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Thursday, January 9, 2020

Thursday, January 9, 2020

East Belmont veteran recalls adventures in the Marines

By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info

Shana Jackson, Tawana Brown, Demetria Mills, Bridget Hatten, Oyaffa Clinton, and Jeannie Kirby working at their Habitat for Humanity project.

Photo by Habitat for Humanity Gaston

Habitat for Humanity Gaston engaged in several local projects Edited by Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info

Habitat for Humanity Gaston had a busy 2019 and 2020 is shaping up to be an even better one with several projects currently underway in Belmont, Stanley, and Gastonia. The Belmont and Gastonia houses will be completed in late winter, with the Stanley house finished in the spring.

Founded in 1988, Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County (Habitat Gaston) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit

and an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a widely respected global brand. The group seeks to eliminate poverty housing and to advocate for affordable housing as a matter of conscience and action. Habitat Gaston builds simple, decent housing with help from volunteer labor, the “sweat equity” of partner families, and community investment of money and materials.

Habitat Gaston is committed to making the dream of homeownership a reality and putting families on a path to

grow and thrive. When families own a Habitat home, they have less stress and instability in their life, and they contribute to their community when they pay their property taxes.

“A Habitat house is a permanent solution for a family struggling to make ends meet,” said Kay Peninger, executive direct Habitat for Humanity Gaston. “Their mortgage the family is paying is usually half the amount of market rate rent. And when you aren’t stressed See HABITAT, Page 6

As a child, Ray Biggerstaff, 75, lived in a house near the Crescent Mill in East Belmont and even took a job there for a brief period as a teen.

However, the wide world called and Biggerstaff answered by joining the U.S. Marines at the tender age of seventeen.

“I didn’t want to work in that mill forever,” Biggerstaff said. “So my parents signed the papers that let me enlist in 1961.”

Like other Marine recruits, Biggerstaff began his training at Parris Island. After a time at that base, he went to Camp Lejeune.

“I was there except for trips overseas,” he said. “They called them cruises.”

The type of cruises Biggerstaff went on didn’t include shrimp cocktails and sunning on a lounge chair.

Places he and his fellow Marines were deployed to included Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, and more.

“We took part in maneuvers as a show of force,” Biggerstaff said.

In the Western Hemisphere, Biggerstaff and his comrades visited a va- East Belmont native and U.S. Marines veteran Ray riety of places such as Cuba, Jamaica, Biggerstaff looks over some albums from his service Photo by Alan Hodge Haiti, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and days in the 1960s. the Dominican Republic. It was in that last place, the city of Santo Domingo to prevent a communist takeover of the governbe exact, that Biggerstaff took part in a hair ment following the assassination of the dictator Rafael Trujillo. raising action that he still recalls to this day.

The Marines and other U.N. troops were In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson sent involved in several actions trying to keep the 22,000 U.S. troops, including Biggerstaff, to See VETERAN, Page 10 the Dominican Republic to restore order and

Cramerton Parks and Recreation looking forward to 2020 and beyond Edited by Alan Hodge It’s a new decade with new opportunities to check out all the great new things happening at Cramerton Parks and Recreation in 2020.

Here’s some 2020 registration dates, programs, and facilities informationFebruary 1 – March 2 Spring Sports Registration Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Volleyball.

July 1 – August 1 Fall Sports Registration

Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Volleyball.

October 1 – November 2 Winter Sports Registration Basketball and Cheerleading.

Registration begins April 16.

Cramerton Parks and Rec. has a variety of fine facilities includingCentral Park— Corner of Washington Street and Brooklyn Avenue.

C.B. Huss Recreation Complex— 8 Julian Street.

See CRAMERTON, Page 9

LOCAL EVERY THURSDAY

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OPINION

TODAY’S QUOTE: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

My Opinion: Getting well, one way or another In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a lot of coughing and hacking going on lately.

Some folks head to the doctor in an attempt to shorten the course of their malady.

Others try powerful over the counter meds.

Others just assume a prone position on their sofa or bed with a kleenex in one hand and the TV remote in the other.

But that’s these days. What did folks once upon a time do to get over sickness, aches, and pains?

To answer this question, I turned to one of my favorite sources of wisdom- the Foxfire series of books. These volumes were written over 40 years ago when a group of college students went up in the hills and interviewed granny women and grandpas and such, collected their wisdom, and went to press with it.

Anyway, here are some of my favorite natural remedies with the disclaimer that even though they made entertaining reading I have never actually tried them myself. Dig? Lots of folks suffer from earache. To help alleviate this throbbing, save the oils that boil out of the end of a burning persimmon limb and pour it down your ear hole. You can also roast cabbage stalks and squeeze the juice in the aforementioned orifice. Yet another balm for earache can be made by warming a spoonful of urine and drizzling it in your ear but don’t get any on your clothes.

Headaches are aggravating and there are several options open for those who would like to try a homespun remedy. First, tie a flour sack over your head. You can also put bull tallow and turpentine on a rag and tie that around your noggin. Another “natural” headache cure is to smear your brow with crushed onions. Yet another involves saving your hair clippings in a bag and when a headaches comes on hiding the bag under a rock.

No matter where you go lately it seems like folks are coughing. Perhaps they should parch some leaves of rat’s vein, grind it up, and sniff it. Another cough cure, one that really works, is to put some moonshine in a jar, add rock candy or honey and lemon, and take a swig. Ground ginger and sugar mixed, then put on the tongue just before bed is another old time cough cure.

The common cold is one of the most miserable feelings known to man and this time

Thursday, January 9, 2020

of year especially prevalent. Old folks back in the hills probably didn’t know what a germ was, but had plenty of ammo in the fight against Alan Hodge colds. One of the Banner-News Editor most popular cold remedies called for smearing goose grease on the sufferer’s chest. Another calls for eating a large onion roasted in the fireplace. Another advises mixing red pepper flakes with ‘shine and taking a big “swaller”.

Sore throats and colds go together like red eye gravy and grits. To get rid of a sore throat, hill folk advise making a poultice of kerosene, lard, and turpentine and smearing it on the neck. In a few minutes mix sugar and a few drops of kerosene and swallow that. A less extreme sore throat cure can be cured by tying a dirty sock around your neck. The sock should have been worn for at least a week without washing.

A couple of quick cures for athletes foot calls for tying a wool string around your toe or stepping in fresh cow dung.

Got a sore? Country folks say one way to heal it is by putting butter on the spot and letting a hound lick it. A salve for sores can be made by mixing mutton tallow, balm of Gilead buds and turpentine then putting it on the wound.

Warts are not all that common but can spoil the appearance of an otherwise lovely hand. To nix a wart, rub it with a chicken gizzard and hide the gizzard under a rock. Another wart cure calls for stealing a washrag off your neighbor’s clothesline, rubbing the wart with it, and then hiding the cloth in a box.

Washing the wart with water from a rotten chestnut stump or lashing a piece of fatback to it is also said to be effective.

Lastly, to cure tapeworms, old folks swear by eating tobacco seeds, eating a whole head of garlic every day for a week, or eating crushed egg shells mixed with molasses and butter.

So there you go, natural cures or chemical ones, between the two there’s bound to be something to fix what ails ye.

- Nelson Mandela

Last year’s Christmas gift is still in the box and I’m glad I am writing this on the one-year anniversary of the blizzard of 2018. Ok, it wasn’t two feet of snow. It was more like two inches of snow. Never the less, I knew what I had to do.

I got out my snow shovel and cleaned the driveway. As a kid in New Jersey, I learned if you don’t shovel the day the snow falls, it freezes overnight. Where I now live, the position of the house blocks the sun from melting it and it freezes for days on the driveway.

My neighbor across the street never shovels his driveway since the sun melts it. Mine becomes solid ice.

That day I was shoveling snow for two hours. It was heavy. I remembered my uncle having a heart attack after shoveling snow.

I didn’t want to be found dead lying in my driveway. The next day, I told my kids what I wanted for Christmas.

I wanted an electric snow shovel. I didn’t want a gas one. The one I wanted was $77 on Amazon. It had an electric plug. I didn’t want a cordless model due to the weight of the battery.

With all the drama of an Italian family, my kids sent 50 text messages trying to decide on the ultimate electric snow shovel. Bigger was better. Finally, one of them said, “Keep this simple. Dad wants this one.”

Christmas Day came and I ripped off the wrapping paper. It was beautiful. I felt like Chevy Chase in his Christmas movie when he is crying in one of the scenes over a gift he receives. I would not be foiled by another blizzard in Charlotte. However, there was one problem.

We never got snow. To be honest, I did take it out of the box and assembled it. I never used it. Without snow, I thought of using it

to clear leaves but was told I would break it. It did get moved around the garage quite a bit. I was concerned it would get Tony Marciano broken without every seeing a snowflake. Finally, I hung it in the shed where it sat all Spring, Summer and Fall, waiting to learn what snow was.

Sometimes the gifts we get go unused.

They weren’t what we wanted. We don’t see its relevance. Can it really meet our needs?

The anticipation doesn’t meet our expectation and we find ourselves disappointed.

I’m sure if I was a shepherd and came to the manger that first Christmas, I would have been disappointed. I would have walked away thinking, “Really angels, you give us a baby?

This is the best you can do? We needed a warrior and you give us an infant. Not only is it a baby, but it’s a baby born to parents who were very poor. They also didn’t plan for a hotel room before arriving in Bethlehem causing their baby to be born in a stable. Not good planning. His father was a carpenter. That’s not a good pedigree to be a military conqueror and liberate us from Roman tyranny.

God’s gift that first Christmas can also be left in the box. We come with so much anticipation into Christmas but find it didn’t meet our expectations and walk away disheartened.

The shepherds arrived at the stable and found more than a baby lying in a manger.

They got to see the face of God. I’m not forgetting about this electric snow shovel. Truth is, I hope we don’t get snow so I don’t have to use it. However, if I do, I will be grateful for the gift I received from my kids.

How Presidents get their facts

By Lee H. Hamilton Here’s a basic truth about people who make decisions about public policy: they rarely have all the facts they want. Yet policy has to get made anyway.

No one is confronted more often with this conundrum than the President of the United States, though members of Congress can come close. The challenge is that purported facts are dynamic — they keep chang-

ing. Additional facts come to light. Others are found to be wrong. Some are clearly reliable, others more dubious.

And regardless, they come at high-level policy makers quickly, relentlessly, from all See HAMILTON, Page 4 Phone 704-825-0580 Fax 704-825-0894 Office: 128-C N Main St. Belmont • NC

Don’t blink, life is beautiful

By Allison Bansen It is hard to focus on the good in the world with all the horrible media stories that spread all over the news. I mean you turn on any news channel and they are flooded with stories that are sad, evil and hopeless. I know a lot of people in my generation vow to not even turn on the TV because it is sad and depressing. Politics and stories that seem meaningless and unchanging with little that can be done on the forefront.

Now don’t get me wrong, my parent’s favorite past time is to sit in front of the TV and listen to the new gossip, rumors that surround the white house and their families.

Maybe it’s a generational pastime because I don’t have too many friends that follow the media from day to day.

In a world that thrives on

going to his favorite media and fear inrestaurant, Whites. ducing, fantasy like Now if you haven’t stories. Where does been to White’s you that leave sappy are missing out. Best romantics that just eggs around, but betwant a happy endter than that the peoing? Very rarely do ple make it feel like they cover stories home when you walk that don’t involve terrorism, environ- Allison Bansen through the door.

Now, he typically mental catastrophes or shootings of innocent peo- rolls in around 7:30 am give ple. So, I wanted to write an or take a few minutes. Well, article that focuses on all the one morning he didn’t show. good things that have hap- They didn’t think much of pened this year that didn’t it but when one of the regulars left to go home, they all make the media cut.

Do you know how lucky agreed to do a well check just you are to live in Belmont? to make sure that everything No really, there are so many was ok. Thank goodness they beautiful stories right here in did, because my grandfather our hometown. This year my had fallen in his room in the grandfather fell in his home. middle of summer and his air He is 93 years young and has conditioner was broken. He lived here most of his life. He had gotten up to do his norhas a pretty regular routine in mal routine but had slipped the mornings that includes and became dehydrated very

quickly as his home was over one hundred degrees. He was only on the floor a few hours, but longer than that could have been a headliner. True heroes that deserve front page coverage because they saved his life that day. That’s just one story! I could go on and on but I have a limited word count and I have officially maxed out.

This year I am headed into 2020 with a mindset that focuses on the good. There really is so much good in the world but it is hardly noticed.

Just remember you have a choice on what you focus on this year. You have eyes that see and ears that hear, so proclaim My abiding Presence in the world. (Psalm 89:15) He is all around us, we just have to open our eyes to see him.

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Page 3

The hobbyist

By Shelton Fisher 2019 was a year filled with many opportunities, stories, and ideas for this columnist.

Along with these fruits from the harvest came many hobbies as well. There is something about human nature that makes us constantly strive for change and something “better” than ourselves. Whether it be new technology, achievements, or toys to enhance our current hobbies, we never seem to be content with the same old things. The old “new me” gave many things a chance last year and not many of them seemed to stick.

For a while, I was a fitness fanatic; guzzling protein powder before lifting things up and putting them down. I stayed on a fairly regular routine of going to the gym each day and trying different classes that the YMCA provided, but over time my drive for physical fitness became absorbed by the ever-dreaded schedule. Yes, I could have made the time to continue working out but the resolution revolution had run its course and I had become a lounging loaf once again.

Imagine a calm dirt trail that leads to a quiet riverbank. The pines begin to whisper as the wind gently breathes through them, then it grows into a whistle. The Andy Griffith theme song begins playing as I appear through the tall entrance, fishing pole in one hand and a tackle box in the other.

I walk to the end of the trail and open the tackle box, disturbing the earthworms from their cool slumber in their Styrofoam home and choosing my first victim. Once the hook is baited and the line is cast into the water, the waiting game begins. The sun beats down with the magnification of a microscope; as if God is peering in on me alone with the utmost precision. My skin burns as I lose the worms to the mysterious depths. Something is down there… and it has thwarted me again.

Perplexed, burned, and broken by the Andy Griffith trance, I slowly close my tackle box and begin the walk of shame to the car… And that’s how I’ve learned that fishing may not be my hobby either!

Out of the many hobbies on the list of the attempted, there is one that has kept me

content for many days out of this end of the era.

Video games have come such a long way since the little 8-bit plumber we all know and love who Shelton Fisher taught us how to save the Mushroom Kingdom.

With that said, there is nothing quite like coming home after a long day and turning on a game to unwind from the day. Whether you immerse yourself into a pixelated world to construct your dream home through sleepless “nights” of zombies and skeletons, or choose to become a super soldier in an intergalactic battle between aliens and the last remaining of the human race, there is something for everyone in the realm of video games.

So now it’s the new year. The “new me” is just sitting here with a couple of my furriest companions by my side as my wife and I enjoy our evening together. I can’t help but ask myself the same question that I ponder over each year; the one about what a new year has to do with any real change in our lives. The gyms and the exercise industry seem to have the idea that we ALL want to change during this time of the year and NO OTHER time. Are we nothing more than an algorithm? Are we really that predictable of a people that we are just expected to dump money into things, only to fall off the wagon and forget why we ever began our hobbies? I suppose what I’m trying to say is that there is never a good time to decide to make a change in your life. There is never a good time to begin taking care of the goals that you want to see to the end. Just because the new year is upon us, doesn’t mean that there should be tons of pressure placed on your shoulders to force change. It’s great to set your goals and it’s fantastic to see them through, but never make it a chore or it may lose its appeal to you. Take it from a guy who has been in and out of hobbies like a needle and thread. I hope you’re having a wonderful year so far, and if you happen to see some joker on a longboard around the age of 27… I may have a new hobby…

Upcoming Gospel Concert will feature groups from Tennessee Saturday Jan 11th – 5 PM, Lowesville Gospel Concerts @ Living Word Ministries – 1062 South Hwy 16 – Stanley (Lowesville) NC, presents two groups from the state of Tennessee, Eternal Vision (below) from Knoxville, and The Wisecarvers (above) from Erwin. This will be a great evening of fun and worship. Bring a friend and come enjoy with us. A freewill offering only to be received, and you are invited. Contact Carroll Cooke 704-618-9762.

Hood Memorial Choir event Hood Memorial AME Zion Church, 215 Sacco St., Belmont, will hold a Gospel Choir 52nd Anniversary event on Sunday, January

12 at 2:30pm. Other choirs will also be visiting and taking part. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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Thursday, January 9, 2020

HUMIDITY

GASTON COUNTY’S 6 DAY FORECAST Thursday

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Connect the Dots: It’s all about Him

What are we infused with?

Resolutions! My pastor says in January you can’t get a parking space near fitness centers but by February there are plenty; so much for firm resolve. As we start our year, beyond physical fitness we also consider other significant issues like financial, family and occupational fitness.

Relative to occupations, a whole lot of people are not happy with their jobs; wish they were doing something else, and are drained at the end of each workday because life at work didn’t seem like life. Others have said they loved their job so much they’d do it for free if they weren’t paid to do it. I’m not sure how true that is; human resolve sure seems fickle.

What I do know is there is a vast difference between abject boredom vs. exhilarating fulfillment. Given a choice wouldn’t we prefer the latter?

Change means conducting ourselves differently; doing the same thing over and over usually won’t produce different results. Recently a dear friend brought us a bouquet of fresh cut daisies. I love daisies because they smell wonderful. These were an additional delight because they had been uniquely infused to create a display of bright pink, Carolina blue, royal purple, yellow and red. Their initial structure was probably neutral white but that was changed with the infusion of color resulting in a creative fascinating display. Similarly, God infused each of us with unique characteristics to bring light and color into the world he created.

“Infusion,” means “the introduction of a new element or quality into something”. In the case of our daisies, once they were cut and thirsty, they drew food coloring all the way up their stems into their petals. Compare this flower lesson alongside an unfulfilling job; what can we learn and change? First, separate ourselves from old ways of doing things. Second, don’t merely take a sip of our new venture but give it all we’ve got; look for a reason

to introduce passion into our job and keep at it; and what about life in general?

Each of our lives is a unique story and we are carefully infused with God’s miraculous plan. Dennis Siracusa And each of our stories is functioning in a larger story…. God’s creation story stems from Genesis creation to Revelation judgment and when we read our bible closely we learn some critical things. 1.

God created us and infused us with our talents, skills, interests, soul and a conscience. 2. All of creation speaks loudly of His existence and omnipotence. 3. Within His story, He expects us to conduct our story according to “His operations manual,”(our bibles), and the spotless example of His Son Jesus Christ; and 4. There are a great many people incomprehensibly rejecting Him and choosing a monochromatic life on earth that ends in an eternal disaster.

God desires abundant life for all of us now and forever but our enemy is bent on stealing everything good from us now and forever. John 10:10.

God offers an abundant life now plus eternity in heaven; we each have a choice; to let God infuse us with His Son Jesus and divine purpose or let us choose a dangerous, colorless life unfulfilled here on earth leading toward an eternity separated from our Creator. The Lord states it clearly in Deuteronomy 30:19… “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.” (NASB) Our decisions not only affect our life but influence friends and family too. As we form our resolutions let’s let God infuse us with His divine purpose, goals, and capabilities in such a way that they stick and bear good fruit.

Have a great New Year resplendent with God’s love and purpose.

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HAMILTON From Page 2 directions, and from all kinds of sources.

So how do presidents and others sort through all this?

They get a lot of information, of course, by consulting with experts. Every president forms his own cadre of men and women he relies on. Then, of course, there are the more formal — but no less professional — sources of information, such as the Joint Chiefs, members of the Cabinet, and the President’s Daily Brief.

Presidents have a lot of memos prepared for them, though not all read them. To be sure, they need the information to be condensed. They don’t have the time, patience, or inclination to delve deeply into a topic. And they pay attention to the news and especially to media pundits, who articulate the facts and present them from their own slant, because many of these men and women have vast audiences and it’s important to know what they’re telling their viewers.

Presidents and members of Congress also rely often on academics and think tanks: places like the Brookings Institution, the Rand Corporation, the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation — though which they listen to depends on their ideology. Faith leaders are also an important source of information and advice. Like well-known pundits, many

of them have vast influence among Americans on questions of values.

This whole process, of course, is important — you don’t want a president to make decisions based on false information. It goes on constantly behind the scenes, often for weeks before we ordinary citizens hear the first presidential peep on a given subject. But it’s also getting more difficult, as sources of reliable and unreliable information multiply.

That’s why, in the end, it is so vital for a president to be able

to rely on advisers and professionals who can help the president sort out what’s true and what’s not.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

318 South Washington St. • Shelby, NC

704-487-8114 • DonGibsonTheatre.com

_ UPCOMING SHOWS

MIPSO Saturday, January 18 th 8:00 pm Tickets Available

THE SWON BROTHERS Friday, January 31st 8:00 pm Tickets Available

County Marching Band performances airing on TV

January 6-12 Marching Band Fanfare (Episode 1) Featuring Highland, Cherryville, Forestview, and South Point 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.

January 13-19 Marching Band Fanfare (Episode 2) Featuring East Gaston, Ashbrook, and North Gaston 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m.,

PAUL THORN

10:00 p.m.

January 20-26 Marching Band Fanfare (Episode 3) Featuring Hunter Huss, Bessemer City, and Stuart W. Cramer 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.

In addition to the band performances, the episodes feature interview segments with several band directors and drum majors as well as a special message from Superintendent Booker.

The Marching Band Fanfare was held on Saturday, November 2 at Stuart W. Cramer High School. It is an annual tradition for the high school marching bands in Gaston County. The event gives students an opportunity to perform their halftime shows in front of an audience, see what other bands are doing, and enjoy fellowship with each other.

Viewers who do not have Spectrum Cable will be able to watch the episodes on the Channel 21 webpage: www.gaston. k12.nc.us/Channel21.

©CommunityFirstMedia

Gaston County’s high school marching bands took the field, gave outstanding performances, and now, they are going to be on television.

For the first time, the Gaston County Schools Marching Band Fanfare will air on Spectrum Cable Channel 21, which is the school’s district television station. Three episodes have been developed by the Communications Department, and the programs began airing January 6.

Here is a look at the schedule:

Friday, March 6th 8:00 pm Tickets Available

RHONDA VINCENT & THE RAGE Friday, March 20th 8:00 pm Tickets Available

MENTION DISCOUNT CODE 9911 For A 10% Ticket Discount When Ordering Online Or In Person.

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Thursday, January 9, 2020

Page 5

Belmont Blooms month-long events planned Readying now for springtime, the City of Belmont in partnership with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (DSBG) and the Belmont Tourism Development Authority (BTDA) has announced a month-long citywide celebration of blossoming bulbs, art, commu-

nity and culture – Belmont Blooms.

The inaugural multi-week Belmont Blooms begins on March 27, 2020 with an electric evening parade. The new seasonal celebration unfolds through April 26 across Belmont.

Belmont Blooms includes

blossoming tulips and other spring plants across town as well as family friendly events, live entertainment, art exhibitions, photo opportunities and more.

“We’ve collaborated to bring a new, energetic annual celebration to our city.

Belmont Blooms will recog-

McAdenville among Carolina Thread Trail grant recipients The Carolina Thread Trail Governing Board recently awarded $246,666 in trail implementation grants for projects along the Thread Trail to the City of Gastonia, Town of McAdenville, Lindsay Pettus Greenway, Inc., Town of Great Falls, and Cleveland County Water.

The Carolina Thread Trail’s Implementation Grant Program provides funding to communities and nonprofit organizations to support projects in trail construction, design, land acquisition and corridor planning. Over the past ten years, the Thread Trail has awarded over $6.7 million in catalytic grants to communities throughout the 15-county region in North and South Carolina. Currently, over 280 miles of greenways and trails, as well as 170 miles of blueways, are open to the public within the Thread Trail system.

The grant award amount, community information and the use of the grants follow: City Of Gastonia, $140,000. With support from Wells Fargo, this grant will fund the construction of the Avon-Catawba Creek Greenway extension, which will connect Lineberger Park to 2nd Avenue and increase neighborhood connectivity.

Town Of Mcadenville, $46,666. This funding from the Community Foundation of Gaston County will be used for the design and engineering of a trail segment that will connect McAdenville to Cramerton along the South Fork River. It would also connect to an existing trail that links McAdenville with Lowell, and is part of a larger plan to create a continuous 19-mile trail that would link the Seven Oaks Trail through five municipalities all the way to Spencer Mountain.

Lindsay Pettus Greenway, Inc. (Lancaster County, S.C.) – $30,000. This grant will help fund costs for the design of Phase II of the greenway extension, which will add 4 miles of trail to

the 2 miles already under construction. The completed greenway will provide an alternative transportation corridor that connects residents in Lancaster to key destinations, including schools, the MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center, the cultural arts district, local businesses and more.

Town Of Great Falls, S.C. (Chester County) – $25,000.

This funding will be used to assist with future trail development in the Town of Great Falls along the Catawba River. This trail initiative is part of an effort by the town to revitalize the community through outdoor recreation.

Cleveland County Water (Cleveland County, N.C.) – $5,000. This grant will fund a planning study along the First Broad River in Cleveland County near Lawndale, where there are currently no recreational trails or canoe/ kayak accesses. The study will help determine potential for greenways and blueway access points, which are highly desired by residents.

For more information, visit www.carolinathreadtrail.org or contact Carolina Thread Trail Director, Bret Baronak at 704-376-2556 ext. 216 or bret@carolinathreadtrail.org.

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nize our flourishing area and the emergence of spring in the most colorful, lively display possible,” says Belmont mayor Charlie Martin.

Belmont Blooms will include robust activities across the area, such as a Pups and Perennials weekend at DSBG, a juried art exhibit, a symphonic band concert, an Arbor Day Celebration and a Friday Night Live concert on Main Street. Easter festivities are also included as well as the annual Garibaldi Festival.

Bulbs have been planted from historic downtown Belmont to DSBG, bringing rich views and festivities to

every edge of Belmont.

Additionally, partnerships with area businesses and organizations are sowing seeds of collaboration that will allow events to blossom beautifully this spring alongside vibrant views.

“Vast preparations are underway for this large-scale celebration,” said Patrick Larkin, the Garden’s executive director. “We’re quite excited for the debut and

welcoming individuals from across the Charlotte metro and beyond to our area.

We’re excited for all of the partnerships that have come to fruition to make this celebration a reality, and are now waiting with anticipation for a bright and bold blossom during Belmont Blooms.”

Meditations We are created for more than strife My New Year’s morning prayer is to love God completely, love self correctly, and love others compassionately. What would our world look like if we all strive to live by this prayer?

As I review 2019, eighty-five percent of my time was spent navigating through church conflict. What causes individuals who follow a loving and forgiving God result in fighting and unforgiveness? What is the root cause of the grumbling and division?

As I began my year in my prayer room, I read from Acts. I thought about how fractured our country, churches, and homes have become. The story of Stephen gave me a more in-depth insight into the root of some of our anger.

In Acts 6:8-15, Stephen was performing great signs and wonders. Some saw Stephen and jealously arose, which caused them to oppose him.

It began with jealousy, and it led to opposition and arguments. But they could not stand up to Stephen’s wisdom. So, what happened next?

Deception, lies, and manipulation. When they could not stop Stephen, they secretly began to persuade others by lying about Stephen. They caused others to rise against him by their lies.

Following the deception came anger. And misplaced anger leads to the destruction of relationships and trust. In Acts 7, they continued to oppose Stephen. They became enraged and animal-like as they gnashed their teeth and stoned him.

In this passage, we went from life to death.

It began with jealously escalating to opposition, deception and spreading lies, misplaced anger, and murder.

When are there times we allow jealousy to enter our hearts? When do we oppose and begin to argue instead of sitting rationally and working through conflict?

When confronted with opposition or a difficult circumstance, don’t feel like you must respond right away. Usually, this is when our emo- Rev. Angela Pleasants tions are heightened, District and we want to cast Superintendent blame at someone. of Catawba Valley Step back, take a Methodist Churches breath, and do a selfanalysis. It is during these moments I whisper a prayer for guidance.

Know your emotional triggers. When something sets off my emotional trigger, I try not to respond right away. I look within to determine the source of the anger, fear, or whatever the emotion I am feeling in the moment. Once I determine the source, I can reframe my mindset.

Instead of seeing the problem, I begin to speak the solution.

Stephen was full of grace and power, meaning the presence and power of the Holy Spirit moved in and through him. God’s Spirit will guide us in how to respond, but we must yield ourselves to the leading of the Spirit.

Friends, we were created for more than division and strife. There is a better and more excellent way. We are better than our hate, division, conflict, and apathy. We are created for more – love, peace, gentleness, and kindness. Don’t let the enemy’s schemes move us into a place of division and deception. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NRSV.

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 6

Thursday, January 9, 2020

This is the Habitat House currently under construction at 312 Todd St., Belmont.

Photo by Alan Hodge

HABITAT From Page 1 over food, money, medicine, or utility payments, you can begin to thrive and flourish.

Homeowners who are paying property taxes take an interest in their community and begin to plan for a future for themselves and their children. A Habitat home creates a winwin situation for the family and for the community.”

Clinton Family House – 312 Todd Street, Belmont Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County and Gaston Area Presbyterians (GAP) are partnering to build their 14th house, which is for the Clinton family. GAP is an abbreviation for Gaston Area Presbyterians – it is an effort by the county-wide Presbyterian churches. Members from each church volunteer on the house and each church contributes financially to the house.

Oyaffa Clinton is a single mother with six children and one grandson. She works fulltime as a business consultant with Wells Fargo and as a part-time travel agent with Planet Marketing.

“My oldest child Tre is the protector in the family,” said Clinton. “He loves giving advice to his older siblings and he is a great father to my grandson. My oldest daughter Alexia is outgoing, hardwork-

Standing on porch: Tawana Brown, Bridget Hatten, Omarri Mills, Amarie Booker. Standing on ground: Jim Little, Oyaffa Clinton, Christion Christian, Tywannia Horne-Christian, Octavius Mills, Demetria Mills, Jerry Scoggins, Jeannie Kirby.

Photos provided by Habitat for Humanity Gaston

Tawana Brown putting a hammer to use. ing and very helpful with her younger siblings. My middle daughter Rickaija enjoys working and playing basketball. My youngest son Terren loves to write and make his own music. My youngest two daughters are both smart and respectful. Auria made all A’s during the past school year and she loves to sing. Alayah is the youngest – she is very outspoken and a momma’s girl.”

Clinton continued. “A Habitat home will give me the opportunity to make memories for my family. We can finally feel comfortable and safe in our own home. Having a stable place to live is

very important – it will make a big impact on my children and their education.”

Mills Family House – 421 James Adams Avenue, Gastonia Emetria and Mary Mills are mother and daughter co-applicants. They will be residing in a Habitat house located at 421 James Adams Ave in Gastonia. Demetria and Mary have experienced hardships in the past few years, which has led them to rely on each other for support and guidance. They have joined together to earn a Habitat house and bring stability to their family. Mary is rais-

ing her granddaughter after her other daughter passed away suddenly.In addition to Mary and Demetria, the home will be shared with Demetria’s son Omarri, Mary’s granddaughter Ty’Asia and her newborn son, Santana.

Demetria and Mary are looking forward to owning a home and leaving behind the substandard housing conditions in their apartment, and lessening the stress on their

family.

“I have a home where I can raise my children and we can call it our own.”

Habitat Gaston is looking forward to 2020 in other ways.The coming year will see Habitat Gaston crafting a powerful vision for the future by taking part in the Women Build national event in March 2020 and offering a Critical Home Repair program in the spring of 2020.

Jackson Family House – 408 N. Mauney Avenue, Stanley Shana Jackson is a mother of two young children. She is a full-time employee at Hanesbrand, Inc for three years. Shana grew up in a Habitat home and knows the pride and joy it brings to a family. She wanted to earn her own Habitat home so that

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Thursday, January 9, 2020

Agreement reached to close Duke Energy coal ash basins including Allen Steam Station near Belmont In a major achievement that puts the coal ash debate to rest in North Carolina, state regulators, community groups and Duke Energy have agreed to a plan to permanently close the company’s remaining nine coal ash basins in the state, primarily by excavation with ash moved to lined landfills.

The agreement announced last Thursday by Duke Energy, North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and groups represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) details a reasonable and prudent plan for basin closure that continues to protect people, communities and the environment with a keen focus on investing for the future and our shared clean energy vision.

This plan is consistent with the approach Duke Energy is taking to close ash basins in South Carolina and benefits customers and communities in both states.

“This agreement significantly reduces the cost to close our coal ash basins in the Carolinas for our customers, while delivering the same environmental benefits as full excavation,” said Stephen De May, North Carolina president, Duke Energy.

“We are fully focused on these important activities and building a clean energy future for the Carolinas.”

Under the agreement, seven of the basins will be excavated, with ash moved to lined landfills, including two at the Allen Steam Station (Belmont, N.C.), one at Belews Creek Steam Station (Belews Creek, N.C.), one at Mayo Plant (Roxboro, N.C.), one basin at the Roxboro Plant (Semora, N.C.) and two at the Cliffside/Rogers Energy Complex (Mooresboro, N.C.).

At the Marshall Steam Station (Terrell, N.C.) and the Roxboro Plant, uncapped basin ash will be excavated and moved to lined landfills.

At both locations, sections of the basins were filled with ash in the past. To make use of that space, state permitted

BANNER-NEWS OBITUARIES

Linda Cody Sessoms facilities, including existing lined landfills, were built on top of those portions of the ash basins. Because the ash underneath is already covered, that material will not be disturbed and will be monitored and safely closed under other state regulations.

Under the plan, almost 80 million tons of ash will be excavated from the remaining sites. The company is already removing ash from basins at other facilities, bringing the total amount of material to be excavated in North Carolina to approximately 124 million tons.

The agreement calls for expedited state permit approvals which would keep projects on a rapid timeline with excavation at the six sites completed in 10 to 15 years.

Managing cost This plan will reduce the total estimated cost to close the nine basins by about $1.5 billion, as compared to the April 1, 2019 NCDEQ order requiring full excavation. As a result, the estimated total undiscounted cost to permanently close all ash basins in the Carolinas is now approximately $8 billion to $9 billion, of which approximately $2.4 billion has been spent through 2019. Most of the remaining expenditures are expected to occur over the next 15-20 years.

Protecting groundwater The agreement also ensures that impacted groundwater is addressed and includes provisions to streamline the process for this important work. Drinking and recreational water supplies are safe now, and Corrective Action Plans will address groundwater at each site to ensure those supplies remain protected.

At Roxboro and Marshall,

for example, Duke Energy will install specialized wells and other technology at specific locations to ensure that groundwater conditions improve and comply with standards by 2029, assuming plans are expeditiously approved by the state.

Promoting recycling As previously announced, Duke Energy is closing all of its coal ash basins, including 31 in North Carolina. Basin excavation is completed or nearly completed at 10 basins at the Asheville Plant, Dan River Plant (Eden, N.C.), Riverbend Steam Station (Mt. Holly, N.C.), Sutton Plant (Wilmington, N.C.), Weatherspoon Plant (Lumberton, N.C.) and one basin at the Rogers Energy Complex. That material is being recycled or disposed of in lined landfills.

Material from 12 basins at Buck Steam Station (Salisbury, N.C.), HF Lee Plant (Goldsboro, N.C.) and Cape Fear Plant (Moncure, N.C.) will be reprocessed and recycled into useful construction material. Recognizing that recycling is the only way to avoid permanent disposal of ash, the parties agree to explore opportunities to maximize recycling at those sites by extending closure deadlines to 2035.

Resolves litigation The agreement completely resolves the pending disputes over ash basin closure plans being debated by the parties in various courts, including cases before the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, North Carolina Superior Court and United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. The parties will make the necessary court filings to dismiss each case.

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Duke Energy story/photo

Page 7

Rock Hill - Linda Cody Sessoms, 81, passed away on Thursday, December 12,

2019 after a prolonged illness at Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC. Linda was born and raised in Belmont NC. She was the daughter of the late Clyde Moore Cody and the late Buena Dove Allison Cody.

Linda came to know the Lord at an early age. Linda loved to read her bible and pray for others. Her hobbies included reading, gardening and restoring furniture, but her greatest joy came from spending time and making memories with her family

and friends. Those who knew her will always cherish the memories they shared with this truly special lady.

Linda is survived by her sons, Mike (Tracie) Sessoms of Georgia and Brian (Sallie) Sessoms of North Carolina; her five grandchildren; her brothers, Jim (Irma) Cody of Zanesville Ohio and Rick (Susan) Cody of Belmont NC. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in the memory of Linda Sessoms to the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.

Belmont Chick-fil-A receives award...

Tony and Natasha Gilbert (left) celebrate earning the corporate Symbol of Success Award with team members at Chick-fil-A Belmont. 2019 ended with a bang at Chick-fil-A Belmont, where owners Natasha and Tony Gilbert and their team are celebrating earning the Chick-fil-A Symbol of Success Award for exceeding a very high corporate goal of year-over-year sales growth.

Belmont Chick-fil-A is one of only two in the Charlotte region to achieve the award. Chick-fil-A Belmont also is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Congratulations to a great local business, corporate citizen, community supporter and member of the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce.

Montcross Chamber photo

New year, new beginnings Rev. Trent Rankin Salvation Church, Gastonia, NC salvationchurchnc.org pastortrent@salvationchurchnc.org

This week we began a new year, and a new decade! This past year may have been a great year for you, or perhaps it was a difficult year.

2019 was a year of joy for some, and sorrow for others. Many people will make resolutions this week, hoping to change their life in some meaningful way. One thing is for sure, no matter what last year was, we now have an opportunity for new beginnings.

In Galatians 1:11-16, Paul speaks of what he had been in his past. Paul, formerly Saul, had been a very zealous enemy of Christians.

He persecuted the church, while harassing and arresting every Christian he could find.

One day, he was making his way to the city of Damascus with instructions to arrest more Christians. While on that road, a great light blinded him from heaven. In the light, a voice called out to Saul. It was Jesus Himself, whom Saul had persecuted. Jesus told Saul how He had called him, of all people, to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. Saul would be baptized into the faith, and become a faithful church planter and missionary as the Apostle Paul.

He would even lay his life down for his testi-

mony of Jesus.

Paul wanted his readers to understand that he had found a new beginning in Jesus. He was no longer what he had been Rev. Trent Tankin before. You can have a new beginning in Jesus as well. No matter what last year was, it is over now. The slate is wiped clean, and this new year offers new possibilities. Jesus can totally change your life. Do not let others remind you of what you were in the past, or define what you can be in the future. Jesus stands ready to show you what you can be. He wants to show you your potential!

In this new year, let Jesus make you new in Him, just like Paul did so long ago. Paul was Saul, the persecutor of Christians, yet he became Paul, the great Christian missionary.

Paul changed the narrative. He was a new man, and the old was passed away. Jesus can do the same for you as well. Whatever you were in your past is done. Jesus is ready to show you the future. Jesus is not concerned with what you were, but with what He knows you can be. Paul said yes to Jesus on that road to Damascus. Will you say yes to Jesus this new year?

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 8

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Banner News Fellowship & Faith

Church Directory Macedonia Baptist Church 1951 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-9224

Morningside Missionary Church

Springfield Memorial Baptist Church

711 Morningside Dr. 704-822-9142

Stanley, NC

Mt. Holly Church of God

McAdenville Baptist Church

208 Rankin Ave. 704-827-8596

192 Main St. 704-824-2740

Mt. Sinai Baptist Church

McAdenville Wesleyan Church

339 S. Hawthorne St. 704-827-4320

300 E. Wesleyan Dr. 704-824-1073

New Covenant United Methodist 14514 Lucian Riverbend Hwy. 704-827-4468

New Providence Baptist Church 1104 Old NC 27 Hwy. 704-827-0822

New Saint Paul Holiness Church 1529 Old Hwy. 27 Rd. 704-827-5851

North Main Baptist Church 1304 N. Main St. 704-827-6141

Restoration & Deliverance 804 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-820-0954 Revival Tabernacle of Mt. Holly

BELMONT

Grace Wesleyan Church

MT. HOLLY

Alexander Memorial Baptist Church

6014 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-7959

Bethel Baptist Church

208 South Main Street 704-825-3216

Brotherhood/Sisterhood WNCC UMC 120 Park Street 704-825-1333

Catawba Heights Baptist Church 311 Belmont Road 704-827-8474

Christ Church Presbyterian Church 901 Catawba Street 704-461-8614

CrossFix Ministries 6131 Wilkinson Blvd.

704-879-4499

Henry’s Chapel Ame Zion Church

NC Highway 273 704-827-9846

151 Henry Chapel Rd 704-825-0711

Burge Memorial Methodist Church

Holy Comforter Lutheran Church 216 N. Main St. 704-825-2483

Hood Memorial Ame Zion Church 455 Sacco St. 704-825-6007

Loves Chapel Presbyterian Church 204 Lincoln St. 704-825-8342

312 W. Glendale Ave. 704-827-2726

Catawba Heights Church of God 122 Tomberlin Rd. 704-827-4225

CBC-Memorial Apostolic 230 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-0968

Chapel Baptist Church

Crossroads Wesleyan Church

Lutheran Church of the Holy Comforter

101 Beaty Rd. 704-827-8381

216 N. Main St. 704-825-2483

Centerview Baptist Church

Message of Love Church

2560 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-5881

2300 Acme Road 704-827-2061

306 Pearl Beaty Dr. 704-827-6500

Core Church

East Belmont Baptist Church

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

707 Westland Farm Rd. 704-822-8033

501 Catawba Street 704-825-5780

110 Lincoln St. 704-825-2046

Cornerstone Family Worship

East Belmont Church Of God

Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist

320 E. Catawba Street 704- 825-8845

212 South Street 704-825-7269

East Belmont Free Will Baptist

New Hope Presbyterian Church

909 Edgemont Ave 704-825-5346

4357 S. New Hope Rd. 704-824-1697

Ebenezer United Methodist Church

New Life Baptist Church

120 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road 704-827-3366

201 Oak Trail 704-822-6195

Exodus Church

New Mills Chapel Fire Baptized

6325 Wilkinson Blvd.

704-755-5034

1792, 108 N. Main St. 704-980-285-8334

104 Morning Glory Ave. 704-825-5457

First Baptist Church-Mt. Holly

First Baptist Church

North Belmont Church of God

23 N. Central Avenue 704-825-3758

2316 Acme Rd. 704-827-4092

First Foursquare Gospel Church

O’Conner Grove Church Ame Zion

8 Elizabeth Street 704-825-5811

613 N. Main Street 704-825-5576

First Presbyterian Church

Park Street United Methodist

102 S. Central Ave 704-825-3357

120 Park Street 704-825-8480

First Presbyterian-Belmont

Power of the Spirit Church

112 S. Central Ave 704-829-0668

118 School Street 704-827-7071

First United Methodist Church of Belmont

Queen Of The Apostles Catholic Church

807 South Point Road 704-825-2106

503 N. Main Street 704-825-9600

324 N. Lee St. 704-827-5526

Community Christian Fellowship

709 Rankin Ave. 704-671-8640

Covenant United Methodist 110 Underwood Dr. 704-820-0603

Family Worship Center 1013 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-7656

First Free Will Baptist Church 841 Noles Dr. 704-827-7461

First Presbyterian Church 133 S. Main St. 704-827-0521

First United Methodist Church 140 N. Main St. 704-827-4855

Goshen Free Will Baptist Church 1300 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-3076

Grace Baptist Church 300 Westland Farm Rd. 704-827-8600

Fresh Anointing Church of God

Sanctuary of Praise Ministries

71 McAdenville Road 704-825-7283

124 Georgia Belle Ave. 704-579-7823

Friendship Baptist Church

South Point Baptist Church

5008 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-3276

Jehovah’s Witnesses

124 Horsley Ave. 704-825-9516

Gaston Christian Church

1736 Kelly Rd. 704-263-0199

Hickory Grove Baptist Church 3717 Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-3939

South Point Freewill Baptist

5339 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-8252

Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

297 Gaither Rd. 704-825-8045

Goshen Presbyterian Church

530 N. Hawthorne St. 704-827-1442

South Point United Methodist

Roper Street 704-601-5146

Living Witness Ministries

510 South Point Church Rd. 704-825-4019

Grace Korean Ch Assembly-God

541 Costner St. 704-827-0004

Springwood Freewill Baptist

124 Georgia Belle Ave 704-965-1004

826 Stanley-Spencer Mtn. Rd. 704-827-7801

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

St. Marks United Methodist Church

Employees of

110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751

701 Secrest Ave. 704-825-8175

The Pointe 6700 Wilkinson Blvd 704-825-1709

Containers/Trailers Sales & Storage Rental

704-867-2317

1405 Armstrong Ford Rd. 704-825-0604

154 N. Main St. 704-824-3831

Cramerton Temple of God Church

235 8th Ave. 704-824-1991

River of Life Full Gospel Church

Life Church

1120 Charlotte Ave. 704-530-5174

501 Cramer Mountain Rd. 704-824-4286

Second Baptist Church

Riverside Baptist Church

740 Rankin Ave. 704-827-5181

Shiloh AME Zion Methodist 1117 Old NC Hwy 27 704-827-8826

St. Anthony of Padua Traditional Catholic Church 108 Horseshoe Bend Beach Rd. 704-827-8676

St. Paul FHB Church 1529 Old Hwy 27 Rd. 704-827-5851

171 S. Main St. 704-824-7785

West Cramerton United Methodist Church 207 Lowell Ave. 704-824-4213

DALLAS Gateway Cowboy Church The Barn at Sandcastle Farm 155 Sandcastle Rd.

Tuckaseegee Baptist Church 511 Tuckaseegee Rd. 704-827-4301

STANLEY

Way of the Cross Baptist Church

Amazing Grace Baptist Church

238 Lanier Ave. 704-827-8111

7280 Sifford Rd. 704-827-6277

Wesley Chapel Holiness Church

Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran

324 N. Lee St. 704-827-1993

203 S. Main St. 704-263-2621

Westview Presbyterian Church

Community Pentecostal Center

1020 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-2026

320 Ralph Handsel Blvd.

704-263-8731

First United Methodist Church

LOWELL Bethlehem Church 3100 Bethlehem Church St. 704-823-5050

Carolina Community Baptist 604 Martha Ave 704-824-2872

Center Baptist Church S. New Hope Rd. 704-824-4121

Epic Church 100 Indian Walk 704-671-4652

Lowell Church of God 804 W. First Street 704-824-3383

217 N. Main St. 704-263-2691

First Presbyterian Church 512 Old Mount Holly Rd. 704-263-4275

Gold Hill Missionary Baptist Church 7447 Old Plank Rd. 704-827-7966

New Faith Baptist Church 1224 Mayberry Rd. 704-263-0249

New Life Baptist Church 527 N. Buckoak St. 704-263-4647

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church

Lowell Free Will Baptist Church

2717 Dallas/Stanley Hwy. 704-263-4406

3010 Lowell Rd. 704-824-9389

Springfield Memorial Baptist Church

Lowell Smyre United Methodist Church 201 N. Main St. 704-824-8814

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 120 Branch St. 704-824-4535

First Baptist Church of Lowell 400 W. 1st St. 704-824-1215

First Baptist Church 317 W. 1st St. 704-824-1213

New Life Church 128 Robbins St. 704-824-1356

2920 Dallas-Stanley Highway 704-263-4426

Stanley Church of God 324 N. Main St. 704-263-4041

Stanley Pentecostal Holiness Church 113 E. Parkwood St. 704-263-2131

Trinity Full Gospel Church 303 Sunset Dr. 704-263-9765

United In Action of Stanley 5481 Hickory Grove Rd. 704-524-0555

Welcome Baptist Church 811 Mauney Rd.

Presbyterian Church of Lowell 207 E. 1st St. 704-824-3807

BESSEMER CITY

Restoration Church

112 White Jenkins Rd. 704-681-2017

Will of God Church 513 Woodlawn Ave. 704-827-5185

Lakeview Baptist Church

704-825-9861

Cramer Memorial United Methodist Church

First Baptist Church

McADENVILLE

210 Park Street, Belmont NC

416 Woodlawn Ave. 704-824-1745

105 Pine Rd. 704-827-3856

1101 N. Main St. 704-824-4261

Upper Room United Pentecostal

Cramerton Free Will Baptist

Ridgeview Baptist Church

Woodlawn Baptist Church

1005 Catawba St. 704-825-8730

151 8th Ave. 704-824-3889

East Wilkinson Blvd.

704-824-5319

1800 Spencer Mountain Rd. 704-824-5250

Unity Baptist Church

Cramerton Independent Presbyterian Church

826 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-2999

Finish Line Christian Center

300 S. Main St. 704-827-2481

CRAMERTON

143 Church St. 704-824-5380

Bright Light Baptist Church

Don’t see your church listed?

Email us today at alan@cfmedia.info

For information on getting your business listed here call 704-825-0580

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Page 9

Agriculture Center VFD receives $5,000 Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade Grant The Agriculture Center Volunteer Fire Department near Dallas is one of more than 30 fire departments awarded a Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade grant this year. The department will receive $5,000 to help fund equipment needs, specifically personal protective equipment.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to help equip our local fire departments,” said Mike Stankevitz, plant manager at Georgia-Pacific’s Mt. Holly Nonwovens facility.

“These grants express our thanks for their commitment to the people they serve.”

The Bucket Brigade program awarded more than $190,000 in grants to departments this year for equipment critical to firefighters’ safety.

Since the program began in 2006, Georgia-Pacific has donated more than $2.75 million in funds and educational materials to hundreds of fire departments that serve the company’s facility commu-

nities across the country.

The fire department says the grant will go toward the replacement of personal protective equipment that has exceeded the 10-year lifespan set by the National Fire Protection Association. Each set costs more than $3,000.

“Older gear does not protect our firefighters as well from the harmful chemicals we are seeing in today’s type of fires,” said Fire Chief Shane Towery. “This grant will help us provide our firefighters with the best turnout gear that we can.”

Grants are based on department needs and are funded by the Georgia-Pacific Foundation and local Georgia-Pacific facilities.

Funds are typically used to purchase new protective clothing and replace items such as damaged safety gear and aging equipment.

Georgia-Pacific also gives all grant applicants free memberships to The National Volunteer Fire Coun-

The Agriculture Center Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $5,000 grant from Georgia-Pacific for new equipment. From left: GP Plant Manager Mike Stankevitz, GP EHS Leader Fred Dymock, Deputy Chief Matt Wilkinson, Fire Chief Shane Towery, Assistant Chief Rob Smith, Firefighter Jimmy Ingold, Firefighter Steven Johnson, Captain Ryan Moore, Firefighter James Pasour, GP Operations Leader Rod Lucas.

Photo provided cil (NVFC), which provides access to tools, resources, programs and advocacy for first responders across the

nation.

The fire departments receiving grants this year span 15 states where Georgia-

Pacific has facilities: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri,

New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

CRAMERTON From Page 1 Cramerton Community & Senior Center— 1 Julian Street.

Cramerton Swimming Pool—1 Julian Street.

Cramerton Centennial Center & Veterans Memorial—100 Center Street.

Goat Island Park and Greenway— 141 8th Avenue.

Riverside Park and Greenway— 75 Riverside Drive.

South Fork Village Fishing Pier & River Access— 1005 S. Fork Village Drive.

C.B. Huss River Access— The end of 11th Street.

C.B. Huss Fishing Pier— The end of 10th Street.

Centennial Center River Access and Observation Pier— 141 8th Avenue.

Riverside Park Fishing Pier & River Access— 75 Riverside Drive.

Baltimore Fishing Pier & River Access— .1 mile from Cramer Mountain Road & Maymont Drive intersection.

River Link Greenway—305 Greenwood Place.

River Link Greenway (SFV Section) 1005 S Fork Village Drive.

Stuart W. Cramer Trail— 101 Lakewood Road.

Rocky Branch Mountain Bike Park— Trail head located on Stuart W. Cramer Trail.

Riverside Greenway— 10 Riverside Drive.

Goat Island Greenway— 305 Greenwood Place.

Stuart W. Cramer Connector Path— Indicated by blue line in the Lakewood Neighborhood.

C.B. Huss Walking Trail—8 Julian Street Summer CampsSummer camps are also part of the Cramerton Parks and Rec. lineup and includeBasketball, Girls Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Ar,t Science, Tennis, Swimming Lessons.

River Link Greenway UpdateThe River Link Greenway is slated for completion in 2020. Currently there are two section of the River Link Greenway—the new section located at 305 Greenwood Place and the old section located at the South Fork

Village Apartments. While NCDOT would not allow Cramerton to make the permanent connection during construction of the new section due to the Wilkinson Blvd. Bridge replacement project planned over the South Fork River slated for sometime between 2020-2023 they have allowed fior a temporary connection of crushed concrete in 2020.

This will result in 1.35 miles of contiguous trail.

Out With the Old While Preserving HistoryRenovations began on the Community and Senior Center in 2019 and will be complete in 2020. Updates include new ceilings, lights, paint, bathrooms, industrial kitchen equipment in the Community Center and the addition of what will eventually become a History Museum in the Senior Center.

Central Park Get’s a FaceliftThe goats have made their final appearance in Central Park to help with kudzu and Cramerton plans to start work on the park in 2020. Renovations include refurbishing and reopening the restrooms at the picnic shelter, planting new trees and flora, and uncovering the northern end of the natural stream in the park. Upgrades will involve installation of new enhanced natural surface trails, development of single track mountain bike trail, signage for the park and a dedicated park entrance at the corner of Washington and Brooklyn streets.

The Goat Island Games 5k was just one of the great events put on by Cramerton Parks and Rec. last year.

Cramerton Parks and Rec. photo on the lookout for this great opportunity to get your craft on in 2020.

Questions? Call 704-824-4231 or visit www.cramerton.org.

Start em’ YoungIn spring 2020 Cramerton Parks and Rec. will be offering 3-4 year old t-ball for the first time ever. Solely instructional, this opportunity will offer parents a chance to run their kids tired first thing Saturday morning.

More of a social event than a competitive one, the hope is to build off the hugely popular 3-4 year old basketball leagues.

Cramerton CreatesIn partnership with Crowned Sparrow Craft Co. and the Cramerton Community Committee, Cramerton Parks and Rec. will be offering a monthly ongoing creative series for the entire year. Everything from making nail and string art, to lighted outdoor Christmas balls, to homemade cookies—be

Visit Latta Plantation, Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 10 am - 4 pm, see one of Mecklenburg’s oldest log cabins and experience winter on an 18th century homestead. Originally located off of North Tryon Street in Charlotte, the restored Ezekiel Alexander cabin provides a glimpse of life in early Charlotte. After the crops were harvested and the weather turned cold, families focused on surviving the winter. Many chores were completed inside by the fire. At this living history event you can see weaving, spinning, knitting, open-hearth cooking and warm up by the fire with a cup of hot tea. Children can make a yarn doll to keep. Complimentary with admission and free to members. Latta Plantation is located at 5225 Sample Rd. near Huntersville.

Latta Plantation photo

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Page 10

AAA Carolinas offers driving tips ahead of freezing temperatures As the cold weather settles in for the season, it is imperative that motorists have enough tread on their tires to stop in adverse situations.

“Tires are what keep a car connected to the road, so any change in road condition due to rain, ice, sleet or snow can affect this connection and lead to losing control of the vehicle,” said Philander Harvey, VP of AAA Carolinas Car Care. “Adequate tread depth is necessary for a tire to maintain traction, along with other factors. If you’re unsure of your tire’s ability to tackle the winter weather, stop by your local AAA Carolinas Car Care facility and we can test them and offer recommendations to ensure your safety.”

What to do if you Encounter Ice While Driving: Be aware of and on the lookout for black ice. Pavement with black ice will be a little darker and duller than the rest of the road surface.

It commonly forms on highly shaded areas, infrequently traveled roads and on bridges and overpasses.

Use extreme caution on bridges and overpasses.

Bridges and overpasses freeze first and melt last. Although the roadway leading up to a bridge may appear to be fine, use caution because the bridge itself could be a sheet of ice.

Slow down. Drive, turn and brake slowly. Adjust your speed to the road conditions and leave yourself ample room to stop. Give yourself three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

Be alert of traffic ahead. Slow down at the sight of brake lights, fishtailing cars, sideways cars or emergency flashers ahead.

Never use cruise control.

Avoid unnecessarily changing lanes. It increases your chances of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Be sure to have a winter weather kit in your car. The kit should include an ice

scraper, a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, bag of kitty litter, reflective triangles/flares, shovel, cloth/paper towels and a fully charged cellphone.

Tips for Braking on Black Ice: Avoid braking on ice. If you’re approaching a patch of ice, brake during your approach. Control the skid. Applying pressure to your brakes while on ice will throw your car into a skid.

Control the skid. In the event that your car is skidding, ease off the accelerator or brake and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS): Do not remove your foot from the brake. When you put on the brakes hard enough to make the wheels lock momentarily, you will typically feel the brake pedal vibrate and pulsate back against your foot. This is normal and the system is working as it is designed to. Do not pump the pedal or remove your foot from the brake.

If your car does not have an anti-lock braking system: The best way to stop is threshold braking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal to the “threshold” of locking your brakes. Remember, you must keep your heel on the floor.

If your heel leaves the floor, your brakes could lock.

Watch for icy surfaces on bridges and intersections, even when the rest of the road seems to be in good condition.

Look farther ahead in traffic. Actions by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra seconds to react.

When changing lanes, avoid cutting in front of trucks, which need more time and distance than passenger vehicles to stop.

Don’t use cruise control in precipitation and freezing temperatures.

Above all- slow down!

Thursday, January 9, 2020

VETERAN From Page 1 warring Dominican factions apart. During the uproar, Biggerstaff was a crew member on a machine called an “Ontos”.

“It had four 106mm guns, a .50 caliber machine gun, and a .30 caliber machine gun,” Biggerstaff said of the mechanized beast.

In early May, 1965, Biggerstaff and his guys were patrolling with the Ontos in Santo Domingo when they happened upon a terrible scene.

“We pulled up and heard a woman hollering,” Biggerstaff said. “A guy on the

Ontos could speak Spanish and so we eased over to where she was. She told him she had lost two children already to the fighting and the family wanted to leave and go to New York. Her husband ran and got their car.

The wife and I took the other two children and ran them to the car and they drove off.

I’ve always wondered how the kids turned out.”

Amazingly, Biggerstaff has a copy of the May 5, 1965 San Juan Star newspaper story that shows him and his fellow Marines, guns at the ready, rushing the kids to

the car.

What Biggerstaff and his guys did is heroic, but he doesn’t dwell on that.

“I just feel like we did our job to help those people,” he says. “We did not hesitate.”

After Biggerstaff left the Marines, he lived for a while in New Jersey and Maryland before returning to Belmont in 1970. He still lives there.

“I am Belmont through and through,” he says. “I am proud of it.”

Incidentally, he also has another Belmont tie- his uncle is Jim Biggerstaff, long time South Point High coach.

Biggerstaff

Biggerstaff (second row from top second from left) and his platoon.

An Ontos self propelled gun platform like the one Biggerstaff served on in the Marines.

Check us out online @ Banner-News.com

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Thursday, January 9, 2020

Just minutes away from starting their 2019-2020 “shoot”, members of the Traditional New Year Shooters group gather at Cherryville City Hall, on Mountain St., and prepare the powder loads for their muskets. (photos by MEP/The Eagle and Susan L. Powell)

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And so, it begins! The “criers” or chanters of the TNYS begin the century-old chant that lets people know who they are, what they’re doing, and for whom they’re doing their first ‘shot’ of the New Year 2020.

2020 Traditional New Year’s Shooters’ ‘shoot’ goes smoothly Group tries to keep with the old traditions by having the first shot at Cherryville City Hall

by MICHAEL E. POWELL michael@cfmedia.info

Keeping the traditions solid and cohesive are important with any historic event. So it is with the Traditional New Year Shooters group, who always starts each ‘shoot’ at Cherryville’s City Hall.

According to group spokesman Gary Dellinger, things went extremely smooth for the group this year, and the weather cooperated nicely through it all.

“We didn’t have any report of injuries or accidents.

We did have one gun to split the barrel, but no one was hurt. We had one shot where an emergency vehicle needed to get through to respond to a non-shooter incident.”

Dellinger noted their shooters followed the rules and procedures, and the emergency vehicle had no trouble getting through the group with a lane of traffic open.

One thing that seemed to be more prevalent at the City Hall shot was that two shooters would fire their muskets, then move off, followed by two more, and so on. Dellinger said that was a result of their finding it necessary

These two TNYS members, like many others who came before them, and followed them, fired their muskets together. The practice goes back a few years, according to officers with the group, but it also helps the large group get finished on time at one spot so they can move on to another.

With his dad’s help, this little guy represents the passing on of a centuries-old tradition as he prepares to fires his gun, ushering in the New Year 2020. to keep on schedule with the number of shooters the group has.

Dellinger went into more detail by adding, “Years ago, when this group started, they had very strict customs they followed. For example, there were only a few ‘criers’ who were allowed to say the speech, and certain cri-

ers were expected to say the speech at certain shots. It was customary for the elders to lead off with the first shot at each stop.

“It was a sign of respect and was considered an honor to be the lead-off shooter. It was also a rule that was written in the rules (there was to be) “no twin shooting”. This

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meant that at each shot, the shooters in the group would walk up one at a time to shoot. This was the way we did it up until about 15 years ago.

“Now, our group is so large, it would be impossible to shoot one at a time.

It would take us an hour per shot to do that. And, we now let pretty much anybody that would like to try, cry the speech.

“We want to be more inclusive to everybody because that is what is going to keep this tradition going. We also don’t emphasize any importance of being the lead-off shooter like we use to.

“It really doesn’t matter much who shoots first because we all get a turn and with several shooting together, the line moves pretty fast. Safety is now our biggest concern, making sure we have a controlled area that isn’t too crowded with shooters and is a safe distance from spectators.”

Gary continued, “We do, however, try to keep with the old traditions as much as we can at the first shot at City Hall. We have one of the best criers do the speech; we have the oldest member of the group lead off. We have the officers and the elders in the group shoot next. We have

the youngest members shoot after the elders, then we have the rest of the group shoot one at a time for a while, to keep with the spirit of the old days.

“Of course, after a while, we have to speed thing up to keep on schedule, so we shoot two at a time. We have done this several years now and it works well for us.”

This year’s shoot was a sad one for the members of the TNYS, as they lost one of their beloved members, Sonny Beam.

Said Gary, “We lost a long-time member last year, Sonny Beam. Many remember Sonny by the iconic Civil War uniform he would always wear.

“Also, our president Glenn Wilson was not able to make the new year’s route this year due to an illness in the family.”

As far as a primary issue for the group, Dellinger noted, “Safety is always at the forefront these days. We have made rules over the years to make shooting safer for the shooters and spectators, and continue to look for new concerns that could be addressed. I don’t really want to speculate on what the next safety rules might be, because we have such a small number of injuries now

compared to when I started shooting, but, if we do see any new potential problems come up, we will address them. We just make sure everyone is following the rules we have now.”

Dellinger said things have changed and are always changing.

“In the 1970s complaints about the New Year Shooters would include such phrases as, ‘they blew the window out of my house’, or ‘I picked up gun parts for weeks’, etc.,” he said, adding, “Now, the complaints are more like ‘they make my dog nervous’.

I consider that progress. But, seriously, improving the image of the Shooters and continuing the tradition as the world continues to evolve is the biggest challenge going forward.

“There have always been people who don’t care for what we do; always will be.

We do make a loud noise, but so does thunder, fire trucks, train whistles, etc. Most people support us and enjoy what we do and the simpler times we represent.

“On Jan. 2, we go back to being business owners, truck drivers, mechanics, school teachers, nurses, Democrats, and Republicans. But on Jan. 1, we are all New Year Shooters!”

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 12

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Tri-County Animal Rescue:

Pets of the Week

Miss Merry Christmas Pageant 2019 Winners: The 2019 Miss Merry Christmas Pageant winners are Tiny Miss Addilyn Williams, Bitsy Miss Addison Lackey, Miniature Miss Kaelyn Moton (front row) and Young Miss Aninya Bates, Majestic Miss Savannah Hubbard, People’s Choice Photogenic Award Winner Mia Ridley, and Little Miss Miley Beason.

Little Miss Gaston County 2019 Queens: The 2019-2020 Little Miss Gaston County Pageant winners are pictured with some of the Little Miss Gastonia queens. From left to right are Mini-Majestic Miss Gastonia Addison Lackey, Majestic Miss Gastonia Campbell Benton, Junior Miss Gaston County Caila Summey, Majestic Miss Gaston County Camilla Brown, Miniature Miss Gaston County Taylin Hall, Baby Miss Gaston County Mila Robertson, Young Miss Gaston County Nevaeh Queen, and Tiny Miss Gastonia Saylor Cruz.

Winners crowned during Miss Merry Christmas, Little Miss Gaston County Pageants Waldroup, and Mia Ridley.

Mia Ridley was the overall people’s choice photogenic award winner. The photogenic award finalists were Kaelyn Moton, Savannah Hubbard, Addison Lackey, and Skylar Williams. The signatures award winners were Savannah Hubbard, Skylar Williams, Addison Lackey, and Kaelyn Moton. Journi Carter was the overall signatures award winner, and Miley Beason was the first application award winner.

The Little Miss Gaston County Pageant was held on October 20 at Belmont Central Elementary School. Nine girls participated in the competition.

The winners were Baby Miss Mila Robertson, Miniature Miss Taylin Hall, Young Miss Nevaeh Queen, Junior Miss Caila Summey, and Majestic Miss Camilla Brown.

The princess award winners were Emmalyn Stirewalt, Journi Carter, Kaelyn Moton, and Layla Keener.

Caila Summey was the overall photogenic award winner, and Emmalyn Stirewalt and Camilla Brown won the first application award.

The signatures award winners were Emmalyn Stirewalt, Camilla Brown, Mila Robertson, Kaelyn Moton, Nevaeh Queen, and Caila Summey. Taylin Hall was the overall signatures award winner.

The Little Miss Gastonia Pageant organization sponsored both pageants with proceeds donated to the Miss Gastonia scholarship fund.

The next pageant for girls ages 0-18 years is the Miss Valentine Queen Pageant on Saturday, February 8. For more information, visit the “Little Miss Gastonia Pageant” page on Facebook or call (704) 678-3290.

Wally

Daisy If you are looking for an addition to your family, please come out and meet our pets this weekend. We have many available pets at the Gastonia PetSmart located at 3698 East Franklin Boulevard this Saturday noon to 6 pm.

About Tri-County Animal Rescue Tri-County Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization serving Lincoln, Gaston and other surrounding counties. We are committed to ending pet homelessness in this area and we need your continued support. If you cannot adopt a pet, then support Tri-County in other ways. We need volunteers and donations to continue our mission of finding homes for these unwanted animals. Please help Tri-County Animal Rescue continue to save pets by adopting your next pet this weekend? Our “needs” list includes: towels, Clorox, laundry detergent, paper towels, dry dog food and dry cat food.

For more information, call 704.263.2444, send an email to TriCountyAnimalRescue@ yahoo.com, visit us on the web at www. tcar.us or on FaceBook at Tri-County Animal Rescue. Donations can be sent to TriCounty Animal Rescue, PO Box 483, Alexis, NC 28006.

SUDOKU Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column, and each 3 by 3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9 using logic.

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Answers

The Little Miss Gaston County queens and the Miss Merry Christmas queens have been crowned for 20192020. Here is information about the winners and award recipients.

The Miss Merry Christmas Pageant was held on December 6 at the Cherryville Community Building. Thirteen girls participated in the pageant, which was an official event of the “Whoville Christmas on Main Street” celebration in downtown Cherryville.

The winners were Bitsy Miss Addison Lackey, Miniature Miss Kaelyn Moton, Tiny Miss Addilyn Williams, Little Miss Miley Beason, Young Miss Aninya Bates, and Majestic Miss Savannah Hubbard.

The princess award winners were Chrislyn Shook, Skylar Williams, Journi Carter, Skylar Aycock, Annabelle Williams, Dayleigh

Tri-County Animal Rescue Little Pet of the Week is this beautiful Chihuahua named Daisy. This little girl is 3 years old and only weighs 8 pounds. Brrr… Daisy needs her hoodie to keep warm because she so little.

She loves to snuggle with her people. Daisy has a lovely tan/white coat. The grooming for Daisy is very simple…bath and brushing. She will not get any bigger. Daisy is spayed, current on vaccines, heartworm negative and micro-chipped. Come on out…we will be looking for you.

The Chihuahua temperament is typically alert, lively, confident, courageous and selfreliant. Chihuahua’s have big, confident personalities and are mostly indoor dogs. They possess an alert temperament. Chihuahua’s are a smart breed that is trainable with patience and persistence. They need to be mentally stimulated as often as possible.

All in all, this dog craves affection and is a great pet for any household. The Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and adventurous, they enjoy affection. Brave, cheerful and agile, Chihuahuas can be strong-willed without proper human leadership. They are loyal and become attached to their owners. Some like to lick their owner’s faces. Socialize them well.

Tri-County’s Animal Rescue Big Dog Pet of the Week is this Australian Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix named Wally. Wally is 2 years old and weighs about 55-65 pounds. He has lots of energy so a fenced yard is a must!

Wally loves to play and can go for hours. He is the sweetest dog that loves kisses. Wally thinks he is a small dog and will curl up on your lap if possible. He has a short Aussie tail that wags non-stop. Wally is neutered, current on vaccines and micro-chipped. He will be looking for you this weekend!

This is an athletic dog of medium/large size and bone; it is lithe, agile and slightly longer than it is tall. Its gait is free and easy, and it must be able to change direction or speed instantly. It has a beautiful coat with medium texture and length, straight to wavy. Frequent brushing, warm baths and thorough blow drying will help keep the hair under control. The expression is keen, intelligent and eager.

The Australian shepherd has a great deal of stamina and is loving, bold, alert, confident, independent, smart and responsive. If it doesn’t get a chance to exercise and challenge its strongly developed mental and physical activities, it is apt to become frustrated and difficult to live with. With proper exercise and training, it is a loyal, utterly devoted and obedient companion. It is reserved with strangers and has a protective nature. It may try to herd children and small animals by nipping.

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Getting in line at the railroad tracks on Mountain Street, near the Heritage Mural, members of the Cherryville New Year Shooters, Inc., group – old and young; male and female – prepare to continue scaring away the evil spirits so Cherryville will have a great new year and a great new decade! (photos by MEP/The Eagle or Susan L. Powell)

Page 13

Though thick musket smoke obscures this CNYSI, it doesn’t keep him and other with him from finishing up this ‘shot’ and quickly moving on to the next one, which was at the Pythians Lodge, on Paul H. Beam Rd., where lunch would be served.

Group fires their guns for yet another year in their long and storied history

Cherryville New Year’s Shooter’s Inc. welcome 2020

by MICHAEL E. POWELL michael@cfmedia.info

It’s 2020, and as far as things are concerned with the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters, Inc., welcoming in the new year in the traditional way is a “wrap”.

Treasurer Rusty Wise said in a recent Eagle article that the “new” things their group experienced, in addition to having great weather in which to get out and shoot in the New Year, involved some schedule changes, which included adding stops and removing stops.

He noted after their Bates Avenue ‘shot’ they were a bit ahead of schedule, but added the members were glad to be ahead of things.

As always, Rusty reiterated the most important thing in every ‘shot’ is that all members make it home safely afterwards.

As for the changes, Wise replied in last week’s article, “The biggest change is our schedule this year. One key traffic flow change is moving the Mark Upchurch and (his) family’s stop to the second stop right after our Black’s Grill midnight shot.

And there’s smoke on the rail lines as the CNYSI members take their turns in an orderly fashion on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, firing their muskets ushering in the new year!

“This was done to help In passing on the tradition, from older to younger, this young with traffic flow to the Uplady gets help from a seasoned veteran of the Cherryville church Shot.”

New Year Shooters, Inc. group at the Bates Avenue ‘shot’ on Wise continued, “Our Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. group is the largest and traffic flow is key for the enjoyment and safety of everyone.”

The CNYSI group has added six new shots to their schedule this year, the most they’ve added in years, according to Wise.

The stops added were David and Renee Crane; the Mauney family; Fat Daddy Baggers; Ann Martin; Waco Community Building; and Curt Brown, Wise said.

Perhaps one of the bigger issues with the group, according to Wise, is they are curIn the classic shooting stance – bent at the knees, and keeping rently going through what he his right hand on the gun stock, this CNYSI shooter fires his termed “a generational shift.” musket to complete the three-shot volley started by the two To clarify and explain members behind him. that, Wise said, “Many of the

hosts and shooters are from the same generation and there is a shift to a new generation.

“Even though it is hard to change, we must to ensure that the tradition continues.”

Rusty said CNYSI members are grateful and wanted to again thank Mayor H.L. Beam and the City of Cherryville officials for supporting them, as well as Cherryville Police Chief Cam Jenks and his police officers.

Additionally, CSNYI gave a big shout out of thanks for the help of the Cherryville Fire Department, Gaston County Sheriff’s Department, with the guidance of Sheriff Alan Cloninger, and Gaston County Schools, for allowing the group to always end their shoot at Rudisill Stadium.

Wise said, “Without their

help we couldn’t continue this great tradition.”

As in 2019 the group shot at the downtown Heritage Mural, on N. Mountain Street. The huge, colorful mural came about by way of a $5,000 donation by the group to have the Heritage Mural painted. It was added to their schedule that year and is still on the schedule.

After their shot ended on Jan. 1, 2020 at Rudisill Stadium, the group members plan to take a well-deserved, though somewhat short rest, have their Hosts Dinner, then start planning for New Year 2021, getting ready to once again “fire their guns” for all who deeply love, and are passionately committed to this centuries-old tradition.

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Page 14

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Area basketball teams prepare for second half of season

By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com

At the midway point of the 2019-20 season, many local high school basketball teams have enjoyed a wide range of success. Some are playing well enough that they have legit chances at conference crowns while others are just trying to get on track.

Leading the pack are the South Point Red Raiders and Stuart Cramer Storm programs. Both teams have played well up to this point.

Right now South Point is 9-4 while Cramer is 7-5.

The Storm has been a real early-season surprise. Recently, Cramer turned in a great performance when they won the 19th Annual Peoples Bank Holiday Classic.

Cramer’s top players have been sophomores Will Kelly, Brenton Elliott, and Derek Bradley and senior Tyrese Jeffries.

While Jeffries has been a steady hand the sophomores have been hot, red hot.

The trio of Kelly, Elliott, and Bradley account for just shy of seventy percent of the Storm’s offense.

Going into the second half of the season, Kelly has 262 points, Elliot has 139 points, and Bradley has 132.

These three are definitely adding some excitement to Cramer’s game.

One player, in particular, Will Kelly, has really come into his own. Over the last few weeks, the six-foot threeinch center has blossomed into not only one of Cramer’s top players, but a true leader as well.

If this team continues to grow, they have the potential to make a late-season push in the Big South.

However, as good as Cramer is right now, the Big South is one tough league.

The Storm has already lost

two conference games to Shelby and King Mountain.

Hopefully, the holiday tournament momentum will spark a surge.

It’s fair to say that the Storm has their work cut out for them.

Over in Belmont, the Red Raiders are looking strong at this stage.

The Red Raiders played a tough non-conference schedule including matchups against several 3A teams and even a 4A opponent in the West Meck Hawks.

South Point recently came in third at the Bobcat Classic held in Bluffton, South Carolina.

That challenging, nonleague, schedule and a strong tournament showing have toughened the Red Raiders up. Right now South Point is 2-0 in conference play having beaten Burns and East Gaston.

So far this year, South Point has been an offensive juggernaut. The Red Raiders have scored over 80 points in

The Stuart Cramer Storm basketball team took top honors at the recent Peoples Bank Holiday Classic tournament held in Catawba County. The Storm defeated Bandys 61-59, went on to beat Highland Tech 74-59, and wrapped up the crown with a 68-58 win over Forestview. Here are some action scenes from the tournament.

Photos by Amy Craig five games. They have scored 90 in two.

South Point’s top scorers are juniors Logan Threatt and Ayden Baker.

At the break, Threatt has 285 points while Baker has 203.

South Point’s top rebounder is Grayson Hanson who has pulled down 107 boards. In addition to being the Red Raider’s top rebounder, Hanson is a scoring threat as well. The senior power forward has scored

110 points so far this season.

While it’s apparent that South Point can light up the scoreboard, their ability to play solid defensive ball had been something that was troubling.

Early in the season head

coach Kody Kubbs expressed his concerns.

“We can score at will,” Kubbs pointed out last month. “Our thing will be can we stop other people from scoring.”

See BASKETBALL, Page 15

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, January 9, 2020

games, South Point has held the opposition to 54 points or less.

Right now, South Point is one of the top two teams in the Southwestern 2A along with the 6-2 Shelby Golden Lions.

While it’s possible for other teams to make a late

BASKETBALL From Page 14 So how is the Red Raider defense holding up? Well, so far so good.

In the last six games, the Red Raiders have not allowed opposing offenses to score more than 71 points. In fact, in three of the last four

push, right it looks like the conference title could be decided on February 14th.

That’s when the Red Raiders and Golden Lions battle in Shelby in the final game of the year.

Over in the PAC 7 1A , the Mountain Island Charter Raptors are hanging tough.

The Raptors are 4-4 for overall and are 1-0 so far in

league play.

Moving forward, Mountain Island will face some pretty stiff competition in league play.

There are some sturdy teams in the PAC 7 including the 8-2 Queens Grant Stallions, the 6- 5 Pine Lake Prep Pride and 7-4 Union Academy Cardinals.

One team that has truly struggled this year is East

Page 15

Gaston.

So far this is just not EG’s year. The Warriors are 1-13.

East Gaston’s lone victory came in a late December matchup against West Lincoln where EG won 45-37.

East Gaston’s top scorers are Cutler Theel, Miles Bolin, and Darius Moore.

Theel has 152 points so far this year while Bolin has 83 and Moore has 69.

If there is any way to turn things around in the second half of the season head coach Eugene Farrar will figure it out. Farrar is an experienced coach who does a good job getting the best out of his players.

The second half of the season should be very interesting. There is definitely so good basketball coming up in the next few months.

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The Stuart Cramer Storm basketball team took top honors at the recent Peoples Bank Holiday Classic tournament held in Catawba County.

Photos by Amy Craig

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 16

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Time to hit the Tar Heel slopes There are numerous NC snow skiing and snow ski vacation resorts in our North Carolina mountains. Resorts to snow ski, snow tube, snow board or enjoy other winter activities, or just relax by the lodge fireplace and enjoy the beautiful winter weather scenery.

Here are some popular NC Snow Ski vacation resorts: Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, North Carolina- Snowmaking on 14 lighted slopes. Five lifts including three moving carpet lifts. Snowsports School for

all ages and abilities. Tube World, six lanes of snowtubing fun. Easy four lane access.

STATS: • Peak Elevation: 5,400 ft. • 14 Slopes • Tubing • Base Elevation: 4,660 ft. • Lifts: 1 Double, 1 Triple, • Vertical Rise: 740 ft. 1 Quad, 3 Carpet Conveyors A fireplace, restaurant and lounge, plus The Shop at Cataloochee located in the lodge.

Appalachian Ski Mountain- Blowing Rock, North Carolina- Eleven slopes, three terrain parks. Two Quad chairlifts, one double chairlift, one conveyor lift, one handle Sapphire Valley sledding. pull lift. Home of the French Swiss Ski College. NC’s only Burton Learn to Ride Center.

Snow ski, snowboard and skiboard and rentals. Rentals for jacket, bib, glove, goggle and helmet. Refrigerated outdoor ice skating rink, 46,000 sq.

Ft. STATS: • Peak Elevation: 4,000 ft. • 11 Slopes •Ice Skating • Base Elevation: 3,635 ft. • Lifts: 2 Quads, 1 Double, • Vertical Rise: 365 ft. 1 Conveyor, 1 Handle Pull Bavarian-style lodge with wireless Internet. 200’ observation deck. Restaurant with fireplace overlooking slopes, Ski Shop, Gift Shop, nursery, locker room, TV lounge and group meeting rooms.

Sugar Mountain ResortBanner Elk, North Carolina- Sugar Mountain Resort offers many winter activities: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing day and night on 115 skiable acres. Several 700 ft. long tubing runs. A 10,000 sq. ft. refrigerated outdoor ice skating rink. Snowboard schools accommodate all ages and abilities. Daycare is just a few steps from the base lodge. The ski, snowboard and skiboard rental shop offer top of the line equipment.

STATS: • Peak Elevation: 5,300 ft. • 20 Slopes •Ice Skating • Base Elevation: 4,100 ft. • Lifts: 1 Triple, 4 Doubles, • Tubing • Vertical Rise: 1,200 ft. 1 Surface, 2 Carpet Conveyors The base

Winter zip lining at Hawksnest.

Skiing the slopes at Beech Mountain.

Kuhlman has game-high 21 points for Abbey Maria Kuhlman (pictured) scored a game-high 21 points last Thursday, but the Belmont Abbey Crusaders lost at Barton 68-62.

The setback puts The Abbey at 10-2 on the year, with a 5-1 Conference Carolinas record. Barton is now 8-4 overall, with a 5-2 conference mark.

How it Happened The Bulldogs got off to a fast start, but Belmont Abbey quickly came back to tie the game at 14 by the end of the opening quarter.

In the second, it was The Abbey jumping out to an early start, while Barton led 36-24 at halftime. Kuhlman scored eight points in the half. Kuhlman scored the first five Crusader points of the third. The defense also held Barton to just one field goal in the last 4:30 of the quarter. The Bulldogs held a 48-41 lead heading into the final period. The defense also played very well in the fourth, holding Barton to just one field goal in the opening five minutes of the period.

During that stretch, the Crusaders pulled to within three points, at 51-48. The Abbey, however, was unable to take the lead, and Barton held on for the 68-62 win. On the night, Kuhlman was the Crusaders’ leader, with 21 points and 10 rebounds, her first double-double of the season. Keyanna Spivey also tallied a double-double, finishing with 13 points and 12 boards. Allie Downing contributed 13 points and seven rebounds.

Belmont Abbey photo/story

lodge houses 2 cafeterias; the Last Run Lounge; our group sales department; locker room; and the Sugar Mountain Sports & Gift Shop.

Beech Mountain-Banner Elk, North Carolina- The highest ski area in the East at 5,506 feet in elevation. Snowmaking capabilities that cover 100%of the skiing terrain.

Has a large variety of skiable acreage including a terrain park that is all lighted for night skiing. Ski Beech offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, or skating on a 7,000 square foot outdoor ice rink.

Skiing and snowboarding instructions are available for all ability levels. A program for youths that includes equipment rental, a hot lunch, and a day of instruction in proper ski and snowboard technique.

Equipment and clothing rentals. Shopping and dining.

Accommodations, including chalet rentals and inns, are close by.

STATS: • Peak Elevation: 5,505 ft. • 15 Slopes •Ice Skating • Base Elevation: 4,675 ft. • Lifts: 1 High Speed Quad, • Tubing • Vertical Rise: 830 ft. 6 Doubles, 1 J-Bar, 1 Surface Hawksnest ResortSeven Devils, North Carolina- The largest Snow Tubing Park on the East Coast. Twenty lane snow tubing park with four areas to snow tube. Lanes are 400 – 1000 feet long. Two con-

veyor lifts take snow tubers back to the top. Snow making and lighting on all lanes.

Wolf Ridge Ski ResortMars Hill, North CarolinaWolf Ridge Ski Resort is for any ski and snowboard enthusiast, beginner to expert.

Twenty-two ski runs. Five ski lifts. Two quad chairs.

Two double chairs and one surface lift. Two ski lodgesRidge Lodge and the Base Lodge. Terrain park. Full ski rental equipment services, food, gift shop, sport shops.

Large wood burning lodge fireplaces.

Have a Good Time On The Slopes But Remember: Dress to stay warm and dry in the cold weather. Don’t jump out a the chairlift. Don’t cut in the lift line. Don’t drink alcohol and ski. Have the right gear and use it. Stay out of posted closed areas.

Protect your eyes and wear goggles. Wear a hat, scarf or face mask. Use sunscreen and lip balm. Take food or snacks. Stay hydrated. Ski with a friend and not alone.

Know your capabilities and your limits. Follow the rules and practice skier etiquette.

Be careful if skiing with poor visibility like heavy snow storms. Be aware of the current weather conditions. If you run into another skier resulting in an injury stay at the collision site until Ski Patrol arrive.

Information by Travel NC

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Page 17

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Thursday, January 9, 2020

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1-866-694-6148 www.dental50plus.com/southern Coverage not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN).

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Just before the holiday break, Stanley mayor Steve Denton took some time and visited Kiser Elementary School. While he was there, Denton read a book to the fifth grade class.

Photo provided

OUTDOOR TRUTHS By

Gary Miller ller

Aiming Outdoorsmen Toward Christ

ABBY MORGAN

My ground blind leaks. Yours does too.

Yeah, I know you have the top-of-theline, largest, most cushy, made-of-theGARY MILLER best-waterproof-material-blind money can buy. I’m sure it’s nice. But it leaks. It may not leak as much as mine. It may not leak in the same places as mine. But it leaks. Those leaks may not show up until the hardest rain, but, you know, it leaks. I’m sorry. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. You can still claim superiority in ground blind wars. But it leaks. And sometimes those leaks are all you can think about.

I sat in the rain, bored from seeing no deer, and from having no cell signal in order to keep my mind occupied. So, my leaks became my obsession. What I discovered was there is one thing that causes every blind to leak. It’s not faulty material or holey seams. It’s not the lack of sealant. It’s windows. Yes, windows -those things that we actually can’t do without if we want to hunt. It’s the difference between a tent and a hunting blind. It’s those things that are necessary if we are going to accomplish what we go to accomplish. So, dealing with leaks are just something we have to endure if we are going to get those opportunities. And it’s odd that as I write, I feel like I’m talking about something else. I get a punch in the side telling me, “Gary, you really can’t reach those people that I need you to come in contact with, if you’re in a tent and not a blind.” I get another punch that tells me not to think my sins are any better than the sins of the worst individual. A leak is a leak. A sin is a sin. I get yet another jab that reminds me to not be so concerned about getting a little world on you. Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. And if that that’s not enough jabs and pokes, one last somewhat audible admonition tells me, “Gary, have you noticed this whole conversation has been about YOU and YOUR blind, and YOUR obsession with it? Doesn’t that sound just a tad bit selfish? I don’t think this is included in the ‘Love God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself’ lesson I gave.” So, I regroup, and rearrange my seat so my thoughts are on more important things and so that my view is of what’s outside, where I’m supposed to be looking anyway.

#22 ~ Senior

gary@outdoortruths.org ~ www.outdoortruths.org

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36. Guitarist’s tool 39. Dabbling ducks 41. Commercial 42. Style someone’s hair 44. Biu-Mandara language 46. Actress Spelling 47. Large hole in the ground 49. One-masted sailboats 52. Tropical Asian plant 56. Concurs 58. Latin term for charity 60. The number below the line in a fraction 62. Reddish browns 63. This (Spanish) CLUES DOWN 1. Belong to he 2. One time only 3. Parent-teacher groups 4. Puts in place 5. Editing 6. In the course of 7. Helps injured people (abbr.)

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13. Jewelled headdress 16. Viking Age poet 17. Vanuatu island 20. Wish harm upon 22. Unit of length 25. Blood type 26. Drain 27. Do-gooders 29. Advanced degree 31. Business designation 34. Chinese-American actress Ling 36. Performs on stage 37. Slang for money 38. Large Russian pie 40. The Mount Rushmore State 43. Narrow inlet 45. News organization (abbr.)

48. Scarlett’s home 50. Micturates 51. Monetary unit 53. Any customary observance or practice 54. Sons of Poseidon 55. Facilitates grocery shopping 57. Standard operating procedure 58. Former OSS 59. Midway between south and southeast 61. The Wolverine State

Thursday, January 9, 2020

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 19

Print Dead?

Not Here!

Banner News is still vital and effective in a digital world.

Readership It’s true many daily papers have seen n their circulation decline.

Banner News’s readership has stayed d consistent over the years.

On average over 87% of our delivered papers are picked up by Montcross area customers.

*

87 .9% 61 .3%

Doesn’t sound like print is dead in the Montcross area, does it?

Purchase Intent In the age of Amazon and other online retailers, it’s incredible that so many people plan their shopping activities using a local free newspaper...over 61% as a matter of fact. Banner News readers read ads and use it to plan their shopping and purchases.

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frequently purchase products or services from ads in Banner News.

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Over 7,862 Readers Weekly Call 704-825-0580 or email ads@cfmedia.info for more information SOURCE OF DATA - 2017 CVC Publication Audit Report*

*Circulation Verification Council (CVC) is an independent, third party reporting audit company. CVC audits and data are an unbiased source of market in ciruclation information. Banner News does not pay CVC directly to perform its services.

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 20

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Morgan Patton named Scholar-Athlete of the Year Belmont Abbey senior Morgan Patton (pictured at right) has been named the Conference Carolinas women’s soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the conference office announced.

To be considered, a student-athlete must be a junior or a senior with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.25 or higher. In addition, the nominees for the award must have been named all-conference in their sport and chosen academic all-conference.

Patton, a Psychology major, scored 11 goals and handed out six assists on the year, en route to being named to the All-Southeast Region first team.

Belmont Abbey photo/story

Lots of work yet to do for area girls basketball teams

By John Wilson john.bannernewws@gmail.com

Local high school girls basketball programs across the area have reached the halfway point of their season.

It’s fair to say that for the most part it’s been a tough year for many of the teams.

Right now the top teams in the area hail from East Gaston and Mountain Island Charter.

The Lady Warriors are 7-7 overall and 1-2 in Southwestern 2A Conference play.

While a .500 record isn’t groundbreaking what is impressive is the fact that over the last few weeks the Lady Warriors have really come alive.

Over the holiday break, East Gaston upset the apple cart by having a strong showing at the Peoples Bank Holiday Clash.

The Lady Warriors knocked off the top two seeded teams in the tournament before losing in the title game.

Head coach David Handsel is taking advantage of the athletic nature of the team and EG is improving in their new system.

East Gaston has loads of potential. All they have to do is deliver.

A.J. Price is making the case that she may be one of the top players in the county. At the mid-season mark, Price has scored 242 points.

While Price isn’t afraid to put the ball up, she also has no problem passing the ball off to her teammates. Price leads the Lady Warriors with 23 assists.

Other top contributors are Makayla Boyd, Allie Grice, Kaylyn Byrd, and Fatima Smith.

Boyd is making a real impact. She has scored 95 points and snatched 124 rebounds.

Grice has scored 59 points while Byrd and Smith have each scored 43 points

so far this year.

For EG to keep the momentum going they will need to show that they can go toe to toe with the best teams in the Southwestern 2A. The Lady Warriors are in a very competitive conference. Burns, Shelby and R-S Central are all good programs.

Another team sitting at .500 is the Mountain Island Charter Lady Raptors. MI is 2-2 overall and 1-0 in PAC 7 1A league play.

Junior guard Zahara Bichara is having a good year.

She is by far the best shooter MI has. Bichara has scored 92 points so far this year and is responsible for almost half of Mountain Island’s scoring.

Other top contributors are Kay Decker and Chloe Hatzopoulous.

Decker has scored 48 points while Hatzopoulous has scored 28 points, pulled down 52 rebounds and had 13 assists.

Going forward the Lady Raptors face a roller coaster of a conference schedule.

Most of the teams in the PAC 7 are good, the rest of the league is made up of struggling programs. MI will need to focus on each game and play consistent ball week in and week out.

Two teams that are struggling are Stuart Cramer and South Point.

At South Point, former head coach Scott Tudor is back to try to turn things around for the Lady Raiders.

Tudor takes over a program that hasn’t had a winFREE!

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ning season since 2013-14.

The Lady Raiders won their opener against Highland Tech 35-24 and have not won since.

South Point is 1-9 overall and 0-2 in conference action.

Another team that is struggling is Stuart Cramer.

The Storm is 2-9 overall and 0-2 in Big South 3A conference play.

Cramer is in the midst of a rebuild. Half of the Cramer roster is made up of underclassmen. The team has only one senior on the roster, power forward Kendra Thompson.

Things have been tough for the Storm but there is hope. Two players that are playing exceptionally well are Reece Wolfe and Ranija Hamilton.

Hamilton has scored 126 points while Wolfe has scored 102.

Hamilton is also an aggressive defender as well. So far this year she has recorded 48 steals.

Camryn Peterson is proving to be one of the top rebounders in the area. The five-foot eight-inch sophomore has already pulled down 96 rebounds so far this year.

There is still a whole lot of basketball left to play. If MI and East Gasston continue to improve they have shots at some postseason action. Meanwhile, Cramer and South Point will need to keep at it and try to improve their programs. The spoiler role is something they may get a chance at as the season winds down.

Belmont Parks and Recreation signups set Current online registration for Belmont Parks and Recreation 2020 youth spring sports leagues has begun. Sign up at https://www.cityofbelmont.org/Activities. Registrations through February 24th. Walk-in registration: 37 East Woodrow Ave, Belmont (Monday-Friday) 9am4:30pm. Late Registration (If available) begins February 25th (walk-in only). Registrations will be accepted on a first serve, first come basis. Registration may close at any time once divisions are filled. Pre-seasons- On or around the first week of March. Season Play- March – May. Volunteer coaching staff needed.

If you have specific questions feel free to contact or office at (704) 825-8191 or email athleticdept@cityofbelmont.org.

Also- Adult Soccer Team Registration https://www.cityofbelmont.org/Activities/Activity/ Detail/2020-Adult-Spring-Soccer-Leagues-303.

Individual and Team sign ups January 6th – until full.

Team Open Divisions (7v7) Ages 29-over League Weeknights 1st (5-8 teams to register) (9v9) Ages 16-over League Saturdays 1st (5-8 teams to register) (6v6) Ages 16-28 League Weeknights/Sundays 1st (4-6 teams to register) Season play- Include 7-8 games and post season playoffs tournament. March – June.

Awards go to 1st place tournament team.

Complete team packet attached info if interested and submit payment prior to Feb 24th, 2020.

Belmont Parks and Rec. photos

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Thursday, January 9, 2020

Page 21

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EMPLOYMENT JOB OPENINGS. Farm Labor, Maintenance, Carpenter, Grounds Keeper. Must have N.C. Drivers License. (704) 473-4299 ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMETHING? Try the Carolina Teleport at ShelbyNCUSA.com, NC4Ever@email.com STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY. www.chapelofchristshelby.com

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EXPERIENCED LANDSCAPERS NEEDED. Must have valid driver’s license and transportation. (704) 473-0341

BUSINESS SERVICES RETIRED GENERAL CONTRACTOR available for small job repairs and fixes. Deck repair a specialty. Rutherford/ Cleveland County areas. Bob, 828-476-6058.

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2 HEAVY DUTY POWER CHAIRS “BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!” $500; New Generator $200; New Recliner $100; Two New Rocking Chairs $100. Call (704) 472-4844 MORGAN’S FIREWOOD SERVICE. Small Stove Wood, all hardwood, $50 per load, delivered. 828-395-0758 or 704466-0916.

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(704) 232-4445 LARGE TREE BURL. Large tree burl, Oak. You cut and move tree on ground. And I want slice for a table. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net

REFRIGERANT RECOVERY & RECYCLING SYSTEM. $350. Mac by Robinair recovery and recycling system comes with spare tank. Can send pictures by phone. (704) 300-1818 kim_hopper@bellsouth.net SONY LAPTOP. Sony Vaio Laptop for sale. Windows 7, $80. (980) 267-2303 wolfenman2018@yahoo.com

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Used less than 12 times! Sold New for $1200 Asking $400.

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Check our prices and quality before you buy. Bridges Riding Equipment. Boiling Springs, NC. (704) 434-6389 Continued To Page 22

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 22

Thursday, January 9, 2020

CLASSIFIED ADS To place your ad go to CarolinaClassifieds.com or call 704-484-1047 Continued From Page 21

FOR SALE PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! Press Room Printing. 704-482-2243.

(704) 538-5788 TRAILER INVENTORY. Utility, Cargo, Box Dump Trailers, Equipment, Livestock. J. Johnson Sales, Forest City. 828245-5895.

REFRIGERATORS, STOVE, WASHERS, DRYERS. Discount Prices. 1205 Earl Road, Shelby, NC. (704) 487-4443 CARPORTS, GARAGE, LIVESTOCK BARNS. On Site Display. J. Johnson Sales, Forest City. 828-245-5895.

FLAGS AND FLAG POLES. 15 ft., 20 ft., and 25 ft., in stock.

Delivery and installation available. J. Johnson Sales, Forest City. 828-245-5895.

TRAILERS: WE BUY, SALE, TRADE (must have title).

Parts and service most all models. NEW 5x8 from $630.

J. Johnson Sales, Forest City.

828-245-5895.

CARPORTS, COVERS, CARS, TRUCKS, RV, Camper, Boat Equipment, Hay, Livestock.

Protect your investments. Areas Largest on site display, 100’s of options and sizes, 12 wide to 60 wide. J Johnson Sales, Forest City. 828-245-5895.

NEW PREDATOR 8000 WATT GENERATOR. 6.5 gallon tank, 110/220, EPA Approved, $750 OBO. 828-245-9620.

NEED SOMEONE TO TRIM Apple and Peach Trees. Call 828-447-6257.

THREE BURIAL PLOTS FOR SALE in GASTON MEMORIAL PARK. “Coveted Veterans Circle”. Text or Call for details.

(919) 272-5503

Deadline: Friday at 12:00 Noon

WANT TO BUY

PETS & LIVESTOCK

CARS & TRUCKS

CAMPERS

COUNTY LINE TIMBER BUYING STANDING HARDWOOD AND PINE TIMBER, 8 acres or more. COMPETITIVE PRICING. Over 30 years experience.

Member of NCFA. 828-2483659, 828-289-0742.

FREE DOG “LOVES KIDS!” Lab Mix. Everyone says he’s beautiful! 4 years old. Well behaved and doesn’t tear up stuff!

Call (704) 472-4844.

2004 LEXUS RX 330 165K miles. Runs good. New tires & brakes. $6400 obo Cash. (704) 487-8156

WANT TO BUY. Pop-up campers. Call 828-429-3935.

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 CASH FOR YOUR CAR running or not, title or no title.

Call Charles Dellinger at Red Road Towing. 704-692-6767, (704) 487-0228 CASH$$ FOR OLD FISHING LURES. Call Rick Hutton collector, (704) 695-4917 WWII COLLECTOR WANTING TO BUY German Pistols, Military Guns, Helmets, Knives and Flags. I BUY Small and Large Gun Collections also.

Licensed FFL, TOP cash paid.

(828) 980-3329 DANNY’S AUTOWERKS. Buying used or junk cars. Competitive prices. Call Jimmy, 828-2891175 or 828-247-1070.

WANTED: OLD AND NEW AMMO. Reloading supplies.

828-245-6756.

FARM & GARDEN FREE COMPOST. Free horse manure. Great for gardens.

(828) 447-0652

PETS & LIVESTOCK B&B YORKIE KENNELS IS OFFERING QUALITY YORKIE PUPPIES. Let one of these sweet babies light up your families life, $1200. Call Barbara for appointment to meet your next very best friend, 828-625-8612.

AKC ROTTWEILERS FOR SALE. Tails docked, dew claws removed, vet 2 times for worming. Shots at 6 wks. (704) 4199389 2 YEAR OLD INTACT CHOCOLATE LABRADOODLE MALE. Smooth coat, 50 lbs, partially housebroken. $300.

(716) 640-4039

2008 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 PreRunner. 6 Cylinder, 6 Speed, Extended Cab. Very Good Condition! Call (704) 482-4747 2005 FORD RANGER V6.

Auto, cruise control, Aluminum wheels, regular cab $3750.

828-287-3820.

2 MALE LABRADOODLE PUPPIES. 9 weeks old, 1 cream, 1 chocolate. Ready now. $800 each. (716) 640-4036 I WANT TO BUY A French Bulldog Puppy. Call 828-2890997.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE. PURE BRED ANGUS BULLS and HEIFERS. Jacob Fork Ranch. Call 704-538-1199 or (704) 600-7847 DOG KENNELS start at $189.99 in stock. Lots of sizes available, delivery and install available. Dog roofs, dog houses. J. Johnson Sales, Forest City. 828-245-5895.

EIGHT GREAT PYRENEES PUPPIES. Ready Dec. 1st.

(704) 692-7362 FREE KITTENS TO GOOD INSIDE HOME. I will take care of first vet visit. Call anytime. (704) 472-7116 7 MONTH FEMALE BORDER COLLIE. Full blooded but no papers. $300. For more info, call 704-692-4289 or (704) 6920848 AKC REGISTERED SIBERIAN HUSKY PUPPIES. Parents on site. 3 months old. $400 each.

704-477-9011

2015 SMART CAR. 15,000 miles, excellent condition, heated seats, auto, air con., tinted windows. Great sound stereo.

No issues, never wrecked, no dents or scratches. CarFax on hand. Great gas mileage. $7500. 704-300-0180 or (704) 484-2853 2001 SATURN SL Burgundy SL1, 133,000 miles. Automatic, clean, good condition $2100.

Text or message, (980) 3298167, (704) 466-4340 1988 TOYOTA COROLLA 4-door. 5 speed manual, 259,000 miles, decent tires.

Reliable. $1000, CASH ONLY. Rutherfordton. 828-287-3588.

COACHMEN CONCORD 2008 EXCELLENT CONDITION. $45,000. Non-smoker, no pets, very clean. New tires, full custom body paint, hydraulic leveling system, two power slideouts, rear view camera, trailer hitch, UNDER 24,000 miles, used only in the South, full kitchen, full bath, walk around queen, lighted cedar closets, tinted arched rear window, full interior door, exterior entertainment center, two-position awning, power seats, cruise control, power defrost mirrors, skylight, full cover and tire covers, all manuals, new battery, newly sealed roof, recently inspected and all maintenance done top to bottom.

READY to take on the road!!

(860) 930-7304 gardenxcat@ comcast.net

VACATIONS

OCEAN LAKES BEACH COTTAGE! Family-friendly beach cottage at Ocean Lakes. Taking Summer 2020 reservations, winter specials! 3bed/2bath, equipped kitchen, living room. WiFi and Cleaning included. Myrtle Beach, SC 29575 (704) 466-4359 arcarroll92@ gmail.com OCEAN LAKES MYRTLE BEACH. Cottage N34. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, den, kitchen, dining, covered deck, near country store. Call Dorcas, 803-7182659, (803) 635-9831

VACATIONS OCEAN LAKES 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS. Washer/ dryer, gas grill, golf cart included. $1200 wk. (704) 472-7145

CLASSIFIED ADS GET RESULTS! Classifieds Continued To Page 23

as the song goes...

“Every Picture Tells A Story Don’t It...”

Now add a photo to your classified advertisement for only $6.00

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 704-484-1047

or Go to Banner-News.com and click on: carolinaclassifieds.com

Carolina

LOCAL TRUSTED CLASSIFIEDS.com RESULTS

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NEVER GIVE UP UNTIL THEY BUCKLE UP. cdc.gov/RxAwareness VISIT SAFERCAR.GOV/KIDSBUCKLEUP

Thursday, January 9, 2020

The Banner News / banner-news.com

National Network Classified Ads

Reader Advisory: the National Trade Associations we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

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FOR NATIONAL RATES & PLACEMENT CALL 704-484-1047

Page 23

REAL ESTATE

FOR RENT

CLEVELAND COUNTY

CLEVELAND COUNTY

LAWNDALE AREA. Cleared 1.3 acre lot, and 1 acre lot, water and septic, priced to sell.

Owner will finance with low down payment. Call Bryant Realty, 704-567-9836, www.bryantrealtyinc.com

MOVE IN SPECIAL. 2&3 Bedroom, $900 deposit required. $190 weekly rates. Includes power and water. NO PETS. Visit us online at Oakwood Rentals, Shelby or call (704) 473-4299

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

2&3 BEDROOM TOWNHOMES. Applications are being processed right now! Rent is based on income (and even some expenses). Call or visit today Laurel Hill Apartments.

Equal housing opportunity.

Shelby, NC 28152 (704) 4871114 laurelhill@darbydevelopment.com

20 ACRES NEAR LAKE LURE. Huge mountain view! $120,000.

864-909-1035.

58 TO 78 ACRES. Horse Farm within 5 miles of Tryon Equestrian Center. Call 864-909-1035.

EAST RUTHERFORD COUNTY. Off Hwy 120, Lots with water and septic. Owner will finance with low down payment.

Call Bryant Realty at 704-5679836. www.bryantrealtyinc.com 3 BEDROOM HOME in Forest City. Metal roof, central heat & air. Great garden spot on second lot, $69,900. 828-3058006.

FOR RENT CLEVELAND COUNTY SMALL MOBILE HOME. Electric heat and air, private lot, no pets. $25 application fee. (704) 477-6355 2 BEDROOM APT. (DUPLEX).

Central heat & air, stove, refrigerator. Excellent country location north of Shelby. No Pets, HAP or smoking. $485. (704) 487-5480 MOBILE HOMES & APARTMENTS. In Kings Mountain.

Price starting at $100 per week.

Call (704) 739-4417 3 BEDROOMS, 1 BATH HOUSE For Rent in Shelby.

Washer & Dryer Hookup. Security Deposit & References Required. No Pets! (704) 5387661 FOR RENT OLD HOUSE $500 MONTH IN LAWNDALE. 1Bedroom & 1Bath. Security Deposit & References Required. No Pets! (704) 538-7661 FOR RENT LIGHT OAK COMMUNITY 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, Central H&A, Washer / Dryer Hookup. $600 per Month $400 Deposit “NO HAP” (704) 466-1003 403 MORTON STREET, SHELBY. 4BR, 1BA, $800 month, $500 deposit. Central air, no pets. Contact Tommy Wilson w/ Clay & Associates Real Estate.

(704) 418-1251 3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOME. 2 bath, central heat/air, private lot. $650 months plus deposit.

(704) 418-1999 2 BEDROOM APT. (DUPLEX).

Central heat & air, stove, refrigerator. Excellent country location north of Shelby. No Pets, HAP or smoking. $485. (704) 487-5480 VERY NICE 2BR, 1BA HOUSE. Fenced back yard with building. $750 per month. 1st & Last Month’s Rent To Get Keys.

Call with any questions. (704) 473-7206 NICE COUNTRY LIVING. 2 or 3BR mobile homes for rent.

10 minutes from Shelby. NO PETS. Seniors welcome. 704692-0447, 843-957-9299.

LIONS SENIOR VILLAGE has 1 bedroom HUD subsidized apartments for low income seniors. Taking applications.

Age 62 or older. Equal Housing Opportunity. 211 North Morgan Street, Shelby, NC 28150 (704) 482-7723 HICKORY CREEK APARTMENTS FOR SENIORS. (62 and older), disabled (50 and older). Shelby. Now taking applications for waiting list.

EHO. 418 East Warren Street Shelby, NC 28150 (704) 4876354 2&3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Nice and clean, water furnished. Oak Grove Community, Kings Mtn. Call or text, 704-739-0259.

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. Move in Special, $99 deposit.

Parkside Villas, Shelby. Newly remodeled, spacious 3BR, 1BA apartments $750 month. (704) 482-8385 UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. Move in Special $99 deposit.

Parkside Villas, Shelby. Newly remodeled, spacious 2BR, 1BA apartments, $650 month. (704) 482-8385 UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. Move In Special $99 deposit.

Parkside Villas, Shelby. Newly renovated 1BR, 1BA apartments. $550 month. (704) 4828385

RUTHERFORD COUNTY 3BR, 2BA, QUIET PARK. Landlord on site, NO PETS. Background check. Call 828429-9831 after 10am.

3 BEDROOM HOME in Forest City. Central Heat & Air, huge yard, $550 per month. 828-3058006.

FOR RENT IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN, near to all interest and services. Energy efficient 1 Bedroom Apartment, References. 828-248-1638.

ICC AREA, BEST VALUE, Energy Efficient, 2BR, like new, SS appliance, $550. 1BR, like new, SS appliance, includes water, sewer, garbage, $465 plus references and deposit.

828-248-1776.

2 & 3 BEDROOM MOBILE HOMES. Small private park between Spindale and Forest City.

Starting at $460 a month. 828382-0475.

WEEKLY SPECIAL $210+ TAX AND UP. Town and Country Inn, Spindale. Newly remodeled. WiFi, Micro-fridge, flatscreen, ESPN/Showtime.

Nightly $49.99 and up. 828286-3681.

Carolina CLASSIFIEDS

.com

Your Link to Local Classifieds!

To Place Your Ad Go to Banner-News.com and Click On: carolinaclassifieds.com

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 24

Thursday, January 9, 2020

PLAY THE

BANNER NEWS

LOTTERY Enter To Win

$

10,000 JACKPOT PICK YOUR FAVORITE 3 NUMBERS

ENTER! January 9, 2020 EDITION Last week's lottery numbers were drawn by Tammy Poteat at Jean’s Flowers located at 123 Park St., Belmont, NC. The winning numbers were 2, 25 & 30. No ballot received guessed all three numbers correctly, so the jackpot will remain at $10,000 until it’s won. Make sure you have your entry in by the 9am deadline on Monday for your chance to win!

THE BANNER NEWS LOTTERY

The Ban ner News Lottery is this simple!

Choose your favorite 3 numbers between 1 and 50 (not using the same number twice) and enter the numbers in the 3 circles below in any order.

Numbers will be drawn each Monday Morning.

Look in next week's Banner-News for the 3 WINNING NUMBERS! LOTTERY RULES Absolutely one entry per household each week! No photo copies will be allowed. Any lottery entries that have the same handwriting or appear to be in conjunction with any other entry will be disqualified. Entries must be complete with name, household address and phone number. No business address will be accepted. All entries must be brought by the Banner-News drop box at 128-C North Main St. in Belmont, NC or post-marked by Saturday prior to Monday's drawing. We are not responsible for entries lost or late by mail delivery. If more than one correct lottery entry is received, the jackpot will be split between the winners. The Banner-News Lottery Jackpot will cap at $10,000 maximum. The judge's decision is final. Must be at least 18 years old to enter. Employees and immediate family of CF Media not eligible.

Mail to: Lottery Banner News 128-C North Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 Name ________________________________ Address ______________________________ City _________________________________ State___________________ Zip __________ Phone _______________________________