Gaston County’s
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The Banner News / banner-news.com
Thursday, May 24, 2018
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Volume 84 • Issue 21
MONDAY, MAY 28TH
• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Local police honor and remember their fallen comrades By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Catawba Heights Baptist Church was the scene last week for the annual Gaston County Law Enforcement Memorial Service. Hundreds of offices and other dignitaries from across the county gathered for a moving and magnificent event honoring their comrades who have fallen in the line of duty. The Mt. Holly Police Department hosted the happening. “I am glad you are all here to join me in remembering these Gaston County officers and their families,” Roper said. Following Roper's remarks, Gaston County police chief Joe Ramey and Gastonia police chief Ron Helton read the Roll of Honor for 19 fallen officers from area departments going all the way back to 1926. The Roll included: Chief Albert Painter, Capt. Marshall Griffie, Chief Orville Aderholt, Deputy W. Aaron Dameron, Officer John Smith, Officer S.C. McKenzie, Officer Bryant Birt, Officer Charlie Murphy, Asst. Chief Lloyd Parton, Officer James English, Trooper Cecil Hoffman, Officer Michael Jenkins, Sgt. Lon Haskett, Officer Randy Pendleton, Officer Johnny Wagner,
Officer M. Terry Lyles, Officer Ronald Davis, Officer John Baker, Capt. Byron Carpenter. Guest speaker was Stephen Brackeen, chaplain of Shelby PD and associate pastor of youth at Bethel Baptist Church. Brackeen's remarks came from his heart of hearts- his brother Tim was a Shelby K9 officer who was shot in the line of duty on Sept. 10, 2016 and died two days later. Pastor Brackeen recalled how his brother's fellow officers helped him heal. “I was welcomed into their brotherhood,” he said. He went on to praise police and their work. “Men and women like you made a pledge to stand in the gap and protect homes,” he said. “Everyone is in your care. Everyone needs you. Your works are good works. We will never forget your devotion to our society. Thank you for all you do.” Another speaker was John Strong with the FBI. “Your work is more important than ever,” Strong told the audience of officers. “Law enforcement is a calling and a feeling inside.” Following the Catawba Heights portion of the day, everyone went to Gaston Me- Mt. Holly police officers Saxon Baker and Ivory Craig place the wreath during last week’s Gaston See FALLEN page 2 County Law Enforcement Memorial Service. Photo by Alan Hodge
Belmont Central Elementary’s Mt. Holly council Carmin Adams is Teacher of the Year greets new employees By Alan Hodge
alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Four employees captured the most prestigious awards presented by Gaston County Schools during the 2018 Evening of Excellence ceremony. The program sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank was held Thursday, May 10 at the Gaston Country Club. Belmont Central Elementary School third grade teacher Carmin Adams was named the Wells Fargo Teacher of the Year and Denise McLean of Highland School of Technology earned the Wells Fargo Principal of the Year recognition. They will represent Gaston County in the regional competitions for 2018-2019. Meghan LeFevers of Bessemer City High School received the Assistant Principal of the Year distinction, and Carrie Minnich, executive director for exceptional children, was chosen as the Central Office Administrator of the Year. As longtime sponsor of the recognition program, Wells Fargo presented
Evening of Excellence award winners (pictured left to right): Board Chairman Kevin Collier; Megan LeFevers, Gaston County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year; Carmin Adams, Gaston County Schools Teacher of the Year; Denise McLean, Gaston County Schools Principal of the Year; Carrie Minnich, Gaston County Schools Central Office Administrator of the Year; and Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker.
As is its wont to do, the Mt. Holly city council took on a varied program of proclamations and public hearings last week. The council recognized several new employees who were introduced by department heads. In the finance and administration section, new workers included Kirk Medlin, Josh Mills, Katie Holland, and Tara Mallory who has been named Deputy City Clerk. Public Works welcomed Jeremy Moss to its ranks. Parks and Rec. added Anne Howard to its staff. Long-time Utilities Dept. employee Charles Rogers had been scheduled for retirement recognition after 29 years, but was unable to attend the meeting. Rogers will be feted at a later date. In recognition of National Peace Officers Memorial Week, mayor Bryan Hough read a proclamation from the City expressing its appreciation for all that officers do. Police Chief Don Roper accepted the proclamation. “The law enforcement officers of Mt. Holly play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the citizens of Mt. Holly,” Hough read. “It is important that all citizens know and understand the problems, duties, and responsibilities of their police department, and that members of our police department recognize theor duty to serve the
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