Kannapolis Youth Council Officers, Seniors and New Members Recognized The Kannapolis Youth Council recently celebrated its graduating seniors and recognized its new 2023-2024 officers and members. The City Council’s goal is to create opportunities for students to become engaged in leadership development, provide avenues for volunteerism, develop leadership and communication skills, practice teamwork and to have a line of communication to the adult leadership in the decision-making process of the City. Forty high school-aged students have been selected to serve on the 2023-2024 Youth Council, following an application process. They represent A.L. Brown High School, Northwest Cabarrus High School, Cox Mill High School, Cannon School and homeschools. Caroline Barlow, an A.L. Brown student, and Ally Zendejas, a student at Cox High School, served as co-chairs of the group for the 2022-2023 term. 2022-’23 Youth Council Graduating Seniors: Allison Gordon, Ally Zendejas, Angel Vazquez, Ariyah Woodberry, Asia Locke, Carly Stegall, Caroline Barlow, Gabe Perry, Katie Purvis, Kyla Mills, Shriya Agarwal, Skyler Cauthen and Yesenia Vela.
Calendar of Events
JULY 2023
JULY 1 Concerts in the Park: Charlotte Symphony + Fireworks Village Park | 7 p.m.
2023-’24 Incoming Youth Council Officers: Lillian Watkins (Co-Chair), Paige Gaskins (Co-Chair), Grayson Burgess (ViceChair), Sweta Chokshi (Secretary), Ashley Burris (Finance), Courtney Graham (Marketing), Mileyna Rose Gaddy (Social Events Coordinator), Jocelyn Vazquez Mota (Community Service Coordinator) and Auja Cascen (Historian). New Members for the 2023-2024 Term: Ashley Angeles, Ayden Sniffan, Brian Baranco Aburto, Brian Rojo, Brianna Harris, Cara Neil, Celina Fletcher, Charion Armstrong, Daniel Zapata, Ella Tyzinski, Konner Black, Kyra Roberts, Laney Morton, Madison McMahan, Makayla Burris, Melanie Ortiz Torres, Nicole Dixon, Paisley Overcash, Samuel Howard, Serenity Yang and Shrij Chokshi. Returning Members for the 2023-2024 Term: Aiyana Ratliff, Alejandro Medina, Ashley Burris, Auja Cascen, Caroline Storey, Courtney Graham, Emmy Watkins, Grayson Burgess, Jocelyn Vazquez Mota, Josephine Geoghan, Katelyn Wiseman, Lillian Watkins, Mileyna Rose Gaddy, Moira Hunter, Nevaeh Williams, Paige Gaskins, Samantha Griffin, Sweta Chokshi and Taylor Tapp. For more information on the Youth Council, contact Annette Privette Keller, Director of Communications, at 704-920-4311 or aprivettekeller@kannapolisnc.gov.
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13 Thursdays on Main: Cat 5 Veterans Park | 6 p.m. 14 Movies in the Park: Puss in Boots | Village Park | 8:45 p.m.
NC By Train Announces More Trains and New Schedules
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riven by increased demand, NC By Train, North Carolina’s passenger rail service, has announced additional trains and new schedules between Raleigh and Charlotte starting July 10. This includes new schedules and stops for the Kannapolis train station located on Main Street. The NC By Train improvements will include a mid-day departure from Raleigh, a lateafternoon departure from Charlotte and reduced travel times for rail passengers between North Carolina’s two biggest cities. Customers can now reserve a spot on the new service between Raleigh and Charlotte. Tickets can also be purchased using the Amtrak app. Five trains will now travel each way between Raleigh and Charlotte. The number of daily departures between the two cities will increase from eight to 10.
2022-’23 Graduating Seniors
THE CITY OF KANNAPOLIS 401 Laureate Way | Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.920.4444 www.kannapolisnc.gov
2022-’23 Outgoing Youth Council Officers
Follow the City on Facebook (facebook.com/cityofkannapolis), Instagram @KannapolisNC, LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/cityofkannapolis), Nextdoor (nextdoor.com/Kannapolisnc.gov) and Twitter @Kannapolis for regular updates and more ideas for fun.
Cruise-In | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. N.C. Research Campus
The new service will provide passengers with: • A 6:30 a.m. departure from Raleigh and a 5:30 p.m. departure from Charlotte with scheduled trip times of just under three hours. Continued on page 2
15 Stories Under the Stars: Mad Science | Kannapolis Library | 7 p.m. 21 Concerts in the Park: Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry | Village Park | 7 p.m. 22 28
Concerts in the Park: Deana Carter Village Park | 7 p.m. Movies in the Park: Top Gun Maverick | Village Park | 8:45 p.m.
30 Movies in the Park: Top Gun Maverick (En Espanol) | Atrium Health Ballpark | 6 p.m. AUGUST 5 Concerts in the Park: Grand Funk Railroad | Village Park | 7 p.m. 10 Thursdays on Main: Band of Oz Veterans Park | 6 p.m. 11 Movies in the Park: Luca Village Park | 8:45 p.m. 12 Cruise-In | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. N.C. Research Campus 13 Movies in the Park: Luca (En Espanol) | Atrium Health Ballpark | 6 p.m. 19 Run Kannapolis: Cannon Ballers Shooting Star 5K | Downtown Kannapolis | 9 a.m. 19 Stories Under the Stars: Dana Hill Kannapolis Library | 7 p.m. Free Admission. No pets or smoking, please. Concessions and food trucks available at concerts and movies. More at kannapolisnc.gov.
Kannapolis Police Department Awards Presented The Kannapolis Police Department recently held its annual police awards ceremony.
Continued from page 1
• New departures, including a 1 p.m. from Raleigh and 2:20 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. departures from Charlotte.
interacts with citizens who request reports and information daily.
Officer Norman Hill was presented with the Roger Dale Carter Memorial Service Award, given in memory of Kannapolis Police Officer Carter, who died in the line of duty on December 31, 1993. Officer Hill joined the Patrol Division of the Kannapolis Police Department in 2017. He is a highly respected field training officer and a certified drone operator. He has received two Life Saving Awards from the department.
Officer Hill and Shari Hoehman
He worked for Cloninger Ford and Toyota for 28 years as a detailing manager before making the decision to start a new career as a police officer. He is known for his faith and love of God and said his faith led him to what he believes is his calling – to be a police officer. His peers respect him for his
Telecommunicator Shari Hoehman was awarded the Norma C. Howard Memorial Service Award. Shari joined the department in 2014 as a telecommunicator. She transferred to the Records Division in 2021. She maintains records associated with investigations and
positive attitude, kindness, consideration and respect for people.
Officers Franklin and Lambert
Officers Cody Franklin and Jonathan Lambert were presented with the Police Star during the honors event. Officers Franklin and Lambert were recognized for their exemplary action beyond the call of duty during an incident in April 2023. They responded to a report of gunshots. While en route, a suspect vehicle was spotted by Officer Franklin and he attempted to pull the suspects over. When the suspects refused and sped away, Officer Franklin was joined by Officer Lambert. During the pursuit the suspect began firing at the officers. The officers continued to pursue the vehicle and eventually apprehended them after a foot chase. Lt. Jason Hinson received a commendation for exemplary service during the performance of his duties. Lt. Hinson was recognized for his Lt. Hinson work to identify the suspect of a hit and run incident that took the life of a bicyclist in April 2023.
Youth Flag Football Registration Underway Registration for Youth Flag Football is now open. Registration will close July 31. Children must be between the ages of five and 15 to participate. The registration fee is $40 for Kannapolis residents and $60 for non-residents, which includes the cost of uniforms, practices and games. Scholarships and sponsorship opportunities are available. Practices will begin August 21, and games will be held September 9-October 28. Visit kannapolisnc.gov or call Parks and Recreation at 704-920-4343 to register, apply for a scholarship, apply to be a coach or to sign up as a sponsor.
The improvements are driven by increased demand for the state’s passenger rail service. In 2022, North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service had the highest ridership in its 32-year history. Then, in April, after having its best first quarter ever, NC By Train boasted its second highest ridership month with more than 53,300 passengers. Daily service will continue for passengers on the Carolinian trains that travel between North Carolina, Washington D.C. and New York.
Kannapolis Police Department Awards Presented The Kannapolis Police Department recently held its annual police awards ceremony.
Continued from page 1
• New departures, including a 1 p.m. from Raleigh and 2:20 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. departures from Charlotte.
interacts with citizens who request reports and information daily.
Officer Norman Hill was presented with the Roger Dale Carter Memorial Service Award, given in memory of Kannapolis Police Officer Carter, who died in the line of duty on December 31, 1993. Officer Hill joined the Patrol Division of the Kannapolis Police Department in 2017. He is a highly respected field training officer and a certified drone operator. He has received two Life Saving Awards from the department.
Officer Hill and Shari Hoehman
He worked for Cloninger Ford and Toyota for 28 years as a detailing manager before making the decision to start a new career as a police officer. He is known for his faith and love of God and said his faith led him to what he believes is his calling – to be a police officer. His peers respect him for his
Telecommunicator Shari Hoehman was awarded the Norma C. Howard Memorial Service Award. Shari joined the department in 2014 as a telecommunicator. She transferred to the Records Division in 2021. She maintains records associated with investigations and
positive attitude, kindness, consideration and respect for people.
Officers Franklin and Lambert
Officers Cody Franklin and Jonathan Lambert were presented with the Police Star during the honors event. Officers Franklin and Lambert were recognized for their exemplary action beyond the call of duty during an incident in April 2023. They responded to a report of gunshots. While en route, a suspect vehicle was spotted by Officer Franklin and he attempted to pull the suspects over. When the suspects refused and sped away, Officer Franklin was joined by Officer Lambert. During the pursuit the suspect began firing at the officers. The officers continued to pursue the vehicle and eventually apprehended them after a foot chase. Lt. Jason Hinson received a commendation for exemplary service during the performance of his duties. Lt. Hinson was recognized for his Lt. Hinson work to identify the suspect of a hit and run incident that took the life of a bicyclist in April 2023.
Youth Flag Football Registration Underway Registration for Youth Flag Football is now open. Registration will close July 31. Children must be between the ages of five and 15 to participate. The registration fee is $40 for Kannapolis residents and $60 for non-residents, which includes the cost of uniforms, practices and games. Scholarships and sponsorship opportunities are available. Practices will begin August 21, and games will be held September 9-October 28. Visit kannapolisnc.gov or call Parks and Recreation at 704-920-4343 to register, apply for a scholarship, apply to be a coach or to sign up as a sponsor.
The improvements are driven by increased demand for the state’s passenger rail service. In 2022, North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service had the highest ridership in its 32-year history. Then, in April, after having its best first quarter ever, NC By Train boasted its second highest ridership month with more than 53,300 passengers. Daily service will continue for passengers on the Carolinian trains that travel between North Carolina, Washington D.C. and New York.
Kannapolis Youth Council Officers, Seniors and New Members Recognized The Kannapolis Youth Council recently celebrated its graduating seniors and recognized its new 2023-2024 officers and members. The City Council’s goal is to create opportunities for students to become engaged in leadership development, provide avenues for volunteerism, develop leadership and communication skills, practice teamwork and to have a line of communication to the adult leadership in the decision-making process of the City. Forty high school-aged students have been selected to serve on the 2023-2024 Youth Council, following an application process. They represent A.L. Brown High School, Northwest Cabarrus High School, Cox Mill High School, Cannon School and homeschools. Caroline Barlow, an A.L. Brown student, and Ally Zendejas, a student at Cox High School, served as co-chairs of the group for the 2022-2023 term. 2022-’23 Youth Council Graduating Seniors: Allison Gordon, Ally Zendejas, Angel Vazquez, Ariyah Woodberry, Asia Locke, Carly Stegall, Caroline Barlow, Gabe Perry, Katie Purvis, Kyla Mills, Shriya Agarwal, Skyler Cauthen and Yesenia Vela.
Calendar of Events
JULY 2023
JULY 1 Concerts in the Park: Charlotte Symphony + Fireworks Village Park | 7 p.m.
2023-’24 Incoming Youth Council Officers: Lillian Watkins (Co-Chair), Paige Gaskins (Co-Chair), Grayson Burgess (ViceChair), Sweta Chokshi (Secretary), Ashley Burris (Finance), Courtney Graham (Marketing), Mileyna Rose Gaddy (Social Events Coordinator), Jocelyn Vazquez Mota (Community Service Coordinator) and Auja Cascen (Historian). New Members for the 2023-2024 Term: Ashley Angeles, Ayden Sniffan, Brian Baranco Aburto, Brian Rojo, Brianna Harris, Cara Neil, Celina Fletcher, Charion Armstrong, Daniel Zapata, Ella Tyzinski, Konner Black, Kyra Roberts, Laney Morton, Madison McMahan, Makayla Burris, Melanie Ortiz Torres, Nicole Dixon, Paisley Overcash, Samuel Howard, Serenity Yang and Shrij Chokshi. Returning Members for the 2023-2024 Term: Aiyana Ratliff, Alejandro Medina, Ashley Burris, Auja Cascen, Caroline Storey, Courtney Graham, Emmy Watkins, Grayson Burgess, Jocelyn Vazquez Mota, Josephine Geoghan, Katelyn Wiseman, Lillian Watkins, Mileyna Rose Gaddy, Moira Hunter, Nevaeh Williams, Paige Gaskins, Samantha Griffin, Sweta Chokshi and Taylor Tapp. For more information on the Youth Council, contact Annette Privette Keller, Director of Communications, at 704-920-4311 or aprivettekeller@kannapolisnc.gov.
8
13 Thursdays on Main: Cat 5 Veterans Park | 6 p.m. 14 Movies in the Park: Puss in Boots | Village Park | 8:45 p.m.
NC By Train Announces More Trains and New Schedules
D
riven by increased demand, NC By Train, North Carolina’s passenger rail service, has announced additional trains and new schedules between Raleigh and Charlotte starting July 10. This includes new schedules and stops for the Kannapolis train station located on Main Street. The NC By Train improvements will include a mid-day departure from Raleigh, a lateafternoon departure from Charlotte and reduced travel times for rail passengers between North Carolina’s two biggest cities. Customers can now reserve a spot on the new service between Raleigh and Charlotte. Tickets can also be purchased using the Amtrak app. Five trains will now travel each way between Raleigh and Charlotte. The number of daily departures between the two cities will increase from eight to 10.
2022-’23 Graduating Seniors
THE CITY OF KANNAPOLIS 401 Laureate Way | Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.920.4444 www.kannapolisnc.gov
2022-’23 Outgoing Youth Council Officers
Follow the City on Facebook (facebook.com/cityofkannapolis), Instagram @KannapolisNC, LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/cityofkannapolis), Nextdoor (nextdoor.com/Kannapolisnc.gov) and Twitter @Kannapolis for regular updates and more ideas for fun.
Cruise-In | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. N.C. Research Campus
The new service will provide passengers with: • A 6:30 a.m. departure from Raleigh and a 5:30 p.m. departure from Charlotte with scheduled trip times of just under three hours. Continued on page 2
15 Stories Under the Stars: Mad Science | Kannapolis Library | 7 p.m. 21 Concerts in the Park: Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry | Village Park | 7 p.m. 22 28
Concerts in the Park: Deana Carter Village Park | 7 p.m. Movies in the Park: Top Gun Maverick | Village Park | 8:45 p.m.
30 Movies in the Park: Top Gun Maverick (En Espanol) | Atrium Health Ballpark | 6 p.m. AUGUST 5 Concerts in the Park: Grand Funk Railroad | Village Park | 7 p.m. 10 Thursdays on Main: Band of Oz Veterans Park | 6 p.m. 11 Movies in the Park: Luca Village Park | 8:45 p.m. 12 Cruise-In | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. N.C. Research Campus 13 Movies in the Park: Luca (En Espanol) | Atrium Health Ballpark | 6 p.m. 19 Run Kannapolis: Cannon Ballers Shooting Star 5K | Downtown Kannapolis | 9 a.m. 19 Stories Under the Stars: Dana Hill Kannapolis Library | 7 p.m. Free Admission. No pets or smoking, please. Concessions and food trucks available at concerts and movies. More at kannapolisnc.gov.