Cherryville Eagle 1-5-23

It was a very good year…we look back on all that’s happened in 2022

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

(Ed. Note: This is Part Two of the Eagle’s twopart series looking back on the last six months of 2022 and how we brought your hometown, community news and local issues to you, our faithful readers.)

JULY

• Mainstreet America accredits Cherryville’s Main Street Program again. This National Accreditation is city’s 7th consecutive designation.

• St. John’s Lutheran Church’s Mobile Food Pantry fulfills Christ’s command to feed the hungry. Also have a school supplies giveaway in August.

• Cherryville “Y’s” beloved Butch Boyd retires after 15-plus years. Many friends and co-workers came by and shared pizza and memories of good times.

• City’s Fourth celebration at Rudisill Stadium ranks as one of the best. CFD thanks First United Methodist Church for use of parking lot as fireworks

TNYS start New Year shoot off right on Dec. 31, 2022 at Lincolnton Apple Drop

Countdown;

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

Before the Traditional New Year’s Shooter’s

group – one of two such groups in Cherryville – sets about shooting in the New Year in Cherryville, for the past few years TNYS Vice-President, Gary Dellinger noted they have been invited guests at the popular Lincolnton “The Apple Drop New Year’s Eve Street Party”.

Regarding this year’s Apple Drop, Gary said, “(The) Apple Drop went well. We had about 75 shooters that went over for that. We had a good Lincoln

See TNYS, Page 6

launch site.

• Cherryville Elementary has a new principal in the person Mr. Patrick Watson. He takes over the helm from Mrs. Audrey Hovis.

• Council recognizes Gaston County DA; City safety award winners at meeting. Public hearings set for August for proposed annexation; two Planning and Zoning proposals.

• Missing Lincoln man with Cherryville address located. Daniel E. Neal found in Morganton by authorities.

• Cherryville’s own Joshua White is the new principal at WBBI. He is looking forward to the start

of school on Wednesday, Aug. 17

• Venerable Stroup Memorial Park gets a fantastic makeover. Though small, the park has a big impact on all who seek a bit of quiet, beauty and solace.

• Cherryville Dixie AllStars receive Sportsmanship Trophy and medals. Coaches, players excited to receive prestigious award.

• Cherryville’s Miss Fourth of July Pageant winners announced. The Miss Fourth of July Pageant winners were Tiny Miss Gabrielle Shedd, Majestic Miss Skylar Blackburn, Miniature Miss Chrislyn Shook, Baby Miss Bella Mae Flowers, Young Miss Savannah Hubbard, and Little Miss Vivian Medrano.

• Cherryville’s Post 100 are 2022 Area IV champions. Coach Bob Reynolds’ Legion ball players win 20th Area IV championship 5-4.

AUGUST

• Trent “Bam Bam” Rayfield is new chief of Hugh’s Pond VFD. Young chief serious about getting new volunteers to serve the community.

• Last of July Council work session covers zoning, See 2022, Page 4

Cherryville New Year Shooters, Inc. has pre-shoot at local radio station

Thursday,

Dec. 29 event the only pre-shoot they had scheduled this year

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

On Dec. 29, the Cherryville New Year Shooters, Inc. (CNYSI) had an exhibition pre-shoot at a local radio station from 10:30 to 11 a.m. The group had about 20 members there shooting their muskets in what has been a ritual now for them for a number of years – being hosted by the local radio station, WCSL –KTC Broadcasting.

Group Secretary Rusty Wise said the station, located at 1416 Shelby Hwy., held the morning shot at 10:30 a.m., and is, according to Mr. Wise, “…the only pre-shoot we had scheduled this year.”

Wise said their group is growing adding, “We signed up 392 members, and will have well over 400 members signed up by the end of our 2023 shoot.”

Wise noted that while there are many things as-

sociated with their group of New Year Shooters, many of which are static and as a rule don’t change over the years, they have, of late, been trying, as he noted, “… to push people to the Cherryville Historical Museum to view the Shooters exhibit there and to view the historic movie reels and such that chronicle the group’s rich tradition and how it has evolved in this part of the state.

Rusty noted the venerable old museum, housed in the city’s old courthouse and located on Main Street,

is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m., to 2 p.m., and sometimes by appointment only.

Page 9

A wide-angle view of the Cherryville July 4, 2022 celebration held at Rudisill Stadium. (Eagle file photos)

The 2022 Post 100 Area IV American Legion baseball champs and their coaches.

A couple of the Cherryville New Year Shooters, Inc. members fire their guns at the Thursday,

CNYSI President Charles Sisk and Secretary Rusty Wise talk with WCSL DJ Milton Baker at last Thursday’s, Dec. 29 exhibition pre-shoot in Cherryville.

Wise said information on the museum’s Shooters exhibit can be found on the See CYNSI,

blessing by Cherryville Traditional Shooters always a welcome part of the New Year for the city

Right before things got under way in this photo taken a few years ago at a previous Apple Drop, Traditional New Year Shooters member and group Vice-President, Gary Dellinger (center, in dark hat and long coat), chants the group’s traditional blessing to the hosts. (photo from TNYS Facebook page)

COMMUNITY FIRST MEDIA Wishes you Blessings of Peace, Joy & Health in the New Year!

OBITUARIES

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to StoneBridge Church Community, 3700 Prosperity Church Rd., Charlotte, NC, 28269.

Marion Boozer

CLINTON, S.C. – Marion Benjamin Boozer, 80, of Clinton, S.C., was fully healed after a battle with dementia and scoliosis, when he went to be with the Lord on Dec. 25, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David M. Boozer and Evelyn B. Boozer. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Brenda Boozer; his children, Mary Elizabeth (Boozer) Jones (and son-in-law, Brent Jones) of Charlotte, NC, and David Boozer of Greenwood, SC; and two grandchildren, Andrew Jones and Langdon Jones.

Before scoliosis made it hard for him to walk and dementia confused his mind, Marion lived a full life. He was born in 1942 in Gaffney, S.C. His faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior became vivid and exciting when he went to Peniel Bible Camp in New York state in his teen years. He was an Eagle Scout and loved exploring God’s creation. Singing was also one of his loves.

Marion graduated from Gaffney High School, Presbyterian College and then seminary.

During seminary, he did an internship in Georgia. Part of his work was with boys who had never been out of their own neighborhood. He loved introducing them to the ocean, the outdoors and camping, and enjoyed sharing the Good News of Jesus with them.

He was also passionate about building bridges and seeking to understand and respect people of other ethnicities. Once, during the Jim Crow era, when some Black friends of his were not permitted to use a certain swimming area with him, he joined them in the area designated for Black swimmers rather than be separated from them; thus integrating that swimming area for that moment in time. When serving in Winston-Salem, he found joy working with at-risk children. “Released time” was also one of his greatest accomplishments; a program in which parents gave permission for their children to leave the school building during the school day and walk to church for Bible class.

During his decades in pastoral ministry, Marion served at Castania Presbyterian Church in Stanley, N.C; Westminster Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C; Inman Presbyterian Church in Inman, S.C.; Welcome Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church in Ware Shoals, S.C.; and Whitmire Presbyterian Church and McCullough Presbyterian Church in Whitmire, S.C.

Marion and Brenda moved to Gaffney when Marion retired, and later moved to Presbyterian Communities independent living in Clinton, S.C.

Marion knew that his disease, while debilitating, was only temporary. While we who love him will miss him dearly, we also take great comfort in his final healing, knowing he has crossed over from death to eternal life!

The family received friends at Blakely Funeral Home in Gaffney from 2 to 3 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 29, after which there was a graveside service and burial – for all who wished to attend – at 3:30 p.m., at Oakland Cemetery in Gaffney. They will also receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m., on Sunday, Jan. 8 at Blakely Funeral Home in Gaffney, followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. that is also open to friends and family. A memorial service will also be held at Presbyterian Communities in Clinton, S.C., later in January.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com.

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, S.C., is serving the family of Mr. Boozer.

Blanche Boies

CHERRYVILLE – Mrs. Blanche Beam Boies, 95, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 at Hospice at Wendover in Shelby.

Mrs. Boies was born on Aug. 12, 1927 in Lincoln County, N.C., a daughter of the late Walter Ray Beam and Emma Susie Huss Beam. She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Boies was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cherryville and also attended St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church in Lincolnton with her late husband Frank. She was a volunteer with the American Red Cross. Mrs. Boies was an avid golfer and was recognized as the oldest female golfer with the Cherryville Country Club.

infectious smile and laugh. He had a love for Pink Floyd and horror movies.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Amber Blackwood; sister, Pat Blackwood; and brother, Mike Blackwood.

He is survived by his daughters, Samantha Tate and her partner Louiz Nascimento of Myrtle Beach and Cati Tate of Kings Mountain; grandchildren, Gabriel Crotts, Sofie Crotts, Aurora, Alex and Dylan Nascimento; nephews, Alex Blackwood, Chris Blackwood and Brian Parris; niece, Holly Hudson; and cousin, Johnny Warrick.

The family received friends 4:00PM-6:00PM, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home in Kings Mountain.

Aquamation services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral & Aquamation in Kings Mountain.

Online condolences: www.claybarnette.com

■ POLICE

ARRESTS 12-22: Mazie Grace Francis, 26, 733 Dallas – Cherryville Hwy., Cherryville, was arrested at 425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, by GCSO deputies on one count of a warrant from another agency.

12-23: Keanna Shunta Burris, 34, 407 W. Ballard St., Cherryville; one count misdemeanor WSOJ/OFA (NCSHP). $1,000 secured bond.

12-25: Steven Jonta Mellon, 29, 106 Marco Pl., Cherryville; misdemeanor injury to property (Gaston). No bond amt./type noted; summons/cited.

INCIDENTS

12-22: GCPD officers report a new investigation into a simple assault at 1650 Shelby Hwy., Cherryville.

12-23: CPD officer reports possession of marijuana up to ½ ounce and WSOJ by and for listed suspect/subject who possessed 5.80 grams of marijuana and had an outstanding warrant. Closed/cleared by arrest.

who possessed 1.8 GL of fentanyl. Case is active and under further investigation. 12-26: CPD officer reports call for service on listed subject who possessed listed controlled substances (6 dosage units of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine pills and 2 dosage units of Buprenorphrine HCl). Seized: I Deflector Brake container. Closed/ cleared by other means.

WRECKS

12-21: A vehicle driven by Emily Nicole Sips, 24, 1105 Sunset Rd., Cherryville, collided in the rear with a vehicle driven by Jose Lorenzo Hernandez, 50, 311 W. 2nd St., Cherryville, which was stopped in the roadway on Church Street in order to make a left turn onto Elm Street. Mr. Hernandez listed as injured and treated by GEMS and transported to Atrium Health, Shelby.

Ben Ballard

CHERRYVILLE – Mr. Bennett Clawson “Ben” Ballard, 87, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022 at Atrium Health – Cleveland in Shelby.

Ben was born in Cherryville, NC, on Feb. 19, 1935, a son of the late David Ray Ballard and Emma Clawson Ballard. He was a 1953 graduate of Cherryville High School.

Ben worked in the data processing department at Carolina Freight Carriers Corporation in Cherryville from 1954-1974. He retired from Lance Foods in 1997.

Ben was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Cherryville; and a charter member of the Cherryville Bassmasters and Cherryville Jaycee’s.

He loved fishing, playing golf, camping, traveling, Christmas, Elvis music, the Duke Blue Devils, the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankee’s and the Boston Celtics. Ben served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Carolyn B. Robinson, and Bobbie B. Beam Sorenson, and two infant twin brothers.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth “Libby” Hoke Ballard of the home; two sons, Chris Ballard and wife, Bobbi, and Kent Ballard and wife, Rhonda; two grandsons, Colton Ballard (Anna) and Caleb Ballard; and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Jean Ballard.

The family received friends from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Cherryville.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Cherryville with Rev. Zack Christy officiating.

Burial followed in Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery.

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

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

Stamey – Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service served the Ballard family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmie Lee Boies; second husband, Frank E. Pragacz, Sr.; two sons, Joel Lee Boies and Michael Lee Boies; two sisters, Flo Mary Schad and Coleen Orr; and a brother, Paul M. Beam.

Survivors include a daughter, Yvonne Hinkley and husband, Mark of Cherryville; a son, Dana Lee Boies of Matthews; a sister, Beth Beam Wright of Cherryville; and three grandchildren, Vasilios John Nicopoulos, Jimmie Nicopoulos, and David Boies.

The family will receive friends from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. G. Scott Homesley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 100, Cherryville, NC, 28021, or to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC, 28150.

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

Stamey – Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mrs. Boies.

Sellers

CHERRYVILLE – Mr. Stowe Edwin Sellers, 67, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 at Atrium Health – Cleveland in Shelby.

Stowe was born on April 15, 1955 in Cleveland County, NC, son of the late Everette Webb “Monk” Sellers and Hattie Katherine Heavner Sellers. He was retired from Yellow Freight. Stowe attended First Baptist Church of Cherryville. He was an avid sports fan and loved his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Lu Ann Beam Sellers of the home; daughters, Kelly Maxwell and husband, Wes of Florida; Lutricia Bennett and husband, Kevin of Lincolnton; two sons, Ryan M. Freeman and wife, Jessica of Crouse; D.B. Freeman and wife, Jessica of Fort Mill, S.C.; six grandchildren, Elizabeth and Audrey Bennett, and Ava, Dylan, Bryan and Emma Freeman.

The family received friends from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m., on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Cherryville.

12-23: Charlotte man reports an unknown suspect(s) damaged his Cherryville property, doing an est. 41,800 in damages to the following; a storm door; the front door; a window; and a sheetrock wall. Case is active and under further investigation.

12-24: Cherryville man reports injury to personal property by listed subject w/ whom he had an altercation. Closed/cleared by arrest.

12-25: CPD officer and Cherryville man report possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia by listed suspect

Ms. Sips cited for DWLR and failure to reduce speed to avoid colliding w/another vehicle. Est. damage to the Sips vehicle: $2,500; to the Hernandez vehicle: $2,000. 12-26: A vehicle driven by Cheryl Lightsey Pruitt, 55, 943 Mary’s Grove Rd., Cherryville, and a vehicle owned by Jeffrey Scott Newton, 303 N. Mulberry St., Cherryville, were in the parking lot of the Cherryville Food Lion when Ms. Pruitt told the responding officer she thought she was hitting the brake but instead hit the gas, therefore colliding w/ the Newton vehicle, which was parked. No injuries reported. Est. damages to the Pruitt vehicle: $3,500; to the Newton vehicle: $1,000.

Gaston Co. EM awarded Duke Energy Emergency Preparedness grant

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – Gaston County Emergency Management and Fire Services received a $50,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation to help Gaston County residents prepare for and recover from severe weather events and natural disasters.

In a funding partnership with Gaston County, Duke Energy is supporting a fully interactive fire safety trailer that includes severe weather response. The trailer contains scenario options to prepare for fires and industrial incidents. A severe weather package that teaches critical lifesaving measures is included. The ability to take these lifesaving skills to schools and public events will allow Gaston County to reach a diverse and often underserved population that suffers disproportionately in emergency response situations.

Scott Blackwood

KINGS MOUNTAIN:

Scott Blackwood, 60, died Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at his home.

Born in Gaston County, he was the son of the late Harold Buddy Blackwood and Blanche Waldrup Blackwood.

Scott owned and operated Blackwood’s in Kings Mountain since 2006 and was a community leader. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who always enjoyed playing Santa Claus. He had an

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m., on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Vince Hefner and Rev. Kevin Bennett officiating.

Burial followed the service in City Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 301 E. First St., Cherryville, NC, 28021.

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

Stamey – Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service served the family of Mr. Sellers.

“This grant will allow us to better educate and prepare our residents for severe weather and provide muchneeded support in the event of an emergency,” said Kevin Gordon, director of Gaston County Emergency Management and Fire Services.

“I am so proud of the collaboration among Duke Energy, Gaston County, and Gaston County Emergency Management. This stateof-the-art mobile center will educate and inform all our communities in Gaston County, helping our citizens to be better prepared for emergency situations” said Martha Wegner, Duke Energy’s Director of Government and Community Relations.

Gaston County is one of 24 organizations in North Carolina to collectively receive $750,000 in grants from the Duke Energy Foundation.

About the Duke Energy

Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50 percent reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50 percent for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80 percent from electric generation by 2040.

In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Stowe

“Healthy in Here in New Year”

Open House at YMCA ends Jan. 7

Year’s resolutions

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia. info

Looking to get fit for the New Year? There is no better time or place like now and at the Cherryville Family YMCA to make that resolution a reality!

And, as the old saying (sort of) goes… there is no time like the present to start working on those New Year’s resolutions to get fit and stay healthy!

Josey Messer, Associate Executive Director of the Pharr Family YMCA and Cherryville Family YMCA, said they are still signing up folks at their “Get Healthy Here in the New Year” Open House program for all of their Gaston County Y’s, which began Jan. 1 and runs through to Jan. 7.

Messer said some of the perks to the program are, “When you join the Cherryville Family YMCA you are not just joining a gym but a family. Our members and staff make everyone who walks through our doors feel like they belong. The friendships you make at our Y will help guide you and keep you returning to focus on your health.”

Messer also noted, “It is easier to meet your health goals when you enjoy coming to the facility you use in order to meet those goals.”

He continued, “We want you to focus on your body, mind, and spirit. However, only one of those you get strengthened by using the equipment. Now, if you are looking for equipment, you came to the right place. We have

multiple options for Cardio, ranging from treadmills, elliptical machines, upright/recumbent bikes, rowing machines, and stair-steppers. We have weight lifting equipment on both ends of difficulty from Olympic weight lifting equipment to select-rise weight lifting machines (which he said are easy to use, keeping you in the correct range of motion and variable weight options).

“There is a cable machine, a stretching area, and a functional fitness area, including a punching bag and TRX band. Our Y offers group exercise classes for different ages, senior activities, and family activities throughout the year.

When you join the Cherryville Y you join the Gaston County Family YMCA. This gives you member access to our four locations, Cherryville, Stowe (Belmont), Warlick (Gastonia), Pharr (McAdenville), and nationwide access to all Y’s in the country. Meaning wherever you are there, is a Y available to you.”

Messer pointed out the Cherryville Y has been blessed with a new building and growth over the last year and they are looking for continued growth as they explore expansion options in their current space.

“This would expand out group exercise, functional

fitness, r estrooms, and youth programming spaces. We are running seasonal specials right now so come to check us out,” he added.

Sandy Homesley, Membership Coordinator at the Cherryville Family YMCA agreed, adding, “This is a great time to get healthy for the New Year! New members can take advantage of the promotion and join the Y for the New Year at the low introductory rate. We look forward to helping you!”

Both Messer and Homes-

SUNNY SUNNYPARTLY CLOUDY PARTLY CLOUDY

Good a time as any to start on those healthy New

ley noted for visitors to

during our week-long Open House event (Jan. 1 – 7) at any of our Gaston Family

At the March 2022 ribbon cutting for the new Cherryville YMCA building, located on Mountain Street, literally around the corner and down the street from their old, Main Street location. In a nutshell:

machines,

MORE parking! (Eagle/CF Media file photo by Michael E. Powell)

Downtown Director David Day (left), along with a few early arrivals, check out the new Cherryville Family YMCA facility shortly before the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting. (photos provided)

The Mountain Street façade of the new Cherryville Family YMCA.

Some of the Cherryville Family YMCA’s new machines lined up at the front window, which faces Mountain Street.

The Gaston County YMVCA’s “Get Healthy Here in the New Year!” poster touting the Jan. 1-7 program. (provided graphic)

• Cherryville native Quentin Cash ends his one-year term as 134th NCSFA President. He now becomes the Immediate Past President of state association.

• The Cherryville Dixie Girls Softball organization had four All-Star teams to participate in the Dixie Girls Softball State Tournament in Troy and Moore County, in July.

• Post 100’s 2022 season ends at Campbell University state tournament. Team’s overall record is 27-13; 2-1 in the playoffs.

• Former Belk-Matthews building newest downtown property to get renovated. Hard work, caring parties create another Main Street gem.

• Gaston County seeks to convert to a county-wide fire service district. A flat or consistent tax rate for fire protection studied to get allocated funds to the areas of the most need.

• CHS Fall Sports teams start drills and getting in shape.

• Zoning and annexation issues main topics at Aug. 8 council meeting.

• 2022 school supplies drive at First United Methodist big success. Aug. 13 event saw many kids, parents, get supplies-stuffed backpacks for the new school year

• It’s back to school time for Gaston County Schools. Students return to class on Aug. 17 to begin the 2022-2023 academic year.

• Bluegrass duo Darin and Brook Aldridge on Mike Huckabee’s show. Segment taped in July 15; aired on TBN network.

• About 1,485 students have their first day back at Cherryville’s four schools. Principals report few hitches; glitches as things start up for 2022 school year.

• Talented custodian Lynette Christensen paints mural at CHS.

• COVID state of emergency officially ends after two years.

• Josey Messer, the Associate Executive Director of the Cherryville Family YMCA and the Pharr Family YMCA, said the “Y’s” work and classes at the Cherryville pool are over for this year.

• Ironmen get season-opener football win over Avery Co. Vikings. It was a good beginning for the CHS coaches and the players.

SEPTEMBER

• 12th Annual Carolina Freight Reunion Scheduled for Sept. 24. Co-directors said reservations were “steadily coming in.”

• City’s 21st 911 Remembrance Ceremony a call to “never forget”. Sept. 9 event an occasion to remind all to reflect on the price paid by the men, women who served on that fateful day.

• CHS soccer men get two early season non-conference wins.

• CHS Lady Ironmen spikers are currently 6-2 overall.

• GCPD’s Mark Johnson marks 40 years of service to community policing. Muchloved SRO known affectionately as “OJ” by JCMS students.

• City-wide power outage due to wayward squirrel at Ted Mace Substation. City praises quick response by Duke Power.

• Ironmen defeat Blacksburg in away game, but lose 50-0 to CHASE. Ironmen football men off to a 2-2 start their season.

• Cherryvale subdivision receives council approval at Sept. 12 session. CPD Det. Stout receives service award; Constitution Week proclaimed.

• Fallen firefighters to be honored in upcoming month of

tion. Mayor, city staff, merchants enthusiastically looking forward to the completion of construction.

• Cherryville Little Theater puts on Drama Desk winner, “The Last Five Years”.

• Lady Ironmen spikers currently 8-5 overall; 2-3 in conference play. JV ladies get a win last week as well.

• Cherryville High School’s 2022 Homecoming Friday, Oct. 7. Five senior girls say they’re all excited to have been selected to be on the Court.

• 12th Annual Carolina Freight Reunion attendance better than expected as co-directors, reunion committee very pleased with post-COVID turnout.

• CHS Assistant Principal Heather Parrish a proud product

• Centenarian Beulah Reynolds credits God for her long life; good health. Excited to receive honor; notes, “I’m getting really popular now!”

• Council discusses, votes on interlocal connection between City; Cleveland County Water.

• John Chavis Middle School Lady Wolverines softball team end regular season at 7-2. Finish in second place in Gaston County standings.

• On Oct. 7, CHS’ Miss Gabrielle “Gabbie” McCorkle was crowned the school’s Homecoming Queen at Ironmen/ Rams game.

• Mobile Food Pantry wraps up another year of giving out food. Organizers said group provided food for 144 families, or 372 people.

Homecoming win over Highland Tech Rams.

• Dept. of Public Works head Brandon Abernathy retires after 29-plus years of service to City of Cherryville. Started out as a meter reader in 1993; worked his way up.

• Plans for CHS Outdoor Learning Space moving forward as CHSEF approves $100,000 toward the grant; pledges to use fundraising to fulfill remaining balance.

• Lady Ironmen ‘spikers’ get Senior Night win against West Lincoln. End regular season 12-8 overall; 5-7 in SPC 1A/2A play.

• CHS’ Lee Roy Montgomery longest serving sports “ball boy” in state. Works with Ironmen football, basketball, baseball; worked NC/SC Shrine Bowl.

• Cherryville’s oldest resident to celebrate her first birthday party. Somerset Court resident Lorene Summey turns 105 in style.

NOVEMBER

• Large crowd packs out City, Chamber’s 2022 ScaryVille festival. This is the beloved festival’s third year bringing food, fun, and frights to the downtown area.

• Cherryville ABC Board presents $10,000 check to City Council. Total distribution for FY 2021-2022 is $40,000.

• Grand Re-Opening of Main Street set for Thursday, Nov. 10. A few more little cosmetic touch-ups here and there, then all will be ready!

• 14th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal to again be a ‘drive-thru’ event.

• New (and older) Veterans banners hung last week on Main Street’s new poles.

• With a playoff loss, CHS men’s soccer wraps up its 2022 season. Still, team breaks record for most soccer wins in school’s history!

• Cherryville’s Who-Ville; Christmas Parade back on the agenda for 2022. City; Chamber staff say they’ve “…put together one big holiday season!”

• At Friday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day ceremony, Cherryville honors all who served. Parade canceled due to weather; moved to Post 100 building.

• CHS’ Montgomery chosen as the 2022 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal. Says he’s just “…a regular guy who works every day!”

• 14th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal feeds 1,079 people. Organizers, Food Lion say 2022 event another successful outreach to town’s citizens.

DECEMBER

• Huge crowd turns out for

2022 Cherryville’s Who-Ville celebration. Much-loved event showcases city’s ability to draw folks from miles around with entertaining activities; themes.

• Cherryville Police Dept. Chief Cam Jenks takes new position with Gaston County Sheriff’s Office. He will be taking an Administrative Management position.

• Main Street’s “Shop Small” brings out many Christmas shoppers, many of whom stayed to see the lighting of the “Who-Bilation Tree.”

• CaroMont Health Board of Directors appoints Cherryville native Jeff Cash to leadership position as he is named Chairman of the Health System’s Board.

• 2022’s Cherryville Christmas Parade one of the largest ever. Santa; floats; beloved Grand Marshal; lots of trucks and a very big crowd make this holiday parade great!

• CaroMont Health opens Primary and Urgent Care office

in Cherryville. Offices, staff relocate to brand new 7,000-plus square foot facility.

• International company Piedmont Lithium opens Cherryville office. Cherryville High School Education Foundation receives check for $10,000 from lithium company.

• On Dec. 7, Cherryville New Year’s Shooters Inc. elect Charles Sisk their new president.

• Traditional New Year’s Shooters group growing by leaps and bounds. New safety plan implemented and to be in force this year.

(This ends Part Two of our two-part series looking back on 2022 and how your hometown, community newspaper, The Cherryville Eagle, brought local issues to you, our faithful readers. Once again, we thank you, faithful reader, for being an Eagle reader and/or subscriber! We look forward to serving you in 2023!)

The Cherryville Family Y’s Butch Boyd and his lovely wife, Kathy, at his retirement celebration. They’re standing inside the new YMCA facility on Mountain Street. (Eagle file photos)

The setting up of the Wreath of Remembrance at the city’s 21st 911 Remembrance Ceremony.

Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam, III (second from left), and other volunteers preparing food to go out at the 14th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal.

The 2022 Cherryville Christmas Parade Grand Marshal, Lee Roy Montgomery, waved and smiled to all that lined Main Street at the town’s uber famous Christmas Parade!

The right jolly old Elf himself made his usual appearance at the 2022 Cherryville Christmas parade, to the joy and utter excitement of kids (old and young)!

Charles Sisk was elected the new President of the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters, Inc. group on Dec. 7. He has been a New Year’s shooter from his youth.

The Traditional New Year’s Shooters group posing for their yearly group photo outside a host’s house. They are one of two groups in town that shoot in the New Year, firing their guns for good luck and a prosperous New Year!

Cherryville High School Education Foundation representative Nan Davis accepts the facsimile check for $10,000 from a Piedmont Lithium official.

Live life full of light and hope!

Back in the day, when I was a small child, it was not uncommon in the Homesley household for my dad to arrive home from work and my mom immediately say that after supper we were going to take a ride. These rides during Christmas-time were to ride around and view Christmas lights and decorations, but other times it was just to get out of the house. Sometimes it would mean a cone of ice cream at a local store

REV. G. SCOTT HOMESLEY

but often mostly just to ride around the road as my mom would say. In my daily schedule now, I cannot imagine just having time or taking the time to just ride around. Well, it helped back then when four dollars of gas gave one over a half tank.

I digress from my story…

One night we got into the car and as we rode around, we could see a bright light, two strands of light going up into the sky, a spotlight coming from the Cherryville town area. Of course, we began to travel to the light and it was coming from the side of a small building at the

Goal Setting

Can you believe it? We made it to another brand new year - 2023. Was the past year rough, uneventful, or the best year of your life? No matter what the outcome of your previous year was, you have been given another opportunity to have a greater year. In the past, many of us have had intentions to do better like lose some weight or break bad habits, but for some reason we often find ourselves jumping off the bandwagon of commitment and turning back to the old ways that we know aren’t good for us. However, I believe the bible gives insight into how to be successful with goal setting. Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) “Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].

Partnership

God is concerned and aware of every intricate detail about humanity. The Bible says that he numbered the hairs on our heads; that’s how he cares for us He created us to be stewards over our bodies, talents, relationships, the earth, etc., and wants to partner with us so that we will manage our lives wisely. Since our heavenly Father knows our strengths and weaknesses, it would benefit us to go to him in prayer and ask for his guidance and help in setting a target goal for this year. I challenge you to ask God to reveal the area that needs your attention, Is it your attitude, your finances, your health, or your family, etc.? One strategy to assist you in staying committed is to write it down. Habakkuk 2:2-3 (AMP) says, “Then the LORD answered me and said, “Write the vision And engrave it plainly on [clay] tablets So that the one who reads it will run. For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, Because it will certainly come; it will not delay.” Specifically, grab a bible and a notebook so that you can write the goal that he places on your heart. Then, write one to three scriptures that you can meditate on that supports your goal. Also, write a plan or steps that you will need to take to fulfill your goal. Each day declares the scriptures, and work on your goal.

PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Father, I praise and adore you as the Everlasting God, Lord, and Creator of the ends of the earth. I know you desire for me to live a fruitful life that is full of your Spirit. As I think about this year and what I need to change, I ask for your guidance and strength. I desire to be, do, and have everything that you have planned for my life. Lord, help me to persevere and not give up as I strive to do your will in this particular area of my life. 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.

corner of East First Street and N. Pink Street. It was the grand opening of a business. I don’t remember the business – the building is still there – but I sure do remember the light and the journey to find the light and the brightness of those two giant spotlights.

As we move from the season of Christmas, we travel with the wise men to follow a star which will lead them to the Christ Child. The Bible doesn’t give us an exact time line and some would say they traveled for years, but again – a topic for another article.

They followed the light and the light led them to Christ.

John 1 reads, “In the beginning was the Word, and

the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in Him was life, and life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

We are drawn to and by the light. Like the wise men, we journey toward the light. The light is the life of all people, shining out and calling each of us to Jesus. The light is Jesus shining into a wondering world, a world of people wandering.

I wish I could tell you that life is easy, but it is not. Life is difficult and

sometimes it seems like we are swimming upstream or climbing uphill. If we are not careful we lose hope, but there is the light, calling us, beaconing us: Matthew 11 notes, “‘Come to Me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.’”

This light of hope lets us know we are not alone in the journey, we are together with Jesus Christ, the true Light of the world; the Light that overcomes the darkness.

Live life full of light and hope!

Cherryville Area Places of Worship

Shady Grove Baptist Church calendar

Shady Grove Baptist Church, 3240 Tryon Courthouse Rd., Cherryville, meets every Sunday at 8:45 a.m., for Sunday School; and at 10 a.m., for Worship Service. They also meet Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., for Adult Small Groups and Youth and Children’s Activities.

For more information, please call (704) 435-9605.

Cherryville New Year’s Shooters Meeting schedule

Rusty Wise, Secretary, Cherryville New Year’s Shooters Inc., said that the group’s 2023 meeting/events schedule for the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters is: On Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at 6 p.m., will be the 2023 Annual Host Dinner, at Cherryville American Legion Post 100.

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

Anthony Grove Baptist Church 100 Anthony Grove Road Crouse, NC 704-435-6001

Bess Chapel United Methodist Church 6073 Flay Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-7969

Bethlehem United Methodist Church 6753 NC 182 Highway Cherryville, NC 704-435-1608

Blessed Hope Baptist Church 3357 Fallston-Waco Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-8530

Body of Christ Fellowship Center 405 S. Cherokee Street Cherryville, NC www.bodyofchrist7.com

Calvary Way Holiness Church 1017 Second Street Cherryville, NC Pastor Clifton Morgan Cherryville Church of God 810 East Main Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-2275

Cherryville Missionary Methodist Church 318 W. Ballard Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6934

Emmanuel Baptist Church 1155 Marys Grove Church Rd Cherryville, NC 704-435-5764

Fairview Baptist Church 415 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-4299

First Baptist Church 301 East 1st Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-3796

First Church of the Nazarene 301 North Elm Street Cherryville, NC 828-838-2428

First Presbyterian Church 107 West Academy Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6064

First United Methodist Church 601 N. Pink St. Cherryville, NC 704-435-6732

First Wesleyan Church 800 North Pink Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6069

Free Saints Chapel Church 813 Self Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-0949

Gospel Way Baptist Church 3904 Tryon Courthouse Rd. Cherryville, NC 866-356-3219

Legacy Church 805 Self Street Cherryville, NC 704-457-9615

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

Marys Grove United Methodist Church 1223 Marys Grove Church Rd Cherryville, NC 704-435-5544

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church 235 A.W. Black Street Waco, NC 704-435-8842

Mt. Zion Baptist Church 112 Mt. Zion Church Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-9636

North Brook Baptist Church 7421 Flay Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-4471

Oak Grove AME Zion Church 542 Flint Hill Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3687

Oak Grove Baptist Church 219 Tot Dellinger Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3053

Revival Tabernacle 1104 Delview Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-4073

Rudisill Chapel AME Zion Church 417 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-5621

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

Shady Grove Baptist Church 3240 Tryon Courthouse Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-9605

St. John’s Lutheran Church 310 West Church Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-9264

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 1203 St. Mark’s Church Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-5941

Victory Life Assembly of God 1655 Shelby Highway Cherryville, NC 704-435-5539

Waco Baptist Church 262 N. Main Street Waco, NC 704-435-9311

Washington Missionary Baptist Church 1920 Stony Point Road Waco, NC 704-435-3138

Word of Faith Ministry 306 Doc Wehunt Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-5560

Zion Hill Baptist Church 3460 Zion Hill Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3355

Pastor – St. John’s Lutheran Church of Cherryville

First United Methodist Church 601 N. Pink St., Cherryville, NC

DANYALE PATTERSON

TNYS

From Page 1 County route prior to that with about 150 shooters joining in.”

The event is pretty big deal as is evidenced by the city’s web site, and according to the City of Lincolnton’s web page link to the Apple Drop site (https:// www.lincolntonnc.org/545/ Apple-Drop-New-YearsEve-Street-Party) this year’s Apple Drop event was set for Saturday, Dec. 31, and was held on the South Court Square from 5 to 8 p.m. It was billed as “…a FUN, FAMILY FRIENDLY-event to celebrate the New Year!”

Information from the site further noted that, “Honoring the early traditions of our 'NC backcountry settlers,’ the Lincolnton Apple Drop features a NYE countdown and the blessing of the city with the Cherryville Traditional Shooters.”

The Blessing of the City and the Shooters began, as per the site’s information, at 6:30 p.m., with the bright red Apple dropping at 7 p.m. (or midnight GMT or Greenwich Mean Time)

The Traditional New Year’s Shooters began their Lincolnton shoot schedule at 8 a.m., at Ferguson’s ACE Hardware on Hwy. 150, and went off to cover the remaining 26 listed and scheduled Lincoln County shots, eventually winding up at the Court Square in Lincolnton at 6:30 p.m.

On the website, www.LincolntonNC.org/AppleDrop, there is a brief history of the New Year shooters’ tradition, starting as a German immigrants mummer’s group tradition in Pennsylvania and eventually winding up in the South.

The tradition was said to have died out in 2006, but was revived, thanks to bastions of it in Gaston and Lincoln counties, as per the history.

The web page noted “… there is local documentation of the shooters in this area back to 1770 and a copy of a chant dating back to the 1800’s is on display at the Cherryville Historical Museum. Many of the names of these original settlers are also the names of the current shooters. Some sources say this year is the 211th of shooting in the New Year.”

Both New Years’ Shooters groups trace their beginnings to a single group that carried on the local tradition dating back at least to the early 1800s, as per the web page history.

The web site noted that, “The City of Lincolnton is honored to have the Cherryville Traditional New Year’s Shooters join us for the Apple Drop and bless the city with the Shooter’s Chant. the origin of which is unknown, however, the site noted that, “…part of the current version can be found in a circa 1777 hymn-prayer by British writer John Newton called 'Time by moments steals away’.”

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 10th day of December, 2022 as Executor of the Estate of JOYCE KATHRYN DOTY, deceased, of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned, Mark Olin Doty, Executor, on or before the 28th of March, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 28th day of December, 2022.

Mark Olin Doty, Executor

Estate of: Joyce Kathryn Doty 1529 Padgett Road Shelby, NC 28150

CE (12/28/2022 & 1/04, 11 &18/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE OF EXECUTOR

The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of THOMAS LARRY SUMMER deceased, late of Gaston County, hereby notifies all persons having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of March, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 28th day of December, 2022.

Tom Summer, Executor Estate of Thomas Larry Summer c/o John H. Griffing Griffing Leazer, PLLC Attorneys for Estate 518 S. New Hope Road Gastonia, NC 28054

CE (12/28/2022 & 1/04, 11 &18/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 22nd day of November, 2022 as Administrator of the Estate of BETTY JEAN BURNS, 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, Gregory S. McIntyre, Administrator, on or before the 14th of March, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 12th day of December, 2022.

Gregory S. McIntyre, Administrator

Estate of: Betty Jean Burns McINTYRE ELDER LAW 112 S. Tryon St. STE 700 Charlotte, NC 28284

CE (12/14, 21, 28/2022 & 1/04/2023)

“Good morning (evening) to you, sir. We wish you a happy New Year,

Great health, long life, which God may bestow, So long as you stay here below. May He bestow the house you’re in, where you go out and you go in.

Time by moments steals away, First the hour and then the day. Small the lost days may appear, But they soon mount up to a year.

Thus, another year is gone, And now it is no more of our own, but if it brings our promises good;

As the year before the flood, but let none of us forget, It has left us much in debt; a favor from the Lord received

Since which our spirits hath been grieved. Marked by the unerring hand, Thus in

the chant and blessing, the members of the TNYS get down to business and fire their guns!

His book our record stands. Who can tell the vast amounts, Placed to each our accounts? But while you owe the debt is large, You may plead a full discharge. But poor and selfish sinners say, What can you to justice pay?

Trembling last for life is past, And into prison you may be cast. Happy is the believing soul, Christ for you has paid

Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the Cherryville City Council will meet on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cherryville Community Building located at 106 S. Jacob Street to hold a Public Hearing in consideration of Zoning Text Amendment to further clarify the process of Special Use Permits as outlined in the City of Cherryville Zoning Ordinance.

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

CE (12/28/22 & 1/4/2023)

the whole. We have this New Year’s morning, Called you by your name, and disturbed you from your rest, But we hope no harm by the same.

As we ask, come tell us your desire; And if it be your desire, our guns and pistols they shall fire.

Since we hear of no defiance, you shall hear the art of science.

When we pull trigger and powder burns, you shall hear the roaring of our guns.

Oh, daughters of righteousness, we will rise and warm our eyes,

And bless our hearts, for the Old Year’s gone and the New Year’s come…

And for good luck, we’ll fire our guns!”

Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the Cherryville City Council will meet on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cherryville Community Building located at 106 S Jacob Street to hold a Public Hearing in consideration of Zoning Text Amendment to Part 4 (Definitions) and Part 5, Section 5.26 of the City of Cherryville Zoning Ordinance. The nature of the proposed text amendment would be to add Food Trucks to allowable uses and outline specific requirements.

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

CE (12/28/22 & 1/4/2023)

New Year’s Shooters today:

Some of the Traditional New Year Shooters pose for a group shot at the 2023 Lincolnton Apple Drop. (Photos provided)

After

Ironmen hoopsters have great Holiday Classic first round wins, but…

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

The 2022 Bud Black/ Dennis Tate Holiday Classic – billed as “The Small High School Basketball Tourney Since 1981” was played over a two-day period last week at CHS’ Nixon Gym as the Ironmen and Lady Ironmen hoops teams hosted Piedmont Charter’s basketball teams; Highland Tech’s Lady Rams; the tough Burns Bulldogs men’s team; and Pinnacle Classical Academy’s Eagles and Lady Eagles teams. While the Ironmen teams both fared well on the first day of the Classic (Tuesday, Dec. 27), with each of the CHS teams winning against their respective foes, Wednesday’s (Dec. 28) championship bouts were another matter altogether.

Tuesday – Dec. 27, 2022

In the first game of the day in this Holiday Classic matchup, the Piedmont Charter Lady Patriots lost 49 to 53 to the tough and focused shooting of the Highland Tech Lady Rams.

Later that night, the Pinnacle Classic Academy Lady Eagle’s team lost to the CHS Lady Ironmen by a score of 42-30. It was the CHS ladies’ second win of the 2022 hoops season.

High scorer for the Lady Ironmen in the win was Gabbie McCorkle with 20 points. Kate Bookout had 6 points; Rayleigh Gidney had 4; Krista Davis 3; and four players had 4 points apiece.

Next up in that day’s games was the matchup between the Burns varsity Bulldogs, who played the Piedmont Charter Patriots men’s team, defeating that team by a score of 65 to 59.

In the following Tuesday men’s hoops action pitting the CHS Ironmen against the Pinnacle CA Eagles, the Ironmen won by a score of 74-32.

High scorer for the Ironmen in the win was Carson Kelly with 19 points. Numarius Good had 13 points; Hunter Jackson had 8; with numerous players getting 6, 4, and 2 points apiece to add to the win.

Wednesday – Dec. 28, 2022

In the consolation

Patriots defeated the Lady Eagles of Pinnacle Classic Academy, 60-41.

In the boys’ consolation game, the Pinnacle CA men defeated Piedmont by a score of 84-48.

The two championship games played in the Holiday Classic later that night were between the Lady Rams of Highland Tech and the CHS Lady Ironmen. The Lady Rams took this one by a score of 4822.

High scorer for the CHS ladies in the loss was Gabbie McCorkle, who had 13 points.

In the men’s championship game that followed the ladies’ game, the CHS Ironmen lost to the hardcharging, couldn’t-seemto-miss Burns Bulldogs by a score of 76-52.

High scorers in this matchup for the CHS men was Darrien Floyd with 20 points, followed by Numarius Good with 11 points and Carson Kelly with 10 points. Chance Hunt had 5 points with Nate Bookout, Rayshawn Sewell, and Hunter Jackson scoring the remainder of the points.

Most Valuable Player (Girls) went to HT’s Akela Taylor. All-Tournament Girls were: Bailey Maiers, Addie McCraw, Reese Thomas, and Emma Ghorley – Highland Tech; Kate Bookout, Krista Davis, and Gabbie McCorkle – Cherryville; Cydney Self –Pinnacle Classical Academy; and Grace East and Lyric Brown – Piedmont Charter.

Most Valuable Player (Boys) went to Burns’ Carlo Wallace. All-Tournament Boys were: Jeremiah Norris, Lemont Wilson, Ryan Thompson, and Johnny Johnson – Burns; Carson Kelly, Numarius Good, and Darrien Floyd – Cherryville; Jordan Jones and Xavier Wilcher –Piedmont Charter; and Cody Humphries – Pinnacle Classical Academy.

(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Dr. Bud Black)

Lady Ironmen Laila Davis shoots a foul shot at last week’s Bud Black/Dennis Tate 2022 Holiday Classic. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

CHS’ Rayliegh Gidney gets up but can’t quite get the tip on the opening tip-off at last week’s 2022 Holiday Classic.

Lady Ironman Gabbie McCorkle takes a foul shot against the Lady Rams of Highland Tech.

Ironman junior guard Chance Hunt goes up for two points against the Burns defenders.

Lady Ironman Gabbie McCorkle dribbles the ball around a determined Lady Rams defender at last week’s game at Nixon Gym.

Senior Ironman guard Carson Kelly puts up a shot for two in last week’s Nixon Gym Holiday Classic loss to Burns. See more photos on page 10.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR SALE

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BOYS BASEBALL TRYOUTS! Charity Christian School will have Varsity Boys Baseball Tryouts on Saturday, January 7th and Saturday January 14th at 2:00pm at the Belwood Park Field, 147 Carpenter Grove Church Road, Lawndale, NC 28090. Homeschool Students can qualify to participate. Call the School Office for more details! (704) 419-4574 charitychristianschool@gmail.com

BUSINESS SERVICES

YARD BUDDY. Outdoor work such as trimming bushes, small trees, spraying weeds, gutter cleaning. General property clean-up. No grass cutting or leaves. Serving Shelby & Cleveland County. (980) 295-0750

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

HOMEOWNERS, CONTRACTORS, REAL ESTATE AGENTS, need a little work? Jackson Corbin Property Services, LLC. Specializing in small jobs/punch list. Carpentry, painting, plumbing, tile, etc. Need a hand for a day or two? Give me a call. Professional quality work, affordable prices. 828-980-1823 or email jacksoncorbin71@gmail.com

TRIPLE D PAINTING, LLC. All your painting needs. Free estimates. Over 25 yrs experience! Facial board replacement available!!! Many local references available !! (704) 418-5736 childresstracy1@ gmail.com

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

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

FOR SALE

NEW CAR SHED FOR THE NEW YEAR! Single Car $288 Down from $89 month. Double $395 Down from $123.45 month. J Johnson Sales 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

LOTS OF TOYS AND NICE stuff for sale. Call 704-2408023

TRAILERS, TRAILERS!

DUMP TRAILERS, GOOSENECK, DECK OVER, EQUIPMENT, ALL PURPOSE TRAILERS, CAR HAULERS. Cash, Finance, Credit Cards, Rent to Own (No Credit Check) J Johnson Sales 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

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

2 SUNDASH COMMERICAL TANNING BEDS with facial tanner. 32 bulbs each. $900 ea. If interest call 336-9788819.

ASSORTMENT OF CHILTON REPAIR MANUALS. I have a large assortment of Chilton Auto Repair Manuals. Some are imports and trucks. Some Motor Manuals all are hard back copies. Best Offer! (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

FURNITURE FOR SALE. Wood canopy bed, excellent shape, $500.00; leather catnapper reclining sofa, brown, $300.00; wooden rectangle table with 6 chairs, $200.00; marble coffee table and 2 end tables, $100. Please call 704-830-4965 and leave message. (704) 830-4965 ccollins1@carolina.rr.com

STEEL BUILDINGS (OPEN OR FULLY ENCLOSED) 14 on Display. 12’ Wide to 40 EVEN 60 Clear Span. “We do Grading, Gravel, Concrete” TURN KEY! J Johnson Sales 2690 221South, Forest City, NC (828) 245-5895

FOR SALE

BOSTITCH COIL FRAMING NAILER, pneumatic(89C-1) including box of coiled nails $110. (4) 275x35x21 (103Y) Bridgestone Tires (2) new, (2) good used $120. (4) 265x50x20 Goodyear tires, mud/snow, $160. Tomy lift for pick-up, works well, sold truck $350. 828-286-8093.

TRAILERS, LAWNMOWER TRAILERS, Flatbed Trailers, Enclosed Trailers, Horse and Cattle Trailers, Saddlery. Check our prices and quality before you buy. Bridges Riding Equipment. Boiling Springs, NC. 704434-6389, (704) 473-0867

FREE MILITARY GRADE TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT Free! Military Grade Tactical Flashlight with self-defense features, 3 brightness levels, window breakage aspectNC4Ever@usa.com

ITEMS FOR SALE Stiel Power Auger with 2 attachments-$175, Electric Pole Chainsaw-$95, Draft Beer Refrigerator-5 Kegs and 3 Beer Gas Bottles and many accessories-$185, Weight Bench w/bar & weights-$125. 828-2868093.

CROCHET WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS. Crochet Workshop. No experience needed. Shelby Public Library. Starting Jan 14th from 10 – Noon. Call to sign up 603-8666070 or Email gretchen@ nicholas.org

EMPLOYMENT

RETAINING WALLS, PAVERS, GRADING, DEMOLITION, site cleanup, ponds, fencing, maintenance, irrigation, landscaping, pruning, planting, excavator work. 828-453-8113.

SHIPMAN’S MASONRY- 48 YEARS EXPERIENCE.

1999 DODGE 1500. $800. I have ‘99 Dodge pickup, been wrecked, has some good body parts, has good 360 engine. Does not run, Parts only. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@ bellsouth.net

KNITTING MACHINE FOR SALE. Can manufacture the following products and more. Compression tube socks, compression products for arms, legs and wrist where ever pain exist. Beanie caps, Scarfs, Toboggans, Banners, small flags, stockings, leg warmers, mittens, Knit cuffs for garments. Logo’s can be put on all products for your organization. You manufacture the products or we can do it for you. Contact: Jimmie, 704-750-6102

SEASONED SMALL STOVE WOOD. Cut, split and delivered. All seasoned or mixed with green oak. $75. 828-3950758.

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

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

WANT TO BUY

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

NEED TO SELL YOUR HOUSE? I PURCHASE UNWANTED RENTAL PROPERTY AND/OR STARTER HOMES. MUST BE PRICED TO SELL! “QUICK CLOSINGS”! Call (704) 472-0006

OLD GAMBLING MACHINE $150. Would make a good man cave piece. (704) 3001818 kim_hopper@bellsouth. net

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

ing for Direct Support Professional/DSP for full/part time on 2nd shift. Transport experience recommended not required. Apply in person at 203 Lee St, Shelby NC

BUSINESS SERVICES

MECHANIC

FIREWOOD. SEASONED 95% OAK, 1/4 cord load$70, $85 - delivered. Bundles - $5 each. 704-435-3970 or 704-458-3081.

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

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

1 LOT WITH 4 ADJOINING PLOTS. $3900. Located in Rose Hill Cemetery in Fallston, NC. (704) 472-5682

48” SAW MILL BLADE (RUSTY) $200, Toro Wheel Horse (15.5hp - 44” Cut) $400. Totes $75-$100, Burning Barrels $15, Feed Barrels $20, Solid Top Barrels (Plastic & Metal) $10. Hickory, NC. Call Jeff before 6 pm (828) 327-4782

WANT TO BUY: STANDING WALNUT logs or white oak logs. Call for info: 828-2890742.

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

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

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

PETS & LIVESTOCK

BLANTON’S

WARREN AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE. State of the Art Diagnostics for Major or Minor Repairs. - Trusted & Skilled Mechanics. Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 6 (828) 748-8050

TREE, BRUSH AND DEBRIS REMOVAL. Also land clearing and dump truck service. 828289-0742.

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

J DOUGLAS TREE SERVICE LLC. Tree removal, trimming, 24 hour emergency service, 20% discount to Seniors, First Responders, Police Officers. 704-276-1114.

PARSONS DINING CHAIRS, 2, GRAY, $78 OBO. Set of 2 Parsons dining chairs, gray upholstered fabric, comfortable, EC. (980) 404-0606

PETS & LIVESTOCK

NC recognized as one of the best for income-tax reduction

by THERESA OPEKA Carolina Journal

North Carolinians are just weeks away from receiving more money in their paychecks, as a new income-tax reduction is set to go in effect. The action taken by state legislators last year in the 2021-22 state budget is being recognized nationally by Forbes. The magazine lists the Tar Heel state among the top five for income tax reductions for 2023. Arizona, Iowa, Idaho, and Mississippi round out the top five.

North Carolina’s 4.99 percent personal income tax will fall to 4.75 percent, a far cry from the 7.75 percent from a decade ago, which made it the highest personal-income tax rate in the southeast at the time. It is scheduled to reach 3.99 percent in 2027.

Meanwhile, the corporate tax rate of 2.50 percent will be lowered to 2.25 percent in 2025 and will be phased out in 2030.

The budget also exempted military pensions from the state income tax. North Carolina has the fifth-largest military population of any state.

The magazine cites North Carolina as a leader that other states follow.

“By making the tax code less burdensome and more competitive over the past decade but doing so in a responsible manner that did not lead to budget deficits, the tax policy changes implemented in North Carolina have been viewed by governors and lawmakers in other states as a model for pro-growth tax reform.”

This isn’t the first time North Carolina has been recognized for its conservative and responsible handling of taxpayers' money.

North Carolina was profiled in an August Pewtrusts.org article as one of five states that uses a “budget stress test” to determine how much money should be set aside in its rainy-day fund. The stress tests are used to avert a future crisis after events like a recession or hurricane. It also allows lawmakers to see how the state budget would fare under various economic scenarios. California, Maine, New Mexico, and Utah round out the rest of the list.

North Carolina met the recommended target of the rainy-day fund when it significantly increased its savings reserve with the passage of the fiscal year 2022 budget.

Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said in June that the $27.9 billion Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget had a surplus of $6 billion, of which $2 billion is expected to be recurring.

The Rainy-Day Fund balance was projected to be $4.75 billion at the end of

the biennium. That is an increase from the $4.25 billion projected in the last budget. A $1 billion State Inflationary Reserve was also created in anticipation of a recession.

Legislative leaders said they would not make the same mistakes state Democrats did in the run-up to the last recession with a $3.5 billion shortfall. In 2009, then-Gov. Bev Purdue, a Democrat with a Democrat-run legislature, temporarily cut teacher pay, instituted state employee furloughs, and tapped heavily into state reserves for emergency spending.

“This is a reminder of where we were in 2010,” House Speaker Tim Moore said in June. “Some of our predecessors really did not prepare for economic downturns.”

The Tax Foundation also recently ranked North Carolina 10th in the nation for its tax environment.

As the nation faces the worst inflation rate in 40 years, the tax-rate reductions may give some North Carolinians a reason to celebrate on New Year’s Day 2023.

Cherryville’s Abee Insurance Group joins Leavitt Elite Insurance Advisors

Leavitt Elite Insurance Advisors, headquartered in Moorseville, NC, announces their most recent acquisition of the Bill Abee Insurance Group (BAI Group).

Bill Abee, owner of BAI Group, and his staff of 10, will be joining Leavitt Elite Insurance Advisors and national brokerage firm Leavitt Group.

Abee, in a media release, stated, “Being part of Leavitt Group is going to give us many more opportunities to offer our clients competitive products and services that we’ve not had access to before. Insurance has changed

and we want to make sure our clients benefit from the flexibility of a more tailored approach to their insurance needs.”

For over 40 years, the BAI Group team has helped clients in Cherryville, Hickory, Maiden, and Shelby find all types of insurance solutions, including business insurance, personal lines, property and casualty, and life insurance.

“We are excited to have the Bill Abee Agency join our team here at Leavitt Elite. The shared passion for taking care of their clients will fit nicely with the long-standing traditions of the Leavitt Group.”

Mike Griffin, agency coowner of Leavitt Elite, said.

At this time, there will be no changes to BAI Group’s four locations, contact information, or staff. For any questions about this new acquisition, please contact Mike Griffin, (704) 664-9111, or mike-griffin@leavitt.com.

Leavitt Group is one of the largest privately-held insurance brokerages in the nation with over 200 locations across 27 states.

For more information about Leavitt Group and this new acquisition, please visit www.leavitt.com and www. leavitt.com/archibald.

CYNSI

From Page 1

CNYSI Facebook page and on the group’s web site at https://cherryvilleshooters. com/.

Wise said you do not have to be a shooter to join the Cherryville New Years Shooters, adding that their

web sited noted that, “Men, women, and children are welcome. Children under 18 must have parents’ signature on insurance form in order to shoot. Shooting members must attend meetings.”

He added the group does receive donations, which are appreciated to keep the group going, as per their web site information.

The CNYSI group also

gives to historical preservation groups, charities, and benevolent funds throughout the year. he said.

Membership dues are involved and for more information, Wise said to call (704) 435-3061, or write to them at: Cherryville New Years Shooters Inc., P.O. Box 1122, 1242 Shelby Hwy., Cherryville, NC, 28021.

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

704-4875480.

COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDING FOR RENT. Across the street from the hospital at 803 N. Washington Street, Shelby. Previously a dentist office and would make a great salon. Call for pricing, 704-3002820

LIONS SENIOR VILLAGE has1 bedroom HUD subsidized apartments for low income seniors. Taking applications. Age 62 or older. Equal Housing Opportunity. 211 North Morgan Street, Shelby, NC (704) 482-7723

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

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

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

WCSL radio DJ, Milton Baker holds the microphone for chanter Donnie Alexander as Alexander cries the ages-old Shooter’s verses, which are based loosely on an old hymn by John Newton, the writer of “Amazing Grace”.

North Carolina General Assembly lawmakers announcing state budget in June, 2022. (photo by Carolina Journal)

2023 West/Midwest All-Star Basketball Games plans finalized

by MIKE POWELL Special to the Eagle

Bessemer City High School will host the 2023 West/Midwest All-Star Basketball Games, which bring together top senior players from Cherryville, Bessemer City and Highland Tech, along with those from more than a dozen other schools.

The event’s executive committee, chaired by Dr. Bud Black of Cherryville, finalized plans Oct. 18 at a meeting in Asheville.

Both boys’ and girls’ games are scheduled for March 18, along with a banquet at an area church. The banquet is at 2 p.m., followed by the girls’ allstar game at 5 p.m. and the boys’ game at 6:30. Both All-Star teams will practice at Bessemer City prior to their games.

Now in its ninth year, the event is held the weekend following the North Carolina High School Athletics Association state championships.

The Midwest squads will be selected by coaching staffs from Avery, Bessemer City, Cherryville, Draughn, Highland Tech, Mitchell, Rosman, Mountain Heritage and Thomas Jefferson.

Players for the West division will come from Cherokee, Highlands, Hayesville, Murphy, Hiwassee Dam, Nantahala, Andrews, Blue Ridge, Swain and Robbinsville.

Black reported that 55 players participated in the 2022 tournament at Highlands High School.

In addition to firming up the site and date, the committee set aside a proposal

to give $500 scholarships to a limited number of participants rather than $250 awards to a larger number. Scholarship awards will be determined by the revenue generated by the event.

The All-Star games and banquet have provided scholarships to as many as 11 players each year,” Black said. “Also, the parents and players enjoy the games and banquet. In addition, the youngsters get to play with those they have played against for four years.”

Other officials attending the organizational meeting were Jackson County Superintendent Dana Ayers; athletics directors Scott Harrill of Cherryville, Chris Pittman of Mitchell and Brett Lamb of Highlands, and media contact Mike Powell of Cherryville.

By JIM MILLER Editor

Simple Home Safety Solutions for Aging-in-Place

Dear Savvy Senior, Falls and fires are the two things I worry most about for my elderly father who lives alone. Do you have any suggestions on what we can do to help keep him safe, and keep an eye on him from afar?

Concerned Daughter

Dear Concerned, Of course! There are a number of small adjustments and modifications you can make to your dad’s home to help protect him from falls and fires, both of which cause thousands of injuries and deaths each year. Here are some tips to get you started.

Eliminate tripping hazards: Since falls are the leading cause of home injury among seniors, a good place to start is to pack away your dad’s throw rugs which are common tripping hazards or use carpet tacks or double-sided tape to secure them. You may also need to adjust your dad’s furniture so there are clear pathways to walk through and position any electrical or phone cords along walls and out of the way.

For hardwood steps, consider attaching

a nonslip tread to each one to provide traction and help him see the edge. And for added protection in the bathroom buy some nonskid rugs for the floors and use adhesive nonslip treads or a mat with rubber suction inside his tub or shower stall.

Improve his lighting: Good lighting is essential for safe aging-in-place, so check the wattage ratings on your dad’s lamps and light fixtures, and install the brightest bulbs allowed, and add supplementary lighting if necessary.

You should also purchase some dusk to dawn nightlights for the bathroom and in the hallways that light up when the sun goes down. And mount some motion sensor lights outside the front and back doors and in the driveway that automatically come on when he comes and goes after dark.

Get grab bars: These can significantly reduce his risk of bathroom falls. Install them where he enters the shower or tub and on a wall inside the stall, but don’t use grab bars that attach with suction. Instead, have wall-mounted bars put in by someone who can affix

them to the wall studs. It’s also best to choose bars whose surfaces are slightly textured and easier to grip.

Ensure railings are stable: Wherever he has steps – stairways, entryways or basements – he needs sturdy railings. Ideally, they should be on both sides of the steps.

Prevent cooking fires: There are several affordable products you can purchase to help your dad prevent home cooking fires like BurnerAlert discs that attach to a stove’s knob and will continuously blink or beep after the stove has been in use for a preset amount of time, and Ome smart knobs that can control a stove’s heating settings from an app. Or you can invest in a more expensive iGuardStove sensor that shuts the stove off when it doesn’t detect motion for five minutes.

Install smoke alarms: Install a smart smoke alarm in your dad’s house (buy one for each floor) that will alert him when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. These smart devices will also send alerts to your phone to let you know when a problem is detected.

Google Nest and First Alert both smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Add fire extinguishers: Get portable multipurpose fire extinguishers for each level of your dad’s house and in the garage.

Consider a medical alert: To ensure your dad’s safety and provide you some peace of mind, consider getting him a medical alert device that comes with a wearable SOS button that would allow him to call for help if he were to fall or need assistance.

For more tips, get a copy of AARP’s “HomeFit Guide” (see AARP.org/ HomeFit), which has more than 100 aging-in-place suggestions that can help make your dad’s home safer and easier to live in.

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.

Five generations of Bridges family members posed for a photo recently. They are: Front – Tressie Well Bridges (Great-Great-Grandmother; First Generation). She is holding Wells Tucker Lee (Baby, Fifth Generation). Standing and in the back are: JD Bridges, Jr. (Great-Grandfather; Second Generation); Stephanie Bridges Hackler (Grandmother; Third Generation); and Madison Hackler (Mother; Fourth Generation). (photo provided)

Ironman Numarius Good looks for a way around the Burns Bulldog defender in last Wednesday’s Holiday Classic game at Nixon Gym. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

Ironman Darrien Floyd (#12) goes for the layup against the Bulldogs of Burns in the Wednesday matchup in the BB/DT Holiday Classic.

Bud Black/Dennis Tate 2022 Holiday Classic All-Tournament players for the CHS Ironmen