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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Council approves steps to boost downtown Belmont

By Alan Hodge

alan.bannernews@gmail.com

At last week's meeting the Belmont city council took some steps to continue boosting the downtown and its adjacent area's appearance.

One of the items on the consent agenda that got the go-ahead was a deal with Bizzell Design to come up with and implement a Main Street banner design. The banners will be placed on streetlights at each of the city's three major districts- Chronicle District, Historic Downtown, and River District. Bizzell's assignment will also include design of a public parking directional banner.

Cost of the design aspect will be around $3,500 with the banners adding $100 each. Bizzell will develop artwork showing how the banners will look, create printing and sewing patterns, and installation instructions. The firm will also select several fabrication companies to bid on the manufacture of the banners. The Main Street Advisory Board will also be involved in the project.

The banners will compliment the attractive and informative wayfinding signs that were erected in town late last year.

The council also approved another idea to spruce up Belmont's central area by giving the full speed ahead to the Main Street Facade Enhancement Program.

The program will allow business owners and nonresidential property owners to apply for a matching grant of up to $2,500 in city funds for the purpose of enhancing the exterior facade of their commercial building in the Main Street District. If a building faces two public rights of way (such as Belmont General Store- N. Main front and Glenway rear), then two grants can be applied for.

The money can be used for things such as masonry repair, repainting, window/door repair/replacement, cleaning of brick and stone wall surfaces, instal- At last week's council meeting the City of Belmont recognized the following businesses for their years of operation- from left: Deborah Goldsmith of Jean's Flowers - 75 years; Brenda Thompson - Bandera's Home Décor lation of awnings, storefront reconstruction, and murals.

10-years; Jeri Lyn Barnes - Jeri Lyn's Consignment Boutique -25 years. see more COUNCIL page 2 Photo by Alan Hodge

Skip Clark hired as Belmont Police Chief Bad weather and other The Belmont city council approved the hiring of the City's new police chief on Monday. H.C. “Skip” Clark began his first day as the Chief of the Belmont Police Department on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. Clark was most recently the police chief in Peachtree City, GA, a city of 35,000 southwest of Atlanta.

“We were impressed with Skip’s background, experience, and dedication to professionalism in policing,” said Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin. “The city council and I look forward to working with Chief Clark and supporting both him and the men and women in our police department.”

Clark was selected from a field of over 65 applicants for the position.

After a thorough selection process, recently retired city manager Barry Webb and Interim City Manager Adrian Miller found Clark to be the right person to lead the department. Under Belmont’s city charter, the city manager recommends the hiring of a department head, and the city council must approve it.

The city council unanimously approved Miller’s recommendation following a closed session discussion during Monday’s city council meeting.

“Our police department has been through a tough time over the past year or so, and I am excited to welcome

factors adding to park cost

By Alan Hodge

alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Bad weather and other unforeseen circumstances have added about $150,000 to the cost of the Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park project.

At last week's meeting of the Belmont council, city engineer Jerry Hatton presented a list of items that have thrown somewhat of a monkey wrench in the park's timeline and bottom line. The end result being Hatton asking for, and getting, the green light to add about 150,000 greenbacks to the job.

“There was really no choice in this matter,” Hatton told the council.

The project's original working budget was $2,350,000. This figure was $40,000 more than the construction budget to cover overruns but due to a variety of reasons this has not proved to be enough wiggle room. see more PARK page 2

H.C. “Skip” Clark Chief Clark as part of our leadership team. He has a record of professionalism and personnel development that will benefit not only our police department, but our overall city staff as well. His commitment to community oriented policing and crime prevention will benefit our great town,” Miller said. “I also want to thank Interim Police Chief Basil Marett for this leadership over the past year. He did an outstanding job not only keeping the department afloat, but moving it in the right direction.”

Mud and more mud has played heck with the construction schedule for Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park.

Photo by Alan Hodge

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our heroes.

For 25 years, the Fisher House Foundation program has provided a "home away from home" for military and veteran families.

Show your support by visiting www.fisherhouse.org This message is provided by Banner-News and PaperChain.

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Page 2

COUNCIL

from page 1

The work has to be completed within a six month time frame. If that criteria is not met, the applicant must give the grant funds back to the city. The minimum grant amount is $500. Funds for the grants are already allocated in the city budget.

Applications should be submitted to the City of Belmont's Downtown Director Shelley DeHart. The Main Street Design Committee will review the application and make a funding recommendation to the Main Street Advisory Committee who will in turn send it on to the city council who will select the applicants and decide how many dollars will be awarded.

Pot holes in Belmont's streets are not only an eyesore but make for a rough ride as well. To help with that aesthetic and travel challenge the city council OKed a resolution to hire a paving company to carry out a road resurfacing campaign with a $1 million budget. The money will come via a loan to be repaid over a five year term.

A total of 52 streets are on the list for total or partial resurfacing.

Advertisement for bids is set for February 26 with bid opening March 28. Subject to Local Government Council approval, the contract could be awarded by April 4 with work to begin June 27 and finished by August 26.

PARK

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Commercial buildings in the downtown Belmont area that front two public rights of way will be able to apply for two Main Street Facade Enhancement grants.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Teamsters retirees meeting

from page 1

The new construction budget amount is $2,500,000. The city has applied for a Duke Energy Water Resources grant of $100,000. If this goes through it will be applied towards the $150,000 increased budget.

A variety of factors led to the increase request. Getting revised building permits from the Gaston County Building Inspection Dept. added $18,336. While grading was going on at the park site, kerosene contaminated soil was found where several houses had once stood. Cost for dealing with that is $34,244. Topographical survey errors at the site added $56,403. This included the removal of more trees than was originally planned for. The discovery of poor soil, especially on the park site that was once old NC7, meant that fill dirt and stones had to be brought in to the tune of $71,127. Discovery and dealing with a drain pipe culvert, concrete headwalls, and an old sewer pipe at the site added $8,932.

“There were a lot of surprises under the ground,” said Hatton.

Administrative costs connected to a delayed construction start and weather related delays tacked on another $22,721 to the cost of the project. Rain, rain, and more rain meant that some areas of the site were washed out and had to be regraded- not to mention the mud that workers have had to contend with.

Playground equipment will be a big part of the park and an additional $10,000 has been added to the budget for that.

On the upside, the city got a $53,132 credit for several aspects of the park build. Thanks to the contractor, a boat landing pier at the portion of the park off Wilkinson Blvd. will be a single floating type rather than a double fixed one. The park restroom building roof will use manufactured trusses rather than “stick built” construction. Also, the building code required the city to have a materials testing firm so that part of the construction contract ($20,000) was eliminated.

Excessive rain like last week's deluge on Wednesday has made keeping building supplies at the Kevin Loftin Riverfront park site dry a challenge.

Photo by Alan Hodge

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At the monthly Teamsters Local 71 Feb. meeting, on Saturday, Feb. 13th at 10:00 am, Congresswoman Alma Adams will address the membership concerning cuts to retirees and active members pensions. In Dec. 2014 a rider was added an attachment to the Federal Omnibus Spending Bill. In essence, this rider stripped away existing pension legislation such as ERISA, which mandated federal oversite of investments to existing multiple employer pension funds. The new legislation was known as the Multiple Employer Pension Relief Act. This new legislation basically allowed the trustee's of pension funds that were considered to be in financial jeopardy to reduce the pensions already earned by retirees.

The Central States Pension Fund, under this new legislation, submitted a pension reduction plan to the Treasury Department stating that the fund at its present rate would become insolvent in ten to fifteen years. Under this revised plan, pensions were slashed from 40% to 65% in most cases. The reasoning behind these cuts was that the fund was paying out $3.00 for every $1.00 that it received from employers. The funds reasoning was that this was the only solution to keep the fund solvent for the near future. These cuts if enacted will be devastating to the retirees involved, as most are of the age that reemployment into the craft is out of the question.

Congresswoman Adams, has been a vocal advocate in the fight to either or amend or repeal this legislation. She is a strong proponent of the KOPPA Bill, which was introduced of May 2015 as an alternative to the legislation signed into law, by the President in December 2014.

All Teamster members, both retired and active are invited to attend this very important meeting at the Union Hall on the 13th of February. If the members have any questions about this meeting or questions concerning the pension situation, they can contact Brad Colesworthy, at 704-460-3971 or by email to colesworthyb@yahoo.com

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Page 3

Local fans take in Superbowl moment

By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com

Well, it's over. The Panther lost to the Denver Broncos 24-10 in Superbowl 50.

But, unless you have been living in a cave you will have noticed that Gaston County was swept up in spectacle that is the Superbowl.

In the last 50 years the Superbowl has turned into an unofficial holiday. The game is usually the most watched program on TV. Each year people gather at the homes of friends and family or go to a local watering hole and have fun. Usually the odds are your favorite team isn't playing in the big game. But that doesn't matter its the Superbowl. On Superbowl Sunday you get a chance to socialize, watch football and argue about which TV commercial was the best, or whether the half time show is a waste of time.

But this year was different. This year the Carolina Panthers were in the big game. And this is Gaston County. That means it's Panther's Country.

And for many local fans this Superbowl was a chance to celebrate being a Panthers fan. The fans, like the team have seen a lot in the 20 years the Panthers have been on the NFL stage. This was going to be big.

Across Eastern Gaston County people were preparing for the game on Sunday afternoon. Stuart Cramer girl basketball coach Carey Pohlman was making meatballs a few hours before kick off. The Pohlmans were entertaining family. A Michigan native and

a die hard Detroit Lions fan, Pohlman was still rooting for the Panthers.

Angela Shirley of Mount Holly updated her Facebook profile pic with a picture of herself decked out in Panthers face paint.

Angela spent Superbowl Sunday at her sister Lisa's house in Belmont.

In North Belmont the Rumfelt family was preparing for a party of their own. Derek Rumfelt is a member of the North Carolina National Guard based out of Charlotte. He has been a Panthers fan from the beginning.

"I've been a Panther fan since their first season in 1995," Rumfelt said. "My dog Jake was named after Jake Delhomme."

The McKinney Sisters, Kathyrn and Stephanie were at a Superbowl party at the home of Rebecca and David Conner. Both sisters love the Panthers about as much as their beloved Red Raiders.

To everyone the game and the atmosphere around the Superbowl means something different.

In the run up to the game there was a lot of talk about band wagon fans. Fans who started to like the Panthers just because they were 17-1 going into the Superbowl.

Some older fans made fun of people sporting new shirts and jerseys. Many older fans even dusted off 20 year old worn out jerseys just to show that they have been there all along. The band wagon controversy was a playful distraction.

Rumfelt summed up the bad wagon mat-

ter like this.

"I've seen a lot of band wagon fans this year and I'm OK with that," Rumfelt added. " The competition, to me, is on the field, not between who's been a fan longer. If you support the Panthers, I'm glad. If you don't, I still do."

As the game got underway it was quickly marked by controversy.

On the Panthers first drive wide receiver Jericho Cotchery made a stunning play trying to catch a pass. Cotchery did his best to pull in the pass. The referees on the field ruled the play an incomplete pass. The Panthers challenged.

Many at home watching the game were sure the play would be reversed. It was not.

To some that play set the tone.

That no- catch and other potential bad calls left a sour taste with some.

"I think the refs were awful, Lisa Shirley said.

As the game wore on the Panther's offense was blistered by a relentless Bronco's defense. For the most part everyone agreed the Bronco's played great defense.

What seemed to frustrate the Panther faithful was the lack of offense output by Carolina. Going into the Superbowl the Panthers were a team that had been lighting up the scoreboard in the last few weeks. But against the Broncos that just didn't happen.

"The offense never performed like the offense we've seen all season." Rumfelt said.

Lisa Shirley summed it up best. "We didn't play like the Panthers," Shirley added.

"Something was off the whole time."

Scoreboard wise the Panthers were still in the game until the closing minutes. It was only then that the Broncos put the finishing touches on a win that would give Peyton Manning his second Superbowl ring.

After the game fans were in a state of shock. It was like you had just watched your little brother get mauled pitching in Little League. The loss was tough to swallow.

But for the most part the die hard fans still support the Panthers. Some band wagon fans may have already jumped off the bus.

Of well, it happens.

Since there is a level of junk talk associated with sports fans of other teams were quick to get their barbs in. But it didn't matter. The Panthers went to the Superbowl.

They have a good team and chances are they will be back.

Derek Rumfelt may have expressed the thoughts of most fans when he said, "I'm not mad, but I'm disappointed. A great season by the Panthers, even with a Superbowl loss.

I'm extremely proud to call myself a Panthers fan.”

On a closing note, that Monkey-Baby thing during the Mountain Dew Kick Start commercial was CREEPY.

Abbey Players to present The Lark Torbet to speak at Stanley museum

The Abbey Players are pleased to announce the third mainstage production of the 2015-16 season: The Lark by Jean Anouilh. The play opens Thursday, February 18th. The

full run is February 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27. All performances are at 8pm.

Directed by Belmont Abbey College Director of Theatre and Associate Professor of

Theatre Simon Donoghue, The Lark will feature a cast of 18 actors performing French dramatist Jean Anouilh’s brilliant interpretation of the life and times of Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc was condemned by the Church after a lengthy trial. She was tried and executed by Frenchman. She confounded those who judged her, and within 30 years of her death, the Church annulled the verdict. Joan’s good name was restored and immediately following WWI, she was formally declared a saint by the Church.

The play is an examination of her as a religious and political figure.”

The Lark features scenic, lighting, and sound design by BAC professor and Technical Director Gary Sivak, and costume design by Resident Cos-

tumer Annamarie Gatto. Stage Manager is Rianna Wontrop.

For more information, please visit www.belmontabbeycollege.edu >About > Theatre Schedule & Tickets, call 704-461-6787, or email AbbeyPlayers@bac.edu. All tickets are $10 and can be purchased on the BAC website or at the door prior to each performance. Reservations are encouraged, but not required for this production.

Cramerton Blackboard Connect Have you been recently been contacted by the Town of Cramerton regarding public safety and community events? If not, then you should contact the Town Clerk at Town Hall (704824-4337) or email wcunningham@cramerton.org so you can be added to Blackboard Connect using your primary phone number and/or e-mail address. If you are receiving messages and would like to be removed from the call list, you may contact Town Hall or visit the Town’s website at www.cramerton. org and click on the Blackboard icon.

Representative John A. Torbett, 108th District, North Carolina House of Representatives, will be the guest speaker at The Brevard Station Museum (next to Town Hall) in downtown Stanley on Thursday February 25th at 6:30 pm. Representative John Torbett is Chairman of the NC Transportation Committee and will share insights on current matters and issues being considered in the North Representative John A. Torbett Carolina General Assembly including the roads and highways of North Carolina and this area. He will discuss the activities and objectives involved in highway maintenance and improvement, funding and appropriations. Torbett has been the primary sponsor of dozens of Bills, including many in the 2015-2016 Session that relate to a variety of topics such as unmanned aircraft, foster care, school health assessment, and much more. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers. Torbett resides in Stanley and is serving his third term as Legislator in the NC House of Representatives. The 108th District encompasses I–85 from Belmont to Rt. 321 and includes the towns of Stanley, Ranlo, Lowell, McAdenville, Mt. Holly, and parts of Belmont and Gastonia. The Brevard Station Museum, at 112 S. Main Street in Stanley, has recently been updated with many new displays featuring the history of the Town of Stanley. The presentation will include free refreshments and everyone is invited to attend.

Opinions...

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Page 4

Iowa Caucus, reminds me of Groundhog Day

By Glenn Mollette

I have watched the movie titled Groundhog Day with actor Bill Murray. Looking back I'm wondering if that movie was about the Iowa Caucus. The caucus just keeps coming back and back and it seems we just can't escape the Iowa Caucus.

Groundhog Day is coming and the best news about the annual holiday is that the Iowa Caucus will be over! There is a bad rumor though that if the groundhog sees his shadow we will have six more weeks of Iowa!

I know Iowa is a great state with great people but why must our country be pounded with the ongoing onslaught of Iowa, Iowa and more Iowa Caucus? Personally, I'm sick of hearing about the Iowa Caucus. CNN and Fox news starting talking about the Iowa Caucus over a year ago and for the last six months it seems Iowa has been mentioned every day.

I get it. Iowa is the first rung on the ladder to the Presidency. Candidates who miss this rung have further to step up to New Hampshire and with a little less momentum.

Although it appears Donald Trump could lose both caucuses and still be the Republican nominee, he isn't taking any chances. Iowa is being treated to about as much Trump as they can probably stand.

Past Presidents have gladly taken Iowa and then moved on with the wind behind their march to victory. You remember George W. Bush in 2000 and Barack Obama in 2008.

However, winning Iowa has not always been the answer. John Kerry won the caucus in 2004. Robert Dole won it in 1988. Rick Santorum won Iowa in 2012 and it led to nothing except a life of more campaigning, raising money and speaking to hamburger joint crowds who are killing time before their next doctors' appointments.

Mike Huckabee won Iowa and had a lot of momentum in 2008. Unfortunately, Iowans hardly know who he is as he moves along in his RV speaking to crowds that he could almost assemble in an old fashioned telephone booth, if anybody remembers what those were. I actually thought Huckabee would do a little better than he is doing. He had a national television program on Fox that aired on prime Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Iowans and apparently few others were paying attention to his program, or maybe they were.

I started to say I feel sorry for Huckabee, Santorum, Rand Paul, Chris Christie and Martin O' Malley and others but I don't. I feel sorry for the people in Iowa. The good people in Iowa can't go to the local Dairy Queen without having a political candidate staring at them or trying to shake hands. I would say the people of Iowa might be more tired of the Iowa Caucus than most Americans. At least we can turn off the television.

They can't step for politicians and media people.

Groundhog Day is coming Iowa. When the day finally comes they will all be gone.

Rest awhile and reclaim your lives because unfortunately in two years we will have to go through the caucus again and then again and then again. Now, I'm starting to understand a little more what Bill Murray's character was going through in the movie Groundhog Day.

Yours, Ours, Others

Thursday, February 11, 2016

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hur s, there can be no more hur , only more love.

--Mother Teresa

MY OPINION...

Observations of the great and mysterious Al Haj

Everyone knows what is said about opinions.

Here are some from that Mysterious Seer of the Universe Al Haj. Just when you have a few dollars stuck back your car will need a repair.

Gravity has a huge and unattractive effect on the human body.

If you are eating at a restaurant and look out the window you will see someone expectorating in the parking lot.

Most things you worry about will not happen at least in the way you thought they would.

The ones who clamor for war are not the ones who have to go do the shooting or get shot at.

Everything costs too much these days.

Texting or talking on the phone while driving is just as dangerous as being DUI. Most people don't know their family history any further back than their grandparents.

Fast food hamburgers used to cost 15 cents, now they are five bucks.

Reality TV shows are staged and scripted.

Every American should attend a large-scale Civil War battle reenactment.

There's a lot to learn in old graveyards.

It is impossible for the owner to even change the spark plugs in a modern car.

Worshiping pro athletes as demigods is questionable.

Do not abuse your body...or anyone else's body either.

Try to get out in the woods or a field or to a lake or river as often as you can, maybe take up birdwatching.

Don't go over your head in debt for toys or a house or a vehicle- excess debt can be very stressful.

You don't need everything you see advertised on TV. Don't make fun of a product you see adver-

tised on TV because one day you might have to buy a tube of it.

The older you get the Alan Hodge faster time goes by ex- Banner-News Editor cept when you are waiting in the drive thru line.

Without good health all the money and possessions in the world are worthless.

Try to get as much sleep as you can.

All generations try to shock the preceding one in some way, shape, or form.

It would be nice to be able to fly like a bird.

A flying broomstick would be fun too.

Try to visit at least one foreign nation before you die.

People who mistreat kids should be flogged in public.

Not everyone loves your yapping dog as much as you do.

The best school cafeteria lunch was a grilled cheese sandwich and soup made from leftover vegetables.

It would be great to be able to travel in time to any period you wanted to.

Flying solo in an airplane and looking down at the cars creeping like ants puts things in perspective.

It is easier to gain weight than to lose it.

Your doctor's phalange will feel larger than it appears.

Even a blind squirrel will find a nut now and then.

Man is drawn to the ocean and the sky, two things that he cannot control.

Try not to let dreams upset you because they are like smoke, gone when you wake up.

Bacon is the most popular food in the world.

God is watching us from a distance- but closer than you think and His patience is probably wearing pretty thin right about now.

If only the Patriots had won the AFC playoffs

By Tony Marciano You remember the blizzard of 2016 – 1 ¼ inches of snow.

Schools were shut down. We all stayed home (we’ll find any snow excuse to stay home). Sunday we had to stay home. The AFC playoffs with Denver vs. New England determined who we played in the Super Bowl (how’s that for confidence).

We had out of town guests from Maine visiting us during the games. We both wanted the Patriots to win. He wanted his “home” team to win the AFC playoff. I wanted them to play the Panthers in the Super Bowl where we would beat them. You know the score. They lost. Denver is going to the Super Bowl.

My guests had no interest whether my home team won or lost. Their beloved Patriots had lost. While watching the Panthers / Cardinal game, they announced they wanted to watch “Downton Abbey”. We would flip back and forth between commercials to see how the plot was doing. I suggested they go to my mother’s side of the house and watch their show so I could watch the Panthers beat the Cardinals. This was a “winwin” situation until my wife called us for dinner. My wife made homemade manicotti (pronounced “man” “e” “gaught” “a”). Since there were so many of us, we decided to eat on

my mother’s side. There we were at her dining room table.

Behind my mother was the TV. On her set was “Downton Abbey”. I couldn’t win.

I hurriedly ate and said I had to go back on my side of the house to watch the Panthers game. When half time was over, the sports announcer made some crude comment how the Panthers don’t do well in the 2nd half of a game. He kept talking about how wonderful the Cardinal quarterback was and this was going to be his chance to shine. I didn’t hear that much about Cam. While they watched “Downton Abbey”, I had the pleasure of watching the Panthers disprove that announcer. In fact, we went so far as to put our backup quarter back into the game for the last few moments of play.

All season long, I sensed that the announcers had a hard time saying something positive about the Panthers. When we were 4-0, they said if we lost that game, then all the other games were just “dumb” luck. If we had Aaron Rodgers or Peyton Manning, they would have talked about us. But, we were the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, NC. Is that near Charleston, SC or was it Charlottesville, VA.?

Phone 704-825-0580 Fax 704-825-0894 Office: 128-C N Main St. Belmont • NC Published every Thursday • Periodicals postage at Belmont, NC 28012 USPS 049-700 by CF Media Postmaster send address changes to: PO Box 769, Kings Mountain NC 28086 Annual mail subscription rates. Prices include 6.75% NC State Sales Tax Gaston & Cleveland Counties $30 • Other NC Counties $35 • Outside NC $50 Free online subscriptions by request.

Alan Hodge - Editor

Every day, I live with the same dilemma of being misunderstood. I work with drug addicts and alcoholics – men and women who society sees as outcast. Some might say they are “drunks”. They’ve never held down a steady job, always caused family problems and cost all of us too much financially as a society.

Just like the Panthers, no one really talks about the residents of the Rescue Mission in a positive way. In reality, they are very bright, intelligent and funny. Prior to the Mission they are misunderstood. They complete our recovery programs and become fathers and mothers to their children.

They are the sons and daughters parents are proud to show off.

They learn they are loved. God deeply loves them and wants the very best for them.

I felt the Panthers were misunderstood all season long. I witnessed the sports announcers not giving them credit for being a really good team. It bothered me but I understood.

The men and women I serve every day are also misunderstood, except by God. Published by

alan.bannernews@gmail.com

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Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin and US Representative Patrick McHenry are seen holding a $2,206,490 Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) check Belmont will use to rehabilitate the city’s aging sewer lines in some of the older mill villages. CWSRF was established by the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA) as a financial assistance program for a wide range of water infrastructure projects. The program is a partnership between EPA and the states that replaced EPA's Construction Grants program. States have the flexibility to fund a range of projects that address their highest priority water quality needs.This loan leverages both federal (CWA) and state (North Carolina Water Infrastructure Fund) funds.

Photo by Alan Hodge

The Birdhouse Salon and Boutique in Stanley combines complete hair styling services in a showplace for hand-crafted creations by area artists. The grand-opening ribbon-cutting for this new business was held recently at 507 N. Main Street in Stanley. Jessi McGinnis, owner of The Birdhouse Salon and Boutique has been a hair stylist for nearly twelve years. She graduated from Paul Mitchell-The School in Gastonia. She is also a jewelry designer for Lucky Hound Designs which is one of the vendors at the The Birdhouse Salon and Boutique. More information about the artists who have products on display at The Birdhouse Salon and Boutique can be found by searching the internet and Facebook where many additional examples of their artistry can be seen. Becky Warren, business partner, manages the store and is a vendor for Sunshine Artistry (homemade soaps, scrubs and lotions. Other vendors are: Ursmob by Ursula Reed (crochet and sewn goods); The Fancy Tulip by Crystal Rathbone (vinyl decals); A Place To Land Studios by Andrea Noles (hand lettering and art). Andrea Noles also has her own studio featuring art classes in Belmont; Lottie-Da by Glenda Mauney and Teresa Devine (home decor and gifts); Hometown Creations by Amy Sturgill (handmade wreaths and table settings); and Moore Couture 4u by Tara Moore (hand sewn crafts, clutches, pocket books, pillow wraps and more). The Birdhouse also offers a variety of wooden signs. The Birdhouse Salon and Boutique is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Noon to 5 pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 am to 5pm. Saturday hours are from 9 am to 12 noon. The Birdhouse Salon and Boutique is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Salon appointments including after-hours scheduling can be made by calling 704-860-9262. Jessi McGinnis says “The Birdhouse Salon and Boutique is a relaxing place for salon customers and an opportunity for local artists to make money for their families.

The unique handmade items make thoughtful gifts for all occasions.”

Pictured: L to R: Ursula Reed; Gary McGinnis; Mike Reed; Becky Warren; Partner in The Birdhouse,Terry McGinnis; Jessi McGinnis, Owner of The Birdhouse; Glenda Mauney; Marilyn Michael, President of SABA Stanley Area Business Association; and Cathy Kirkland, Stanley Town Councilwoman.

Jim Flanders photo

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 6

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Obituaries

Archie Walton Dixon Belmont, NC - Archie Walton Dixon, 88, passed away January 30, 2016 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. He was born January 18, 1928 in Mecklenburg County, a son of the late Archie Holland and Laura Elmore Dixon.

Archie was a veteran of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division and a long-time member of New Hope Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tim S. and Connie Dixon of Mt. Holly; brother, Doug Dixon and his wife, Ann of Clover, SC; grandchildren, Archie W. Dixon II of Mt. Holly, Sonya Sieveking and husband Andrew of Mason, OH: great grandchildren, Sophie and Ethan and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Archie was preceded in death by his wife, Delores

Annette Huggins, who he adored; son, Robert "Bobby D" Earl Dixon; granddaughter, Spencer Alexis Dixon; brothers, Robert Earl and Holland "Buck" Dixon.

A graveside service was held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, February 6, 2016 at New Hope Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Rev. John Pruitt officiating. The family received friends after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.

McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Dixon family. www.mcleanfuneral.com

Otis Emery Martin Gastonia – Otis Emery Martin, 81, passed away on January 31, 2016 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center.

He was born in McDowell County, NC on July 18, 1934 to the late Annie Hagie and

Grady Jason Martin.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Bill, Arzola, Shelby, Margaret and Clarence.

Otis was a member of South Point Baptist Church of more than 40 years where he was very active during that time. He was known for his “green thumb” in his garden and he loved flowers. He loved to cook and made the best ribs ever! Otis never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with a smile. Otis was a veteran of the US Air Force and later worked in Textiles most of his life. He later worked at Food Lion after retirement. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather that will be missed greatly!

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Frances Simpson Martin; children; Michael Emery Martin (Tracy); Belinda Martin Finchum and grandson Joshua Emery Martin; and his main companion his dog “Rowdy” Numerous nieces and nephews Celebration of Life Service was held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 4th at South Point Baptist Church, 124 Horsley Avenue, Belmont, NC with Dr. Jimmy Hilton officiating.

Visitation was one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South Point Baptist Church, 124

Fellowship & Faith

Church Service Directory Chapel Baptist Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-5526 Community Christian Fellowship 2560 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-5881 Covenant United Methodist 110 Underwood Dr. 704-820-0603 Family Worship Center 1013 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-7656 First Baptist Church-Mt. Holly 300 S. Main St. 704-827-2481

La Roca Iglesia De Rios Church Street Belmont • NC

MT. HOLLY Bethel Baptist Church NC Highway 273 704-827-9846 Burge Memorial Methodist Church 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

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

Horsley Avenue, Belmont, NC 28012 and/or Gaston Hospice, Post Office Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054 Interment will be private Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 864-5144 is serving the Family.

Waddell Hunt Queen Belmont, NC - Waddell Hunt Queen, 91, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2016 at the Robin Johnson House.

He was born in Rutherfordton, NC and was the son of the late Vernon William and Maggie Martin Queen.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers, Reverend Ellard Queen and Vernon W. Queen, Jr., and sister Francis Edwards.

Waddell was a veteran of

the US Navy and later worked in amusement parks his entire career.

Survivors include his niece Karen Wilson of Mt. Holly; brother, W.T. Queen of Gastonia; sisters, Helen Queen Neagle of Lake Wylie, SC; and Barbara Queen Starnes of Clemmons, NC. Services will be private and at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Robin Johnson House, c/o Gaston Hospice, Post Office Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.

Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia 704-864-5144 is serving the Family.

January 28, 2016. He was born in Mecklenburg County, son of Jerry Wayne Oglesby, Sr. and Barbara Funderburk Oglesby. Mr. Oglesby worked as a master welder for Ed Wallace Construction.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Crystal Mechelle Oglesby; four sons, Patrick Wayne Oglesby of Catawba, NC, Jeremy Matthew Webber and Philip B. Grogan both of Anderson, SC, and Kenneth W. Grogan and companion Britni of Mount Holly; his sisters, Kathy Denise Oglesby, Linda Haynes and husband, Dan, and Dee Yarborough all of Belmont; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Oglesby was held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Lighthouse Full Gospel Church, Mount Holly, with Reverend Herman Winkler officiating. The family received friends from 2-4:00 pm on Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Mooresville Church of God, 520 E Brawley Ave, Mooresville, NC 28115 or to Lighthouse Full Gospel Church, 513 North Hawthorne Street, Mount Holly, NC 28120.

Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org.

Mount Holly, NC - Jerry Woodlawn Funeral Home Wayne Oglesby, Jr., age 49, of Mount Holly is serving the passed away on Thursday, family.

Jerry Wayne Oglesby, Jr.

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

Mt. Holly Noles Baptist Church Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-2013

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

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

Mt. Holly Pentecostal Holiness 406 Scott St. 704-827-8201

Springfield Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-820-0193

Harvest Time Church of God 707 Westland Farm Rd. 704-822-8033

Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 339 S. Hawthorne St. 704-827-4320

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

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

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

Jehovah’s Witnesses 1736 Kelly Rd. 704-263-0199

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

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

Lighthouse Full Gospel Church 530 N. Hawthorne St. 704-827-1442

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

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

Way of the Cross Baptist Church 238 Lanier Ave. 704-827-8111

Restoration & Deliverance 804 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-820-0954

Wesley Chapel Holiness Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-1993

Living Witness Ministries 541 Costner St. 704-827-0004 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751

Revival Tabernacle of Mt. Holly 826 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-2999

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

Ridgeview Baptist Church 105 Pine Rd. 704-827-3856

Mt. Holly Church of God 208 Rankin Ave. 704-827-8596

Second Baptist Church 740 Rankin Ave. 704-827-5181

Westview Presbyterian Church 1020 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-2026

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Page 7

Obituaries

Blair Eugene “Bull” McManus Charlotte, NC - Blair Eugene “Bull” McManus, passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at his home. He was born in Gaston County, son of the late Thomas Lee McManus, Sr. and Ruth Caldwell McManus. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Lawing; and two brothers, Thomas Lee McManus, Jr. and Samuel McManus. He was U.S. Navy WWII combat veteran and worked as a pipe fitter throughout his life. He was a boxer and an avid outdoorsman who loved nature and enjoyed spending time gardening and fishing. Most of all, he was a loving and caring father and grandfather.

Mr. McManus is survived by his five children, Gary McManus and wife, Sheila and Rick McManus and wife, Pat, all of Mount Holly, Jeff McManus of Charlotte, Gilda Hood of Stanley and Trudy Wilson of Belmont; a sister, Ludi McGinnis and husband,

Don of Gastonia; two brothers, Jerry McManus and wife, Kay of Gastonia and James McManus and wife, Jan of Murrells Inlet, SC; ten grandchildren, Lav McManus, JoBeth McGee, Gene McManus, Ruth McManus, Shannon Trantham, Shayne McManus, Justin McManus, Cheyenne Cowart, Hannah Wilson and Samuel Wilson; thirteen great-grandchildren, Caroline McManus, Boone McManus, Easton McGee, Rawlings McGee, Daman McManus, Keara McManus, Austin McManus, Kayle McManus, Michale Fuller, Zake Fuller, Dillion Fuller, Aurora Cowart and Paisley Cowart; his soul-mate of 73 years, Polly Stack; and lifelong friend, Burl Davis.

A service to celebrate the life of Mr. McManus was held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly with Reverend James McManus officiating. Burial followed, with military honors by the Gaston County Honor Guard, at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends from 12:30 until 2:00 on Wednesday at the funeral home and at other times at the home of Gary McManus, 314 Dutchman Drive, Mount Holly, NC 28120. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army by visiting www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org.

Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly served the family.

Sole Patrol director Cheri Love and Karen Fox hoisted a Keep Pounding poster at the Tuck Center.

Photos by Alan Hodge

Creating Memories With Dignity & Respect

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Mt. Holly Parks and Rec. Sole Patrol members held a Panther’s party last Friday morning and sported their team togs. The Panthers lost 24-10.

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Cramerton Eagle Scout service project Eagle Scout Michael Cloninger has placed flag depository boxes at Cramerton Town Hall and the Parks and Recreation C.B. Huss Sports Complex. Worn or damaged U.S. flags or North Carolina State flags will be collected until the end of February.

Burge Memorial UMC Princess Closet On April 2, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. – 4:00p.m., at Burge Memorial United Methodist Church in Mt. Holly there will be a day for young ladies to come and try on prom dresses; also, alterations will be done onsite free of charge. A drawing will be held for three gift cards for young ladies to receive manicures and pedicures also, a drawing for a designer handbag. There will also be refreshments and gifts for all the young ladies on this special day. Please call for more details and make an appointment by calling Deneen Isles 704-441-1904 , Shante McClain 704-884-5766 or Crystal Connor 704-773-8019. (TransportaSole Patrol members stopped long enough during their brunch to do the “dab”. tion will be provided if needed).

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 8

Thursday, February 11, 2016

The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce 56th annual banquet The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce 56th annual banquet was held last Thursday and packed the Mt. Holly Municpal Complex with merrymakers. Here are some scenes from the gala affair.

Montcross Chamber directors and officers filled the stage at the 56th annual banquet.

Photos by Alan Hodge

Lowell Mayor Sandy Riley and husband Ken were having a great time at the event.

Art Shoemaker received the Harley B. Gaston Jr. Public Service Award from Shannon Thomas, Creative Solutions Special Events.

Elaine Lyerly (left) of the Lyerly Agency and friend Elyn Sykes Dortch with Wells Fargo made a great photo at the banquet.

Pharr Yarns had a great turnout of representatives at the banquet.

Montcross Chamber 2015 board chair Melia Lyerly passed the gavel to incoming chair Walter Payne.

Mt. Holly councilmember Jeff Meadows (left) and Belmont councilmember Richard Turner shared some municipal musings at the banquet.

Melia Lyerly is seen with balloons representing how many members the Montcross Chamber now has.

Bill Ingram (left) with Wells Fargo presented Bill Carstarphen, Pharr Yarns, with the Business of the Year Award.

Mt. Holly councilmember Carolyn Breyare and daughter Carrie Bailey enjoyed the evening.

Robbie and Carolina Delaney (left) from Muddy River River Distillery received the EPIC award at the banquet from Timothy Roberts, Cottage Keepers.

Carol Wilson from Ameristar and friend David Robinson, Withers and Whisnant Funeral, met up at the banquet.

Angie Heafner, husband Duane Heafner (BannerNews ops mgr.), Montcross Chamber president Ted Hall, and Belmont mayor Charlie Martin were getting ready for some fun at the banquet.

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Page 9

Banner-News School Happenings Thomas named Scholar Athlete Commissioners’ School of Sierra Thomas of Dallas, NC was recognized as a Hurricane Scholar Athlete in a recent ceremony at Louisburg College.

At the beginning of each spring semester, Louisburg College recognizes athletes who achieved high levels of academic success during the previous year. On January 27, 2016 the College recognized over 130 students during the Hurricane Scholar Athletes Awards Ceremony in the Roger G. Taylor Athletic Center.

Scholar athletes were recognized at the ceremony for their academic achievement during the Spring 2015 and/or Fall 2015 semester.

78 scholar athletes received a Bronze medal, awarded to those who earned a GPA between

3.00 and 3.49; 57 scholar athletes received a Silver medal, awarded to those who earned a GPA between 3.50 and 3.99; and 28 scholar athletes received a Gold medal, awarded to those who earned a perfect 4.00 GPA. Louisburg College congratulates each one of these students for their excellence as an athlete and for their academic merit.

Related by faith to The United Methodist Church, Louisburg College is the oldest twoyear residential college in the nation, and the only one in North Carolina. With a student body of 700 students, over 90 percent of Louisburg graduates continue their education at four-year schools. Learn more at www.louisburg.edu.

Excellence accepting applications The James S. Forrester Commissioners’ School of Excellence (CSE) is accepting applications for the summer enrichment program.

The application submission window is open now through February 12, 2016 – each high school determines its application deadline.

CSE is a unique, twoweek summer residential learning experience for ris-

IT'S TIME TO PLAY THE

ing tenth graders in Gaston County. This year’s program at Belmont Abbey College will be held during two separate weeks, June 12-17 and June 27 - July 1, with a break the week of June 19.

The goal of CSE is to provide students an opportunity to focus on leadership and thus prepare them to assume immediate roles as high school leaders and future roles as leaders in Gaston County.

CSE participants have an opportunity to attend seminars, take field trips, work with community leaders, hear renowned guest speakers, participate in a variety of performances, and enjoy many other experiences. Lessons and activities concentrate on problem-solving, teamwork, communication skills, and community service.

Sixty students are chosen from across the county based

on academic performance, extracurricular activities (school and community), leadership potential, selfmotivation, and written expression. There is no cost to students who are selected to attend CSE. The James S. Forrester Commissioners’ School of Excellence is funded by the Gaston County Commissioners and operated by Gaston County Schools in cooperation with local colleges. It is named for the late Senator James S. Forrester, who was an adamant supporter of the school and helped to ensure its early success.

Current ninth grade students who are interested in the program should see their high school guidance counselor for an application or e-mail Lori Collins at lwcollins@gaston.k12. nc.us or Bridget Matzke at bsmatzke@gaston.k12.nc.us.

LOTTERY

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JACKPOT Board member Last week's lottery numbers were drawn by Kenny Rollins of Rollins Union 76 Service Station located at 822 Woodlawn St., Belmont, NC. The winning numbers were 34, 14 & 4. No ballot with the correct three numbers drawn was received. However, two entries guessed two of the three numbers. The jackpot will increase to $2,300. Make sure you have your entry in by the deadline at 9am on Monday for your chance to win!

THE BANNER NEWS LOTTERY Numbers will be drawn each Monday Morning.

Look in next week's Banner-News for the 3 WINNING NUMBERS! Jackpot increases $50 each week until won, then a new jackpot will begin at $50.

PICK YOUR FAVORITE 3 NUMBERS

ENTER! The Ban ner News Lottery is this simple!

Forest Heights Elementary recently welcomed Gaston County Board of Education member Dot Cherry to one of their fourth grade classrooms, where she observed students working on their Chromebooks.

Gaston Schools photo

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.

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 judge's decision is final. Must be at least 18 years old to enter. Employees and immediate family of CF Media not eligible.

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Mail to: Lottery C/O Banner News P.O. Box 589, Belmont, NC 28012 Name ________________________________ Address ______________________________ City _________________________________ State___________________ Zip __________ Phone _______________________________

Need to sell it in the Classified?

Call Kathy Today!

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 10

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Banner-News School Happenings

Gaston College Program wins prestigious Award Gaston College was announced this week as one of the winners of the 23rd annual Bellwether Awards at the annual policy summit of the 2016 Community College Futures Assembly in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The summit showcased competitively-selected leading-edge programs in community college practice worthy of replicating.

The Gaston College program, “It All Begins with a SPARC3: The Power of Inquiry and Undergraduate Research at the Community College,” won in the Instructional Programs & Services (IPS) category. The IPS category recognizes programs or activities that have been designed and successfully implemented to foster or support teaching and learning in the community college. The SPARC3 (STEM Persistence and Retention through Curriculum, Cohort, and Centralization) initiative was developed to ignite student curiosity and prepare future Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) professionals for success in an evolving work environment.

The other 2016 Bellwether Award winners are Central Community College in Nebraska in the Planning, Governance, and Finance (PGF) category, and Alamo Colleges in Texas in the Workforce Development (WD) category.

In the January 26 announcement, Dale F. Campbell, Professor and Director of the Community Colleges Futures Assembly and Institute of Higher Education, said, “In more than 1,200 national community colleges this is one of the highest honors an institute can receive. The awards are similar to being selected by your peers, comparable to the Oscar or Emmy Award.”

“It All Begins with a SPARC3: The Power of Inquiry and Undergraduate Research at the Community College” was among 1,000 programs that were nominated for the 2016 Bellwether Award. Thirty finalists, 10 in each category, were selected from the 200 applications received. The application submitted by Gaston College described the SPARC3 initiative from its inception in 2009 and documented its goals, challenges and successes, including receiving a grant from the National Science Foundation to help build the program, the dramatic 197 percent increase in Gaston College’s Associate of Science program since the start of the SPARC3

(Left to right) Dr. Dale Campbell, Director of the Community College Leadership Consortium & Futures Assembly, Gaston College student Chelsey King, Gaston College student Madison Staves, James Smith, Chair, Gaston College Board of Trustees, Gaston College, Dr. Patricia Skinner, President of Gaston College, Gaston College student Janna Stover, Ashley Hagler, Program Coordinator and Biology Instructor, Gaston College, Heather Woodson, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Gaston College, Dr. Melissa Armstrong, Chair, Science and Mathematics and Chemistry Instructor, and Dr. Amy Fugate, president of the National Council of Instructional Administrators. initiative, and the College’s certification by the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Science Education—one of only two community colleges in the nation to have earned this certification.

Heather Woodson, Dean of the Gaston College Arts and Sciences division, spearheads the SPARC3initiative with Ashley Hagler, SPARC3 Director, and Dr. Melissa Armstrong, Science and Math Chair. The team submitted the application for the award and was notified in November 2015 that the program was a finalist. “By winning the award in our category,” said Woodson, “the SPARC3initiative has been recognized for its innovation and is considered a model to begin similar programs in other community colleges across the United States.”

Woodson, Hagler, Armstrong, Gaston College president Dr. Patricia Skinner, and Gaston College board of trustees chair, James Smith, along with three students, Janna Stover, Chelsey King, and Madison Staves, presented the SPARC3 program at the Community College Futures Assembly in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on January 25. That evening, they and other finalists were honored at the Bellwether Finalists Awards reception and the award winners were announced the next day.

“We are just ecstatic to win the Bellwether Award,” said Dr. Patricia Skinner, president of Gaston College. “I was thrilled for us just to be selected among the 10 national finalists, but to actually win this prestigious award is a real honor.

I am so very proud of all the faculty, staff and students who worked on the SPARC3 program for us achieve this award.”

“The SPARC3 initiative has had a profound positive effect on our campus,” said Woodson. “It has truly been an honor for our group to be recognized on the national stage, but the real winners are the students who benefit from this innovative initiative at Gaston College.”

Gaston College is one of only three N.C. community colleges to have won the Bellwether Award since the award’s inception in 1995. Wake Technical Community College won in 2014 in the PGF category, and Blue Ridge Community College won in 2004 in the IPS category. “Leaders of past winning programs have obtained ‘free agency’ status through the demonstrated results their programs have made,” said Campbell. “They also receive thousands of phone calls and hundreds of visits to help others replicate the success of their program in other community colleges and institutions.”

York Chester Middle School mentoring program produces success In the classroom, it’s usually the numbers and letters that matter. But there’s more to success than test scores or grade point average as Tammy Hubbard has seen in her 17 years as school counselor at York Chester Middle.

Success can’t always be counted or graded, she explains, which is why she spends time recruiting and developing mentors for her students through the Gaston County Schools mentoring program.

“I see just small things, but the small things are what excite me,” she said. “I get really tickled when students come to the front office to meet their mentor and they have that big smile.”

Hubbard sees success in those small things: a student’s smile, their new motivation to come to class, or their growing selfconfidence as they learn to shake hands with and introduce themselves to an adult.

The Gaston County Schools mentoring program matches adult volunteers from the community with students in elementary, middle or high school. Through informal weekly lunch meetings or game time, the mentor provides the student with a supportive relationship and role model.

In Hubbard’s first year as counselor, only one mentor was volunteering at York Chester. But every year since then, Hubbard has recruited anywhere from 15 to 20 or more mentors. This year, she has 24.

Many of those come from First A.R.P.

Church of Gastonia, right down the street, where pastor Matt Kuiken has encouraged his congregation to volunteer. Kuiken himself has had a mentee at York Chester for the past four years. He emphasizes that mentoring is simple.

“Adults might be intimidated by the idea, but it doesn’t take a whole lot of talent or ability, just a willingness to show up and get involved and to communicate value to this young person,” Kuiken said.

Walt Windley, another volunteer mentor at York Chester, sees mentoring as a small investment of time that will make a big difference in the long run. Having grown up in Gastonia, he recognizes how many people invested in him, serving as informal mentors.

“As an adult, to be able to give back and invest in the community myself, that’s really appealing,” he said.

And those small investments pay off on a weekly basis for Kezhon Boulware, Windley’s mentee.

“To me, he’s fun. I can tell he loves me,” Kezhon says. “For me, growing up. I never had a dad. He’s like a father figure to me.”

Amy Higginbotham, York Chester Middle’s Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017, said she has seen first-hand the benefits that mentors provide. To succeed in the classroom, she explained, students need a balanced learning environment, with support at school, at home, and in the community.

“I definitely think a mentor fills that need

York Chester Middle School held a mentor appreciation luncheon on Thursday, January 28.

During the luncheon, each mentor received a special handwritten thank you note from their mentee. The event gave the school an opportunity to celebrate the success of its mentoring program and recognize the volunteers who give of their time to serve as mentors.

Gaston Schools photo in a student’s life,” she said. “A mentor helps to bring their learning into a whole unit that helps them be more successful. You just see an overall improvement in their self-expression and willingness to come prepared, to set goals.”

Hubbard said mentors often ask her whether they are making a difference in their student’s grades, but she encourages them to take a broader perspective, and keep looking for success in the small things.

“Sometimes, all a student really needs is someone to believe in them,” she said.

Become a mentor Adults wishing to volunteer as a mentor should contact the Business and Community Partnerships Office by calling (704) 8666329. Mentors may serve at the school of their choice. The next mentor training session is February 17.

Submitted by Gaston Schools

Thursday, February 11, 2016

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2016 Miss South Point pageant announced South Point High School will hold its annual Miss South Point Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 7:00pm in the Gerald Cortner Auditorium at the school. Tickets are available in the school office for $8 (adults) and $4 (children), and will be on sale at the door on the night of the pageant.

The pageant will be hosted

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teacher at South Point, and Miss Hannah King, the reigning Miss South Point.

Contes- Lauren Andrews tants in this year’s pageant are: Lauren Andrews, a senior, who is the daughter of Julie and Brian An- Carolina Aragon-Cortez drews. Lauren’s talent presentation will be a vocal performance.

Carolina AragonCortez, Kayla Booth a junior, who is the daughter of Gloria Cortez Antonio and Humberto Aragon Chavez.

Carolina’s talent pre- Madison Canterberry sentation will be a color guard performance.

Kayla Booth, a junior, who is the Emily Davis daughter of Angela Hancock and Gary B o o t h .

Kayla’s talent presentation will be a vocal perforChristina Jade Harris mance.

Madison Canterberry, a senior, who is the daughter of Melissa and Anthony Can- Victoria Harris terberry.

Madison’s talent presentation will be a jazz dance performance.

Emily Davis, a junior, who is the daughter of Lisa and Eric Davis. Emily’s talent presentation will be a lyrical dance performance.

Christina Jade Harris, a junior, who is the daughter of Xyeani Harris. Christina’s talent presentation will be a vocal performance.

Victoria Harris, a junior, who is the daughter of Jeanne and Kevin Harris. Victoria’s talent presentation will be a lyrical dance performance.

Hannah Keel, a junior,

who is the daughter of Grace and Griffin Keel.

Hannah’s presentation will be Hannah Keel a vocal performance.

Blaire Reagan, a junior, who is the daughter of Jeani and Kelvin R e a g a n . Blaire Reagan Blaire’s talent presentation will be a lyrical dance performance.

Samantha Russell, Samantha Russell a junior, who is the daughter of Donna and Matt Russell. Samantha’s talent presentation Maya Sadler will be a jazz dance performance.

Maya Sadler, a junior, who is the daughter of Cynthia Elizabeth Sauser and Victor Sadler.

Maya’s talent presentation will be a tap dance performance.

E l i z a - Jordyn Scheitler beth Sauser, a junior, who is the daughter of Nancy and Richard Sauser.

Elizabeth’s Christie Stuckey talent presentation will be a piano and vocal performance.

Jordyn Scheitler, a junior, who is the daughter of Marlo and John Scheitler. Jordyn’s talent presentation will be a piano performance.

Christie Stuckey, a senior, who is the daughter of Wendi and Chris Stuckey. Christie’s talent presentation will be a lyrical dance performance.

Contestants will compete in the areas of interview, talent presentation, fashion wear, and evening wear.

Over $12,000 will be awarded in scholarship money.

Page 12

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

‘Bring Spring 5k’ set for April 16 The MICS Bring Spring 5K will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 on the campus of Mountain Island Charter School located in Mount Holly. This is just the start of a fun-filled day at MICS. After the Bring Spring 5K, visit the annual RaptART FEST and Silent Auction in the gym. Food, music, and a Kid Zone will also be available. Proceeds will benefit the SOAR Foundation’s 2015-16 Capital Campaign.

Event Schedule: 8:00 AM-Kid Buddy Run; 8:30AM-MICS Raptor Warrior 5K; 9:00AM- Bring Spring 5K for Runners, Walkers, and Four-Legged Friends; 10:00AM- Race Award Ceremony in the Gym; 10:15AM- Silent Auction and RaptART FEST Opens; 11:15AM- Silent Auction – Blue Tables Close; 11:45PM- Silent Auction – Green Tables Close; 12:15PM- Silent Auction – Silver Tables Close; 1:00PMEvent Ends.

Course Info: Kid Buddy Run: sponsored by high school student-athletes, this free, no-RSVPs-necessary ‘fun run’ will promote friendship and teamwork for children 12 and under. MICS Raptor Warrior 5K Race: Designed for competitive participants who enjoy running a technically-challenging course.

Steep hills, rough terrain on pavement and our wooded cross-country course. Bring Spring 5K: Good for all ages and ability levels. Some hills. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome.

The start/finish area will be located near the gymnasium. MICS Cross County/Track & Field Coach Jon Sauzier is designing both courses for the Raptor Warriors and the stan-

dard race. Water and snacks will be available for participants at the finish line area.

Age Groups: Kid Buddy Run: 12 and under. Raptor Warrior Race: 10-14, 15-19, 2024, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 5559, 60+. Bring Spring 5K: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+.

Race Awards: Raptor Warrior Race - 3 Top Finishers (male and female) in each age group; Standard 5K – Top Finisher (male and female) in each age group; Kid Buddy Run – Every participant receives a high-five and a hug from our school mascot Rockie; Registration: Participants may register online via online flyer (currently being updated) which will house full event details. A link to this will be available on the MICS landing page.

Cost: Students (K-12): $15; Adults: $25; MICS Employees- free.

T-shirts: Each participant who registers by 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, April 6 will receive a free commemorative t-shirt. (Sponsor logos will be included on back – sponsors in photo below are examples, only) Two sponsors who were accidentally left off the Raptor Run t-shirt will be included on this t-shirt (per Donna Carpenter’s request) – Sherri West and Holly Tag & Label.

Packet Pickup: Packets may be picked up outside of the MICS Front Office on Friday, April 15 between 7:15AM – 3:30PM, and on race day morning beginning at 7:30AM. Sponsors: Sponsors names will go on the back on the race t-shirt. Donations are welcome.

Holy Angels receives new van Holy Angels is now the proud owner of a 2015 cherry red Dodge Grand Caravan – a gift from Gastonia ChryslerDodge-Jeep-Ram. When dealership owners Jack and Robin Salzman heard of the need for a seven passenger vehicle for Holy Angels programs, they were quick to offer this gift.

The donated van Regina Moody, Holy Angels President/CEO (left) is seen receiving the will be utilized to van keys from Robin Salzman, owner, Gastonia Chrysler-Dodge-Jeephelp transport resi- Ram. Holy Angels photo dents between the different program velopmental disabilities with delicate medical locations, and to special events, doctor apconditions. pointments and social activities.

The CARF accredited programs include According to Robin Salzman, “We are Holy Angels Morrow Center, the McAuhappy to support Holy Angels and the programs they provide to assist the people they ley Residences (Fox Run ICF/MR group serve in honor of their 60th anniversary. It homes (three six-bed), Belhaven ICF/MR gives us great joy to help this special place group home (15-bed), Moody Place ICF/MR of loving, living and learning for the differ- group home (15-bed), four community group homes, Great Adventures, Camp Hope, Cherently able.”

Holy Angels was founded in 1955 by the ubs Café & Cherubs Candy Bouquet (providSisters of Mercy – beginning a much needed ing supported employment opportunities) in specialized service for children with delicate downtown Belmont and, Life Choices, an medical conditions from throughout the state adult day activities program offering living of North Carolina. The private, nonprofit and learning opportunities. To learn more corporation located in Belmont, NC, provides about Holy Angels, or to volunteer, please residential services and innovative programs call 704.825.4161 or visit Holy Angels’ webfor children and adults with intellectual de- site at www.HolyAngelsNC.org.

Page Primary School has named its Students of the Month. Front Row (left to right) K. Windsor, T. Hilton, A. Mullis, C. Webb, S. Corzine, K. Thompson, Z. Wilson. Back Row (left to right) C. Curnow, S. Clements, L. Rodenberger, C.Stowe, B. Marler, A. Jones, M. Jennings.

Page Primary photo

Gaston Schools Briefs Board of Education Retreat The Board of Education retreat/work session originally planned for January 22-23 has been rescheduled for February 15-16 at the Rader Staff Development Center in Cramerton.

The retreat/work session will coincide with the February regular meeting, which will be held at 5:00 p.m. on February 15. The retreat begins after the regular meeting on Monday and continues on Tuesday, February 16 at 5:00 p.m.

Mentor training session is February 17 Gaston County Schools will conduct a mentor training session on Wednesday, February 17 at 9:00 a.m. at the Gaston Regional Chamber, 601 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia. To register, call the Business Partnership Office, (704) 866-6329.

Four teachers earn National Board Certification Gaston County Schools has four teachers who achieved the prestigious National Board Certification this year. We would like to commend Susan Brittain of Catawba Heights Elementary, Jessica Harris of Highland School of Technology, Sarah Pleasants of Belmont Central Elementary, and Dara Presnell of Brookside Elementary for earning the certification, which is the highest standard for the teaching profession. Gaston County Schools also has 17 teachers who renewed their National Board Certification this year.

Finalists for Principal of the Year Congratulations to the following educators who were chosen as finalists for Gaston County Teacher of the Year, 2016-2017.

The winner will be announced during the annual Evening of Excellence ceremony in May. The five finalists are: Bryan Denton, Cramerton Middle; Rebecca Huffstetler, Southwest Middle; Roxann Jimison, Lowell Elementary; Lucretia Rice, Forest Heights Elementary; Rebecca Wilson, Bessemer City Middle.

Congratulations to the following educators who were chosen as finalists for Gaston County Teacher of the Year, 2016-2017. The winner will be announced during the annual Evening of Excellence ceremony in May. The five finalists are: Leanna Cook, Kindergarten Teacher, Rankin Elementary; Elizabeth Crosby, Fifth Grade Teacher, McAdenville Elementary; Shelly Gibson, Math Teacher, Ashbrook High School; Cole Hairston, Music Teacher, Highland School of Technology; Leigh Davis, Fifth Grade Teacher, Sherwood Elementary.

College and Career Expo at Loray Mill The annual College and Career Expo presented by Gaston County Schools will be held Saturday, March 19 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Loray Mill in Gastonia.

Middle and high school students and their parents are encouraged to attend to meet with college representatives and business leaders and participate in information sessions.

Future health professionals from Highland School of Technology recently competed at the District 6 Regional HOSA competition. All 18 students from Highland placed in the top 10 in their events. The top performers will advance to the HOSA State Leadership Conference.

Gaston Schools photo

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Page 13

Banner-News Sports

Lady Storm drops one, wins another

By John Wilson john.bannernews

In the last few games the Cramer girls basketball team has been on a figurative teeter-totter. In one game they win, the next they lose. The patterned continued last week when the Lady Storm took on the North Gaston Lady Wildcats and Hunter Huss. Cramer lost to North Gaston 75-43.

They beat Huss 57-41.

In the North Gaston game the Lady ‘Cats chose to attack Cramer from the perimeter.

They hit Cramer with a hail of 3 pointers. The blitz overwhelmed the Cramer defense. “ T h e y scored fourteen 3 pointers,” Cramer head coach Carey Pohlman said. “They were on fire.”

Those fourteen 3 pointers took a toll on the normally solid Cramer defense. The perimeter attack resulted in 42 North Gaston points.

“They had three or four girls who who made multiple 3’s,” Pohlman added. “That’s a lot for boys, let alone girls.”

Pohlman credits the Lady Wildcats ability to move quickly and not give Cramer a chance to set up their defense.

“We never got set up,” Pohlman said. “They used fast breaks and hit shots before our defense was ready.”

As good as North Gaston played some of Cramer’s problems were their own doing.

“We didn’t pick up shooters,” Pohlman said. “We didn’t communicate well.”

In the North Gaston game Jordan Bryant was Cramer’s top scorer with 12 points. Laura Trull had 11 points. Laura Trull was tied with her sister Lexi and Makyah Lewis in top rebounding honors. All three pulled down 5 boards a piece.

In the Huss game the Lady Storm played much better. But it was far from an easy outing for Cramer.

In the 1st period the Lady Storm outscored Huss 18-6. In the 2nd period things tightened up and Huss pushed Cramer hard.

“We started out real well,” Pohlman stated. “But we blew the lead. They were up at the half. We dominated the 1st period. They dominated the 2nd.”

With the score Huss 24 and Cramer 22 coach Pohlman went into the locker room and made some adjustments. He told the girls to focus on their game.

EAST GASTON WARRIORS PLAYER

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Stuart Cramer’s #11 Laura Trull shoots a layup in the victory against Hunter Huss.

Lady Storm player #33 Jordan Bryant is seen doing some great dribbling in the 57-41 win over Hunter Huss last Friday.

Photos by Lydia Julen

“We got a little 3 happy.” Pohlman said referencing a desire some Cramer shooters had to hit 3 pointers. “We needed to move the ball and not commit turn overs.”

In the 3rd period Cramer went to work. As soon as the period started Cramer took control and played tough, smart basketball.

“We had a good 3rd,” Pohlman added. “We hit our first three shots.”

In the second half of the game two players, Laura Trull and Haley Bourhill made their presence known. Trull had 18 points and Bourhill had 11.

“Laura Trull and Haley Bourhill stepped up,” Pohlman added. “They had a good half. I think most of their scoring was in the second half.”

Trull and Bourhill’s points were augmented by the 17

points Jordan Bryant scored.

Bourhill added 7 assists and 6 steals to help keep Cramer moving.

In the 3rd period Cramer out scored Huss 18-6. That was the same margin they had in the 1st period.

For most of the night Cramer did a good job controlling the boards. The Lady Storm muscled down 51 rebounds. 16 were pulled down by Lexi Trull. Laura Trull had 12 boards on the night and sophomore Maddie Short had 11.

In the 4th period Cramer continued to score. Lady Storm shooters added another 17 points. The scoring was enough of a cushion to keep Huss from mounting any kind of sustained comeback.

“We kept the distance in the 4th.” Pohlman added.

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Page 14

Thursday, February 11, 2016

South Point football awards banquet held

By Charlotte Sautner South Point held its football awards banquet on Monday, February 1st. This banquet was held to honor the 2015 version of South Point football. In describing this team the words determined, hard-working, over-achievers, enthusiastic, and underrated have been used. They certainly were fun to watch.

On the offensive side of the ball they averaged 306.6 yards rushing per game and 340.3 total yards per game.

On the defensive side of the ball they gave up an average of 15 points per game and that led the area. Ryland Etherton, with 2,183 yards rushing on 340 attempts, was the leading rusher in Gaston County and was number one in scoring with 218 points scored which included 36 touchdowns. Diontrea King, the Big South Offensive Player of the Year, was number two in the county in rushing yardage with 1770 yards on 253 attempts. He was third in scoring with 148 points with 24 touchdowns.

There is so much more that could be said, but the following comments from Coach Mickey Lineberger and Coach Adam Hodge really say it all.

Coach Lineberger said: “The 2015 South Point Red Raiders were the most improved team in the history of the school. South Point has won 21 conference championships, and I have been a part of 18 of them. So, I have some experience in the matter. They got more out of their talent than any team in history. They loved what they did and who they did it with. They played for their Creator and their brother.

They were the definition of the word team. They were a fine example of everyone pulling the rope in one direction and not caring who gets

the credit. Great things can be accomplished, and they were.

We were picked to finish 3rd in the conference by opposing coaches and if we had been individuals, we would have. But, we won 10 games for the 5th year in a row, we were conference champs, 3-A Western Champions and 3-A state runner-up.”

Talking about the defense, Coach Adam Hodge said: “Love is the foundation of any great team. I truly believe our team as a whole and the players who make up our defensive unit genuinely loved each other, and that was the reason for their successes.

Our defense held four opponents scoreless. Seven of our adversaries scored one touchdown or less. We gave up an average of 15 points per game, and that led the area, a feat we have accomplished five consecutive years.”

This year’s defense didn’t have one particular player that stood out. They made plays by committee. The Red Raiders played defense as a unit in the ultimate team sport, and it was fun to watch on film.

There were some players who made noteworthy contributions. Nick Muse led the defense with seven interceptions (two for touchdowns) and 164 tackles. He was voted Defensive Player of the Year and the State Championship Defensive Player of the Game. JT Starr anchored the secondary with five interceptions. Nate Hamilton, a sophomore, showed promise for the future with his 157 tackles. Mike Hayes was the top pass rusher with 29 quarterback pressures and eight sacks. Tyler Hall led the team in tackles for loss and earned the Belmont Drug Player of the Year award.

It’s easy to look at how the year ended and have a little

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All Conference Football Awards - 2015: Row 1: Nolan Wilson, Diontrea King, Ryland Etherton, Tyler Hall, James Granson.

Row 2: JT Starr, Nick Muse, Connor Owensby, Matt Mellette. disappointment. We sure wanted to win that last game, but at the end of the day, it’s not about wins and losses.

Football is about teaching life lessons that turn young men into good husbands, fathers, and citizens.

August will be here before long. Our players have already started working, and I look forward to is, as always. A good friend of mine once said there are only two seasons in Belmont. He said there is football season, and there’s waiting on football season.”

What a great season and these young men made it possible, our 2015 South Point football team: 5–Nathan Silver; 7-Diontrea King; 8-Keaton Hale; 9-Nick Farmer; 10-Nolan Wilson; 11-Scottie Lee; 12Davis Ray; 14-Max Mead; 19-Matthew Robinson; 20-Ben Washam; 21-John Deason; 22-Walker Featherston; 23-JT Starr; 24-Jake Alexander; 25-Mario Brandon; 30-Ty Tinker; 31-Caleb Gibson; 32-Ryland Etherton; 33-Nick Muse; 34-Ometrick Leeper; 35- Mike Hayes; 40-Nathan Hamilton; 42-Josh Bogen; 43-Jerme Leeper; 44Tyler Hall; 45-Camden Hale; 50-Ethan Jackson; 51-Riley

Nichols; 52-Aryn Moore; 54-Jon Ledford; 55- Zach Whitman; 60-Toby Stapel; 61- Sean Burns; 62-Wesley Barker; 63- Vageli Mageras; 64-James Granson; 65-Matt Mellette; 66-Victor Hernandez; 67-Isaiah Carter; 70-John Steele; 71-Connor Owensby; 72-Larry Dowdy; 73-Jacob Justice; 74-JR Scipio; 75-Tyler Kotula; 76-Khimek Stukes; 77-Phillip Davis; 78-AJ Alverson; 79-Herman Gregory; 80-Zach Scandrett; 84-Hunter Marett; 86-Alex Hoppe; 87-Thomas Lempereur.

Football Awards - 2015 Varsity Football Ryland Etherton & Diontrea King - Dr. Wade Breeland Co-MVP James Granson & Connor Owensby - Dr. Eddie Lineberger Co-Best Blocker Tyler Hall - Belmont Drug Best Defensive Player Nick Muse - Sheila Rollins Most Versatile Player JT Starr - Yates and Marie Abernathy Sportsmanship Award Mike Hayes & Nolan Wilson - Bennie Cunningham Co-Most Improved Player Matthew Mellette & Davis Ray - Bobby Brown Co-Unsung Hero Award

South Point High School Offensive Players Receiving Awards: Row 1: Victor Hernandez - JV Co-Offensive Player of the Year; Diontrea King - Dr. Wade Breeland Co-MVP; Ryland Etherton - Dr. Wade Breeland Co-MVP; Nolan Wilson - Bennie Cunningham Co-Most Improved Player; Scottie Lee - Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Row 2: James Granson - Dr. Eddie Lineberger Co-Best Blocker; Davis Ray - Bobby Brown Co-Unsung Hero Award; Connor Owensby - Dr. Eddie Lineberger Co-Best Blocker; Matthew Mellette - Bobby Brown Co-Unsung Hero Award; Jacob Justice - Gerald Cortner Character, Leadership and Scholarship Award. Not Pictured - Ometrick Leeper - Offensive Scout Team Player

South Point High School Defensive Players Receiving Awards: Row 1 - Mike Hayes - Bennie Cunningham Co- Most Improved; Riley Nichols - JV Defensive Player of the Year; Sean Burns - Defensive Scout team Player. Row 2: JT Starr - Yates and Marie Abernathy Sportsmanship Award; Nick Muse - Sheila Rollins Most Versatile Player; Tyler Hall - Belmont Drug Best Defensive Player.

Jacob Justice - Gerald Cortner Character, Leadership and Scholarship Award Ometrick Leeper - Offensive Scout Team Player Sean Burns - Defensive Scout Team Player

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Page 15

Banner-News Sports

Storm JV player #12 Javarus Keith makes a spectacular jump- Stuart Cramer’s #33 Dylan Collins goes high to block a Huss shot in the 47-35 loss to Hunter Huss. shot.

Stuart Cramer JV player #10 Dennorian Lindsay shoots a layup in last Friday’s game against Hunter Huss. The Huss Huskies won 47-35.

Cramerton Parks & Recreation Dept spring sports sign ups

Dylan Collins prepares for a layup in the 78-41 loss to Hunter Storm player #10 Wade McLain blocks a Huss shot in last FriHuss. day’s game. Cramer lost 78-41.

Photos by Lydia Julen

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The Town of Cramerton Parks and Rec. Dept. will hold spring sports registration through March 1.

Baseball: ages 4-15; Tball (ages 4-6); Machine pitch (ages 6-8); Minor league (ages 9-10); Major league (ages 11-12); Jr. league (ages 13-15); Birthday cut-off is May 1, 2016.

Girls softball: ages 6-12; 8 under /10 under /12 under teams will participate in the City of Gastonia softball league; Birthday cut-off is December 31, 2015.

Soccer: ages 3-4 and 5-6; Games and practices are in April & May on Saturday mornings; Birthday cut-off is September 1, 2015.

Girls volleyball: ages 9-11 and 12-15; Birthday cut-off is september 1, 2015.

Pick up forms at C.B. Huss Recreation Complex or online: www.cramerton.org Register early teams may fill up before deadline.

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

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WE TRADE AND SELL BOOKS. Dealers welcome. Second Time Around, 410 York Road, Kings Mountain.

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Autos-Trucks 2008 CHEVROLET VAN, 2500 SERIES, 4.8 V8, auto, 187 K miles, lease owned, new tires, good shape, $8595 or best offer.

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Employment NEEDING LPN OR RN, FULL TIME, weekend position. Sat. & Sun., 7am-7pm, Mon., 3pm11pm. Also in need of LPH or RN Mon-Fri 3rd shift, 11pm-7am. Apply in person, Peak Resources of Shelby, 1101 N. Morgan St., Shelby, 28150.

2000 LINCOLN TOWNCAR, CARTIER EDITION, 160k miles, sunroof, CD, leather, new tires, all options, looks & runs excellent, $2650 obo. 704-487-0550, 704PEAK WORKFORCE HIRING 678-3954.

Assembly Techs 1 & 3 Shift. Ap1989 FORD F-350 FLATBED ply in person at Meritor; 160 Ash TRUCK, 46k miles, garage kept, Drive, Forest City, NC. 5th wheel hookup, very nice truck.

1994 FORD F-150 longbed, with NOW HIRING: EXPERIENCED toolbox, good work truck. 704- SERVERS. Also hiring Live-in Innkeeper for Maggie Valley. Ap472-4319. ply in person: Joe’s place, 2-5pm 1998 HONDA CIVIC, $3500, Monday-Friday, 209 S. Lafayette 1997 Mercury Marquis, $3200.

1997 Nissan Truck, $3500. 1988 St., Shelby. No phone calls.

Chevy Truck, $1000. 828-2231982, call anytime.

For Rent

DODGE RAM 4X4 TAILGATE, OAKHURST MOBILE HOME 2000-2010, asking $150, great PARK, Kings Mtn. 2BR, 2BA mocondition. 864-590-2269. bile home w/refrig. & stove, cenWELDED TOW BAR WITH tral heat/air. No pets. $120 wk, $300 dep. 704-472-7933.

BALL, $80. 864-590-2269.

2001 VOLVO 260, 237K MILES, MOBILE HOME FOR RENT in black & tan leather. New battery, Waco area. No pets. 704-435timing belt & water pump, $3150. 8103.

704-482-5109, 704-473-5447.

LAKEFRONT HOUSE ON 1998 TOYOTA PICKUP, auto, MOSS LAKE, 5BR, 3BA, Rec. 1 owner, very clean, $5900. 704- room, pool table, two fireplac482-6358. es, partially furnished, MOVE IN 1991 FORD ECONOLINE 150 SPECIAL! $1200 month. 864VAN, burgundy with power win- 419-0625, 704-600-6229. dows, door locks, am/fm cassette STOREFRONT, 1800 SQ. FT. player with 124,233 miles. Has Many uses to include retail, ofbeen equipped with lift for wheel- fice, restaurant, etc. 2 bathrooms, chair and/or Handicap person. central heat/air. $400 mo, no deAsking $2000, call 704-477-7787. posit. Located at 207 N. Mountain 2005 LINCOLN LS, color/Pearl St, Cherryville. 704-616-3739.

White, tan leather interior, clean car in good condition, $5000. NICE 2BR, 1BA MOBILE HOME 704-692-0678, 704-600-7882, near Moss Lake. $425 mo., central heat/AC w/newer heat pump!

Call anytime.

Rent to own in 5 years or less!

2004 JEEP LIBERTY LIMITED Pets OK. 980-939-6633 x4.

4X4 trail rated, 3.6L, 6 cylinder, 163k miles, cloth interior, new For Sale tires. $4500. Call/text, 704-6929854.

FOR SALE: BAJA WARRIOR

Business Services

Tractor Supply Mini Bike, 6.5 HP, big tires, good condition, $300.

704-538-0460.

LIME, FERTILIZER, PRE-EMER- 50” HITACHI REAR PROJECGENT & Winter Weed Control. TION SCREEN TV with oak full 704-692-6025, 704-477-6686. surround cabinet entertainment WESTERN CAROLINA CHIM- center, $500. 704-481-0584.

NEY SWEEP. Cleaning, Repair, TWIN SIZE CHERRY BED Caps, Pre-season specials, 21 FRAME with bookcase headyears experience. Ellenboro +75 board, trundle, dresser & mirror, miles. Neal Wallace, 828-223- $500. 704-481-0584.

7730.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE. $75, $125, $200 & $400 loads, availCampers able. 704-418-3083.

2011 JAYCO FAY FLIGHT 24FBS TRAVEL TRAILER, REMINGTON MODEL #4 SEMI weighs 5,200 pounds & and is in AUTOMATIC, very good condiexcellent condition. Features & tion, $500. HAY FOR SALE: $3 options include: super slide, per bale. 828-429-6763. sleeper sofa, booth dinette, full SQUARE BALES OF HORSE kitchen, private bathroom with QUALITY HAY, for sale. 704shower, separate master bed- 487-6855. room & more, sleeping capacity 4-6. Asking price, $16,500 obo. LARGE SEWING CABINET, 20”X70” custom made of birch 704-473-6631. wood, 10 drawers, Singer Touch 2003 FOREST RIVER WILD& Sew machine, $650. 704-487WOOD, 31 ft., queen bed, bunk6090. house, sleeps 8, superslide, 18 ft. awning, new tires, excellent con- PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS dition, $9k, call 704-222-1638.

WITH SCRATCH PADS! Press WANT TO BUY: Pop-Up Camp- Room Printing. 704-538-5788, 704-482-2243. ers. Call 828-429-3935.

JOHN DEERE RIDING MOWER, 40,000 BTU NATURAL GAS 21hp, v-twin Briggs & Stratton, BROODERS. Call for info. 704- 42” cut, bagger, new battery, less than 50 hrs. on meter. excellent 692-3681 or 704-538-3710. condition, $1295 obo. 704-813CRAFTMATIC KING ADJUST3164.

ABLE BED, (2 extra long twin), FOR SALE: WHIRLPOOL RE$200. 864-619-2765.

FRIGERATOR $175. GE dishRED LEATHER COUCH that washer, $60. Microwave, $30. makes into a bed, good shape, 704-692-9039. $200. Other furniture in house for GRAVEL, 8 TO 9 TON, Crushsale. MOVING. 704-435-9779. er Run, $170 per load. Washed QUEEN SIZE MATTRESS W/ gravel, $220 per load. Dirt, topRAILS, 1.5 years old, excellent soil, etc. 704-692-6025 condition, $250. Call 704-482ATTENTION DOLL COLLEC8831 after 5pm.

TORS: four Holiday Barbies, NEW STAINLESS STEEL Sam- ‘90, ‘91, ‘97 & ‘98, $70 each. No sung refrigerator. 3 doors. 2 ice checks/credit cards, cash only! makers, paid, $2300, WILL SELL, 828-691-5662. $1300 cash. Used 6 months. 704GE CLOTHES DRYER, white, 600-6229, 704-491-0625. digital control, $125. 828-980LIKE NEW PORTABLE AUC- 3474 or 828-395-1161.

TIONEER Speaker & amplifier, MONTANA CANVAS TENT and pd, $700, sell, $300. 30” TV & frame and wood heater, size desk, $100. Washer & dryer, $50.

10x14, $600. 828-248-3994.

704-491-0625, 704-600-6229.

WHIRLPOOL FLAT TOP stove, ELECTRIC INVACARE HOS$375. Whirlpool washer & dryer, PITAL BED with mattress. Like both good condition, $450. 828new, only used 2 months, $200.

453-8483 or 828-305-3377.

704-284-4757.

1CT. EMERALD RING, 14ct.

PATIO TABLE WITH 4 CHAIRS, gold w/accenting diamonds. good condition, $50. Please call Matching wedding band. Great 704-461-8660. for Valentine or engagement.

MOVING! MAPLE SLED STYLE Appraisal from local jeweler. 828QUEEN size bed with 2 dress- 289-2109. ers & table. $375. 2 large winter MORGAN’S FIREWOOD SERscenery pictures, $75. Fireplace, VICE; Fresh cut Oak already 3’ across, almost 3’ down, $65. split, $60 delivered. 1/2 ton F150 Small 4 chair kitchen set, $65. load. Delivery available on Sun704-480-8374. day. 1-828-395-0758.

Motorcycles

FOR SALE: 1986 HONDA GOLDWING 1200 w/Nelson Rigg cover. Fresh tuneup, new brakes, good tires, driver backrest, good radio. 82K miles. Kept FLAGS & FLAG POLES IN inside until, Sept, $2500. 704STOCK. J Johnson Sales, Inc. 466-8475.

828-245-5895.

2008 650 V-STAR, black w/silTRAILERS, UTILITY CARGO, ver chrome, low mileage, $4500.

DUMP. 50+ in stock parts & ser704-480-1274, 704-473-4701. vice. All models. J Johnson Sales, Inc. Forest City. 828-245-5895.

STORAGE BUILDINGS. Cash specials or rent to own. Payments from $63 month. Come see us!

FREE delivery & FREE setup. J Johnson Sales, Inc. Forest City.

828-245-5895.

Pets-Livestock

PUPPIES FOR SALE: 4 MALE Toy Australian Shepherds. Red & blue Merle, black & white, some have blue eyes. Reg. TRAILERS, NEW 5x8, $525. J. ASDR, $300. 704-482-0178.

Johnson Sales, Inc. Forest City. BLUE TIC BULL DOGS, unique 828-245-5895. colors, all shots, blue, green STORAGE SHEDS, CAR- eyes. $99.99 to $149.99, nego. 1 PORTS, GARAGES. All sizes & male, 6 females. 704-418-6352. colors. Installed FREE! J Johnson POMERANIAN & SHIH-TZU Sales, Inc. 828-245-5895.

MIXED PUPPIES, vet checked, B7 FT. INTERNATIONAL Sickle 7 weeks, 3 white & 3 brown & mower, $400. Heavy Duty, 7 ft. black, parents on site, $300. M/F. Scraper for snow or dirt, $300.

704-300-1988, 704-300-2240.

828-748-6060.

PIANO FOR SALE. Stylish, great LIVESTOCK FOR SALE Pure sound, in good condition, $225. Breed, Angus Bulls and Heifers.

Jacob Fork Ranch. Call 704-538828-447-4708.

(8 FT. SLATE POOL TABLE, 1199 or 704-600-7847. $1000. 1990 Jeep Laredo, 4x4, AKC SIBERIAN PUPPIES. UTD auto, $1500. 828-245-9471. on shots, wormed. Parents on site. Blue eyes. Ready to go.

Motorcycles Males & females. 704-418-1360, FOR SALE: 1986 HONDA 704-480-7353.

GOLDWING 1200 W/NELSON OSUDogSchool.com Should RIGG COVER. Fresh tune-up, you be using food to train your new brakes, good tires; driver dog? What’s the difference bebackrest, good radio. 82K miles.

Kept inside until Sept. $2500. tween a man and a dog?

704-466-8475.

Personal Classified Ads ONE WEEK

Onl

7

$ 50 y

$

TWO WEEKS

Only

Commercial/For Profit Ads •Business Services •Child Care •Rental Ads and ALL For Profit Ads!

10

$

00

10

THREES WEEK

00 Per Week

Based on 20 word limit per week - add 30¢ per word, per week over 20

Only

12

$

00

Classified Deadline is Friday at 3pm for the following Thursday’s Edition

Clip & Mail Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________City______________________ Zip____________ Email _____________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________ Ad Copy: ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ (Be sure to include phone number in ad copy.)

Total Words________ Number of Issues _______ Classification ______________________________

Amount Enclosed $_____________ Mail this form to: PO Box 769 • Kings Mountain • NC 28086 OR Call Kathy at 704-739-7496

Thursday, February 11, 2016

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 17

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 s 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

Lady Raptor Kyndavee Bichara sets up a shot in the Green Out game.

Sydney Webster keeps the ball away from Thomas Jefferson Charter players.

Allana Stewart fights for the rebound in the girl’s segment of the Green Out game. The Raptors came up short 46-36 against Thomas Jefferson Charter.

Photos by Michael Strauss

Page 18

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 11, 2016

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Gaston Day School recently held its Homecoming event. Front row girls left to right-Diana Phillips, Malia Andres, Maggie Hooks, Maddie Ferguson, Kathryn Rhyne (Queen), Anna Taylor Harbin, Meghan Pressley , Katie Elder, Anna Claire Rhyne.

Boys-left to right- Stephen Martin, Malek Abedrabouth, Jacob Hooks, Guillayme Roumefort, James Anthony, Nicholas Deely, Nathaniel Hartley, Benjamin King, Samuel Morrison.

GDS photo

Raptors win Green Out game

Mt. Island Charter School faced Thomas Jefferson Charter on Jan. 27 in the 3rd annual Green Out game. Varsity player Patrick Austin is seen adding more points to the 61-46 Raptor victory.

Jarrett Avinger shoots a free throw in the 61-46 win.

MICS Dajavoy Chesney tries to pass in the Green Out game.

Photos by Michael Strauss

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Page 19

Banner-News Funny Paper BC

By MASTROIANNI & HART

15 MINUTES

By ROBERT DUCKETT

The Belmont Branch Library held a Mardi Gras event for kids last week. These masked merrymakers were part of the crowd that showed up for some good, clean fun.

Shannon Potter photo

THE BEAUFORTS

THE DEEP END

by JIM ALLEN

By TYSON COLE

PERCENTERS

by BILL ABBOTT

German language class offered Learning a foreign language can boost brain power and improve memory, and it also can provide an advantage when job-seeking.

The German Level I language course offered by the Gaston College Continuing Education Department is designed to give students the ability to understand and speak simple German with a basic understanding of cultural awareness.

Germany is the most largely represented foreign country in the Charlotte region, with 194 Germanowned firms located here, including 59 U. S. headquarters. Students who complete the German Level I course should have the ability to comprehend and respond accurately to spoken and written German communications—a skill that will be

very attractive to hiring managers at local German companies.

The German Level I class

meets Mondays and Wednesdays from February 17 through May 11, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the Gaston College Dallas Campus.

The fee for the 24-hour class is $72.

To register online for the German Level I class, click on WebAdvisor at www.gaston.edu and follow the links for Continuing Education.

Registration forms can also be mailed in. Call Gaston College’s Continuing Education Department at 704-9222244 to receive a registration form or for additional information about the class.

Check us out online @

Banner-News.com Oil $ Service

by RON THERIEN

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Page 20

20

3611 Mount Holly Huntersville Rd., Suite 205 Charlotte, NC 28216 • 704-395-1239 www.Allwoodinsurance.com

•AUTO •HOME •BUSINESS •LIFE

Sales Parts Service Hundreds of New and Pre-owned R.V.s and Campers On Site!

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Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 12noon-5pm

615 Broadview Drive • Kings Mountain, NC

(704) 750-7295

Sellers Service Center Owner, Garon Sellers • 704.435.3324 • Auto & Truck Repairs • A/C Service • Shocks • Struts • Diagnostic Service • NC Inspections

16

TM

DATE Feb. 13 Feb. 18 Feb. 18 Feb. 21 Feb. 28 Mar. 6 Mar. 13 Mar. 20 April 3 April 9 April 17 April 24 May 1 May 7 May 15 May 20 May 21 May 29 June 5 June 12 June 26 July 2 July 9 July 17 July 24 July 31 Aug. 7 Aug. 20 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 10 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 8 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20

TIME 8:15 7:00 9:00 1:00 1:00 3:30 3:30 3:30 1:00 7:30 1:00 1:00 1:00 7:30 1:00 7:00 7:00 6:00 1:00 1:00 3:00 7:45 7:30 1:30 3:00 1:30 2:30 8:00 2:00 6:00 7:30 2:30 2:00 2:00 7:00 2:15 2:00 1:00 2:00 2:30 2:30

WINNING TRACK CAR # Daytona Sprint Unltd _____ Daytona Can-Am Duel 1 _____ Daytona Can-Am Duel 2 _____ Daytona 500 _____ Atlanta QuikTrip 500 _____ Las Vegas Kobalt 400 _____ Phoenix Good Sam 500 _____ Fontana Auto Club 400 _____ Martinsville STP 500 _____ Texas Duck Commander 500 _____ Bristol Food City 500 _____ Richmond Toyota 400 _____ Talladega Geico 500 _____ Kansas GoBowling 400 _____ Dover 400 _____ Charlotte Sprint Showdown _____ Charlotte Sprint All-Star _____ Charlotte Coca-Cola 600 _____ Pocono Axalta 400 _____ Michigan Firekeepers 400 _____ Sonoma Toyota 350 _____ Daytona Coke Zero 400 _____ Kentucky Q. State 400 _____ New Hampshire 301 _____ Indianapolis Crown R. 400 _____ Pocono Penn. 400 _____ Watkins Glen Cheez-It 355 _____ Bristol Bass Pro-NRA _____ Pure Michigan 400 _____ Darlington Bojangles’ 500 _____ Richmond Federated 400 _____ Chicagoland 400 _____ New Hampshire 300 _____ Dover AAA 400 _____ Charlotte BOA 500 _____ Kansas Casino 400 _____ Talladega Alabama 500 _____ Martinsville Goody’s 500 _____ Texas AAA 500 _____ Phoenix Can-Am 500 _____ Homestead Ford 400 _____

TV FOX FOX Spt 1 FOX Spt 1 FOX FOX FOX FOX FOX FOX Spt 1 FOX FOX FOX FOX FOX Spt 1 FOX Spt 1 FOX Spt 1 FOX Spt 1 FOX FOX Spt 1 FOX Spt 1 FOX Spt 1 NBC NBCSN NBCSN NBCSN NBCSN USA NBCSN NBCSN NBC NBCSN NBCSN NBCSN NBCSN NBC NBC NBCSN NBCSN NBC NBC NBC

Exceptional rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care

7615 DALLAS CHERRYVILLE HIGHWAY 704.435.6029 WWW.PEAKRESOURCESINC.COM

3925 W. Franklin Blvd. • Gastonia, NC 28052 sales@qualitylandscapematerials.com Doug Badger, Owner Cindy Farmer, Office Manager Hours: Mon.Fri. 8am-5pm • Sat. 8am-3pm • Closed Sunday

RICHARD’S SERVICE & TOWING State Inspections – Oil Changes Minor Repairs & Towing Rollback Service Available

315 S. MAIN ST. •BELMONT

Tires - Get your best price then Call Us!

Published Every Thursday

Alignments $49.95

704-825-0580

704.825-2369

757 Friday Park Rd. • Hwy. 321 Dallas, NC 28034 Across From Gaston College

Don B. Lyles Tracy Lyles

Come see Garon, Jordan and all the staff

44 Years In Business!

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Phone 704-922-8649 Fax 704-922-9102