUILDINGS NEW, USED, REPO’S. LARGE SELECTION! CASH or RENT TO OWN. NO CREDIT CHECK! J Johnson Sales 2690 Hwy 221 South, Forest City Thursday - Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-12 (828) 245-5895

NEW USED REPO BUILDINGS Thursday - Friday 10-5 Sat. 10-12 J Johnson Sales 2690 US Hwy 221 South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

METAL ROOFING IN STOCK! Thursday - Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-12. J Johnson Sales (828) 245-5895

ALL TRAILERS CASH, FINANCE, CREDIT CARDS or RENT TO OWN. J Johnson Sales Forest City, NC. Thursday - Friday 10-5, Saturday 1012. Ph. (828) 245-5895

2003

PETS & LIVESTOCK

FREE KITTENS TO GOOD HOME.

UTD.

&

COINS * COINS * COINS. We Buy & Sell Coins. “Coin Collector Supplies.” JAKE’S KNIVES & COLLECTIBLES. 1008 South Lafayette Street, Shelby. Call 704-600-6996 (980) 295-5568

FABRIC CUTTING SUPERVISOR - LINCOLNTON. The Cutter Supervisor position will program, set up, operate and maintain automated (Tukatech) equipment and hand cutter to cut fabric to product specifications. Meet production, quality, and safety requirements. Keep records, and maintain equipment and supplies. Perform cutting operations to assure compliance with approved methods and quality standards., cuts fabric and material handling and bundling operations. Manages cutting staff. 1st ShiftM-F 8:30 - 5. Located in Lincolnton (714) 916-9513 contact@ hodgesinternational.net

LAND PROS LAND MANAGEMENT. We offer commercial and residential forestry mulching, land clearing, lawn care and light duty skid steer work. We are located in Shelby, N.C. We offer our services in Cleveland and surrounding counties. We offer free estimates! (704) 300-8763 landproshelby@gmail.com

HANDYMAN. All rental and residential services. No job too small. Call Ray at 704-813-7623

LIKE NEW, MEN’S HUFFY BICYCLE. Great Condition Must See! $50.00. Great Trail Rider. Call 828-782-7221

SOLID OAK GRANDFATHER CLOCK Handmade, excellent condition, must see. Can be seen at 478 East Church Street, Bostic, NC.

CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN TABLE W/6 CHAIRS. SOLID WOOD, ALWAYS KEPT COVERED. LIKE NEW! PRICE $950 (704) 477-3031 LSMITH3031@ GMAIL.COM

CEMETERY LOT AVAILABLE. VETERANS CIRCLE, GASTON MEMORIAL PARK. Reduced price. Call or text (919) 2725503

STEEL CARPORTS & GARAGES 12 wide, 18, 20, 22, 24 & 30 wides on display. Large onsite display. J Johnson Sales Forest City 2690 Hwy 221 South. Thursday - Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-12. Ph.(828) 2455895

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

A CRYPT MAUSOLEUM at Rose Hill Cemetry in Fallston. Call 704-477-8405 or 704-7393770..

POTTERY CRAFTS SALE OCTOBER 1ST. Pottery by William Morgan and Cox Fine Arts. (828) 202-5541 williammorganpottery@gmail.com

Stroke Johnson.

trolling motor.

Test results indicate a rebound in students’ academic performance

by TODD HAGANS

Chief Communications Officer

Gaston County Schools

Test results for the 20212022 academic year indicate that students in Gaston County and across North Carolina are gaining ground on learning loss that happened because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to information released by the North Carolina State Board of Education and N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

Higher proficiency rates on end-of-grade and end-ofcourse state tests and meeting and exceeding academic growth expectations are signs that schools have been successful in addressing pandemic-related learning loss. However, schools statewide are faced with more work to do to overcome the effects of the pandemic and help students rebound to pre-pandemic achievement levels.

Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker said, “It is encouraging to see our schools making gains in student achievement and academic growth; we are going in the right direction toward improvement following an un-

precedented time that not only affected schools, but all aspects of our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed significantly to learning loss as we had to alter almost everything associated with how we operated schools. Last year, we were able to get our students and teachers back into a more normal routine with in-person instruction five days a week, and as a result, we have upward trends in student achievement, especially with the amount of academic growth our students made in one school year. We know that it will be a gradual process to recover from the pandemic, and it will take much energy and effort, but we are committed to doing all that we can to ensure that our students learn, grow, and thrive.”

Dr. Booker added, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our teachers, support personnel, administrators, and so many others who have had a role in helping us bounce back from the pandemic. It has been difficult and overwhelming at times, but our employees have gone beyond the call of duty to persevere and do what is best to help our students. I am confident that our schools and central level departments will use this year’s test data to evaluate where we are, determine where we want to be, and put resources, programs, and professional development in place so we can take steps toward higher academic achievement and success.”

The 2021-2022 year is the first time that the state has applied all components of its accountability and testing program for schools, including the assessment of academic growth and the assignment of A-F school performance grades, since the pandemic hit. The last year that school districts had a full report of accountability and testing data was 2018-2019. While the state has acknowledged the detrimental effects of the pandemic on student learning and achievement, the state did not change its testing and accountability model to account for the pandemic.

The following is information about student proficiency, academic growth, the graduation rate, and school performance grades for Gaston County Schools for the 20212022 academic year.

Student proficiency

Students in Gaston County and across North Carolina improved their performance on end-of-grade and end-ofcourse state tests. Students in grades 3-8 are tested in reading and math, and a science test is given in the fifth and eighth grades. High school students take state tests in four subject areas: Math I, Math III, Biology, and English II. Proficiency is based on the number of students scoring a Level III, IV, or V on the state tests.

Gaston’s overall proficiency rate for 2021-2022 is 48.4 percent, which is 4.3

points higher than last year’s rate of 44.1. The state rate is 51.4 percent.

▪ The percentage of students scoring at or above grade level (achieving proficiency) in math and reading increased across all tested grade levels (grades 3-8) when compared to last year. The percentage for science (tested only in grades 5 and 8) increased as well.

▪ The most significant gains in reading are for fourth grade (+6.5), seventh grade (+5.7), and fifth grade (+5.1). The most significant gains in math are for third grade (+9.8), fourth grade (+6.8), and fifth grade (+5.5). The most significant gains in science are for fifth grade (+7.9).

▪ At the high school level, the percentage of students scoring at or above grade level (achieving proficiency) increased in Math I (+8.0), Biology (+4.8), and Math III (+3.1) when compared to last year. Math III proficiency in 20212022 exceeds the pre-pandemic proficiency rate in 2018-2019. The proficiency rate for English II dipped only one-tenth of a point when compared to last year.

The elementary schools with the highest student proficiency are Hawks Nest, Belmont Central, Cherryville, New Hope, W.A. Bess, and North Belmont. Cherryville (+21.4) leads the elementary schools with the most significant increase in student proficiency when compared to last year.

Other elementary schools with a significant increase are Catawba Heights (+11.4), North Belmont (+10.3), Tryon (+9.3), McAdenville (+8.7), Sherwood (+8.2), Belmont Central (+8.1), and Woodhill (+8.0). North Belmont is the only elementary school to exceed its pre-pandemic (2018-2019) proficiency rate.

The middle schools with the highest student proficiency are Cramerton, Belmont, Stanley, and Mount Holly. The middle schools with the most significant increase when compared to last year are York Chester (+7.2), Mount Holly (+5.0), and Stanley (+4.3).

▪ The high schools with the highest student proficiency are Highland, Gaston Early College, Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences, and South Point. The high schools with the most significant increase when compared to last year are Forestview (+8.7), South Point (+7.4), and East Gaston (+5.4). Bessemer City is the only high school to exceed its pre-pandemic (2018-2019) proficiency rate.

Academic growth

Academic growth indicates whether students achieve a year’s worth of academic progress for a year’s worth of instruction. Growth is reported in one of three ways: Exceeded Growth, Met Growth, or Did Not Meet Growth. For the 2021-2022 school year, Gaston County had 71 percent of

its schools (36 of 51) to meet or exceed overall academic growth expectations.

At the elementary school level, W.A. Bess, Brookside, Lowell, North Belmont, and Pinewood exceeded overall academic growth expectations. For middle schools, Cramerton and Southwest exceeded overall expectations. East Gaston, Forestview, Gaston Early College, Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences, Highland, and South Point exceeded overall expectations among high schools.

▪ In reading, 26 elementary schools and all 11 middle schools met or exceeded academic growth expectations (95 percent of elementary and middle schools excelled in reading growth). In math, 23 elementary and middle schools met or exceeded expectations.

Graduation rate

The Gaston County graduation rate for the Class of 2022 is 85.2 percent. Five schools have a graduation rate of 90 percent or higher: Gaston Early College (100 percent), Highland (100 percent), Forestview (92.9 percent), South Point (90.9 percent), and Ashbrook (90.0 percent). Forestview had the most significant increase (+3.7) when compared to last year.

Called the ‘four-year cohort graduation rate’, it See RESULTS, Page 10

PETS & LIVESTOCK

3 LABRADOODLE AND 2 POMERANIAN Delivery in 2 state area. 3 Labradoodle two red and one white. Parents AKC. 9 Weeks $500 each. Two Pomeranian CKC registered $800. All are UTD on vaccines and worming. All come with ten days special puppy chow, custom harness/leash, and Vaccine health record. (864) 4925138 dvcaldwell38@gmail.com

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES FOR SALE. Call 704747-7441.

CKC MALE YORKIE POO PUPPY. Wormed & groomed, shots & vet checked. 12 wks old. $850. Female adult Poodle, $350. Manx kittens full blooded, parents on site, 2 males. No tails. $300. Inside raised. (828) 391-0919

FREE KITTENS. to a good home. Call 828-201-3861 after 4 pm.

GOATS, ALL NANNYS, 6 months and older, $100 to $150. Also sheep $150 each. Call for info 828-429-6319.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

FREE 2 FEMALE MIXED DOGS. Needs a good home. 2 yrs. old. Housebroken. German Shepherd/Bullmastiff. Call 828429-7094 for more info.

TOY POODLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CKC registered, 1st shots and wormed. $500. 704477-6762

AKC REGISTERED LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPIES. Ready. Up to date on shots, wormed, parents onsite. 1 black male, 1 yellow male. $600. Text 828-429-0210.

AMERICAN PIT BULLS. $350 each. 3 males, 4 females. Text 704-74-8055, Call (704) 9748055

TINY POMERANIAN PUPPIES AVAILABLE. Blue, Vet checked, shots & worming. Ready to go. (828) 289-8872

CARS & TRUCKS

CARS & TRUCKS

1995 FORD RANGER 160K mileage, custom grill, toolbox, chrome fenderwell, Gold color. Nice looking truck. $3,000. 704-466-2184.

CAMPERS

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

VACATIONS

THE ARK & CREATION MUSEUM KENTUCKY. Exciting bus trip, 4 days-3 nights & more! the price is $525 per person, double occupancy. May 15-18, 2023. Call Burel or Pam Harris for more details. 704-477-1075 or (704) 477-6863

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

REAL ESTATE

POLK COUNTY

AVAILABLE 2 ACRE TRACT. Hidden pasture, wooded house-site, rough-in driveway, NC highway 9 south, road frontage, minutes from stores in Tryon, Columbus, Landrum, SC. Light zoning, low property taxes, county water available. Year-round creek on back property line, 3 phase electric available. Reduced to $47,900. For further information call John between 10am-8pm. 828-8630596 or Peter 828-606-6712.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY 2BR, 2BA, 1100SF, heat pump, 10 acres partly wooded, rolling, secluded, pond. $249,000. Text 828-919-1477 or leave message. Additional 14 acres available. 342 Right Prong Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040

WANT TO RENT

2021 NISSAN MURANO 18,500 miles, $42000 obo. Excellent condition!

daily driver

is

pre-

manufacturer

and kept

condition.

leave a message or text

704-740-0747

BOER BOEL REGISTERED MASTIFF PUPPIES. Seven males/ females, 9 weeks. Up-todate shots/deworming. $800. Ready for forever home. Call/text 704-6005388, can arrange facetime.

call

I do have additional pictures I can send! (704) 740-0747

2001 DODGE RAM 2500. One owner,

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

BEACH HOUSES AT OCEAN LAKE 2BR, 2BA, sleeps 6, golf cart, Wifi, Weeks and weekends available. Halloween weekend open. 704-4731494

ONE BED/BATH NEEDED. PLEASE Bed/bath needed for independent elderly male. Smoker but no alcohol/drugs. Please call 704-600-5596. Thank you!

FOR RENT

CHEROKEE COUNTY, SC BEAUTY SHOP, CHESNEE AREA. Call for information. Also tanning bed for sale, good bulbs. $400. 864-461-7868.

CLEVELAND COUNTY HOME FOR RENT IN SHELBY. NC. 2 bedroom 1 bath renting at $945.00 per month. Call Today (704-544-1111). (704) 554-8861 frontdesk@kluttspropertymanagement.com

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

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

3BR, 2BA MOBILE HOME on 2 acres, private lot. Background & credit check required. Call for details. 704-300-5293.

3 BEDROOM 2 BATH HOUSE. Attached 2 car garage, large detatched garage, updated throughout. Lawn maintenance included. Shelby/Waco area. $1450 month, $1450 security deposit. (704) 236-8198

135-11 WIGGINS LANE, Kings Mountain, NC. Single Wide. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom. Rent $800 Deposit $800. Application fee $25. 704-2144180.

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

CAMPER WEEKLY RENTAL. 100 Kentbury Dr, Grover, NC. $325 weekly includes power & water. $1,000 deposit, $25 Application fee. 704-214-4180.

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, 124 Deer Meadow Lane, Lawndale, NC Doublewide. Rent $1,250. Deposit-$1,250. Application Fee $25. 704-2144180.

LIONS SENIOR VILLAGE HAS 1 bedroom HUD subsidized apartments for low income seniors. Taking applications. Age 62 or older. Equal Housing Opportunity. 211 North Morgan Street, (704) 482-7723

GASTON COUNTY

FOR LEASE- OFFICE SPACE. Over 800 s.f. breakroom included. Brand new HVAC, brand new flooring, and ground level entry. $1125 per month including water. 112 E. Dixon Blvd., Suite 2, Shelby, NC 28152. Call (704) 923-1698

EXTREMELY NICE, 2 BEDROOM HOME in Kings Mountain. Nice yard. Great neighborhood. Stove, refrigerator, new H&A. No pets. $1500 month. (704) 473-5240

HOUSE FOR RENT IN CHERRYVILLE 2 BR, 1 BA, Central Heat & AC. Includes stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, storage building. $700 Mo. $700 deposit. (704) 435-8750

dental50plus.com/ncpress #6258

Miscellaneous Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote – Call now before the next power outage: 1-844-9380700

Miscellaneous AUTO INSURANCE STARTING AT $49/ MONTH! Call for your fee rate compari-

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

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

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

GASTONIA-RENT LOCAL OFFICE SPACE. Great location behind the library, 4 offices, break room, front end reception area, and waiting room. $1250 a month plus utilities. Call Zeus Realty at (980) 989-7316

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

2 & 3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Small private park between Spindale and Forest City. Starting at $550 per month. 828-382-0475.

4 BR MOBILE HOME. Beautiful location, mountain views with Broad River access available. Rutherfordton address, just inside Polk Co. Close to TIEC & easy commute to Rutherfordton, Forest City, Spartanburg, Hendersonville. Updated bathrooms, fresh paint & carpet. $1500 deposit, references required. (704) 913-5802

Call 844-213-6711

2&3 BEDROOM TOWN HOMES. Townhomes located in Shelby, NC. We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list. Rent is based on income (and some expenses are deducted). Please visit us today at Laurel Hill Apartments 1526 Eaves Rd., Shelby NC or call for more information 704487-1114. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Higher proficiency; growth are signs schools overcoming pandemic-related learning loss

Fundraiser for Levine’s

CHS Lady Ironmen volleyball setter and senior, Rileigh Kiser, is organizing a fundraiser – along with the school – to support Levine’s in honor of September being Childhood Cancer Month.

Ms. Kiser said, “It will be a boys’ volleyball game played

at Nixon Gym on Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. Sign-ups are at CHS. It will be $6 to get in and all proceeds and donations will go to support Levine’s.” She also noted this event has been announced and posted at the school and on the school’s website and Facebook pages.

JCMS Lady Wolverines softball get 2 wins last week

CHAVIS 11 – STANLEY 5

Coach Lance Beam said the Chavis softball team defeated Stanley on Monday, Sept. 19.

Jenny Brown got the win on the mound striking out 8 batters. Kate Mulvey, Livi Harmon, Hailey Vance, Grace Capps and Isabelle Robinson had multiple hits to lead the offense.

Also contributing to the offense was Jenny Brown, Landry Beam, Maddie Avery and Kayla Throckmorton with one hit each.

Mulvey and Beam were strong defensively for the Wolverines

CHAVIS 11 – MT. HOLLY 4

The Chavis softball team defeated Mt. Holly on Thursday, Sept. 22. Jenny Brown got the win on the mound striking out 7 batters. Brown, Kate Mulvey, Livi Harmon, and Grace Capps had multiple hits to lead the offense.

Also contributing to the offense was Landry Beam, Maddie Avery, Kayla Throckmorton and Mary Upchurch with one hit apiece.

Mulvey and Beam were strong defensively for the Wolverines.

RESULTS

From Page 9 reflects the percentage of students who entered the ninth grade in 2018-2019 and graduated four years later in June 2022. The four-year graduation rate is not the same as the dropout rate, which indicates the number of students who drop out of high school, in a given year. When the state first calculated the four-year cohort graduation rate in 2005-2006, Gaston County’s rate was a mere 68.1 percent.

It is important to note that Gaston’s current graduation rate of 85.2 percent is higher than the rate of 84.9 percent in 2018-2019, which was the last “normal” school year before the pandemic.

Some students need an extra year of high school to complete graduation requirements. The district’s fiveyear cohort graduation rate is 87.8 percent. The five-year cohort graduation rate reflects the number of students who entered the ninth grade in 2017-2018 and graduated by June 2022.

School performance

grades

The state uses the testing and accountability data to give school performance grades, which were assigned for the first time in 2014. A school’s performance letter grade is determined using a formula based only on two factors: student achievement/ test scores (80 percent) and student academic growth (20 percent).

The school performance grade should not be interpreted as a comprehensive evaluation that determines the quality of a school. Only select criteria are used to determine the grade. School size, diverse student population, socioeconomics, teacher experience, student learning obstacles, special programs, parental and community involvement, and other factors –including the COVID-19 pandemic – have an effect on a school’s performance, but are not considered in the grade.

For the 2021-2022 school year, Gaston County had half of its schools (25 of 51) to earn an A, B, or C grade –three schools received an A grade, nine schools received a B grade, and 13 schools re-

2022 GIRLS TENNIS

Thursday Sept. 29th TJCA*

Tuesday Oct. 4th Burns*

Thursday Oct. 6th East Gaston*

Tuesday Oct. 11th

Conference Tournament

*denotes conference match HOME MATCHES in Bold Coach: Brandon Shull

ceived a C grade. The state did not assign grades for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years because of the pandemic. When compared to 2018-2019, Gaston County, like most school districts across the state, had more schools in 2021-2022 to receive a lower grade.

Twelve schools are within three or fewer points of achieving the next grade level: Beam Intermediate, Brookside, Cherryville High, Costner, New Hope, North Belmont, North Gaston, Pinewood, Robinson, Sherwood, South Point, and Woodhill. South Point High School is only three points from having an A school performance grade, a status that is difficult to achieve.

The test scores released by the state are preliminary results. The results will be verified and official results will be a part of the district and school report cards, which will be issued this fall.

Because of pandemic-related factors, it is not possible to have an apples-to-apples comparison of proficiency rates for 2018-2019 and 2021-2022.

CHERRYVILLE IRONMEN BOYS SOCCER - 2022

Day Date Opponent Location Time

Wed. Sept. 28 Shelby Away 5:30

Mon. Oct. 3 Bessemer City Away 5:30

Wed. Oct. 5 Highland Home 5:30

Thur. Oct. 13 TJCA Away 5:30

Mon. Oct. 17 Shelby Home 5:30

Wed. Oct. 19 East Gaston Away 5:30

Mon. Oct. 24 Burns Away 5:30

Wed. Oct. 26 Bessemer City Home 5:30

Head Coach: Michelle Cuomo

CHERRYVILLE LADY IRONMEN VOLLEYBALL 2022

OPPONENT SITE TIME

DAY DATE

Thursday Sept. 29 Bessemer CitY Away 4:30

Tuesday Oct. 4 Highland Home 4:30

Wednesday Oct. 5 Chase Home 4:30

Monday Oct. 10 West Lincoln Home 4:30

Tuesday Oct. 11 Thomas Jefferson Away 4:30

Conference Tournament- Oct. 13, 17, 18 at higher seed

Seeding for playoffs October 21 1st Round October 22

Cherryville Cross-Country Schedule 2022

Day Date Place Time

Tues. 10/04 Bessemer City (Tryon Park) 4:30

Tues. 10/11 open 4:30

Tues. 10/18 Shelby (Conference Finals) 4:30 Sat. 10/3 Regionals (TBD)

CHERRYVILLE LADY IRONMEN VOLLEYBALL 2022

DAY DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME

Thursday Sept. 29 Bessemer CitY Away 4:30

Tuesday Oct. 4 Highland Home 4:30

Wednesday Oct. 5 Chase Home 4:30

Monday Oct. 10 West Lincoln Home 4:30

Tuesday Oct. 11 Thomas Jefferson Away 4:30

Conference Tournament- Oct. 13, 17, 18 at higher seed Seeding for playoffs October 21 1st Round October 22

CHERRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL--2022

Date Opponent Site Time

9/30 OPEN 10/7 Highland Tech*(HC) Home 7:30 10/14 Thomas Jefferson* Away 7:30 10/21 Burns* Away 7:30 10/28 Bessemer City*(SN) Home 7:30 11/4 NCHSAA Playoff / Round 1 TBA TBA

*Conference Games

By JIM MILLER Editor

How to Find Travel Companions for Older Travelers

Dear Savvy Senior, I am interested in finding some type of travel escort service to help my elderly parents fly across the country. My son is getting married in the fall and would love for my parents to attend, but they’re both in their 80s with health issues, so they’ll need help getting there. Can you direct me to any travel services that can help us?

Looking for Assistance

Dear Looking, Traveling can be challenging under the best circumstances, but for seniors with medical problems, physical limitations or dementia it can be unmanageable. Fortunately, there are a bevy of companies today that provide traveling companion/ escort services to help older adults with the rigors of travel.

A good travel escort can provide your parents with transportation to and from the airport, manage their luggage, navigate and assist them through the airport, sit next to them on the flight, help them to their hotel and much more.

Some companion services even provide personal care like medication management, dressing, bathing and feeding.

And for those with specific medical needs, traveling nurse services are available too.

But be aware that these services aren’t cheap. You will pay for the travel companion’s tickets, the companion’s hotel room if necessary, meals, incidentals and fees for the service. The price to accompany a client on a plane trip within the United States – including the companion fees and travel costs for all parties – can range anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the flight transfers and length of the trip.

To locate a travel companion service in your area, search online for “senior travel companion” or “senior travel escort,” followed by your parent’s city or state.

Or use an experienced national service like Flying Companions (FlyingCompanions.com), Travel Helpers (GoTravelHelpers.com) or FirstLight Home Care

(FirstLightHomeCare.com), which has a national network of franchises that provides in-home care for seniors and offers travel companion programs in about 80 percent of their 190 operating territories.

Or, for medical travel companions do a search for “traveling nurse escort” or “medical travel companion,” or checkout Travel Care and Logistics (YourFlightNurse.com), which provides registered nurses as escorts.

If, however, your parents don’t require a lot of assistance, or if you can’t afford a travel escort, consider asking a trusted family member or friend that has some air travel experience.

Vet the Service

If you’re interested in hiring a travel companion service, there are a number of things you need to check into to ensure you get the right escort.

First, if you parents require personal or medical care while traveling, find out if the escort is trained to manage their

healthcare needs. What sort of medical certifications do they have? (Nursing credentials? C.P.R. training? etc.)

Also, find out how many trips the companion has taken with clients. Have they completed trips with travelers like your parents? How long has the travel service company been in business? What is the company’s safety record? And what sort of insurance does it carry, and what exactly is covered?

Also, get a quote breaking down exactly what you’ll be required to pay, in addition to the companion’s fees. And get a list of two or three clients/references who have used their service and call them.

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.