Americans with Disabilities Act turns 33 July 26

Charles Hill, a certified rehabilitation counselor with DHHS’ Division of Services for the Blind, shared his story about the importance of accessibility for people with visual impairments, as NCDHHS celebrates the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He writes:

“In this age of technology and information, accessibility is critical for all people – especially those with visual impairments and blindness. As a person who is blind and grew up in the 1970s and 80s, I was dependent on the availability of people to read for me to access information in print and on the computer.

“I would record the information in braille, or electronically, and remember it. My first introduction to computers at the community college involved having a sighted student sit with me while I typed on the computer. They would read what I wrote so I’d know what needed to be corrected.

Cleveland County awarded healthiest employer of Greater Charlotte

The Charlotte Business Journal recently ranked Cleveland County Government as the #1 Healthiest Employer of Greater Charlotte with 500 to 1,499 employees.

CBJ’s Healthiest Employers of Greater Charlotte Awards program seeks to highlight local companies that are making strides in wellness for employees –physical, emotional, and otherwise. Regional companies, nonprofit organizations, and government entities applied and then participated in an extensive survey process focused on health and wellness-related issues, from benefits like insurance and paid leave to workplace amenities.

“Cleveland County makes employee wellness a high priority. When employees improve their personal health and well-being, they are happier, more engaged, and more productive,” said Kerri Melton, Assistant County Manager. “This, in turn, allows us to positively impact the lives of the citizens we serve. It’s

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 18th of July, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of THELMA W. DAVIS; AKA, THELMA WHITE DAVIS, 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, Allen L. Davis, Executor on or before the 26th of October, 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 26th day of July, 2023.

Allen L. Davis, Executor

Estate of Thelma W. Davis; aka, Thelma White Davis 115 Lakeshore Dr. Kings Mountain, NC 28086

KMH (7/26, 8/02, 09 &16/2023)

Legal Notice

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT of JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION

File No: 23 CVD 191

Donald Wayne Moore, Plaintiff Vs Tammy Spangler Canipe, Defendant

To: TAMMY SPANGLER CANIPE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action in District Court of Cleveland County bearing file number 23 CVD 191. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: ABSOLUTE DIVORCE. You are required to make a defense to such pleading not later than 40 days from July, 26, 2023, and upon your failure to do so the Plaintiff seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought.

KMH (7/26, 8/02 & 09/2023) a win for everyone.”

Cleveland County Government provides a wide variety of wellness benefits ranging from low-cost primary care and employee wellness center to programs designed to manage chronic medical conditions, mental health support, and walking or workout opportunities.

The County recently offered a medical weight management program, focused on support and education for those who are motivated to lose weight but have been unsuccessful in past attempts. As part of the program, employees engage in one-on-one sessions, monthly group sessions, and weekly check-ins via text. A total of 40 employees are enrolled and have lost a total of 1,262 pounds.

Over the last 12 months, Cleveland County Government has seen a 6% decrease in claims for their high-risk employees and an 8% decrease in emergency room utilization. Chronic conditions no longer make the top seven conditions for total healthcare spending with Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Cleveland County Government previously ranked 8th in 2021 and 2nd in 2022.

Legal Notice

NORTH CAROLINA CLEVELAND COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 23 E 422

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT ARTHUR CHARPENTIER

Having qualified on the 13th day of July, 2023, as Executor of the Estate of ROBERT ARTHUR CHARPENTIER, deceased, 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 on or before October 19, 2023, or this notice will be pleased in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the Estate should make immediate payment.

This the 19th day of July, 2023.

Christine Marie Palmer Charpentier, Executor Of the Estate of Robert Arthur Charpentier

121 Buckhaven Court Lawndale, NC 28090

Attorney for the Estate: Robert H. Lutz

Lutz Law Firm, PLLC 310-8 East Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150 KMH (7/19, 26, 8/02 & 09/2023)

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 6th of July, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of VIOLET S. MICHAEL; AKA, VIOLET SANDERS MICHAEL, 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, Pamela M. Mitchell, Administratrix on or before the 12th of October, 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 12th day of July, 2023.

Pamela M. Mitchell, Administratrix

Estate of: Violet S. Michael; aka, Violet Sanders Michael 205 Claytenna Rd Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (7/12, 19, 26, 8/02/2023)

“In the late 80s, I was introduced to a digital screen reading program called Jaws. It allowed me to have full access to the computer and programs such as email, the internet and word processing while significantly decreasing my need for assistance. My typing speed improved, and I obtained more access to information and communication, which further increased my independence.

“Nearly 33 years ago, on July 26, 1990, the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) required that all government agencies, employers and schools become accessible to persons with disabilities. The ADA created limitless opportunities in education, socialization, and employment for people with disabilities. It helped me to successfully complete two undergraduate degrees and two postgraduate degrees, which allowed me to gain employment as a certified rehabilitation counselor in NCDHHS’ Division of Services for the Blind, and develop skills that are invaluable to the division, society and the rehabilitation profession.

“Last fall, DSB partnered with Ablr Works to develop a first-of-its-kind workforce development program to train people who are blind or visually impaired to become digital accessibility testers. This program will help find opportunities for training, upskilling and recruitment for people who are considered both an underserved and underemployed population.

“If you are looking for services to help people who are visually impaired, blind and deaf-blind to help them reach their goals of independence and employment, visit NCDHHS’ DSB website.”

How to respond to pesticide poisoning

Tending to a lawn and garden can be a great way to spend time in the great outdoors. It’s also an enjoyable way to improve a home’s curb appeal.

Though many homeowners prefer a wholly organic approach to lawn care and gardening, sometimes pests and other problems force people to apply pesticides around their properties. The application of pesticides can make homeowners, and anyone who spends time on their properties, including children, vulnerable to pesticide poisoning.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people exposed to pesticides may exhibit a host of symptoms. External irritants that come into contact with the skin can cause redness, itching or pimples, and such substances also may contribute to allergic reactions marked by redness, swelling or blistering. Stinging and swelling in the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat also may occur after being exposed to pesticides. Pesticides also can cause internal injuries to a person’s organs, potentially leading to significant issues. The EPA notes that the lungs, stomach and nervous system all can be affected when pesticides are swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. People experiencing lung injuries after exposure to pesticides may experience shortness of breath, heavy salivation (drooling) or rapid breathing. Injuries to the stomach may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea. If the nervous system is affected by pesticide exposure, people may experience excessive fatigue, sleepiness, headache, muscle twitching, and numbness. If pesticide poisoning is suspected, it’s imperative that See POISONING, Page 7B

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

23 E 484

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of Tanya Kay Ramey of Cleveland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the Estate of the said Tanya Kay Ramey to present them to the undersigned by October 5, 2023, or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

This the 5th day of July, 2023.

Amber Brooke Kale

130 Colony Drive

Kings Mountain, North Carolina 28086

Administratrix of the Estate of Tanya Kay Ramey

Counsel for the Estate

J. Charles Hoyle, PC

J. Charles Hoyle

Attorney at Law 207 Hoyle’s Road Kings Mountain, North Carolina 28086 (704) 734-1050

KMH (7/05, 12, 19 & 26/2023)