Gaston County’s
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The Banner News / banner-news.com
Thursday, June 30, 2016
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Volume 82 • Issue 26
News From a Neighbor Thursday, June 30, 2016
• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park open for business By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Swarms of kids and other folks have already been visiting Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park which had its “soft” opening last week. This group was having a great time on the handmade playground climber. Photo by Alan Hodge
After several years of planning and hard work, Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park on E. Catawba St. in East Belmont is open to the public. Groundbreaking for the park took place last September on the site that was formerly a tangle of kudzu, two dilapidated houses, and riverbank scrub brush. J.D. Goodrum General Contractors handled the project. Cost was just over $2 million. The park is named in honor of former Belmont mayor the late Kevin Loftin who lost his life in an auto accident in 2012. “The park is going to be a wonderful enhancement for the City of Belmont and its residents,” said Parks and Recreation Director Reba Edwards. Public Works Director David Isenhour agreed. “It is an amazing transformation,” Isenhour said. “It will be incredible for Belmont.” Last week saw the playground portion of the park available for the first time. Kids and moms by the carload quickly headed for the playground amenities- especially the huge climbing structure in the park’s center. See LOFTIN page 3
Progress slow, but sure on Belmont trolley By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Steady and painstaking work is still being done to get the Belmont trolley ready for passenger rides. The trolley is at the City of Belmont Public Works garage for safe keeping while volunteers tackle the restoration job that’s been ongoing since the car arrived from British Columbia last September. Some of the volunteers that have been
lending their expertise and exertions to the project includes Chris Allen, John Sheely, Dick Gayan, and Dave Lathrop. Last Wednesday saw Allen and Sheely putting in some hot hours on the project. Allen, who worked on trolleys in Charlotte for many years, outlined what has been done to the Belmont car over the past several months. “We removed the front electric motor and wheels and sent them out to be rebuilt,” he said. “The motor needed new bearings and
Cramerton approves FY 2016-2017 budget By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The Town of Cramerton has approved its FY2016-2017 budget. The budget gives employees a 2.5 percent raise. The current tax rate of $0.475 per $100 of assessed valuation will remain unchanged. “The town manager and department heads started in early February on the budget along
with the board of commissioners,” said mayor Ronnie Worley. “Work continued throughout the spring to craft a budget that still provides the quality services and amenities our citizens expect and enjoy with no tax increase. I commend the employees and board for their hard work and dedication to the town and our citizens.”
John Sheely (left) and Chris Allen have been joining other volunteers in getting the Belmont trolley in tip top shape but many more hours of work remain to be done. Photo by Alan Hodge
See BUDGET page 7
See TROLLEY page 4
the wheels were out of round from use. We also took the widows out and have them ready for restoration.” Allen says he hopes the front motor and wheels will be back for reinstallation in Au-
gust, then the rear motor and wheels will get the same treatment. The entire undercarriage will get a heavy coat of gloss black paint.
lawn chairs. Also, On Saturday, July 2 the seventh annual “Everyone Parade” will take place in downtown Mt. Holly at the Farmers Market. Anyone can take part. Wear something festive. Decorate your bikes, scooters, strollers, skate boards, and wagons. Free ice cream at end of parade. The Banner-News reminds everyone to be safe as you celebrate the July 4th holiday weekend.
Red, White, and Belmont celebration
Town of Cramerton Independence festivities
Mount Holly sets July 4th events
The annual Red, White and Belmont event will take place Friday, July1 at Stowe Park starting at 6pm. The Tams will be the featured group. Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm. The concert is sponsored by the Belmont Merchant Association. Nellie’s Southern Kitchen is sponsoring the fireworks.
The Town of Cramerton will have an Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 2nd from 6:30-9:30pm at the Town Center. There will be live music performed by Skate Rink Jukebox, food vendors, kid’s activities, and fireworks.
The City of Mt. Holly has two events coming up. On Thursday, June 30 there will be a fireworks display in downtown Mt. Holly. The fun starts at 5pm. There will be food trucks, and music by Coming Up Brass. Children’s activities throughtout the night. Fireworks start at 9pm. Bring blankets and