Safe grilling and safe swimming for healthier summer

With summer just around the corner, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services encourages the use of safe swimming and grilling practices to minimize the risk of illness, injury, and death. Everyone can play a role in preventing illnesses and injuries when they swim, play, and relax in the water this summer and year-round. Nationally, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four-years-old.

Please keep the following safety tips in mind while enjoying the state’s beaches, lakes, rivers, and pools: • Put down your phones: Always monitor children around pools and any body of water. Unlike the flailing depicted on television, a drowning child is more likely to slip silently un- derwater, which can be barely noticeable until it is too late.

• Keep pools secure: Close and lock or latch gates or doors every time they are not being used. Never prop a gate or door open and do not remove or lock ladders when aboveground pools are not in use.

• Know the water conditions: Be aware of potential hazards such as strong currents, undertows or sudden changes in water depth.

• Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea.

“Drowning deaths are tragic and preventable,” said Dr. Susan Kansagra, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Public Health. “Now is the time to take simple steps to prevent drownings and stay safe and healthy wherever you and your family or friends gather for water recreation activities.”

Outdoor grilling is a beloved summer tradition, and by following these guidelines, North Carolinians can have safer and more enjoyable gatherings with friends and family.

• Practice hand hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw food or using the grill.

• Separate raw and cooked food: Keep raw meats, poultry and seafood separate from cooked foods and readyto-eat items to prevent the spread of bacteria.

• Cook food thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature, eliminating any harmful bacteria present.

• Store leftovers properly: Refrigerate or freeze leftover food promptly to prevent bacterial growth. Consume or discard leftovers within three to four days.

• Clean and sanitize: Thoroughly clean grill surfaces and utensils be- fore and after each use to prevent cross-contamination and the growth of harmful bacteria.

“We want everyone in North Carolina to have a safe and healthy summer,” Dr. Kansagra said. “By following these guidelines for safe swimming and grilling, we can reduce the risk of accidents, illnesses and foodborne infections.”

Budget-friendly ways to freshen up your home’s exterior

As any homeowner knows, renovation projects tend to cost a lot of money. The average cost of a home renovation is difficult to gauge, as such endeavors run the gamut from complex projects like a kitchen overhaul to simpler ones like painting a room inside a home. Indeed, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry notes that scope is what drives the cost of a renovation project.

Though there might not be an “average cost” of a renovation project, homeowners can expect to spend thousands of dollars on projects that are not very small in scale. Navigating such an expense at a time when inflation remains high might be difficult for some homeowners looking to maintain the appearance of their home exteriors. However, there are many budget-friendly ways homeowners can tend

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 8th of June, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of RONALD COLEMAN SELF, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Barry Coleman Self, Executor on or before the 14th of September, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 14th day of June, 2023.

Barry Coleman Self, Executor

Estate of Ronald Coleman Self

P.O. Box 2193

1018 Providence Rd Shelby, NC 28151

KMH (6/14, 21, 28, 7/05/2023)

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK File No. 23 E 388

In the Matter of the Estate of:

MICHAEL TODD BERRY, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 10th day of May, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of Michael Todd Berry, deceased, late of Cleveland 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 28th day of August 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This the 24th day of May, 2023.

Laura Hall 104 Ida Circle Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (5/24, 5/31, 6/7 & 6/14/2023) to the exterior of their properties.

• Power washing: Power washing won’t break the bank but it can revive the look of a home. Power washing removes dirt and grime from the siding of a home and a power washing can be used to clean porches, walkways and patios as well. Hardware chains like Home Depot and Lowes typically rent power washers, but homeowners who don’t want to do it themselves can hire a professional for a few hundred dollars, if not less. Power washing after winter can be a good idea, as the elements can take a toll on a home’s exterior. A good power washing before spring and summer entertaining season can thus give a home a fresh, clean look without breaking the bank.

• Furnished front porch: A furnished front porch can

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 12th of December, 2022 as Administratrix of the Estate of THOMAS EDWARD McSWAIN, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Joyce B. Ussery McSwain, Administratrix on or before the 31st of August, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 31st day of May, 2023.

Joyce B. Ussery McSwain, Administratrix

Estate of Thomas Edward McSwain

705 Hampton St Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (5/31, 6/07, 14 & 21/2023)

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 1st of June, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of BRENT JONES McSWAIN, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Janet Davis McSwain, Executrix on or before the 7th of September, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 7th day of June, 2023.

Janet Davis McSwain, Executrix

Estate of Brent Jones McSwain

2328 Ben Jones Rd Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (6/07, 14, 21, & 28/2023) serve as a welcome sign to neighbors and provide a great place to relax with a morning cup of coffee and a good book. Homeowners with a small porch won’t need to bust their budgets to upgrade their front porch furnishings. Some small chairs with bright cushions, a small table and a rug underfoot can revamp an entryway at low cost.

• Window box installation: Installing window box planters is another cost-effective way to brighten up a home’s exterior. Homeowners can hang window boxes outside windows on the front of their homes and then fill them with brightly colored flowers to add an inviting pop of color to their home exteriors. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens urge homeowners to take weight into consideration before buying window planters. Keep in mind that soil and developed plants can be heavy, so look for a sturdy box as well as one that has drainage holes.

• Replace hardware: Another simple way to freshen up a stale exterior is to replace hardware. Door knobs, knockers, house numbers, and even the mailbox can appear dated after a while. Replacing these items is inexpensive and quick but can have a profound impact on how the exterior of a home appears to residents and visitors.

Exterior renovations need not break the bank. Various simple and inexpensive tweaks can quickly revitalize the exterior of a home.

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 1st of June, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of SYBIL BRIDGES WILLIS, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Jeffrey Talmadge Willis, Executor on or before the 7th of September, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 7th day of June, 2023.

Jeffrey Talmadge Willis, Executor

Estate of Sybil Bridges Willis 3105 Briar Stream Run Raleigh, NC 27612

KMH (6/07, 14, 21, & 28/2023)

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 20th of April, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of LUCILLE PRICE HOLLAND, deceased, late of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned, Kenneth Charles Holland, Executor, on or before the 14th of September, 2023, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 14th day of June, 2023.

Kenneth Charles Holland, Executor

Estate of Lucille Price Holland 1203 Cherryville Rd. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (6/14, 21 28 & 7/05/2023)