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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 19, 2015

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Volume 80 • Iss Issue 7

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Serving Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley

Outstanding citizens honored at Black History Forum

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernew@gmail.com

It was cold outside but community warmth prevailed in the Mount Holly Municipal Complex on Sunday afternoon when the 12th annual Black History Forum took place.

The event drew a large crowd who heard lively music, enjoyed some tasty refreshments, mingled, and were treated to a lesson on how African-Americans helped build Mount Holly into what it is today.

However, the main portion of the day was devoted to bestowing well-deserved honors to two of the city's most outstanding black citizens.

The Jessie Mae Robinson Humanitarian Award was given to Evangelist Sarah Nichols who was described by emcee Deborah Davis as a “woman of valor, grace, and virtue”, and a “powerful prayer warrior”.

Among the accolades that Nichols has received includes a certificate of Ministry of Education from Sarah Nichols (left) was given the Jessie Mae Robinson Humanitarian Award Teamer School of Theology in 1982, being recognized at Sunday's Black History Forum in Mount Holly. at the Black Achievement Banquet in Gastonia in Photo by Alan Hodge 1992 for community service, and serving as Deaconess Church Mother at New St. Paul Holiness Church in Mount Holly where she is also president of the Mission Dept. for the past 15 years. She also volunteers at Woodlawn Haven Nursing Home, worked on the Rollins Elementary Community Brick Project, and the Black History Committee.

The Achievement Award was given to John Hope, the person who started the Black History Forum in 2003 with just five members and who under his guidance has nearly tripled that number.

Hope, a scholar, gentleman, and man's man, is a graduate of St. Augustine College in Raleigh, and a member of Kappa Alpha PSE fraternity of which he was chapter president from 1973-1974. In 2009, Hope completed the Walk Down Memory Lane project with an eight-foot monument on the site of the Rollins School. In 2011, Hope was named Mount Holly's first African-American Man of the Year. In 2014, he was given a key to the city and a resolution from the city council for lifetime service to the community. Hope is also on the CRO board of directors, and the Mount Holly Historical Society board of directors.

Ever humble, Hope teared up when he was given his award.

'There are others who deserve it more than me,” he said.

Other aspects of the Black History Forum saw the colors presented by Scout Troop 59, the National Anthem performed on flute by Linda Dimizo, the Black National Anthem led by Doris Graham, music by the Youth of Christ choir and Mount Calvary men's choir, and welcome by Mayor Bryan Hough.

See more pictures BLACK HISTORY page 2

Downtown Mount Holly could get surveillance cameras

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Emcee Deborah Davis is seen presenting John Hope with the Achievement Award during the Black History Forum.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Matthew Frazier of Belmont takes Combat Water Survival Test at Clemson University Matthew Frazier of Belmont recently joined other Clemson University ROTC cadets to test their stamina and personal courage in the Combat Water Survival Test in the Fike Recreation Center pool.

The Jan. 27 test evaluated each cadet's stamina in water and their ability to complete three stations while wearing a uniform. Passing the events helps ensure they have the fundamental water survival skills necessary to lead soldiers in a hostile environment where there's water.

Frazier is majoring in Agricultural Mechanization and Business at ClemSee more MATTHEW FRAZIER page 3

Downtown Mount Holly could be getting four outdoor surveillance cameras if a grant police chief Don Roper applied for from the NC Governor's Crime Commission is approved. Last week the city council gave Roper the OK to accept the money. “We should hear if our application is accepted sometime in April,” Roper said. “The funds would be distributed in July. We would then order them, and schedule installation after they are delivered.”

The grant amount is $15,000 and does not require any matching funds.

Councilman Jason Gowen asked how the cameras would be deployed and was reassured by Roper as to their propriety.

“We will not be using them to look into anyone's window,” Roper said. “We would not just get them and put them up. A policy for their See more CAMERAS page 2

Last week Mount Holly police chief Don Roper presented his case to the city council for the purchase of several surveillance cameras that would be placed in locations downtown. The council gave Roper the green light to accept the NC Governors Crime Commission grant he applied for if that agency awards it.

Photo by Alan Hodge

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Page 2

BLACK HISTORY

Thursday, February 19, 2015

FROM page 1

Mount Holly Mayor Bryan Hough and John Hope share a laugh at the Black History Forum.

Photo by Alan Hodge

CAMERAS

The Youth of Christ Choir sang several selections at the Black History Forum.

Photo by Alan Hodge

FROM page 1

use would be developed.”

If the deal goes through, the cameras would be located at Glendale and Main, Charlotte and Main, Central and Oakland, and Central and Highland.

A letter Roper sent to city officials laid out the strategy for the cameras.

“These cameras would assist MHPD with monitoring activities associated with various city sponsored events and other organized gatherings in the area such as Springfest, July 4 fireworks, Fall Arts and Music Festival, Arts in the Alley, and the Christmas parade. They would also be useful in the investigation of crimes such as the incidents of vandalism we experienced last year, the bank robbery, or other criminal acts in the area. We would also be able to use the videos in some missing persons cases, or accident investigations.

Several other local municipalities have used security cameras in their downtown business district with a good deal of success. I believe if used properly, we would benefit from the availability of the camera program as well.”

The cameras that Roper showed the council information on are made by EarthCam.net. They have 12x zoom capability, 360 degree rotation, color by day and infrared at night imaging. They come in an all weather dome with fan and heater.

Councilmember Carolyn Breyare liked the camera idea.

“It will be a good thing,” she said. “I will feel safer walking downtown knowing they are there.”

Last year, MHPD used a similar grant to order body cameras for its officers. Roper said the cams are being delivered, but before they can go out in the field a policy for their use and officer training has to be completed.

Doris Graham led Black History Forum attendees in the Black National Anthem.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Linda Dumizo performed the National Anthem at the Black History Forum.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Mount Holly City Council held its February meeting

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The Mount Holly city council approved a variety of agenda items last week during its regular monthly meeting.

One consent agenda item that got the green light will see the city kick in resources, mainly manpower, for the upcoming Ida Rankin Elementary School 5k race set for Saturday, March 7 at 8am. The police department will have extra officers on duty to cover the race and its route.

There will be a kids' fun run at 9am with the entire event over at 9:30am.

Two other consent agenda topics that got the go-ahead was amendment of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city and the Mount

Holly Historical Society that will give the latter party access to the old Municipal Annex next to its museum and offices at 131 S. Main St. The space would be used to catalog items, establishment of a library, extra exhibits, and climate controlled storage of archives. In addition, the council approved a budget amendment that will allow the city to hire the Buxton Co. consulting firm to do a study on how to attract more retail business to Mount Holly. Buxton will get $150,000 total spread out in three $50,000 annual payments.

Interim fire chief Ryan Baker went before the council with a couple of issues during last week's meeting.

First of all was a request by Baker for the city to lend its sup-

port to the Firefighter's Burned Children Fund- Mount Holly Chapter. The national organization was founded in 1989 and Mount Holly Fire Dept. came on board in 2002. The group is dedicated to the support, education, and recovery of burn survivors and their families and the prevention of burn injuries.

The group raises money for these endeavors by holding events such as pancake breakfasts, car and truck shows, motorcycle charity rides, and concerts, to name a few. The group also operates Camp Celebrate for burn victims and provides family room items such as coffee, snacks, and toiletries for folks at the NC Jaycee Burn Center and Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center.

After hearing Baker's explanation of what the Firefighter's Burned Children Fund does, the council quickly approved a measure that would allow city resources to be brought into play to help the organization during special event such as its upcoming March 19 gospel concert.

Baker also spoke to the council concerning permission to apply for a FEMA SAFER (Staffing for Fire and Emergency Response) grant.

“We will be applying for six firefighter positions,” Baker said. “Salaries and benefits approximately $35,000 per year.

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Those positions would be for the new north fire station that will be opening next year.”

The grant would fund the salaries and benefits for two years. The council approved Baker's request to apply for the grant.

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Page 3

Jonathan Jordan receives wastewater certification Last week's Mount Holly council meeting saw city employee Jonathan Jordan receive recognition for his hard work with the utilities department.

Jordan, who is Mount Holly's wastewater operator in responsible charge, was presented with a certification from Alan Oldham, training director for the NC Rural Water Assoc., for having taken additional training in his field.

“It is a great achievement for me personally to hold the highest utility professional credential that is out there today,” Jordan said. “Only 1% of all Utility professionals have this

credential across the United States. I would like to thank the City of Mount Holly for the time and resources that they have invested in me to further my knowledge in the very complex field of Utilities.”

Jordan has worked in the water and wastewater industry for 8 years. He has been with Mount Holly over two years and holds a Grade 4 biological, Land application, Grade 1 Collection System, and Grade 1 Pretreatment program Specialist certification.

“Today, the water and wastewater industry is more complex than ever before,” Oldham said. “Changing economics, increased complexity in regulatory requirements and a changing society are crafting the water and wastewater systems of tomorrow.

Operator certification alone is

not enough for tomorrow's manager. The future will demand a different skill set that far exceeds just operational knowledge.”

To help meet this challenge, the National Rural Water Association recognized a need for “Utility Management Training”. In 2009 the Utility Management Certification program was launched through Nationals “Water University” initiative. The goal is to provide water and wastewater professional more education in the management area of utilities.

“This certification is not easily achieved and requires a lot of study,” Oldham said. “The program covers many areas that include accounting practices, financial planning, ethics, human resources, public relations, and many other skills not covered in today's operator certification programs. This certification is also not a once and done event. To maintain certification there is a continuing education requirement which means that anyone who is successful at gaining this certification must continue to attend seminars and training events to continually increase their knowledge.”

MATTHEW FRAZIER

Alan Oldham, left, training director with the NC Rural Water Association is seen presenting City of Mount Holly employee Jonathan Jordan with the Utilities Management Certification at last week's council meeting.

Photo by Alan Hodge

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FROM page 1 son. He is a 2014 graduate of South Point High where he was in the ROTC program all four years and the son of Joseph and Lori Frazier.

“I will graduate from Clemson in 2018, immediately be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, and enter directly in to the Army to serve my six year commitment,” Frazier said.

During the test, Frazier and the other cadets first had to swim laps for 10 minutes without touching the pool sides or bottom. After a five-minute break, they tread water for five minutes without touching the pool sides or bottom.

Next came three events with full gear on.

In the "equipment ditch," the cadets wore tactical vests and held M-16 rifles while stepping backward into the water. The cadets had to submerge completely and remove the vests and weapons before resurfacing.

Then the cadets had to swim 15 meters carrying the M-16s without touching the pool sides or bottom.

Last was the five-meter drop, widely considered the most nerve-wracking event.

Cadets were blindfolded and guided off a five-meter diving board carrying M-16s. To pass, they had to hold onto the weapons upon hitting the water, take off the blindfolds and return to the side of the

One of Matthew Frazier's Clemson ROTC combat water survival cadet colleagues is seen plunging into the pool with an M16 rifle.

Contributed photo pool with the weapons still in hand.

Completing each of the tasks is a matter of handling anxiety without panicking.

“I am receiving some of the world's best leadership training that I can not only use in the military but as a civilian when my time in uniform is up,” said Frazier. “The ROTC program here allows me to be a part of something much bigger than myself, and

learn what the true meaning of teamwork is. Everyday, I am pushed both physically and mentally to become the absolute best person I can be.”

The Clemson ROTC program was established as an integral part of the academic curriculum in 1893. It offers a general military subject curriculum, producing officers for a wide variety of assignments.

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Clemson ROTC cadet Matthew Frazier of Belmont (bottom center) is seen taking part in combat water survival training. Frazier is a 2014 graduate of South Point High.

Contributed Photo

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Gas prices are on the rise

By Alan Hodge The NC Legislature is dabbling in the gas Like the rollercoaster at Carowinds, local gasprice game as well. oline prices plunged down, but have gone back A Senate proposal is being discussed that up again even faster. would cut North Carolina's gas tax by 2.5 Just two weeks ago, the price for a gallon cents, freezing it at 35 cents per gallon startof regular gas was below two dollars. Now, the ing March 1, becoming the new minimum rate. price is around twenty cents per gallon more, takThe proposal aims to provide stability to proing the wallets of motorists on a thrill ride. tect transportation projects that keep the state's When the price was below two bucks, Peggy roads safer.

Starling of North Belmont declared she was “lovWithout this proposal North Carolinians ing it”. The new price is more, but Starling is recould see a 6 to 8 cents drop in the gas tax maining philosophical. on July 1. While a drop “At least it's not what it was in gas prices is enticlast year,” she said. ing for motorists, the Starling is correct. In Februdecrease could result ary 2014, gasoline was around in nearly $400 milfour dollars a gallon. lion lost in funding for Gasoline price fluctuations North Carolina's roads are normal this time of year. and bridges every year.

Gasoline prices usually bottom "Without funding, out during the winter. Pump our roads and bridges prices tend to drop with the suffer," said David E. temperature as drivers increasParsons, president and ingly stay home and refineries CEO of AAA Caroliproduce a cheaper winter blend Just a couple of weeks ago this and nas. "Road and bridge of gasoline. In eight of the last other gas price signs in our area were safety can sometimes 15 years, the national average below two dollars a gallon. Now, that's get lost in politics.

This proposal enhit its lowest price in January. just a distant memory.

Oil prices have leveled off -Photo by Alan Hodge sures a nice balance, with a tax break for at least for now -- and they're all North Carolina drivers while still proexpected to increase later this year. Gasoline is tecting the safety of our bridges and roadmade from oil, so if oil prices rebound, it's likely ways." that gasoline prices will as well. Gas prices tend Currently North Carolina's gas tax to rise in the spring and summer as millions of makes up about 70 percent of funds to vacationing Americans hit the highways. Refinmaintain roads and bridges, and approxieries will soon switch over to more expensive mately 60 percent of the state Department summer gasoline blends, and those higher prices of Transportation's budget. tend to get passed on to drivers.

alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Civil War show and tell for book club The Tuesday Afternoon Book Club met at the Belmont Historical Society on February 19, 2015 with Eva Ann Via as hostess.

Members met first in the Albright Room for the program, which was presented by Alan Hodge, who is a re-enactor of Civil War battles. Alan’s interest in Civil War history was kindled by an assignment he was given

by OUR STATE magazine.

He has since done extensive research about Civil War History, particularly North Carolina’s part in it. Alan wore an authentic reproduction of a North Carolina Confederate soldier’s uniform and was wearing all the paraphernalia they would have carried with them. He explained in a very interesting way how each item would have been acquired and how it was used. Of special interest was the fact that certain items like canteens, waterproof blankets, haversacks, etc. were salvaged from dead Federal (Yankee) soldiers because theirs were of superior quality to any the Confederate soldier would have had. Alan participates in re-enactments in many places from Gettysburg to other battlefields where the Civil War was fought. In re-enactments the participants live in tents, eat the way the soldiers would have eaten (hard-

tack, coffee, etc.), and do battle in the same way it would have been in the 1860’s.

Many people are interested in going to the re-enactments as spectators, particularly if they had ancestors who actually fought in the Civil War. The members of the Book Club

learned much about the Civil War and especially enjoyed Alan’s presentation.

After the program, members went to the McDowell Room where they enjoyed delicious cheese cake and coffee. The table was beautifully decorated in a Valentine theme.

Seen in the photo are L to R: Emily Smith, Alan Hodge, and Edna Walker.

Members of the Mount Holly Sole Patrol gathered last week at the Tuck Center to extend best wishes to Kathy Holbrook (black sweater) who was slated for surgery. The group sported yellow “Team Kathy”t-shirts. Sole Patrol director Cheri Love (hugging Holbrook) calls Kathy a “ray of sunshine”.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Artwork by Johnny Queen on display Opening February 10th and running through April 11th, 2015 at the Gaston County Museum is The Evolution of an Artist: Artwork by Johnny Queen. Queen, who lives in Stanley, has been doing artwork since was a young boy. A teacher noticed his talent and he was encouraged to pursue a career in art. Instead he worked in the textile industry for 38 years before retiring with a disability. His love for art continued though. He received his GED at the same time he was taking art classes. Johnny said, “I wanted to be involved in anything that had to do with art.”

Queen’s work can best be described as eclectic. Each piece is uniquely designed with plenty of thought to each detail. “I see things in a different way than most people do, some things come to me as backwards and 3D,” he says.

Gaston County Museum of Art & History, Dallas, North Carolina – 131 West Main Street, Dallas, NC 28034 – The Gaston County Museum is located near Gastonia, North Carolina on the square in historic Dallas.

African Sculpture Exhibition Returning to DSBG ZimSculpt, the international exhibition of Shona sculpture that enjoyed overwhelming success at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden last summer is coming back by popular demand this May. The largest exhibition ever staged at the Garden is returning for a reprise visit May 1 – July 12. More than 100 sculptures will be on exhibit, set against the backdrop of a spectacular tropical display. Not only will visitors to the exhibition have an opportunity to view the work, known as Shona sculpture, they can also purchase a piece for their own garden.

Curator Joseph Croisette and his wife Vivienne, who founded ZimSculpt more than a decade ago, will also be on hand, giving guided tours and helping guests understand the art movement that has become an international sensation.

Last summer the ZimSculpt exhibition enjoyed enormous success, posting attendance gains for the Garden of more than 30 percent over the same period the previous year. More than 18,500 people visited the exhibition and bought more than 900 sculptures with sales exceeding $400,000.

The exhibition is a boon for

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tourism with more than 16,000 people visiting from outside the county with nearly 5,000 coming from outside the Carolinas.

Translated from the Karanga dialect of the Shona language, Zimbabwe means “great house of stone.” Though archeological evidence of stone work exists in southern Africa from the 13th century, its tradition would not be embraced until the early 1900s when it began to gain prominence in Europe.

Today, sculpture created

by both the Shona and Ndeble tribes, is an embraced tradition passed down from generation to generation. Its inspirations are embedded in nature, Zimbabwe’s culture and its people.

The exhibition is free with garden admission. Members admitted free, $12 adults, $11 seniors 60+, and $6 children 4-12.

The Garden is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week. In addition it will be open Thursday For more information call (704) 8254490 or visit www.DSBG.org.

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Page 5

Recollections of Davis Park Special to the BannerNews

by Doug Simpson

Brown, Ebb Gantt, Humpy Wheeler, CM Ostwald, Gene Carlyle, and Greasy Carver Davis Park, Belmont, was took place. There were also rodedicated July 5, 1927 and deos including a donkey basewas destroyed by fire in the ball game. early 1970s.

Davis Park was home to I am almost 75 years old the Belmont High School now and these are my memoRed Raiders football teams ries from boyhood when I was coached by Courtney and my granddaddy’s number one Johnson. Teams in those years worker in the early 1950s. He watched the play of Belmont's had many and I would like to own Jack Lineberger, Jim Bigthank my friend Roy Young gerstaff, Doug Mauldin, Moon who was one of the many Huffstetler, RV Summerville, that helped Jule Jenkins keep Carrol Trull, Jerry Haney, the park going. My duties inDon Wentz, Don Haire, Marcluded keeping the field up, tin Murphy, Dewey Byers, and others.

Back then, baseball was king. There was no TV, just a day at the park to enjoy the popcorn, peanuts, Pepsi, and their favorite players. Several of the players made the big leagues including Harold Stowe of the Yankees, Jimmy Hall of the Twins, and Buddy Kelly Lewis with the Washington Senators.

American Legion baseball was and still is a favorite with the fans in Gaston County.

Many great teams played at Davis Park. In 1934 or 1935 my grandson Alec Swinson's Doug Simpson is seen holding a pencil drawing of old Davis great grandfather Charlie Park done by his grandson Alexander Swinson of Wake Forest. Simpson and his uncle Pete Photo by Alan Hodge Simpson played on the Gaston County team in area champutting down the bases, lining the fields, cutting grass, packing drink boxes, etc. but my reward was being there with all my friends and relatives.

President Franklin Roosevelt pulled our nation out of the Great Depression and is responsible for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) the agency that funded the construction Davis Park.

The park is named for Dr. William Davis.

Baseball and football games were the main events, although events such as boxing matches featuring Guy

A REAL ESTATE MOMENT …. With Steve Duncan After a 20+ year career in real estate with Asheville’s premier real estate firm, Steve Duncan has returned to his hometown, Belmont.

Steve has been consistently ranked among the top 10% of real estate agents in performance and looks forward to offering his experience, energy, creativity and enthusiasm to those needing professional real estate services in the Belmont/Mt. Holly Gaston County markets.

Steve will be providing insights to questions that are often asked by those considering selling or buying .

“Is Winter a good time to be on the market?”

My Experience over these last two decades shows there are a few basic factors in deciding to sell during the winter. The first is: •Are you ready to sell your property? Simply stated, I have found the best time to be on the market is when you have decided to sell. We never know who is looking for property at any particular time so if you are not listed with an agent who offers the broadest range of marketing programs, you may miss that buyer who happens to be looking right then.

So … the best time to be on the market is when you are ready to sell!

• Winter is a great time to consider being on the market. It is true properties are not as frequently sold from November (or around Thanksgiving) until mid to late April, but …

• There is less competition on the market. Fewer sellers are on the market and you can stand out among the crowd as the field of properties on the market is often at the lowest during the year.

“ While others Hibernate … You can Sell and Celebrate!”

•How often have you heard a buyer is “thinking about buying”? Don’t you just hate that when you are trying to sell your property … you work hard, vacuum, dust, put the cookies on the stove … and … after all your work, the buyer is 2 hours late, walks around the entire property and leaves in less than 5 minutes. Then the buyer offers feedback that“they’re just starting to look and are only thinking about buying.” I bet the buyer probably has not been pre-qualified and for sure, not pre-approved.

• “Tire Kickers” seldom venture out and look at properties during the holidays or the cold months. My experience has been that the most serious buyers, those that need to buy or have an immediate need to purchase are looking at what is for sale in the market.

“Your efforts to put on your best presentation are most appreciated and most valuable!”

From my professional experience, the holidays and winter months provide sellers one of their best opportunities to stand out among the competition. In a winter market with less competition and more appreciative buyers, sellers who have made their decision to sell have some nice advantages during the winter!

One more thought for sellers … and that is to be …. “Properly Priced” More on that in my next issue.

STEVE DUNCAN - THE ALLEN TATE COMPANY Broker/Associate, CRS-GRI, CNHS, SFR, ALHS (828) 777-5718 Cell/Direct • Steve.Duncan@allentate.com

Up close picture of the pencil drawing of the old Davis Park.

Photo by Alan Hodge pionships against Charlotte.

This game was attended by several thousand fans with overflow crowds and was broadcast live on radio. Charlotte won the game,.

The Textile Leagues had their day too. Almost all the mills were represented such as the National, the Imperial, and the Chronicle.

The Belmont Combers were a favorite on Saturday night at the park. Players like Jim Watts, Puddin Head Broome, EC “Goon” Simpson, and his brother James “Suitcase” Simpson, Junior

Doggin, Footsie Sanders, Red Wilson, and others entertained the field while Roscoe Helton and Ebb Gantt announced from the PA system.

The park was also home to the Belmont Blues, an all black team in those days.

No more fun was had any time than those fans when the Blues took to the field.

Baseballs were hit harder, thrown faster by the players who fielded without error and ran like the wind. One night a home run was hit over the pole in center field, 444 feet away from home plate. Some of these players were Arrie

“Nip” Reid, Willie Brannon, Charlie “Doc” Grier, Raymond Davis, Johnny “Dip” Hall, Carl Fox, and Michael “Prim” Hall. Many of the players attended Reid High School in Belmont which also used Davisd Park.

The lights have been turned off now for the games people played many years ago, but the memories and stories of the Davis Park past will never be forgotten or stopped being told.bank, surpassing their goal of 3,500 items.

Banner-News Police Report Arrest Made in Homicide / Arson Investigation Gaston County police have reOn Tuesday, February 10, leased information regarding the 2015 the missing Chevrolet Subrecent arson/homicide investigaurban was located in Georgia and tion in Mount Holly. was in possession of Peter Rivers On Monday, February 9, at who was considered a person of approximately 5:00am the Gasinterest in the investigation and ton County Police Communicawas being held pending unrelated tions Center received a call from charges in Georgia. a neighbor on Ridgewood Court On Thursday, February 12, arin reference to a house fire at rest warrants were issued on Peter 608 Ridgewood Court. Fire deJames Rivers Jr. for two counts of partments from East Gaston, Mt. Peter James Rivers, Jr. First Degree Murder. Georgia auHolly, Community and Agriculture thorities served a fugitive warrant Center responded to the call. While extin- on Mr. Rivers and he has waived extradition guishing the fire two deceased persons were back to North Carolina. Upon his return to found inside. The Gaston County Police De- Gaston County the outstanding Murder warpartment began an investigation. rants will be served and his court dates will be Initial information indicated that three set at that time. people resided at the residence, Bridget McThe Gaston County Police would like to Call Berry, 38, Treyvon Berry, 17, and Peter recognize the following Georgia law enforceJames Rivers Jr., 40. Information also re- ment agencies for their assistance during the ceived was that their green, 1995 Chevrolet investigation; the Kingsland Police DepartSuburban was missing. ment, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office The two victims were transported to the and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations.

North Carolina Medical Examiners Office in The investigation is still ongoing and anyCharlotte for positive identification and the one with information about the case is asked cause of death. to contact the Gaston County Police DepartOn Wednesday, February 11, the Medical ment at (704) 866-3320, or Crime Stoppers of Examiners Office identified the two victims Gaston County at 704-861-8000. as Bridget Berry and Treyvon Berry.

Belmont Police Report Feb. 9: Robert Charles Mayer, DWLR, simple poss., arrested by Officer M. Hall, 1438 Perfection Ave. Feb. 10: Jennifer Mathis Smith, WFA Washington County, arrested by Officer K. Seigler, 6650 Wilkinson Blvd.

Feb. 10: Tykesha Shanella Singletary, FTA, simple poss. marijuana, FTA poss. stolen motor vehicle, arrested by Officer M. Hall, 6503 Wilkinson Blvd.

Feb. 12: Shae Graham Carver, worthless checks, obtaining money/property by false pretense, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 701 Hawley Ave. Feb. 13: Cori Deterian Williams, drug violations, poss. marijuana display tag frame, arrested by Officer K. Seigler, Davidson St. Feb. 14: Patrick Arthur English, poss. cocaine, poss. marijunana up to ½ oz.\, poss. drug paraphernalia, arrested by Officer K. Wingate, 7304 Dales Superette.

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Banner-News Obituaries Martin “Red” Wesley Potts Mount Holly- Martin “Red” Wesley Potts, 84, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2015. He was born in Davie County, son of the late Luther and Sally Cline Potts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Isam and Luther Potts; and three sisters, Elizabeth Potts, Rosa Jane Smith and Kathleen Fender. Mr. Potts was a former Boy Scout leader and enjoyed fishing, hunting and softball.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eloise Campfield Potts; three sons, Ron Potts and wife, Judy of Fair Play, SC, Larry Potts of Mount Holly, and Terry Potts and wife Julie of Mount Holly; a daughter, Tammy McElreath and husband Larry of Charlotte; a sister, Mildred Tise of Winston Salem; a brother, Julius Potts of Yadkinville, NC; a brother-in-law, John Fender of Winston Salem; eight grandchildren, Jon, Jimmie, Lee, Jordan, Adam, Jennifer, Joshua and Laura; and seven great-grandchildren.

A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Potts was held at

2:00 pm, Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Tuckaseege Baptist Church, Mount Holly with Reverend Jason Marlow and Reverend Ron Potts officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery, Belmont. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Tuckaseege Baptist Church, 511 Tuckaseege Road, Mount Holly, NC 28120. Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www. woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly served the family.

Evelyn Barker Odell Fisher Mount Holly- Evelyn Barker Odell Fisher, 99, a resident of Alexandria Place in Gastonia, formerly of Mount Holly, passed away on Friday February 13, 2015. She was born in Iredell County, daughter of the late Herbert and Lettie Sims Barker. She was preceded in death by husbands Guy Odell and William Fisher and one brother Vernon Barker.

She is survived by three children Jeanie Ferrell and husband Jimmy of Mount Holly, Joyce Sowell and husband Ted of Heath Springs, SC, Donald Odell of Lancaster, SC. One brother Gene Barker of Gastonia. Two sis-

ters Pattie Plemmons of Gastonia and Margaret Beaver of Valdese. Seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.

A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Fisher was held 3:00 pm Sunday February 15, 2015 at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home with Rev. David Barton officiating. Burial followed in Goshen Cemetery in North Belmont. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Westview Presbyterian Church, 1020 W Catawba Avenue, Mount Holly, NC 28120.

Condolence message may be sent to the family at www. woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC is served the family.

Sisk-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Service We offer funeral packages and we honor existing pre-need funerals.

704-629-2255 www.siskbutler.com Eddie Pigg, Funeral Director

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Backyard Poultry Intensive Workshop Want to raise some backyard chickens?

Then take advantage of this upcoming workshop presented by Jim Adkins of the Sustainable Poultry Network, April 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gaston Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas.

The day will be broken up into several hour to hour-and-a-half long sessions: Sessions 1 & 2 - Identifying Standard Bred & Heritage Poultry There is a lot of misunderstanding of what exactly is a heritage chicken and even a heritage turkey. In the opening sessions of this workshop, you will learn how to truly identify a heritage bird as described in the Standard of Perfection published by the American Poultry Association. It is critical that you understand the differences of industrialized poultry verses standard bred poultry. You will learn how to properly chose your birds and learn of the best place to purchase your sustainable flock of poultry.

Session 3 - Facilities, Feed, Forage & the Backyard What about facilities for your newly acquired standard bred, heritage poultry; and all this talk about pastured poultry? How much space do I need? In this session you learn about permanent structures verse mobile units. And how many birds can you raise on your property. Should you use organic or natural feed? Or maybe just the "good old" Purina feed? These details will all be covered in this session.

Session 4 - Selecting & Culling your Flock for Production This is the "hands on" part of the workshop. You will learn the "Hogan Selection Principles" of selecting birds for meat production and rate of growth. You will learn how to assess your current flock of layers to see who is in production and who is not. Everyone will

have the opportunity to learn how to properly handle fowls and learn the essential selection process for keeping the best birds to improve production in your flock.

Session 5 - Basic Poultry Health Management & Disease Control This session could be titled, "Disease Prevention" - you will learn the basics of poultry management that encourages proactive care to keep your poultry healthy. In this session you will learn the basics of sanitation that includes cleaning, removal of droppings, removal of unhealthy birds, protection from carriers of diseases and even quarantining new stock.

You'll also learn about the special challenges that you may face with your flock .These principles will apply to any size of flocks.

Session 6 - Opportunities for Breeding, Preservation, Exhibition & Marketing Breeding poultry is a lost art. Very few people across North America are breeding for preservation. As a result, the historical, heirloom breeds of poultry are declining quickly.

In this session you will be introduced to the essentials of breeding your favorite poultry.

Learn about exhibiting and judging poultry.

What about processing and selling your birds?

You will learn some of the secrets to marketing and opportunities to network with other like-minded farmers. The goal is to prepare you with the necessary information and skills to succeed and maybe even make a profit through your backyard flock of poultry.

Cost and registration for this one day workshop: $40 per person if before April 7, 2014; $50 per person between April 8 and April 21, 2015. Lunch is provided. To register, contact Gaston County Cooperative Extension at 704.922.2112.

Fellowship & Faith

Unity Baptist Church

Church Service Directory 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 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 First Free Will Baptist Church 841 Noles Dr. 704-827-7461 First Presbyterian Church 133 S. Main St. 704-827-0521 First United Methodist Church 140 N. Main St. 704-827-4855

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Living Witness Ministries 541 Costner St. 704-827-0004 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751 Macedonia Baptist Church 1951 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-9224

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Employees of

Mt. Holly Church of God 208 Rankin Ave. 704-827-8596 Mt. Holly Noles Baptist Church Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-2013 Mt. Holly Pentecostal Holiness 406 Scott St. 704-827-8201

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704-867-2317

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

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Sole Patrol Valentine Lunch

The Mount Holly Parks and Recreation Sole Patrol group held its annual Valentine's lunch last week. Over 40 Sole Patrol participants enjoyed spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, and dessert. Sole Patrol director Cheri Love gave each person a box of Valentine's candy.

Photos by Alan Hodge

Gaston Schools Good News

Give peace a chance

Gaston County Schools has announced the following Good News: The following educators have been chosen as finalists for Gaston County Teacher of the Year 20152016: Kim Brooks, Springfield Elementary; Martha Bumgardner, Belmont Middle School; Bobbie Cavnar, South Point High School; Laradon Pilot, Bessemer City High School; and Carolyn Spencer, Stuart W. Cramer High School.

Several Gaston County Schools Instructional Technology Facilitators have been selected to present at the NCTIES (North Carolina Technology in Education Society) Conference in March. Jason Mammano and Sean Markwith will present a session titled “Chromebook Revolution” about teaching with Chrome apps and extensions. Chris Goodson and Lisa Montgomery will present the “Minecraft for Non-Gamers” session.

Students in the Ashbrook High School Air Force JROTC program collected 4,750 canned food items for the Greater Gaston Baptist Association's food bank, surpassing their goal of 3,500 items.

The Highland School of Technology Quiz Bowl team has qualified for the High School Championship of the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT), which will be held in Chicago this May. The school qualified by winning its fall tournament. Andrew Dixon was the top scorer for the tournament. Other team members are Tobi Adelekun, Baldev Desai, Brian Koo, Ryan Thurston, Ethan Wu and Evann Wu. Forest Heights Elementary teacher Jenna Peterson was selected to participate in the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) seminar, “Success from the Start: Foundational Skills for Beginning Teachers.”

East Gaston High School students Naomi Carpenter and Brandon Rodgers were selected to participate in the 2015 Mars Hill University Choral Festival in February. More than 1,000 students throughout North Carolina audition for this prestigious festival choir each year.

Tryon Elementary School students took part in a “Soctober” program by collecting 235 pairs of socks and other toiletry items for the homeless. In December, the school collected more than 970 canned food items for local crisis ministries. The next service project is #BookItForward. Anyone wishing to donate new or gently used books may sent them to school counselor Millicent Heavner.

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:19 ESV. This scripture sounds like a beautiful, peaceful statement to live by, but on close observation of our behavior and inner desires we find this is not as easy as it appears. We live in a world conflicted over religion, race and nationality. And the church doesn’t fare any better. Throughout the centuries, we have seen and read about the divided church. Division is by theology, polity and core values.

Over the last couple of years, my heart has been broken as I witness our behavior as followers of Jesus Christ warring over the myriad of issues that has divided our churches and turned friends into enemies. We the Rev. Angela Pleasants ones who are supposed to reveal the light of Christ First United Methodist Church, are now showing conflict and discord. So, how can Mount Holly we pursue peace when our churches are in conflict, homes are divided, wars are on the rise and persecution is flashed on our television screens continuously? Pursuing peace begins by remembering God is the source of all peace. As we reconcile to God, we too become reconcilers of one another.

We no longer view relationships by the world’s standards. In the scripture, we are challenged “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:14-15 ESV. The healing begins when we remember relationship is more important than the issue.

We must endeavor not to allow the issues we debate be more important than our love for one another. For this reason, make every effort to restore the relationship.

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24 ESV. Peace dwells where God reigns. If we allow God first place in our hearts above our agendas and issues we will experience his peace beyond understanding.

And the world will witness a community that although we in opinions differ we unite by our love.

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Mount Holly Community Development News Hamrick named MHCDF chair The Mount Holly Community Development Foundation has announced that its 2015 Chairman of the Board of Directors is David Hamrick. David has served as a Director on the board for the past three years.

David moved to Mount Holly as a youth and graduated in 1971 from Mount Holly High School.

David published Gaston Alive, a HAMRICK monthly magazine chalked full of interesting articles about the people that call Gaston County home, from 2003 to 2013. Today, he works for The Red Cross and continues to share his passion of helping others.

David is married to Linda Waite Hamrick and together they have 4 children and 4 grandchildren.

David loves music and is our Stage Manager for the Mount Holly Art & Music Festival. He also enjoys photography, reading and playing his guitar every chance he gets.

When asked why he is on the Board, David exclaimed, “I am on the Board because I am excited about Mount Holly, its potential and future.”

Gowen named MHCDF Vice Chair The Mount Holly Community Development Foundation is proud to announce that its 2015 Vice Chair of the Board of Directors is Shannon Gowen. Shannon joined the Board of Directors in 2014.

Shannon graduated from UNC Charlotte with a BS in Mathematics and recently graduated GOWEN with a Masters in Information Systems last July. Shannon is a Support Escalation Engineer for the Microsoft Corporation.

Shannon and her husband, Jason, moved to Mount Holly a year before they got married because this is where they wanted to start their married life together. Shannon, along with Jason, have worked several years with the Community Image committee and presently

are the sponsoring gardeners for the Hwy 273 Gateway Signage garden.

When asked why she joined the Foundation, Shannon stated, “I joined the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation because I wanted to be a part of a group of people who are eager and committed to improving their community.”

In addition to her new position as Vice Chair, Shannon will remain the Chair of the Community Image Committee for the Foundation. The Foundation is pleased that Shannon has agreed to take a very active role this year and looks forward to her energy.

Autovino named MHCDF secretary The Mount Holly Community Development Foundation has announced that Angela Autovino will continue as our 2015 Secretary of the Board of Directors. Angela joined the Board of Directors in 2013 and this is her second year in this position.

Angela and her family moved to Mount Holly in AUTOVINO 2001 from Rochester, NY. Why Mount Holly? “I love it here because it is quaint and a great community,” Angela exclaimed. “I am a hairdresser and have been for 33 years. I worked in Charlotte but soon wanted to open my own salon with two other partners. In 2005, I passed the revitalized depot and decided it was perfect.”

Edoo Hair Studio was began.

Since Angela moved to the community she has volunteered for various groups like the Seniors’ Dinner in the spring, Member of Mount Hollydays Board of Directors and has been a member of the Foundation since it began. “I am proud to be a member and help to continue to make this city a great place to live.”

Angela and Mike have been married for 30 years and have two children, Amanda and Michael, and two beautiful grandchildren, Aubrey Rose, who is fifteen months and Blaze Zepplin, who is three months.

When Angela is not working in her shop or volunteering, she enjoys reading, cooking and entertaining.

Angela looks forward to her continued passion in making our organization shine while making Mount Holly a great place to visit and live.

Visit us online @ Banner-News.com

Tasty ribbon-cutting at Peace-n-Hominy Q Shack Everyone attending the Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony at Peace-n-Hominy Q Shack enjoyed generous samples of barbecue pork and chicken, plus baked beans, Brunswick stew, three kinds of slaw and all the trimmings. No one went home hungry compliments of owners William and Christine Rienks. The Q Shack is at 403 E. Catawba Street in Belmont and features a large menu of burgers and other dishes in addition to barbecue. The restaurant is open 11-8 Monday - Friday, 7 - 8 on Saturday and 7 - 3 on Sunday. More information at www.peacenhominy.com or 704.464.7647. In the photo, owners Christine and William Rienks are cutting the ribbon, with (from left) Chamber Board Chair Melia Lyerly of Lyerly Agency, Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin, Peace-n-Hominy Q Shack staff members Mike and Mark Dellinger, loyal customer and Belmont City Council member Charlie Flowers, Chamber Treasurer Robert Aldrich of Aldrich CFO Services, Belmont City Council member Ryan Schrift of R.J. Schrift Private Asset Management and Chamber Board Past-Chair Brad Thomas of Creative Solutions Special Events.

Montcross Area Chamber photo

Gaston Together announces 2015 officers and new board members Gaston Together: Communities of Excellence has announced the 2015 Officers and new Board Members.

The officers are: Chair, Jason Shoemaker (Mullen, Holland and Cooper); Immediate Past Chair, Kerri Massey (Holy Angels, Inc.); Chair-Elect, Jaggy Anand (Firestone Fibers & Textiles, Retired); Vice-Chair Curtis Rosselle (Gaston County Police) ; Secretary/Treasurer and Gaston Community Healthcare Commission Chair (GCHC) David Fogarty, (NC Cooperative Extension); Asst. Treasurer, Terry Stroupe (BB&T); Clergy/Citizens Coalition (GC3) Co-Chairs, Rev. Dr. Darial Jackson (St. John’s Missionary Baptist) and Rev. Dr. Joan Martin (Covenant Village); Leadership Team Chair, Deborah Ally (United Way of Gaston County) and Gaston Vision 2020 Chair, John Lowery, (Wealthplan Financial Partners). New Board Members are: Jeff Sandford (Gaston Regional Chamber) and Ryan Schrift (R.J. Schrift Private Asset Management).

The Board of Directors, known as the Council, is the policy making and fund raising arm of Gaston Together. The Gaston Clergy & Citizens’ Coalition is a non-denominational

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ministerial association dedicated to building racial harmony and community improvement. The Gaston Community Healthcare Commission is an organization of volunteers and healthcare providers whose mission is to imJason Shoemaker prove the health status of the citizens of our county currently focused on the Healthy Gaston initiativve.

Gaston Vision 2020 is our county’s vision for quality of life growth and enhancement currently focused on leadership and a healthy community. In addition, the visioning team worked with the UNCC-Urban Institute to develop the Gaston County Regional Indicator website, a community dashboard for Gaston County.

For more information, please visit our web site: www.gastontogether.org.

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Page 9

Banner-News Sports

Disappointing season over for Lady Raiders

by John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com

As the second started to tick down on the Lady Raiders 2104-2015 season the attitude on the South Point bench appeared to be positive. Cramer High was about to beat South Point 65-38, yet the players did not appear to be sad. They still looked determined. Despite going 1-17 on the year the South Point Lady Red Raiders never gave up. They never succumbed to a defeatist mind set.

Before the season final against Cramer, South Point went up against Lake Norman and North Gaston. Against the Lady Wildcats,South Point was in the hunt for most of the game.

But a hot 4th period by North Gaston robbed South Point the chance to notch another win.

Against Lake Norman the final score was 52-27. But the scored didn’t tell the whole story. All year South Point was gradually getting better. The Lady Raiders just could translate

the improvements on to the score board.

“We played good,” Head coach Scott Tudor said. “At the half we were not far down.”

But as was the case all season as good as South Point was getting their opponents were keeping pace or exceeding the Lady Raiders performance. After half time Lake Norman hit South Point for 31 second half points. The Lady Raiders only managed 10 points to counter.

Against Cramer is was more of the same. Positive effort, no tangible results.

“We came out slow,” Tudor said.

“They came out hot. That combination doesn’t work.”

Alli Jackson was the top scorer for South Point. Asia Jackson finished her high school career with 9 points. she was also the Lady Raiders top rebounder.

With the season over coach Tudor was

able to reflect.

“We only won one game,” Tudor said. “But it’s been fun coming to work. There was a good attitude all season.”

Lesser people would have walked off the court after a 1-17 season with their heads low. Not this South Point team. The Lady Raiders showed that the lessons of sportsmanship and team effort taught to them by Tudor were not forgotten. That kind of positive attitude took some of the sting out of a disappointing year.

Red Raiders win big, beat North Gaston 76-41

By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com

The Red Raiders quest for the last Big South 2A-3A playoff spot continued. With two games left in the regular season, South Point and Forestview are neck and neck in a battle for the final spot. That made South Point’s match up against North Gaston big. The stakes were high. For South Point it came down to was this. Win and the Red Raiders still had a shot at a playoff berth. Lose and we have to wait and see what happens with Forestview. The gravity of the situation was not lost on the Red Raiders. South Point kept pace with Forestview beating North Gaston 76-41.

The win was big. It was just the shot in the arm South Point needed after a pair of losses to Forestview and Lake Norman.

“It was a must win,” Coach Kody Kubbs said.

“We played like a must win. I’m very pleased how we played as a team.”

South Point played a complete game. They combined solid offense with good defense. They passed the ball and they worked with each other to shut the Wildcats down. That kind of teamwork is what Kubbs has stressed all year.

“We distributed the ball,” Kubbs said. “We shared. Very unselfish.”

The stats backup the results. South Point moved the ball around and players showed they had no problem passing off to a team mate.

“We had 19 assists on 28 field goals,” Kubbs added.

There was little doubt that the South Point offense was hot. The Red Raider defensive effort was just as hot. Other then small deficiencies in the transitional defense, South Point smothered North Gaston.

“On defense we played pretty good,” Kubbs said. “Transition could have been better. On half court, I’m happy with the effort.”

Blake Zieske led all Red Raiders in scoring. The freshman popped in 19 points. Brandon Reeves had a good night as well. Reeves had 11 points and 12 rebounds.

JT Starr’s presence was felt as well. Starr finished the game with 11 points and 7 boards.

In some good news for the Red Raiders, Ryan Williams, who has been battling injuries, has been getting back into the lineup. Williams finished the night with 6 points.

Other Red Raiders help with the win as well. Senior Clay Julen and junior, Diontrea King added 5 points a piece to round out the top South Point scorers.

East Gaston Warriors Player of the Week Deaja Smith Basketball

South Point’s Kaylyn Mullis and Stuart Cramer’s Haley Bourhill fight for the ball in last week’s game that saw the Lady Storm come out on top 65-38.

Photo by Lydia Julen

South Point Red Raiders

Stuart -Cramer Storm

Player of the Week

Player of the Week

Ryan Williams Basketball

Mackenzie Smith Basketball

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Page 10

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Banner-News Sports

East Gaston wins over Stuart Cramer 56-52

East Gaston’s cheerleaders stirred up the crowd at last week’s game against Stuart Cramer.

East Gaston’s Alex Adams aims for the goal in Photos by Bill Ward the game against Stuart Cramer.

Stuart Cramer High’s Jordan Bryant goes for a jump shot in last week’s game against East Gaston. The Storm fell short by a close score of 56-52.

Denver Monteith signs with North Greenville University Gaston Christian School’s Denver Monteith recently signed with the soccer program at North Greenville University.

Pictured, seated from left, are Vickie, Denver and David Monteith while standing are GCS High School Principal Nancy McDaniel, Soccer Coach Justin Huitt and Athletic Director Tom Hawxwell.

Gaston Christian School photo

South Point High extends congratulations to Sarah Catherine Paschall for being named the female Big South Swimmer of the Year, to Michael Lewis for being named the male Big South Swimmer of the Year, and to Coach Caitlin McGraw for being named the Big South Boys Coach of the Year.

Gaston Schools photo

South Point wins over Stuart Cramer 73-49

South Point JV player Nathan Hamilton and Pierre Davis of Stuart Cramer scramble in last week’s game. South Point won 54-46.

Photo by Lydia Julen

Visit us online @ South Point Red Raider JT Starr shoots a one-handed jumper in last week’s 73-49 win over Stuart Cramer.

Photo by Lydia Julen

South Point player Miles Neyen sweeps around Stuart Cramer’s Nick Smith in last week’s game. The Raiders won 73-49.

Photo by Lydia Julen

Banner-News.com

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Page 11

Banner-News School Happenings Gaston Christian Mock Trial teams participate in regional competitions Gaston Christian High School sponsored two teams at the North Carolina Advocates for Justice High School Mock Trial Regional Competition on February 7.

The GCHS White Team traveled to High Point and won the 1st round of their competition; Madison Ramsey received a Best Attorney award.

The GCHS Red Team captured the title of regional champion in Asheville with three students winning Best Attorney awards: Jamison Brown (Round 1); Ashley Layne (Round 2), and Thomas Williford (Final

Round). Team members were also recognized with Best Witness awards: Joe Painter (Round 1 and Final Round), Grady Pearson (Round 2). This group will travel to Raleigh on March 6-7 to compete in the state Mock Trial competition.

Mrs. Jane Painter (attorney with the law firm of Mullen, Holland, and Cooper in Gastonia) Mr. Patrick Craig (attorney with the McGill & Hill Group in Charlotte), and Judge Michael Lands assisted as legal advisors for the two teams. Mr. Trey McKeown serves as faculty advisor.

L-R- Front row: Tim Burch, Senior Manager Appreciation; Aaron Camp, Co-Yates and Marie Abernathy Sportsmanship Award; Hunter McCorkle, Co- Yates and Marie Abernathy Sportsmanship Award; Nick Farmer, JV Defensive Player of the Year; Ryland Etherton, Bennie Cunningham Most Improved Player; Ty Tinker, JV Offensive Player of the Year. Back row; Jaquan Brooks, Sheila Rollins Most Versatile Player; Stephen Carriker, Dr. Eddie Lineberger Best Blocker; Tanner Muse, Dr. Wade Breeland Most Valuable Player, Gaston Gazette All Purpose Player of the Year, AP All State Team; Clay Julen, Gerald Cortner Character, Leadership and Scholarship Award; Tyler Hall, Belmont Drug Co-Best Defensive Player; Matt Mellette, Bobby Brown Unsung Hero Award. Not pictured: Yale Loucks, Belmont Drug Co-Best Defensive Player.

Contributed Photo

South Point Presents 2014 Football Awards South Point High School presented its football awards at a banquet held on Monday, February 2nd. This team went 10-5 overall and reached the 3A Western North Carolina Football Finals, losing there to Crest 13-7.

Tanner Muse, winner of the Dr. Wade Breeland Most Valuable Player award, was also named the Gazette All Purpose Player of the year. Tanner was selected to the Shrine Bowl team and for the 2nd year he was named to the AP All State team. Tanner has signed to play for Clemson.

Jaquan Brooks, winner of the Sheila Rollins Most Versatile Player Award, has signed to play for Campbell University.

This team had nine players named to the Big South All Conference team: Jaquan Brooks, Ryland Etherton, Stephen Carriker, Mike Hayes, Yale Loucks, Tyler Hall, Tanner Muse, Donovan Stowe, JT Starr.

Varsity Awards winners were: Tanner

Muse – Dr. Wade Breeland MVP, Gaston Gazette All Purpose Player of the Year, Shrine Bowl team member, 2nd year on AP All State team; Stephen Carriker - Dr. Eddie Lineberger Best Blocker; Tyler Hall – Belmont Drug Co- Best Defensive Player; Yale Loucks – Belmont Drug Co- Best Defensive Player; Jaquan Brooks – Sheila Rollins Most Versatile Player; Hunter McCorkle – Yates and Marie Abernathy Co-Sportsmanship Award; Aaron Camp – Yates and Marie Abernathy Co-Sportsmanship Award; Ryland Etherton – Bennie Cunningham Most Improved Player; Clay Julen – Gerald Cortner Character, Leadership, and Scholarship Award; Matt Mellette – Bobby Brown Unsung Hero Award; Tim Burch – Senior Manager Appreciation.

JV Awards Winners: Nick Farmer – Defensive Player of the Year; Ty Tinker – Offensive Player of the Year.

Local students named to Dean’s Lists The following Wake Forest University students have been named to the university’s Dean’s List for the fall semester, 2014. Students who achieve a 3.4 grade point average and no grade below a “C” were named to the list. Chloe Holt from Cherryville; Casey Frey, William Neinast, Joseph Nelli, Chirag Patel,

Brittany Skaggs all from Gastonia.

Local students attending Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia, were recently named to the Dean’s List for the Fall semester of the 2014-2015 academic year. Dustin Wiles of Belmont; Spencer Wiles of Belmont.

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704-487-0616 MaxGardnerLaw, PLLC is located in the Historic Webbley at 403 S. Washington St., Shelby, NC and is a debt relief agency under Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

Red Team (left to right): Thomas Williford, Joe Painter, Mrs. Jane Painter (attorney advisor), Grady Pearson, Jamison Brown, Rachel Putnam, Ashley Layne, Madux Price

White Team (left to right): Jacob Noblett, Jacob Foster, Savannah Witt, Eric Hawley, Jordan Putnam, Brandon Hostetler, Madison Ramsey, Brice Turner, Patrick Craig (attorney advisor).

Contributed Photos

All-County Honors Band Clinic held More than 350 outstanding middle school and high school musicians participated in the all-county honors band clinic that culminated Saturday afternoon with a spectacular concert at Ashbrook High School. The event featured performances by two middle school groups, the high school symphonic band, and the high school wind ensemble. Students were chosen for the all-county band clinic through an audition process. The bands were directed by Cindy Owens of W.C. Friday Middle School, Mekel Rogers of Weddington Middle School, Kameron Radford of Stuart W. Cramer High School, and William Talley III of Asheville High School.

Gaston County Schools photo

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Page 12

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Banner-News School Happenings Students sample possible cafeteria menu items at annual food show

Blueberry pancakes, Thai Sweet Chili Chicken, all-natural turkey franks and jalapeno ketchup were a few of the more than 200 items on the menu for Gaston County Schools’ fourth annual food show.

The School Nutrition Department invited students from all of the district’s 56 schools to sample a variety of foods, then give feedback as to what they would like to see in the cafeteria next school year. School Nutrition sets the menu for all school cafeterias, following guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We do this so we can find out what the trends are and what the students like. What I like isn’t necessarily what 35,000 students will like,” explained Caren Berrier, assistant director of operations for school nutrition, who organized the show this year.

With pens and clipboards in hand, children and parents filled out surveys for the items at each table as they sampled everything from sausage and gravy breakfast pizza to “Beanitos,” which are puffed snacks made with navy beans.

“I like how we get a say-so in what we eat,” said Logan Crisp, a fifth grader at Pinewood Elementary.

“I’m glad they’re doing this so that the cafeterias will be sure to have things children enjoy, and so they don’t waste food,” said his grandmother, April Crisp.

“It’s good to have a voice,” said Jessica Morong, whose daughters are in kindergarten and second grade at Catawba Heights Elementary. “So far everything is so good.”

One vendor at the show was David Thomas, owner of Integrity Foods. He said the USDA menu regulations are intended to ensure students have healthy food options, but these can also make it challenging to offer foods that children will actually eat.

“My goal is to find things that are unique and different, but meet the meal pattern,” he said. “There’s no point in putting it on a plate if the students aren’t going to eat it. If it goes in the trash can, we’re not accomplishing anything. We do what we can to find things they’re going to love.”

Gaston students capture awards at regional science and engineering fair Gaston County Schools students have a lot to be proud of after competing in the recent UNC-Charlotte Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Facing a challenging group of competitors from around the Charlotte area, Gaston students earned nearly 20 different awards at the fair, including six projects that qualified to move on to the state level contest.

This represents a third of the 18 total Charlotte region projects advancing to the state science fair.

Two Ashbrook High School students did especially well. Mallory Alman and Patrick Rosemond won first place in their respective categories to qualify for the state competition, while also garnering multiple additional awards.

The following Gaston County Schools projects also qualified to compete in the 2015 North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair, which will be held March 27 and 28 at Meredith College in Raleigh: Devin Totherow, Amanda Rhyne and Kyra Crossgrove; Gaston Early College High School. The group earned third place in the Biological Sciences A category for “The Effects of Music on your Concentration.”

Solomon Collins; Ashbrook High School.

He earned second place in the Biological Sciences A category for “Purge those Pimples:

The Effect of Benzoyl Peroxide Concentration on Bacterial Growth.”

Lauren Helms, Chrissy Humphrey and Jaji Watson; Ashbrook High School. They took second place in the Biological Sciences B category with their project, “How Sweet the Sound.”

Aaron Froelich and Elizabeth Hendrix; Ashbrook High School. Their “Miracle Paste” project earned third place in the Earth and Environmental Sciences category.

Other Gaston students were given special awards for their projects: Dalton Hoskins, an Ashbrook High School student, earned the N.C. American Water Works Association Award for “The Effects of Industrialized Areas on the Water Quality around Gaston County.”

Cramerton Middle School students William Raffone and Robert Raffone (“Hovering to Victory”) and Joey Vale of Grier Middle School (“Using Hydropower to Lift a Load”) received the U.S. Air Force Award for their projects.

Ryan Proud of Belmont Middle School (“The Fastest Way to Cool a Soda”) along with Nathan Vasquez and Edgar Aguazul of Southwest Middle School (“Soapy Water”) were nominated for the Broadcom Masters competition, an honor given to the top 10 percent of middle school projects.

Victoria Becker and Katie Seay auditioned and were selected to attend the 67th annual Mars Hill University Choral Festival on February 6-7. Under the direction of Dr. Karen Kennedy, associate professor and director of choral studies at the University of Miami, they rehearsed with 320 students from over 100 participating high schools. The event concluded with an afternoon concert attended by many family members and friends.

Gaston Christian School photo

Scholarship funding available for Gaston College STEM students Students interested in pursuing a STEM education are encouraged to apply for scholarships through Gaston College’s SPARC3 initiative. The National Science Foundation and a private donor have awarded to the College funds totaling over $625,000 in support of these SPARC3 Scholarships.

The SPARC3 (STEM Persistence and Retention through Curriculum, Cohort, and Centralization) initiative was developed in 2009 by Gaston College to promote persistence and graduation rates of students taking Science, 2014 SPARC3 Scholars Chelsey King and Janna Stover working Technology, Engineering on an undergraduate research project. Annette McMurray an and Mathematics (STEM) employee at the wastewater treatment plant looks on as Gaston courses. It is widely ac- College students conduct their research on current and future knowledged that the future rate capacity. economic prosperity of the Gaston College photo U.S. is closely related to Applicants for the scholarships must meet the success of students in the STEM fields. the following eligibility requirements: Must The inaugural group of SPARC3 Scholars has successfully completed their first semes- be at least 18 year of age; Must possess a ter at Gaston College. The SPARC3pro- high school diploma or equivalent; U.S. citigram’s goal was for the SPARC3 Scholars to zenship, nationality or lawful U.S. permanent have a retention rate of 90% or higher and for residence; Full-time enrollment in the Assoall students to have a GPA of at least 2.75. ciate of Science program at Gaston College; The average GPA for the SPARC3 Schol- Demonstrated financial need based up on ars was 3.654 and 100% were retained to federal guidelines; Overall unweighted GPA the spring semester. All of the students took of 2.75 or higher Submission of a letter of inpart in undergraduate research with the local tent to complete the Associate of Science dewastewater treatment plant and two of the gree at Gaston College;Brief interview with students presented their work at a national SPARC3 program staff.

Upon completing the Associate of Science undergraduate research symposium.

Gaston College will award SPARC3 degree at Gaston College, SPARC3 ScholarScholarships of up to $5,600 per year per swill receive assistance in applying for accepeligible student. In addition to this financial tance to four-year colleges and universities support, SPARC3 Scholars will benefit from for further studies in STEM fields.

The deadline for applying for Gaston Colacademic learning communities, mentoring, undergraduate research experiences, and lege’s SPARC3 Scholarships for the fall 2015 supplemental group activities that aid in stu- semester is March 20. Application materident learning and prepare students for future als can be requested by sending an email to sparc3@gaston.edu. achievement.

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Page 13

Banner-News School Happenings Looking Ahead - Special Events for Gaston County Schools The following special events and recognition programs are on the calendar for Gaston County Schools: Math Masters, Tuesday, March 3 and Wednesday, March 4, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Hawks Nest Intermediate School; All-County Middle School Chorus Concert, Tuesday, March 3, 7:00 p.m. Holbrook Middle School; and National Board Certified Teachers Reception, Wednesday, March 4, 4:00 p.m., Schiele Museum.

Math Elite, Thursday, March 5, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Hawks Nest Intermediate School; College and Career Expo, Saturday, March 7, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Eastridge Mall; RoboGASTON robotics competition, Saturday, March 7, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., East Gaston High School; Elementary Battle of the Books, Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 12, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Hawks Nest Intermediate School; and

Middle School Battle of the Books, Friday, March 13, 9:00 a.m.

- 1:00 p.m., Gaston College Kimbrell Campus, Belmont.

Quiz Bowl, Saturday, April 25, 9:00 a.m., Forestview High School; and Business Partnerships Recognition, Thursday, April 30, 4:00 p.m., Hawks Nest.

New Townhomes ESTATES Design Center 100 T R Harris Dr., Shelby NC 28150

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Don’t forget that all homes in Crystal Springs are No Step Homes!

Call For An Appointment: 704 349 0461 email: crystalsprings1@hotmail.com

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Enjoy the winter days by snuggling up in front of the Gas Fireplace in this new, 2 Bedroom Townhome. Well defined, spacious rooms gives you the feel of openness yet easy to arrange furniture. Hardwood floors lead the way to the kitchen with granite countertop and stainless steel appliances. Oversized garage with electric doors and no steps make it easy to get out of the rain.

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Oh Yes You Can !…....Choose the interior colors for this brand new Townhome under construction in Crystal Springs. This 2 bedroom Townhome is ready for a buyer to choose the wall colors, flooring, cabinets, appliances and more. Not only will you appreciate the new home but the great neighborhood. You will meet and enjoy living close to new friends in Crystal Springs.

You will also enjoy Crystal Springs being Pet Friendly!

We can give you a Golf Cart Tour!

704 349 0461

Gaston Christian School students from preschool through 12th grade donated non-perishable food items to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. In conjunction with Souper Bowl of Caring, the students donated over 2,800 food items. Emoni Taylor and Camryn Higginbotham, students in Mrs. Chapman’s pre-k class, enjoyed adding their cans of food to the barrels.

Gaston Christian School photo

Gaston Schools shout outs...

The following educators have been chosen as finalists for Gaston County Teacher of the Year 2015-2016: Kim Brooks, Springfield Elementary; Martha Bumgardner, Belmont Middle School; Bobbie Cavnar, South Point High School; Laradon Pilot, Bessemer City High School; and Carolyn Spencer, Stuart W. Cramer High School.

Several Gaston County Schools Instructional Technology Facilitators have been selected to present at the NCTIES (North Carolina Technology in Education Society) Conference in March. Jason Mammano and Sean Markwith will present a session titled “Chromebook Revolution” about teaching with Chrome apps and extensions. Chris Goodson and Lisa Montgomery will present the “Minecraft for Non-Gamers” session.

Students in the Ashbrook High School Air Force JROTC program collected 4,750 canned food items for the Greater Gaston Baptist Association’s food bank, surpassing their goal of 3,500 items.

The Highland School of Technology Quiz Bowl team has qualified for the High School Championship of the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT), which will be held in Chicago this May. The school qualified by winning its fall tournament. Andrew Dixon was the top scorer for the tournament. Other team members are Tobi Adelekun, Baldev Desai, Brian Koo, Ryan Thurston, Ethan Wu and Evann Wu. Forest Heights Elementary teacher Jenna Peterson was selected to participate in the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) seminar, “Success from the Start: Foundational Skills for Beginning Teachers.”

East Gaston High School students Naomi Carpenter and Brandon Rodgers were selected to participate in the 2015 Mars Hill University Choral Festival in February. More than 1,000 students throughout North Carolina audition for this prestigious festival choir each year.

Tryon Elementary School students took part in a “Soctober” program by collecting 235 pairs of socks and other toiletry items for the homeless. In December, the school collected more than 970 canned food items for local crisis ministries. The next service project is #BookItForward. Anyone wishing to donate new or gently used books may sent them to school counselor Millicent Heavner.

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 14

Thursday, February 19, 2015

CLASSIFIED ADS

Need A Classified?

Call Kathy today!

704.739.7496

Autos-Trucks

Campers

Employment

For Rent

For Sale

For Sale

2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE: in awesome condition.

Turbo engine, sunroof, spoiler, and new tires. $5,000.00. For more information call: 704473-5771. (2/18 & 25)

WANT TO BUY: Pop-Up Campers. Call 828-429-3935.

LUMBER COMLOCAL PANY seeking full time laborers. Lumber, Machinery, Forklift experience a plus but not necessary. Typical hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm with opportunity for some overtime. Benefits available after 90 days. Employment contingent on passing drug screen and background check. Open interviews will be held Saturday, February 21st, 2015 between the hours of 8:30am-11:30am at 2520 Blacksburg

2&3 BR APARTMENTS available now! Stove & refrig furnished, W/D hookups. Rent based on income. EHO. Shelby. 704-487-1114.

REFRIGERATORS, STOVES, washers, dryers & odd furniture. Call 704-4810954. After 5pm, call 704-4820540.

MOVING SALE! MANY, MANY ITEMS available.

Please call 704-739-5141, for a complete list available by email.

MOVE IN SPECIAL. 2 & 3BR at 3 Locations. Low Weekly rates. Free Power & Water.

Visit us online @ Oakwood Rentals Shelby or call 704473-4299.

TRAILERS, Lawn mower trailers enclosed, equipment, horse & cattle trailers, saddlery. Check our prices before you buy!! Bridges Riding Equipment, Boiling Springs, NC. 704-434-6389.

OAK FIREWOOD FOR SALE. $65 a truck load, stacked and delivered. Discounts for seniors. 704-477-1931.

2003 HONDA CIVIC, 5sp, 4dr, 120k mi, $4800 obo. Tinted windows. 704-692-9378, leave message.

2006 HONDA S2000 CONVERTIBLE ROADSTER Light blue, fully loaded, mint condition, garage kept since new, 30,200 actual miles.

Asking $20,100. Call Ken at 704-419-9083.

1989 TOYOTA TRUCK, 4 cyl. straight drive, nice, 17” wheels & tires. JVC stereo, blue exterior/blue interior, clean, good truck, $2950.

Phone/text 704-692-6798.

1989 BRONCO II XLT, 4WD, AC, PS, PW,, PDL. $3000 obo. 704-300-6963.

1993 CHEVY SILVERADO TRUCK, LWB, 2WD, 139K mi. $3000. 704-300-6963.

1985 MAZDA RX7 GSL, white with red interior, automatic, sunroof. Runs good, $3450. Call 704-300-1818.

1990 CROWN VICTORIA, 1 owner, new tires, very nice car, 100K mi. $2200. 980238-9108.

2002 DODGE INTREPID, fair condition, $1500. 704-4771545.

2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, 4 cylinder, auto, air, runs great, nice, only 113k miles, $4500. 828-247-4889.

2003 BUICK LESABRE, 3800 V6, one owner, 150k miles, CarFax, very nice & clean, $4500. 828-247-4889.

1996 CHEVY REG. S-10, 4x4, air, auto, 202k miles, 2nd owner, $3800. 828-289-7783.

2001 NISSAN ALTIMA, 4 cylinder, auto, sunroof, new Michelin tires, $3500. 828247-4889.

1989 S-10 w/rebuilt V8 motor, only 1500 miles on motor, new tires, excellent body, $2500 OBO. 828-223-1417.

2005 FORD FOCUS, 4cyl, straight drive, all power, AC, good heat, heated seats, A1 shape, $2500. 2007 Ford Taurus, V6, good shape, AC, good heat, $3000. 828-2481950, 828-429-8197.

2000 CHEVY BLAZER, 4x4 V6, LT, leather interior, fully loaded, good condition, new Goodyear tires, garage kept, 156k, $3200. 828-248-1950, 828-429-8197.

2001 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE, 1.8 turbo, 5 sp. manual, am/fm CD, sunroof, power windows & locks, spoiler, power steering & brakes, AC, $5000. 704-473-5771.

Boats BOATS, PONTOONS WANTED for our upcoming Online Auction. More info @ GordonMillerAuctioneer.com

Business Services NEED BUSINESS CARDS TO PROMOTE YOURSELF & YO UR BUSINESS? 1000 raised print business cards starting at $35 + tax. Shelby Shopper & Info, 503 N. Lafayette St, Shelby, NC 704-484-1047 or Rutherford Weekly, 369 Butler Rd, Forest City, NC 828-248-1408.

2011 FLAGSTAFF Pop-up camper. Air, heat, heated mattresses, awning, great shape, $4600. Call 828-429-3935.

Child Care INFANT CARE – I am interested in providing infant care in my home in Grover. I have a Master’s Degree in child development. 1st or 3rd shifts only.

Call: 704-457-3022 to request my resume and other information. (2/18)

Employment DRIVERS: CDL-B: Great Pay, Hometime! No-Forced Dispatch! New Singles from Statesville, NC to surrounding states. Apply: TruckMovers.com or: 1-877-606-7083.

(2/18, 25, 3/04 &11) DAVID BAPTIST CHURCH in Kings Mountain is looking for a part-time church secretary. Candidate should be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, as well as QuickBooks.

Experience with accounting and payroll is preferred.

Please email resume to: davidbaptistchurch@gmail.com.

(1/21,28, 2/04,11,18 & 25) DRIVERS: CDL-A Company Drivers. Quickway Transportation is Hiring. Home Every Other Day, Excellent Benefits, High Earnings. Call: 877-6002121. (2/18 & 25) KIDS WORLD CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Now accepting applications for Lead Teachers. Must be at least 21 years old. Must have NC Early Childhood Credential and working toward or currently have an AAS in Early Childhood. Minimum 1 year experience. We will accept applications in person on Fridays only through February. You may fax your resume to 704-471-1719 or mail to 1152 Wyke Road, Shelby, NC, 28150. FORMER EMPLOYEES NEED NOT APPLY. BRAIDED RUG SEWERS NEEDED. Must be experienced in sewing braided rugs.

Call 704-434-2495, 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri. ALARM INSTALLER/TECH NEEDED. Must have electronic training/knowledge. Apply at Secure Electronics, 607 N Lafayette St., Shelby. Mon-Fri., 9am-12pm & 2:30pm-5pm.

MAINTENANCE TECH P/T, (64 hrs., bi-weekly) at local apt. community. Must have experience in plumbing, electrical, minor carpentry, painting, etc.

Get units ready in a timely manner and complete work orders.

Universal type 2, 11 and 111 certification a plus. Must abide by all Fair Housing laws, pass drug test; initial and random, and background check. Excellent pay/benefits: including paid holidays, sick leave, medical, dental, life insurance, paid vacation, Christmas Bonus & 401K. Serious candidates that qualify, call 704-487-6354 to schedule a time to pick-up an application. PLEASE DO NOT JUST SHOW UP; YOU MUST SCHEDULE APPT.

Classified Deadline Friday 12 NOON

Rd., Grover, NC, 28073.

Employment Wanted

CAREGIVER: FIRST AID, CPR, no CNA, companionship, personal care, light housekeeping, making meals & transportation. Neat, polite, patient. References. 828-2026795.

Farm & Garden SQUARE BALES OF HAY. Goat and cow hay for sale.

704-692-3168, 704-434-7707.

HORSE TRAILER FOR SALE Not rusted out. 16ft long, bumper pull. Floors are in good shape and I have the title. I have hauled as many as 5 horses in it at once. $1,900 OBO. Call or text 704-6894790

Farm/Heavy Equipment 5’ BEHIND TRACTOR grooming mower. Good condition.

704-472-3183.

For Rent 3BR 2BA HOME FOR RENT, Burns High School District, Country setting, good neighborhood, NO PETS, references required, $425 month, call 704692-6577.

MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS MOUNTAIN - Prices starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704-739-1425. (tfn) WOODBRIDGE GOLF COURSE HOUSE (10th green) Kings Mountain. $1250 mo, security deposit required.

3BR, 2BA. Refrig, dishwasher, stove included. NO PETS. 828-290-4602.

FREEDOM MOBILE HOME PARK $150 dep and $300$350 mo for 2BR, no pets.

Shelby. 704-418-2803.

2 & 3 BR. MOBILE HOMES. Nice & clean. Water, furnished. Oak Grove Comm.

704-739-0259.

CIRCLE PARK & OAKHURST PARK, Yarbro Rd, Kings Mtn. Several 2 & 3 BR mobile homes for rent.

Heat pump, stove, & refrig.

Washer & dryer hookups. $100 to $125 wk. No pets. Deposit & references required.

704-739-8828, 704-472-7933.

HICKORY CREEK APTS. for seniors (62 & older) & disabled, (50 & older). 418 E. Warren St. Shelby. Now taking applications for waiting list. 704-487-6354. EHO. LIONS SENIOR VILLAGE has 1BR HUD subsidized apts for low income seniors. Taking applications. Age 62 or older.

211 N. Morgan St., Shelby.

704-482-7723, Equal Housing Opportunity.

MOBILE HOME FOR RENT in Waco area. No pets. 704435-8103.

MOVE IN TODAY. VALUE PLACE, $189 weekly. Fully furnished studio w/kitchen.

Simple comfort costs less.

1010 Sue Lane, Shelby. 704487-1001.

MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT in Kings Mtn and Crouse. 2 & 3BR, references and deposit required. No pets. 704-2840033.

2BR, 1BA APT IN THE HEART OF UPTOWN SHELBY. Exposed brick walls, spiral staircase, 700 sq. ft., on site parking. $615 month, $615 security deposit. 828-253-1342.

2BR 1.5BA, NICE COUNTRY LIVING, 10 minutes from Shelby. NO PETS. Retirees Welcome. 704-692-0447.

5BR 2BA HOUSE, KINGS MOUNTAIN, very nice, $1400 month. 3BR house, Lawndale, $690 month. 2BR house, Lawndale, $500 month. 704284-5126.

2BR 1BA MOBILE HOME, beautiful new kitchen cabinets and more! Kings Mountain near Hwy 74 bypass, rent to own for $450/mo and own in only 5 years. Pets ok. Call 980939-6633 x4.

LARGE 3BR 2BA 1998 BEAUTIFUL MOBILE HOME! Purchase for $550/mo plus down pmt, vinyl siding and shingle roof, central heat/AC, pets ok. Call 980-939-6633 x4 3

For Sale

KITCHEN and BATHROOM FLOORING for SALE: Porcelain tiles, 6 in. squares. 40 count to a box. They sell for $31.20 per box at Lowes. 256 boxes available at $12.00 per box. Also, Commercial Tile Cutting Saw for sale-$125.00.

Call: 704-473-5240. (2/18) ELIMINATE YOUR HEATING BILLS with an OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE from Central Boiler. Mill Spring Outdoor Furnaces. 828-245-0174 FIREWOOD FOR SALE. All hardwood. 1 ton truck load, $180. Call 704-477-6848.

EZ VACUUM SYSTEM, new 8hp motor, only run 50 hours, all metal, new tires, $550. two push edgers, $55 & $65. Call 828-223-3191.

BEST CHOICE WHOLESALE SURPLUS, 8425 Old Statesville Rd., Unit 16, Charlotte, 28269. Like Tide or Gain, 5 gallon detergent, $30.

Call 704-492-8819. WWW. BESTCHOICESOAPS.COM BESTCHOICECB@gmail. com Wholesale & Retail to the public, residential or commercial.

VANTAGE S2 SERVER & DATA CENTER racks w/ cooling equipment. U Height 12,25,42,45 Width 24”,30” Depth 39,42,48” Weight Capacity 2,000lbs. 704-4663946.

SEASONED FIREWOOD, Cherry, oak, pine, poplar, all different prices. Delivery or pickup. Call for details. Guaranteed to keep you warm.

704-685-0257.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS WITH SCRATCH PADS! Press Room Printing. 704-5385788, 704-482-2243.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE. Pickup load, $70. Also, $100 & $200 loads available. 704418-3083.

HORSE QUALITY HAY FOR SALE, square bale, 704-4876855.

HORSE/CATTLE, 18FT Goose Neck Trailer, $1100.

2002 HONDA CIVIC LE, 2 dr coupe, fully loaded, sun roof, good condition, $2000. 704435-9250.

ANTIQUE SEWING MACHINE FRAME, $45. Drink bottles & other antique bottles, varies. Dried gourds, 50¢ ea, 2 French glass folding doors, 80”x24”, $75 ea. 704-4822912.

EXCALIBUR COMPUTER SERVICE, We repair and sell laptops and desktops, most repairs in 3 days or less. 704434-5057, M-F. 8am-5pm.

STRAPLESS WHITE BALL GOWN WEDDING DRESS. Never worn, $500 obo. 828447-7122.

FULL SIZE WOOD SLEIGH BED FRAME, (headboard, footboard & side rails), chestnut or mahogany color. Good condition, $150. 704-4874520.

TWO BURIAL PLOTS, ROSEHILL CEMETERY, Fallston, $1400. 704-4347908, 704-466-4185.

FISHER WOOD STOVE, $450 or best offer. 704-2147202.

BRAND NEW FRIGIDAIRE, 23 CU FT, with ice maker still has tags, $475. BEAUTIFUL brand new brown suede couch & chair, $350. 704-600-6229.

ALUMINUM MAG RIMS, 16” Bullet Hole, for 8 lug Ford F150, $250. Complete set of (5). 704-300-2410.

Mobile Homes 14x66 MOBILE HOME, deck, central air, must be moved, $6000. 704-300-0723.

DOZEN MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE, Ellenboro area.

2 & 3 bedrooms, prices from $1500-$6000. Delivery available. 828-755-5257.

Motorcycles/ATVs 2002 HD ROAD KING, blue, deluxe model, lots of extras, $7000. 704-473-7129.

2006 HONDA RANCHER, 4x4, auto & electric shift, serviced, 749 miles, 130 hours, $3650. 828-429-0463.

300 HONDA FOUR TRAX 4-wheeler, 2 wheel drive, $1400. 828-289-0742 or 828248-3659.

ANTIQUE COUCH, $175, Beige color. Antique wing back chair, $75, beige. Two small chairs, $30 each. Call 704482-7078, leave message.

2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON Super Glide, 11k miles, like new, $6250 or trade for truck of equal value. 828-657-9639.

DOUGH PROOFER, COMPLETE LOCKWOOD MODEL CA67-PF34-SD $1,000.

Dough press 9in Dough pro-model DP1809 $500.

CALL 704-473-1306

Musical Instruments

SPECIAL BARGAIN! $200.00 Storage building or mobile home YOU MOVE IT. ALSO.. metal desk & chairs, glider-rocker, BRAND new coffee & end tables $100. Call 704600-6229 OVER A 100 S/P SETS $100.00 OBO. 1983 El Camino to restore $1,500 OBO. 704419-9055.

ALMOND HOTPOINT SIDE

BY SIDE refrigerator, $150.

Almond KitchenAid dish washer, both $125. Good shape.

704-482-5931.

MAC TOOLS, 3 DRAWER with top chest tool cart, $400.

704-692-1663.

WOLFE TANNING BED, 32 bulb, face shield, timer, like new, paid $3700, take $1500.

Call 704-477-8237.

MOTORCYCLE, BLACK & SILVER, 2008 V-Star 650, $4900 obo. Two Kayaks, both $500. Small wooden table, $20. Red wooden roll around cart table, $20. Used roll around tool box, $40. Used recliner, $50. 4 drawer dresser, $40. 704-480-1274.

2002 3255 RL, MONTANA 5TH wheel camper. Craftsman front tine tiller. 250 gallon drum cooler. 704-517-6403.

BEAUTIFUL WOOD MOUNTAIN DULCIMER. Played very little. $200. 704-4821940.

Real Estate 3 BR, 2 FULL BATHS HOUSE FOR SALE: Great school location. Hardwood Floors. 603 Princeton Dr. in KM. Call: 704472-7889 or 910-770-6400.

(2/11,18,25 & 3/04) LOTS IN GASTON, CLEVELAND, RUTHERFORD and CHEROKEE CO., some with water & septic. Credit no problem, owner will finance with low DP. Call Bryant Realty at 704567-9836 or www.bryantrealty. org. (2/04,11,18 & 25) 2.8 ACRES WITH 400 FT. FRONTAGE on 1st Broad River. Lot located on Cul de sac. Call for more information.

704-477-1958.

3BR 2BA DOUBLE WIDE on 1/2 acre lot, remodeled in 2014. Country setting, good community, Burns High School District, $59,000. Call 704-6926577.

SINGLEWIDE AND 10 ACRES. 1000’ of creek frontage, good hunting, $60,000.

704-472-4807.

BELWOOD SUBDIVISION, off St. Paul’s Ch. Rd, Lawndale, only one lot left, 1.02 ac. with water, septic, and drive.

For more info call Bryant Realty, Inc. 704-567-9836 www. bryantrealty.org

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, February 19, 2015

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 16

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Holy Angels honors employees with appreciation and awards event This year Holy Angels is “Spreading our Wings in Celebration” in recognition of the 60th anniversary - a time for not only remembering the past but celebrating the future - in caring for needs of the residents and those who will need services in years to come.

For the 60th anniversary kickoff celebration, Holy Angels honored and thanked its employees during the annual Employee Appreciation and Awards event held recently at the Gaston Country Club.

The President’s Award for Excellence was presented to Stella Bommarito, Belmont, for her unconditional love of the residents and seeing the possibilities in each resident.

A staff member for over 30 years, Ms. Bommarito serves as the Director of Physical Therapy. She has also been the driving force behind the success of the Holy Angels Dance Troupe since its inception nearly 25 years ago.

Crystal Harris, Gastonia, received the Beth Withers

“Make A Difference Award”.

Holy Angels established the award in 2006 in memory of Elizabeth “Beth” Withers, RN, who had worked at Holy Angels for more than 16 years as a 2nd shift Nursing Supervisor. Ms. Harris, currently serving as an area coordinator in the Morrow Center, received the award in recognition of her kindness, thoughtfulness and compassionate heart for the residents and staff. She has been employed at Holy Angels since 1997.

The Maria T. Morrow Spirit Award, established in 2005, named in honor of Holy Angels’ first resident; is presented to staff members who exhibit a spirit of love, perseverance and can-do attitude.

Jill Meeks, Belmont, received the 2015 Spirit Award.

Ms. Meeks has been employed since 2008 as a social worker for many of the residents and their families. She displays a true love and compassion for the residents and brings her fun loving spirit to

Holy Angels award winners were, (from left to right): Fannie Rendleman, Stella Bommarito, Crystal Harris, Jacqulene Helms, Ashley Melton, Michael Johnson, Jacqueline Alexander, seen with CEO/President Regina Moody.

Contributed Photo a resident’s birthday party as well as a Fun Friday.

Five Achievement of Excellence Awards were also presented. Each recognizes outstanding job performance consistently displayed by an employee who has worked at Holy Angels for at least one year. All of the Achievement of Excellence winners were nominated by those staff members who work most closely with them.

Following is a list of the 2015 Achievement of Excellence Award Winners: Relief Direct Support Professional - Jacqueline Alexander, Charlotte - a member of Holy Angels weekend relief Staff, Ms. Shaw has been employed at Holy Angels for seven years.

Supported Employment -Michael Johnson - Mr. Johnson, a Holy Angels resident, has been employed at Cherubs Café & Cherubs Candy Bou-

Greenheck Fan Corporation

NOW HIRING Due to our growth, Full-time PRODUCTION POSITIONS are available for qualified candidates with stable work history.

THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ARE OPEN IN CLEVELAND COUNTY, NC • Crating/Assembly - prefer sheet metal manufacturing experience • Fabrication - prefer sheet metal fabrication machinery experience • Welding - MIG skills required, positions for TIG skills available too Qualified candidates for all positions must meet the following requirements: • High School Diploma or GED

• Basic Math and Reading Skills • Ability to read a Tape Measure • Ability to read Blue Prints • Ability to lift 50 lbs • Must be available to work all shifts and overtime as needed

Qualified candidates must pass a computer skills test for consideration, and must be able to pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen, physical, physical agility test, and criminal background check if offered employment.

For immediate consideration, please apply online at: https://careers.greenheck.com/ Greenheck is an at-will and Equal Opportunity Employer

quet since 2008.

Related Service Professional -Melissa Prevatte - Ms. Prevatte, Stanley, who serves in the Support Services department, is known as a team player with a positive attitude as she goes about her daily routine. She has been employed for nine years.

Program Professional Ashley Melton, Kings Moun-

tain - Ms. Melton serves as the qualified profession for the residents who live in Moody Place ICF Group Home. She has been employed for six years and understands the many needs of the residents, with delicate medical conditions.

Direct Service Professional - Jacqulene Helms Ms. Helms, Cramerton, is a

member of the 3rd shift staff, serving as a Healthcare Tech.

She has been employed at Holy Angels for five years.

Fannie Rendleman, Gastonia, celebrated her 30th anniversary at Holy Angels.

She began her career as a Direct Service Professional and currently serves as a clinical secretary.