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Volume 86 • Issue 12
Thursday, March 19, 2020
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24/7 EMERGENCY EYE CARE
Good news for great people! • Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Gaston County declares State of Emergency Gaston County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tracy Philbeck declared a State of Emergency on Sunday, March 15. That declaration includes a mandatory restriction on gatherings of greater than 50 people. County leaders on Thursday, March 12, announced they were strongly urging residents to avoid such gatherings as a means of social distancing measures recommended by health experts to slow the spread of COVID-
19. While the county does not have a presumptive or confirmed case of coronavirus yet, health officials and health care providers are already operating as if the virus is present in the community. “We recognize we’re asking a lot from our residents,” Board Chairman Tracy Philbeck said. “But we simply cannot risk overrunning our health system if we do not take these precautions now. The short-term inconvenience is worth it if it means
we can save lives and lessen this spread of this virus.” Leaders discussed in detail what the mandatory restriction would mean, and carved out exemptions for schools and licensed businesses. The county strongly recommends, however, that those entities do what they can to minimize person-toperson contact; utilize teleworking and split shifts; and be cognizant of the needs of those who are immunocompromised or elderly, as those population groups are par-
ticularly affected. On Sunday, County leaders held a press conference that included remarks from Chairman Philbeck, Rep. John Torbett (R-Gaston County), CaroMont Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Todd Davis, Gaston County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Booker, Gaston County Police Chief Joseph Ramey, District 27A Chief District Court Judge John
Greenlee and Department of Health and Human Services Director Chris Dobbins. Ramey emphasized that in working with police departments from across the county, the goal is to get residents to voluntarily follow the temporary order. Booker said that while the schools are closed for the next two weeks because of Gov. Roy Cooper’s order on Saturday, the district is
already looking at implementing its summer feeding program beginning on Tuesday. He emphasized that the situation is rapidly evolving, and noted the best place for parents and staff to go for upto-date information on school district plans is their website, Gaston.k12.nc.us. Judge Greenlee also noted the historic nature of the See EMERGENCY, Page 9
Belmont Trolley project picking up speed By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
Mae Anthony (center) was recently presented with a special recognition award for her hard work in making the Mt. Holly Historical Society museum a success. She’s seen with MHHS president Richard Browne and vice president Joy Walker. Photo by Alan Hodge
Mt. Holly Historical Society honors Mae Anthony By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
The Mt. Holly Historical Society recently recognized Mae Anthony for her work in helping gather materials that will be used for the church and school rooms in the organization’s museum on S.
Main St. “She was instrumental in helping get pictures of the principals of the Rollins School that will be displayed at a later date,” said MHHS vice president Joy Walker. “She also helped research information on the school.” The Rollins School was
once the location in Mt. Holly where African-America children attended class. If anybody should know about the school it’s Anthony, after all, she was its first secretary. “I worked there from 1961 to 1965,” she said. See WALKER, Page 4
After five years in the works, the Belmont Trolley project is eyeing a bright light at the end of the tunnel. At its most recent meeting, the Belmont city council approved an agreement that will see $60,000 go to Belmont Trolley, Inc. each year over This architectural rendering shows how the Belmont Trolley Barn will a five year span. look when completed. The structure will be off Glenway St. in downtown The first influx of Belmont. cash will be used for design and engineering lease it from the city under ready to install,” he said. work for the $1.2 million, favorable terms.” “The other set of wheels and 4,000 sq. ft. “barn” that will The 1912 trolley is cur- motor are still awaiting rehouse the trolley and also be rently housed in the city’s pair.” a place where special events public work building where Work on the trolley’s can be held as well. Future it is undergoing restoration. wooden exterior and interior funds will go towards actual construction of the building. Belmont Trolley bought the has been helped along by In addition to the public machine in 2015 for $25,000 volunteer labor such as Boy funds from the city, Belmont from a museum in Canada Scouts from Troop 56. The Trolley is also raising private and had it brought to Bel- trolley will use an auxiliary sector money for the project. mont on a flatbed truck in electrical generator pulled “Funding will be 50/50 October of that year. Wells explained what behind the car for propulsion. public-private,” said Belmont According to Wells, no trolley secretary Nate Wells. stage the restoration is curpublic money has been used rently at. “When the building is done, “We have one set of for the car restoration. Belmont Trolley will deed it See TROLLEY, Page 6 back to the city then we will wheels and motor done and
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