Gaston County’s
Page 1
The Banner News / banner-news.com
Thursday, August 17, 2017
FREE!
WIN
$6250 see inside
Volume 83 • Issue 33
News from a neighbor!
CHECK OUT THE BEAUTY OF CRYSTAL SPRINGS ESTATES!
• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
SEE PAGE 15
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Allen Steam Station celebrates 60 years By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Duke Energy's Allen Steam Station on South Point Rd. near Belmont has been churning out indescribable amounts of electric power for 60 years. Recognizing that fact, the firm decided last week to have a bit of a celebration that saw company officials, employees, and special guests gather to recall the plant's past and ponder its present while they enjoyed a barbecue lunch. Station manager Brent Dueitt was one of the speakers and praised the plant staff. “The Allen team has a can-do attitude,” he said. “Our 91 employees remain dedicated to our station's
performance, protecting the environment, and powering the lives and vitality of our community.” Duke Energy NC president David Fountain also addressed the crowd. “In 1957 Allen began a legacy not just of operational excellence, but community service as well.” Fountain said. “Allen is part of Duke Energy's commitment to a smarter, cleaner, brighter energy future. Allen is a jewel in the Duke Energy crown.” The story of Allen Steam Station, name for George Garland Allen, a former Duke Power president and board chair, goes back to 1954 when plans for the plant were first announced. Construction of the facility See STEAM STATION page 2
Duke Energy Allen Steam Station manager Brent Dueitt (left) and Duke Energy NC president David Fountain both addressed employees and guests who attended the station’s 60th anniversary event last week. Photos by Alan Hodge
Allen Steam Station is located on 900 acres off South Point Road near Belmont.
New Page Primary School principal brings a lot to the job by Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
“I want to get the students off to a good start.” That's what Page Primary's new principal, Bill Kessler, says he intends to do regarding not only the beginning of this school year, but the kids' academic careers as well. Kessler is an interesting person with a diverse background. He hails from the town of Yarmouth, Maine. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in history. While at Harvard he took part in the Navy ROTC program and then joined the Marine Corps See PRINCIPAL page 3
Page Primary’s new principal, Bill Kessler, brings an eclectic background to his new job. Photo by Alan Hodge
Belmont council approves “Brunch Bill” By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Last Monday the Belmont city council unanimously approved a local version of the recently passed NC Senate Bill 155 which will allow sales of alcohol to begin at 10am on Sunday rather than noon. The legislation is commonly known as the “Brunch Bill”. The Brunch Bill is statewide, however local municipalities must adopt it locally. Alcohol sales will be allowed by licensed establishments such as restaurants. Retail establishments will be allowed to sell beer and wine also starting at 10am. The council voted on an ordinance that read in part “Sunday morning alcohol service will allow the hospitality community and retail merchants in our community to meet the needs of their customers and Sunday morning alcohol service will benefit our business community, bring people into business districts earlier in the day, and generate increased tax revenues.” The ordinance went into effect August 7. Montcross Chamber president Ted Hall commented on the ordinance approval. “The City Council decision is a good one for the business owners who in most cases have made very large investments in our communities,” said Hall. It keeps them competitive with establishments in our See BRUNCH BILL page 4
Look For The Fall Sports Preview Section Banner News In Next Week’s Edition Of