Campus Safety: avoiding dangerous situations School bus safety: does your child know the rules

This fall, thousands of students will leave their families and friends to attend college. For many, it will be their first time away from home and their first experience with total independence. It is an exciting time and a dangerous one. Concerned with this safety issue, Sheriff Alan Norman of Cleveland County urges college students to exercise caution when living on campus. Across the United States, college campuses are increasing security measures by installing emergency call box systems designed to contact a 911 operator immediately. They are usually located in frequently traveled areas such as parking lots and main routes to and from class. Another popular security measure involves campus escorts. This program recruits qualified volunteers to walk students to and from class after dark. Security cameras and bright lighting are also being used to heighten campus safety.

“College campuses are extremely vulnerable to crime because of their openness,” said Sheriff Norman. “It’s difficult to keep buildings and dorm rooms locked because people are constantly coming and going. Another contributing factor is that students tend to develop a false sense of security because of the seemingly peaceful surroundings.”

Campus crimes can take many forms – theft, date rape, and drugs, to name just a few. It’s impossible to avoid all dangers. However, Sheriff Norman has some suggestions on how college students can better protect and educate themselves through campus safety education.

• Never post information as to your whereabouts on your dorm room door or social media. If an intruder knows you are away – it’s an open invitation for them to break in.

• Even if you leave your room for only a few

Legal Notice

State Of North Carolina County Of Cleveland

Notice To Creditors And Debtors

Having qualified on 3rd of August, 2023 as Executrix of the Estate of BOBBY HAROLD DOWNS, 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, Renee Downs Smith, Executrix on or before the 9th of November, 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 9th day of August, 2023.

Renee Downs Smith, Executrix

Estate of Bobby Harold Downs 409 Wes Cook Road Casar, NC 28020 KMH (8/09, 16, 23 & 30/2023)

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 608

In the Matter of the Estate of:

MICHAEL DWAYNE QUEEN, Deceased.

Having qualified on the 31st day of July, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of Michael Dwayne Queen, 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 Executor on or before the 16th day of November 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 16th day of August, 2023.

Michael Queen 201 N. Sims St. Kings Mountain, NC 28086 KMH (8/16, 8/23, 8/30 & 9/6/2023)

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 13th of July, 2023 as Executor of the Estate of JOEL RONNIE WESSON, 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, David Pless, Executor on or before the 9th of November, 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 9th day of August, 2023.

David Pless, Executor

Estate of Joel Ronnie Wesson

815 Poplar Springs Church Road

Shelby, NC 28152

KMH (8/09, 16, 23 & 30/2023 minutes – lock your door. gests that parents drive their child’s bus route with them to practice the proper safety precautions they can take to help ensure their child enjoys a safe ride to and from school.

• When studying in outof-the-way places, inform campus security about your whereabouts.

• When meeting a study partner for the first time, plan to meet in a public place.

• Encourage campus security to establish a photo identification program to deter outsiders from entering school buildings.

• Work with local law enforcement to organize a safety education program to teach incoming students the dos and don’ts of campus safety.

• Familiarize yourself with emergency call box locations and save the telephone number for campus safety in your cell phone for easy access.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t let cell phones become a distraction by walking while texting or looking down at your cell phone.

• Learn to trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, get out of it. Don’t allow anyone to violate your comfort zone.

Millions of students use school buses daily as transportation to and from school. Although school buses represent the safest form of highway transportation, students and drivers should be aware of numerous safety factors. Hoping to ensure school bus safety, Sheriff Alan Norman encourages caution whenever school buses are present.

SHERIFF ALAN NORMAN

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in recent years, there were an average of 128 fatalities in school transportation-related traffic crashes each year, and more school-aged pedestrians have been killed during the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. than any other time of day.

“Children are often eager to get off the school bus because they are excited to tell their parents about all the fun they had at school that day,” said Sheriff Norman.

“It is crucial that parents re-enforce the school bus safety rules children learn at school.”

Sheriff Norman also sug-

Sheriff Norman encourages all parents to discuss the following safety measures with their children:

Student

• Always arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.

• While the bus is approaching, stand at least three giant steps away from the curb, and wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the bus driver says that it’s OK to board.

• Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus. Make eye contact with the driver to ensure they see you.

• Never walk behind the bus.

• If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.

• Use the handrail when entering and exiting the bus. Take extra precautions to ensure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags does not get caught in the handrail or door.

• Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped. Tell the bus driver or wait until the bus has driven off to avoid not being seen by the driver.

Motorists

• Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions. Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.

• If there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously. Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.

• Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.

• Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended. This is a sign that children are getting on or off the bus. Motorists must wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus moves before they can start driving again.

• Learn and obey the school bus laws in North Carolina.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Prepare for respiratory virus season in the Fall

Recently, COVID-19 metrics have increased in North Carolina and nationwide, including the early warning wastewater monitoring system. Other COVID-19 metrics, such as hospital admissions and emergency department visits, have also increased, according to data on the North Carolina Respiratory Virus Dashboard. Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are two other seasonal viruses that cause respiratory infections. These viruses can cause severe illness or even death, especially in older adults, young children, and those with underlying medical conditions. Although the flu and RSV infections usually peak between December and February, their timing has

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 4th of August, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of DAVID PRESLEY, 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, Christian Blue Presley, Administrator on or before the 16th of November, 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 16th day of August, 2023.

Christian Blue Presley, Administrator

Estate of: David Presley

922 W. Sumter St. Shelby, NC 28150

Counsel for the Estate McINTYRE ELDER LAW

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (8/16, 23, 30 & 9/0616/2023)

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 7th of June, 2023 as Administratrix of the Estate of BETTY ANNE REYNOLDS, 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, Claudia Grace Mills, Administratrix on or before the 2nd of November, 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 2nd day of August, 2023.

Claudia Grace Mills, Administratrix

Estate of: Betty Anne Reynolds

809 Ramseur Street Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Counsel for the Estate

McINTYRE ELDER LAW

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150

KMH (8/02, 09, 16 & 23/2023) been less predictable since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Carolina Health and Human Services officials encourage all North Carolinians to prepare for the Fall respiratory virus season by getting the seasonal flu vaccine and talking to their doctor about getting the RSV vaccine if they are over 60. The updated COVID-

19 booster is expected to be available by the end of September. As we move into the Fall season, have a supply of tests available and seek treatment if you test positive. Visit the Testing & Treatment page for information on how to get free at-home COVID-19 tests and how to access treatment.

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 27th of June, 2023 as Co-Executors of the Estate of ARLENE LANDES KENTER, 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, Robin Hope Kenter Sheriff, Co-Executor and/or Richard Hugh Kenter, Co-Executor on or before the 16th of November, 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 16th day of August, 2023.

Robin Hope Kenter Sheriff, Co-Executor

Estate of: Arlene Landes Kenter 101 Stone St. Shelby, NC 28152

And/or

Richard Hugh Kenter, Co-Executor

Estate of: Arlene Landes Kenter 130 Dekka Rd Rutherfordton, NC 52023

Counsel for the Estate McINTYRE ELDER LAW 233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150 KMH (8/16, 23, 30 & 9/06/2023)

Legal Notice

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLEVELAND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 28th of July, 2023 as Administrator of the Estate of RODNEY O’NEIL PETTY, 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, Rodriguez Petty, Administrator on or before the 9th of November, 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 9th day of August, 2023.

Rodriguez Petty, Administrator

Estate of: Rodney O’Neil Petty

302 Webb Farm Rd. Shelby, NC 28152

Counsel for the Estate McINTYRE ELDER LAW

233 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC 28150 KMH (8/09, 16, 23 & 30/2023) or smudges along the sides.

The dorsal scales are keeled, and the scales beneath the tail are usually undivided except at the tip. The body is relatively stout and slightly triangular in cross-section. Hinged, recurved, hollow fangs are present in the front of the upper jaw.

Copperheads are found in a wide variety of habitats, but they are most often associated with woodlands. Its favorite spots are those providing cover and some sun for basking, such as woodland edges, rocky south-facing slopes, and ivy thickets. Old sawdust piles, slab piles, trash dumps, and dilapidated buildings are good places to find copperheads.