Gastonia names Conard new police chief

The City of Gastonia has named Interim Police Chief Trent Conard as the next permanent Police Chief for the Gastonia Police Department (GPD).

Chief Conard joined the GPD in 1996 and brings more than 28 years of experience to his new position.

Conard was named Interim Police Chief in October 2022. Chief Conard will continue to lead the daily operations of the Police Department and the work of over 200

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Students in the Public Service Academy learn about what it takes to become a police officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician (EMT), lawyer/judge, teacher, and leader in municipal/county government. Field trips, guest speakers, community service opportunities, and the teacher cadet program give students an up-close and hands-on approach to finding out what it means to serve the public.

Each year, up to 50 sixth graders and 50 ninth graders (from outside the Cherryville attendance area) are admitted to participate in the Public Service Academy. Students who live inside the Cherryville attendance area can already take advantage of the Academy, and the program is designed to make an easy transition for students going from John Chavis Middle to Cherryville High School.

Below is a list of all school choice/magnet school programs that are offered in Gaston County Schools:

■ Elementary Schools Gifted and Talented Academy @ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School Hawks Nest STEAM Academy

Leadership Academy @ Costner Elementary School

Performing Arts Academy @ Pinewood Elementary School (new)

■ Middle Schools Career Academy @ Southwest Middle School

Career Academy @ York Chester Middle School

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 10th day of December, 2022 as Executrix of the Estate of CARYL B. AUSTELL; AKA, CARYL BEAM AUSTELL, deceased, of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned, at McIntyre Elder Law in Shelby, NC on or before the May 1st, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 1st day of February, 2023.

Elizabeth Austell Shuford, Executrix

Estate of: Caryl B. Austell; aka, Caryl Beam Austell

Counsel for the Estate McINTYRE ELDER LAW

233 E. Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150 CE (2/1, 08, 15 & 22/2023) dedicated women and men who serve the community in sworn and civilian positions.

The City advertised the position nationwide and received over 40 applications.

There were eight candidates interviewed and four selected to participate in an extensive assessment center conducted by Centralina Regional Council. The assessment panel consisted of police chiefs and city managers from around the Charlotte region, along with some Gastonia community leaders.

“After an extensive na-

Gifted and Talented Academy @ Cramerton Middle School

Leadership Academy @ W.C. Friday Middle School Public Service Academy @ John Chavis Middle School STEAM Academy @ Stanley Middle School

Technology and Industrial Engineering Academy @ Bessemer City Middle School

■ High Schools

Career Academy @ Hunter Huss High School

Collegiate Prep Academy @ Forestview High School

Gaston Early College High School

Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences Health Sciences Academy @ East Gaston High School

Highland School of Technology iAccelerate Academy @ Ashbrook High School

Leadership Academy @ North Gaston High School Public Service Academy @ Cherryville High School tionwide search, it was clear that Interim Chief Conard was the right choice to continue leading the GPD,” said City Manager Michael Peoples. “His depth and breadth of experience in law enforcement, internal organizational and management skills, and passion for the communities of Gastonia will serve the Department and our citizens well as he steps into this new role.”

Conard was promoted to Assistant Police Chief from Captain in October 2020. His service with the GPD includes being Commander

Technology and Industrial Engineering Academy @ Bessemer City High School

■ Online Learning Gaston County Virtual Academy (for grades K-12)

Beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, the newest addition to the school choice lineup is the Performing Arts Academy at Pinewood Elementary School. Also, a of the Criminal Investigations Division, Commander of the Special Situations Unit which includes SWAT, Bomb Squad, Crisis Negotiators, Mobile Field Force, and the Mobile Command. He was responsible for creating and implementing the Police Training Officer program for the GPD in 2005. Since the program was implemented, over 180 officers have been trained in the program. He received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Montreat College and is a North Carolina certified instructor and nationally cybersecurity program is being added to the Health Sciences Academy at East Gaston High School.

Typically, students enter a school choice program when they will be in kindergarten, sixth grade, or ninth grade; however, some programs have limited space available at other grade levels. Students in Gaston County Schools as well as students who currently attend a private school, charter school, home school, or certified Problem Based Learning instructor. Conard is a graduate of the West Point Leadership Program and also attended the FBI Command College. virtual school may apply now for the 2023-2024 academic year. For more information about each school choice option and to submit an online application, visit the School Choice webpage for Gaston County Schools: www.gaston. k12.nc.us/schoolchoice.

“I look forward to serving the citizens of Gastonia as Police Chief and leading a department of dedicated public servants who share my passion to protect and serve through direct and intentional community involvement inclusive to all residents and visitors of our diverse city,” said Chief Conard.

The deadline to apply is Friday, March 3 at 5:00 p.m. The student placement lottery will be held in April.

Having of

Estate

Addie

Jones aka Addie Sue Parton, deceased, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned Administratrix on or before the 27th day of April, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This the 25th day of January, 2023

Diana C. Stroupe (FKA Hughes)

113 Early Road Kings Mountain, NC 28086

C. Andrew Neisler, Jr CLONINGER & NEISLER ATTYS

P.O. Box 515, 300 E. King Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086 CE (1//25, 2/1, 2/8 & 2/15/2023)