Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville
Volume 78 • Issue 12 • Wednesday, March 20, 2013
75¢
Soccer facility is a first for Belmont By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Ground was broken on March 14 for the new Ebb Gantt Soccer Park on Brook Street in East Belmont. A group of local officials, sports coaches past and present who knew Gantt, members of his family, and interested citizens showed up to see the first shovels of dirt dug up. Even though Gantt passed away in 1999, he left a deep and lasting sports legacy in Belmont. “I am so excited to break ground on this new park,” said Belmont Mayor Richard Boyce. “It’s fitting we put Ebb Gantt’s name on it. I can’t imagine a better memorial.”
The soccer facility is the first of its type in Belmont and the first totally new park in town in four decades. “It’s high time we built something new and this land is perfect for it,” Boyce said. Ground clearing by heavy equipment was actually going on as the dignitaries were turning the first shovelfuls of earth at the ceremony. A finish date of mid-November 2013 has been set. Morlando Construction will do the work. Several members of Gantt’s family were on hand for the groundbreaking. His daughter Kathy Gantt Gallagher came
from Salisbury to attend the event. “My father would be honored,” she said. “The one thing that got him on the right track was sports.” Gallagher See GANTT, 6A
Photo by Alan Hodge
Dave Robinson was at the groundbreaking last week for the new soccer park on Brook Street that’s named for Ebb Gantt. The shirt Robinson had on was from an October 1990 gathering of Gantt’s friends at the American Legion building in Belmont.
$10.6M in Bridge work progressing on schedule upgrades proposed By Alan Hodge Editor
Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Task force security suggestions range from simple to complex By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
A task force consisting of parents, law enforcement and staff from Gaston County Schools released its findings last week concerning possible security upgrades, and the cost of nearly $10.6 million associated with them, to the system’s 55 schools. The task force was formed following the shootings in December 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Subjects the task force examined included mental health, school facilities, training, and personnel. The group made a number of proposals both complex and simple. The ideas will be reviewed by Reeve McGlohon, Gaston County Schools superintendent, as well as Gaston County Police Chief James Buie. School board members got their first look at the improvements list at their meeting Monday. “The recommendations were presented for informational purposes only at this point,” said Gaston County Schools spokesperson Bonnie Reidy. “When they will be acted on has not been set.” The first taskforce suggestion would increase front lobby security by having lobby doors activated by school staff via remote control. “Buzzing” visitors in like this would need upgrades to doors and locks, as well as construction or office relocation at some schools and could cost around $2 million. Other ideas that are being considered start with having sworn police officers on duty at elementary schools at a cost that could approach $1 million. For secondary schools, the task force recommends having a security person for each 800 students on site at a total cost of around $200,000. The task force included intercom upgrades as well as “panic button” installations that would allow staff to announce lockdowns and also communicate more effectively with law enforcement. The price tag for these improvements could amount to $300,000. To better keep an eye on what is going on in and around schools, the task force suggested installation of cameras and video recording equipment inside and outside of buildings and on campus. This would come at a cost of nearly $2 million. Another big ticket item on the task force’s list at a possible cost of $2.4 million would be improvements to outside doors in the form of better locks or door replacement with an alarm system when breached. Fences between school buildings and better security for mobile units would also be in this package. See UPGRADES, 5A
Crews from the NCDOT and several construction companies have been working like beavers on the new Dawson Bridge on Lakewood Road over the South Fork River in Cramerton. Last Friday saw the first support for the 440-foot long bridge filled with concrete and equipment was in place to bore and fill the other two seven-foot in diameter supports. The new $1.4 million structure is replacing the 1952 bridge on that was named in honor of textile leader C. Claudius Dawson. Plans are for the new bridge to open for traffic in April 2014. Mike Rowland with the NCDOT has been on the work site since the project was started last October. “The project is going well,” Rowland Photo by Alan Hodge said. “There are as many as twenty workers Work continues at a good clip on the new Dawson Bridge in Cramerton. Crews poured conon the job.” crete into forms for the first supports on Friday and were preparing bore holes for the other The bridge construction site is a busy one two which will hold up the 440-foot long structure when it is completed. with a wide variety of heavy equipment ei“We can take the cores and crush them ther staged or in action on both sides of the deep into the bedrock below the river botSouth Fork. One piece of machinery is using tom. The resulting cores of grey stone will for rip-rap,” said Rowland. “We can use a carbide drill bit as big around as a large likely be used on the riverbank to control kitchen table to bore the bridge support holes runoff. See BRIDGE, 6A
Local catholics embrace Francis as their new Pope
Jack Page shows some of the equipment he uses in his search for local gold. The green pan in the box contains gold he found near an abandoned mine south of Belmont.
By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Local members of the Roman Catholic Church joined hundreds of millions of others worldwide last Wednesday in celebrating the naming of a new pope to replace Benedict XVI who stepped down recently due to health issues. “I was delighted by the news of the election of Pope Francis,” said Belmont Abbey Abbot Placid Solari. “And by the way he asked the prayers of the people in St. Peter’s Square, representing the whole church, before he imparted his blessing to them. The whole process, from the resignation of Pope Benedict, through the meetings of the cardinals before the conclave, to the election of Pope Francis was a wonderful sign of the vitality of the church.” Father Frank Cancro of Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church in Belmont was equally delighted. “I am very excited and grateful to God to give us this gift,” he said. Belmont city council member Charlie Martin, who attends Mass at Belmont Abbey with his wife Dot, was also glad to hear the news that Francis had been named pope. “It’s wonderful he’s from the Americas,” Martin said. “He is a brilliant, humble, and charitable man.” Ronald Thomas is a professor of Theology at Belmont Abbey and shared his opinion of the new pontiff.
Is there still gold in these hills?
Photo by Alan Hodge
Pope Francis greets worshipers in St. Peter’s Square in Rome upon his acceptance to the seat at the head of the Roman Catholic church. “In Pope Francis, we have a man of great charity, humility, and determination,” said Thomas. “He is a reformer, because he has defended the Church’s sexual morality in the face of great opposition in Argentina—opposing both homosexual “marriage” and the adoption of children by homosexuals. He is also a pastor— with great love of the poor and a deep sense that the Church is not a social service organization, but a living organism, the very body of Christ. All in all, in continuity with both John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Pope Francis is clear that the message of the Church is not, in any way, “Go Along to Get Along.” The new pontiff, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, is the 266th pope. He is the first pope to choose that title. He is also the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years and the first See POPE FRANCIS, 6A
By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Long before the great California gold rush of 1849, our area was part of the top gold producing region in America. In fact, from 1860 until the Civil War, gold mining was along with farming one of the primary occupations not only in Gaston and Cleveland counties, but
across the North Carolina Piedmont in general. So much gold was found in our local area that a branch of the U.S. Mint was set up in Charlotte in 1836 to handle it. As early as the 1700s there were a number of gold producing mines in Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cherryville, and Kings Mountain. Belmont’s gold mining story See GOLD, 5A
Canoe a labor of love By Alan Hodge Editor Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Chris Sorrentino and Reid Coluccio of TRC Automotive in Belmont usually turn wrenches for a living, but lately their thoughts have been turning to something they are creating that will soon have them gliding along sparkling waters. The project the guys have been working on is a one-of-akind canoe. Now, this isn’t just
an ordinary canoe of the plastic or aluminum variety, but a 21foot long craft resembling a Native American war canoe or even a small Viking boat- and they’re building it one strip of wood at a time. “We saw a similar canoe online,” said Coluccio. “Then we got a book that explained how to build it and set to work.” The basic principle that Sorrentino and Coluccio are employing consists of gluing and See CANOE, 5A
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The Banner News
â– CRIME
– POLICE
Belmont Police March11: Kenneth Allen Davis III, assault on a female, hit and run, arrested by Cpl. R. Cook, 6822 Wilkinson Blvd. March 11: Pablo Josue Pena Jr., false police report, hit and run, permit a nonlicensed driver to drive, arrested by Cpl. M. Harris, Flowers Court. March 11: Jalissa Montell Leeper, hit and run, no operators license, arrested by Cpl. M. Harris, Flowers Court. March 11: Jennifer Josette Kinnett, worthless checks, arrested by officer B. Herndon, 1032 Peninsula Drive. March 12: Heather Yvonne Costner, simple physical assault, arrested by Officer M. Elizondo, 217 Cedar St. March 12: Daniel Eder Solano, fail to burn headlight, no operator license, arrested by Officer B. Herndon, 7304 Wilkinson Blvd.
A Gaston County man was sentenced last week to 204 months in prison for possession and transportation of child pornography, announced Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Bobby Clarence Byrd, Jr., 44, of Lowell, N.C. was also ordered to serve 15 years under court supervision following his prison sentence and to register as a sex offender. Joining U.S. Attorney Tompkins in making the sentencing announcement were Roger A. Coe, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Stacy Conley, of the Gastonia Police Department. In November 2011, a federal criminal indictment charged Byrd with one count of possession and one count of transportation of child pornography. Accord-
Belmont residents among those recognized for volunteering at DSBG Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden thanked its volunteers, and handed out hardware to many during a special ceremony on March 13. The Garden covers more than 120 developed acres, and requires many manhours from a small staff to keep things running smoothly. Fortunately, the Garden has a small army of dedicated volunteers who take time from their busy schedules to assist every department. Whether they’re from Ft. Mill S.C., Denver, N.C., or anywhere in between, volunteers logged almost 6,000 hours last year to ensure the Garden is always ready for guests. Plaques were given to volunteers to commemorate the duration of their volunteering period (5 years, 10 years, 15 years and 20 years); while gifts were given to volunteers with 250 hours, 200 hours, 100 hours
â– OBITUARIES
Lowell man sentenced to 204 months in child pornography case
March 12: Michael Douglas Hutchins, driving while license revoked, fictitious tag, arrested by Officer M.
and 50 hours of service during the past year. To put this in perspective, 250 hours equals about one and a half months of full-time work. Volunteers from Belmont and the awards they received included: Gary Lundquist- 200 Hour Award (Commemorates more than 200 volunteer hours of service during the past year. Award includes a Garden baseball cap and a Golden Trowel in a shadowbox, or if received previously, a brass award-plate that can be affixed to the shadowbox.) Barbara Foulk- 100 Hour Award (Commemorates more than 100 volunteer hours of service during the past year. Award includes a Garden tote bag or sport bottle). Lucy Nielsen- 50 Hour Award (Commemorates more than 50 volunteer hours of service during the past year. Award includes a Meadowood Walk coffee mug).
ing to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, in or about January 2011, Byrd transported or possessed 59 videos and 342 images depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as two years old. Byrd pleaded guilty to the charges in April 2012. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Byrd had sexually abused a young child in 2006. Byrd pleaded guilty to state charges and was sentenced to 16-20 months in state prison for his criminal conduct. Byrd has been in local federal custody since December 2011. He will be transferred into the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole. The investigation was handled by the FBI and Gastonia Police Department.
Kelske, 6805 Wilkinson Blvd. March 13: David Brian Trull, false police report, ar-
rested by Sgt. J. Quinn, 201 Chronicle St, Belmont PD.
â– BRIEFS Alexander Memorial egg hunt Alexander Memorial Baptist Church, 208 S. Main St., Belmont, will have an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30 starting at 11am. All children and their families are invited to take part. There is no cost. There will be a drawing for stuffed Easter bunnies and other prizes as well as a hot dog lunch. For more information contact Teresa Rowell at 704-825-0190 or dweeze@bellsouth.net.
Adult Nutrition Program The Gaston County Adult Nutrition Program at the Queen of the Apostles site in Belmont has openings. The program provides nutritious lunchtime meals for seniors age 60 and over and is held Monday-Friday 10:45am12:30pm including an activity and lunch. The Home Delivered Meal program serves medically homebound seniors age 60 and over who can’t prepare meals and who don’t have someone who can do it for them. There are no income eligibility requirements for either program. Contact Gaston County Adult Services at 704-862-7540 for more information or to apply for services. Other sites exist throughout the county. Volunteers to deliver are always needed. There is a special need for volunteers in Lowell.
Shutterbug display extended Due to popular demand, the winning photos of the 2012 Shutterbug Photography Contest will be displayed through April. Originally intended to run through March 10, the display has been so popular that it has been extend to almost another month and a half.
Overeaters Anonymous Kings Mountain: Christ the King Catholic Church, 714 Stone St., 6:30 p.m., meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Contact Mary at (704) 482-8690; Lincolnton: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2639 N. Carolina 150, 10:30 a.m. – Noon, 2nd & 4th Saturdays, hut in back. Contact Robbie at (704) 616-2630; Shelby: Cleveland County Memorial Library, 103 Howie Drive. Call for meeting times. Contact Robbie at (704) 616-2630. You may also call the ReachLine & Information at (704) 319-1625, or go to www.oa.org. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. There are no dues or fees for membership. Our groups are self-supporting.
Quilts on display Photo by Alan Hodge
Quilter Eloise Buthe is seen with just one of several groups of hand made quilts currently on display at the Belmont Historical Society Museum, 40 Catawba St. in Belmont. These quilts were done by the African-American Quilters Guild.
AARP Tax Prep NOW – April 15 – AARP Tax Prep at the Gaston County Senior Center is open to seniors 55-plus. Location: Gaston County Senior Center, 1303 Dallas – Cherryville Highway, Dallas, N.C. Advance registration is required please call (704) 922-2170 to schedule an appointment Monday – Friday during center hours.
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Wednesday, March 20, 2013
HOW TO REACH US Contact the Banner by coming by the office at 128-C N. Main St.; call 704-825-0580, fax 704-825-0894 or Email alan.banner news@gmail.com
Walter Somerville, Jr. Affectionately known as ‘Papa’ or ‘Uncle Walt’ CHARLOTTE – Walter G. Somerville, Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March, 10th, 2013, and is now with the Lord. Walt was born in Richmond, VA, Sept. 22, 1919, to the Rev. Walter G. and Hattie Nottingham Somerville, Sr. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Somerville was held Wednesday, March 13 at 11 a.m. at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Reverend Dr. Deborah Conner officiated. The family received friends after the service. Interm e n t will be in Magnolia Cemetery in Hartsville, SC. Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home, Hartsville, SC is handling the arrangements. Walt was the oldest of eight children and the only one to be born in a hospital. Walt graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, and earned his Master’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill, along with work on a doctorate program. He was a lifelong educator and student, first as a teacher and then as a principal in the CMS School System, serving, among others, Spaugh Junior High School and Enderly Park Elementary School. After retirement, he taught English at Queens University and Central Piedmont Community College. As an educator, he influenced great numbers of students. He often would remark about someone, “I had him/her at Spaugh�. Walt was the patriarch of his neighborhood and his family. Affectionately known as “Papa� or Uncle Walt, or simply, Walt, he was loved and admired by everyone he met, and was a Virginia gentleman to all. He always stood up when someone entered the room, and insisted on shaking hands. He enjoyed discussing favorite Bible verses, anything related to his beloved home state Virginia, the Civil War,
Vivian Johnson Member of Way of The Cross Baptist Church MOUNT HOLLY – Vivian Johnson, 69, of 1051 Hoover Avenue, died Monday, March 11, 2013. She was wife of the late Jimmy Leon Johnson and was preceded in death by a son Kyle Jackson Johnson. She was a member of Way of The Cross Baptist Church in Mt. Holly. Survivors include a son Jarrett Leon Johnson of Mt Holly, a brother Randy Smith of Dallas, NC; three grandchildren and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Johnson was held at 2pm Wednesday,
Jerry Guin GASTONIA – Jerry N. Guin, 75, passed away at Gaston Memorial Hospital on Sunday,March 10, 2013. He was born Dec. 24, 1937 in Gastonia, NC, to the late Victor William and Annie Broome Guin.
or the latest book on Abraham Lincoln. His memory was exceptional, and he was able to recall Bible verses, poems, names, places, events, and dates without fail. When asked a question, he would often respond first in English, and then add the Latin, French, or German translation. He was a faithful and stalwart supporter of his Christian faith and his church, Myers Park Presbyterian, and loved the Rhodes-Johnston Sunday School class, which he often led. His favorite Bible verse, Phillippians 4:13, came to him from his father, who would add that to the letters he wrote. He also loved his friends at Carmel Country Club, and enjoyed many holiday and family celebrations there, where he would always stand and ask blessings on the meal. Walt will be greatly missed by his family and his friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 22 years, Lucille Kidd Somerville, and by his second wife of 31 years, Louise Pennington Buie Somerville. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Smith Severn Somerville, Rev. Edward Marcellus Somerville, James Somerville, Dr. William Somerville, and by a sister, Helen Somerville Able. He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Atwell and Margaret Somerville of Orange, VA, Jim and Mary Rice Somerville of Franklin, WV, and Dr. John N. Somerville of Montreat, NC; his daughter, Luann Somerville Elliott and her husband, Ron Elliott, and her daughter, Katie Moore. He is also survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Roderick Jackson and Cammie Buie, Jr.; W. David and Julia Buie II; and Craig Pennington and Claire Buie, all of Charlotte, SC; grandchildren, Anne Maitland Buie, Scott Roderick Buie, Sarah Elizabeth Buie, William D. Buie, III, Thomas Jackson Buie, Elizabeth Garrett Buie, Emma Ruth Buie, Katie Moore. Memorials may be made to Presbyterian College, 503 S. Broad St., Clinton, SC, 29325, or to the charity of your choice.
March 13, at Way of The Cross Baptist Church with R e v erend Bobby Meeks officiating. Interment followed in Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Way of The Cross Baptist Church, 309 Lanier Avenue, Mt Holly, NC 28012. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation was March 13 from 1:30 until 2:30 at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home. Graveside service was at 3pm March 13 at Gaston Memorial Park. Interment was at Gaston Memorial Park with Military Honors by the Gaston County Honor Guard.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The Banner News
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SP Playmakers present Seussical Experience a fun-filled trip to the world of Seuss as The Playmakers present Seussical at the South Point High School Auditorium this weekend. Performances are March 21-23 at 7:00 pm and March 23-34 at 2:30 pm. Seussical lovingly brings to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination—Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.� Horton faces a double challenge—not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. The colorful sets are a collection of 30 of Dr. Seuss’ best loved books, all recreated larger than life by theatre arts students. Students also worked on costuming, with each cast member helping on his or her costume—alterations, sewing trims and crafting accessories. Seussical is fun for the whole family! This is the 48th anniversary of the first Playmakers performance. Tickets are only $10, discounted to $5 for children through grade 5. Tickets will be sold at the door beginning one hour prior to each performance.
Youth gather to celebrate Lent Photo by Alan Hodge
Hundreds of young folks attended the Bishop’s Lenten Youth Abbey Pilgrimage 2013 event held Saturday at Belmont Abbey. The Diocese of Charlotte-sponsored day was filled with fellowship, fun, and faith.
House of Mercy to host Walk for AIDS The House of Mercy in Belmont will holds its 20th Annual Walk for AIDS on Saturday, April 13. The event will be a three-mile walk through downtown Belmont and will begin and end on the Sisters of Mercy campus. Check-in begins at 9:30am. Music will be provided by DJ Buddy Love. Sister Jill Weber and House of Mercy Board Chair Maggie Baucom will welcome participants before the 10am start. Walk for AIDS t-shirts will go to the first 300 walkers. A picnic will be served after the walk. This year’s goal is $32,000. Donations forms, team captain packets, a map, and fundraising tips can be printed from www.thehouseofmercy.org or call 704-825-4711 x3 for information. In case of inclement weather, turn in donations at the stone shelter on the Sisters of Mercy campus by 10am on April 13 rain or shine. Tax-deductible donations can also be made at www.thehouseofmercy.org. The House of Mercy is also in need of items for residents. Donations can be dropped of at 701 Mercy Drive, Belmont on the Sisters of Mercy Campus or call 704-825-4711. Items needed include: bottled juice, Gatorade, kool aid, tea bags, crystal light, garbage bags, liquid soap, Clorox, Brillo pads, Lysol, Mr. Clean, movie tickets to Franklin Square, gift cards to WalMart, Golden Corral, Pizza Hut, Blockbuster, KFC, 40 and 75-watt light bulbs, ziplock bags, denture cleanser and adhesive, Dove soap, deodorant, shampoo, triple blade razors, Vaseline, chapstick, individually wrapped snacks, canned foods, fruit cups, flushable wipes, paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, hand sanitizer.
Second Amendment Rally set for Saturday The Tea Party of Greater Gaston County is sponsoring a Second Amendment Rally at Shooter’s Express, Caldwell Street from 2-5pm on Saturday, March 23. This rally is in honor of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death� speech presented on this day in 1775, and also in recognition of the importance of the Second Amendment’s role in the preservation of America’s freedom. “The Second Amendment is one of the most essential and fundamental rights that we have as Americans,� says Jennifer Stepp, President of the Tea Party of Gaston County. “It is to be protected at all costs for if it disappears, the loss of our freedoms and liberties are sure to follow.� For more information, please contact Laurie Lynch 704524-9469.
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Residential & Commercial
Film crews spotted in downtown Belmont Photo by Alan Hodge
Workers from Charlotte-based Creative Stage Design were setting up for last Friday’s filming in downtown Belmont of a Hallmark Hall of Fame production “Shuffleton Barbershop�. The film is based on a Norman Rockwell painting and shooting will continue until the end of the month. From left, Mike Marion, John Johnson, Woodley Marion, and Rick Long.
North Carolina residents encouraged to nominate outstanding senior volunteers The Salute to Senior Service program, sponsored by Home Instead, Inc., the franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network, honors the contributions of adults 65 and older who give at least 15 hours a month of volunteer service to their favorite causes. Nominations for outstanding senior volunteers will be accepted between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2013. State winners then will be selected by popular vote at SalutetoSeniorService.com. Online voting will take place from April 15 to April 30,
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2013. From those state winners, a panel of senior care experts will pick the national Salute to Senior Service honoree. Home Instead, Inc. will donate $500 to each of the state winners’ favorite nonprofit organizations and their stories will be posted on the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame. In addition, $5,000 will be donated to the national winner’s nonprofit charity of choice. “We all know seniors who do so much for our community,� said Roy Goforth, owner of the Home Instead
Senior Care office serving Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties. “These silent heroes give selflessly, expecting nothing in return. And yet, their contributions often make a difference not only to the organizations they serve, but in changing how the public views growing older.� Senior care professionals and those who work at hospitals, senior care facilities and other places where seniors volunteer are encouraged to nominate older adults. So, too, are family caregivers and the adult children of
aging parents. Older adults also may self-nominate. To complete and submit a nomination form online for a senior age 65 or older who volunteers at least 15 hours a month, and to view the contest’s official rules, visit SalutetoSeniorService.com. Completed nomination forms also can be mailed to Salute to Senior Service, P.O. Box 285, Bellevue, NE 68005. For more information about Salute to Senior Service or the Home Instead Senior Care network’s services, call 704-864-5500.
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The Banner News
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Contributed Photo
The Belmont Gad-Abouts, senior adult group with the Belmont Parks and Recreation Department, recently visited the Schiele Museum in Gastonia. They got to see the behind the scenes of the museum and talked with the curators, archeologist, and the museum director. The Schiele Museum was founded to house the biological and anthropological collections assembled by Bud and Lily Schiele over the course of their lives. In their Entomology Collection, there are more than 50,000 specimens of insects, spiders and beetles. Pictured here (L to R) are Mike Baucom, John Sutton, John Wendel (meteorologist with WCNC TV), Joanne Patterson, Sandy Winslow, Jean Parsons, Mary Monteith, Jim and Nan Thomas, Kitty Comstock, Susan Cromlish, Rosemarie Rankin, Barbara Huffstetler, Barbara Pfund, Cathy Gutkowski, Louise Piercy, Sallie Stevenson, Dean McGinnis, Neal Winslow, Barry Fulp, Jerry and Elizabeth Hunnicutt, and Joyce Antley. (Not pictured are Betty Payne, Arnie Parsons, Remy Jordan, and Jim Antley.)
Furry friends
Gaston Players present ‘Stuart Little’ The East Gaston Adult Day Care in Catawba Heights recently had a visit from two dogs that are part of the Gaston County pet therapy program. The small dog’s name is Quincy, is 13 years old and came from Gaston Hospice “No Pets Left Behind Program.” The large dog’s name is Christian, a 6 year old Great Pyrenees. The owner of the dogs is Patti Bracken who does pet therapy monthly at the Day Care Center. The seniors look forward to visiting with the pets. The dogs puts a smile their faces! Pictured with the dogs are Leonia Dowdell (above), and Peggy Durden and Ruby Rector with Quincy.
Contributed Photo
On Friday and Saturday evenings, February 22-23, the GCS Players presented “Stuart Little” as their first Children’s Theatre production. The role of Stuart Little was played by Devin Rickus (seen with mouse ears and whiskers). The director of the GCS Players is Les Schofield; Maralie Medlin serves as the assistant to the director.
Youth Art Month Festivals to take place at Gaston College The National Art Education Association dedicates the month of March as Youth Art Month in celebration of the visual arts created and produced by young artists in the United States. To honor this tradition of excellence in Art Education, art works were chosen from nine Independent Schools in Charlotte and surrounding areas to participate in the 8th Annual Youth Art Month Exhibit for students grades K-5. This year’s exhibit is being held at Charlotte Country Day School through March 31, at the Hance Fine Arts Center. Congratulations to the following Art Students from Gaston Day School whose work was selected for this year’s YAM Exhibit: Thomas Jentsch, Lilli Lafionatis, Anna Ramirez, Payne Fulghum, Thomas Tringali, Lauralee Hurst.
MARDI GRAS CARNIVAL – The sights and sounds will fill the air at Spring Fest 2013 at all three campus locations, Dallas Campus, April 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Lincoln Campus, April 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Kimbrell Campus, April 17, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This annual event sponsored by the Student Government Association is held for Gaston College students and their families, faculty and staff. Activities will include novelties, games (Corn hole, ladder ball, and bocciball), BBQ, student organization booths, and much more. For more information, contact Tanisha Williams at 704-9226312 or email Williams.tanisha@gaston.edu TEXTURES & TONES ARTS FESTIVAL – will be held from April 15 -20, with an array of arts events and
activities, such as the Charlotte Jazz Orchestra; On Q productions with a Blues play; poetry readings and workshops; spoken word poetry; musical groups; an original play written by one of our own, Jefferson Fortner; art exhibits of professional and student work; and many more activities. The new activities for this year’s festival will be a Saturday afternoon fair, featuring children’s art activities; three bands, including Ken Knox & Company (formerly performing as The Chairman of the Board); participatory games and dance activities; art vendors with their wares for sale; food vendors; and much more! For more information, call Alicia McCullough, Co-Chair of Textures & Tones Arts Festival at 704.922.6459 or email McCullough. alicia@gaston.edu.
Fellowship & Faith
Church Service Directory BELMONT Alexander Memorial Baptist Church 208 South Main Street 704-825-3216 Brotherhood/Sisterhood Wncc. 120 Park Street 704-825-1333 Catawba Heights Baptist Church 311 Belmont Avenue 704-827-8474 Catawba Heights Wesleyan Church 101 Beaty Rd., Belmont 704-827-8381 Centerview Baptist Church 2300 Acme Road 704-827-2061 East Belmont Baptist Church 501 Catawba Street 704-825-5780 East Belmont Church Of God 320 E. Catawba Street 704- 825-8845 East Belmont Free Will Baptist 909 Edgemont Ave 704-825-5346 East Belmont Presbyterian Church 901 Catawba Street 704-825-8822 Ebenezer United Methodist Church 120 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road 704-827-3366 First Baptist Church 23 N. Central Avenue 704-825-3758 First Foursquare Gospel Church 8 Elizabeth Street 704-825-5811 First Presbyterian Church 102 S. Central Ave 704-825-3357 First Presbyterian-Belmont 112 S. Central Ave 704-829-0668
First United Methodist Church of Belmont 807 South Point Road 704-825-2106 Forest Pointe Church Meets at Stowe Family YMCA Bldg. 704-825-1709 Fresh Anointing Church of God 71 McAdenville Road 704-825-7283 Friendship Baptist Church 5008 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-3276 Full Gospel Church 106 School St 704-827-9621 Gaston Christian Church 5339 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-8252 Goshen Presbyterian Church Roper Street 704-827-6280 Grace Korean Chr. Assembly-God 124 Georgia Belle Ave 704-829-1091 Grace Wesleyan Church 6014 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-7959 Henry’s Chapel Ame Zion Church 151 Henry Chapel Rd 704-825-0711 Holy Comforter Lutheran Church 216 N. Main St. 704-825-2483 Hood Memorial Ame Zion Church 455 Sacco St. 704-825-6007 Loves Chapel Presbyterian Church 204 Lincoln St. 704-825-8342 Message of Love Church 306 Pearl Beaty Dr. 704-827-6500
Mount Moriah Baptist Church 110 Lincoln St. 704-825-2046 Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist 212 South Street 704-825-7269 New Hope Presbyterian Church 4357 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia 704-824-1697 New Life Baptist Church 201 Oak Trail 704-822-6195 New Mills Chapel Fire Baptised 104 Morning Glory Ave. 704-825-5457 North Belmont Church of God 2316 Acme Rd. 704-827-4092 O’Conner Grove Church Ame Zion 613 N. Main Street 704-825-5576 Park Street United Methodist 120 Park Street 704-825-8480 Power of the Spirit Church 118 School Street 704-827-7071
Featured Church of the Week Tuckaseegee Baptist Church Queen Of The Apostles Catholic Church 503 N. Main Street 704-825-9600 South Point Baptist Church 124 Horsley Ave. 704-825-9516 South Point Freewill Baptist 297 Gaither Rd. 704-825-8045 South Point United Methodist 510 Southpoint Church Rd. 704-825-4019 Springwood Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-827-7801
Notice In order to accommodate the number of churches in our communities, we will print two alternating lists of churches each week. If you don’t see the church you’re looking for, be sure to check next weeks paper.
St. Marks United Methodist Church 701 Secrest Ave. 704-825-8175 Stowe Memorial Baptist Church 26 Kee Rd. 704-825-5987 Unity Baptist Church 1005 Catawba St. 704-825-8730 Upper Room United Pentecostal 1405 Armstrong Ford Rd. 704-825-0604 Will of God Church 513 Woodlawn Ave. 704-827-5185
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Darin and Brooke Aldridge Music Fest April 12, 13 Kings Mountain Music Festival has a local flavor
Darin and Brooke Aldridge (pictured above) will headline the weekend along with Kings Mountain native Jimmy Wayne (at right). Jimmy Wayne, a Kings Mountain native, Darin and Brooke Aldridge from Cherryville, and the Kingsmen Quartet from Asheville are the headliners for the 2013 Darin and Brooke Aldridge Music Fest in Kings Mountain on April 12 and 13. Other groups from the area performing at the event include Men Standing for Christ from Charlotte, and two bands from Cleveland and Gaston counties: Harvest, and Unspoken Tradition. All performances will take place at the Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain. The Kingsmen Quartet headlines the Friday night Gospel program on April 12. Inducted into the southern gospel music hall of fame and the Christian Music Hall of Fame, the Kingsmen started off 2012 with the top song on the
southern gospel charts, “That’s all I need.” Men Standing For Christ - like the Kingsmen - was formed in the 1950’s and continues the tradition of black quartet singing. Voices rise in rich four-part harmony, accompanied from time to time by keyboard. Sharp-eared listeners will hear the roots of doo-wop and falsetto from smooth-voiced vocalists ranging in age from midtwenties to mid-seventies. Darin and Brooke Aldridge will bring a style of country/bluegrass gospel that has been described as “contemporary traditional”. They have been See MUSIC FEST, 8A
The Banner News
Page 5A
GOLD: is there still some hiding in these hills? From page 1A includes a number of mines including one operation that dredged the shores of the Catawba River. In his book “Early History of Belmont and Gaston County, Robert Lee Stowe, Sr., gave a glimpse at local prospecting. “There was considerable gold mining going on in this country before the Civil War and some years afterwards,” Stowe wrote in 1951. “The Leeper mine was worked more than a hundred years ago and was considered a rich mine. The Wells mine was located just north of Sterling Mill and was worked extensively during the 1870s. Before the Civil War there was a place about two miles south of the Southern Railway bridge where a gold vein crossed the river. The people of the neighborhood would get a flat boat in the summertime and use a long handle and scoop up the sand and gravel from the river bottom and wash it for gold. This was a tedious process but I understand the made good wages. Sometime in the late 1890s a man built a dredge boat and had a steam shovel affair with which he scooped up the sand. He was said to have gotten a considerable amount of gold but could not handle the dredge when there was a rise in the river which was pretty often. There came a freshet in the river and washed the boat away and the scheme was abandoned.” In Catawba Heights, a small gold mine was operated on the Smith farm around the turn of the 20th century. The site was located near Fite Creek and was a large depression in the ground with crude machinery for sifting rocks. As the story goes, gold was found, but a cave-in nearly cost one miner his life and the digging was halted. Down the South Point Road near Belmont a gold mine was operated as early as the American Revolution. The first owner of the mine was Matthew Leeper who later sold the land to C.T. Stowe. It was later passed down to historian and author Minnie Stowe Puett. Miners from as far away as Georgia worked the digs said to have produced gold in great amounts until it closed at an undetermined date. In Mount Holly, an Italian named Chevalier Riva de Finola set up gold mines west of Tuckaseege Ford around 1830 and had them worked by several families of Irish Catholic immigrants. These families would eventually found St. Joseph’s Church, the fourth oldest Catholic house of worship in North Carolina. The church still stands on NC
273 just outside of town and a NC Highway Historical Marker mentions the miners. Stanley was a good place to look for gold in days gone by. Author Joyce Handsel wrote a report on early 1800s gold mining in Stanley for the Brevard Station Museum there. She described the conditions for miners and their families as “crude and primitive” with poor to non-existent job training and rough living conditions. One Stanley area mine named “Duffey’s” was located on the South Fork River close to Spencer Mountain near present-day Lowell. An ad Handsel cited in the Feb. 17, 1847 “Mecklenburg Jeffersonian” newspaper showed the mine as part of a 175 acre tract for sale and declared “a large quantity of ore had been raised”. The mine was still operating in 1878. Handsel also mentions another Stanley dig called Moore gold mine in her work. This mine was on land southwest of town owned by Alexander Moore. It was first worked by the Moore family, then by a William Folger, then sold in 1832 to Cabarrus Gold Mining Co. of North Carolina. Other Stanley area gold mines were owned by folks such as Samuel Rankin, Thomas Rhyne, and Peter Smith, whose occupation in the 1850 U.S. Census had him pegged as a “miner”. In the Cherryville area, a news story in the Nov. 15, 1917 edition of “The Cherryville Eagle” had a story about sale of land containing the Long Creek gold mine for $35,000. The mine was eight miles northwest of Gastonia and had three gold veins- the Asbury, the Dixon, and the McCarter Hill. “Years ago this property was successfully mined and the settlers tell wonderful stories about the great quantities of gold that has been taken from this property,” the piece said. Cleveland County got on the gold map in 1827 when Dr. Elisha Mitchell, a professor of science at the University of North Carolina, and the man for whom Mt. Mitchell is named, was traveling through Lincoln and Cleveland counties and noticed gold in a creek near Kings Mountain. Mitchell’s diary dated July 19-21, 1827, describes what he saw near Kings Mountain and gives a good idea of where he saw the gold. “I rode down the county line to Jacob Fullenwider’s where I was hospitably entertained,” his diary reads. “After examining his forge on Friday morning started with him for his ore
bank or rather for Fall’s Lime kiln on Kings Creek where William Wilson was engaged to meet me. Did not find Wilson, examined the ore bank then started on foot for Kings Mountain about five or six miles below, toward this I traveled for four miles and understanding I was within the limits of SC I returned. I did however discover a gold region along the creek. I started for Wilson’s house but he overtook me and told me the gold had actually been found on this formation.” Wilson went on to become a partner and secretary-treasurer in the Kings Mountain gold mine located between Kings Mountain and Crowders Mountain that operated for many years. In 1840, he reported to the U.S. Mint that $60,000 in gold had been gleaned from its shafts. By 1860, the mine had reached the water table and some of its machinery was taken to California, only to bring it back at a later date. These days, gold is still likely lying in the ground and creeks in Gaston and Cleveland counties just waiting on modern-day prospectors to root it out. Jack Page of Belmont tried his hand at gold prospecting near the former Puett mine, and though he didn’t strike it rich, found some of the precious metal. A pan with some of the actual gold Page discovered is on display at the Belmont Historical Society Museum. “I went to the site of the Puett mine in the 1960s and got some gold from the tailings,” Page said. “All that was left of the mine was a large depression in the ground surrounded by barbed wire off Bowen Drive.” Page offered this bit of advice for would-be prospectors. “It’s not a job for sissies,” he said. “Also, do it in the winter when there aren’t so many ticks, mosquitoes, and snakes.” Gold is not the only thing Page has found in his gold pan. Besides lots of bird shot and spent .22 rifle bullets, he also dredged up a 1900 silver half-dollar. For anyone interested in giving gold prospecting a go in Gaston or Cleveland counties, there are resource materials available at the main libraries in Gastonia, Kings Mountain, or Shelby. Also, the US Geological survey has maps available. Finally, there are many sources online for equipment such as pans and sluice boxes. Armed with the proper information and tools, all a person needs is a strong back and plenty of luck to start their own personal gold rush.
CANOE: a labor of love for Coluccio and Sorrentino From page 1A tacking thin sections of pine across a framework of wooden ribs fitted with tape to keep the strips from sticking to them. “We bought boards and cut them with a special cove and bead angle so they fit snug against each other,” Coluccio said. “After the basic hull is built and the glue dries, we will remove the ribs.” The next process in building the canoe will involve coating the inside and outside with fiberglass cloth and resin. Once the liquid resin is applied, the grain of the wood will still show through, only it will absolutely waterproof. By the time the project is finished, Coluccio estimates he and Sorrentino will have about 100 hours of time and $1,200 in material costs in their craft. “I didn’t think it would turn out this good,” Coluccio said. “But it’s easier to build than it looks. It’s really sweet.” With canoeing on the Catawba and South Fork rivers gaining interest, and
even talk of a rowing club coming to Belmont, it’s likely Sorrentino and Coluccio will launch their craft on one of those bodies of water, but they also have other plans in store for it. “It’s designed for white water and big enough to hold three people and camping gear,” Coluccio said. “We will probably take it somewhere like the New River where we can make a trip of several days.” As far as name for the king-sized canoe, Sorrentino says “Deliverance II” is one choice- the reference being to the novel by James Dickey and hit film starring Burt Reynolds that involved the adventures, and misadventures, of a group of canoeists. Charlotte musician Arthur Smith wrote the film’s theme “Dueling Banjoes”. “We’ll be listening for banjoes playing while we’re paddling,” Sorrentino said. Overall, the idea of two guys building a huge canoe out of wood in a car repair garage has “do it yourself” written all over it and proves that creativity takes many forms.
Photo by Alan Hodge
Reid Coluccio (left) and Chris Sorrentino decided they wanted a unique watercraft and set about building their own canoe out of wood strips. The guys plan on taking the boat on a canoe camping adventure.
East Gaston Warriors
South Point Red Raiders Player of the Week
Player of the Week
UPGRADES: could total as much as $10.6M From page 1A Adding blinds, locks, and lights controlled from inside classrooms for security could cost around $3.5 million. Hiring three more mental health specialists would come at a cost of around $180,000 and would mean they would serve nine schools each instead of the current figure of twenty seven schools. Financing for the upgrades will be an interesting and challenging feat given the budget constraints most school systems, including Gaston County, currently face. “Funding has yet to be determined,” said Reidy. Other suggestions from the taskforce that could be done at little or no cost and implemented expeditiously include setting up safety committees at schools, performing a minimum of two lockdown drills each semester, holding annual metaldetecting training for school personnel, updating substitute teacher school security training each year, and showing security videos to staff.
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Page 6A
The Banner News
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Members of Ebb Gantt’s family took part in the groundbreaking last week for the new soccer park on Brook Street named in his honor. From left, Rebekka Gantt Woodin, Jacob Gantt, Cameron Gantt, Robert Gantt, Belmont Parks and Recreation Director Sallie Stevenson, Kathy Gantt Gallagher, Joe Gallagher, S. Meghan Gallagher, Gantt Woodin, Juliette Woodin. The Belmont City Council and Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board also participated in the ceremony. Photo by Alan Hodge
GANTT: Soccer facility bearing his name a first in Belmont From page 1A related how her dad would often buy sports equipment out of his own pocket for underprivileged Belmont kids. Gantt’s other daughter, B.J. Woodin, lives in Belmont and also talked about how her dad lived and breathed sports. “Sports was his calling and motivation in life,� she said. Everett C. “Ebb� Gantt’s name was chosen by the Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board and was approved at the March 4
meeting of the Belmont City Council. The new park will have two full-sized soccer fields that can be changed into smaller youth fields if and when the need arises. Amenities will include a half-mile, pave walking track, picnic shelter, restrooms, and playground. Upgrades will also be made to the adjacent streets. An extra perk in having the new park will be the fact that now, Belmont Parks and Recreation baseball fields will be used just for that sport and not soccer, as has been
the practice. Gantt was a starting lineman on offense and defense for the Belmont High School team of 1939 that won the Gaston County football championship. When World War II erupted, Gantt joined the Army Air Force. His skills in the ring saw him take the heavyweight boxing title at Sacramento Air Command Fourth Air Force base. After the war, Gantt came back home to Belmont and took a job delivering the mail. Seeing the lack of youth sports opportunities, he organized a church baseball
league. Gantt’s membership rule was simple- you had to attend church to play. Gantt also organized Belmont’s first “Bantam� football teams that were made up from kids too small or inexperienced to make the high school teams. He also took on an unpaid job as a coaching assistant at Belmont High. The Belmont Boys Club was another one of Gantt’s ideas. The club met in the dank basement of the old Belmont Police Department where Gantt passed on his knowledge of boxing to local
kids. One of the products of that endeavor was Guy Brown who went on to a pro boxing career that saw him take the Middle and Light Heavyweight crowns of the South and induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame. Gantt also brought radio broadcasting talents to the local sports table. He announced Belmont Red Raider football games over station WCGC. Gantt’s radio work started in 1957, went on for three decades, and earned him the coveted J. Robert Marlowe Merit Award that is the highest honor of its type
in North Carolina. In addition, Gantt was president of the NC Broadcasters in 1972. In 1989, Gantt was inducted into the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame. In his nomination of Gantt for the park’s name, Bobby Brown pretty well hit the nail on the head in describing his character. “Ebb was a man who was a loyal church member, family man, accomplished athlete, coach, teacher, molder of character in the youth of Belmont and liked and respected by all who were privileged to know him.�
BRIDGE: work progressing on schedule
POPE FRANCIS: embraced by locals
From page 1A
From page 1A
broken up concrete from the old bridge for the same purpose. We try to salvage as much as possible.� Two large barges floating in the river are providing a platform for cranes and the drilling rig. The barges were brought in on trucks, and then slid into the river. Steel posts driven in the riverbed hold the barges in place and let them rise and fall according to the water level. Workers on the barges were bright red life jackets. The South Fork is known for high water during heavy rains, but Rowland says that hasn’t hindered the bridge construction to any extent. “The water has come up a couple of times but it hasn’t been a problem,� he said. The barges are surrounded by bright yellow, floating bags similar to the type seen on oil spill cleanups. Rowland explained their purpose.
“They are called turbidity curtains and help keep debris from entering the main channel of the river,� he said. With warmer weather just around the corner, people will soon be canoeing and kayaking on the South Fork near the bridge project, and Rowland says that is also being taken in to consideration. “We will maintain a channel of at least ten feet in width for people to paddle through,� he said. “The safety of people on the water is important.� The new bridge can’t come too fast. Stuart Cramer High School just a few hundred yards from the bridge is set to open this August and traffic to and from it will be intense. Work on the new Dawson Bridge yielded a surprise last November when the 1952 version was being torn down. When crews were digging into the riverbank they found granite rocks from an even earlier bridge. One of the stones had the date 1871 carved in it.
member of the Jesuit order to head the church. Francis is a native of Argentina and had been the bishop of Buenos Aires. He is the first pope from North or South America. President Obama issued a statement reflecting that fact. As the first pope from the Americas, his selection speaks to the strength and vitality of a region that is increasingly shaping our world, and alongside millions of Hispanic Americans, those of us in the United States share the joy of this historic day.�
Even though nearly half of the church’s 1.2 billion worldwide members live in the Western Hemisphere, only twenty percent are in North America. Over 400 million live in Ventral America, the Caribbean, or South America. Francis’ first message to crowds after being named pope was delivered from a balcony on St. Peter’s Basilica. “I would like to thank you for your embrace,� he said. “My brother cardinals have chosen one who is from far away, but here I am.� Francis held his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel the day after his selection.
While Francis is considered to be a conservative and has gone against issues such as gay marriage, abortion, and the ordination of women, he has also ministered to people with HIV and in 2001 visited a hospice where he symbolically washed and kissed the feet of a dozen AIDS patients. Francis is said to be one not given to extravagance and reportedly while a cardinal in Buenos Aires lived in a small apartment, cooked for himself, and rode public transportation to his office. He is the son of an Italian railroad worker and a housewife.
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Homes For Rent/Sale FOR RENT – Mobile Home. 3 BR, 2BA on Scism Road in Kings Mountain. No Pets. 704-7348693. (3/20, 27 & 4/3,10) FOR RENT – 2 BR house in Kings Mountain. Appliances not included, no pets. Call 704-734-1404 & leave message. (3/20, 27) MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS MOUNTAIN-Prices starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704-7391425. (tfn) KM MOBILE HOME for RENT on Linwood Rd – Recently remodeled throughout. Very nice & clean. 2 BR & 2 BA. References re-
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COPY DEADLINE: Friday before the issue date at 2pm Mail copy to: Kings Mountain Herald • PO Box 769 • Kings Mountain NC 28086
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The Banner News
Page 7A
Green River Revival
■ SPORTS
The US National Whitewater Center held its third annual Green River Revival on St. Patrick’s Day, March 16. The event drew a huge crowd and featured live music, a cornhole tournament, the Color Me Green 5k run, and the world’s only green river that was created when dye was added to the USNWC whitewater rapids. Photos by Bill Ward
Photo by Gary Stewart
South Point’s Mitch Painter dives back into first base to avoid being picked off in Tuesday’s Big South opener at KM’s Lancaster Field.
South Point defeats KM 4-2 South Point took advantage of three Kings Mountain errors and a two-run double by Dustin Wiles to score three runs in the second inning and the Raiders went on to defeat the Mountaineers 4-2 in the two teams’ Big South 3A opener Tuesday night at KM’s Lancaster Field. Kings Mountain came back to trim the margin to 3-2 before South Point’s Mykel Davis’ run-scoring double in the fifth inning put the game on ice. Both teams turned in strong pitching performances and used good defense to keep the game close. Andrew Locklear worked the first five innings for the Raiders and got the win. He gave up five hits and struck out seven. The Mountaineers cut the Raiders’ lead to 3-1 in the second when Alex Reynolds doubled down the right field line and scored on an infield out by Landon Bolin.
Kings Mountain trimmed the margin to 32 in the fourth when Logan Stevens led off with a single and scored on another opposite field double by Reynolds. After a single by Andrew Moore put runners on the corners with one out, Locklear fanned Bolin and the Raiders picked Reynolds off third base to get out of the jam. Aaron Biggerstaff came on in the sixth for South Point to retire the side in order and then give up a harmless infield single to Bolin in the seventh. Reynolds came over from first base after Davis’ RBI double with two out in the fifth and retired the final seven Raiders in order. Locklear had two hits and Mitch Painter, Wiles, Davis and Lawing one each for the Raiders. Reynolds’ two doubles led the Mountaineers. Stevens, Moore, Bolin and Alex Grooms each had a single.
NOTE TO COACHES
C North Main Street, Belmont or you may email it to alan.bannernews@gmail.com. The deadline for sports is 9 a.m. Monday mornings.
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D • I • R • E • C • T • O • R • Y
Page 8A
The Banner News
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Warriors clobber Garinger 25-0 By John Wilson John.bannernews@gmail.com
Students raise $4,594.07 for Leukemia Society Among top five in state Spare change DOES change lives and young people do have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of others. The students of Belmont Middle School have certainly done so in the lives of blood cancer patients! The Student Council sponsored The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Pennies for Patients fundraiser during the weeks of Feb. 11-Feb. 22. Students collected & donated money to contribute to finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s dis-
ease and myeloma, as well as helping to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Students were educated about these blood cancers through DVDs and patient testimonies. One of BMS own students is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia and was able to appear via video on BTV to answer questions submitted by his peers. Connections classes competed to see who could raise the most money. The winning class was Mrs. Samantha Hendrix’s 6th
grade and they will receive a lunch from Olive Garden (as part of the Pasta for Pennies portion of the fundraiser). The 2nd & 3rd place winners (Mrs. Juliana Arnold (6th) and Mrs. Carrie Lineberger (8th) will receive a doughnut party, compliments of Student Council. Students also contributed by participating in the Lay-Ups for Leukemia event on Feb. 26 in the gym. Student Council became interested in this project because of the many children and young people near their age who are diagnosed with these types of blood cancers; also because they felt like
everyone can spare some change-even a penny! A goal was set for $1,000 and we are thrilled to announce that we were able to raise $4,594.07! Student Council presented a check to Robin Shaw, Representative for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society from the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area. Ms. Shaw was pleased to announce that BMS is among the top 5 schools in the state for our contributions. We are so proud of the philanthropic efforts and generosity of our students, their families & our staff!
‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ at East Gaston The East Gaston Fine Arts Department will present the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 21, 22, and 23 in the school auditorium. The show is based on the popular comic strip “Peanuts” developed by Charles Schultz. The play depicts an average day in the life of Charlie Brown -”a day made up of little moments picked from all the days of Charlie Brown, from Valen-
tine’s Day to the baseball season, from wild optimism to utter despair, all mixed in with the lives of his friends (both human and non-human) and strung together on the string of a single day, from bright uncertain morning to hopeful starlit evening. “ The play features David Jordan as Charlie Brown and Lauren McPherson as Lucy. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is one of 30 high school musicals in the greater Charlotte area partic-
ipating in the Blumey Awards program sponsored by the Blumenthal Theatre. This program that recognizes excellence in high school musical theatre. Come join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, Snoopy, and the Peanuts gang for a delightful evening of entertainment. This show begins at 7:00 each evening. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. East Gaston High School is located at 1744 Lane Road, Mount Holly.
The Kings Mountain Herald presents
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
usic M Fest April 12 & 13
2013
Brooke & Darin Aldridge
Joy Performance Center, Kings Mountain, NC A Gospel, Country Music Extravaganza
Friday ~ April 12 • 7pm • Men Standing for Christ • The Kingsmen Quartet • Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Saturday ~ April 13 • 8pm Jimmy Wayne
• Country music sensation Jimmy Wayne! • Darin & Brooke Aldridge Proceeds to benefit
The Green Banana Project... Instilling and Restoring HOPE that things will look better when those bananas are ripe!
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Tickets can be purchased at the Joy Performance Center Box Office, The Kings Mountain Herald, or at TicketsNC.com
For more information call 704-472-7762 darinandbrookealdridge.com
The East Gaston Warriors baseball team traveled on March 15 to Charlotte to meet the Garinger Wildcats looking for a win. They got what they were looking for. The Warriors smothered the Wildcats on their way to a 25-0 rout. The East Gaston win was a complete team effort. The Warriors were propelled by good pitching, solid hitting and good defense. The hitting came from a strong performance by several East Gaston batters. “Chase Hannifin, Justin Williams and Tyler Price were our top hitters,” said Warrior head coach Randy Sellers. On the mound for the Warriors was Patrick Murphy. The junior pitcher had a good outing. He helped to limit the Wildcats offensive effort. Coach Sellers was satisfied with the way Murphy performed, “This was his first varsity start on the mound,” Sellers said. “He’s pitched for five innings. Now he is 1-0.” Murphy didn’t have to pitch more than five innings for the East Gaston win. Due
to the “mercy rule” set up by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association the game was stopped after five innings. The rule is set up in the name of good sportsmanship. The mercy rule is automatically invoked when one team is decisively beating another. Coach Sellers believes in good sportsmanship. He has no problem with the rule and agrees with what it’s intended to do. “The game was stopped after five innings,” Sellers said. “It was 25-0. That was enough.” Despite the game being stopped in the fifth inning the Warriors defensive had a lot to be proud of. Coach Sellers believes the defensive effort was a true team victory. “We had no errors,” Sellers said. “Defensively it was a team win. We had good pitching and good defense behind that.” The win over Garinger put East Gaston in a good shape in the Mega 7 Conference standings. “We are 3-4 overall,” Sellers said. “We are now 2-1 in the Mega 7.” Next up for the Warriors is a trip to Dallas to meet North Gaston on March 20.
MUSIC FEST: April 12, 13 From page 5A nominated for national and international music awards including Best Gospel Song and Best Gospel Group. Tickets for the Friday night show are $20. Show starts at 7:00 pm. “I’m excited!” says Jimmy Wayne - country music singer, songwriter, author and motivational speaker – when he talks about the opportunity to perform at the festival. “I’m sure it’s going to be great! I really look forward to (performing for) and hanging with my hometown folks!” Wayne’s 2002 breakthrough hit “Stay Gone” captivated country music fans and critics alike. “I Love You This Much” and “Paper Angels” soon followed. His biggest hit to date was the #1 hit single “Do You Believe Me Now.” He is a songwriter, a first-tier vocalist, an advocate and an activist. Wayne is also the author of a work of fiction, “Paper Angels”, which was inspired by his own life. The Saturday night show featuring Wayne
along with festival hosts Darin and Brooke Aldridge will start at 8:00. Tickets are $25. Tickets for both nights are available at the Joy box office, or at the Kings Mountain Herald office. Saturday, from 1:00 until 4:00, the music will be free and will feature bands Unspoken Tradition and Harvest. Darin and Brooke Aldridge will also make an appearance on the Free Music Stage at the Joy. To kick off the free music stage Darin will showcase some of his music students. Churches and community groups are encouraged to set up exhibits or displays in designated outdoor areas next to the Joy. There is no fee for participating groups and no admission charge. Music Fest is a benefit for the local Green Banana Project which seeks to instill hope into the lives of needy residents of Cleveland and Gaston counties. The Kings Mountain Herald is the sponsor for the two-day event.